Beginner’s Corner June 2014
Field Day – Practical Experience for New Hams
Field Day is coming up. What is Field Day? This event takes place on the last full weekend in June, and is an activity sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and Radio Amateurs of Canada. It is the largest and most anticipated activity of the year for Amateur Radio operators. For many hams it is the highlight of the year.
Field Day is where hams communicate under simulated emergency conditions. We generate our own power and put up types of antennas that would be used in an emergency.
How can Field Day benefit a new ham? Glad you asked.
First, in the morning we put up our antennas. You will learn how experienced hams erect antennas for emergency use. GARS members have several different types of antenna launchers for high frequency (HF) communications. You will also see at least a couple of VHF antennas, as well.
Second, you will see a variety of equipment that GARS members use. Not only will you see the equipment you will actually have a chance to operate one or more radios with an experienced ham sitting right next to you. The QSOs are usually quick and often come in rapid-fire succession. This is great practice for a real emergency, where you might be handling similar traffic. Even as a technician, you can operate on the HF bands. You will have a control operator sitting next to you. He or she will be right with you all the way.
Third, you can learn about new modes. Think that Ham Radio is just about two meter FM? You will learn how to operate single side-band (SSB). You might not know Morse Code, but you can watch veteran CW operators pound those keys. Like computers? Hams connect their computers to their transceivers and communicate in a variety of digital modes. Come try our luck.
Fourth, you get to spend time with fellow hams. We all talk about our favorite subject – Radio. Come out and stay as long as you care to. We will be on the air for 24 hours.
Fifth, there is always food. There will be breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even a midnight snack.
Where is Fiend Day? It is at Harbins park, 2995 Luke Edwards Road Dacula 30019.
Field Day starts June 28th at 1400 , and ends June 29th at about 1400.
Need directions? Go to http://www.gars.org
See everyone there!
73 de
David Harden,
KJ4CMY