Amateur Radio Field Day
Date/Time:
Location:
Dogwood St
Cumming, GA 30040
Field Day is ham radio's open house. Every June, more than 31,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in ham radio.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to talk to people across the country, or even the world, using only radio waves? The GOTA (Get On The Air) station at Field Day is your golden opportunity to experience the thrill of amateur radio first-hand.
This isn’t just for licensed hams – it’s for EVERYONE! Whether you’re a complete newcomer curious about radio, or you’ve just earned your ham license, we invite you to sit down, grab the microphone, and make some contacts!
What is the GOTA Station all about?
The GOTA station is a special part of ARRL Field Day, designed to bring new people into the exciting world of amateur radio. Under the friendly guidance of an experienced ham, you’ll learn how to operate the radio and talk to other stations. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s an incredible way to connect with people far and wide.
No license? No problem! You can absolutely participate and speak into the microphone or make digital contacts. Our licensed control operator will be right there with you, guiding you every step of the way, ensuring everything runs smoothly and within FCC regulations.
Your Radio merit badge instructor: David Norman (N4DKN)
Your GOTA Station Captain: Lynn Francis (KW4WL)
What happens when?
| Amateur Radio Field Day | Field Day |
|---|---|
| When: | Starts 2pm |
|
What: |
Learn how to operate a ham radio and talk to other stations |
| Radio merit badge? | Only requirement 8A(6) |
| Cost: | Cost: Free |
What is Amateur Radio?
Often called “ham radio,” the Amateur Radio Service is a worldwide community of licensed operators using the airwaves with every conceivable means of communications technology. It is made up of people who enjoy learning and being able to transmit voice, data, and pictures through the airwaves to places near and far without depending on commercial systems. The amateur radio frequencies are the last remaining place in the usable radio spectrum where an individual can develop and experiment with wireless communications. Not only can hams build and modify their equipment, but they can also create new ways to communicate via the airwaves — and do it as a globally connected community. Many people in the hobby form lifelong friendships with people they wouldn’t have otherwise met. Many rock stars, Hollywood actors, and heads of state (and even your neighbor down the street) are ham radio operators. You can be, too! Get started at ARRL Field Day!
The event is in a rear parking lot, near the saw mill.