Winter Field Day

[wi8w]

I have heard this mentioned from time to time, #but is there really any interest in conducting a Field Day exercise in the Winter?

We are all eager to venture out in the field in late June and have to put up with the mosquitos, rain and thunderstorms, not to mention the constant static on the low bands.

After all, we should be prepared to serve in a communications role no matter what the conditions or the weather. #This would be a good opprotunity to see just how different a Field Day exercise would be compared to the way we are all used to it in summer.

So what are your thoughts?

[W7WV]

I think you will get very little response from those that live in the snow areas.
It would work great for those of us located in the SW. And if I go any further South I'm going to have to start speaking Spanish!
Good luck with the idea.

[kb9num]

I like the idea, but may have to find some other portable shelter. I normally use an open sided screen tent and sleep on the ground. Winter in Wisconsin would not be kind to that. I do like field day...

[KV4BL]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wi8w @ Sep. 03 2003,09:47)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have heard this mentioned from time to time, #but is there really any interest in conducting a Field Day exercise in the Winter?

We are all eager to venture out in the field in late June and have to put up with the mosquitos, rain and thunderstorms, not to mention the constant static on the low bands.

After all, we should be prepared to serve in a communications role no matter what the conditions or the weather. #This would be a good opprotunity to see just how different a Field Day exercise would be compared to the way we are all used to it in summer.

So what are your thoughts?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I've wondered about having FD in the winter or maybe even the fall, when you could really enjoy the commune with nature more, too. # If one more FD a year is too much, wonder how folks would feel about alternating FD from year to year; #say January in odd numbered years and June in even numbered years or something on that order. #Yes, this could be a bit much for the hams in climates that more closely resemble "REAL" winter than we normally have here in SC, but earthquakes and other disasters can and do happen in the cold, too. #Might be good for the pitfalls of such a scenario to come to light through a fun simulated situation rather than find out, too late, that you can't go 24+ hours with only one tank of Kerosene in your little space heater when the real thing happens. Interesting topic.
73,
# # #Ray #KV4BL

[WM5L]

I would love to do a winter field day. Texas summers are awful!

[n8zux]

DE MI I was wondering if you ever been up here in the GR8 White North ? this place in Fall is Deer Hunting Season, Winter is Snow Mobiling, Christmas , Happy New Year, and watch Idiots who drive fast cars into the ditch I don't know if its to see the Air Bag pop open or what ? we hams tend to be busy calling 911 when Accidents happen, collisions, drive off roads into ditches. Hunting season brought on these nice tree stands, and people who are drunk or in a hurry fall down and we have to help out finding these people. but most of Us tend to stay home and probably in the Shack or busy running snow blowers, shovel snow, etc.. come on up It's a real treat especially UP the Road snow piles Ten feet high ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif also listn to everyone who cannot handle our cold WX say they wish they were back down where there is no snow. We have plenty of SNOW for FREE! take as much as you want.. get a Big loader full !! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

The ARRL headquarters are in Connecticut... Hmmm, why would these people choose to have field day during the warmest part of the year, I wonder?

Here in the southern tip of Texas, most of the hams are retirees from up north somewhere, and they are generally too infirm to put up with the high heat and humidity to be found here on field day. I'm a native Texan and have trouble with it, myself. Many of the hams here would be risking thier lives to stand or even sit around in the heat all day. On account of this fact alone, field day in this area is not a popular activity.

If we could do field day during november, it would be twice as popular here.

If it were up to me, there would either be four field days a year, or just one that rotated through the seasons. I don't see any particular reason for only preparing for emergencies that might happen while the weather is nice in Connecticut.

Emergencies are funny that way; They never seem to happen on schedule or when they are expected. We should at least make a stab at being prepared year-round, on account of that. Personally, I like the idea of doing them quarterly best of all.

I wouldn't feel so bad about putting up with the worst weather that south Texas has to offer if I knew that Connecticut hams would be facing their area's worst just six months later. The fall and spring exercises would help compensate everybody for summer and winter.

The theory is that if you do it every three months, you do not lose your edge (and your equipment) between exercises like you would tend to do with an annual effort. Hams are generally taking emergency communications more seriously these days... Perhaps it would be appropriate to consider doubling up on field day, or maybe even doing it quarterly.

