07/05/2007 | W4FD For 2007 the Ashe County ARC, under the call W4FD, held Field
Day operations at Ashe Park, a new location for us. The park turned
out to be a fantastic location from both a public awareness and an
operational perspective. The amount of traffic within the park was
fantastic and the space provided by a park with a pond, RC racecar
track, and a disc golf course gave plenty of room for dipoles, beams,
and satellite antennas.

Field Day always starts early on Friday for the Ashe County ARC as
Marty W4MLN and Adam WK4P once again invaided the AM
broadcast bands and discussed ham radio and Field Day on the
local talk show. At 1800z the setup began as antenas were shot up
into the trees, campers were set up, and BBQ cookers were fired
up. The "secret weapon" was again deployed as the tribander was
raised. Many tasks were completed before the "concert" by WK4P
late Friday night.

Saturday began with a visit by the NC Western Branch ASEC, Paul
Robinette, KD4OZI, the first time our operation has been visited
by a state ARRL official. Next was a visit by our first term sheriff, James Williams, who was given a tour of the Field Day site and information on the role and capabilities of amateur radio during an emergency. Last but not least was the arrival of our NC State House Representative Cullie Tarleton. Cullie, a first term representative with a background in broadcast TV, was on the committee that began the process of passing the NC Amateur Radio Antenna Bill. Our thanks to all who stopped by to take a peek into the world of amateur radio.

We ran 3A for the first time, and kept at least 2 stations going throughtout the contest, with 3 going most of the time. Contacts were made on all available bands from 6 meters through 160. It was a real pleasure to see the GOTA station, W4YSB, going late into the night with several Techs taking the "20 QSO challenge" for bonus points, thanks to Wanda, N4UGS and all the other GOTA coaches. While the digital station had problems, it too finally got off the ground in time to furnish another 50 contacts. If 6 had just opened up...

Did I mention the food? Todd, WB4BBQ, brought his equipment and served freshly smoked BBQ to us this year. He definately lived up to his call sign. Many brought beans, potato salad, and desserts that were out of this world. Sunday morning Karen, KD4UKT cooked breakfast for all who were still up. For the ACARC Field Day might become more of a food event than a radio event.

Field Day 2007 was a great success for the Ashe County ARC. Great public relations, operators experencing new modes and bands, fantastic food, and a pretty decent score to boot. Could we have asked for more? Well six meters could have opened up.

Untill next year... -- WK4P