Winter FIeld Day
Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2025 2:32 pm
Winter Field Day is less than 3 weeks away!
What are your plans for operating this year? (It will be interesting to go back and do a self hot wash to see what you think worked with your plan / setup and what did not).
I will be using WFD as a baseline for getting out and operating ARRL Field Day in June. So this one will be done at the house.
I will be using the N3JFP logging software, as I like its features and scaleability, (the only thing I do not like is its reliance on the N7YG Digital engine for digital work). I was hoping and still prefer using an external TU for RTTY / digital mode work. 1) I find the LEDs easier to tune the singal vs the waterfall display, I like the idea that the TU/TNC allows me to be hardware agnostic. IE: if the computer fails, I simply need any old computer with at least a serial port and I am good to go, vs relying on a sound card, getting the drivers configured, etc. Maybe in 6 months between field day I can find a solution.
I am working on a WINLINK solution, I have Airmail and the Kantronics ready to go, but I need to find a PMBO that still supports PACTOR 1. It would be nice to get the bonus points, but I do not know if I can shell out the $60 for a VaraHF license right now.
I purchased a Heil monaural headset with boom mic, and a foot PTT switch to aid with logging.
I will see if I can get some decent pre-recorded messages done for the exchange, and how I cam integrate that with N3JFP (Since I do not have the Yaesu remote control unit!).
I will be using the North American QSO party as a dry run for WFD.
The main goal will be to at least get the coveted WAS (Worked All States) award out of this!
It is great to be able to contest again!
73 de KF6HDJ
What are your plans for operating this year? (It will be interesting to go back and do a self hot wash to see what you think worked with your plan / setup and what did not).
I will be using WFD as a baseline for getting out and operating ARRL Field Day in June. So this one will be done at the house.
I will be using the N3JFP logging software, as I like its features and scaleability, (the only thing I do not like is its reliance on the N7YG Digital engine for digital work). I was hoping and still prefer using an external TU for RTTY / digital mode work. 1) I find the LEDs easier to tune the singal vs the waterfall display, I like the idea that the TU/TNC allows me to be hardware agnostic. IE: if the computer fails, I simply need any old computer with at least a serial port and I am good to go, vs relying on a sound card, getting the drivers configured, etc. Maybe in 6 months between field day I can find a solution.
I am working on a WINLINK solution, I have Airmail and the Kantronics ready to go, but I need to find a PMBO that still supports PACTOR 1. It would be nice to get the bonus points, but I do not know if I can shell out the $60 for a VaraHF license right now.
I purchased a Heil monaural headset with boom mic, and a foot PTT switch to aid with logging.
I will see if I can get some decent pre-recorded messages done for the exchange, and how I cam integrate that with N3JFP (Since I do not have the Yaesu remote control unit!).
I will be using the North American QSO party as a dry run for WFD.
The main goal will be to at least get the coveted WAS (Worked All States) award out of this!
It is great to be able to contest again!
73 de KF6HDJ