It's going to happen. It's finally going to happen. This year, RARS will have the pleasure of having a Boy Scout troop assist us at Field Day. For the last several years, this seemed like a good idea, but there was never anyone who could make it happen. This year, Chris KE4TMO, stepped forward and agreed to handle the task. He has taken the responsibility very seriously, and has done a lot to prepare the Scouts for what will happen.
One of the things Chris has done, was to bring them to AC4ZO for a visit. During their visit, they got a brief description of the station equipment and antennii, and had a look at the station records. Next, come a demonstration of two meter FM operating, and then came the inevitable question: "How far away can you talk to people"? This is a question that can only be answered by demonstration. Words just don't suffice, here. Knowing what had to be done, with sweaty palms I removed the microphone from its spot on the shelf, and plugging it into the rig, called CQ on twenty meter SSB. (Yes, there is a microphone for the HF rig at AC4ZO). The answer came from a fellow in New Jersey, who was very glad to participate in a demonstration for our young friends. After a short, but nice QSO, we said 73 and returned the mic to its spot on the shelf. During that QSO, the excitement level among the 14 people in the shack seemed to pick up a fair amount.
Next, they saw a few clips from the previous Field Day video tapes that Gary has shot and edited. This did more than anything to prepare them for what they would be doing on the fourth weekend of June. Finally, they all received a Kenwood HT bookmark and an Archie Ham Radio Comic book which was provided by the Education Department.
Chris, thanks for arranging to have them with us for the big event, and thanks for bringing them to visit. Lynn, thanks for providing materials from the Education Department. I am looking forward to this Field Day more than ever!
Jeff -- AC4ZO