Here are some preliminary notes on FD'2002. Please add any comments or additions and mail it back to me. These are just ramblings at this point and we are really looking for ideas now. Check back often as I keep adding notes to the top of this.
/mike

• 6/11 update - A few items here have "anyone have it?" notes - if you can help, please email me at n1ist
• FIELD DAY IS JUST A WEEK AWAY!!!
• KB1CVH will bring an APRS demo
• KE1MB will bring a new 10 gig/microwave demo and may do a bit of a technical workshop
• KA1MOM will bring an FT817 with a PSK31 box but needs a computer
• K1NUN will have PSK31.  So will KE1MB but he also needs a computer.
• KE1L will have a K2, maybe the amp, and a laptop - will need access to an HF antenna.
• N1VUX has some more demo ideas.
• N1IST has a Kenwood VHC-1 SSTV box;  all I need is to make a cable and figure out how to use it :-)
• Band decoder boxes (for driving the HF filters) are working.  Dunestar filter is working.  Serial for the TS50 is working.  Still need to wire up the ICE filter and figure out what's wrong with serial to the FT900...
• LDG autotuner for the loop is almost finished - just need to box it and test/align it, and build the remote cable.
• Need a 9" VGA monitor - anyone have one?
• Computer lineup - HF logging on Toshiba Tecra, Libretto, and book PC - need to get networking up on the Libretto.  Need to install windows on a machine for vhf/uhf logging - may end up doing paper logs there.  Need a small UPS for the book pc - anyone have one?
• Need someone to bring/set up 2M packet - make sure the terminal program logs everything to disk
• KA1TUZ's 220 beam needs a pigtail - PL259 to lugs with a choke balun at the lugs end - any volunteers to make this?  Anyone have a backup 220 beam?
• No HF beam this year - didn't work too good last year and we don't have anywhere to put it.
• Looks like we will need 2 masts with rotors for V/U - 6M beam, 2M/440 beam, 220 beam all for SSB (horiz),  2M beam and 1.2 quagi vert for FM.  Still need some 2M omni verticals - one for packet, one or two for FM - anyone have any?
• KB1EKN will arrainge for the portapotty.
• KE1L has some chairs - we can probably use more!!
• Same for tables - we have 4 or 5 lined up but could use a few more.
• Satellite is still up in the air...  Do we have a backup if N1NHD/KD1NX can't come?
• KA1TUZ/KB1EKN - don't forget the BARC banners - club, ARES, yellow "emergency comm" one, ARRL
• We need signs for each station identifying and explaining what it is (for PR) - who can make them?
• Don't forget to LABEL anything that is yours!
• Everyone bring an umbrella so it won't rain. 
• 6/4 update:
• Last Sunday's meeting at KB1EKN's went very well.  We checked out all the coax (capacitance check, leakage at 600V, resistance), labelled it by length, and sorted thru the FD remains from last year.  Thanks to KB1EKN (and Geri), N1ZKR, KA1TUZ, and KA1LN.
• Note: equipment list is NOT final; it just gives me an idea what we have
  • HF phone - FT900, ICE filter, loop around site with LDG tuner at the loop
  • HF CW - TS50, AT50 tuner, Dunestar filter, 40/80 dipole and R7
  • HF Casual - TS930, internal tuner, homebrew filter, B&W
  • HF Data - K1NUN bringing PSK31.  So is KE1MB.  What about RTTY?  KE1MB bringing an R3 but we need something for 80M
  • VHF/UHF - remember that one is free, all others count.  No 15min rule so we can just grab whichever mike is squawking
    • 6M - IC706 or FT100, 6M beam
    • 2M - 229H on 146.55, 229H on 147.42, IC706, FT100, or N1VUX's 736 on SSB.  KE1MB has 11el beam.  Quarterwaves or Jpoles for FM.
    • 2M Packet - some Icom mobile and TNC.  Quarterwave.
    • 220 - Northeastern bringing something for SSB.  IC38 for FM.  KA1TUZ has beam, quarterwave for FM
    • FT100 can do 440 SSB.  440 mobile for FM.  Can use Cushcraft 2M/440 beam.
    • TM742 for 2M/440/1.2 into quarterwaves.
    • 10 GHz - KE1MB has MORE POWER!
  • Satellite *** NEEDED ***
• Due to space constraints, we will be very limited in what antennas we can put up.   Maybe we will be able to tie masts to the stone fence for the vhf/uhf beams.   The R7 can probably be ducttaped to the idol again this year.
• I CAN NOT provide computers for digital modes.  I'm having enough problems finding all I need for logging...
• CW keyers/paddles - I have them somewhere but am not sure where.  Anyone have some to bring?
• Who is getting the portapotty?
• Have we sent out PR yet?  Contacted Brookline town officials/fire/police to invite them?
• Site is getting smaller each time we visit it.  We will be able to run dipoles over the old site but that's about it.  Camping tents will be on the bark mulch next to the skating rink (where the wedding was last year).  We will set up under and next to the trellis.  The generator will have to go on the other side of the semicircle that Satellite City was in last year.  Next year we should have the entire site available.
• Right now, the computer interface for the TS50 works.  The one for the FT900 still isn't working.  The TS930 is too old for computers (no, we aren't going to spend $300 for the Piexx board), but I hacked it last year to drive bandpass filters directly.   When switching bands, make sure the radio, computer, and bandpass filter all agree what band you are on.  Hopefully, that will be automatic.  If it isn't. anyone caught transmitting into the wrong filter will be out $$$.   Filters are about $300 each!
• The multiband rigs used for VHF/UHF are not to be used on HF.  There won't be any HF antennas on them!
• I will need transportation to and from FD.  For me and all of the gear :-)
• Next year, I'm just bringing an HT!