Charles Brabham, #N5PVL

[kc2jga]

I would like to see a winter field day up here in NY. Like I had read in other posts, we cannot always depend on mother nature to give us good weather during an emergency. Especially when you live East of Lake Ontario. Snow tends to pile up into the ranges of feet. Normal street travel by car is virtually impossible. And the temperatures can get way down below zero.
Hope the idea continues to roll!
73's
Mike

[ae4fa]

Guy, ARCI already sponsors four mini filed days a year - one in each season. They're called "QRP To The Field" events. Do a search for ARCI and read all about it.

Really is a lot of fun. You don't have to worry about setting up generators or lugging huge batteries, or even taking the shack apart to move the big rig. Set-up is a breeze. Just shoot a line up a tree or two, pull up the antenna, pull the rig and battery out of your pocket, and get on the air.

[KF4QPY]

i personly would like to see at least two field days per year as i like and can tolerate cooler weather more so than warmer wx and as others have stated emergencys can happen at any time of the year no matter what the wx plus it will help keep us in practice a lot more
73 kf4qpy

[K3BM]

I think a January or February Field Day would be great.
November and December are busy times of the year unless
the ARRL converted the Sweepstakes into a Winter FD.

73, Bob K3BM

[KG4ROT]

In NC, I have seen both..Hurricane Fran and Ice Storms. Power down for 7 to 10 days on both occasions. I would be pumped for a winter field day. Of course, if it was 10 feet of snow here, I am not sure what I'd do.
w4rot

[jmzoss]

WINTER FIELD DAY
I think that is an excellent idea. As I recall the real purpose of Field Day is to test the emergency communications capability of amateur operators. Having a field day during the winter months will certainly seperate the men from the whiners and would create challenges to the operators.

This is an excellent idea and I know most of the hams in Michigan know how to tough it enough to do a field day in January or February.

Let's DO IT.

Jim (W8JMZ)

[na4it]

Well, I think that Charles Brabham, N5PVL has hit on an idea that would be doo-able!

Let's have Field Day 4 times a year, i.e., winter, spring, summer, and fall. Only thing is you can only participate once per year. Then, add all the scores throughout the year for the contest awards. And, once you have participated say in the fall of one year, you can change seasons the next.

I'm game!

Good idea Charles, you old packet guru you! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[k0jjm]

I would very much like to try it in a different season. Between the heat and the summer activities, trying it in the fall or winter might make a pleasant change and increase participation. Here in Kansas, like many of the Southern states, late June is extremely hot and many of the "older" hams really struggle with it. I would think that a fall weekend would be great. Let's pick a date and I will meet people on the air from the Flint Hills of Kansas running out of my camper!

[WD8OQX]

I've often said, prepare for the worst and you will be prepared for anything.

Let's go for it....

WD8OQX

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[KD7WHQ]

I'm for it.
As said, emergencies happen year round. Why only run the exercize in the milder weather?

[w0liv]

Well, if some of you want to get out in the field, all you would need to do is talk with a local Scout unit and make plans to go out for JOTA in Oactober. Good opportunity to show Ham Radio to a group of Scouts.
.

[N7KNB]

Winter field day is a wonderful idea! It would bring a different bread of amatures out, though at low numbers I'm sure. At least this way we would know who is willing and capable of doing such a task. This is important information the know during an emergency. Dan

[N2EY]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kf4qpy @ Sep. 07 2003,06:41)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">i personly would like to see at least two field days per year as i like and can tolerate cooler weather more so than warmer wx and as others have stated emergencys can happen at any time of the year no matter what the wx plus it will help keep us in practice a lot more
73 kf4qpy[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I second that motion!

Besides the wx issue, having more FDs would give more practice and more opportunities to try out different things, which is the whole idea, right?

--

Way back in the 1930s, when FD first started, there *were* two Field Days per year. One was in early June and the other in late August. The late August one never had much participation and only lasted a few years.

After WW2, FD moved to the 4th full weekend in June.

--

I'd LOVE a 'winter' FD!! Even in EPA it's hot and humid in late June - when it's not thunder and lightning, that is.

The trick is to find a weekend in the cooler part of the year that is not a national holiday, a major contest, a major sports event or a major hamfest. Not an easy task!

