Date line: Jackson, Michigan
CARS Field Day 2023 wrap up
Hi folks, another one is in the record books after a successful 2023 Field Day activation.
Thanks to all who helped setup, especially to Gary “The Hammer” W8KM 😊, tear down and just play radio.
This year we did see an uptick in visitors with a few new Ham arrivals to the area and a few long absent but returning to the fold hams. Welcome everyone!
This year we setup our Field Day activities at Reynolds Field (Jackson County Airport) on the grounds of the old flight school. We held Field Day in conjunction with the airports annual Aviation Days celebration. This worked well for us as it provided an opportunity for those not in the know about Amateur Radio to stop by and see what’s happening.
As with anything in life there are both good and bad sides. About the only bad thing we found this year was the RF interference caused but all the aircraft engines. This passed quickly due to the limited time the Aviation Days event was held, Saturday only. After that it was up to the Sun, nature, and good luck to see what we could haul in.
For our 2023 Field Day operations we went with a 4A designation. Weather and band conditions were not bad, not great but not bad. Setup went well on Friday afternoon, Saturday was clear and hot, and Sunday was … short … Due to possible, radar indicated bad weather we pulled the plug early on Sunday, too much expensive kit just lying around that doesn’t like water.
How’d we do you ask? Not being an all-out, no holds barred type of outfit we are not all that concerned with a high score. It’s far more of the journey then the results type of thing.
Field day contact map:
Total contacts made: 14,000 😊, ok maybe not so much. How about 177.
CW: 33
SSB: 144
Digital: 0
After all the figuring and such we should be just around 1000 points, not that we pay that much attention to that.
So, there you go, just a brief overview of this years Field Day activities. As always, the more the merrier so mark your calendars for next year Field Day and join us. Stop by to play radio, enjoy the craic or just hang-out.
At this time, we plan on returning to the airport location next year once again joining with Aviation Day at the airport.
73
KC8IJZ & WD8PMD