07/01/2005 | K3WQ This was the first time I participated in Field Day and I made it a family affair, setting up a station on my brother and sister-in-laws back porch. I spent the previous weeks building a field-expedient antenna, and designing and building a circuit to interface a cell-phone headset with my rig. The antenna was designed for the 20-meter band, but with clip-on extensions, it was also used on 40-meters. The interface allowed hands-free operating. Both worked great.

Although I did most of the operating, my brother, Mike, N3UMY, and sister-in-law, Michelle, N3SYE, helped to set up the station. I wisely decided to keep things simple, confining on-air activities to phone and CW. Dinner guests and other friends that visited showed interest in the activities.

Prior planning was a great help. My brother reconnoitered his backyard earlier in the week to find a suitable site for the antenna. Preparing a list of needed items, constructing the antenna ahead of time, and efficiently packing the equipment made for a quick and easy set up. An hour after arriving at the site, the station was up and running.

Dave -- K3WQ