2012 SummerFest - Field Day Planning/Discussion

[Crismateski]

I can bring a few battery chargers from work, and I will have plenty of room if you need help transporting things.

Apparently we can't run generators after 10:00 at cap-o-alto and we can't reserve the place.
We would need to get up there early to hold down the fort and also would need to run batteries at night...I have a few solar panels that we can use to help keep the batteries topped off during the day. if we get enough batteries we may even be able to run off batteries the entire time.
In my experience we only need about 2 deep cycle batteries per radio to last us 24 hours.

Jon has a second battery in his truck which he can charge up by starting his truck once in a while.

Antennas are really the least of our worries right now.
Getting wire antennas together is quick and easy.

I really think we should roll with this campsite as long as we don't run into any large hang-ups. I feel the bumps we have hit so far are relatively minor given the nature of the planned activities.

I have at least 3 deep cycle loose batteries, along with 2 in my truck. In addition, i'll have a Honda EW200oi generator with a battery charger to top them off during the day...However, I may need some one to help transport them, as I'm quickly running out of room

Also, Radiowavz makes some very highly regarded dipole antennas, called double bazookas...and they have a deal this month - buy 2, get a 3rd free. The 20 and 15 meter are $40, and the 40 meter is $60...but it would be $100 for the 3 - so if anyone is interested, I'll be glad to go in on this...

[OLLIE]

I have a new Optima Yellow Top in my garage as well as two trickle chargers to top off batteries during the day.

[OLLIE]

I like the idea of Frazier Park. Looks ideal.

[SteeevO]

More bad news!!

yeah....
There is a group that have been going up to camp o alto for 12 years. this will be their 13th year.
We've confirmed they will be there this year.

Back to the drawing board...

Jon and I have about 3 sites in mind right now.
I also found out that the equestrian sites in Big Bear do not require you to have horses to reserve them... just in case anyone else wants to do some hunting.

[SteeevO]

Here are the last 2 options.
Let us know what you think!
If we settle on the Big Pine campground we need to reserve it asap.

[lehn20]

I have a Honda 1000 generator. However for $85 a night and only 5 cars can park it seems option 1 is not really appealing.
Option 2 does nit have a reservation option which makes it risky.

[SteeevO]

Big pine also has another campground around the corner that we can use as overflow. I don't mind camping over there and walking to the event at the main group site. Also any cars over 5 just need to be parkerld outside the campground eg. on the aide of the forest road.

[Crismateski]

There is also a yellow post site a half mile from big pine, and 3 shooting ranges within 1 1/2miles or so. Big Pine would be my vote for this year

I am now back from my trip (overland expo) and available to help go to sites.

[SteeevO]

Awesome Thanks cris,

Dave, What do you think?
my vote is with Big Pine as well.
having the ranges, wheeling and radio all close together i tink is great.

[cruiserlarry]

I like everything about the Big Pines site, but where will the other vehicles park ?

This is of particular concern to me, as I will be sleeping on it, and keeping equipment in it that we'll need to access on a regular basis 24/7...