Field Day 2020

Riverside County Amateur Radio Association Field Day 2020

Here is the picture slideshow from Field Day 2020

  • RCARA Members and visitors pause for a pic along side a VW Bus
  • Moving the supplies and equipment from the parking lot
  • Juan KM6CFH packing in his portable rig
  • A new battery technology was introduced at FD this year.
  • For 2020, there was no line power in out location for even non-radio gear. Battery and solar powered the show this year!
  • Power management in a box with power pole connectors and a built in volt meter.
  • Rick KK6CTT - large battery box and solar panels included an inverter which provided line power for laptops and HT & Cellphone charging.
  • John W7RSO operating under an EZ-UP, socially distanced but racking up the QSO numbers
  • John W7RSO came wearing his FD 2020 hat.
  • APRS Map showing that Alan KM6KPW is at the park
  • An APRS controller with GPS and simple telemetry. This module uses a Baofeng UV-5R type of HT for it's transmitter and receiver.
  • An APRS controller with GPS and simple telemetry. This module uses a Baofeng UV-5R type of HT for it's transmitter and receiver.
  • Steven W7DTH brought out his shelter and portable rig
  • Steven W7DTH displays a clean power distribution module. LED indicators and fuses are a great features.
  • Field Day is great to see what others are using in their portable and mobile rigs
  • Just waiting for the 11:00 AM whistle to start making contacts
  • Our newest Extra class operator making contacts. Congrats to Juan AJ6PH !!
  • Juan finding the balance between sun for the solar panel and shade for the operator
  • Alan KM6KPW ran 10M FT8 on 15 watts QRP power.
  • Alan KM6KPW on the Xiegu working FT8 on 10 meters. The band was like a revolving door
  • John W7RSO brought out the hitch mounted extending mast antenna.
  • A close up of John W7RSO's trailer hitch mast mount
  • Alan KM6KPW brought out a 10 meter dipole that fits into the go bag.
  • Rails to save the face and rear connectors of his mobile transceiver. Lite and solid, nice!
  • All gathered around the picnic table
  • Both the US flag and our ARRL FD mascot on display in front of the pavillion


Updated Q&A from the ARRL about club totals – (PDF or Original Article)

Members operating from home, please remember to include “RIVERSIDE COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION” (NOT “RCARA” or “W6TJ”) on your submission.  See the ARRL COVID-19 2020 Waver document for more information

 

 

We may have to be away from each other but that does not mean we have to be out of reach!

Stay Safe and keep making contacts!

FIELD DAY 2019 SHINING STARS

RCARA’S MVPs:

  • OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – PETE SELLAS – PARK PROCUREMENT
  • SCOUT TROOP 116 – OPENING CEREMONIES
  • ART AA6CA – PUBLICITY
  • BOB KG6NIB – EQUIPMENT & OPERATOR
  • JUAN KM6CFH – RADIO EQUIPMENT & OPERATOR, SET UP
  • JOHN KM6YLK – RADIO EQUIPMENT, OPERATOR & SECURITY, SET UP, GOTA CAPTAIN
  • DAVID KM6WVH – RADIO OPERATOR & SECURITY
  • JIM AG6EA – VE COORDINATOR, TESTING SITE, EQUIPMENT LOAN, SET UP
  • MADELEINE KM6QCF/AG – SAFETY OFFICER, GENERAL ASSISTANCE, SET UP, TEAR DOWN
  • RICK AI6AU – TOWER, RADIO ANTENNAS, EQUIPMENT
  • CHRIS KM6LOQ – SAFETY OFFICER, FIRST AID, SECURITY
  • LARRY WA6PMY – LOGGING SOFTWARE & MAINTENANCE, TEAR DOWN, TRUCK LOAN
  • RICK KK6CTT – EMCOMM, MESH NETWORK DEMO, COOK, PROCUREMENT ASSISTANT,             DOOR PRIZE DONATIONS AND BEHIND THE SCENES SUPPORT
  • ALAN KM6KPW/AG – WEB SITE & TECHNICAL LOGGING, RAFFLE PRIZE DONATIONS
  • EMCOMM MEMBERS – STAFFING PAVILION #1 AND PROVIDING DEMOS, SUPPORT, ETC.
  • JURUPA CITIZENS CORP – PARTICIPATION WITH EMCOMM GROUP
  • NINA – POTLUCK COORDINATOR, GENERAL ASSISTANCE
  • RON KE6RYX – PORTA POTTY PROCUREMENT, TEAR DOWN
  • CARRIE N6LMA – MOST RAFFLE TICKET SALES, VE TESTING, EMCOMM SET UP
  • MIKE AI6PD – VE TESTING, EMCOMM SET UP
  • MIKE W6OSO – CLUB PRESIDENT, LOAN OF EQUIPMENT
  • PHIL KJ6KE & MARGARET KC6UDH – DONATION OF RADIO FOR RAFFLE PRIZE, VE TESTER
  • DANA KM6YLM – DONATION OF MUGS FOR RAFFLE PRIZE, GOTA STATION ASSISTANT
  • FIRE STATION #5 – A WELCOME VISIT
  • RPD – MAKING THEIR PRESENCE KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND; A TALK ABOUT PERSONAL SAFETY/NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SERVICES:

  • CLAIR – K6LG – CW OPERATOR, eESL CARD COORDINATOR & MAINTENANCE
  • DAVID – K9LMR – EMCOMM, MESH NETWORK, EDGAR ANTENNA
  • MATHEW THURMAN – PHOTOGRAPHER
  • KATRINA SCHIRMER – GOPHER
  • CHERYL THURMAN – GOPHER, MOTHER STABILIZER, SOCIAL DIRECTOR
  • THOMAS JUNKER – TEAR DOWN & TRUCK LOAN

Thank you to all the folks who contributed to the potluck picnic.  There was an abundance of food and goodies to more than please the most discerning tastes.

MUCH APPRECIATION TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED, CONTRIBUTED AND DEDICATED THEIR TIME, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO MAKE FIELD DAY 2019 A HUGE SUCCESS.  If I forgot anyone, please remind me and forgive me for the oversight.  We had a great team of volunteers… your time and efforts have not gone unnoticed.

The July 11, 2019 RCARA meeting will consist of an “AFTER ACTION REVIEW” for the purpose of discussing Field Day 2019 … goals, what was accomplished, what was successful, what went wrong and what the club can do to make future Field Days better.

Please come prepared to critique the FD but be mindful that if you have a criticism, you are expected to follow it up with a solution.

This is a meeting to help iron out some of the “wrinkles” that were observed followed by a suggestion for change to those areas that are in need of “fixing”.

 Plan ahead and bring your constructive thoughts and solutions.

 APPRECIATIVELY,

~Marlene

KK6CTX

 

Members Only – Field Day 2019

Members Only – Field Day 2019 (Updated 6-18-2019)

If you wish to volunteer for specific duties or as needed, please sign up at the June 13th meeting.

Boy Scouts (Troop 116 – not confirmed) will facilitate the Opening Ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday

RCARA Field Day 2019 Technology Plan

Volunteers needed:

  • QSO Loggers – Software to be used will be the N1MM Logger
  • Setup crews (Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m.)
  • Cleanup crews (Sunday, 11:00 a.m.)
  • Overnight security (4 hour shifts) for Friday and Saturday nights
  • Radio equipment and operators
  • Folding tables
  • Potluck food donations or $5.00 for Saturday night dinner
  • Cook for BBQ Pot Luck
  • Overnight campers
  • Donations of items for Door Prizes
  • Offering of Tickets for raffle prizes by members (see Marlene KK6CTX for tickets)
  • Main raffle will be for a new DMR radio with programming cable, HT, $100 Home Depot gift certificate; $50 Starbucks gift certificate and other assorted items.

 

W6TJ’s Field Day eQSL Cards

FIELD DAY BEHIND THE SCENES:

  W6TJ’s Field Day eQSL Cards

 

The tradition of exchanging post cards (QSLs) to confirm radio contacts goes back to the very first ham radio operators.  The cards usually bore the call sign, and station and contact information, of the station sending.  Many ham shacks even today have these cards plastered on their walls.  ARRL Awards such as Worked All States, DX Century Club etc. required the submission of these cards as proof of contacts made.  The ARRL manages bureaus for incoming and outgoing paper DX QSL cards, primarily for this purpose.  For information go to ARRL.org web site.

In recent years online electronic QSLs have become popular through eQSL.cc.

These are often received in one’s inbox, shortly after a contact is made.  Registration and use, is free, and set up is easy.  Check it out at www.eQSL.cc.

For the past twenty years, Clair, K6LG, has been managing the W6TJ eQSL account.  We have received many (800 to date) from our Field Day contacts, and other public demonstrations .  All incoming eQSLs have been sent the W6TJ QSL shown below.  Some of the incoming eQSL’s for Field Day contacts are also shown:

  • W6TJ to VE7NSR
  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Field Day 2017

Highlight photos from Field Day 2017:

  • Antenna setup crew
  • Break time
  • Contesting - Bob Trujillo (KG6NIB) on the mike with Don Bower (AG6HQ) logging. Clair Cessna (K6LG) looking on
  • Councilman Jim Perry and Bob Trujillo (KG6NIB)
  • Rick's (KK6CTT) Setup
  • Dick Norton from ARRL pays a visit
  • Dave setting up
  • Dutch Oven by KK6CTT - Cheesy Bread
  • Dutch Oven Monkey Bread
  • Edgar - Fan Dipole. Wow!
  • Edgar - Inside
  • Edgar - Our Antenna is bigger than yours! Hi Hi!
  • Field Day Chair - Larry WA6PMY
  • Fire Station 5 arrives for a visit
  • Firefighter signs in
  • First Aid Station
  • Manning the Get On The Air (GOTA) station
  • Helping hands make for light work
  • How many Hams does it take to...
  • Iron Chef Rick (KK6CTT)
  • J Pole works fine
  • Not an antenna...
  • Ray (N6KZM) at the BBQ. Carne Asada at it's best!
  • Rick explains how it works to a new Ham
  • Socializing
  • There will be food!
  • Comfort zone
  • An unusual visitor
  • We are patriotic too
  • Taking a break
  • What we do!
  • Who we are!

