Field Day
All things Field Day
Framingham ARA Field Day 2018
Sumner Weisman, W1VIV writes on the FARA mailing list:
The Framingham Amateur Radio Association (FARA) will hold their annual Field Day exercise this coming Saturday, June 23rd. We have an excellent new location — the McAuliffe Library at 746 Water Street in Framingham, near the lights at Nobscot. Look for us in the open area directly behind the library.
Setup starts about 10:30 AM, and official operation will be from 2PM through 6 PM.
Along with tables of operating radios, we will have a literature table for visitors.
Updated June 17, 2018
Field Day Safety Officer Checklist
Please download this document and discuss it at your Field Day planning meetings. In addition to earning bonus points, following these guidelines could save lives!
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2017/16-2017%20Safety%20Officer-2.pdf
[based on an original document by Bruce Pigott, KC1US.] Thanks, N1VUX
Falmouth ARA Field Day 2018
The Falmouth Amateur Radio Association is preparing big-time for Field Day June 22-24.
According to FARA Field Day Coordinator Larry Gray, W1IZZ, “We’re filling positions for: Field Boss; Station Captains for the SSB, CW, VHF, and GOTA stations; Food Captain, Media Publicity Coordinator, Public Information Table Coordinator, Set Up and Tear Down Coordinators” to name just a few. “There is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of experience or physical condition.”
FARA will set up in their usual location at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan Ellis Highway, in East Falmouth.
For more information about Falmouth ARA’s Field Day site, see http://www.falara.org/announcements/farafieldday2018opportunities.
Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association Field Day 2018
The Pilgrim Amateur Wireless Association writes on its Facebook page:
Join us as we host P.A.W.A field day at the Swansea Fire Station
50 New Gardner Neck Road
Swansea Mass 02777
Saturday, June 23 9:00 AM through Sunday June 24 2:00 PM
Everyone is welcome to join in to make contacts or stop by. Hope to see you there.
Whitman ARC Field Day 2018
Whitman ARC writes on its Facebook page:
The Whitman Amateur Radio Club will be holding field day once again this year in the field behind the East Bridgewater YMCA. Setup will begin Saturday, June 23 at 9 AM, with operating running from 2 PM Saturday through 2 PM Sunday. We invite you to stop by to operate; or just socialize and enjoy the food!
Eastern MA 2018 Field Day Directory
The 19th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the Directory offers both detailed historical and current information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips. The Directory’s software will automatically compute your field day site’s Maidenhead Grid locator for VHF recommended ‘Grid Chase’ extra exchange. “We report third level, six-character grid; for example, LL99ii–which is useful for some microwave aiming tools–but you only need four (LL99) in the on-air exchange.”
“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Field Day Locator – also conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”
The Directory also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.
“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA ARRL staff and leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible. From the staffs’ comments last year about how many sites they didn’t find, I’d like to suggest that if your big banner isn’t visible from the road, place some Realtors(tm)-style foamcore and wire signs at the entrance and leading visitors through the maze.” Bill adds, “‘Public Welcome’ and an arrow are recommended. If you’re not conducting a 24-hour operation, a statement of hours would be good on both the sign and on the EMA FD Directory and Headquarters Locator.”
N1VUX also invites you to post your comments and memories from field day on the ARRL Soapbox. “We’ll link them in the Directory for history. If your club has memories on a website or Facebook page that we don’t have linked, send me the link and I’ll make sure it’s included.”
The Eastern MA Field Day Directory can be viewed at http://fd.ema.arrl.org. N1VUX can be reached at his arrl.net address.
Eastern MA 2017 Field Day Directory
The 18th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the section Field Day pages offer detailed information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.
“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Locator – conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”
The site also links to updated information on how to handle NTS radiogram traffic, and score bonus points during the event.
“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA Field Staff & Leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.”
Email n1vux at his arrl.net address.
ATTENTION FIELD DAY PARTICIPANTS
While we have beautiful weather for Field Day this year, Murphy has been busy giving us more challenges.
The Quincy repeater is currently down (as of Saturday morning). Therefore the Eastern Mass 2 Meter Net will be operating on the Sharon repeater 146.865 Mhz PL 103.5 at 8 PM Saturday evening for passing your FD NTS traffic.
For those operating VHF Pactor, N1XTB-4 is also down (as of Saturday morning). KW1U-1 can be reached on 145.09 via BROCK and NTS traffic can be placed there directly. It can also be accessed on HF Pactor on 3591.9 Khz center frequency.
Other net times and frequencies can be found on the left side of this web page.
73 and good luck with FD.
Marcia KW1U STM
17th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory Now On-line
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The 17th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the section Field Day pages offer detailed information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.
“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Locator – conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year.”
