Field Days

• FFF / POTA Week-end
• Hamping - Beginner Ham Radio Field Day
• SOTA Youth Field Day
• Forest Field Day

FFF / POTA Week-end

Flora Fauna Weekend with Youngsters

Event Details

• Name of the event: Flora Fauna Weekend with Youngsters
• Participants: 10-15
• Experience Level: None to Advanced
• Duration: ~2 days

Location and Facilities

• Space Needed:
  • Camping ground with tables and a fireplace
  • Ample space for antenna setup

Food

• Type: Regular camping food (e.g., barbeque, soup)
• Source: Grocery store
• Budget: Under 10 euros per participant

Finances

• Equipment: Can be borrowed from nearby clubs
• Food: Participants will contribute (around 10 euros each)
• Transport: Carpool or public transport

Materials and Equipment

• Radio Equipment:

  • Antennas, wires
  • Battery power (car battery or inverter)
  • Radios, pliers, coax, connectors, headphones, electric tape, crimping tools

• Camping Equipment:

  • Flashlights, sleeping bags, tents
  • Handheld radios, cooking gear, dishes, food prep equipment
  • A large tent for the radio shack

Organizer Preparations

• Ensure transport is arranged (public transport or car)
• Gather and check all equipment
• Account for any special needs of participants
• Prepare a meal plan and ensure enough food for all
• Be ready for any type of weather conditions
• Schedule activities and allow some extra time for flexibility
• Plan free-time activities such as games

Participant Checklist

• Bring your own camping gear
• Bring handheld radios

Event Structure

• Participants arrive at the flora fauna location for a weekend
• Youngsters set up antennas and the radio station themselves
• Station activation and amateur radio operations
• Learning sessions on survival skills in the forest

Hamping - Beginner Ham Radio Field Day

Hamping

Group Members:

• Alex 2E0FMZ
• Hannah 9A5YYQ
• Fabien OK1GAL
• Francesco IU3OVL
• Dominik DL1DJH

Event Overview:

• Name of the Event: Hamping
• Number of Participants: 10-15 people (mostly younger attendees, under 14)
• Level of Experience: Little experience; participants just got their licenses.
• Duration: 2 days (1 weekend)
• Location: Campsite with basic facilities (restroom, showers).
• Focus: Fun, hands-on activities to teach beginners practical ham radio skills in a relaxed outdoor environment.

Food:

• Meals Needed:
  • Day 0 (Arrival Day): Dinner.
  • Day 1: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
  • Day 3 (Departure Day): Breakfast.
• Organizing Food:
  • Plan for 8 meals in total.
  • Simple, camping-friendly meals like sandwiches, grilled items, salads, and snacks.
  • Consider dietary needs and restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free).

Budget:

• Expenses:
  • Food, event space, restrooms/showers, toilet paper, soap, equipment for lessons/group activities, and accommodation.
  • Funding Sources:
    • Local radio society and potential sponsorships from local companies.
    • Participants may contribute a small fee to cover food and space rental.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• Radio Equipment:
  • Portable radio station.
  • Antennas (including satellite antennas).
  • Tents for camping.
  • SSTV equipment for the activities.
• Camping Equipment:
  • Tents, sleeping bags, lamps, mosquito spray.
• Other Supplies:
  • Station setup tools.
  • Teaching materials for classes.
  • Group activity resources (stopwatch, notepads, etc.).

Organizer's Preparations:

• Venue: Secure the event space (campsite) with access to restrooms and showers.
• Food: Organize and plan the meals.
• Facilities: Ensure all necessary equipment (radio, antennas) and supplies are available and functional.
• Activities: Plan the schedule for the entire weekend and ensure all teaching materials are ready.

What Participants Need to Bring:

• Personal camping gear (tents, clothes, lamps, etc.).
• Basic camping supplies (mosquito spray, water bottle).
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

Event Structure and Schedule:

Time	Day 0: Arrival Day	Day 1: Satellites	Day 2: SSTV	Day 3: Final Day
09:00-10:00	-	Breakfast	Breakfast	Breakfast
10:00-12:00	-	Build a Satellite Antenna Lab	How SSTV Works Class	Goodbyes
12:00-13:00	-	Lunch	Lunch	-
13:00-15:00	-	Station Setup Class & How to QSO	SSTV Funniest Meme Competition	-
15:00-17:00	-	Off the Air / In the Water: CQ Contest in a Pool	Tour of Host Town	-
17:00-18:00	Dinner	Dinner	Dinner / Bring your favorite snack	-
18:00-20:00	Opening & Introductions (ice breakers)	Working Satellites at Night	HF Radio Station Time (slots per team)	-

Detailed Event Breakdown:

Day 0: Arrival Day

• 17:00-18:00: Dinner
  • Participants arrive, set up camp, and enjoy a group dinner.
• 18:00-20:00: Opening and Introductions
  • Ice-breaker activities to help participants get to know each other.
  • Overview of the weekend’s activities and expectations.

