Amateur Radio Field Day: A Fun and Educational Event for Everyone
Amateur Radio Field Day is an annual event that will take place this year on June 22nd and 23rd at “The Mill” – 605 South St. in Louise, TX 77455
Ops start at 1pm Saturday and run for 24 consecutive hours. You are invited and welcome to get on the air with the help of our licensed operators. Come out and let us show you what amateur radio is all about!
What is ARRL Field Day? You’re invited!
Field day is a radio communications event that brings together amateur radio operators (also called “hams”) within your community. The event is part picnic, campout, practice for emergencies, informal contest, and most of all, fun! ARRL Field Day is the most popular ham radio activity in the US And Canada. On the fourth weekend in June each year, more than 35,000 radio amateurs get together with their clubs, groups, or friends to operate from remote locations.
It is a time when many aspects of amateur radio come together to highlight its many roles. While some will treat it as a contest, other groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate radio communications to the general public and organizations that amateur radio might serve in an emergency. For many radio clubs, ARRL Field Day is one of the highlights on their annual calendar.
The contest part involves contacting as many other stations as possible while learning to operate radio gear in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions.
These same skills are utilized to help with large, preplanned, non-emergency events such as marathons and bike-a-thons; fundraisers such as walk-a-thons; celebrations such as parades, and exhibits at fairs, malls and museums.
Despite the development of very complex, modern communications systems – or maybe because they are so complex – ham radio has been called into action, again and again, to provide communication in crises when it really matters. Hams are well-known for their communications support in real disasters and post-disaster situations.
(Photo from a previous Field Day event held at Brackenridge Park in Edna, Texas.)
Here are some of the benefits of participating in Amateur Radio Field Day:
- You can learn about amateur radio and how it can be used in emergencies.
- You can meet other hams and make new friends.
- You can have fun operating a radio (supervised by a licensed ham) and making contacts with other hams around the world.
Notes for those attending Field Day
We will be monitoring the W5LCR linked repeater system for anyone needing talk-in assistance.
Please remember to bring these items:
- Chairs
- Bug Spray
- Rain Gear
- Drinks of your choice
- Snacks
- Equipment you would like to use to play radio with
- Sunscreen, hats, personal cooling devices
RVs / campers are welcome at this year’s event but there are no hook-ups available.
Can’t make it to the CRHRC event?
If you can’t make it to the CRHRC Field Day, the ARRL Field Day Locator may help you find a Field Day event close to you.
Questions?
If you would like any additional information on Field Day or Amateur Radio in general, contact Cross Roads Ham Radio Club using our web contact form.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to the following organizations who have helped by supporting past Field Day operations.