“A major goal always has been helping (and encouraging) EMA Field Staff & Leadership to plan visits to nearby field day sites, as is our custom — and helping us hit as many different ones as possible.”
Email n1vux at his arrl.net address.
Gov. Baker and MA State Senate Give Amateur Radio Proclamations for Field Day Weekend
Eastern and Western MA Section Managers Tom Walsh, K1TW and Ed Emco, W1KT were able to secure proclamations from the governor and the state senate proclaiming Field Day weekend as Amateur Radio weekend in Massachusetts.
Full size copies are available at these links:
Governor Baker’s Proclamation
MA State Senate Proclamation
-Thanks, wma.arrl.org
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Honors Amateur Radio, ARRL
[UPDATE: On June 28, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a Citation recognizing ARRL’s anniversary. The text is included at the end of this story.]
The Executive and Senate branches of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have recognized Amateur Radio and the ARRL with a Gubernatorial Proclamation and Senate Resolution, respectively. The Governor recognized an “Amateur Radio Day” while the Senate resolved to “join in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Radio Relay League.”
Eastern Massachusetts Section Manager Phil Temples, K9HI accepted the documents today from Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) at his State House office. Separate copies of the documents are being mailed to Ed Emco, W1KT, the ARRL Section Manager of Western Massachusetts. Also assisting with the project was newly appointed State Government Liaison Hank Mc Carl, W4RIG, of Gloucester.
Temples will tour various Field Day sites on June 28-29 to show the proclamation and resolutions to ARRL clubs and groups participating in the annual exercise. Tarr, who is also a licensed ham, plans to tour several Field Day sites in his district with copies of the documents as well.
Here is the text of the Gubernatorial Proclamation:
A PROCLAMATION
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Amateur radio has always played a significant role in developing world-wide radio communications; and
Whereas The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approximately 14,000 amateur radio operators, who continually demonstrate their value in public assistance; and
Whereas Amateur radio operators are constantly vigilant in case of tornado, flood, hurricane, or other local emergency, in order that they may use their equipment and skills to assist local and state officials; and
Whereas Massachusetts amateur radio operators have generously donated their time, equipment, and knowledge to provide communications support and technical training to local service clubs, organizations, and interested citizens; and
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim June 13th, 2014, to be,
AMATEUR RADIO DAY
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this twenty-third day of May, in the year two thousand and fourteen and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
* * *
THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
RESOLUTIONS
CELEBRATING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE
WHEREAS, AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS ARE CELEBRATING OVER A CENTURY OF THE MIRACLE OF THE HUMAN VOICE BROADCAST OVER THE AIRWAYS AND, IN 2014, THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE IS CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF PROMOTING AND ADVANCING THE ART, SCIENCE AND ENJOYMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO; AND
WHEREAS, THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE IS THE LEADING ORGANIZATION FOR AMATEUR RADIO IN THE USA AND SERVES OVER 164,000 MEMBERS, MOSTLY LICENSED RADIO AMATEURS, IN THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE WORLD; AND
WHEREAS, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION’S HEADQUARTERS IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, HAS BEEN HOME TO THE HIRAM PERCY MAXIM MEMORIAL STATION SINCE 1938 AND RECEIVES VISITS FROM NEARLY 2,000 INDIVIDUALS A YEAR; AND
WHEREAS, THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE’S MISSION IS “TO PROMOTE AND ADVANCE THE ART, SCIENCE AND ENJOYMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO” AND MEMBERS SPAN THE GLOBE, SUPPORTED BY THE ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, PUBLICATIONS AND EXPERTS; AND
WHEREAS, AMATEUR RADIO HAS CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A BRIDGE BETWEEN PEOPLES, SOCIETIES AND COUNTRIES BY CREATING FRIENDSHIPS AND SHARING IDEAS; AND
WHEREAS, AMATEUR RADIO OPERATORS HAVE ALSO PROVIDED COUNTLESS HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES BOTH IN EMERGENCIES AND TO OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THROUGHOUT THESE DECADES, NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, THAT THE MASSACHUSETTS SENATE HEREBY JOINS IN CELEBRATING THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, THAT A COPY OF THESE RESOLUTIONS BE TRANSMITTED FORTHWITH BY THE CLERK OF THE SENATE TO THE AMERICAN RADIO RELAY LEAGUE.
SENATE, ADOPTED, JUNE 23, 2014.
THERESE MURRAY
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
OFFERED BY:
SENATOR BRUCE E. TARR
* * *
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, House of Representatives;
Be it hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest Congratulations to the American Radio Relay League in Recognition of its 100th Anniversary and its affiliate, the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association, for providing service and education to the Cape Ann Community. The entire membership extends the very best wishes and expresses the hope for future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors.
