GySgt D
06-22-2007, 05:53 PM
The annual ARRL Field Day exercise, stressing emergency preparedness and amateur radio capabilities, starts 1800 Zulu on 23 June.
For those unfamiliar, Field Day is much anticipated by a large number of amateur radio operators, and for some is the only time they ever get on the air. Local ham radio clubs often set up elaborate stations in local parks, school grounds or elsewhere, and they generally welcome outsiders to come by to both observe and participate as well. This exercise is nation-wide.
A premium is placed on the use of emergency power (batteries, for the most part), public participation, the use of non-fixed stations (set up your station in a park/mountain top/ etc.), and the development of skills which "meet the challenges of emergency preparedness".
The object of the exercise is "To work as many stations as possible on any and all amateur bands". The point of which is to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions (away from the comforts of home, very crowded band conditions, etc.).
I personally will be operating "1C, NFL" (one transmitter, operating from a vehicle, from North Florida). If the mood strikes, I'll setup at the local park. In that case I'd operate as "1B, NFL". Field Day is an excellent way to demonstrate to others the capabilities of amateur radio, as there will be a great many people on the air.
All applicable rules and details can be found here: www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/fd.html (http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/fd.html)
For those unfamiliar, Field Day is much anticipated by a large number of amateur radio operators, and for some is the only time they ever get on the air. Local ham radio clubs often set up elaborate stations in local parks, school grounds or elsewhere, and they generally welcome outsiders to come by to both observe and participate as well. This exercise is nation-wide.
A premium is placed on the use of emergency power (batteries, for the most part), public participation, the use of non-fixed stations (set up your station in a park/mountain top/ etc.), and the development of skills which "meet the challenges of emergency preparedness".
The object of the exercise is "To work as many stations as possible on any and all amateur bands". The point of which is to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions (away from the comforts of home, very crowded band conditions, etc.).
I personally will be operating "1C, NFL" (one transmitter, operating from a vehicle, from North Florida). If the mood strikes, I'll setup at the local park. In that case I'd operate as "1B, NFL". Field Day is an excellent way to demonstrate to others the capabilities of amateur radio, as there will be a great many people on the air.
All applicable rules and details can be found here: www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/fd.html (http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2007/fd.html)