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ARRL Field Day is almost here, and the Nashua Area Radio Society is preparing for another exciting weekend of operating, learning, and fun! Field Day setup begins on Friday, June 26th, with operations running from 2:00 PM Saturday, June 27th through 2:00 PM Sunday, June 28th at Hudson Memorial School in Hudson, NH.
One of the most exciting opportunities this year will be our transportable Satellite Station. Thanks to the efforts of our members, the station has been fully assembled, tested, and packed for deployment at Field Day. The photo below shows the station during final testing at Fred Kemmerer’s (AB1OC) QTH, where operators successfully verified the equipment and operating procedures before heading to the field.
What Makes Satellite Operating Special?
Unlike traditional HF contacts, satellite operating allows you to communicate through amateur radio satellites orbiting hundreds of miles above the Earth. As a satellite passes overhead, operators can make contacts across large portions of North America using relatively low power and compact antennas.
Making your first satellite contact is an unforgettable experience. You’ll hear stations from across the continent calling through a spacecraft speeding overhead at thousands of miles per hour, and you’ll be part of the action.
No Experience Required
If you’ve never operated a satellite station before, Field Day is the perfect time to learn. Experienced NARS satellite operators will be available to:
- Explain how amateur radio satellites work
- Demonstrate satellite tracking software
- Show how antennas are aimed and tracked
- Coach new operators through making contacts
- Help members log their first satellite QSO
Whether you’re newly licensed or a seasoned contester, everyone is welcome to participate.
Sign Up for a Satellite Operating Slot
Because satellite passes occur at specific times throughout the weekend, members are encouraged to sign up for satellite operating time slots. This helps ensure that everyone who wants to experience satellite operating has an opportunity to get on the air.
Even if you’re not scheduled for a slot, stop by the Satellite Station during the event. Watching a pass and seeing contacts made through an orbiting spacecraft is one of the highlights of Field Day.
More Than Just Satellites
The Satellite Station is just one part of what promises to be a great Field Day. NARS will also have:
- Multiple HF operating stations
- Digital mode demonstrations
- CW and SSB operating
- Field Day educational activities
- Great food and fellowship
- Opportunities for members of all experience levels to get on the air
Field Day is our chance to demonstrate emergency communications capability, introduce new people to amateur radio, sharpen our operating skills, and most importantly, have fun together.
Join Us!
Whether you can help with setup on Friday, operate for an hour, work a satellite, or spend the entire weekend with us, your participation makes Field Day successful.
Setup: Friday, June 26, 1:00 PM. Join us for Lunch at 11:30am at Cookies’ Diner, 222 Central Street in Hudson before we head over to Hudson Memorial School.
Operations: Saturday, June 27 (2:00 PM) – Sunday, June 28 (2:00 PM)
Location: Hudson Memorial School, 1 Memorial Drive, Hudson, NHCome out and experience the excitement of amateur radio—especially the thrill of making contacts through satellites orbiting high above the Earth. We look forward to seeing you at Field Day!
73,
Anita, AB1QBThere are still slots available to operate on SSB or FT8. Don’t worry if you have not operated these modes much – We will be there to coach you. There is also a GOTA station where W1SMN or AK1Q will coach prospective or new hams who have not been on the air to make SSB or FT8 contacts.
You can sign up for operating slots at an SSB, FT8, 6 meters, or to make Satellite contacts at this link. If you do not see a slot that will work for you, please contact me at [email protected], and I’ll see if I can free something up for you.
73,
Anita, AB1QB
For hard hats on setup day (antenna stuff)… do bicycle helmets count? Corbin and I could pick up hard hats at harbor freight, but thought I’d ask before finding a place to store hard hats.
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