73 de Jim, N2EY

Grand Poobah, Jug Southgate's Bunch

every FD since 1968

[n6yvy]

What is flied day all about? Going camping or testing how well your equipment works?
We all head to our favorite campsite and contest. Why not do it for real you have to setup your local park or high school gym or parking lot BECAUSE if something happens that’s where you really are going to setup. Not at the beach or somewhere else. By setting up there you really find your limit’s like rigging up your antennas how much room your really going to get. Also you can put a banner up and let the community now what they can do.
73
Bob N6YVY

[kw9u]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (n6yvy @ Sep. 08 2003,07:34)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">What is flied day all about?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Flies. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[ke4sky]

For this to work the rules would need to provide a "misery multiplier."

I would recommend as a starting point for discussion taking the factor of the number operating hours during which more than an inch of rain fell and the mud in camp was over 1" deep (document with copies of NWS weather forecast and photos of muddy operators), or alternately if the outdoor operating temperature remained below 32 degs. F, in combination with sleet, ice or snow. #You'd get additional multipliers for accumulated snowfall during the event in excess of 4 inches or sustained wind velocities exceeding 40 m.p.h. as long as your tents and antennas stay up, or if the tent blows down you get back on the air within 15 minutes!

You could have a cold food factor if everyone in camp survived only on cold weenie beanies, peanut butter sandwiches and MRES, or a health food factor if all food served was either vegetarian or met American Heart Association standards for low sodium, fat, sugar and cholesterol. The American junk food factor with charcoal grilled steaks, ribs, chicken, hot dogs, chili burgers and beer would be a negative multiplier for very ham in camp cannot either do six pull-ups or has a body fat index which shows them to be of normal weight for their height.

[K0RGR]

I agree with the 'misery multiplier' idea. Up here, we could stand a weekend away from high school basketball in February. The temp here ranges from about +20 to -20 at that time. Up here, ice fishing shacks are plentiful - I suspect most Field Dayers would be looking for one to rent that weekend - maybe catch a few walleye if the band conditions are poor. I suspect there'd be more 'antifreeze' consumed during this contest than the one in June.

[KD7WHQ]

Actually, a winter field day would be an acid test of "how well your equipment worked," as well as your ability to toss up an antenna.

Sure, it all works when the weather is good, but what if it isn't? Think about it.. An emergency can happen at any time, and if all utilities are down in the middle of winter, can you still operate?

[AL7PX]

I'm all in favor of a winter operation field Day. Local communites need to be ready to respond at anytime of the year. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kt8k]

I remember a "Winter Field Day" contest last February or so - I think sponsored by an Arizona club - where temperature was part of the multiplier scheme. #I was busy that weekend, but find the idea *very* attractive. #

I hope people will forward this item to their ARRL representatives so it can become reality. #Up here in Michigan I'd look forward to a good multiplier (even though my QSO rate would be sabotaged by my fingers repeatedly gluing themselves to the paddles). #Such a contest would certainly bring back more tube rigs (heaters) and perhaps increase high power contesting. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[VE3EMP]

All I can say is go for it.
A winter field day IS A GOOD IDEA!!! I was part of the EMS response for the Ice Storm in Quebec a few years ago and the local hams were busy. Power was out in large areas of the province, Phone lines were intermittent, and several radio towers (Ham, emergency services and commercial) had been brought down by the weight of the ice. Add in Out of Province police, fire and EMS agencies. And the couple of dozen Out of Province and US based line crews sent in to help by other power companies. On top of all of this French is the primary language in Quebec and the majority of the people from those outside agencies didn't speak the language.

The local Hams had all that to deal with before most of the technical problems had even been addressed. All I can say is having experienced the disaster during extreme winter weather I would rather plan for and gain some experience in dealing with the season before I'm stuck with the problems out of necessity.

My suggestions for a winter field day in below freezing temps.

-Track down several trailers to operate out of.

-Make sure you bring enough generating power to run
heaters as well as the radios.

-Bring lots of wooden cargo skids to make paths in the snow
with.

-Have a dedicated trailer for first aid/warm up. No radios in
this one.

-Instead of a field try a parking lot in your local
state/provincal park.

-Talk to the local ski resort they would probably love the
publicity, get the ski patrol interested. If you set it all up
properly you might be able to co-ordinate with a training
excercise.

Above all have fun.

Jay
VE3EMP

[ve3gwn]

Sounds like a Great Idea!

