Field Day 2020
It wasn’t the kind of Field Day we were hoping for, was it? Looking back, we had no reason to think this Field Day would be any different from any other — the kind of Field Day where we discussed our plans, went through a checklist to be absolutely certain nothing was overlooked and then worked it through, lugging gear to the site, splashing on bug repellent and forming a team to raise antennas to the sky, unravel large rolls of coax, pitch a tent, hook up solar panels, batteries and radio gear and finally make the sweet noise of intermittent squaks, tones and even voices from distant people. Finally at 2 PM the gate is opened and the long awaited radio “sport” is on. Energized hams everywhere, it seems, are swapping reports from distant places.
It’s enough to make you starved, which is why a fantastic repast awaits the hungry group at the food tent just before night fall!
Well, hopefully we’ll do that next year.
Those of us who were able to participate in the event did so from the comfort of their homes, as did hundreds of other hams around the country. And, while it wasn’t what we all wanted, I believe we all had more fun than we expect. The member results have been reported to ARRL and will appear in the December QST.
Personnally, I’m looking forward to the next time I can operate under the stars.
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PRC Nets, a great place to stay in touch
The PRC TecNet has been a fun way to get together and share on technical and other topics. The new FM net is held the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month on 145.410 mHz KB8WLW repeaters at 7:30 pm. The regular FM net meets each Tuesday at 9 PM on the same frequency.
On HF, join us on 28.460 mHz on the 10 meter band on USB every Thursday at 9 pm.
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Virtual Hamfest
Many of us miss the in-person gatherings of summer hamfests, but DX Engineering is not letting the virus stop them from continuing their successful events. This year’s DXE hamfest will be held online on the increasingly popular Zoom video platform. Check the fantastic line up of programs. And then there will be giveaways, too!
If you haven’t yet used Zoom. I suggest you download the app on your desktop, laptop, tablet or other device so that you can participate. You start by registering using the link below. Prior to the event you’ll be emailed an invitation to be admitted.
Mark Your Calendars for the DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy
Join the Elmers at DX Engineering and a host of Ham Radio luminaries on Saturday, July 25, 2020, for the first DXE Virtual Hamfest and DX Academy—two online events combined into a full day of fun, learning, and drawings for DX Engineering gift cards.
Both events are free and open to all. Click here to register. Once signed up, you will receive a link to access the events in real-time on the Zoom webinar platform, or you can watch live on the DX Engineering YouTube channel.
The day kicks off with the DXE Virtual Hamfest, featuring presentations from top contributors to OnAllBands (DX Engineering’s blog site), and the latest news and answers to your questions about recent and upcoming products, including the RF-KIT RF2K-S Linear Amplifier (sold exclusively in North America by DX Engineering), the RT-4500HD Heavy-Duty Rotator, and the Ladder Line Surge Protector.
DXE Virtual Hamfest Schedule (times are EDT)
9 am: Introduction by Tim Duffy, K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering
9:15 am: DXE Product Discussion with Scott Jones, N3RA
9:30 am: Ward Silver, N0AX, Radiosport: Training for Public Service
10 am: DXE Product Discussion with Steve Hannah, KC8YSU
10:15 am: Sean Kutzko, KX9X, Working Amateur Radio Satellites
10:45 am: DXE Product Discussion with Tim Duffy, K3LR
11 am: Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, Youth in Amateur Radio
11:30 am: DXE Question and Answer, Wrap-up, and Drawing for a $1,000 DX Engineering Gift Card*
The afternoon will be all about improving your skills at making long-distance contacts. Sponsored by Icom America and DX Engineering, the first-ever online DX Academy brings together experts to share advice from their years of on-air experience.
DX Academy Schedule (times are EDT)
1 pm: Introduction by Tim Duffy, K3LR
1:15 pm Jerry Rosalius, WB9Z, Low Band Antennas for DXing
2:15 pm Ray Novak, N9JA, Icom Product Showcase, IC-705
2:45 pm Glenn Johnson, W0GJ, VP6R DXpedition to Pitcairn Island
3:45 pm Valerie Hotzfeld, NV9L, Operating Tools and Ideas for Becoming a Better DXer
4:45 pm Wrap-up and Drawing for a $1,000 DX Engineering Gift Card*
*To win, you must be registered and present on Zoom during the drawings.
Look for more information on Facebook and OnAllBands (a DXE blog) in the coming days.
From the site of DX Engineering. www.dxengineering.com
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