Field Day 2024

Summary

The weekend of June - , 2024 the K7UAZ University of Arizona Amateur Radio Club had our 2024 field day in Sonoita, Arizona. Many of our members, including 8 student members, drove up to a campsite in Sonoita for the 24 hour operating event to take advantage of the open area and its minimum RF noise.

Arriving at around 8:30 am, we began the day by setting up two antennas to be used for a variety of modes of operation, including voice and digital. Members learned how to work together with one another to set up the antennas and about all the components needed, such as the masts, ropes, and stakes to keep it upright, and how to position the antenna on the mast. 

Field Day officially began at 11:00 am. While we got off to a slow start due to some lighting causing unsafe operating conditions, we made the most of it, taking it as an opportunity to practice transmitting radiograms to be sent out in the Eastern Arizona Amateur Radio Society net later that evening. 

Huge thank you to community member Casey for teaching us how to transmit radiograms!

Once the lightning had subsided, we were able to get back on the air. Newer members paired with more experienced members for a brief rundown on how to operate on certain modes. We had a great time making some contacts in the rain, including some memorable ones such as a contact made on two different bands with a fellow ham who had also set up camp in Sonoita, and one of our student members, Reed, made a contact with a station in Russia! In addition to the stations already set up, some of our community members helped to set up a satellite station and fox hunts open to any member to participate.

Finally got the chance to operate!

After everyone had a chance to make some contacts, we took a break to have dinner and transmit the radiograms we had written earlier. Frank and Lance cooked hotdogs and potatoes for everyone, and Bri brought some of her dad’s homemade chili. We enjoyed transmitting our radiograms afterwards; everyone improved significantly since practicing and several of our members have mentioned it as a highlight of their experience.

The next morning, we did some more operating, and then headed home after taking down the equipment and a quick debrief session. Overall, field day was a success, thanks to everyone who participated in any way this year.

Results

Operating for approximately twenty hours, K7UAZ ended Field Day with a total score of 1,022 points! 

We had a total of 16 operators and 2 visitors. When available, a link will be provided to the ARRL results site for further details.