The aim of the SARL National Field Day Contest was to work as many stations in Southern Africa as possible on all the HF amateur bands (excluding the 60, 30, 17 and 12 m bands). QSOs with stations outside the SADC region are also allowed. In doing so, to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less-than-optimal conditions. A premium is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio.
The aim of the SARL VHF/UHF FM Mode Contest was a test of operator ability and station design; to promote FM activity on the VHF/UHF bands; to encourage Amateurs to work greater distances than usual by operating Field Stations in favourable locations and by optimising equipment and operating techniques at both field and home stations and to provide opportunities for Amateurs to activate and work new grid squares.
An "HF, VHF/UHF field day contest" is a competitive amateur radio event where participants set up and operate radio stations away from their permanent home locations, using non-mains power, to simulate emergency preparedness and test portable operating skills. The contests encourage teamwork and outdoor adventure, with operations lasting typically 24 hours, and focus on making contacts with other portable stations over high-frequency (HF) and VHF/UHF radio bands.
The following radio amateurs were active from Heuningklip on the day:
The weather on the day was great as can be seen from the images and videos. This station was truly a field station away from any natural or man made noise and open in the veld in a beautiful area away from any concrete or man made structures. Just four radio amateurs with their equipment and the beauty of mother nature all around them. (see the video)
From all accounts everyone had a great time even on the VHF/UHF bands. I heard along the "grape vine" that there are already plans for the next field day event.
Thank you to all the photographers for all the images and videos and for sharing you experience with us. I trust that this event and the excitement that was experienced will motivate other radio amateurs to setup their own field station and experience the same excitement and pleasure that this group experienced. There are more than enough contests on the yearly SARL calendar to join in on the fun.
Images: Click on images for larger view.
