Field Day is an operating event and informal contest where Radio Amateurs in North America emphasize emergency communications skills and rapid setup of radios and antennas powered by batteries and/or generators. After a 24 hour setup period, the 24 hour operating event begins during which local amateur radio operators will practice emergency message handling as well as make hundreds of radio contacts, likely including several Emergency Operations Centers (EOC’s) throughout the country. Annually contact is made with nearly all states and Provinces of Canada and Mexico and the Virgin Islands
All told the Pacific County Amateur Radio Club will operate a “Get on the Air” Station, a Single Side Band Station, a Morse Code Station, a packet (digital) Station, and a VHF Station, demonstrating the capability of radio amateurs of Pacific County. Friday evening, prior to the start of the contest portion of Field Day, operating Field Day stations make test contacts with preset locations locally and in adjacent states. This test proves the viability of the each working station and antenna arrays.
The public is invited to observe amateur radio at work and learn how to make contact with another radio station in North America. One station is dedicated for use by the public and for amateurs who do not typically operate on the short-wave bands. The best time to visit operations is Saturday midday through late afternoon. Stop by the information booth for a brochure, a tour, or to ask questions about becoming a licensed radio amateur. The information booth will be located in the Port of Peninsula parking area.
The Pacific County Amateur Radio Club meets the second Saturday of each month at 9:00AM at Hunter’s Inn in Naselle. Anyone interested in ham radio is encouraged to attend. For more information contact: Dick Lemke, President and Field Day Chairman 665-2438 or Bob Cline, Emergency Services Volunteer 665-4496.