RARS Field Day 2003 Band Captains

A band captain is a champion and enthusiast, an organizer and motivator. A band captain is NOT the owner of all the gear! A band captain is responsible for making sure the station is properly equipped and manned, that it is operated according to the Field Day rules, that the log is maintained and that people are recruited to help set up, operate and take down the station and antennas. Anyone wishing to participate in Field Day, should contact the Band captains assigned below to sign up.

This year's band captains are as follows:

If you want to take one of the Band Captain slots which are currently open, please contact the Field Day Chair!

Band captains should make sure the following items are provided:

FOR THE STATION:

• rig(s) (have a backup)
• keyer, bug, straight key, mic, headphones.
• antenna(s)
• tuner(s), antenna switch and extra cables
• 100' coax or open wire line per antenna
• Coax patch cable for rig to filter. RARS will supply bandpass filters for 80, 40 and 20. These filters have standard SO-239 connectors. A second coax patch cable for filter to tuner.
• Antenna raising gear, some ideas: Slingshot (wrist rocket type) with 5 or 6 2oz lead egg or tear drop style weights. New 1000' (minimum) spool of 8lb test monofilament line. It's a good idea to spray paint the weights with a bright fluorescent color to make them easy to spot in the trees. Some people prefer a bow and arrow rig for getting line over a limb. Please keep safety first. It's tough to copy weak stations with an arrow in your ear!
• wire antenna support material: mason line or light rope. Figure on about 150 feet on each end of the dipole.
• role of bright plastic streamer tape for marking ropes, strings, feedline and other hazards.
• logging equipment: Use laptop,desktop computers. It would be very helpful if you utilize CT . If you would like to use CT but don't have a copy, N4HAF has a version available and can provide it at the Field Day site, or you can contact me in advance at 848-8840. If you don't use the CT program regularly, take the time to become familiar with the basics of your program. Learn how to start and exit the program, how to periodically backup the log to floppy disk and how to recover from common logging errors like entering a dupe or an incorrect call or exchange. The heat of the pileup is not the time to get bogged down with the mechanics of your program..
• 2 pads of paper, plenty of pencils/pens
• clock set to UTC
• lights
• shelter (screen room is probably best) optional tarps
• table, chairs
• basic hand tools including pocket knife, electrical tape, soldering equipment, VOM, general purpose hookup wire
• several large trash bags.

ELECTRICAL POWER:

• at least 2 100' outdoor extension cords.
• multi outlet strip(s) with at least 5 outlets, 10 is much better
• pair of 4 foot ground rods with clamps for basic electrical safety
• generator, 1 to 1.5 kW is sufficient for 1 transceiver and all the station accessories (computer, lights, fan, etc. A drip coffee maker will draw about 1 kW.
• tarp, ropes and supports to shield generator from rain.
• gasoline. A 5 kW generator at half load will burn 10 to 12 gallons over 24 hours. RARS will pay for the gas. Be sure to get receipts to N4HAF by end of field day on Sunday, by 3PM!
• engine oil, funnel and a rag or two.
• fire extinguisher

GRINDAGE:

• food, drinks (no alcohol), snacks, plates, cups, napkins, ice chest and ice. We will have a RARS provided Saturday evening dinner All other meals are your responsibility.

SAFETY AND COMFORT:

• Electric fan, flashlights, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, basic first aid kit, umbrella (hope it's not needed!)
• For individuals planning to stay through the night: Bring your camping gear and whatever personal hygiene items you need. There is no water available on site so bring your own. 5 Gallons should be plenty for washing and drinking for the weekend. There will be a port-a-john on site.

GENERAL GUIDLINES:

• Log the full name, and call of all your operators. Be sure you provide the calls of operators to me following Field Day by 3PM on Sunday, June 23.
• If you are computer logging, be sure to backup the log to floppy at least each hour.
• Copy off all CT log files to floppy to N4HAF, Neal by 3 PM Sunday.
• Operation in a particular sub band is limited to the privileges of the control operator who is physically present at the time.
• We are all guests on someone else's property. Police your area. Be sure not to leave any fish line, string, rope or trash.
• Local 2 meter operation will be on RARS simplex (147.42 MHz).
• Make sure your mic, headphone and keyer connectors are compatible with the rig you will be using. If you have a backup rig, ditto for it. Provide adapters, if necessary.
• In the event of an electrical storm, toss all feedline(s) and power cords from your shelter. Wait it out in a vehicle.