We could report on what the ice fishing is like - possibly a multiplier based on the number of fish taken!! LOL!

Anyways I like the idea and would take part if it is a Go.

- 73 de ken ve3gwn (Great White North)

[n5ebw]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (WM5L @ Sep. 06 2003,15:23)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I would love to do a winter field day. Texas summers are awful![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Amen Brother.

[n5ebw]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (w0liv @ Sep. 07 2003,21:33)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Well, if some of you want to get out in the field, all you would need to do is talk with a local Scout unit and make plans to go out for JOTA in Oactober. Good opportunity to show Ham Radio to a group of Scouts.
.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
But dont let it stop there. Boy scout Venture Crews are always looking for adult leaders to help out with many worthwhile events. Not to mention all of the camping trips they take......JOTA is one of the many worthwile events during the year that Scouts get involved with.

[K8CRM]

I think the idea of Fall or Winter Field Day is SUPER! Now that I'm getting older I actually don't like the heat. I've been avoiding Field Day the last few years. Here in Colorado this year the West Nile Virus really took off. Thousands of cases and nearly a hundred deaths. Late October or early November would be perfect for me. I could actually get fired up about Field Day again.
73
Chris Miller
K8CRM
Longmont, CO

[KC7ATO]

I fully support varying the month Field Day is held. Holding it in the middle of summer here in the Arizona DESERT is absolutely insane with 120deg F. Temps. We have to operate under EXTREME Weather conditions but get NO BONUS points for doing so. Why can't the ARRL see how UNfair and UNbalanced the current schedule is?

[n8kc]

Quoting....."...is there really any interest in conducting a Field Day exercise in the Winter?".........

Ever heard of the "Freeze Your Butt Off" (FYBO) contest in late winter? #Our club, USECA, has done several of these over the last few years... we also used to do a "Hams on ICE" event every year out on Lake St Clair. #

QRP Stations are set up on-the-ice, using ice shanties for shelter and various antenna set-ups (I've seen dipoles and verticals mounted on pilings and ladders stuck through the ice). #In the FYBO contest, the multiplier is temperature-dependent... colder shack = higher scores!

We even made the cover of World Radio Magazine once doing the FYBO....... look for the online version of the "USECA's ICE cubes" article at:
WORLD RADIO ONLINE (http://www.wr6wr.com/newSite/articles/features/olderfeatures/usecasicecude.html)</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

[WA9SVD]

A CHILLING thought!

OK, to be serious, it might be an idea, but I don't think there would be much "in the field" operation. I think there ARE other "contests" in the November-May period that demonstrate similar capabilities, just not all at the same time.

I also feel that the current Field Day is nothing more than a contest, regardless of the "preparedness" displayed and the ability to set up various stations with standby (aka emergency) power.

In most emergencies, VHF/UHF WILL be the short range communication of first choice (or at least first response) , yet the ARRL has removed the incentive (bonus points) for establishing a VHF and above station from the Field Day program.

Rather, if actual emergency conditions are to be simulated, in Field Day, then UHF/VHF should be stressed as a liaison with HF long distance capabilities. In a wide-spread emergency, all our bands will be required to provide proper communications. But without VHF/UHF to provide the tactical, localized communications for immediate health, safety, and welfare, it seems to fall apart.

I fear Field Day HAS become just another "Contest." I am glad to join the local club for the social event it has become, and try to intrest/introduce new operators to Amateur Radio, the various bands,
and their capabilities, and the score be darned. And when I get home, I will run off emergency power and give a few points to the other stations on the air.

[Kd1ia]

Well Being a cold loving NORTHMAN, I think this is a great idea BUT, I believe that by definition this is the reason we have contests. If I recall correctly the definition of why we have contests is apx ." to improve and prepare for the operations in an emergeny situation" Now that may not be the reason many of us contest but, its the reason in the Extra question pool. How about offereing more awards for opearting portable and emergency power during things like ARRL sweeps and Dx contest. I think adding catagories to the existing events would be much easier than planning whole new events. Just my 2.28 cents de John kd1ia http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kc0myy]

yes I think we should have a FD in the winter. But what would we do up in Minnestoa. Were it is very cold ya you betcha. so i don't think it would be to easy for us in MN. But we should be able is sever in any weather ya you betcha. 73 kcØmyy

[w8amd]

Whether you choose to do it on Field Day or not if any sort of preparedness is in your plans you should prepare by setting up in the worst possible conditions on all ends that your QTH can dish out. #The person or oganization that only goes to the local park or beach and sets up in great weather may or may not be able to preform when it gets down to brass tacks. #

Prepare for the worst or you may find out you're not prepared at all!