Given this 28th day of June, at the State House, Boston, Massachusetts
By: Robert A. DeLeo
Speaker of the House
Offered by State Representative
Ann-Margaret Ferrante
14th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory Now On-line
The 14th Annual Eastern Massachusetts Field Day Directory contains some of the most comprehensive Field Day resource pages of its kind.
According to Bill Ricker, N1VUX, the section Field Day pages offer detailed information on individual field day club operations along with the complete event operating rules and helpful safety tips.
“Clubs which are reactivating a previous Class A or F site can confirm to the EMA Directory by simply putting their pin in at the ARRL Locator – conveniently linked from our directory. I’ll pick that up and mark them confirmed. I would appreciate an email from new clubs in Class A or F, clubs with new sites, clubs whose details on their EMA directory need updating, or who are definitely not using the site they had last year. Email n1vux at his arrl.net address.
Ipswich EMA To Conduct First Field Day Operation
A new Field Day effort conducted by the Ipswich Emergency Management Agency will debut in Ipswich this weekend, according to EMA Director Jon Hubbard, W1HUB.
The group is off to a great start in the public relations department: they secured an official proclamation in conjunction with Field Day from the Town’s Board of Selectmen at a June 11 meeting. The presentation can be viewed at http://ipswichma.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=244.
“This year will be [our] first attempt at field day operating as W1IEM. We will be operating on Saturday, June 23 from 2-6PM and maybe a little longer depending on interest levels.”
Hubbard invites all interested parties to visit their Field Day operation. Map and directions can be found on the Eastern MA Field Day page at http://ema.arrl.org/field_day/SiteDetail.php?site=IEM.
Score Extra Points For Field Day With a Radiogram
Looking to make all the bonus points you can for Field Day? Not sure how to send a radiogram? Be sure to check http://fd.ema.arrl.org/files/Field_Day_NTS_Messages.txt on the Eastern MA ARRL Field Day page for some helpful hints. Thanks, KW1U
Cape Ann ARA Field Day VE Exam Session
The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association will conduct an Amateur Radio license examination session at its Field Day operation from 10 AM to 12 noon on Sunday, June 24 at the Fuller School Field, located next to Market Basket off the Route 128 Blackburn Circle Rotary exit.
The exam fee is $15.00. Two forms of identification are required and must include a picture ID and Social Security Number. You may make a reservation via email to Bob Quinn, WV1A at bquinn32 -at- comcast -dot- net Walk-ins are also welcome.
Whitman ARC Field Day Scores Publicity in Enterprise News
The Whitman Amateur Radio Club received a nice write-up of its Field Day operation in the Enterprise News that included a group photo.
According to the article, WARC operated at the Old Colony YMCA Satucket property in East Bridgewater. Thirty-five amateurs participated, making 586 QSOs in 33 states and three Canadian provinces.
PART of Westford Field Day Media Coverage

PART of Westford obtained some value media coverage in the local Carlisle Mosquito newspaper, just in time for Field Day. The hams gave Mosquito reporter Cynthia Sorn “a turn operating a ham radio.” [Full story]
See also: “Wicked Local/Westford”: Amateur radio enthusiasts take to the air waves
Swansea Field Day Operation Garners Publicity on Providence TV
A joint Field Day operation in Swansea garnered some great publicity for Amateur Radio this weekend, including television coverage.
Carl Sawejko, WA1PQT was interviewed by two Providence, RI television crews who were on hand at the site to film the Field Day operations for the evening news. This year’s Swansea Field Day operation at the Town Hall Annex was a joint collaboration between the Pilgram Amateur Wireless Assocation (Taunton), and the Raymond J. Levesque Memorial ARC and the Southeastern MA Amateur Radio Group.
A video clip of the Channel 12 story can be viewed online at the WPRI web site. The WJAR Channel 10 web site is carrying this video interview.
MA Senate Passes Amateur Radio Week Declaration
In conjuntion with ARRL Field Day, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a Resolultion late last week “honoring Amateur Radio operators as they celebrate Amateur Radio Week and participate in Field Day.”
Like the Governor’s Proclamation, the Senate Resolution was brought about through the efforts of State Government Liaison, K3HI, Local Government Liaison Hank McCarl, W4RIG, by several club presidents; and, by one licensed Amateur in particular who happens to be a Massachusetts State Senator: Bruce Tarr, N1UIU.
Although a copy was not available to tour during Field Day, hard copies of the Resolution have been transmitted to ARRL Headquarters, and to Eastern and Western MA Section Managers Phil Temples, K9HI and Ed Emco, W1KT, respectively.
Sen. Tarr writes about the Resolution in his blog at http://www.tarrtalk.com/2011/06/arrl-field-day-event.html.
[See also: Governor Proclaims “Amateur Radio Week” in Massachusetts!]



