Field Notes
Operational procedures, log forms, and reference cards for portable HF/VHF operations, site characterization, and naturalist observation. KO6NNH, Merced CA.
Procedures
California RF Site Assessment
TM-FIELD-CA-001. Characterize any California operating site before antenna deployment. Province quick-reference, geological hazards, compass survey, NanoVNA coil and ground tests, TinySA noise floor, site scoring. Central Valley to Death Valley.
Read →Sierra Nevada RF Site Assessment
TM-FIELD-SAP-001. Sierra-specific procedure. Granite batholith, contact zones, seasonal σ variation, and antenna selection for very poor ground (<2 mS/m). Superseded by TM-FIELD-CA-001 for general California use.
Read →Field Forms
Ground Truth Log
RF site characterization record. Celestial fix, meteorology, soil and geology (texture, rock type, compass deviation, coil test, R_ground), RF conditions by band, site score, antenna selection. Grease pencil on laminate.
Read →What Moved, Squeaked or Grew
Naturalist observation log. Habitat classification, phenology (5 dominant plants + stage), 5-minute bird point count, mammal signs, invertebrates, water condition. Use alongside Ground Truth Log for full site characterization.
Read →R_Ground Site Log Card
Seasonal ground conductivity measurement record. NanoVNA stake method, measured vs. M3 predicted σ, four-season completion checklist. Three sites × four seasons = full local σ map.
Read →Reference Cards
Portable Sundial Field Reference
Altitude-based time determination with no compass required. Solar declination table, equation of time correction, azimuth from altitude. Field-laminate format.
Read →Field Kit
One-Handed Field Kit
Non-threatening, wheelchair/pedestrian-accessible QRP field kit. Spring clamp key (KY-116/U), POTA-compatible antennas, naturalist log integration. ~6.68 lbs complete.
Read →