 

Photo Album

2025 Winter Field Day

2024 ARRL Field Day

2023 ARRL Field Day

2022 ARRL Field Day

2021 ARRL Field Day

2020 ARRL Field Day

Riverside Emergency Preparedness Fair, September 2019

Meeting August 8, 2019 – 64rd Anniversary Potluck 

2019 ARRL Field Day

W6TJ at the School Science Fair

January 2019 Meeting Pictures

RCARA Christmas Party 2018

Meeting July 12, 2018 – Post Field Day and Go-Bag show and tell

Meeting August 9, 2018 – 63rd Anniversary Potluck

2018 ARRL Field Day

2017 ARRL Field Day

2016 ARRL Field Day

Field Day 2018

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Field Day 2018!  Here are some of the highlights from the event:

Update 11/2018 – The results from QST have been published

Videos from FaceBook:

https://www.facebook.com/RCARA.W6TJ/videos/1013167772172141/

https://www.facebook.com/politicus58/videos/2072817726266873/

Please enjoy the slideshow of pictures from the event:

  • SOME OF THE CROWD

 

Field Day 2016

Some of the “Stars” from Field Day 2016

In spite of the intense heat wave, several brave souls ventured out to this year’s Field Day event at the
California Citrus State Historical Park. The location proved to be most satisfactory and the
accommodations served our purpose quite well.

There was a large covered shelter and plenty of picnic tables, tall trees and several flat areas. The
restrooms were clean and in close proximity to the set ups. The park rangers were very cooperative and
made every effort to make the event pleasant.

Several volunteers showed up on Friday to set up two stations, a GOTA station and a satellite station.
On Saturday, the Boy Scouts from Troop #2 opened the official Field Days with a flag ceremony and the
Pledge of Allegiance which added a colorful touch.

We had plenty of cold water, soda and gator aid to keep everyone well hydrated. The club provided
lunch on Friday for the volunteers and as usual, members and guests donated a wide variety of culinary
delights for Saturday’s Pot Luck.

There are so many to thank for their donations of time, equipment and assorted other necessities.
In no specific order, we are grateful to the following:

Larry WA6PMY, Field Day Chair and his able committee

Thomas Junker who was a major player in handling the heavy lifting and being an excellent “gopher” as
needed.

Bob KG6NIB and Chris KQ6UP who set up the stations, antennas and satellite station with the able
assistance of Jim AG6JN, Ed KF6BNQ, Brad N6GTC as well as several others

The Boy Scouts from Troop #2 and their able leader Mike N6TKR

The EmComm Group: Rick KK6CTT, Ray N6KZM, Chaplin Dave and several others who set up and
maintained the GOTA station and provided overnight security

Jeff KW6MOT brought his unique bicycle mobile and helped with overnight security and loaned us the
portable PA system. He also served as Safety Officer which added points

West Coast Battery donated 3 12 volt batteries, facilitated by Tom WW7T who made the initial contact
and helped secure the batteries

Big Five Sporting Goods donated several door prizes and we thank Rick KK6CTT for his part in obtaining
the items.

Riverside City Fire Department, Captain Tim supplied and delivered coolers and ice throughout the event

Donna KK6UDF donated 5 cases of water and helped with the pot luck set up

Juan KK6LJK brought a cooler full of ice and gator aid

Mike KA6VPW loaned us 2 of his personal generators, fuel cans and a heavy duty extension cord

Jim AG6EA supplied the loan of his personal generator, fuel and a battery charger

Mathew Thurman did an excellent job of photographing the event all three days and was my right hand assistant in loading, moving equipment and other duties as needed

Kay KCOSMH from Country Village who assisted with the pot luck set up and much needed support
Bob Randleman N6CEU who spent a lot of time making contacts

Everyone else who attended and contributed to the success of this event. I apologize if I have left
anyone off the list … it certainly was not intentional

The Yaesu FT-60R HT raffle prize was won by Bob KG6NIB. Congratulations Bob and thank you to all
who supported this endeavor.

In conclusion, I ask that you send me your thoughts, suggestions and observations so that we can make
improvements where necessary for future events. Constructive criticism is welcome.

 

Picture highlights from Field Day 2016;

Here is the original Field Day 2016 PDF Page