Fieldcraft Realistic como test

[Guest]

http://www.arrl.org/news/annual-armed-forces-day-crossband-test-scheduled-for-may-12
My new 2X1 vanity call sign, should be granted by then so this gives me first chance to dust off some very old skills. Some of which I though I'd never use again.

100% contact of each Base/Station, using all modes is my goal.

 

[Guest]

Re: Realistic como test

The radio is pre-programed w/all the Freq splits, emissions modes, an power restricted to max field, back in the day. Complete system (except operator)is up an running perfect.

Never done one of these using civi gear/protocol, but must say digital has it's advantages an dis-advantages. Unsure about power levels needed, (getting conflicting info from the "Ex-perts") on busting a pill-up if needed, but it's only a switch away.

Strange thing is, even at my age today, I'm having the same anticipatory feelings I had long ago, when I was first instructed on the hows an if's of field como, if/when it all goes to shit.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Realistic como test

I don't know much about radios.

I do remember when I was in the AK National guard we had a heck of a commo problem.

Batteries sucked in sub zero temps. We had the best luck with the PRC 109, the old hand cranked WWII radio. It was stricly Morse Code but we had little divices (forgot what they were called) where we could type in the letters and it put out dots and dashes, then when pluged into the radio it would send as a burst. Almost instantly. You could come up with a long winded message and it was gone in a second.

The gadget would also convert MC to letters so we could read it.

Only a couple of use knew morse code, (I wasn't one of them).

The crank of the 109 eliminated battery problems.

Another problem we had was the distances we would transmit. We had to toss the intenals and use hi gain wire intenas. You had to measure the wire for the freq. Also you had to get the right transister on the wire to get it to work, I forgot the fomula we used.

We later had good luck with the PRC 74s, (an AM radio, FMs just didn't seem to work. The 74's were ok if you could keep your batterys working. Arctic battery were some better but not much.

We use the same wire intenas as we used on the 109. Had a "crow foot" system that worked pretty good to.

Like I said, I don't know much about radios, I latched onto a good commo guy and pampered him.

I had better luck with commo then our other teams, but it was based on my ability to pick a good commo guy and let him do his job.

 

[Guest]

Re: Realistic como test

My first time with como was almost a disaster. Seen right then everyone at the party needs to know how to operate every piece of gear. Until then I had never even thought about como, but that's probably the way with all FNG E-2/3's.
This new civi gear is a hoot, and looking forward to talking to Uncle again using it.
Strange thing, I'm felling like a E-1 or 2, getting off the ship/plane at the replacement depot.

 

[TNT]

Re: Realistic como test

Dang, I just got my ARRL handbook and study book - still going to be another few months before I have exam behind me and first rig in front of me.

Have fun!

 

[Guest]

Re: Realistic como test

You will enjoy the benefits I'm sure. Many, Many, years ago I learned the hard way, it's best to "learn/work" every task prior to "Needing/Having" to use it. The skill set required for your Ham tickets, will serve you well, both, at home or in the field.
Now that I am into it with both feet, my field package is 1/10th of what it use to be, an my useable range has increased 30-40%.
The ability to build different types of devices comes easier as well. Now I look/pickup old AM/FM radios, Tube TV's, computer towers, Microwaves an such. The items one can build is only limited to parts on hand, an ability! Every time I complete one project, I find myself dragging out notes I've made on, what if I took X add Y,... can I make Z work for this task. Yes, you can take a 35 dollar microwave, strip what you need, add a parabolic dish, an be able to effect/change a out come w/o being detected,...well,...so I am told.

 

[Guest]

Re: Realistic como test

The test/challenge is going well.
Have hit the Pentagon,(WAR) Ex-USS Yorktown,(NWKJ) an many other stations/bases East of the muddy. Looking forward to west of next, an really after the operator on The EX-USS Midway(NNN0CQQ) as well as Schofield, Barracks(ABH). Finding slightly different protocol, but this is bringing back very old an rusty field skills.
The Lady at (AAC) Lex. Ky was a hoot to say the least, but a good operator none the less. If mother would cooperate just a little better, 100% contact before the Secretary of Defense keys up, is doable.
Roads are now open/operating, I once thought were closed/gone forever. Forgot how important como was, as most everything to me, was a local issue.

 

[Guest]

Re: Realistic como test

The very young an old on the Military side, in these past few hrs have instilled the American spirit yet again. I'd like to thank the very young como folks for their dedication and their ability to very quickly think on their feet,... even if some direction was given that made the airways.
My main targets (an enjoyment), were those that had changed the course of history for this country prior to my born date. The privilege to talk to guys on board CV-10,(USS Yorktown), the USS Midway station, Schofield Barracks, then cap it off with Andrews AFB, plus Brass/Suits at The Pentagon, was just icing. Thanks to all stations not mentioned, who keyed up as well.
We are far better off and in much better hands than the media would have us believe.
The test "Exceeded Expectations" on both sides, an all the Military an civi folks proved what Americans are capable of,... when allowed to succeed.

Even though mother nature tried to restrict or cancel some locations, patch relays using split Freq's, proved determined operators would prevail, no matter what.
"Whatever it takes." was more than words long ago,... and glad to say it's still very much alive, an well.