Field Day 2015

[KC1SA]

Comments from an inexperienced user (but still learning)
What was interesting about the CW interference with SSB was it wasn't as pronounced Sunday morning. Eric was operating 40m and I was on 20m and didn't see the interference levels seen Saturday pretty much across all bands.

Headsets would be a great add. I personally have an inexpensive WGA headset wired for two receivers (stereo) and foot switch. It works great and was about $100 (it's not a heil but didn't cost like one either).

Loggers are needed for folks not familiar with N1MM+. I think a University session on using N1MM+ is perhaps in order is a great idea, but perhaps wait for an activity session once the new rig and shack is built up? Having a headset verses desk mic would certainly aid self logging (how I operate at home).

Once the new shack is built up we should do a few dry runs setting up CW and SSB and finding the optimum placement for acoustics and interference.

The external antenna tuner wasn't needed on the SSB bands I operated on (I can't speak for all bands). The Kenwood internal tuner seems to does an OK job with the G5RV. I think we should have a check list for the radios. I spent 5 minutes Sunday morning trying to figure out why I couldn't hear a soul (I realized the bands were just aweful but I heard nothing)... the antenna was hooked up (check that)... after a few minutes I discovered Kenwood did a very good job making the ATT button ever so small and inconspicuous (like the TS-2000 as well).

Electrical grounds were a challenge during setup. We will need to figure out a temporary grounding clamp and get some wire braids / #10 stranded ground wire that are reasonably long enough to reach the water pipes for grounding. I realize some of this will go away with the shack setup.

Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Dave. As an experienced contester, you bring a wealth of insight to the table.

Yes, the concept of an Operator/Logger team is outdated. For real contesters, it's a one-person job. But in our case, we're not (yet) real contesters. Especially at Field Day, we often have relatively inexperienced ops who need a "buddy" to coach them through making contacts.

Even basic stuff like making sure you have the other guy's call and report -- in the logging program, NOT on a notepad, so you know he's not a dupe -- is a technique that needs to be learned.

A mini-"Contest University" might make a great activity meeting. Maybe even two or three meetings.

I'm curious about your comment regarding resonant antennas. How does using, for example, a G5RV (ugh!) contribute to interstation interference?

It would be great to get some folks to operate some of the smaller contests from the club shack, to get experience. And to make a real effort in major contests like CQWW and ARRL DX, as well as November Sweepstakes.

73, John Bee N1GNV

To all involved,
I was there Saturday night and observed the problems John outlined.