Field Day 2023
What is Field Day?
As demonstrated in the aftermath of January ‘s atmospheric river storms, amateur radio operators provide essential communications between local communities and the County’s emergency service personnel during emergencies.
Every June the Half Moon Bay Amateur Radio Club (HMBARC) sets up an off-the-grid emergency radio station and participates in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day. Field Day is a two-day national event during which we contact stations all over the United States and Canada and demonstrate our ability to operate radio gear in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions.
This year we will have three stations set up and operating. One station will be used primarily for voice communications over high-frequency bands, the second station will be used primarily for morse code (CW) and digital mode communications over high-frequency bands, and the third station will be a demonstration/training station. The demonstration station will enable us to:
Show new Technicians and prospective amateur radio operators the components of an entry-level VHF/UHF base station (i.e., the next step in equipment after a handi-talkie)
Provide an opportunity for new Technicians and prospective amateur radio operators to see the same entry-level VHF/UHF station components in a mobile station
Give new or inexperienced Technicians and prospective amateur radio operators the opportunity to operate the VHF/UHF base station.
Beginning early in June, Club members can sign up for times to operate the equipment—skilled trainers will be available to help as needed.
When is Field Day?
Field Day is Saturday June 24th and Sunday June 25th. We will be operating from 11 am Saturday until 11 am Sunday.
The public is invited!
Public participation hours for Field Day will be from 11 am until 7 pm Saturday June 24th and 9 am until 11 am Sunday June 25th.
A big addition to our Club’s 2023 Field Day is a demonstration radio station where the public and prospective amateur radio operators of all ages can see the equipment firsthand, receive basic training (Saturday June 24th 1:30 – 3:00 PM), and have the opportunity to operate the equipment and communicate with other amateur radio operators.
Where is Field Day?
Field Day will be located next to the old railway station on Higgins Canyon Road, about 1/3 mile east of Main Street (next to the road leading to the James Johnston House) in Half Moon Bay.
Training Session
A training session will be offered on Saturday June 24th from 1:30 to 3:00 PM. The training will be for new or prospective amateur radio operators of all ages. The objectives of the training will be to:
Convey that equipment concepts are simple
Describe the typical equipment progression for amateur radio operators
VHF/UHF HT >> VHF/UHF base station >> VHF/UHF mobile station >> HF base station
Simple 5’ VHF/UHF antenna >> simple HF dipole >> more complex HF antenna
Explain the various rationales for equipment progression (Why would I ever want more equipment?)
Emergency communications (value of base and mobile stations)
The need for more power (value of base and mobile stations)
The desire to communicate over greater distances (value of HF)
The desire to communicate via different modes (e.g.,FT8)
Explain what a repeater system is and how to use it
Simplex vs duplex operation
How repeater system works
How to activate a repeater (link tone)
Explain how to contact other stations
How can Club members get involved?
In addition to signing up for operating times (beginning in June), there are numerous volunteer positions available during Field Day (e.g., visitor desk staffing, equipment set up and take down, and safety oversight). If you are interested in volunteering, please send C.F. Booth an email (treasurer@hmbarc.org).