TO: ALL WEST VIRGINIA ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM WV SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES BULLETIN NR 10.25 DATE: June 20, 2010
SUBJECT: WHAT IS FIELD DAY?
Since Field Day is coming up next weekend, there may be some operators who don't know what Field Day is. For those newcomers to Amateur Radio, or those who don't know, here's a short explanation of Field Day.
Field Day is the operating of Amateur Radio stations for a period of 24 hours, making as many contacts as possible using less than ideal situations. Less than ideal situations would be classified as operating in a tent, camper, or other such quarters, using only emergency power to power all communications equipment during the event.
Field Day is always held on the 4th full weekend in June and is open to all Amateurs in the US and Canada. During the event a short exchange of information must be sent between both stations before it can be classified as a contact.
All modes of transmission can be used, such a Voice (AM, SSB, and FM), CW (Code), and all forms of Digital Communications (Packet, Amtor, RTTY, MT-63, PSK-31, etc.). Some modes get more points than others.
It's a good time to test out your ability to set up your emergency equipment and try new techniques of communications. It's the one time of the year that you can operate a contest on bands that you normally aren't authorized, as long as there is a control operator of the proper class present.
It's a time to just have fun and learn new skills. Field Day this year will be held June 26th and 27th. Find a location that you would like to operate from and go to it. Feel free to ask questions or help with the setup and tear down. Don't be afraid to operate, it's a good learning experience.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator