Field Day

ARRL Field Day 2024 takes place on Sat. June 22 & Sun. Jun 23 (with possible setup on Fri. June 21)


 CFARC has a rich history of participating in the annual ARRL Field Day. We would like to continue this with 2024, but we need your help. Please complete the CFARC 2024 Field Day Signup Form as soon as possible. Please complete the form even if you will not be participating so we know the numbers to expect when planning.  If you are a club member and you do not fill out the form we will need to contact you via phone, so save the phone call and fill out the form today (if your plans change before  FD, you can always let us know by filling out a new copy of the form).


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What is Field Day?


Field Day is an annual event sponsored by the ARRL. It demonstrates Amateur Radio’s ability to serve the public via emergency communications and publicize Amateur Radio.


Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every fourth weekend in June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill, and service to our communities and nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933. CFARC has a long tradition of participating in FD with previous sites at KSU Airport, Chapel Hill Mall and for over 30 years Stow Silver Springs Park.


Stations across the USA and Canada make contact with each other. Contacts (QSOs) are rapid and short (contest style) with each station giving their number of simultaneously transmitted signals, operation classification and their ARRL/RAC section (our’s is OH for Ohio). Operation is emergency style with temporary antennas and emergency power (generators and batteries). 


It is a great opportunity for new Hams to learn about towers, masts, antennas and station setup. It is a chance for all hams of all license classes to experience HF and contest-style operations. There is even a special station called GOTA (Get On The Air) to assist newer operators with techniques and operating procedures. We will also have information, exhibits and activities for the non-ham public, including youngsters, on Amateur Radio.


Set Up & Operations


We typically begin setting up towers, masts, antennas and stations on Friday (June 21). Set up will be finalized on Saturday Morning, June 22. On-air operations will begin at 2 PM Saturday and continue until 2 PM Sunday, June 23. We will need a large number of members to help with the setup and tear down of stations. We will also be scheduling operators in shifts for the different stations to maintain continuous operations. Food & beverages will be provided during all phases of the operation. Please use the sign-up button (coming soon) at the top of the page to let us know when you will be available. We also need shelters, so if you have a camper, travel trailer, box trailer, a van with open floor space, etc., that we can use, please let us know. Please consider inviting friends and family to participate (they don't need to be licensed to help and participate) 


Preparations


A large operation like this requires lots of planning and preparation. We will be holding committee meetings to work through the details of the planning. We are also planning on scheduling training events during June to familiarize all operators with “contesting” procedures, including making contacts, “running a frequency,” computer logging and radio interfacing. You will be notified of details as planning progresses.


Questions


We are still looking for a Field Day Chair or Co-Chair; VP- Anthony Luscre, K8ZT or Radio Officer Frank, W8EZT if interested. For complete rules and other detailed information, please visit the ARRL FD site at www.arrl.org/field-day. Follow the club website for upcoming details.


Location & Directions


Our CFARC Field Day operation is held atop Ground Hog Hill in Silver Springs Park in Stow. The site is located just west of the campgrounds. To get there, you enter at the campground's entrance off Young Road and travel to the back of the campgrounds (uphill) and look for antennas. We use the old pavilion base at the north end of the hill as our check-in and general gathering area.


From the South on Route 91 take Stow Rd. to Call Rd. and turn right. Travel to Young Rd. (4-way Stop) and turn left. The first entrance to Silver Springs Park is NOT where you want to turn - the next entrance to the north is the campground entrance.


From the North on Route 91 turn left (east) on Norton Rd. to Young Rd and turn right. Watch closely for the campground entrance on the right as it is easy to miss.


The address that will take you to the entrance of the campground is 5284 Young Rd., Stow, OH 44224. Keep in mind that GPS units vary somewhat in their interpretation of addresses so when you get close start looking for the campground entrance sign.


GPS Coordinates for the actual Field Day site: N41° 11.634  W81° 24.396