Good Morning Alan,
Regarding the use of function keys, the computer at Station 2 will be
equipped with a full size keyboard. No key combinations are required to
activate the function keys. I'll talk with Chris K and see if we can get
another keyboard on Station 1 as well.
From my conversations with Chris K, I believe we are still in need of wire
antennas. There has been talk of building dipoles on Friday at the site.
I'm not sure if this is still his plan or not. Chris K, could you please
provide some antenna-building clarification?
N1MM+ And the database from last year: this will be loaded beforehand, as
we won't have internet on site. I will make every attempt to utilize the
expanded functionality of the software. I have significantly more
experience with N3FJP's software suite, so networking in N1MM is a learning
experience for me.
73,
Chris
On Sun, Jun 18, 2017 at 8:03 AM Alan Zaur <alanlzaur@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Chris,Sent from a mobile device: please excuse any spelling errors or brevity.
I have a couple of questions.
I have been practicing with N1MM+, and I find it much easier to use if the
keyboard has dedicated function keys. One of my laptops requires that you
press the "alternate key" in addition to another key to access the function
keys. For CW (with my limited typing skills) it is much faster and easier
to have a dedicated Fx key.
I cannot tell from the exchanges whether you still want me to fabricate
wire antennas for the low bands or if that work has already been done.
Please let me know ASAP since I have to gather the materials and make
arrangements with some other members.
Finally, I assume if we don't have Internet access N1MM+ will not have the
list of last year's participants to call up. Is this correct? That is a
nice feature--perhaps we can load the database before going to the Field
Day site.
Alan
On Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 7:19 AM, Christopher Craig <Chris@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Good morning all,
I've been reading the emails back and fourth regarding field day, and
thought I'd share some of what I'll be bringing and some of the planning
Chris Knox and I have been doing behind the scenes.
Chris and I visited the site on 7/11 to get a better feel for what we're
working with regarding facilities and antenna space. We came to the
conclusion that it makes the most sense to locate the RACES trailer
containing the "GOTA" station and Contest Station 3 directly next to the
picnic shelter, with contest stations 1 and 2 in their own separate
tent/canopys at the far ends of the parking lot area. Station 2 will be
across from the skateboarding equipment on site closer to the entrance.
Station 1 will be in the grassy area near the rear of the site, possibly
near the fence boundary of the bike path. The reason for separation is to
prevent interference between radios. My biggest fear Is interaction between
40 and 20 meters. The spacing also allows us to take advantage of all
antenna real estate on site.
Chris Knox has most of the equipment for Station 1. I will be bringing
most of the equipment for Station 2. The equipment I'll be providing
includes:
FT-1000MP
Heil Pro 7 + Hand Mic
MFJ-994 Tuner
Rigblaster (primarily for voice Keying)
Laptop (Will also serve as logging server)
25' LMR-400
Bandpass Filters for 20 and 40 (hopefully these arrive before field day)
VHF talk-in radio
There are many things I'm sure I'm forgetting to list here.
In addition, I'll be setting up and maintaining the LAN during the event.
Operations occurring near the picnic shelter will be connected via Ethernet
cables to the primary router. Both remote operating positions will be
connected to the LAN via a 5ghz link. Although there will be WiFi
connectivity at the event, no internet access will be available. Anyone
brining a laptop for logging must have the latest updates installed for
their operating system and must have antivirus software with up-to-date
definitions. For the safety of hardware and information, nobody will
connect to the network without these prerequisites.
For the networking I'll be bringing:
1 Laptop (Will also be used for logging)
1 WRT54g with DDWRT
3 Ubiquity 600mw CPE
3 5ghz antennas with gain
3 POE power injectors
Misc Ethernet cables
In terms of logging, we will try for N1MM. If for whatever reason there
is difficulty with this, we will revert to N3FJP. The field day log
database will be backed up at around 0200 on Sunday, and again at the end
of the event. The log file will be given to a designated party who can then
submit the required documentation to the ARRL.
All of the above information is assuming that we will be running as a 3A
station for the 2017 event. Chris and I have been in communication almost
daily, working hard to make sure this field day is successful and fun for
everyone involved. Please share any questions or concerns you may have.
73,
Chris Craig
K1MHZ
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Sent from a mobile device: please excuse any spelling errors or brevity.
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