One of several updates re JOTA to come. It is still a work in progress.
1. Location: BSA Camp Alaflo vicinity of the Ballfield pavilion & directly across the road from main parking area. Driving directions & maps are available. I will post those & other info in our reflector files area titled JOTA2009. We will be "guests" on the campgrounds & subject to BSA standards of conduct, safety, etc. Most are common sense, but a few need mentioning: No smoking or alcholic beverages; no firearms; no open flames, no riding in back of trucks or on top of any vehicles. All vehicles must be parked in the main parking area; no vehicle movement within the camping areas or trails. Leave no trace. We are allowed to camp in own own tents in a designated area. Unmarried couples are not allowed to share sleeping accomodations. Supper Saturday evening only will be provided. Other meals on our own. Registration ASAP to me via rmacey@sw.rr.com
2. Power: Six standard 110v 60cycle 15 amp sockets (all on one circuit & unconditioned) will be available in the pavilion. I will have a 35 & a 45 amp power supply & two deep cycle gelcells, one 105 ah & the other 8ah and a charger. I have a generator that could be placed in service, but prefer to avoid the noise & safety issues.
3. Check-in & setup begins at 14:00 CST Friday Oct 16th. We must maintain a roster & emergency contacts for each participant. We plan to setup & test antennas, rigs, etc Friday afternoon & evening. JOTA actually begins 0001 local time Saturday morning. At that time we will be using our special event call. Scout frequencies & possible skeds will be provided. Scouts will start checking-in about 9 am Saturday. From 9-12, they will be focused on setting up their camps & eating lunch. Our primary goal is to expose the scouters to our hobby/service, make radio contacts with Scouts around the world, & help them to HAVE FUN! We will probably take down & clear our site by 10:30 am Sunday.
4. Radios: I plan to have my FT 857 & 817 (if working) & a FT-8900R for 2M. Maybe a TS-830S. Other HF rigs & especially cw & data modes will be welcome & appreciated. Would like to have scheduled demos for these if possible. If you bring a rig please try to bring table & chair for your operating position or extras.
5. Antennas: My main antennas will be a multiband S9 Vertical (10-40M); a Alpha-Delta DX-OCF (6-80); a Buddipole Deluxe; & an Elk 2M/440 Log Periodic. This will reach our repeater. I will have 2-3 additional mast sets for additional wire antennas. There is only have one tree available, but it is too close to overhead power lines to use.
6. Shelter: We will have PARTIAL use of a pavilion with about 4 picnic tables. I will bring a 10X10' & a 14' shelter. These will be primarily to protect our operating stations. Those spending one or both nights may want to bring their sleeping bag, cot, personal or family tents, food snacks, etc. I will also brint a campstove & lantern.
7. Items we need or would like: HD extension cords; coax, esp 100' or more; ice food; drinks; (running water is available); TOILET TISSUE; power supplies; tables & chairs; AND tbd (to be determined)!
More to follow--
73 de K3RWM/Railey