This video discusses all the preparations that go into my backyard ham radio Field Day 2020 operation. The music is my original music.
Пікірлер: 103
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Well, of course after the video is shot, I learn that the League explained a few things and it looks like I will be 1E instead of 1B. No worries. I’ll be operating either way!
@eliotmayer4 жыл бұрын
K2CJB Radio, Nice video. But why 1E? If your antenna and all are separate from your permanent station, it sounds like 1B. I am doing basically the same thing this FD as you, and plan to be 1B. - W1MJ
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Eliot Mayer Someone corrected my plan on the ARRL FD Facebook group. Apparently the league said that if you operate 1B it needs to be a “good hike” from your home facilities (bathroom, kitchen, etc). They also said that your backyard is your licensed location, which isn’t portable. So, 1E is the correct class. I’ll keep checking it out this week.
@eliotmayer4 жыл бұрын
K2CJB Radio Hi again Chris. I think you received misinformation, and I suggest that you email the ARRL contest manager directly via email to ask. I did this when working with a local school club back when Dan Henderson was in charge of FD at HQ. Similar situation, moving all the gear from the shack to the school grounds, stringing up antennas just for FD, and using generators. Dan’s response about this being a Class 1A was interesting. He said something like, “Yes, but don’t tell anyone”. In other words, it would be nice for 1A/1B to be further from home but not necessary. And not a great idea in this pandemic. I could probably find Dan’s email if you are interested. 73, Eliot W1MJ, eliotmayer@yahoo.com
@eliotmayer4 жыл бұрын
Chris, it looks like the ARRL has changed their tune since Dan Henderson's response some years ago. I just found confirmation of your 1E conclusion, and I will do the same. It is in this FAQ page: www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2020/1_62-2020%20FD%20FAQ.pdf "Convenient access across one’s backyard to their home station facilities is not in keeping with the spirit of Class A or Class B portable operations. Such convenient backyard operations on property of home stations remain either Class D (commercial power)or Class E (emergency power), even if home antenna structures are not used. If the station will be a ‘good hike’ away from a home station (eg, at the rear of a several acre lot, or perhaps operating from a farmers field down the road) - clearly away from home conveniences (away from home utilities, or home restrooms/bedrooms, or even eating facilities/refrigerator/kitchen) - then Class A (3 or more persons portable) or Class B (1 or 2 person portable) is appropriate."
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Eliot Mayer Yep. That’s the document. No worries. I’ll be in my tent the whole time only using the bathroom in the house.
@stevemcnaughton-kb3jc964 жыл бұрын
I called my field this weekend 1B. I was using my portable rig (FT-818), bioenno battery (12 AH) and solar panel, and two of my portable antennas, a LNR ETF-10/20/40 and a super antenna MP-1. I did all CW, had 66 contacts, some as far away as California, South Texas and Montana. All from Western Pa. Life is too fun for QRO! One thing that really helped me this year was the Wolfwave audio processor, if you do CW it turns the 817/818 into a world class CW transceiver! 73 KB3JC
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Steve McNaughton Great! I need to install the cw filter. There was no way I could have operated without it. Lesson learned!
@OutdoorsOnTheAir4 жыл бұрын
Hi Chris, I really enjoyed this video! I'm always interested in seeing how others do the big event and the amount of detail you gave was very informative. Take care, my friend.
@NelsonReyesJr4 жыл бұрын
Bug spray, first aid kit, change of clothes, and wet wipes (for dry bathing and just cooling off).
@williampeacock94734 жыл бұрын
Do not forget the bug spray ! I learned that the hard way. Have a great time and Ham it up. 73 William Peacock AE4OY EM-81UF
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
William Peacock Absolutely! Thanks!
@piecetrain97674 жыл бұрын
Nice video. Check into how much you want to deplete your lead acid batteries. I don’t go below 50% capacity to avoid damage. A voltmeter will help there. I tape the chart of the corresponding capacity to voltages to my lead acid battery. LiFePO4 don’t have that problem but their voltage does not correspond well to capacity so an ammeter is helpful. Sounds like you acquired one. Good luck.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Piece Train Thanks for the tip. I’ve never run them down that far. I do have the inline meter and I also threw a multimeter in the bag.
