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Field Day

Field Day

ARRL Field Day is the single-most popular amateur radio operating event of the year in the US and Canada! Around 35,000 radio amateurs (and the friends and families of many of them) head out into the field, set up temporary stations, and make as many contacts as they can in a 24-hour period.

The event occurs at the end of June each year.

Field Day combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. It demonstrates ham radio's science, skills, and service to our communities and our nation.

General Ham Resources

Field Day Examples

  1. Emergency Preparedness: Field Day simulates emergency conditions where amateur radio operators set up stations without relying on established infrastructure. Learn more about Field Day Emergency Preparedness.

  2. Portable Operations: Participants use generators, batteries, or solar power to operate their radio stations, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for situations where the electrical grid is unavailable. Find details on Field Day Portable Operations.

  3. Community Outreach: Field Day provides an opportunity for hams to engage with the public and showcase the value of amateur radio. Many clubs set up information booths or invite the community to participate. Read about Field Day Community Engagement.

  4. Technical Experimentation: Field Day encourages experimenting with different antennas, equipment, and operating modes. Participants often use the event to test new gear and improve their technical skills. More on Field Day Technical Experimentation.

  5. Contesting and Awards: Field Day has a contest-like atmosphere, where operators try to make as many contacts as possible. Points are awarded for different types of contacts and setups, adding an element of friendly competition. Discover more about Field Day Contesting and Awards.

Local Club Activities

RARS offers a great Field Day experience! 

It provides a great, low-stress introduction to contest-style operating and DXing. You do NOT have to be a member of RARS or any amateur radio club to participate in RARS's Field Day operation!

You do not even need to have a license. In fact, we will have a special “Get on the Air” station for newly licensed hams and even non-hams to, you guessed it, get on the air!