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This weekend, June 22 \u2013 23, is 2024 ARRL Field Day! The premier amateur radio event of the year is meant to be ham radio\u2019s open house as well as a time for the amateur community to get together and practice operating under unusual conditions. ARRL wants this to be a memorable and safe year for your club. All the resources a club needs to have a successful operation are on www.arrl.org\/field-day.<\/p>\n
Top Ten Things Your Club Should Do during ARRL Field Day<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Have a GOTA station<\/span><\/p>\n It stands for Get On The Air and that\u2019s exactly what it\u2019s meant for people to do. Visitors — both licensed and prospective hams — should be given the chance to have fun on the radio.<\/p>\n 2. Have a designated greeter<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve done things right in the publicity area, you should have visitors (from local officials to people curious about radio) at your activation site. Make them feel welcome. \u201cThis is ham radio\u2019s time to shine,\u201d said ARRL Contest Program Branch Manager Paul Bourque, N1SFE. \u201cMake sure people feel welcome and know that their presence is appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n 3. Have a sign-in sheet<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ve gotten them to show up \u2013 now find out who they are to follow up. Have your guests fill out a sign-in sheet to get their name and contact information. Follow up with these folks, and invite them to future club activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n 4. Ensure proper hydration<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n Much of the country is experiencing a heat wave this week. Make sure everyone at your location is drinking plenty of water. This can be a function of the Safety Officer in addition to their duties of making sure that trip, fall, and electrical hazards are well managed.<\/p>\n 5. Make sure you\u2019ve read the ARRL Field Day Rules<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss out on opportunities for points.<\/p>\n 6. Have a copy of the 2024 Field Day Guide from the June 2024 issue of QST<\/span><\/p>\n This handy guide includes tips for making the event go well, as well as useful checklists you can follow.<\/p>\n 7. Double-check your equipment before the event starts<\/span><\/p>\n If it can go wrong, make sure it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n 8. Keep a good log<\/span><\/p>\n While ARRL Field Day is not a contest, it is still a fun way to get a taste of radiosport. Keeping a solid contact log will ensure your club gets credit for each point it earns.<\/p>\n 9. Take and share photos and videos<\/span><\/p>\n This is a great opportunity to show your friends, family, and community what amateur radio is all about. Take photos and videos you can share on social media \u2013 both from the club\u2019s accounts and your own. Show your followers what it\u2019s like and where you\u2019re set up. Invite them to come be a part of it. To be featured on the ARRL Facebook page, send a photo of you operating at your site to socialmedia@arrl.org<\/p>\n 10. Remember to have fun!<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re not enjoying it, what is the point?,\u201d retorted ARRL Field Services Manager Mike Walters, W8ZY. Field Day is the highlight of many amateurs\u2019 operating year. Bring a fun, positive attitude to the event and it will become contagious. This is meant to be an enjoyable hobby. Keep that in perspective and enjoy it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n