@ronlewis63944 жыл бұрын
As a long time camper, (scouting, 23 yrs military) dont forget some form of wet weather gear for you and equipment. Do not forget first-aid items. Cot in tent is better than the ground. If no cot, consider a sleep pad under sleeping bag. Beaware of tent placement, like the antenna, look for overhead dangers. Tree limbs do fall on tents as well as block radio signals.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Excellent advice! I’ll take another look around the spot I’m thinking of and look up! Definitely planning on using air mattress. If not, we do have a pad I can use
@SpeakingArrow4 жыл бұрын
Good job brother. I’ve had thousands of hours in a tent Tnx to BSA events. IN THE BACK YARD I’m using two generators one large 4KW fer rig and fan power plus an 80 watt Harbor Freight for lighting and battery charging. My antennas are home brew dipole and random wire verticals. C u on the air. N4NRL K
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Jay Langley I thought about firing up the generator. I’ll see how the batteries hold up. Since I am 1E and not 1B like I thought, I could do that. Thanks for watching! Have fun!
@HondaGoBwaaap4 жыл бұрын
Good video, remember that for field day you can run the laptop off of commercial power when you are using it for logging, when you switch to FT-8 you will have to run it from the battery.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
wg52389 That’s good to know! I thought everything had to be battery.
@denniskeith87254 жыл бұрын
@@k2cjbradio The transceiver has to run on battery or other non-commercial power. Anything else (logging computer, lights, fans, etc.) can be on commercial power. Sounds like you have a great setup there. I'm thinking of operating from my travel trailer in my yard with a portable antenna. Good luck and maybe I can work you on 20 or 40 SSB. NC4DK.
@JnJTrueOutdoorAdventures4 жыл бұрын
Great video and planning!! I will also be doing FD from my home using my 817ND, Raspberry Pi with Build-A-Pi by KM4ACK for digital when not doing SSB, I will be using my homebrewed WRC clone antenna as well as my homebrewed 9:1 unun random wire end fed wire. For power I will be using one of the bioenno batteries (like the one you have) along with the bioenno folding solar panel and charge controller. For the Raspberry Pi I will use some of those recharging power packs like yours since the Pi requires 5 volts and for the screen I will be using my iPad mini using VNC which turns the iPad into a monitor for the Raspberry Pi. I already have a tent, and if it is good weather I have my camping hammock. I have a small camping burner that uses propane/butane fuel. I have a lot of bushcraft gear that I can use for camping. It will be great to see how a lot of hams will do field day this year! 73 and good luck, Juddie WD8WV PS: For CW I may take along my QRP-Labs QCX40 qrp cw rig that I have on my channel that I built. It is a kit qrp radio and I used it for FD 2018 in my back yard. Made 38 contact (I think) that year.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
J & J True Outdoor Adventures Great plan! I have to get into Raspberry Pi! Haven’t done it yet. Hope to work you!
@Locksnut4 жыл бұрын
Good video thanks. Will be helping with N4POW in Powhatan Va. under open shelter and taking all the precautions. We have at least 6 signed up for testing. Hope to work you. 73 de N4WLC
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Locksnut Fantastic! Thanks for watching and hope to work you!
@leemonaco53773 жыл бұрын
Hi, just wanted to tell you that I heard you on field day. You were coming in 5 by 9 nice signal into long island Nassau county. I couldn't answer you, because I am only a tech. Like your videos, and just subscribed. Kb2rzy lee
@k2cjbradio3 жыл бұрын
Lee Monaco That’s awesome! It was really rough operating. Good to know I got out somewhere!
@timhays99814 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. As stated below in the comments, there are always things we think of when we get to the field day site. As most of us will be doing field day at home, it will give all of us a chance to learn what our capabilities are and hopefully we never have to use them that way. I hope you have the best field day you have ever had and I hope to you and work you on field day weekend. 73 KG9NA Tim
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Tim Hays Thanks Tim! Yes, the whole idea of Field Day is to test our capabilities and practice portable operations. I’m really looking forward to it. Hope to,work you!
