Outdoor Adventure USA

ARRL Field Day Prep and Discussion

Field Day is almost here, and, our 2022 Field Day will mark our 15th consecutive year of participation. In 2009, we obtained our official Club Callsign of K6OAU (the OAU standing for Outdoor Adventure USA), and have been using it ever since. We value Amateur Radio for a number of reasons, including emergency/disaster situations, communication in remote areas (where no cell phone coverage exists), APRS, vehicle navigation off-road, hiking, and many others. We will use this net to highlight the value of Ham radio, and why it can be valuable for you too. We also intend to highlight the unique way we operate for this event. Just as important, we will discuss why visiting, and hopefully participating in, a Field Day, can be to your advantage.

The Value Of Field Day And Preparation

The value of Field Day can be summed up in a few sentences. It is an opportunity to learn how to set up an emergency communication station in less than ideal conditions for a full 24 hour period. Everything that is necessary for this station to function must be brought to the FD site, e.g. radios, antennas, power supplies, power sources, all wires and cables, tables, chairs, and shelters. I'll add that the station is best located where there is no grid power, and in an area that might be used to shelter while the disaster/emergency subsides. Much more on the net.

Click on this link to find a Field Day location near you: https://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator

The Benefits Of The Outdoor Adventure USA Field Day

While we won't suggest to have seen every FD event in the USA, I am prepared to claim that we have never seen another FD that offers what we do. There are many reasons why we structure our event in this unique way, but in large part it is a recognition that not every one who attends will become a hard core contester during Field Day. So in recognition of this, we have created a weekend camping opportunity which is family friendly, and has something for everyone. If we can pique the interest of people who attend, we will have succeeded in opening the door to developing some valuable skills.

This year we return to the Mt. Pinos Campground in the Los Padres National Forest, located about an hour's drive north of Los Angeles. It will involve three days of camping in the mountains at an elevation about 7800 feet, with mild summer temperatures, And for many, this will be an opportunity to relax in a very scenic mountain setting. The camp site is accessible by paved roads and all vehicles are welcome.

Our OAUSA Field Day will some of our activities:

• All levels of Amateur Radio license testing on Sunday.

• a world class pot luck and cook-off dinner on Saturday evening combined with appetizers and wine tasting.

• Numerous hiking trails

• Hundreds of miles of off pavement roads, including some of the more challenging, (Miller Jeep Trail).

• A complete Field Day station open for the full 24 hours of Field Day

• Hot Sauce Tasting

• Wine Tasting

• Great appetizers before dinner each evening.

• Coffee tasting

• After dinner campfire with adult beverage sampling.

Pictures always help to make the most out of our discussion. Here are ones to which we will probably refer to during the net:

CAMP


KITCHEN


RADIO SHACK AND ANTENNAS


No picture gallery of our Field Day events would be complete without recognizing one of our most dedicated participants. Known as "Dirty Steeevo" (named after one of our favorite movies - ( Dirty Harry), this guy will always be known for his persistent non stop efforts to hang an 80M wire antenna, using his assault potato gun (really just a tennis ball gun.).


JACK AND JOHN'S COFFEE HOUSE ON WHEELS

Starbucks ain't got nuthin' on these guys. I'm told that they have a special surprise for us at camp.


FOOD

Our Saturday evening appetizer and dinner offerings have been a "can you top this" affair from the beginning. The main beneficiary of this "cook-off," has always been those who join us. There are two absolutes for this meal: 1) no one ever goes away hungry, and 2) There is no finer food to be had anywhere. I need to also mention that this includes desserts.


HOT SAUCE TASTING

Product Spotlight - Philips Norelco OneBlade Shaver

An off-road shaver?

Maybe like many, when I’m camping, I lose concern for how slovenly I might appear, and this extends to my usually clean shaven face. In the past, I’ve always brought a Braun battery-powered shaver which I attempt to use every few days, but somehow when my facial hair grows unrestricted beyond a few days, that shaver literally can’t cut it.

I went looking for some kind of product that would make quick work of multi-day growth, and happened upon this product.

It’s like a single-edge razor, only electric. Based on the rather incredible review average after so many ratings, it seemed worth a try … and I was not disappointed.

It makes very quick work of multi-day growth shaving dry.

A single charge provides about 45 minutes of shaving time. With maybe 3 to 5 minutes of shaving time every few days, this can easily last for a multi-week trip on that one charge.

It does not shave as close as a razor blade, perhaps more intended to maintain a stubble look with its attachments. A light touch is all that’s needed; pressing too hard will cause (me) some slight irritation.

If you shave during longer trips, I believe this tool might find a place in your personal care bag.

Check in David - AK6DH.

Check in please - Thanks - No plans for FD this year for me, and the local club has no plans this year either, but if I do, it'll be a much smaller deal or setup than the "grand style" I see in these photos. I might have a couple of spices or sauces, but not 32 of them or so, or whatever it looks like you guys brought along...LOL - Bernie

KK6CTT for the online check-in please (06/09/22).


Here is a list of groups I know or have heard of that will be in or near the Inland Empire for reference:
o Riverside County Amateur Radio Association:

• W6TJ; Martha McLean de Anza Narrows Park; GOTA; Talk-In PL 146.880 (-) 146.2; POC Juan, (951) 323-8850, aj6ph2020@gmail.com

o Moreno Valley Amateur Radio Association:

• AB6MV; 22550 Van Buren BLVD, March Field Air Museum; GOTA; Talk-In 146.655 (-) PL 103.5; POC Steve, w7dt@yahoo.com

o Mountain Top Amateur Radio Association:

• SAT only from 1100-1700L @ Masonic Lodge in Twin Peaks; Displays include EMCOMM/Event quick setups, VHF/UHF and HF radios, antennas, batteries and solar power station; field camping; soldering & installing power poles; Morse code station; POTA Station; Demos: simple setup for radio in the field; putting a wire antenna wire in a tree; educational presentation on SOTA radio equipment & planning

o Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club:

• W6JBT; 1710 Sessums DR, Redlands, CA; Talk-In 146.850 (-) PL 146.2; Jeff, (909) 648-5261, kd6nxd@msn.com

o Yuciapa Valley Amateur Radio Club:

• K6YRC; Yucaipa Valley Amateur Radio Club; 932-998 Holmes St, Calimesa, CA; POC Charles, kd7ua@arrl.net, 610-413-4821, YVARC.org

PLEASE CHECK ME IN FOR TONIGHTS NET. Thank you. This is what the doctor ordered!

I think I had asked about remote location system configurations. PERFECT!

Please check in:
Randy KF6KOC
Becky KF6RGR

thanks!

Please check me in: WY6R -- Bob