CARA

Calgary Amateur Radio Association

Enjoy Amateur Radio | Serve Our Community


Winter Field Day 2024 January 27 & 28

<< First  < Prev   1   2   Next >  Last >> 
  • 17 Jan 2024 8:28 AM
    Reply # 13302187 on 13276930

    I will contact Edgemont Community Association this morning.

  • 17 Jan 2024 8:26 AM
    Reply # 13302185 on 13276930
    Peter LaGrandeur (Administrator)

    So far, we have:

    Ameer VA6QAS to haul the trailer (we need a site)

    Peter VA6RPL to register CARA with WFD (we need to have a site location for the registration )

    Peter VA6RPL can bring wood for a campfire in our burning barrel 

    Peter VA6RPL can bring gas for the generator

    Neeroo VE6NRO to organize hot drinks

    ——————

    If we were to find a site, we really need commitment from someone to be the night watchman.

    Another option is to set up the trailer somewhere just for the day and then take it down and go home and “call it a day”.  Just a one day event.

    Another option could be to set it up for the WFD weekend at the CSCC.  At least then we could lock the gate at night.  Not sure how the propagation would be there …

    Last modified: 17 Jan 2024 8:29 AM | Peter LaGrandeur (Administrator)
  • 17 Jan 2024 8:20 AM
    Reply # 13302177 on 13276930
    Peter LaGrandeur (Administrator)

    Hi Ameer, there really hasn’t been enough people express interest in the event for this year.  Just you and Neeroo VE6NRO.  We need people to help with the following tasks:


    • someone to register CARA with WFD

    • someone to arrange a site for us e.g. Edgemont Community, a city park, or ??

    • organize the schedule with operators in twenty four one-hour slots

    • organize the N1MM system and submit results to WFD

    • promote CARA’s WFD participation to CARA members and the Calgary area amateur radio community via CARA’s X (Twitter), Facebook, web page forums


    And we need other people to help –

    • Organize coffee and other hot drinks

    • tow the comm trailer to and from the site

    • people to set up and pack up the comm trailer

    • night watchman / men to stay with the trailer all night if there are no radio operators

    • someone to bring firewood for the burning barrel and keep the fire going

  • 17 Jan 2024 8:16 AM
    Reply # 13302173 on 13276930

    Thanks Ameer, that's a big job!

  • 16 Jan 2024 4:31 PM
    Reply # 13301961 on 13276930

    Just checking in here, any updates on who is doing what so far?   I am able to pick up and drop off the comms trailer this year if needed.    Is there a task list anywhere that we can reference for this event?   Thanks.

  • 30 Nov 2023 12:36 PM
    Reply # 13285482 on 13276930
    Robert (Administrator)
    Peter LaGrandeur wrote:

    The 2024 Winter Field Day on January 27 & 28 is fast approaching.

    https://winterfieldday.org/


    • Will the new mini PC be ready for the event? (Rob VE6CCL and Alan VE6BUZ ?)

    It looks like next Wednesday will be a bit warmer so I am planning to take to mimi PC to the trailer.   I have installed the programing software so should be able set up communications with the FT-857D,   N1MM is installed so if successful we should be good to go.    I will leave the PC installed and connected.  I will also put the the keyboard and the mouse in the purple tub with other accessories,

    The Trailer Laptop and network router  will be stored at the club station.   ROB VE6CCL

    If anyone wishes to join me there next week. December 6th let me know.


     



    Last modified: 30 Nov 2023 12:39 PM | Robert (Administrator)
  • 26 Nov 2023 2:10 PM
    Reply # 13283630 on 13276930

    And who can make the Winter Field Day entry under the

    Public Service & Ham Events

     item on the front page menu point to this series of posts?

    John



  • 26 Nov 2023 2:03 PM
    Reply # 13283627 on 13276930

    I look forward to Winter Field Day as a CARA activity.

    Personally, I am happy with the Edgemont Community Centre site if arrangements can be made, probably because it is a 10-minute walk from my house if I don't slip in the snow and fall.

    I think that the generator is too clunky without a couple of strong men present. Not sure about upgrading batteries. Good to have batteries available for when generator has to be stopped for refueling. Has CARA ever entered with a full overnight operation?

    If I get there, I am personally equipped to do UHF Winlink to the VE6FAR node which I practice regularly. I am set up for using my Yaesu FT-60R handheld, I should be able to connect to the 6-pin data connector on the trailer radio. I would have to make a new jumper board for my SignaLink and figure out the radio menu.

    During cold days like the one last year we need heat in a tent. We don't know what weather is coming. One of my thoughts is that last year's winter field day page showed a trappers tent with a wood stove. I don't know if any of these are certified for use in street fairs, etc., but their design must include considerations of fire.

    I was disappointed last year that VHF/UHF antennas were not deployed, as that makes it easy to add to the multipliers by looking for the 2-meter Sunday morning net.

    I don't have any answers for the rest of your questions at this time.

    John



  • 08 Nov 2023 6:56 AM
    Message # 13276930
    Peter LaGrandeur (Administrator)

    The 2024 Winter Field Day on January 27 & 28 is fast approaching.

    https://winterfieldday.org/

    Any thoughts on where to have it this time?  Are we happy with the Edgemont Community site, or are there other high elevation vistas available?

    Do we want to try to continue with the generator again, or should we upgrade our tired battery bank and get equipped with a power source that enables us to contest for a full 24 hours?

    Besides basic HF / VHF contesting, will there be RF texting “WinLink” (maybe Joel VE6EI ?)

    Do we want to procure a heating system for the tent, such as a diesel portable parking unit   e.g. Vevor, Espar,

    Anyone want to be the overall coordinator for CARA this year?

    • someone to register CARA with WFD

    • someone to arrange a site for us e.g. Edgemont Community, a city park, or ??

    • organize the schedule with operators in twenty four one-hour slots

    • organize the N1MM system and submit results to WFD

    • promote CARA’s WFD participation to CARA members and the Calgary area amateur radio community via CARA’s X (Twitter), Facebook, web page forums


    And we need other people to help –

    • Organize coffee and other hot drinks

    • tow the comm trailer to and from the site

    • people to set up and pack up the comm trailer

    • night watchman / men to stay with the trailer all night if there are no radio operators

    • someone to bring firewood for the burning barrel and keep the fire going


    Will the new mini PC be ready for the event? (Rob VE6CCL and Alan VE6BUZ ?)

<< First  < Prev   1   2   Next >  Last >> 


© Calgary Amateur Radio Association

Radio Amateurs of Canada    American Radio Relay League    International Telecommunication Union   International Amateur Radio Union

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software