@zanado114 жыл бұрын
Excellent plan, well thought out. I would recommend using a small blowup mattress or cot rather than sleeping directly on the ground. I’m 69 and find it adds to a better night’s sleep. Last weekend my youngest grandson wanted to camp for the first time and had a comfortable night. 73 and good luck. W8RLP Roger
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
zanado11 Thanks! We do have an air mattress that I will have with me for sure.
@timg5tm9414 жыл бұрын
Great video .. thanks
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Tim G5TM Thanks for checking it out!
@donaldsmith30484 жыл бұрын
I know that the LiFePo4 batteries cost more. But they have a much longer life, giving much more power per pound than the lead acid battery. I have 2 60 amp hour 12 volt batteries they are easy to move around and last a very long time. You do need to have a battery management system on there but many of them come with the BMS made into the battery. As for the fan I have 3 "O2Cool fans I use when Hurricane takes my power out. They run on D cells and have a good run time. I don't know what I would do without them. 2 or 3 days without power in South Florida after a Hurricane without a fan can be bad. Good Luck! 73. W4DES
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Donald Smith Thanks! I have heard a lot about the Bioenno’s and will probably migrate over to them, if not just for the lighter weight. The SLA’s get heavy after awhile, although I don’t hike with them. I did order a fan on Amazon and I think it was an O2Cool if I remember correctly. Looking forward to this that’s for sure! Thanks again!
@kurtwolter39844 жыл бұрын
Fantastic content!
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Kurt Wolter Thanks!
@ralphmills73224 жыл бұрын
Good choice on the Coleman Sundome 4, I have an older 4 person model that I got
@ralphmills73224 жыл бұрын
P.S. I'll be running 1E ME using my Xiegu g90 for a few hours. I plan to be on 20 & 40 Meter bands SSB. (EFHW). I hope to see you down the log. 73 de ab1op
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Ralph Mills Thanks!! I have to get the seam sealer yet. I do have a tarp I can put under the tent. I also did a test run of putting the tent up. The pic in the video is my tent in the yard. I’ll keep an eye out for you! Have fun!
@clairedurgan59214 жыл бұрын
Have fun with it! I will be doing a 1D setup at my apartment. I just wish I had more space and the Landlord's blessing to have a vertical as 75m is really noisy where I live and I did contact the power company to make sure it wasnt a bad transformer or something nearby as it hampers my operations on 75 with a 20+S9 Noise Floor. If it isn't fixed it is not the end of the world I still have 40-6 on my EFHW meant for 75m. Wish I had a proper 2m antenna for my IC746 so I could try 2m SSB and FT8 but I didnt want to step on my landlords toes on that one. Hard to be E class as I dont have a battery bank or solar array and then again I am running a full barefoot setup with what I have. DE WZ9O
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Claire Durgan The EFHW will work well for you. A friend of mine has one and loves it. 20 over noise is incredible. Geez. Hopefully the power company will find the problem. Hope to work you!
@streetshooters4 жыл бұрын
I am experienced camper so (1) bug spray; (2) a blowup mat and (3) a cheap sleeping bag so you can grab a couple zzzs after midnight and also allows you to stretch out and get out of the chair. BTW it gets cold even in June in some places like here in Canada and it can be rainy. (4) A head lamp with a strap is handy and hands free. (5) If you got them full noise-cancelling headphones will help if there's rain or wind noise. (6) Simplicity is key. I asked about 1B and the intent of the event says the ARRL is be somewhere else than home. I could operate just off my property running 1B with a portable antenna but really 1E (battery) is so much easier for us old guys operating alone that I think I'll go that route with a new antenna and working off the porch under a covered roof. My KX-2 is setup for CW, SSB and FT-8 with the Signalink into a PC laptop so should be good to go and I will take a significant portion of the night off so I can get 12-15 hours in I'll be happy. Good luck. Enjoyed the video 73 - VE3HG
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
I have a head lamp and will make sure that is in the arsenal. Also have the air mattress and sleeping bag. And bug spray! I have a pair of nice canceling headphones somewhere. I’ll have to dig them out. And it looks like I won’t be 1B but rather 1E. Apparently the League issued an explanation on that. Thanks for watching!!
