The forecasts still vary quite a bit, but we are expecting the flight direction to be southeast or south.  The latest forecast shows a direction of 150 degrees and a distance of 50 miles.  This would not let us use Valley as the landing would be in Nebraska City.  Using Mead or Treynor in this situation gives us good landing areas.  By next Wednesday (5/14) or so we should be able to select a launch site.  Previous forecasts, however, did show a much longer distance (120 miles) which we prefer not to do.

Surface conditions look good for next weekend - light westerly winds below 10,000 ft so we might be able to push the launch time a bit later.  Temps should be about 60 in the morning.

For more information go to http://www.nstar.org.

Field Day 2008 will be held at a time near the bottom of the solar cycle. This is unfortunate for operation on most HF bands, but it is an opportunity made for the 160 meter band.

I would like to organize a very small group (3-7) which will do the following:

• Tell lies about their own operating and antenna-construction exploits on this band
• Discuss the pros and cons of various types of 160 meter antennas
• Decide on 160 meter field day antenna(s), given the limitations of materials, space, and personnel
• Construct and test antenna(s) prior to FD
• Set up the antenna at the FD site on FD
• Use the antenna during operation, either using the club rig or another rig
• Tell more lies to people who show up to see the 160 meter operation on FD
• Take down the antenna after FD

Please contact WØKT at W0KT@arrl.net.