Jobs needing volunteers - please email me to volunteer:

• Station captains for each station - Any to add or change?
• KE1KF for one HF station
• *** MORE NEEDED ***

• Food    - KB1CVH volunteered
• Transportation
• Site planning/antennas
• PR pre-FD - KA1MOM volunteered
• Site PR
• Power generation - KB1EKN will bring
• Power distribution - N1ZKR volunteered
• Scoring/logging/bonus points
• Computers and network
• Demo modes 

• 4/26 additions:
• We have the permission letter from Brookline!  We can use the regular grassy area and the concrete pad in front (where we had the info table last year).  There will be a paved path from where the generator sat to the site, and possibly one over on the other side.  We will have NO access to the new grassy area (where the parking lot used to be) or the two grassy areas where Satellite City set up and where the R7 lived,  We can't walk on the new grass because that will damage it.
• We have picked up a conduit-and-tarp portable garage - should be good for 2 or 3 stations and have much better access for the public.  Probably will house the casual op stations and any digital station.  Thanks to n1zkr for storing this for us.
• GOTA doesn't seem to be worth it - too many restrictions, not enough space for antennas
• Just updated to the latest WriteLog software (same as last year)
• Computer networking - 10baseT?  will that be succeptible to RF problems?   802.11?  Will that work with all the RF?  Fiber?  Any ideas?
• What's better for VHF/UHF omnis - 5/8 wave or J-poles?
• Camping (tents) will be fine at FD though space may be a bit tight
• KE1KF is the only one to volunteer so far to be a station captain - any others???
• We will probably need tables - BARC has 1, N1IST has 2, KE1L has 1.
• KE1L has some chairs available
• KE1L can provide a tent and a solar-powered K2 for the natural power bonus (and as another HF station)
• Picked up a Cushcraft AV-3  10/15/20 vertical
• Idea for HF antennas - have all antennas terminate at a panel of SO239 feedthrus bolted to one leg of a tent.  Likewise all radios.  Then we can just use short patch cables to connect any radio to any antenna without having to move cables arount.
• Picked up some AC line RFI filters - will install them in Samlex supplies and in boxes for other radios.
• May General meeting will be about Field Day

• 2/20 additions:
• Got the new rules - no real changes other than the GOTA station.  Curiously, the 15 minute rule (once you TX, you must stay on that band for 15 mins) applies to VHF/UHF for the GOTA station but not for any other VHF/UHF station.  N1ND at the League verified that wierdness.  .  Looks like GOTA may be limited to HF/VHF but not UHF?   Anybody proofreed that?
• GOTA is limited to Novices. Techs, pre-hams, and "generally inactive hams" - We will have to send in a list  of the operators..  GOTA must operate under a different callsign.  "Generally Inactive" means not on that band for the last 2 years (or never on band - band being HF or VHF).  In my view. the GOTA station is not worth the effort - we will never get the 100 pts for 400 contacts, and people eligible for that station can work from the regular stations.
• No recommended replacement for 146.52 - the official excuse is they want to keep that freq clear for the Wilderness protocol..
• KB1CVH volunteered to help with food.  Thanks!
• KA1MOM volunteered to help with pre-FD PR
• Don't forget the PortaPotty

• 2/6 additions:
• Finally got around to inverting this list - latest additions are now on top.  Notes or changes to other items are in red.
• Rules change - no novice/tech station.  Now allowed a free "GOTA" station for non-contester/non-HF people to use.  We get 100 pts if that station makes 400 contacts. 400 contacts MAX, after which it is no longer a free station.
• WA1IDA has contacted Brookline - looks like it will be OK to use; town may make a road for us to get to our usual FD site
• Still waiting on new FD rules to find out about recommended 2M freq.  If none, I will contact CEMARC and suggest 147.42
• I have a half-good amp for 2M - supposed to be 160W but seems to only do 100W or so.   Find it and fix it...
• Coax - what does the club have and what can we borrow?  We will probably use more than last years
• Tie off the coax and route it so it isn't in the way.
• We will need tables and chairs from a new source this year.  If people bring their own, it will save us from having to rent a truck
• What antennas do people have?  Verticals - R5/R7, 2M gain.  Another small triband beam?  Monobanders on 10M/20M?  6M beam?
• Towers - I have 8 pieces of that camo support mast; that's good for 2 towers - 12' below, 3' above rotor.  Also have 1 set of guys like KA1MOM's.
• Tents look like they are still an issue.  We could buy one of those tarp-and-emt ones but where will we store it the rest of the year?

