Hi Mike -- well the FD rules read:

4.1.1. Any Class A group whose entry classification is two or more
transmitters may also operate one additional HF station without changing its
base entry category, known as the GET ON THE AIR (GOTA) station.

4.1.1.1. This station must operate using a different callsign from the
primary Field Day station.

4.1.1.2. The GOTA station may be operated by Novice, Technicians or
generally inactive hams under their existing operating privileges, or under
the direction of a Control Operator with appropriate privileges, as
necessary. Non-licensed persons may participate under the direct supervision
of an appropriate control operator. A list of operators and participants
must be included on the required summary sheet to ARRL HQ.

4.1.1.3. This station may operate on any valid Field Day band and mode. As
per FCC rules, this station must have a valid control operator present if
operating beyond the license privileges of the participant using the
station.

THIS SEZ TO ME WE CAN OPERATE THE VHF BANDS

4.1.1.4. The maximum transmitter output power for the GOTA station shall be
150 watts. If the primary Field Day group is claiming the QRP multiplier
level of 5, the maximum transmitter output power of the GOTA station may not
exceed 5 watts.

4.1.1.5. A maximum of 400 QSOs made by this station may be claimed for
credit by its primary Field Day operation. A 100-point bonus may be claimed
by the primary Field Day operation if the GOTA station reaches the 100 QSO
level.

4.1.1.6. The GOTA station may only operate on the Field Day HF Bands. Only
one transmitted signal is allowed from the GOTA station at any time (see
Field Day rule 4).

THIS SEZ TO ME WE CAN OPERATE ON HF BANDS BUT NOT WARC BANDS

4.1.1.7. The GOTA station does not affect the additional VHF/UHF station
provided for under Field Day rule 4.1.2.

4.1.1.8. Participants are reminded that non-licensed participants working
under the direction of a valid control operator may only communicate with
other W/VE stations or with stations in countries with which the US has
entered a third-party agreement.

4.1.1.9. GOTA stations operate under a single callsign separate from the
callsign of the main group.

4.1.1.10. The GOTA stations does not qualify as an additional transmitter
when determining the number of transmitters eligible for the 100-point
emergency power bonus under rule 7.3.1.

4.1.1.2. The GOTA station may be operated by Novice, Technicians or
generally inactive hams under their existing operating privileges, or under
the direction of a Control Operator with appropriate privileges, as
necessary. Non-licensed persons may participate under the direct supervision
of an appropriate control operator. A list of operators and participants
must be included on the required summary sheet to ARRL HQ.

4.1.1.3. This station may operate on any valid Field Day band and mode. As
per FCC rules, this station must have a valid control operator present if
operating beyond the license privileges of the participant using the
station.



So I read that as we can operate VHF no problem.


--
Lamont Cranston

The Shadow Knows
"Mike Coslo" wrote in message ...
Da Shadow wrote:
We will be a 5F station plus GOTA in CA. I have the GOTA station
responsibilities.

GOTA will be on 40M thru 144 MHz. Phone, Data, and some CW (if we can
find a
CW op with no HF experience)

Oops, GOTA stations aren't on VHF, Shadow. The rule is:

4.1.1.6. The GOTA station may only operate on the Field Day HF Bands.
Only one transmitted signal is allowed from the GOTA station at any time
(see Field Day rule 4).

So you are pretty much stuck to HF.



400 GOTA QSOs seems a bit high considering we will try and teach newbies
how
to operate. I think it is more important to tutor folks on HF and the
digital modes than to run the 400 QSOs. Perhaps we can do both.

It is high. The nice thing about the GOTA is that newbies and the
inexperienced can hone their skills without affecting the more seasoned
operators. My first field day was before the days of GOTA, and I knew
very well that I was holding the score down a bit with my slowness. GOTA
removes that. It's a great way to get started or get back in action.



For the GOTA station we will try PSK31 and RTTY for demo to newbies and
of
course to make contacts.

Wonder if the 20M PSK31 segment will be jam packed and contacts will be
feasible ??
Any PSK31 activity besides 20M for FD ???

This will be our first year trying the digital modes.

Any comments on PSK31 during FD ???



PSK31 was a BIG hit last year for us. People are in general, very
receptive to the chat room type atmosphere on PSK31. A person that might
be shy to talk will often be happy to type to another op.

It was also a great way to contribute to the final score, since PSK
contacts are worth 2 points each. I'm glad to see another mode that can
get 2 points per QSO. Actually, I wish that all contacts were 1 point
each. That won't happen for a long time tho'.

PSK activity on 20 meters was pretty decent last year. There was enough
traffic that we just stayed on 20. And by the time the band was finished
for the night, the GOTA station was closed down.

You might try 40, but I've never made a PSK contact there. 80 meters at
night is pretty fair for PSK31, so if you can rig an antenna there, you
should make some QSO's.

- Mike KB3EIA -