Hey You Guys,

I spent last weekend with the members of the local HAM club I belong to, the
Escondido Amateur Radio Society (EARS) participating in the ARRL Field Day.
We erected two 30' HF towers, a 40 meter dipole, a VHF/UHF/6 meter tower and, as I remember, a satellite transceiver. The exact tally of contacts is still being counted, but based on my watch, I would guess that, in total, we made contact at least 1,000 times from coast to coast. We were also able to maintain a 24 hour CW watch. We operated off a couple of 2KW Honda generators, a solar panel and some car batteries. We had family potlucks both Friday and Saturday nights which were well attended. Our "Get On The Air" (GOTA) station introduced amateur radio to dozens of kids and even a few adults. All in all, a real good time for all concerned. Did any you of participate in Field Day?

73s,

KI6VBQ

 

I haven't actually "done" Field Day in years.........used to all the time tho. Now I only get on and give the AK multiplier. How was 6m?

 

Dave,

I was in the 6 meter tent for about an hour, around 4 to 5 PM. It wasn't too good at that time. Our operators were working central and northern California and Arizona. We did get a call from one of the other San Diego clubs who reported working Homer and Wasilla, Alaska. As far as I know, we never achieved that kind of range on 6 meters, but I will check the final report for you if you are interested. While I was in the tent, they were working 50.125 to
52 megs.

KI6VBQ

 

The Glynn Amateur Radio Association participated in Field Day from inside a big Army National Guard Tent at the Historic Coast Guard Station on St. Simons Island Georgia. It was 100+ degrees F all day but about 20 of us still managed to put up the tent, hoist up 2 dipoles and a beam mounted on a boat trailer, cook lunch and dinner and swap lots of stories and laughs.

We operated 3F for about 20 hours. When I left at midnight, it was down to a chilly 88 degrees. 1 CW and 2 SSB stations on 80,40,20M. We contacted all 50 states using special event 1x1 call N4S. A good time was had by Old Hams (84 yrs young) new hams (had license less than a week) and everyone in between. The Mayor, head of EMA, the red cross, local newspaper were all invited and all visited us.

If you have not done it, you just gotta try it. We are already making plans for next year.

Jeff
N4XGI

 

Right on.... Yes, Field Day can be great fun...!!!

 

Well.....that's not really a stretch on 6m for sure (as it is the "magic" band remember...lol) Just depends on the prop....of course. I've heard of guys around here working 6m over the pole into EU easily when prop is good. Unfortunately for me I don't have a rig with 6m...

 

About 10 years ago I got my license KG4ADQ and joined the local club... all they did was talk over my head and not to me or not in any helpful ways. I went to the field day back then... but it certainly was not for the new guys.
I did not learn a thing and nobody talked much to this nooooooobie. I thought well it might have been me.... but how does a new ham get into all this?
Well this year there was no local field day... not surprising... probably most have left the club, and left it to the "ole' pros". (I have no idea just my thought)
I visited the closest field day in an adjoining county... drive over and walked right into the tent to see them work and hope to get involved.
ONly one person talked to me.... because he almost walked into me! he shook my hand and introduced himself and I did as well.... and I mentioned I am a new HAM and need to find out what all I can do with HAM etc. He just turned and walked away!
Those that were at the tables all seemed to be paying attention to their radios as they should be... all seemed to be using laptops along with their radios. NObody looked up at me... I stood pretty close to look at their equipment.
I went to the brochure table and looked at the stuff... and picked up a bumper sticker... still nobody paid attention to me!
So after 10 or 12 minutes I walked to the jeep and slowly drove past the tent and drove off.
Sadly it seems that if you are new... you are way beneath them and not interesting enough to talk to.
So now I have attended two field days and a 2 hamfests and all I did was walk around like a "lost ball in high weeds"
I might be living in the wrong part of the world to learn about amateur radio.
I actually thought ham radio was exciting... was a learning experience... was involved... but all I am seeing here is a group of knowledgeable guys who are not interested in the new ones coming along and needing encouragement.
Well I am still planning on a 2 mtr in my jeep alongside my CB. I had hoped to be more involved in the HAM community and local emergency operations... but maybe that is not to be.
I do not intend to rant here.. sorry if I did... I just wished these guys around here would be more open and willing to teach even if thru osmosis!
Ralph

 

Ralph, call up the closest college and see if they have a station. The school I go to has one, and they are great people and super friendly!

 

Hang in there Buddy....I understand where you are coming from. I'm sure in "certain areas" HAM ops tend to be more of a tight nit group....even friends on a day to day basis. And of course you could have just run into a few that just don't have much of a personality. Really sorry about that. Yes there are old farts that, because of the ease of getting a license these days, really don't want to deal with any newcomers. But for the most part, any experienced HAM "worth their salt" will welcome the opportunity to get a new HAM interested, as it's in the best interests of HAM Radio. I was lucky because a group of friends and I all got involved together. But still, I believe the local HAM club are good enough guys that would have made me feel welcome even if I didn't know any of them.

Many, (my wife as well) have said....to be a HAM radio operator, you need the "gift of gab" For the most part I agree. I would imagine if you had gone into the tent and would have just started to ask questions, or had some input as to how things were being done, you may have gotten a better response....just jumped right in there, so to speak. I would bet that if they would have seen that you were at all knowledgeable about what was going on they would have paid more attention to you.

If I were you I'd read up and become familiar with how the "HAM world turns". Try and become comfortable with the lingo, the bands, propagation, and so on. There is a wealth of knowledge here on the net. And yes, the college may be another good place to look. You didn't mention what class you are, Tech, General? Do you have a 2m or HF rig? If so, get on the air and do a lot of listening. See what a qso is all about. And when you feel comfortable, during a break in the qso, throw in your call. If they are good ops they will recognize you and let you say hello. If they don't go on to the next one. Sooner or later you should make some HAM friends if you are persistent and really want to be a part of it all. Lastly....DON'T be afraid to ask questions right here as well. I know there are a few good, and knowledgeable HAMS on this forum that would be more than willing to help you............right guys???

73 & Good Luck.....
Dave / wl7cmg

PS.....And btw, anytime you are ready, I'm ready and willing to set up an on air sked with you. Just let me know...

 

Thanks zoomzoomjr... I will look into that. I have written about this to ARRL and they said they forwarded the email to the local radio club and someone should be getting in touch with me... I have been waiting several months now.

I never thought a person would be alone in ham radio.
I will probably talk to red cross or something and see if I can join their program and utilize my ham license.
thanks again zoomzoomjr
Ralph