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Field Day for Amateur Radio coming up |
June 23, 2014 |
by Michael Meier
Amateur Radio is alive and well, and Field Day
is a celebration of our ability to talk to the
world via radio. Amateur Radio Field Day takes
place June 28-29.
It is a celebration of what we do best, a time
when Amateur Operators visit other stations,
operate in remote locations, and a time to work
with and talk to other Amateur Operators. It is
a time to just be a Ham Radio Operator, as they
call us.
During Field Day, all Amateur Operators take to
the field and set up a radio station, including
power, antennas and operating position. These
stations may include more than one operator or
more than one station at a location.
The stations are active for 24 hours to test the
ability to communicate. Most stations try to
contact as many other Amateur Operators--Hams
for short--as possible during this exercise.
Points are given for various conditions met at
the individual stations.
Amateur Radio is key in providing emergency
communications when disaster strikes. When
Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy struck, the Hams
were there to assist as they could, with
equipment that worked. In recent times an
alliance with the Emergency Managers in each
County has created a significant backup system
for any regional or national emergency.
To visit a Field Day Station, visit the ARRL
Field Day Locator
http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator to find a
station near you. Hams love to show off their
stuff and educate the public on the abilities
and operation of Amateur Radio. |
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