MARS

Amateur Radio Society

Field day at Camp Tonakela

2025 Jan 04

The MARS Amateur Radio Society kicked off the new year 2025 with a grand Field Day event, where they were welcomed by a vast open space filled with tents and trees at the old and well-known Camp Tonekela.

Thirty members participated making it a memorable and enjoyable gathering. The day began with members arriving from 7.45 a.m. onwards at the campus. OM Thyagu the president warmly welcomed all participants and narrated the whole day’s programme.

The morning session was allotted fully for technical stuff. Following a delicious and yummy breakfast the morning session commenced with Field demonstrations.

The technical demonstration included:

• OM Diwakar’s HF station with antenna tuner. This set up was ably supported by OM Peter with his loaded coil vertical antenna. OM Diwaker explained the complete set up and demonstrated the functioning of the HF station. He also explained the power supply distribution arrangement used by him.
• OM Sampath brought his vehicle fitted with bumper mounted vertical antenna. He presented a HF rig in operation powered by car battery and with vertical bumper mounted antenna. He also demonstrated the functioning of the automatic tuner by switching over to various bands.
• OM Rajesh and OM Hari brought the complete set up of QO100 satellite receiving and transmission arrangement. The entire system was erected and commissioned involving much time and labour. OM Deepan also gave a helping hand in setting up the station. VU Hams and DX Hams participated in the QSO. The members enjoyed the satellite communication

All participants thoroughly enjoyed the various demonstrations and gained valuable experience. Participants and new members were benefitted by the wonderful experience. Very interesting QSOs were also going on among members in small groups sharing their experiences with others. Informal QSOs among members added to the events camaraderie.

A sumptuous lunch was served to all participants at 12.45 p.m. The afternoon session featured party games and tambola. Around 2.00 p.m. OM Thyagu conducted the party games and tambola. The games were designed to cater to all age groups. Fixing tilak and ball & basket games were enjoyed by everyone. The tambola was the high light of the game’s session. The party games session was filled with fun and frolic.

Prizes were distributed all winners of various games. OM Deepan the Secretary proposed a vote of thanks to all members who contributed to the event’s success and for their active participation. As the day drew to a close, members dispersed after the evening refreshments and tea carrying sweet memories of the event with satisfaction of spending whole day along with fellow enthusiasts.