• 1/18 additions
• PR - send press releases early enough - 8 weeks at least
• PR - press release needs "attention grabber" for the non-ham reader
• PR - have liaison person for press releases and have them follow up
• Looks like Larz Anderson will probably be OK for the main area; portapotty, satellite may have to move

• 1/14 additions
• Station captains - responsible for locating equipment and operators - does not have to provide equipment themselves
• Sign up people for setup and teardown - especially teardown!
• PR - why such bad luck in general?  We did well last year but can we do it again?   TV?
• N1VUX's poker-chip band control system worked very well!

• 1/9 additions:
• Use CT for logging - have training session and cheat sheet - does keying, rig and filter control
• Build keying boxes for CT
• Network computers? Makes duping easier as a new station takes over a band someone has already been on.

• 1/8 additions:
• Have drinks on hand for setup
• Are we a contest club or a fun club?
• Can we be both? If we have 2 HF phone/2 HF CW stations, we can reserve one each for "serious contesters" and one for casual ones/new people

• Misc
  • Field Day site - construction at Larz Anderson - WA1IDA to contact them.
  • Alternative locations?
  • Need much more activity on VHF/UHF
  • Coordinate with other area clubs VHF/UHF/SHF, ATV, etc.
  • Recommend to league 2M FD freq to replace 146.52
  • Test EVERYTHING weeks beforehand
  • How can we get more people to participate? This is a big issue!
  • Can we run on batteries? At least part of the time?
  • Demo modes?
  • AC line RF filters (Corcom?) and/or SOLA constant-voltage transformers
  • Computer logs or use pre-printed paper logs so we get all the info. I'm sick and tired of throwing out contacts because of missing info.
  • Someone to collect ALL LOGS at the end of FD. We keep forgetting to get the satellite logs and therefore have to toss those contacts.
  • Assign someone to each bonus point activity
  • Label EVERYTHING with owner's name!
  • Generator shelter if not at Larz Anderson or can we get a quiet-run genny?

• Antennas
  • Balun on Mini-33? Mosely says not needed, but I will try. Also make sure reflector/director are grounded to the boom.
  • Check out Cushcraft 2M/440 beams - remove nuts/lockwashers on element/boom clamps?
  • What kinds should we use? R7 seemed to work well.
  • Telescoping fishing rod with wire as 40M vertical? Needs radials...
  • Dipoles? Ladder line dipole cut for 40M/80M broadside to W/SW?
  • Single band antennas? 80/40M dipoles end-to-end is easy. 10M beam is easy to build.
  • Omnidirectional antennas on 6M/2M?  5/8 wave? Collinears?
  • Some sort of way of sharing antennas needed - all antennas to common panel with remote switching?
  • What issue of QST had that ladderline dipole in it? I think it was in a Hints&Kinks column.  Got it!

• Stations
  • how many? We will figure actual out that day but it will be good to get an idea.
  • bands?
  • HF Bands: 80, 40, 20, 15, 10
  • VHF/UHF: 6SSB, 2SSB, 2FM.
  • Any sense in doing 160,  220FM, 440FM, 1.2FM? 6 or 2 CW? 6 FM  Those 2 should be trivial if we have a 706 handy
  • 706 only does 10W on 2M....
  • Anyone who brings a station must bring a complete station or have already made plans for others to bring the rest. Bringing spare parts of stations (extra radios, etc.) is fine. Make sure you have all your cables.
  • Boxing your station (see what KB1EKN has done) works very well.
  • Bandpass filters on as many stations as possible - June 1994 QST, ICE.
  • Packet? APRS? ATV? RTTY? Must do some sort of digital this year...
  • Backup for satellite station - something simple - 2m/440 arrow beams and some HTs?
  • "Only-by-owner" stations - how can we do these so they don't annoy others
  • Computer readback of band/mode
  • Computer CW keying
  • Automatic control of bandpass filters IS A MUST!

• Shelter
  • Can we do something better? The current tents work for operating but make it very hard to get the public inside
  • Screen tents/open sides are good for ventilation but we need to make sure they can be sealed when it starts to rain
  • Large tarp over EMT or 2x4 frame? Large tarp is $30 or so
  • "Portable garage" hangar-shaped tents?

• Available equipment
• Club's TS-930 (HF, autotuner, narrow CW filter)
• Club's FT-900 (HF, autotuner)
• N1IST's TS-50 (HF, autotuner, narrow CW filter)
• N1IST's 706 (6M, 2M)
• Club's R7 (40M-10M)
• Club's B&W dipole (80M-10M)
• N1IST's Mini-33 beam (20/15/10M) - check SWR
• Cushcraft 2M/440 beam - needs work?
• ICE HF bandpass filter
• Homebrew HF bandpass filter - sweep it to see how good it is.

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