Day 1: Satellite Operations

• 09:00-10:00: Breakfast
• 10:00-12:00: Build a Satellite Antenna Lab
  • Learn how to construct a simple satellite antenna.
  • Participants work in small groups to build and test their antennas.
• 12:00-13:00: Lunch
• 13:00-15:00: Station Setup Class & How to QSO
  • A hands-on class about setting up a radio station and making QSOs.
  • Participants will practice making QSOs using their newly built satellite antennas.
• 15:00-17:00: Off the Air / In the Water: CQ Contest in a Pool
  • A fun, off-air contest where participants try to simulate QSOs while in a swimming pool.
  • This promotes team-building and creativity while reinforcing QSO skills.
• 17:00-18:00: Dinner
• 18:00-20:00: Working Satellites at Night
  • Night-time satellite tracking and communication exercises.
  • Participants will use their antennas to contact satellites and make QSOs.

Day 2: SSTV (Slow Scan TV) and Exploring the Town

• 09:00-10:00: Breakfast
• 10:00-12:00: How SSTV Works Class
  • A class explaining the basics of Slow Scan Television (SSTV).
  • Participants will learn how to send and receive images via radio.
• 12:00-13:00: Lunch
• 13:00-15:00: SSTV Funniest Meme Competition
  • A friendly competition where participants create and send their funniest SSTV memes.
  • Images will be judged based on creativity and humor.
• 15:00-17:00: Tour of Host Town
  • A relaxed walking tour of the nearby town or surrounding area, allowing participants to unwind and explore.
• 17:00-18:00: Dinner / Bring Your Favorite Snack
  • Participants enjoy a group dinner and share their favorite snacks with each other.
• 18:00-20:00: HF Radio Station Time
  • Participants will have scheduled time slots to operate an HF station and make QSOs on various bands.
  • This is a key part of their hands-on learning experience.

Day 3: Departure Day

• 09:00-10:00: Breakfast
• 10:00-12:00: Goodbyes
  • Recap of the weekend’s activities.
  • Encourage participants to stay in touch and continue exploring ham radio.

Learning Objectives:

• Teach participants how to set up a radio station, make QSOs, and operate on different modes.
• Provide hands-on experience with satellite communication and SSTV.
• Encourage teamwork and creativity through contests and group activities.
• Familiarize participants with the process of building antennas and operating in the field.
• Foster a love for ham radio and outdoor activities.

SOTA Youth Field Day

SOTA Youth Field Day - Summit on the Air Activation

Group Members:

• 9A3BYW
• ON6RF
• ET3AA
• EA6ALW
• ON3MKO

Event Overview:

• Name of the Event: SOTA Youth Field Day
• Number of Participants: 6 people (2 experienced, 4 beginners)
• Level of Experience: Beginners who just got their licenses, with two experienced participants to guide them.
• Duration: 30 hours (2 days with overnight camping on the summit)
• Location: Easily accessible summit via cable car/public transport or a simple means of transportation.

Space Needed:

• Radio Tent (4x4m): For radio operation, equipped with tables, chairs, and logging equipment.
• Larger Tent: For non-radio needs, such as sleeping, dining, and relaxation.

Food:

• Meals: 3 meals a day:
  • Simple, easy-to-prepare or pre-cooked meals (e.g., pasta, rice-based meals).
  • Snacks and drinks for energy throughout the day.
• Catering Equipment: Portable stoves, pots, and utensils for meal preparation.

Budget:

• Estimated Costs: €500 (requires detailed budgeting based on location and supply costs).
  • Expenses Include:
    • Food for the duration of the event.
    • Camping equipment (if not already available).
    • Transportation costs for equipment and participants.
  • Funding Sources: Local radio society, participant contributions, potential sponsorship.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• Tents:
  • 1 tent for radio operations.
  • 1 tent for sleeping and other needs.
• Power Supply:
  • Batteries for the radio equipment.
  • Solar panels for battery recharging.
• Radio Equipment:
  • HF radios, antennas, masts, cables, TRX (transceivers).
  • Antennas and other materials for satellite communication (if applicable).
  • Logging equipment: laptops, tablets, or paper logs.
• Furniture: Tables and chairs for the radio setup.
• Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags, camping beds.
• Catering Equipment: Cooking gear, portable stoves.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure the group is prepared for minor injuries or health issues.
• HT Radios: Participants should bring handheld radios, but extras should be provided if necessary.
• Transportation: A vehicle or van to carry equipment to the summit.

