Field Day Prep

It's the fourth weekend in June and it's that time of the year when all ham radio operators across North America gear up and have fun. It's Field Day 2013.

GMRS operating tent

This event is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), and is participated in my amateur radio operators from the US and Canada. The purpose of this activity is to test ham radio operators on emergency preparedness, by setting up and operating a two-way communication station without using any commercial source of power. The intent is to simulate a ham's (and their team's or club's) ability to put up an operating station using alternate sources of energy, such a generators, batteries, and solar panels, to name a few, and communicate with other hams (stations) across the US and Canada with a similar set up.

As you all know, for us here in California, the threat of the BIG ONE always loom over our heads, and is
said to be probably worse than the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Of course, we don't want that to happen, but it's something we cannot control. However, we can manage and control something else. And that is communications. When such a disaster occurs, you'd expect power and communications, such as cellphones and landlines, to be down and inoperable for up to 72 hours. The only ones who can provide this vital resource -- communication, are the ham radio operators.

3-element yagi for 20m

The other aspect of Field Day is to try and contact as many hams across North America as possible. So, it becomes a "contest" of sorts, but not really. There are rules governing Field Day, including when, where, and how equipment is set up and utilized. There are alot of rules, but I will spare you the details.

Friday is set up day. My group, South Bay Amateur Radio Association (SBARA) will operate from Lake Elizabeth, Central Park in Fremont, and we've done so for many years. It is also the only time that the city of Fremont allows anyone to camp and/or sleep at the park for 2 nights.

Set up began at around 10am. All equipment, such as radio gear, tents, and even food provisions, were unloaded from multiple vehicles. By around 1:30pm, all the equipment were set up at the operating tents, as well as the sleeping tents. Most of the antennas, such as the 2-element for 15m, phased array for 40m. and the inverted-V for 80m, were likewise up. The 20m three-element yagi was all assembled as well, but have yet to be raised. That we did after a relaxing lunch of sausages, hot links, salad, and fresh fruits.

By 5pm, all the stations were tested and running well, except for the 15m station that had some issues. It appeared that the radio was not driving the linear amplifier for the latter to produce any power. When evening fell, the problem had not yet been resolved.

Operating & sleeping tents

Late in the afternoon, the club's special satellite station was set up and tested. As always, it performed flawlessly. Unlike last year, we wouldn't be able to communicate with a live body from the International Space Station (ISS). Everyone had a blast last year when we were able to. For this year, we will have to settle for an automated relay that will confirm our contact with the ISS. This will be done digitally, by computer, using VHF/UHF radio.

It was a long day, with a lot of pushing, pulling, lifting, and getting down on all fours. For someone not used to it, it can take its toll. My body aches allover.

I have my tent all ready. But I had seconds thoughts of spending the night at the park, Besides, it wasn't necessary since the event doesn't officially start till tomorrow, Saturday. I left the park at around 10:30pm so I can get a much-needed rest because the weekend will be 2 very long days.