07/06/2004 | W6SF W6SFs FIELD DAY

Once again most of the membership of the Stockton-Delta ARC trooped out to Precessi Ranch to raise their antennas high and toast the 2004 Field Day. Meeting Saturday morning June 26, Charlie WB6NVBs 48 foot mast was erected, guyed, topped with the clubs refurbished 4 element beam, repaired on the spot after an element collapsed, and on the air at the 11am starting time. We also got up the clubs 80 meter dipole on the same mast, and a 40 meter dipole strung between two trees. Operating 2 HF radios for the full 24 hours, a multitude of SSB, CW and PSK contacts were made. Propagation was not as good as in past years, but even so, contacts were made on 15-20-40 and 80 meters. While we found a few hot spots when contacts came fast and furious, there was also more time to hold brief chats with other contesters. Its hard to remember when the contesting bug bitesbut the purpose of Field Day is to have fun! The weather cooperated wonderfully, by remaining sunny and warm during the day, with cool nighttime temps. Thanks are in order for so many members who made this years Field Day come together so well by contributing their time and knowledge and labor. Oh, yes, there was a hardworking group of operators and loggers who spend hours at the radios and computers. All who participated deserve a strong Well Done -- KD6FVA