Organizer's Preparations:

• Pre-event:
  • Announce the event and open registration for participants.
  • Grocery shopping for food and supplies.
  • Test all equipment before the event (batteries, radios, antennas).
  • Recharge batteries and prepare solar panels.
  • Ensure all necessary permits and authorizations for the location.
  • Monitor weather conditions, and prepare a contingency plan.
  • For satellite work, calculate satellite passes over the summit during the event.

What Participants Need to Bring:

• Personal Items:
  • Sleeping bag, clothing (including extra underwear), and hygiene products.
  • A backpack for personal items and water bottles.
  • Optional: small portable radios or handheld transceivers (HTs).

Event Structure:

Pre-Event Preparation:

• Day Before the Event:
  • Go to the summit in advance to do a test run with one radio.
  • Ensure everything is working smoothly to guarantee a successful and enjoyable activation.

Day 1 (Morning - Arrival and Setup):

1. Early Morning:
   • Meet at an agreed location.
   • Pack all supplies and equipment into a transport vehicle and head to the summit.
2. Arrival at the Summit:
   • Teach participants the basics of setting up a campsite:
     • Setting up the tents (radio tent and sleeping tent).
     • Ensuring proper positioning of the tents to protect from wind or adverse weather.
   • Activity: Team-building exercise to establish the camp quickly and efficiently.

Day 1 (Afternoon - Radio Setup and Activation):

1. Lunch Break:

   • Enjoy a simple meal to refuel before starting the radio activities.

2. Radio Station Setup:

   • Show the participants how to set up the radio equipment:
     • Set up antennas and teach about orientation for optimal signal.
     • Connect radios, batteries, and logging equipment.
     • Basic tips for antenna placement and adjusting for various bands.
   • Activity: Each participant assists in different parts of the station setup.

3. SOTA Activation (Afternoon - Early Evening):

   • Objective: Help participants complete contacts on various bands and modes.
   • Start with Search & Pounce (S&P) mode, where participants listen for signals and make contact.
     • Beginners will start with easier contacts, gaining confidence in operating the station.
   • Once participants are comfortable, they can begin Calling CQ for SOTA activation.
     • Guide them through handling a pile-up, as it’s almost guaranteed on a summit.
   • Backup Activities:
     • For those waiting to operate the HF station, provide other activities like:
       • Hiking or exploring the summit.
       • Geocaching if the area supports it.
       • Animal watching or nature exploration.
       • Stargazing after dark (depending on weather).
   • Satellite Operations (Optional):
     • Teach participants how to work SOTA via satellite, explaining how to track satellite passes and make contacts.

4. Dinner and Evening Activities:

   • Dinner: Cook a simple meal together as a group.
   • After dinner, relax and socialize around the campsite.
   • Night Activity: Continue operating the HF station or satellite, giving participants the opportunity to make night-time contacts.

Day 2 (Morning - Pack Up and Departure):

1. Morning Activity:

   • Clean up and pack away all radio equipment and antennas.
   • Ensure all logging is completed and saved.
   • Review the basics of how the station was disassembled for future reference.

2. Camp Pack-Up:

   • Pack up tents, clean the site, and ensure no trash is left behind.
   • Make sure the camp area is left better than it was found.

3. Departure from Summit:

   • Travel back down the summit together, reflecting on the weekend’s achievements.

Learning Objectives:

• Teach participants how to properly set up a ham radio station for SOTA activation.
• Provide hands-on experience with antenna setup, radio operation, and logging.
• Help beginners gain confidence in making contacts, including handling pile-ups and calling CQ.
• Encourage teamwork through shared camp setup and maintenance activities.
• Introduce satellite communications as an additional fun and educational activity.

Forest Field Day

Forest Field Day - Beginner Ham Radio Workshop

Group Members:

• Group 11: Mario EA1JAY, GeunHo DS3QGH, Larissa OE3YLR, Joss ES5JOSS, Paul F4ILV

Event Overview:

• Name of the Event: Forest Field Day
• Number of Participants: 4-8 people (plus at least 4 coordinators, with at least one YL)
• Level of Experience: Beginner, ages 7+ (participants have just obtained their licenses)
• Duration: 1 day (from 9 AM to 4 PM)
• Location/Space Needed:
  • A public park with enough open space for setting up tents and radio stations.
  • Areas for antenna-building, ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding) activities, and socializing.

Food:

• Meals:
  • Participants should bring their own lunch boxes.
  • BBQ equipment for group cooking (participants can bring their own meat and sides).
  • Snacks and desserts can be ordered or brought by participants (e.g., fruits, cookies).

Budget:

• Costs:
  • Event budget: $200 - $450 (10 Euros per person).
  • Funding options:
    • Ask for sponsorships from public park authorities or foundations.
    • Contribution from participants to cover food, BBQ items, and materials.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• Radio Equipment:
  • 1 radio station for group use.
  • Antennas (materials for making antennas).
  • Phonetic alphabet code cards.
• Field Day Equipment:
  • Tents for participants and coordinators.
  • ARDF receiver/transceiver for Fox Hunting.
  • Ropes or flags for marking boundaries for activities.
  • BBQ equipment for lunch.
• Additional Supplies:
  • Flashlights, water bottles, and basic outdoor supplies.