@kamaaina20124 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a great plan.. please do a video after FD and give a report on how the antennas preformed.. Ive been spendingn weeks on different antennas for the field.. Would like to hear what you experienced... 73
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
kamaaina2012 Thanks! Here’s the FD video. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nptzlKqJ3762o6s.html
@oldpreach4 жыл бұрын
Great information ! Thanks !
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
oldpreach Thanks for watching!!
@oldpreach4 жыл бұрын
@@k2cjbradio Of course. Always look forward to your videos.
@BradSnyder14 жыл бұрын
Looks like you got it all figured out! Having a fan is probably a good idea. haha 73
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Brad Snyder Yup. Ordering it today!
@BradSnyder14 жыл бұрын
@@k2cjbradio Nice! Which one did you order?
@WA2SVM4 жыл бұрын
Hi Chris, Thanks for posting this video. It is very informative and I am curious to see how going "all battery" works out. Also, I can't wait to hear how the longwire antenna works out. Please make a video showing the install and test process (good or bad). I have a co-worker WA2OQV who has a rather long backyard fence and is planning to do the same thing. Hope to work you that weekend, 73!
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Definitely will have a video of how it all turns out! No matter how things work or not, it will be a new adventure for me that’s for sure!
@walshgeo4 жыл бұрын
Chris, Another good video. There is more to setting up for field day than I even imagined. This will be my first field day. I got a new bioeno battery and a buddistick with my KX3 and yaseu 857D and my elk river 2m/70cm directional. Maybe I will run into you on the air. Thanks for the video. 73 George KB3WAQ
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
george walsh Hopefully we’ll work each other! Sounds like you’re all set.
@walshgeo4 жыл бұрын
@@k2cjbradio Chris, As a technician I will be using the 10 meter band for HF. I am still trying to perfect my skill set using the buddistick and my KX3 (low power). I can put out more power with my yeasu and my Elk river directional antenna on 2m. We'll see. Thanks again. 73 George KB3WAQ
@jimmeeGray4 жыл бұрын
Keep your tent well ventilated. Some batteries give off fumes that can send you into a deep sleep that can eventually cause your death. If possible keep all power sources OUTSIDE of your tent. 73 de 8P6DY
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
jimmy gray Thanks!!
@jimmoreno13674 жыл бұрын
Chris, I plan to do the same, but in the front yard. I would like to do field day our of the RV, but this will have to do. You are a Bauer, planning is your past time. Just ask your aunt. LOL. Best of luck and I will be checking here. You didn't mention how you would record the experience so you can show it here on your station. Keep up the good hobby presentations. Uncle Jim.
@w.rustylane56504 жыл бұрын
What is 1 Brovo? I will get my Technician license next month (20 August 2020). I cannot wait to get my license. I used to be a CB side bander back in the mid 70's through the 80's. I don't even have a HAM radio rig. Guess I'll have to reprogram the PLL chip in my old JC Penney's radio to get into the 10 meter band (28 MHz). I'm a retired, disabled Vietnam vet with no budget for a HAM radio. It took a whole month to convince my wife to spend $12.00 to take my Technician license. I have studied my ass off in preparation for taking the test. I've taken 2 practice tests which I scored 100% on both. I love the idea of "field days" for the amateur radio operators. Cannot wait to get involved in this.
@mark3514 жыл бұрын
I'm not far from you and plan to do similar. Whether I use tent or my camper will be based on the weather forecast. I am planning on using my little Harbor Freight 2-cycle generator along with pulling my station equipment less amp out.. I wasn't planning on digital modes but that would be quiet for overnight. If you plan on catching a few Z's you may want an air mattress, camping pad or yoga mat plus pillow, sheet and blanket. You need the full experience and to stay with your stuff at night.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Mark Kempisty Definitely planning on staying out all night. We have a single blowup mattress that I’ll probably use. My wife also has a mat that would work if I don’t use the mattress
@TheSmokinApe4 жыл бұрын
Wow, looks like you have a solid plan 👍
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
TheSmokinApe Thanks! Hope the weather cooperates!
