2003 Field Day

2003 Field Day Results

W5TI operated as 3A this year in the ARRL Field Day. This was the second year in recent history that we didn't operate as 2A. Bob (W5XC), George (KM5VP), and Lawson (N5ATT) each brought their rigs and antennas from home to operate. We set up again near the ballfields on the southwest side of Lake TI. Fortunately, the rain stayed away again and the mosquitos were not a problem, although Bob had the fogger standing by just in case. George put up his all-band dipole antenna, Bob used the club's 6-meter beam and HF verticals, while Lawson used his Butternut vertical again. George had to make some adjustments to his all-bander, but otherwise the equipment worked good. Ted (KD5LUP) showed us how to catch bass again in Lake TI.

Unfortunately, we can't say the same for band conditions. This year was the worst conditions in recent memory. Six meters died and never came to life, so Bob was left with 1 local QSO. Ten was dead and 15 was almost dead. Twenty and forty were the only usable bands. That made it a little crowded for a 3A. So, this year was a losing proposition from a contest points standpoint. However, we did enjoy a "cool" front that made it into the area on Thursday, and the fellowship was good.

Now to our contest score. We made a total of 47 SSB contacts and 40 CW contacts (87 total contacts). We recived 300 bonus points for 100% emergency power. Our total score was [(47 x 1) + (40 x 2)] x 2 + 300 =554 points. {View W5TI Field Day Log}

Due to excessive ambient noise from the Southwest Fwy, we have decided to look for another field day site for next year. One in a peaceful setting with good opportunity for antennas is high on our want list.

73..de Lawson (N5ATT).

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