This winter field day, I had an opportunity to operate in the field while supporting a good cause. I’m hoping this might become ‘a thing’ with others in the club next year, thus fulfilling the “Service” in Lakeshore Amateur Radio SERVICE Club. 😉 . Understanding that winter camping isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, we’ll figure out other ways they can participate. Even so, a few club members contacted or attempted to contact me via radio. Some even came by to visit and this was much appreciated.
This was a brutally cold experience, falling in the middle of our “Polar Vortex”. Needless to say, I spent quite a bit of time sheltered while operating. 😉 . And Murphy still showed up. My ATAS-120A froze – literally – so for a time I was limited to the operating band. Next time, I’ll bring spare antennas, lol.
Here are a few pictures of my misadventure. Got questions or recommendations? Please comment below!
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- The temperature was recorded (not wind chill) on this windshield to commemorate our suffering.
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- We had quite a bit of snow to work with, some of the folks used it to build a shelter. Had a couple join us later in the day, parked right beside me. They ended up heading home in the middle of the night, abandoning their tent. Can’t blame ’em though. It was a little chilly.
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- Layers. ’nuff said.
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- We used a pot to thaw out water in order to make coffee. Everything froze.
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- My shelter from the elements was my vehicle, you can see my rig here. Also shown is my heater. Don’t be fooled by the temp, my water bottles froze on the floorboard.
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- It wasn’t hard to find us in the park. 😉
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- 20m came alive briefly, and I contacted stations in TX, hearing also PR really well.
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- I thought digital would be king, but didn’t have much luck. FT8 was crazy busy, but useless during the event as it’s not recognized for WFD.
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- It warmed up significantly on Sunday morning.
