The FD group that I’ve been a member of for 50 years now; had a similar migration path to others. It suits; no planned operating times, no sign up for bands and modes; entirely casual.
In the (younger, leaner) early years, it meant sleeping on the ground or in a tent (I had a van, hog heaven). Then over the years, migrating into RVs, one member at a time. Stations were still (mostly) on tables, outside. Sometimes we actually operated too; but it’s mostly social since we’ve mostly scattered across several states and this is the ONE time a year, to gather. Attendance changes every year so it’s not always the same attendees, life happens. Babies arrive, grow, some continue with the group, some leave (or spouses change) over the years; the core group is a constant. And attendee change is good, you might get to see someone you’ve not seen in a few years (or someone new); or someone you’ve ‘known’ for a decade but never in person (SO common in ham radio). Instead of sneaker net written logbook updates (then), the site now boasts an integrated WIFI LAN with GPS NTP server and shared (each node updated) log that shows current other users on band modes (less mutual interference) with (Starlink) internet access (for news if wanted, remote access and streaming for the non-ops). (We’re techno-nerds after all). It has gone from manual tedious compilation of handwritten (is that an OH or ZERO? EL or 1?) logbooks to tap a couple keys and upload the entire results to the ARRL FD team. Outdoor stations on tables (with bug awnings) or inside with creature comforts (A/C, with LESS flying tiny but biting livestock!, mere feet away from ‘the essentials’ of potty, food, hot coffee or cold drinks while operating in comfort [recliners!])… the group has evolved (with members dropping out or SK, new members every year) and after trying many sites, has settled on one (drive in access, enough open space to not be crowded, close but not on top of each other, but the site trees are either dying/falling or just not put in the ‘right’ place for antennas). Generator or battery; that discussion is annual (usually a mix). Trying new antennas, a constant (with some SPECTACULAR fails). Spending social time with friends you don’t get to see often, beyond compare. Tents are still used by some, but sometimes renting or using your own RV is just THAT much nicer. And since most (not me of course) have gotten so much OLDER, creature comfort matters more every year. Being able to sleep (a treasured commodity) in a real bed AND enjoy the outdoors and the shared experiences with long time (and new) friends, priceless. Arriving at the site Thurs for camp set up, a stopping operations (if any) for a shared meal Sat night; a general easygoing atmosphere with long time friends; just is hard to beat. Most stay until Tues, for a slower pace of teardown and just one more day to be with each other (some have LONG multi-day drives home now). Retirement allows this now while the ‘kids’ head out Sunday to get back to their lives; the older crowd lingers, for just one more day. OUR field day, is more than radio but is a renewal of relationships, sometimes with a short silent pause to remember those who have “QSY’ed to a higher frequency” over the years (memorial stations too). The old crowd, slowly thins but new growth is an annual change; the group lives on. FD is also about living a life and being part of a (larger) community; and it sometimes plays with ham radio, on a mountain, in the forest, while setting aside time to simply be together. And that, ain’t a bad thing. 73, Rick nk7i > On May 21, 2026, at 10:54 AM, bucket--- via Elecraft > <[email protected]> wrote: > > My last club FD was operating my K3S inside the motorhome, diesel generator > running and A/C 24 hours a day. The generator only used about 1/2 gallon per > hour (7.5KW) so I could easily run it for over two weeks. Nothing like doing > FD in total comfort. > > John W5TWO (K3S, K4Ds) > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
