Amateur radio is many things - Communication, fellowship, helping the community, and many many more. The one annual event that combines all once a year is the
June ARRL Field Day event. Event dates/time, June 28 - 29th start Saturday 1400E hrs and ends 1400E hrs Sunday.
My club the
Susquehanna County Armature Radio Club is in the process of planning this years event. Typically we have from 5-7 radio stations with one being a GOTA (Get On The Air) station reserved for non licensed folks who would like to try their hand at getting on the air under the tutelage of one of the club members.
We will be using all modes of communication, CW (Mores Code), Phone, and Digital; Consequently, there is something for everybody.
The typical event agenda is as follows,Thursday - Club members start to show up. RV's arrive and tents are put up.
Friday - More members show up and set up camp. Also, messenger lines for antennas are launched to
be ready to deploy on Saturday. Generators and solar panels are set up as along with the camps wifi system
which Starlink is being used this year vs. a hot spot as in past years. Primarily, the internet system is so we can
sync up everyone's laptop for compiling contacts/during the event.
Saturday - Antennas are hoisted or setup and radios are tested. At 1400E hrs. the event begins and lasts through
1400E hrs Sunday. The goal besides the fun aspects of the event is to make as many contacts during the 24-
hour period using all the modes as possible. Saturday night, is a open house for dinner for all the club members
and guests ($10- ea.). Most of the members bring a dish to pass with protein being supplied by the club.
Sunday - The contest continues till the appropriate time at which we begin the tear down and packing up phase.
The vast majority of radio clubs in North America will be participating. You can find a location near you by going
Field Day Locator Map and putting in your zip code. Once you hit enter you will find the club closest to you. I encourage you to go if you are starting to think about amateur radio or want to get back into the hobby.
UP subscribers. please take the time to post what your club is doing for field day using this thread. Post pictures, an AAR (After Action Review), or anything else you would like to post in relation to Field Day 2025.
73
JohnyMac
