Amateur Radio Field Day set for this weekend

Jun 20, 2024 By JOHNATHAN MINEHAN 4 min read

The 85th annual Amateur Radio Field Day will be marked at two locations locally on Saturday and Sunday.

Field Day will run from 10 a.m. on Saturday until 2 p.m. on Sunday at the North Fort Myers Community Park Pavilion and the Tice Firehouse Station #201.

The presentations will begin at 11 a.m. at both locations and parking will be plentiful.

The event is open to the public, and the community can witness emergency radio communication in action, organizers said.

“The event features portable amateur radio operation, making national and international direct radio contacts,” said Co-Chair John Scharbrough.

Amateur Radio Field Day has been held every year since 1933, except for World War II. The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club has participated for nearly 40 years.

The event is hosted to practice radio operations needed through major storms or other natural disasters where radio communication is of the utmost importance. The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club has worked with Emergency Operations Centers and local geo division fire stations to provide a backup in case immediate emergency radio operations aren’t available.

Field Day includes setting up temporary radio stations in various locations, such as parks, open fields, or parking lots. This scenario allows the party involved to prepare for an event that would be less than ideal.

The main features of the event will include:

• Operating on Emergency Power: Participants are encouraged to use their radio stations using alternative power sources, such as generators, batteries, or solar power, to simulate the conditions of a power outage during an emergency.

• Setting Up Temporary Antennas: Ham radio operators deploy portable antennas to establish communication over various bands and frequencies. This helps demonstrate the adaptability and versatility of amateur radio equipment.

• Contacting Other Stations: Participants aim to make as many contacts with other ham radio stations as possible within a 24-hour period. Points are awarded for each contact made, and bonus points may be earned for factors like using alternative power sources or incorporating new technologies.

• Public Awareness: In addition to the emergency preparedness aspect, Field Day also serves as an opportunity to promote amateur radio to the public. Many operators welcome visitors, provide information about amateur radio, and may even offer the chance for the community to make a radio contact under the supervision of a licensed operator.

“Field Day is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League, the national organization for Amateur Radio. In Canada, the event is sponsored by the RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada). Amateur operators worldwide from thousands of locations participate in this event. Some are from home, but many are from field operations in parks and public places, ” Scharbrough said.

“Established in 1957, the Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club, Inc. has been dedicated to fostering camaraderie among individuals with a shared passion for Amateur Radio. With a commitment to facilitating the exchange of information, promoting electronics and amateur radio knowledge, advocating for good radio operating practices, and advancing the art of Amateur Radio, the club strives to create a vibrant community. Additionally, the club actively sponsors and promotes various activities related to amateur radio, provides crucial public service during emergencies and actively engages in other community initiatives. FMARC is affiliated with and sponsored by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), the national amateur radio association, which connects hams around the U.S. with news, information, and resources.” a release on the organization states.

The North Fort Myers Community Park is at 2000 Recreation Park Way in North Fort Myers.

Tice Firehouse Station #201 is at 9351 Workmen Way, Fort Myers.

For more information about the club or future events, you can visit https://fmarc.net/.

To reach JOHNATHAN MINEHAN, please email news@breezenewspapers.com