Saturday in the park & WFD

[N2QFT]

Time for an update on Saturday in the park and Winter Field Day.
Let me see if I can make some sense out of what is happening...
First, Saturday in the Park has not changed and will go on as usual. I will still bring snacks, if you want something to drink other that water, you might want to plan ahead
Now...
Winter Field Day.
I read the rules and it is somewhat different than Summer Field Day. Basically, what they describe in WFD (Winter Field Day) is exactly what we do once a month at our Saturday in the Park.
There are a few major differences. First the time, rather than our morning meeting, WFD starts at 2 pm, 19:00UTC Saturday and runs until Sunday 18:59UTC 1:59 pm Sunday... If we choose to operate the entire time.
Second major difference is logging. We will have to submit a formal log. The logging program that I believe is the most user friendly is N3FJP. Paper logging is acceptable and we have until March 1, 24 to submit our log. You have the option to log for yourself or have someone log for you.
Third, as with Summer Field Day we will all use the club's call.
Most of the other objectives that we would get credit for, we already do, i.e. alternative power operations, work away from creature comforts, (kitchen, running water, bathroom, heat etc ). We get credit for working multiple bands and using multiple antennas, rather than 1 multi band antenna. There is extra credit for CW contacts, credit for QRP contacts, making a satellite contact, and sending a Winlink message. There is extra credit for operating 6 continuous hours or more, but because of the limited hours in the park that is not attainable.

There are a few restrictions...no FT4 or FT8.
We cannot use 12, 17, 30 and 60 meter bands.
They stress accuracy in logging and there is a penalty for incorrectly logged contacts. This is for practicing for logging QSO's during an emergency.
They stress the importance of the objectives and accuracy over points and having fun with the exercise.
Because we are attempting this on short notice, we are making this a mini WFD.
We have to leave the park before dark, so we will only operate WFD for a few hours. If we find this enjoyable. We can set back up Sunday morning and continue till the end.
Those who are looking at participating with other clubs for WFD, I will ask that you consider starting with us and then continuing with another group after we close.
I believe this can be a positive experience, test our preparedness for emergency operations. And can be fun if we don't take it too seriously.
Please consider joining us for a few hours, or staying until the end Saturday January 27th.
I will be happy to answer any questions, and I will go over the rules in more detail at the club meeting.
If you have a solar set up, extra batteries, a tent or screen house in case of rain, that you are willing to bring please let me know.

Thanks in advance for considering participating in this event.
73
Jo N2QFT
Contact me by email at my QRZ page.

[Michael M]

That sounds great, Jo. My takeaway from this is we do Saturday in The Park as usual. The difference is we operate WFD during the same time and later in the day, and log our contacts. Then, whoever wants to, returns Sunday for the same. Sounds like a plan!

Thanks for organizing this!

[N2QFT]

We can't start Winter Field Day until 2pm.
Any contacts before then don't count, but we can get the antennas set up ahead if time
Jo

[N2QFT]

Just a reminder
Saturday in the Park and winter Field Day are less than a week away. Plans are coming along nicely, now if the weather holds all will be good. We will operate again on Sunday, so if you can, please come back to wrap this up.
There are a féw loose ends that I hope to have tied up by the meeting Wednesday evening. I will do a brief summary of the park events and Winter Field Day.
If you haven't get decided to come, please consider joining us. The more the merrier.
I am still looking for another CW operator and someone who can sent a Winlink message.

See you Wednesday evening
Jo
My email is good on QRZ