Organizer's Preparations:

• Tents: Set up tents for group activities, shelter, and BBQ station.
• Equipment Testing: Ensure that the radio station, ARDF receivers, and other materials are functioning correctly.
• Phonetic Alphabet Cards: Print and prepare phonetic alphabet flashcards for the "battleship" game.
• Safety Gear: Make sure all participants are briefed on outdoor safety and ARDF rules.
• Entertainment: Prepare short, engaging movie clips related to ham radio to break up the hands-on activities.

What Participants Need to Bring:

• Flashlights, water bottles, sun protection (hats, sunscreen).
• Comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes suitable for walking and physical activity.
• Optional: Snacks and drinks for sharing during breaks.

Event Structure:

Time	Activity	Description
9:00-9:30	Welcome & Introduction	Participants arrive and settle in. Brief introduction to the day's schedule, safety guidelines, and objectives.
9:30-10:30	Antenna Building Workshop	Hands-on session where participants learn to build a simple antenna using the provided materials.
10:30-11:00	Movie Clips & Discussion	Watch short educational clips on ham radio, its history, and its modern-day uses (emergency communication, space).
11:00-1:00	Phonetic Code Battleship Game	A fun, interactive game where participants practice the phonetic alphabet using a "battleship"-style format.
1:00-2:00	BBQ Lunch Break	Participants enjoy a BBQ lunch, socialize, and discuss ham radio topics with coordinators.
2:00-4:00	Fox Hunting (ARDF)	Introduction to ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding). Participants form teams and hunt for hidden transmitters using ARDF receivers.
4:00 PM	Closing & Departure	Recap of the day, certificate or small gift for participants, and goodbyes.

Detailed Event Breakdown:

1. Welcome & Introduction (9:00-9:30 AM):

• Greet participants and give a brief overview of the day's activities.
• Go over safety instructions and explain the objectives of the event.
• Set the tone for a fun and educational day in nature.

2. Antenna Building Workshop (9:30-10:30 AM):

• Objective: Teach participants how to construct a simple antenna.
• Activity: Using materials provided (e.g., wire, poles, connectors), participants will work in pairs or small groups to build an antenna.
• Outcome: By the end of this session, participants should be familiar with basic antenna construction principles and how to connect the antenna to a radio station.

3. Movie Clips & Discussion (10:30-11:00 AM):

• Objective: Introduce ham radio through entertaining and educational videos.
• Activity: Watch short clips that explain the basics of ham radio, its historical importance, and its application in modern times (e.g., emergency communications, satellite operations).
• Outcome: Participants gain a better understanding of why ham radio is important and exciting.

4. Phonetic Code Battleship Game (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM):

• Objective: Help participants learn and practice the ICAO Phonetic Alphabet in a fun way.
• Activity:
  • Split participants into teams and play a battleship-style game using the phonetic alphabet.
  • Teams will call out grid coordinates using the phonetic alphabet (e.g., "Bravo 3") to try and "hit" the opponent's ships.
  • This game reinforces the phonetic alphabet while adding an element of competition.
• Outcome: Participants become more comfortable with using the phonetic alphabet, an essential skill in ham radio.

5. BBQ Lunch Break (1:00-2:00 PM):

• Objective: Socialize and relax while enjoying a BBQ lunch.
• Activity:
  • Participants can cook their food over a BBQ, chat about the morning activities, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • Coordinators can use this time to answer any questions about ham radio or give one-on-one attention to participants who need help.

6. Fox Hunting (ARDF) (2:00-4:00 PM):

• Objective: Introduce participants to Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), also known as "fox hunting."
• Activity:
  • Split participants into teams.
  • Teach the basics of ARDF, where teams use radio receivers to locate hidden transmitters (the "foxes") placed around the park.
  • Teams compete to see who can find all the transmitters the fastest.
• Outcome: Participants learn how to use direction-finding equipment and gain experience in tracking signals.

7. Closing & Departure (4:00 PM):

• Gather all participants for a brief closing ceremony.
• Recap the day's lessons and activities, highlighting what was learned.
• Give participants a small certificate or souvenir to commemorate their participation.
• Thank everyone for attending and encourage them to continue exploring ham radio!

Learning Objectives:

• Teach participants how to build and set up antennas for ham radio.
• Help them become comfortable with using the phonetic alphabet during radio communication.
• Provide hands-on experience with ARDF (Fox Hunting) to develop their direction-finding skills.
• Create a fun and engaging environment that encourages participants to explore ham radio further in the future.