What is Field Day?
Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
For over 100 years, Amateur Radio — often called ham radio — has allowed people from all walks of life to experiment with electronics and communications techniques, as well as provide a free public service to their communities during a disaster, all without needing a cell phone or the Internet. Field Day demonstrates ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent communications network. Over 35,000 people from thousands of locations participated in Field Day in 2018, making over 1.18 million contacts!
Anyone may become a licensed Amateur Radio operator. There are over 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 5 and as old as 100. And with clubs such as the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club, it’s easy for anybody to get involved right here in Central Virginia.
Get on the Air with GOTA!
We will operate a Get On The Air (GOTA) station as part of our Field Day event. The GOTA station is set up to permit and encourage very new hams or unlicensed but interested visitors to use a ham radio station and make contacts all over the country. Participants will operate a modern amateur radio under the guidance of an experienced coach. We will provide scripts to use for radio contacts, and we will award a certificate to those making contacts with other Field Day stations. This is an easy and enjoyable way to give amateur radio a try!
Location
Earlysville Volunteer Fire Company at 283 Reas Ford Road in Earlysville
Hours
From 2 pm Saturday, June 24 to 2 pm Sunday, June 25th Stop in anytime!
The Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL)
Field Day is a national event of the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL). You may learn more about What is Field Day? from the ARRL’s website.
FOR AARC MEMBERS ONLY
Visit the Field Day for 2023 AARC Members page to register for Sunday’s picnic, volunteer, or schedule your time to operate. (requires login)