Winter Field Day 2021 ran this weekend and several club members participated. Unlike summer Field Day, Winter Field Day has a more emergency-preparedness focus and encourages remote operation under very harsh conditions.
Taking that to heart, several club members ventured into the mountains to brave the snow and cold temperatures. The weather cooperated by being extra cold and nasty. It rained, snowed and sleeted constantly all weekend. Hypothermia was a definite concern.
This was one club member’s setup, using an ice-fishing tent to stay out of the wind and precipitation. Heated inside with a catalytic heater with light provided by four windows and a candle, it was cozy and comfortable. The antenna used was an alpha J-pole Senior and radio run strictly on battery power.
Despite the austere conditions, the bands were very good and we were able to work most of North America. Over the weekend, one club member made 179 contacts in 54 states or ARRL locales. A full list of these is below. The exercise demonstrated that should a major disaster strike, club members are prepared to offer assistance in virtually any conditions.
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
East Bay
Eastern New York
Georgia
Greater Toronto Area
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Los Angeles
Louisiana
Manitoba
Maryland
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
North Dakota
North Texas
Ohio
Oklahoma
Ontario East
Ontario South
Orange
Oregon
Rhode Island
Sacramento Valley
San Diego
San Francisco
San Joaquin Valley
Santa Barbara
Saskatchewan
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Virgina
West Central Florida
West Texas
West Virginia
Western New York
Western Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Wyoming