[Harc] ARRL Field Day 2020?

[David Boyd]

The following is from today's ARRL Letter.  Perhaps it's time to start 
thinking about how we might adapt this years Field Day if necessary?

73
David Boyd
KN6CEH

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ARRL Field Day 2020 -- A Time to Adapt

Many individuals and groups organizing events for ARRL Field Day 
<http://www.arrl.org/field-day> 2020 have been contacting ARRL for 
guidance on how to adapt their planned activities in this unprecedented 
time of social distancing and uncertainty.

"Due to the unique situation presented this year, this can be an 
opportunity for you, your club, or your group to try something new," 
ARRL Contest Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE, said. "Field Day isn't about 
doing things the same way year after year. Use this year to develop and 
employ a new approach that is in line with the current circumstances."

Social distancing and state and local requirements very likely will 
impact just how -- and even whether -- you are able to participate in 
Field Day this year. ARRL continues monitoring the coronavirus 
situation, paying close attention to information and guidance offered by 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC 
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html>). If social 
distancing means that Class A with a 30-member team set up in a city 
park won't work this year, then it's time for a Plan B. Part of the 
Field Day concept has always been adapting your operation to the 
situation at hand. At its heart, Field Day is an emergency communication 
demonstration. Field Day rules are flexible enough to allow individuals 
and groups to adjust their participation and strategies in a way that 
still addresses their needs while being fun. Some possibilities include:

  *

    Encouraging club members to operate from their home stations on
    emergency power (Class E).

  *

    Using the club's repeater as a means for individual participants to
    keep in touch during the event.

  *

    Setting up a portable station in the backyard with a temporary
    antenna for family members interested in operating Field Day, who
    are now unable to participate as part of a larger group.

One big impact this year will be a decline in public visibility and any 
interaction with the visitors. Prudence may dictate dispensing with the 
ham radio PR table to attract passersby, should you set up in a more 
public location. It's okay not to score all the bonus points you may 
have attempted in the past. Local and served agency officials may be 
unwilling to visit, which is understandable under the circumstances. Do 
be sure to reach out to them as part of your preparations and remind 
them that you look forward to continuing your working relationship with 
them in the future.

The impact will differ from place to place, so ARRL recommends that all 
amateur radio clubs participating in Field Day stay in regular contact 
with local or state public health officials for their advice and 
guidance on hosting Field Day activities.

"With any emergency preparedness exercise, it's not about adapting the 
situation to your operation; it's about adapting your operation to the 
situation that presents itself," Bourque said. "Try something different."


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