Ham Radio Etiquette for Field Day: Your First Big Event

Field Day is the Super Bowl of Ham Radio

Every June, tens of thousands of operators set up stations in parks, parking lots, and mountaintops for 24 hours of non-stop radio. It is the biggest ham radio event in the world — and the best way to learn. Here is how to make your first Field Day great.

What Happens at Field Day

  • Clubs set up temporary stations powered by generators, solar, and batteries
  • Operators make as many contacts as possible in 24 hours
  • It is a contest, a social event, and an emergency drill all in one

First-Timer Etiquette

Do Do Not
Ask the club how you can help Grab a microphone without asking
Bring snacks and drinks to share Show up empty-handed
Learn the exchange format first Wing it on the air
Listen for 10 minutes before transmitting Key up over an ongoing contact

Your First Field Day Contacts

The exchange is simple: your callsign class + ARRL section. Listen to others first, then try it. You will mess up — everyone does — and every operator remembers their first Field Day.

Bring UV-K1(8) to your first Field Day →

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