2004 ARRL Field Day
06/30/2004 |
W5GFC
Plan B
Field Day 2004 Greers Ferry Arkansas
This time we were ready. The Greers ferry Amateur Radio Club W5GFC had thoroughly planned for the ARRL 2004 Field Day. We had secured wire for the dipoles, masts for the antennas, a mile of coax, solder and soldering irons, generators, gas, transceivers, tuners, and 1000 miscellaneous parts. Our site would be a private airport near the top of a local mountain. We had it all, we were going to the top !
A few days before the big event, news began to trickle down from the mountain that we might not be able to hold our event there this year. It couldnt be, it was destined that this year on the mountain would bring us top honors. But it was true, the airport was in full operation on that date, and our antennas would constitute a real hazzard. It was too late to obtain permission from the Corps of Engineers to use any of their nearby facilities, and from previous experience we knew that time was against us in obtaining other sites.
When it looked the darkest, help came by way of Bill Harper, KB4JKQ, and his YL Nancy. They offered the large back deck of their home for our activities. In consideration of the neighbors, we would get on the air as a D station, and not use the generators. Sunday morning was also unavailable . Ours is a small club whose average age is Seasoned Retiree,so undaunted we set upon our strange adventure.
Bill, KB4JKQ, had a slight misadventure during a recent storm, and had not yet surveyed his antennas. His G5RV had been annealed and anodized by lightening, and formed into exotic shapes by the wind. The vertical antenna would have been better used as a display on Antiques Road Show. Working with what was available we began transmitting weak signals as long as possible. One of our operators managed a 4 by4 report from a mobile station. A few hours later we contacted a very patient W1AW operator.
By this time our Yls, most of whom are Ham Operators, had heard of our plight and showed up at the site with a buffet meal fit for a king. Two of the members also brought their music and instruments and treated us to some great Blue Grass music.
In the early evening the signals began to fade from our fractured antennas, but the fellowship continued long afterward thanks to the generosity of Bill and Nancy and the spirit of the 19 Club members and guests. We may repeat this event, our own version of Field Day, on a more regular basis. Who knows, with healed antennas we may even be able to share the fun with other hams around the world.
George Rohrer KB6FO President
Greers Ferry Amateur Radio Club -- KB6FO
Field Day 2004 Greers Ferry Arkansas
This time we were ready. The Greers ferry Amateur Radio Club W5GFC had thoroughly planned for the ARRL 2004 Field Day. We had secured wire for the dipoles, masts for the antennas, a mile of coax, solder and soldering irons, generators, gas, transceivers, tuners, and 1000 miscellaneous parts. Our site would be a private airport near the top of a local mountain. We had it all, we were going to the top !
A few days before the big event, news began to trickle down from the mountain that we might not be able to hold our event there this year. It couldnt be, it was destined that this year on the mountain would bring us top honors. But it was true, the airport was in full operation on that date, and our antennas would constitute a real hazzard. It was too late to obtain permission from the Corps of Engineers to use any of their nearby facilities, and from previous experience we knew that time was against us in obtaining other sites.
When it looked the darkest, help came by way of Bill Harper, KB4JKQ, and his YL Nancy. They offered the large back deck of their home for our activities. In consideration of the neighbors, we would get on the air as a D station, and not use the generators. Sunday morning was also unavailable . Ours is a small club whose average age is Seasoned Retiree,so undaunted we set upon our strange adventure.
Bill, KB4JKQ, had a slight misadventure during a recent storm, and had not yet surveyed his antennas. His G5RV had been annealed and anodized by lightening, and formed into exotic shapes by the wind. The vertical antenna would have been better used as a display on Antiques Road Show. Working with what was available we began transmitting weak signals as long as possible. One of our operators managed a 4 by4 report from a mobile station. A few hours later we contacted a very patient W1AW operator.
By this time our Yls, most of whom are Ham Operators, had heard of our plight and showed up at the site with a buffet meal fit for a king. Two of the members also brought their music and instruments and treated us to some great Blue Grass music.
In the early evening the signals began to fade from our fractured antennas, but the fellowship continued long afterward thanks to the generosity of Bill and Nancy and the spirit of the 19 Club members and guests. We may repeat this event, our own version of Field Day, on a more regular basis. Who knows, with healed antennas we may even be able to share the fun with other hams around the world.
George Rohrer KB6FO President
Greers Ferry Amateur Radio Club -- KB6FO
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