Fun Field Day outing.
Francois 3B8BAN organised the outing for Saturday 28 November at the site of the Butte a l’Herbe public beach in the Calodyne area North of the island. Participants were Francois 3B8BAN, the organiser with Patrick 3B8GF, Ujo 3B8BAL, Veronique 3B8BAU, Patrice 3B8FA, Dev 3B8BBB and Jean Marc 3B8DU, see photos below.
Ujo adds that they tried out the HF CQ WW CW contest but the band was flooded a tsunami of participants on the air. Nevertheless, it was a good experience in the contesting learning curve.
In the afternoon with improved propagation on HF bands, the group set-up a G5RV Junior antenna to work with an FT-857 and LDG YT100. This simple set-up worked fine and made QSOs on 7.060 MHZ with FR stations FR5EC (Jean Claude), FR5AG (Francois), FR4DJ (Paul) and also on the 15m band which was booming with EU calls. A good practice session for antenna set – tuning – coaxial soldering, propagation monitoring, jack repairs, field power supply, TX programming – tuning, etc.
In spite of no real breakthrough in terms of radio activities with HF and QO-100 setup had a unsolved Tx issue. However, Rx was superb and it was just a wonderful day spent with friends exchanging memories, jokes and a lunch.
We learn that this is already the third field day session that has been organised at various locations. Francois (3B8BAN) is already planning another event in a more central location of the island so that more may join. Our thanks to Francois for promoting these gatherings and socializing events between HAM’s. Note that all on the forum are welcome and please do watch out for the next Francois invite which will be sent on the forum.
