Each year amateur radio clubs, ARES teams, and individual amateur radio operators take part in the ARRL Field Day. This year the event takes place on the June 25/26 weekend.
The objective is “to work as many stations as possible on any and all amateur bands (excluding the 60, 30, 17, and 12-meter bands) and to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions. Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2.”
While there are definitely contest like features to Field Day the event also serves as an excellent venue to test groups’ abilities to construct, power, and operate complex radio stations under field conditions such as might be found during emergencies or disasters.
According to the ARRL’s Field Day site locator both Burlington and the South Halton ARES amateur radio groups will be participating in this year’s event. It is unknown where the Burlington group will operate from but SHARES will be on the air from Parking Lot E of the Halton Region Centre at 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville. Their talk in frequency will be 146.580 MHz simplex (they will probably monitor some of the local repeaters as well). Currently, plans call for SHARES to operate on both HF and VHF in voice, CW and digital/data modes. Consideration is also being given to some satellite operation.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged to visit Field Day sites. Operating times are from 2 pm local time on Saturday until 2 pm local time on Sunday. Take the opportunity to visit a site and get involved. Talk, observe, learn, get on the air.
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