Note: Jonathan Poulton, WØCK, has provided this checklist from his past experience as chairman of the ICARC Field Day operations.

ICARC Field Day Checklist

3 months from FD

• Site selection and booking
• Get permission for overnight campers, if necessary
• Identify FD Coordinator(s)
• Delineate FD goals
• Discussion of finances (FD budget, including potluck costs and subsidies)

1-3 months from FD

• Decide on power supply (i.e. gas generator, batteries, solar power, ..)
• Reserve the generator for FD weekend
• Decide which class Club is in (i.e. how many rigs operational, HF, VHF….)
• Identify suitable rigs, amplifiers, memory keyers, etc
• Antenna issues, include whether to use crank-up tower
• Antenna construction, if necessary
• Logging specifics
• Discuss strategies for quest for bonus points:
  • Copy W1AW FD message
  • Message to Section Manager
  • Alternative mode stations
  • QSO using solar power
  • Press/media coverage
  • Others?
• Identify shelters for operating sites
• Identify Potluck Coordinator and menu (what does ICARC provide; usually meat, drinks, plates, cups, napkins, and eating utensils)
• Invite JCEMA to FD site and secure offer of Sunday breakfast
• Invite press/media coverage
• Invite hams from other clubs to join us (i.e. MARC)
• Issue special invitation to CW operators
• Issue Potluck invitations to spouses and families
• Bring FD to attention of youth groups, potential new hams, others
• Discuss severe WX strategies
• Post flyers around town

1 week from FD

• Designate folks to pick up barrels, antennas, rigs, etc, from storage or lenders
• Get bathroom supplies, if necessary
• Check sufficient grills
• Purchase selected Potluck items
• Post flyers around town, if not already done so

FD Friday

• Pick up barrels, antennas, etc, from storage
• Pick up the generator
• Set-up
• Security overnight

FD Saturday

• Potluck
• Purchase renaining Potluck items
• Drinking water barrel(s)

FD Sunday

• Tear-down
• Return barrels, radios, antennas, rigs, etc, to storage or rightful owners
• Clean up site

Post-FD

• Submit FD scores to ARRL

Last updated June 11, 2006 by KØCF