[bars] BARS Field Day 2025!

[Mark Nelson]

Good evening BARS!

It's that time again for field day and we're pulling all the details
together to make it happen. The EOC in Billerica is unfortunately not
available this year so field day will be located at 65 Littleton Street in
Chelmsford at Nan Karaway's home. She has graciously welcomed the group to
operate out of her side porch and even offered to cook breakfast for those
that stay the night. She does have some house rules that we need to respect
because she has two cats that should not meet! There are also some off
limits areas in her home that will be well marked.

Parking is available in the driveway, front lawn and across the street at
the upholstery store. You should try to leave space for cars to get out as
best as possible. There is NO parking on Littleton Street because it's a
state road.

One of the highlights of field day is the great food served by Manny the
chef who has agreed to be here again this year. There will be the usual
burgers, hot dogs, sausages, chicken, etc to keep everyone fueled and ready
to operate. Jim Evans will bring his coffee maker and water cooler so they
will be available to everyone.

Last year we had 905 points between contacts made and special bonus points,
we hope to beat that a this year. Points are scored through social media
announcements, having a safety officer, using the field day locator, etc.
We could use some volunteers to focus on the following items:

Sending radio grams
Copying the W1AW bulletin
Message to the section manager
Youth participation
Visit by a town official
Activities such as fox hunts
Working Digital modes

If someone could pick one item and get it done then we can all work
together to get the score higher.

Here is a schedule of events leading up to the big day:

Monday 23: Kevin Fallon, Tim Carter, myself will meet at the EOC around
6:30- 7:00 to load up the tower, beam, and everything that belongs to BARS
for transfer to Nan's house.
Friday 27: 6:30-7:00 We will be raising the 80M/ 40M and other dipoles. Jim
Evans, myself and anyone who can make it should come by to lend a hand. At
least one potato gun is needed.
Saturday 28: 9:00 AM - We may not be use the beam this year but there will
still be work to do setting up radios, computers, logging, etc so
volunteers are needed to get ready for 2:00 start time.
Saturday 28: 2:00 We begin making contacts! You can stay the night if you
would like, or leave and return on Sunday morning to operate until 2:00 if
desired. It's usually a good time at night seeing all the contacts being
made.
Sunday 29: 2:00 We stop operating and begin breaking down the equipment. It
shouldn't be too tough, especially if we are just using dipoles. The radios
and computers will need to be put away and the area cleaned up so we
respect Nan's property.

Last thoughts of the moment, does anyone know where the BARS banner might
be? We could use it to help direct traffic to the right house. You might
want to bring folding chairs with you, maybe an umbrella depending on the
weather, sun screen, mosquito repellent, a hat, pad of paper, pens.
Everyone should feel free to take some pictures and they may make the next
newsletter!

If I've forgotten anything, feel free to reach out and remind us all. It
should be a fun field day and I look forward to seeing you all again!

73,

Mark Nelson
KA1INE


Mark Nelson
(617)921-9117
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