Thanks for coming out for FD!
W4CAR participated in ARRL Field Day on June 22-23 at the Hickory Ruritan Club, making over 1000 contacts, enjoying the camaraderie of other hams and introducing multiple visitors to Ham Radio. Come out next year, June 21-22, 2025 to experience the excitement of amateur radio in action and be part of our vibrant community. Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator or just curious about this fascinating hobby, W4CAR welcomes you. Come and learn from experienced operators, participate in radio contacts across the globe, and enjoy a day filled with camaraderie, learning, and fun. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hickory Ruritan Club for generously allowing us to use their club building for this 2024 event. Don’t miss out next year—join us at at a location to be announced for an unforgettable ARRL Field Day with W4CAR!
ARRL Field Day
ARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. On the fourth weekend of June of each year, thousands of radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from remote locations.
Field Day is a picnic, a campout, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!
It is a time where many aspects of Amateur Radio come together to highlight our many roles. While some will treat it as a contest, other groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to the organizations that Amateur Radio might serve in an emergency, as well as the general public. For many clubs, ARRL Field Day is one of the highlights of their annual calendar.
The contest part is simply to contact as many other stations as possible and to learn to operate our radio gear in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions.
We use these same skills when we help with events such as marathons and bike-a-thons; fund-raisers such as walka-thons; celebrations such as parades; and exhibits at fairs, malls and museums — these are all large, preplanned, non-emergency activities.
But despite the development of very complex, modern communications systems — or maybe because they ARE so complex — ham radio has been called into action again and again to provide communications in crises when it really matters. Amateur Radio people (also called “hams”) are well known for our communications support in real disaster and post-disaster situations.
Get on the Air (GOTA)
Get On the Air offers an exciting opportunity for non-licensed individuals to delve into the world of radio communication. Imagine the thrill of operating a radio and connecting with fellow enthusiasts across the globe! No pressure—our experienced Hams will guide you through the process. These seasoned mentors, affectionately known as “Elmers” in the Ham community, are here to answer any questions about radio hardware and explain procedures.
Join us for Field Day, an event organized by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). It’s a chance to step away from the usual shack or home operations and engage in field activities. Come experience the camaraderie, adventure, and the magic of radio waves!
