Some people enjoy club field days as there is possibility of more variety in terms of equipment antenna type and usage. Non-HAMs can interact with the HAMs to get interest in the hobby. Some do it solo to either test the functionality of their equipment outside the shack or to test and rectify mobile operation’s capabilities for emergency situations.

Club field days are easy as there is aways someone to guide you and help you with the setup of mobile station. But for solo all planning and setup falls on to the hands of the person trying to do solo field day.

I’ll layout some of my key points I personally follow during planning and setup for solo field day.

If you are planning a solo field day first hurdle comes in as selecting the location to setup the equipment. Its easy if you operate from a car/ van but sometimes you have to setup the station far from the parking spot. Best option is to ask your local ham club for advice for location. You can setup in a local park, beach or open spaces (Town and Country Planning Act 1990, UK). If you are planning to use a carpark/parking spots you might need a written permission from the management of the carpark/ parking spot.

Now if you have selected a spot lets go through the list of equipment and tools you need for field day.

Radio Equipment:

Depending on the situation, what is the end goal of the field day? you need to select the radio equipment for example are you trying to make HF contacts or VHF/UHF and what mode you will use.

For HF you need to have a HF rig/ transceiver with suitable mode like CW/ SSB. You might require extra equipment if you like to use digital mode like RTTY, SSTV, FT8 or WSPR.

For VHF/UHF you need a mobile radio or handheld with the multimode Rig/ Transceiver if planning to use transmission mode other then FM, e.g. AM, SSB.

For DMR or any other digital mode (TETRA, P25, NXDN, M17) you need specific radio with the sported mode. You also may require a local hotspot or repeater in range to make QSO’s.

*It is always good to carry an extra Handheld/HT FM (VHF/UHF).

Antenna and Transmission cables:

Antenna and Transmission cables:

Now that you have selected the rig/ transceiver you need an antenna and transmission line.

For HF depending on the space available, you have to select the type of antenna from LWEF or vertical or a loop antenna (NOTE for UK HAM: you also have to take into account the safe space for emission as per licence requirements by Ofcom).

For VHF/UHF you can select from a Yagi to collinear antenna.

You transmission will be a coax cable with suitable rating. Please refer to Practical Antennas for the guidance for antenna selection.

**It is recommended to have a backup antenna and cable with suitable adapters.

Antenna guying:

You need guying kit or guying wire to erect an antenna. You need a pole for Loop, Yagi or Collinear antenna. Refer to the Ham Universe for the guidance for guying the antenna and poles.

Power and power cables:

For the power you need a battery with suitable rating. While sealed led acid (SLA) batteries are cheap and easy to maintain but they are heave and bulky then new lifepo4 batteries. There are more advantages to lifepo4 battery then the SLA. As the are light weight, high energy density, fast charging and safe chemistry.

 You also need fused power cables with suitable power rating and connectors.

*** it is recommended to have backup fuses and power connectors.  

Tools and extras:

Basic tools you might need includes Pliers, wire cutters, mallet, multi-meter, SWR meter, radial/ counterpoise wires, antenna analyser, and shade tent/ popup gazebo.

Now that you have the basic list of the equipment you need let’s discuss the field day prep.

Its important to make sure the weather is suitable on the day of operation. Ideal weather is sunny dry day. But you can also carry out the operation on the cloudy day if there is no rain and low chance of thunderstorm. You can check the local weather online from various websites, but I would recommend Windy. Here you can see the wind speed/ clouds, and other aspects of weather.

Day before the planned field day, make sure that batteries are fully charged and clear of any visual faults (cracks or bent or broken terminals). Have your checklist printed and equipment checked according to the list.  You also might need to print safety signs (best to post safety signs for antenna for liability “refer to your local laws/ Licensing conditions”.)

On the day when you arrive at the location, find a suitable spot to setup your equipment. Your setup should minimise the inconvenience to the public for their safety and less hassle for you. Try to place your antenna in the corner away from the public access as possible mut also to make sure it is in suitable place to have uninterrupted QSL.

**** It is best to visit the place in advance to scope out any possible issues for field day.

Setting up Equipment:

Setup the table and shade before setting up anything. Its up to you if you would like to setup antenna first of the radio equipment. Wear safety equipment while erecting antenna. One you have erect antenna and setup the radio. Its time to connect the power. Connect the positive or red wire first from battery to radio and then negative or black wire.

For HF your setup should be following: Antenna (balun if using EFLW), coax cable, antenna matching unit, ATU, transceiver, fused power cable to battery. Make sure to tune antenna using antenna analyser even if you have ATU.

If you plan to use digital mode then connect radio to computer using suitable interface.

For VHF/UHF : Antenna, coax cable, SWR meter, transceiver, fused power cable to battery.

For safety have First aid kit and Fire extinguisher handy.

Try using different radios and antennas if you have access to them. By doing this you can fine tune what works for you.

73’s 

2E0UMR.