winterfieldday

Notes from Winter Field Day 2026 ... Winter Field Day was a success. Why? Because it allowed many of us an opportunity to "Enjoy the hobby!" Check out the end of the video where the operator confirms: "I'm having a blast!" Having a blast video: x.com/i/status/20155… That's what it's about! And we had plenty of that and more here with the N4MZ club. New challenges and antenna system deployments ... VHF & Up efforts New 12 Band Bonus (we achieved 9 of the 12) W4EFT, K4NWD, KN4DND, KJ4LEG, W4HFZ efforts (new radios, antennas, deployments) ... Coordination and contacts with Westminster Village Club AB4WV Roving contacts: K4JOM Related Post 1: x.com/i/status/20146… Related Post 2: facebook.com/share/v/1AJFSX… Related Post 3: Lev ... facebook.com/share/v/1DRzsC… Related Post 4: Elvis antenna ... facebook.com/share/v/187WK7… On site antenna launchers (lots of fun and proven effective) Use of roll up J-Pole and LMR-600 Related Post 1: x.com/i/status/20148… Related Post 2: x.com/i/status/20154… Good turnout for the event Good food. Facilities work well for the event. Several campers and overnighters Jarrod, Henry, Mike, Ken, and Matthew. Others? Good representation on HF bands Overcame weather challenges Contest results Lessons learned (can do better next time's): 160 meter long wire wide band tunable antenna 220 MHz ... Radio's cutting out (find why and fix) 900 MHz ... Extend effective distances 1.2 GHz ... Extend effective distances VHF and Up ... Figure out best way to get directional antennas up above the camp site pit walls Portability (improve)