I was asked to compile a 2022 Field Day “after-action report” during July’s General Meeting. Some Field Day participants have offered feedback, which is outlined below, loosely arranged into categories.
Recommendations & Suggestions:
EQUIPMENT
On-site back-up generator.
Have UPS or battery chargers for rigs and computers in case the generator runs out of gas or malfunctions. Even if they only provide enough power to shut down, that would prevent possible equipment damage.
Try to get desk microphones for the radios, as it is much easier to repetitively call CQ than with a hand mike. Also easier to log. Even better if there is a foot activated switch.
Have extra headphones available.
Provide desk lamps that clamp to the table and swing from the top. Working with a lantern does not light up the entire desk when you need to look for something or are manually logging.
Have another antenna for 40 at least and 80 if possible for CW operation at night. This will require some careful positioning if we want both Phone and CW on the same band. I understand the club has another antenna that could be deployed.
PLANNING
We need to start planning and getting commitments early. Best practice is to have band or mode captains who are responsible for getting commitments from members to set up, operate and take down the stations. We shouldn’t burden one person to do it all.
Firm commitments from at least 10-12 club members to put up and take down. There were too few people doing too much work, which in the heat created an unsafe environment for all.
Computers with updated logging software for both CW and Phone stations should be identified or obtained 8 weeks in advance of the event. There was at least one club member who said that he had one that could’ve been provided if given a heads up.
Evening access/entrance gait issues should be resolved prior to the event. Set up the orange cones at the bottom of the hill at 10:00 p.m. to help remind people that the park closes at 10.
If there are any equipment needs at all they should be requested at least 6 weeks in advance. There were other antennas in the possession of club members that could have been deployed, such as one for 2 meter contacts.
Have a briefing sheet for proper techniques for Field Day operating including:
– the club’s Field Day exchange
– what the other stations’ exchanges mean
– how to call CQ and answer CQs
– how to ask for fills and respond to fill requests
Print an 8″x 11″ sign so you can easily see the A1CL and the 2A (or whatever) and WMA.
Make sure everyone is aware of the clearly-marked binder with copies of our license, Poet Seat permit and Field Day Packet.
Have at least 25 hard-copy log sheets available on a clipboard in case of generator/laptop/software issues. Ensure that all folks operating know how to fill them out properly and that notebook entries with insufficient information should not be counted.
Obtain a firm delivery commitment from the chosen port-a-potty vendor well in advance of the event.
HEALTH/SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAssign a position like a “health monitor” to be responsible for observing attendees for signs of heat, over-exertion or other health-related issues.
Have a reasonably equipped on-site first aid kit.
Have extra chairs there or ask all attendees to bring their own.
Ensure that the generator/s are set up at a sufficient distance to prevent exhaust blowing into the operation tents.
Request that evening operators know to keep the operation tent flaps closed at all times, in order to mitigate the “bug situation.”
“The CW tent was very hot. Do we have, or can we get another set up like the Phone tent had? Even an easy-up to shade the sun facing window would improve air circulation.”
For much of the night, there were only two members on site. We need commitment for three or four knowing that last minute considerations might mean someone might need to leave.
Be sure that if someone has been working a radio for a while and another operator comes up, the person on the radio should relinquish it.
Have more water bottles available during the day and coffee/condiments available for the night shift operators.