73

[KG4OOA]

Field day in the winter?

Doesn't everybody know emergencies only happen in the summer?

I have an even better idea! Let's make field day a no notice event that could come on any weekend during the year. ARRL (the sponser) could send a bulletin anouncing the start day and time 24 hours before it begins. Why? It would answer the question are we really ready for BIG emergencies or are we kidding ourselves as well as the public. The big one isn't going to give us a six month to year notice. We may even improve our emergency prepardness.

Too hot, too much snow, too bad; emergencies don't wait. Are we there to play or to become prepared to respond. Think about it. I live in Florida but have lived in Montana and Alaska, you can't let the weather stop you. Make alternate plans for if a blizard or hurricane comes. What would you really do? Be responsibile and respond or hide with the XYL.

73,
Bob
KG4OOA

[KD7WHQ]

OOA, you expounded on my point http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

I'm pushing for this next year's Field Day out here by the group to be primitive, and 100% off grid. Plenty of 80+ year old trees to slingshot an antenna up into here, so that won't be an issue.
But, the winter aspect... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K0IRL]

I'd have loved to have only mosquitos to deal with on this year's FD. Here in Colorado, on my venture, I had 2 inches if snow and an contrary park ranger to deal with...

Even so - I'd like to do it. Put my name on the list of those willing to be abused.

Chris
k0irl

[K2JX]

I am not sure many would be interested in a Winter FD here in NY, but I wish FD was in the early fall.
Participation here has fallen off in recent years due to the heat, humidity, bugs etc. #During June we have graduations, Fathers Day, and other "family" obligations that draw many away on FD weekend. The weather here in September for the most part is better than late June. September gets my vote !
Just my 2 cents after many, many hot and humid FD's !

73, K2JX

[w5klc]

I think Field Day is every day of the year. Isn't that what we should be prepared for?

[w7act]

A Winter Field Day!!!!

Humn, now that sounds interesting. Instead of doing our Spring Field Day Routine at the State Park we could activate our local DEM/EOC site and do an active test there. It would be a valid exercise on it's operational capability and we wouldn't be freezing or Donkey off out in the elements.

Sounds like a good plan!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[kc8ybn]

I woud like that but we need a difrent spot

[kb1com]

Hi All..... As a resident of northern New England, I can appreciate the need for a winter field day. #We, along with many other northern residents experience severe winter WX such as ice storms. #One in particular crippled New Hampshire a few years back for many days and organization of ham's that were prepared to deal with the poor conditions needs some improvement. #If you don't train for the worst, you're gonna have a harder time dealing with it. #Being in the military has prepared me to operate in all weather. #I would propose a semi-annual field day - middle of summer and middle of winter or even spring and fall as one writer proposed. #
73,
Ken - KB1COM

[ve3sre]

Been there, done that...at least in a sense.

"Team Zone 2" operated "Field Day Style" during the CQ World-Wide SSB Contest up until 2001 from northern Quebec for several years.

Late October in northern Quebec temperatures can easily drop to around -10 degrees C at night.

Since last year we've had relatively comfy indoor quarters...although antenna setup is still in the cold snowy outdoors.

See http://www.qsl.net/teamzone2

We'll be there again this year as VB2C !

73

[AF5P]

[CODE]
[/B]
It's about time to think of having a National Field Day during some other time than late June.
For years we have indured extreme heat her in the Southern U.S. during Field Day. The temp. near 100 degrees during the daytime and mid 90's at night with the mosquitoe to content with.
Anytime from mid September to April would be fine, after all the hurricane season is during parts of the above months. In our part of the country a weather emergency would most likely occur during this period. Maybe have two Field Days a year of say 12 to 14 hours of operation instead of 30 hours straight.
[CODE] http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[N0RTU]

I think the original intent of field day was to show that radio equipt. could be set up almost anywhere and at any time.
I personally look very much forward to any outdoor radio event.
A "fall" field day? #Why not?
I'm ready!!!

Best wishes to all
N0RTU
A proud FISTS Member http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif