The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association will sponsor its ARRL Field Day event on June 28-29, 2025 at Quiet Waters Park (401 S Powerline Rd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442)
Note from Joe NX4T:
Planning has begun for Summer Field Day / Ham Helpers Free Flea Market to be held at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach on June 28/29.
We have decided to have a joint event (again) with Ham helpers, due to a number of expressions of interest and our desire to draw as many participants (and possible future club members) as possible. Kenny H. asks that we use this opportunity to bring any equipment we have to offer to supplement his inventory
We are scheduled and all set to meet again at the Bald Eagle Pavilion, with setup beginning at 8 AM.
Click here to view the ARRL Rules
If you are in a position to help in any of the areas specified in the rules, or in other areas such as food, equipment/personnel transportation, outreach (invitations, publicity), etc, please call or text me at 965-782-3543. Do keep in mind that one or two cannot do it all. Pitch in and help us !).
Regards, 73,
Joe, NX4T
GCARA Field Day Co-Chairman
Quiet Waters Park is a 430-acre Broward County Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Quiet Waters Park is known locally for its annual Renaissance Festival, mountain bike trails, and it’s Ski Rixen cable water-skiing system.
Get Ready for ARRL Field Day 2025: “Radio Connects”
The annual ARRL Field Day, a popular on-air event for amateur radio enthusiasts across North America, is set for Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, 2025. This year’s theme, “Radio Connects,” highlights the multifaceted ways wireless technology fosters connections across distances, generations, and during times of need.
ARRL Field Day serves as a unique blend of a public service demonstration, emergency preparedness exercise, and an exciting operating event. For 24 hours, participants aim to contact as many other stations as possible using a variety of frequency bands and operating modes. The event officially kicks off at 18:00 UTC on Saturday and concludes at 20:59 UTC on Sunday.
Key Objectives and Activities:
- Emergency Preparedness: A core tenet of Field Day is to practice operating in less-than-optimal conditions, often utilizing temporary antennas and emergency power sources like generators or batteries. This simulates how amateur radio can provide vital communication links when traditional infrastructure fails.
- Public Awareness: Many local amateur radio clubs set up their Field Day sites in public locations, offering a chance for the community to witness ham radio in action and learn about its capabilities and importance in public service.
- Operating Skills: Participants hone their on-air operating skills, experimenting with different modes (voice, Morse code, digital) and bands (HF, VHF, and above).
- Community and Fun: Beyond the technical aspects, Field Day is a social event. It’s an opportunity for camaraderie, often involving picnics, campouts, and a chance for seasoned hams to mentor newcomers. Many sites will feature a “Get On The Air” (GOTA) station, allowing unlicensed individuals or newly licensed hams to experience operating with the guidance of an experienced operator.
How to Participate:
Amateur radio operators can participate in various ways:
- Join a Local Club: Many clubs organize group efforts, often setting up elaborate multi-transmitter stations.
- Form a Group: Friends or like-minded individuals can team up to operate from a portable location.
- Operate Individually: Hams can also participate from their home stations, especially if they are operating under emergency power.
Rules and Reporting:
The ARRL provides detailed rules and guidelines for Field Day, covering aspects like station classifications, power limits, and bonus points for various achievements (e.g., using emergency power, youth participation, public outreach). Participants are encouraged to submit their logs and summaries to the ARRL for scoring and recognition. The deadline for submitting entries for the 2025 event is Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned amateur radio operator or simply curious about the hobby, ARRL Field Day 2025 offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved, learn, and celebrate the power of radio to connect us all. More information, including the complete rules, can typically be found on the ARRL website (arrl.org/field-day) as the event approaches.