CFARC Field Day

Operating Station Checklist

Radio Equipment

* Transceiver - Set to a maximum of 150 W
* Microphone and/or Key
* Spare fuses for transceiver
Headphones and/or external speaker if desired (recommended for CW)
2-way splitter for speaker/headphones
Memory Keyer if desired
Foot switch if desired (recommended for all stations)
Tuner/Transmatch
SWR/Watt meter(s)

Antenna

* Bring own or request CFARC Club antenna - coordinate with chairperson
Antenna switch (if using more than one antenna)
Dummy load

Feed-line

* RG8 or better coax cable for HF - 50' minimum
* "9913" or equivalent coax cable for VHF/UHV - 50' minimum
* Coax jumper cables for connecting meters, tuners or other devices in-line with the antenna
* Barrel connectors and adapters (club HF equipment uses PL-259 connectors - you can never have too many)

Power

* Heavy-duty extension cords (prefer 100')
* TWO plug strips (prefer with surge protection)
* Power supply - 120VAC input, appropriate voltage output for above transceiver (Be sure all equipment connected to the power supply has proper mating connectors.)
* Spare fuses for power supply

Operating position and supplies

* Shelter - truck, bus, van, trailer, etc.
* Table
* 2 chairs (minimum)
* Pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, markers, highlighters
* Lamp with extra bulbs
* Clock - battery operated (set to UTC)
* Operating manual (FD rules, logging program instructions, station exchange, band plan, section map and abbreviations, etc.)
Erasers
Scratch paper
Clip board
Calculator
Fan and/or heater (this is Ohio weather!)
Trash bags
Plastic bags to cover outside power and antenna connections
Tarpaulin or other plastic sheets, poles to make shelter/awning

* These items are required. Bring all others also, if available

Computer

* DOS Compatible (386 or better) laptop recommended
UPS backup battery recommended for desktop systems
* Hard drive with about 5MB free space
* Power supply for computer
* Power cords
External keyboard for laptops (if desired)
Cables for use with keyer/radio (if desired)

Field Day site communications

* VHF HT with extra batteries/charger
* Antenna
Speaker/microphone (if desired)

Tool Box

* Flashlight, extra batteries
* Tape - electrical, duct, etc.
* Multi-meter
* Climbing belt (if you have one)
* Safety glasses or prescription with plastic lenses
* Hard hat (watch for falling items from tower climbers)
Cable ties (do not cut excess to prevent injuries)
Wrenches/socket set
Pliers, side cutters, wire stripping tool, etc.
Terminals, crimping tool
Soldering iron/gun, solder
Heat shrink tubing, lighter
Scissors, knife, utility knife
WD-40 or similar oil
Sledge hammer, regular hammer, hatchet, etc.
Pry bar, chisel
Nylon straps (ratchet style)
First-aid kit
Rope - assorted lengths and diameters
Pulleys
Matches, lighter, propane torch

Personal and creature comfort items

* Work gloves (especially for set-up and tear-down)
Rain gear - umbrella, poncho, boots, etc.
Sun screen, visor, hat
Insect repellent
Citronella lamps, torches, candles
Changes(s) of clothes
Heavy-duty hand cleaner
Toilet paper, paper towels
Cloth towel, washcloth, soap
Toiletries
Cooler (stocked, of course)
Seat cushion

Don't worry if you don't have every item on the list. Station captains are arranging for the radio and antenna equipment. Bring whatever you have available. Most importantly, be sure to mark each item clearly with your name and/or call!