Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Scott County, MN

www.scottares.org

Backgrounder

Field Day Exercise

For More Information:

Bob Reid, N0BHC Allen Pitts, W1AGP

Emergency Coordinator, Scott County ARES ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager

(952) 894-5178 (860) 594-0328

What is Field Day?

Field Day is the largest national emergency communications event of the year. Amateur radio operators utilize their equipment, skills, and ingenuity to set up their stations in locations that simulate emergency communications.

Solutions are developed for typical emergency operation challenges such as how to set up the best antenna, how to provide uninterrupted power for a 24 hour operation, and choosing the best frequencies and communications method.

Using these emergency stations, amateurs operate for twenty four hours and attempt to contact as many other field day stations as possible.

Logs, or records of the stations contacted, are kept and a score calculated based on the number of stations contacted, the type of communications method, the frequency used, and the power source.

Stations with the highest scores in the various categories and geographic areas are recognized in the American Radio Relay League’s publication, QST magazine.

When did Field Day begin?

Field Day origins go back to 1933 when it was started as "a test of the emergency availability of portable stations and equipment," (F.E. Handy in QST, 1933) and today it has transformed into a broad demonstration of what amateur radio has to offer to community officials, served agencies and individuals in times of communication's need.

The Field Day contest is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and is recognized as the premier operating event of the year. Field Day events are also held in Canada, Europe and other countries around the world.

How has Field Day changed?

The first Field Days required moving large pieces of radio equipment into the flied that required lots of muscle power. The communications were generally in Morse code.

Technology has had radical impact on Field Day over the past 75 years. The radio can be held in one hand and carried into the field. A truck and several strong men are no longer required.

Communications are accomplished in a number of modes, some coupling computers with the radio for digital communications. Yes, some communications are still completed in Morse code.

More recently, a stronger emphasis is being placed on the public relations and recruiting elements as well as the interaction with emergency preparedness officials during Field Day. This is the amateur community's best opportunity to be visible in the public and in the media and their community.

Who participates in Field Day?

In 2005 there were a total of 1.2 million contacts were logged for submission to the ARRL during the Field Day event. There are an estimated 30,000 amateurs participating in Field Day events all across the country. Field Day is truly the largest annual emergency communications event in the United States.

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