AWARDS

As I write this article, it is the beginning of March. Already, I am excited about the warmer temperatures that are due to come to the Chicago, Illinois area (A.K.A. Chicagoland.) However, thinking ahead to June, everyone’s mind will be concentrating on the final preparations for Field Day and whatever adaptations are needed to keep everyone safe from COVID-19. At this writing, the ARRL is advising clubs and individuals to use their best judgment based on conditions in late June, and perhaps to consider operating 1E — home station / emergency power — for this year’s event. With the Dayton Hamvention® cancelled due to the Coronavirus, it is time to do some preventive maintenance on your radios and antenna systems for the upcoming practice emergency weekend (A.K.A. Field Day).

In between the prep work for Field Day and everyday chores, do not forget about award-chasing. Since it is an ongoing challenge, you can never let a day go by without getting on the air for a while to hunt for new contacts.

For my day job, I read technical magazines that are both inside and outside my field. The overused saying in the workplace is to “think outside the box.” Well, that’s why I at least scan if not read these unusual magazines. I sometimes have gotten a fresh idea from one of those articles, either for work or