Field Day Wrap-up

Madison County Amateur Radio Club

JUNE 2003 at the Pleasant Valley Fire District Headquarters

Field Day 2003 was a first for the Madison County Amateur Radio Club. The event took place at the Pleasant Valley Fire District Headquarters in Plain City, Ohio. Considered an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), we operated as a Class F station. A highlight was Charles McAllister's contacting the first Field Day Station operating from Cuba at 1:05 am ! Some specific comments: From Bob Lewis -N4GXP: "Our club's participation was proof that when in time of emergency communications need we could successfully respond. Also, when I started operating CW it was at ten wpm. Don McGhee got me cruising at 20 wpm by the end of Field Day! Unfortunately my airplane caught a gust of wind on takeoff and crashed." Don Perkins - AB8EL responds, "Great Field Day site. Good experience to be on site with the local fire department." Nick Pittner - WB8TMF said, "I thought Field Day was very successful." Don McGhee - WD8QXT said, "I think we did pretty well after a rough beginning and it was a lot of fun." Don Brewer - WD8BHK said, "The Field Day category and the location which the club selected fit our group very well. This was my first Field Day participation. T thought the club came together very well." John Snowden - KC8SXE said, "Had a great time. Great educational experience. Enjoyed making my first HF contacts. Looking forward to next year."

FIELD DAY RESULTS

The Madison County Amateur Radio Club scored a total of 1,984 points. The breakdown is as follows: CW=344; PSK31=120; SSB Phone=620; Bonus Points=900. The Bonus Points were for setting up in a public place, having three non-traditional operating modes (APRS, SSTV, 6m Remote Control Aircraft), information booth, visitation by a governmental official, media publicity, and emergency power operation. Next year's goal is to at least double the score!