I’ve finally finished and submitted the scoring for the Decatur Amateur Radio Club’s 65th Field Day last month. Here’s how it looks:
Number of participants: 30
CW contacts: 37
Digital contacts: 82
Phone contacts: 477
QSO points:
37 x 2 = 74
82 X 2 = 164
477 x 1 = 477
Total QSO points = 715
Power multiplier: 150 watts or less = QSO’s x 2
Claimed QSO score = 1,430
Bonus points:
200 points – 100% Emergency power
100 points – Media Publicity
100 points – Set-up in Public Place
100 points – Information Table
100 points – W1AW message
100 points – Natural Power QSO’s Completed
100 points – Site Visit by Invited Elected Official
100 points – Social media (Facebook)
60 points – GOTA bonus
50 points – Online entry form submission
Total bonus points = 1,010
Total submitted score: 2,440 points
(638 points MORE than last year’s 1,802)
I think a 30% increase is a good thing! Some of that was due to the 82 digital contacts (thanks Mike KD4TGC!) and the 37 CW contacts we made (thanks Bill WB8ELK!).
So now it’s time to mark your calendar for next year! Field Day 2019 will be on June 22nd and 23rd, 2019. Make plans to come help us and improve the score again!
The regular monthly meeting of the Decatur Amateur Radio Club has been canceled for July.
Spend time with your family and celebrate our country’s independence this week.
And plan to attend the August meeting at the courthouse.
See you then!
Field Day is finally here!

We will set up and operate W4ATD at Point Mallard Park in Decatur on Saturday, June 23rd. We’ve reserved the picnic shelter behind the Spirit of America stage, just like the last several years.
Come join us anytime on Saturday or Sunday morning and help out or keep us company.
See you there!
It’s time to eat and talk about radio again!
The June 2018 meeting of the Decatur Amateur Radio Club will be held at Libby’s Catfish and Diner at 6:00 on Tuesday evening, March 6th, at 6:00. Libby’s is located on Highway 67 in Priceville on the east of I-65. Just follow Highway 67 until you get to the top of Priceville Mountain. Libby’s is on the right.
We will be planning and organizing for the club’s 65th consecutive Field Day, which is scheduled for June 23rd and 24th at Point Mallard Park in Decatur.
The July meeting may be canceled because of the date (July 3rd). Details will be posted later. The August meeting will be held at the Morgan County Courthouse as regularly scheduled.
Come greet, eat, and meet with us on Tuesday!
The March 2018 meeting of the Decatur Amateur Radio Club will be held at Libby’s Catfish and Diner at 6:00 on Tuesday evening, March 6th, at 6:00. Libby’s is located on Highway 67 in Priceville on the east of I-65. Just follow Highway 67 until you get to the top of Priceville Mountain. Libby’s is on the right.
Those who have paid their dues and are full members for 2018 are asked to attend to vote on an amendment to the club’s By-laws.
The April meeting will be held at the Morgan County Courthouse as regularly scheduled.
Come greet, eat, and meet with us on Tuesday!
Greetings and Merry Christmas with all of the trimmings!
December has finally come upon us, and as is our custom, we will forego the normal business meeting and assemble for our annual Christmas dinner at 6:00 on Tuesday, December 5th. We will meet atop Priceville Mountain at Libby’s Catfish and Diner on Highway 67. It’s easy to find if you’ve never been there. Just take Highway 67 out of Decatur, go to the top of the highest hill after it turns into a 2-lane road, and Libby’s will be on the right. Keep your eyes (and nose!) open and you won’t miss it.
See you then!
The 60th Boy Scout Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) will be held October 20-23, 2017.

The Decatur Amateur Radio Club will have stations set up at Veteran’s Park in Priceville just off of Highway 67.
Lots of thanks to Mike Findlay KD4TGC for his efforts to set up and coordinate all of this.
Come out and help some young folks get interested in ham radio!
The Decatur Amateur Radio Club has some GREAT NEWS!
We are now able to offer license testing. We are approaching this a bit differently, however.
Instead of a fixed schedule for testing, we are offering testing by appointment. Now we can serve you at YOUR schedule and not force you into ours.
If you’re interested in scheduling a test for a license or an upgrade, please e-mail darcvehamtest@gmail.com and Steve – KD2JSW will get back to you and set things up.
And get on the air!