06/29/2010 | W4SNC We had a great Field Day exercise this year. The set-up went smoothly, showing that the systems the Iredell County Amateur Radio Society has in place are ready for the emergency back-up communications we may have to provide when needed. We set up two 30' towers, with 10, 15 and 20 meter beams, three inverted V wire antennas for 40 meter phone, 40 meter cw and 75 meter phone. And this year we also put up a 132' end fed Zepp for the GOTA station. This antenna worked so well, that when a problem with the rotator for the 10 and 15 meter beams arose, we switched to it for 15 meter phone with great results. It was also used for 20 meter cw for a short stint, with very good results. There was also a 6 meter omniangle antenna. Three generators belonging to members were in service, providing more than enough power for the 6 operating stations we had set up, lighting and ancillary gear like computers, etc. Close to a thousand contacts were made in the 24 hour period with most states and Canadian Provinces, and some foreign countries. Messages were passed to the SM and others. We had a visit from Assistant Section Manager (formerly Section Manager) Tim Slay, N4IB. And the Iredell County Emergency Management Deputy Director also visited the site. We had invited Scouts to visit, but did not have any come. And, this year, the Statesville Record & Landmark sent a reporter and photographer to our site. The result was a front page article, including photo, on ICARS Field Day. Although there were a few inaccuracies Here's a link to the article: http://www2.statesville.com/content/2010/jun/27/ham-radio-operators-take-part-24-hour-relay/, and this online article also: http://www2.statesville.com/content/2010/jun/23/ham-radio-operators-busy-weekend/. This same article was on the Mooresville Tribune site. We thank the R&L for its coverage. About 20 members and non-members took at least some part in the exercise, from set-up to operating to tear-down (and even more helped eat the food). Equipment was supplied by members, and of course WB4WRY, John, cooked the Saturday evening meal. Several other members and their families came by at dinnertime Saturday, some bringing more delicious food. About the only negative to the dinnertime was that apparently a convention of flies was being held at McClure Park, unbeknownst to us, and they decided to join us for dinner. Pictures were taken and should appear on the www.w4snc.org website soon. There will be a critique of the exercise at our July meeting, to be held on 8 July at Julia's Tally House Restaurant in Troutman. All members, friends, family members, guests and interested parties are invited to our meetings. If you weren't able to attend Field Day this year, start now to make plans for next year. The last full weekend in June is 24-25 June 2011. It's an emergency exercise, a picnic and a great time to meet and greet other hams and friends. 73, Howard W1HO ICARS Publicity Chair -- W1HO