07/02/2004 | W4BFB W4BFB - FIELD DAY 2004 -
Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society - Charlotte, NC

With 4 prior terrible weather days, including Thunder Storms, Flood Warnings, and a local Tornado Warning, and in spite of heavy rain showers right up until 9AM on Field Day morning, the Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society - W4BFB set up Field Day operations at the Mint Hill Park in Mint Hill, NC just outside of Charlotte, NC.

We had three stations: a phone, a cw, and a digital mode station. The phone and cw stations used beam and dipole antennas attached to towers that were raised. The digital station, using both RTTY and PSK modes, used a GAP vertical antenna. AC power was provided by the club mobile generator trailer and a portable generator.

During Field Day, two of our 'Served Agencies' stopped by to inspect and participate in the activities. The Red Cross had a representative visit and observe. MEDIC, the Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency, brought their Mobile Command Center. It raised up a TV camera mounted on a telescoping mast, established a microwave link, and sent TV pictures back to their Communications Center.

Local and regional ARES officials inspected operations during Saturday operations.

Our Field Day goal was to have fun as well as have visitors and members see traditional and new ways of using amateur radio. Hopefully, this may inspire them to become amateurs or pursue upgrading their licenses.

Many contacts were made on all modes and great fun was had by all. We feel we met our 2004 goal.

Now, on to 2005!


Ben Antanaitis
WB2RHM -- WB2RHM