07/24/2003 | W8JXN The Cascades Amateur Radio Society operated the 2003 Field Day from a new site at the Jackson Catholic Middle School in central Jackson Michigan. The club call W8JXN was used.

One tower held the 2M and 6M beams, a second tower supported the 80-10 folded dipole, the third tower had the 20M single element beam. Denny (KC8IJZ) has the most unique antenna mounts ever seen: two antique metal wagon wheels flat on the ground with masts set into the axle holes. We did find out how had the ground is on the ball field when we tried to twist in the anchors to one of the towers. Next year we move that tower. We had generator power for the entire Field Day, only running out of gas while trying to copy the ARRL Field Day Bulletin ! Ron (WA8YIH) provided a battery powered Icom 706 station and stayed up operating almost all weekend.

The Middle School also left the gym unlocked so we could use the restrooms during the weekend.

Some excitement was had when a severe thunderstorm shifted operations from Field Day to a severe weather net Saturday afternoon.

The Vice Mayor of Jackson, Dan Green and Karen Randall, the Executive Director South Central Michigan Chapter, American Red Cross visited the site.

The club president Dick (KA8VLN) made a banner and set up an information table. He also spent some time "operating" the 20M station.

Many thanks to all of the hams who participated: W3IGT, N8WIX, AB8PU, KC8UXX, AB8PW, KC8TDN, KB8YQA, WA8AEN, WD8PMD, KA8VMJ, KB8ZVH, WN8MUP and any others who I forgot to write down. Also thanks to April, Mary and other XYL's who provided food and assistance. Also to the other family members (especially YL Sarah) who helped out.

John Cooley, Chairman CARS Field Day -- WB8WBN