@ARRLHudson4 жыл бұрын
All is not lost, really. Plenty to do with 1E and you can even take your car and operate mobile (1C). However your station must be usable in-motion. Can't take your car and then set up antennas at the destination. That would be A or B.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
ARRL Hudson Division Thanks! 1E worked fine for me. Here’s the video of my weekend. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nptzlKqJ3762o6s.html
@paulhastings31094 жыл бұрын
Be running the same, my laptop is windows. One thing not sure of it singal link. It sounds great. 73 see you on field day
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Paul Hastings Yes, I have to test the Signalink yet. See you on FD!!
@paulhastings31094 жыл бұрын
@@k2cjbradio the antenna is delta loop, going work on it tomorrow for 40 mts with 4-1 balun. Single link that is all greek Been off ham radio 1991 it is so definitely be a learning curve 73
@19TC5044 жыл бұрын
maybe a fun idea to use the vintage radio during a field day,as sayed before i m not a ham radio operator but my club,also do cb and during event the use vintage radio,s its very cool 73,s 19RF013/19CT031
@TechGearJunkie4 жыл бұрын
Nice Video Chris. I’ll just do what you are doing , then I won’t have to plan anything. 😃
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Then we can make the same mistakes!! Thanks Greg! Hope you are well!
@MAWazaLLC4 жыл бұрын
We’ll be operating 2E from our QTH backyard just up the road from you. KC3HUL
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
MAWazaLLC Excellent! See you on the air!
@1crazynordlander4 жыл бұрын
Are you giving your message to your congregation from your tent? Have a great weekend. I have family here so no field day for me.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
1crazynordlander Luckily one of the other guys is preaching that Sunday! I told him I’ll be there, but done know how awake I’ll be!
@brucemanning87554 жыл бұрын
One thing you might want is some OFF or other but spray. Also flash light for to and from the house at night. de NJ3K
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Bruce Manning Thanks! I usually have bug spray with me when I do POTA activations, and I’ll make sure I have it for FD. Good idea on the flashlight.
@reidlanham20114 жыл бұрын
Great video and great plan. Good luck and hope to make contact with you that weekend! K8JLW
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Reid Lanham Thanks! Hope to work you too!
@jsgll...godgunsliberty11974 жыл бұрын
When the power grid goes down will the repeaters go down ?
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
JSG ll. . . God, Guns & Liberty They’ll stay up as long as their backup power source is running. When that runs out, it will be all simplex!
@westsenkovec4 жыл бұрын
Hi! Is there a way to contact you? Would you be so kind to help me troubleshooting a problem that I have with my new radios? You're very knowledgeable and I would appreciate your help.
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
West Senkovec Email is good on QRZ.com
@ka8gov4 жыл бұрын
Well hello there my name is Cliff a my call sign is ka8gov I am going to try to operate field day from my apartment I live in a senior citizens apartment I just ordered a dipole antenna made by chameleonI'm going to try to string it up in my bedroom where my ham shack is I'll be running a yaesu 450 CW and single sideband in the general class I'm hoping I don't get no complaints it's a 10 to 160 meter antenna you think it will work okay in my ham shack
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Chameleon makes great products! Inside antennas are always “iffy” but any contact you make is better than no contact at all! Thanks for watching!
@prestonshute72434 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good plan. Hope to work you 73 wd4dda
@k2cjbradio4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Looks like I’ll be 1E, but that’s ok. I’ll be out there! See you on FD!
@eden70804 жыл бұрын
So where is the ARRL child protection plan giving hams members guidelines to keep young hams safe at events like Field Day- Ask your section manager, better yet, email k5ur@aol.com ands ask him where is the plan>? ? The board won't consider it and why? You have really ask yourself why......