Come to Field Day
Field Day is the biggest event in the ham radio calendar, and it is a perfect venue for new hams. Here are several reasons why every new ham (and old hams, too) should come to the GARS Field Day.
- It is the perfect time for new hams to get on the air. Most hew hams have a Technician license and are limited to what HF frequencies they can operate. Many new hams do not even have HF equipment. At Field Day, there are control operators coming out of the woodwork. You will also be assigned an Elmer (mentor) who will help you get on the air.
- You can try several HF and VHF bands to see what they are like.
- You can see (and work) a number of HF and VHF transceivers to wee what they are like. There are always several different rigs for people to try. You can ask questions and find out what rig might be good for you when you are ready to purchase one.
- The food! We have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a midnight snack. The food is always good.
- The camaraderie with fellow hams. Field Day is more than just a time to operate radios. It is a 24 hour plus opportunity to be with people who share the same passion that you do.
- GARS operates 8A, which means we have eight stations on the air and we are not dependent on the electrical grid for power. We generate our own electricity. I have been going to Field Day for several years and have never come across any other contact that is 8A. Very few clubs in North America operate as many stations as GARS does. GARS is where it’s at.
- If you arrive early on Saturday (about 8 am), you will be able to help set up the antennas. It is amazing to watch how effortlessly they go up. You will be able to see a number of different antenna launchers. It will give you an idea of what you might want for an antenna launcher of your own. It could also give you some pointers on how might want to set up your own antenna. You also get breakfast.
- We do satellite QSOs (contacts), or at least try to. Contacting hams by satellite is another fascinating aspect of amateur radio. You just don’t know who will be on the air. It is a great way to “DX” (long distant contacting) other stations.
- We do digital. We connect computers to radios and talk to other stations. This is another fascinating aspect of amateur radio.
- Did I mention the food? The food is very good, and by the way, it is free! (Donations are accepted, though.)
As I write this, I am getting even more excited about coming to Field Day. Come out to Harbins Park. We start about 8 am on Saturday and tear down after 2 pm on Sunday. This is a family event. All are welcome. See you there!
David Harden, KJ4CMY