07/22/2005 | N6R For the fifth consecutive year, the Ventura Co. (CA) Amateur Radio Society (VCARS) activated Special Events Station, N6R, from the grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum during Field Day. Once again, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum co-sponsored the Event. This year, members of the Simi Settlers Amateur Radio Club (SSARC) joined members of VCARS to operate 12-A in the under 150 watt entry class. Battery power or solar energy were utilized at all times.

25 Members of the two clubs participated in Field Day 2005. We experienced perfect California weather: sun prevailed and the temperature did not rise abouve 85 degrees F. Special Events Callsign, N6R, commemorates the lives of President Ronald & Mrs. Nancy Reagan.

Twelve HF, VHF, & UHF stations operated from the Library's parking lot and provided much amateur radio visibility for the 700 daily visitors to the Library & Museum. Thousand Oaks (CA) City Councilman, Dennis Gillette, visited the operating site and was briefed on amateur radio's place in local & state emergency communications plans. ARRL SW Division Director, Richard Norton, N6AA, also visited N6R. Because VCARS has a major stated mission of amateur radio public awareness, briefing & interacting with the public is mandatory for all operators, even if a few QSOs are missed!

Noteable statistics:
1. Almost 800 20 meter QSOs were made, including 93 PSK-31 contacts
2. Over 250 40 meter statioms were contacted
3. A Salt Lake City, UT mobile station utilizing a QRP IC-703 + Hamstick was easily worked on 20 meter ssb
4. South Dakota was worked on 6 meters
5. Everyone enjoyed the Saturday night BBQ dinner

Special "N6R" QSL cards are available from Pete, N6ZE, at his QRZ.com address. (Please include an SASE.)

Additional info available from: www.vcars.org -- N6ZE