WOOD COUNTY ARES BULLETIN NR 19.23 DATE: June 9, 2019
SUBJECT: WHAT IS FIELD DAY?
Since Field Day is coming up in a couple of weeks, 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, possible bad weather, and using only emergency power to power all the 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 many forms of Digital Communications (Packet, Amtor, RTTY, MT-63, PSK-31, etc.). Some modes get more points than others. Extra bonus can be added to your score. You get bonus points for each transmitter, setting up in a public location, having elected officials & served agencies attend, and getting news media coverage.
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 22nd and 23rd. 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
WCEC
Wood County WV