2022-06-25 ARRL/RAC Field Day

June 25 , 2022, 18:00 UTC to June 26, 2022, 20:59 UTC (setup June 24)

What is Field Day?

Field Day is an operating event sponsored by the ARRL whose purpose is to demonstrate the communications ability of the amateur radio community in simulated emergency situations. To learn more about Field Day and the OARC, please see the Field Day information page.

OARC Field Day results for 2022

Editor’s note: Field Day 2022 has come and gone and Greg VE3YTZ has kindly provided a write up of the event. The original notice/invitation to the event appears below the results and photo gallery.

I finally have completed the paperwork related to our Field Day effort. Our entry with the ARRL is complete. We entered as a 2 Alpha Station and here are our results as compared to the previous 9 years:

Here is a breakdown by band:

I would say that the undertaking went quite well, though phone and VHF performance remains underwhelming. Our focus for next year must be to get us drop phone and focus instead on the digital modes. There are many points waiting to be scooped up. I have tried to use my FT-897 for this purpose, but it seems it’s not up to the challenge. We need to get a radio with a built-in sound card, as the various kludges hanging off the back of the 897 has essentially failed us two years in a row now. The FT-897 is super fine for the VHF bands, however.

I thought the antennas did a great job and the 10-40 ground plane, after a multi-year absence, performed above expectations. As usual, the end-fed did a nice job for us. I was also pleased with the G5RV performance. I must admit, I don’t know how Mike’s multi-band homebrew did.

All in all, I think we did a good job. You can look at the numbers and draw your own conclusions. I would be interested in hearing your views as well.

We will have to see about access to the building next year. Whether we have access or not, I would still be inclined to use the Corkery grounds and rely on tents. Opinions are welcome.

Finally, thanks to all who participated for the excellent job you did bringing everything together. An extra special thanks go to Janice, who fed us so nicely. Janice, you kept our strength up, which let us do our great work.

Participants

VA3CRQ Chris Rotherforth
VA3EIC Martin Menard
VA3GE John Mitchell
VA3PEW Jeffrey Arcand
VE3BOW Dave Scobie
VE3FFK Mike Kelly
VE3ICV Paul Coverdale
VE3IHI Rick Furniss
VE3IMN Rick Ruschmeier
VE3LOE Ralph Carsten
VE3OXU Chris Charland
VE3XRA Glenn MacDonell
VE3ZTU Al MacPhee
VG3PAX Janice Neelands
VX3YTZ Greg Danylchenko

73
Greg VE3YTZ

Photo gallery

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OARC Field Day plans for 2022 (original notice)

The OARC plans to set up for Field Day at the Corkery Community Centre, 3447 Old Almonte Rd, Carp, ON K0A 1L0.

We have great news, the Corkery Community Centre is remaining open this year. The planned construction has been delayed. This means almost certainly that we will be working out of tents in 2023. But that is for the future!

However, let’s start at the beginning …

Field Day is always the fourth full weekend in June. This year it is on June 24 (set up only), 25 and 26.

On Friday, June 24 we have a team who will help with antenna set up, starting at noon. You are welcome to join us.

On June 25 and 26 we will operate as either a 1 or 2 Alpha Ontario East (abbreviated as ONE in the log) using the OARC Call Sign – VE3RC. That means we operate either 1 or 2 transmitters independent of commercial mains power. We try to dedicate one transmitter to CW and the other to phone and digital modes. The number of transmitters we operate depends on the number of operators we have available.

We attempt to make as many contacts (QSOs) as we can in 24 hours – 2 pm Saturday – 2 pm Sunday. Scores are recorded on laptops and then they are amalgamated for a total combined score which is submitted to the ARRL. Having one operator with a second person to record contacts (logging) is an excellent combination. If you’re not comfortable operating, logging is a good opportunity to get the feel of how it’s done.

The OARC Field Day is a very relaxed event. You can come and go as you please, you are not committed to anything. If an operating position is vacant, don’t hesitate to pick up the mic or key.

All are welcome to visit us at the site or help with setup, operating, and tear down. As they say, many hands make light work!

If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, please email Greg ve3ytz_at_rac.ca.

This event is subject to change dependent on provincial and municipal COVID-19 restrictions.

Last Updated on 2024-02-13 by AdminOARC