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Detert Park in Jackson came alive with amateur radio last Saturday. By 8 A.M. crews were already at work setting up stations, stringing antennas, putting up tables, and all the other things necessary for a Field Day event. George (K6GTC) brought the OES Auxillary Communications trailer for display and also became the support for a flag pole antenna. Putting wire antennas in the air became a challange when the slignshot broke. Dave (KB6PNT) and Greg (KI6QLE) came forth and showed their "pitching" skills to throw lead rope tied to a rock over tree branches. It was a well used skill as one antenna failed after being placed and had to come down and be replaced with a spare antenna. Technology is nice but sometimes the "old fashioned way" works best. We had three stations on the air; Chuck (NA6BR) set up a 2m APRS station with a digipeater on Jackson Butte. George and others set up the HF station. Rich (K6DIK) set up the GOTA station and acting as Control Operator with Nathaniel (N6DBT) serving as the GOTA Coach. All stations were in operation during the day, however it was the GOTA station what was the most active. It really lived up to its name and had a whole contingent of operators, mainly in the "youth" category, working that station all day. Perhaps the high point was when Cara (KI6AKT) was trying to work a station, the frequency got crowded and the contact said "Everybody be quiet, I'm trying to get the lady's call sign"; much to the amusement of those at the table. In addition to the stations, Dave, Greg, and Ken (W6IEZ,Sacramento) set up a display of Amateur Television (ATV) to demonstrate how that mode operates. The park was a nice setting and there were a number of visitors dropping by during the day. Sherman Reinius (KI6GPT) from Red Cross and Lynne Olson from Amador OES dropped by. Several people in the park stopped by and some folks came because of the publicity we produced. We obtained new members, signups for the license class, and renewed interest in some inactive hams. Speaking of publicity, we had a reported from the paper come by and he ended up working the GOTA station; it met its requirement of getting people involved. Thanks to all who come out and worked Field Day. Especially, enough thanks cannot be given to Ron ((KC6MFJ) and Meredith (KC6ZWV) for the food. They provided nutrition snacks in the morning, a delightful lunch for the crew (wraps, fruit, salad), and the best ever grilled dinner (ribs, chicken, tri-tip, salad, jello, corn on the cob, and strawberry shortcake). It was a fantastic production and their hard work, especially on such a hot day, was appreciated. [Presidents Note: AMEN!] In order to save space on our Front Page, please click "Read More" to see the 50 pictures included with this article. |
