07/03/2010 | W6LIE Technology, that is the key word for keeping up with times and getting attention from others. In terms of Field Day, this year the Kern County Central Valley ARC in California pursued Field Day with technology on the front burner with the use of computer logging and linking for gathering data, satellite communications, and digital modes. We say this isn't your grandpas Field Day". I believe this one by far stands out in my mind as being the best event that KCCVARC has done. We didn't sacrifice anything by not stringing stations all over the park where nobody wanted to walk to see them because of the distance from the event, nor did we give up the ability of being able to work all the bands we normally work. We just better utilized our resources to our benefit, and in doing so, as a visitor you built a better prospective on the event as it better reflected a group effort with everyone working close together "you walked a little to see a lot". We also implemented satellite communications and a new software defined radio "Flex 5000" through a computer. Lots of Boy Scout visitors got a first hand look at technology, and how things they "re already doing - computers" could be done using radio to communicate. We also made VE testing available, Plus a good display about how and where you can get a amateur radio license. -- NF6P