Field Day 2021

 FARA concluded another successful ARRL Field Day.  Thirty-two members signed in one or more days of the 3 day event.  We operated in Class 1A, multi-operator, single transmitter club station.  863 SSB contacts were made by the eight operators on either 20M, 40M, or 80M.  The contacts provided a claimed score of 1,726.  In addition, we claimed 950 bonus points, for a total claimed score of 2,676.

Based on the scores being posted in near real-time on the online score websites, our modest 2021 operation did very well.

The new communications trailer performed well and was a great operating platform.  The operating stations are comfortable, with plenty of light, ventilation, and power outlets.  We hooked up a cell router to the trailer's network, which provided Internet access to the logging computer.  Ralph, N1YHS, did a fantastic job bringing the trailer project to life.

We enjoyed the usual Saturday evening and Sunday lunch cookouts.  Gene, KX1C, served as grill master.  In addition, Jim, KC1KM, "Killer Mouse Electric Company", assisted by Charlie, K1CB, provided a great breakfast for the Sunday morning crowd.  Jim's electric company provided the generators used during Field Day.

The new location at the Morse Pond School location proved to be a good Field Day site.

The 2021 Field Day operation was modest compared to previous years and the turnout was much lower than usual.  However, given that we are just emerging from the COVID crisis, Field Day 2021 was a successful and enjoyable event.  It was certainly nice to have face to face QSO's!

Thank you to all of the members who turned out to help with setup, operations, and teardown--many hands make light work.

Some images from Field Day 2021:

Falmouth ARA Field Day 21 Setup

 The FD setup crew, consisting of 14 of the usual suspects, met at the FARA storage container at 10 am.  There were trucks, SUV's and vans, so more than enough room for the equipment

The equipment was transported to the Morse Pond School, this year's FD site.  The site is ideal, since it is close to town, has a permanent "tent", and plenty of room for antennas.

Ralph brought in the new FARA Communications trailer.  Ralph, N1YHS, did a fabulous job on the trailer.  It has three great operating positions, lots of VHF/UHF radios and antennas, battery power, and numerous well thought-out features to support a variety of operations.

The tower and antenna setup went smoothly.  All that is left is to power up with the generator on Saturday morning and check out the station operation.  Many thanks to the setup crew for a job well done.

A few photos:

Field Day 2021 Information

 

Location: Morse Pond School, 330 Jones Rd in Falmouth.

Setup: 10am, Friday, June 25

Operations: 1400 Saturday June 26 through 1400 Sunday June 27

Teardown: After 1400 on Sunday 27 June

We need volunteers for setup, operations, and teardown.  This year we particularly need 2-3 volunteers with pickup trucks in order to move gear from the storage trailer to the school and back.  This is the first year operating from the new communications trailer, so there are likely to be some challenges.

The public is invited and there will be opportunities for interested people to "get on the air" and make a contact via amateur radio.