06/30/2007 | W4GR I would like to thank everyone that operated, supplied equipment, participated, wished they could participate or supported GARS Field Day 2007 in one of a hundred different ways.

There were so many hams working hard to make this work, that I am shouldn't mention anyone by name. But, the chairman, Dick Sandberg, N9SXJ, did an outstanding job of getting us organized, getting us fed. David Adcock, KA4KKF, lead the antenna layout and installation process, Eddie Foust, WD4JEM, provided tower installation supervision, Scott Hartlage, KF4PWI, got us networked, Earl Whatley, AF4FG, operated the GOTA (Get on the AIR) station and fed us breakfast. The ground crew of about 25 folks worked hard in the dusty, hot and hot environment. The band captains had all their stations up and ready for contacts well before the 2:00 start.
I would like to thank ARES for participating with us. On top of helping with all the other setup and preparation, they brought their Mobile Communications Facility, and operated one of the bands.
It's exercises like this that keep us sharp and bring out the glitches and teach us how to overcome those obstacles which will likely be part of any emergency communications situation. We like to make Field Day a family event, have fun, show off, tell a few tales and create a few stories for next year, but, It's really about being able to provide reliable consistent communications in an emergency situation. We passed the test, but we'll keep practicing.

A lot of first time attendees both ham and non-ham. Getting 10 stations, 4 tents, antennas, computer network and generators set up and keeping them going is a challenge. We operated 7A. Served three meals. Went through about 250 bottles of water and 100 bottles of pop. I tried a satellite QSO, but didn't have enough antenna. We could hear AO51, but couldn't get back.
The Antenna Launching contest seemed to go over great. Barry Holderread,K4WX, from NoGaQRP was the winner. We had about 10 entries, and several spectators. A couple interesting launchers were displayed. Kirk Braunius, AI4PZ, brought his recently built air launcher, after we used it to install some of our own antennas, he entered the contest.

It was hot, band conditions were ok. I stayed up all night, and now I have to go unload the car and trailer full of gear.

73 Norm, WA4ZXV -- WA4ZXV