Hilltop/HF field day portable operations tips for VU hams

ARSI promoted Field Day/Hilltop coming soon (Feb last weekend)!. 


Having been to couple of DXpeditions, IOTA and field trips including VHF hill topping, I thought of sharing some  tips and insights with all.

YouTube video embedded has a presentation delivered on behalf of ARSI by me. There are lot of SOTA and field day web resources from where one can derive useful tips as well.




There are some more points i have compiled and shared in some groups as follows:

The process for applying  temporary QTH address change is much simple. As per my knowledge there is no rejection by WPC for well documented application VU2 and VU3 callsigns are getting the permission upon following the procedure.

All the documents are available at https://arsi.groups.io/g/Members/files/WPC for member's benefit.

Following are the clear steps for hilltop/field days:
1. Decide your QTH and inform contest manager via contests[at]arsi.info ( location -gridsquare, team lead call sign)
2. Gather all the team member's personal details (get their signature on the respective forms)  PERSONAL DETAILS _Sample.doc  
This form has to be filled by all the hams going to remote locations and/or part of the team
3. Collect one passport size photo from team members
4. Collect xerox copy of the license and  any renewals
5. Write one consent letter per team. If entire team is going to use a special call sign one may request that or you can mention that each team member will use their own home calls, no change in callsign required ( Remember for contests we need one call from the team location. all team member can work under one leader's callsign or special callsign.) Consent letter_sample - Copy.doc 
6. Complete the payments to Bharathkosh (Rs 200/- per ham license) refer well documented guide at ntrp_payments_guide.pdf 
7. Mention these payment receipt details in the consent letter and send to WPC along with all other documents mentioned above via regular post or speed post.
8. We have observed that the permission will be processed in 3-6 weeks

Hope these steps help regarding WPC.

Now for the location permissions: 
There are multiple aspects to get local permissions. There is no documented rules in India as I have seen. 
1. Some places such as forest areas require only local office intimation and verbal/written permission. 
2. Some places such as Mulayangiri in Karnataka required police permission since the teams operated in Wireless repeater site. 
3. Last time few hams approached state's police wireless wing and got blanket permissions for all such restricted sites. 
4. Some places such as St.Mary's Island may require permission for overnight stay from District Commissioner
5. If entering some reserved areas, better to approach local administration office (who is incharge of the area such as Forest, PWD, police).
6. Most of the other places will not usually require permission to operate if it is explicitly not mentioned 

With all the resources you have, i am sure many will join and have fun with this outdoor radio activity !

Best of luck
VU2XE