Field Day

ARRL Field Day 2024 takes place on Sat. June 27 & Sun. Jun 28 (with possible setup on Fri. June 21)

CFARC has a rich history of participating in the annual ARRL Field Day, and we would like to continue this in 2026, but we need your help. 

We need you to complete a short form to let us know whether and how you will participate. Please click this link to complete the form.

We need to hear from ALL CFARC MEMBERS with their responses. Please do so as soon as possible, even if you will not be participating (this will avoid us having to call you on the phone!

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Are you familiar with what FD is all about? (If you are, you can skip ahead to the next section)

• It is a nationwide weekend where hams across the US and Canada set up portable stations in the field.

• It is a way of demonstrating Amateur Radio to the public

• Giving newly licensed and inactive hams a chance to Get On The Air (GOTA) and experience HF (High Frequency) communications

  • Even if your license class does not have privileges on HF bands, you will be able to operate under the guidance of an experienced operator

  • Even friends and family members (especially youth under 18) with no license can get on the air under the guidance of an experienced operator (we even get bonus points for youth operators)

  • Even if you have “Mic Fright” or are not sure of operating and/or logging procedures, come out and observe, and we will have help to get you on the air successfully

• It also gives new hams multiple opportunities:

  • Learn how we put up antennas

  • Set up stations and operate

  • Meet other hams

• We were all new hams at one point, and FD played a big role in helping many of us learn more about Amateur Radio, especially HF operations.

• For more information, see the club webpage- https://sites.google.com/cfarc.org/cfarc/member-resources/field-day

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For Those Planning on Taking Part in FD

• Upcoming Schedule of FD Events

  • Get ready for FD by practicing with N1MM Logging software that we will be using 

    • We will have a training session at the CFARC Clubhouse on Wednesday, June 24.

    • You can call Anthony, K8ZT 330-650-1110; he will have it set up at his house (interfaced to a radio) and you can visit to practice

    • You can download a free copy of N1MM+ to practice at home

    • You can learn more at the following links

      1. N1MM Basics for Logging- tiny.cc/bn1mm

      2. N1MM Videos

         • Basic Setup- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kLl2bfpJqE

  • Wednesday, June 24 at 7:30 PM FD Meeting via Zoom- https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82018499600?pwd=9DgYjplXoRPBC7s0NiACembI0DD25I.1

  • Set up either 4PM Friday, June 26 and/or 9 AM Saturday, June 27, We can use all available members to help. For details on the procedure, see the “FD Setup and Trailer Unloading Document” (TBA).

    • We will need help towing equipment from Frank, W8EZT’s house, to the FD site if you have a vehicle that can tow

    • We also need one additional driver to pick up a U-Haul truck in Kent and drive it to the FD site

    • We will have lunch of sandwiches and other items after setup and before operating begins

  • FD Operating - 2 PM Saturday through 2 PM Sunday

    • During this time, we will need:

      1. Station operators and a few loggers 

         • A schedule will be available later to sign up for operating slots

      2. GOTA coaches to assist new hams and non-ham operators

      3. Assistance with handling meals, snacks and refreshments

         • We need Picnic Coolers for Ice

         • We need volunteers to pick up ice and other items during the event

         • We will have Saturday Dinner for onsite operators and volunteers

         • Snacks, coffee & refreshments overnight

         • Breakfast on Sunday morning for operators

         • Lunch of leftovers

      4. Visitor Greeters & Tour Guides- greet public visitors to our FD site. Discuss Amateur Radio, etc.

      5. Stand-by Operators to give scheduled operators short food and restroom breaks

  • Visitors (from the general public) are welcome from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 27, from 10 AM to 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 28. Please invite friends and family.

  • Tear Down & Packing-  2 PM Sunday

• Items to Bring to FD 

  • If you have an HT please bring it

    • Make sure the battery is charged

    • Set it for 146.400 MHz, simplex, low power, no PL tone.

    • If you have a speaker mic, that will be helpful

  • Work gloves can be very helpful to avoid injuries when working with ropes, putting up antennas, etc.

  • Sun protection

    • Hat

    • Sunscreen

  • Bug repellent- Mosquitoes and Ticks can be issues at FD

  • Flashlight- for safety when moving around the site at night

  • Personal Prescription Medications / Over-the-counter items (e.g., for headaches)

  • Change of clothes

  • Avoid sandals and open-toed shoes

  • Lawn chair for eating/relaxing

  • Coffee/Drink Mug with lid (to avoid spilling on radios/computers)

  • Rain gear (if you have it in your car, it will not rain)

  • Camera- our club can always use photos of the FD setup and operations

  • No smoking or Vaping at FD sites (in and around stations and food areas)

  • Alcohol is prohibited at the campground

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 campground (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