Are amateur radio operators prepared to help in an emergency?
Every fourth full weekend in June, amateur radio operators demonstrate their readiness through Field Day. For 24 hours (11 AM PST SAT- 11 AM PST SUN), we run our radios off batteries, solar power, and generators to practice and educate the public on the importance of amateur radio.
This year, the date for Field Day is June 26-27, 2027. We will set up on Friday, June 25th @ 10 AM.
Info from the ARRL here: https://www.arrl.org/field-day
Location
L. L. “Stub” Stewart State Park has been OTVARC’s official Field Day location since 2008. We meet at the Hilltop Day-use area. Setup starts Friday @ 11 AM and continues into the early evening. Operations begin at 11 AM on Saturday and run through 11 AM of the following day. OTVARC provides dinner to participating club members on Saturday evening.
Note: A day-use parking permit is required. These day-use permits can be purchased at the park for $5. 12 and 24-month permits can be purchased online.
What Does Field Day Look Like?
Field day is a public exercise that hams all over the world participate in. It is a demonstration and celebration of the role that amateur radio plays in emergency communications.
OTVARC typically runs 5 stations at a time. There will be 2 stations using SSB/voice and 2 stations using CW (Morse code) and digital modes. The fifth station is for VHF frequencies. All of these stations will be on either generators, solar, or batteries.
Can I operate during Field Day?
Yes! We invite all members of the public to participate. If you are not licensed, we will pair you with someone who is licensed. If you have a license, you will be allowed to operate in the frequencies you are licensed for. Just let the operators know that you would like to operate, and we will do our best to get you on the air.
We typically have a catered meal on Saturday evening – typically at 6 PM. This is for OTVARC members. There will be a sign-up sheet at the June OTVARC club meeting, and there may be a website sign-in form.
Preparation
If you would like to join us, we recommend bringing the following:
- Food for Friday and Saturday
- Gloves for setup
- Drinking water
- Spray water bottle in case of heat
- Extra clothing-it gets cold at night
- Hat and sunscreen
- Camping equipment if you’re staying over
- Camping chairs
- A readiness to have a good time!
OTVARC Field Day 2022
