The purpose of this document is to provide under one cover the proposed PLAN for BARC’s 2009 Field Day Exercise.

BARC’s goal is to always hold its Field Day Exercise within the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Township area. Since 1998, BARC has held Field Day in and around Shelter #1 at Sackett Wright Park. 2010 marks BARC’s 35^th annual Field Day Event.

Sackett Wright Park is jointly owned by the City of Bellbrook and Sugarcreek Township and is managed and maintained by the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Park District. The park is located on Ohio Route 725 immediately east of Bellbrook and just east of the intersection of SR-725 and Lower Bellbrook Road. Shelter #1 is adjacent the first parking lot on the left as you enter the Park. The large parking lot provides more than adequate parking.

A Talk-in Station at the Field Day Site will be monitoring the BARC 147.045+ repeater and BARC’s primary simplex frequency, 147.405 MHz. BARC’s Call Sign is W8DGN.

A port-a-john is available within 100 feet or so of Shelter #1. A container of sanitized hand wipes and paper towels will be available at the Shelter.

BARC will operate in the FOUR ALPHA (4 –A) category. During the day, when 20 meters is open, Stations 1, 2, 3 and 5 may be operated simultaneously. The VHF/UHF station (Station 4) is a freebie and only one transmitter may be operated at a time. If 20 meters closes, then two VHF/UHF transmitters may be operated simultaneously in addition to Stations 1, 2 and 5.

The goal for the number of stations and modes set up for BARC’s Field Day is to provide enough stations that everyone who wants to operate can do so without having to wait too long.

Station 2-A is designated for primary operation on 40 meters SSB. As an alternative, Station 2-B is set up to operate 40 meters CW QRP using a NVIS antenna.

Station 3 is designated for primary operation on 20 meters SSB operation.

Station 4-A is designated for 6 meters SSB and FM primary operation. Station 4-B is designated for primary operation on 2 meters SSB and FM. As an alternative, Station 2B also may be operated on 70cm SSB and FM.

As a designated Category FOUR ALPHA Field Day operation, BARC may operate only four transmitters simultaneously plus a "free" VHF/UHF transmitter. Thus, only one VHF/UHF station may be operated at a time when Stations 1, 2, 3 and 5 are all active. Stations 4-A and 4-B may be operated simultaneously if only three or less of the HF stations are active.

Station 5 is designated for primary operation on 80-10 meters CW.

Automatic antenna tuning units are planned for all HF stations in order to simplify operations. Antenna tuners are essential with the multiband non-resonant antennas designated for Stations 1, 2A and 5. Auto tuners are helpful for three reasons. One is speed—they usually are quicker than manual tuning. Another is safety—the transceiver final amplifiers are probably safer with an auto tuner. The third is training—it is easier to train operators to use auto tuners than manual tuners. Use of the auto tuners will help maintain an easier and safer operation for operators who are not familiar with manual antenna tuners or with the built-in antenna tuner of a particular transceiver.

Three power systems will be used for BARC’s Field Day operation. All equipment except as noted below will operate on generator emergency backup power. Station 2B will operate on a 12 battery pack. Commercial power outlets available in the ceiling of the Shelter will be used for clamp-on lighting fixtures over each station, for computers, for box fans and for the coffee pot and crock pots at the food table.

It has been recommended that BARC’s two generators are using too much oil and other generators should be acquired for this year’s operation. Jim Lusk, KC8EFD, has arranged for us to use a 2500 watt [very quiet] generator and Christ, KD8APN, and Fred, W8LLY, have offered their 5000 watt generators.

BARC will use the N3FJP Field Day wired/wireless network logging program again this year for Stations 1, 2A, 3 and 5. Paper logs will be used for Stations 2B and 4A/4B and entered into the logging program at the Admin workstation during the Field Day operating period or afterwards for dub checking and merging into the final report. A big thank you to Joe Muchnij, N8QOD, for providing the router and several laptops. Additional laptops or desktops may be needed. Computers are connected to the 120VAC commercial power system so as not to be affected by generator change-over "glitches." etc.

On Saturday, BARC will provide donuts for Breakfast (0830-0915) and a Lunch (1145-1300) for the set-up crew. BARC’s annual Field Day Family Picnic is held at 1730 (5:30 PM) Saturday afternoon.

BARC will provide Broasted Chicken from Dot’s Market for the Picnic and participants are requested to bring a vegetable, salad or dessert to share. BARC will provide cups, plates, utensils and napkins.

Usually, leftover food from breakfast, lunch and the picnic will be put on ice and available for the Operations Crew snacks Saturday overnight and Sunday. Participants are welcome to bring additional snacks for either personal use or to share.

Water, soft drinks and coffee will be provided throughout the Field Day event. Several large coolers will be needed for keeping water, soft drinks and food cold. BARC will provide cups and ice.