This item is difficult to report. As President of your club, since the beginning of the Covid 19 lockdown, I’ve been a strong supporter of the decision to cancel club in-person activities until we were informed by authorities that reconvening activities was acceptable. So when the word came that statewide Covid cases had dropped sufficiently in number and the Governor was setting June 21 as the date Ohioans could once again hold group activities, I was elated. What better way to celebrate our freedom but by participating in the most rewarding event in amateur radio — Field Day! Even if we had to wear a mask, not a problem. At least we’re getting together again and doing what we love.
Field Day is a golden opportunity for hams to demonstrate to their community that amateur radio truly is able to support them “when all else fails.” By its nature Field Day is actually an emergency preparedness exercise that looks like a fun picnic and camp out. But making it happen requires the coordination of dedicated people and equipment, and in this case it would have to come about in a short period of time. Could we do it? I was my optimistic self, I secured a tentative location from our friends at Stearns Homestead. Then we had an online Board meeting to discuss the proposed Field Day plan in detail. Attending were VP Mike Marganski KD8HBK, Treasurer Tom Pechnik AC8EH, Trustee Tom Bedoc K8DMM, President Hal Rogers K8CMD, and member Chuck Mehoznek K8CVM. Following a good discussion, it was suggested the next step should be a meeting the following June 7th at “the Farm” to walk the grounds. To promote the important meeting an email was sent to all members, inviting them them to attend the crucial PRC Field Day planning meeting at Stearns Homestead.
To my major disappointment, the only members in attendance were from the Board core planning group! After a walk of the attractive area that Anita Cook of the Homestead team offered for our use, your board had no choice but to withdraw our request due to insufficient participation. “Maybe next year” was heard several times as we parted.
After agonizing reflection on this outcome, I realize there are numerous reasons why members might not have been available for Field Day this year. Afterall, with the lockdown ending abruptly people everywhere are filling their calendars with overdue events of every kind. Unfortunately, this thunderous rush of activity is happening to the detriment of ARRL Field Day. Another reason could be that some people might not have yet protected themselves with a vaccine or they’re not yet sure it’s time to let their guard down and go out in public. Of course, you can wear a mask anytime.
My take away from this is that we should immediately go to our 2022 calendar and reserve June 25/ 26 for next years Field Day.
By the way, just because the PRC isn’t doing Field Day this year that doesn’t mean you can’t do your own at home or visit another club. The ARRL has a convenient Field Day Locator where you can find a site almost anywhere in the country.
And here are invitations from area clubs:
Woodchuck ARC
Hello to all the members of the Parma Radio Club.
The Woodchucks would like to extend an invitation to the Members of the Parma Radio Club to participate in Field Day 2021 from the Woodchucks Burrow, better known as the Concrete Tent.
Field Day is always the fourth full weekend of June, this year the 26th and 27th, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and running through 2059 UTC Sunday.
The Woodchucks are planning to be staffing the Tent for the full duration of the event so there is plenty of time to stop in and participate in one way or another.
We will have several radios operational with different antenna systems being used.
We do ask that before dropping by you call us on the WA8Q repeater (145.310) and check the operational status of the Station.
If you do stop by, please bring your own chair.
Chuck – K8CVM
VP Woodchuck ARC
North Coast ARC
North Coast Amateur Radio Club
2021 – Field Day Operations – 2021
The Club WILL have a Field Day gathering this year.
FIELD DAY IS
( 1 ) A competitive event where Amateur Radio operators set up radio equipment in the field, to compete
with other radio operators across the nation, scoring points for contacts.
( 2 ) An event to test the readiness and stamina of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications.
( 3 ) A chance to meet new friends and test the limits of your favorite hobby.
Visit the North Coast Amateur Radio Club and participate in Field Day. You do not have to be a licensed
Operator to participate. Amateur Radio operators will be there to demonstrate equipment and show you
how it is used. They will try to answer your questions. There is no age limit with Amateur Radio, so bring
your entire family. (No charge for admission)
Field Day is always held on the 4th Full Weekend of the Month of June.
This Year ( 2021 ) Field Day will be held on Saturday – June 26 and Sunday – June 27.
LOCATION OF THE N.C.A.R.C. “2021 FIELD DAY” SITE:
At Fred’s Tree Farm, 5631 Mack Drive, Valley City, Ohio 44280.
(Off of Pauline Dr., off of Grafton Rd. west of U.S. Rt 42).
The Maps below, the 42 shown is Grafton Road.
The 42 is a County Road Number (Not State Route 42)
Governor Honors Amateur Radio and Field Day
Busch reopens meeting rooms
Busch Management has informed us that their meeting rooms will reopen at the beginning of August. The PRC Board has notified them that we will return. We’ll announce our meetings as usual when the dates are set.
Alternate use for Baofeng
I came across an interesting article that addresses a subject that must cross the mind of most repeater owners, “Is anyone using this machine overnight? Who and when?” The author has made a clever use of a Baofeng handheld. With your ingenuity you might find other applications, like monitoring a simplex frequency.
Is it time for a PRC Picnic?
Do you think it’s time for a picnic? When? Where? Write and let us know what you’re thinking.
Hal Rogers K8CMD
President