The Delaware Valley Radio Association will host its annual ARRL Field Day on Saturday, June 28.
The event, part of a nationwide emergency communications exercise, will showcase how amateur radio operators—or “hams”—build and operate temporary stations using emergency power.
Members of the public are invited to the event, which takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the club’s radio shack at 798 Bear Tavern Road in West Trenton.
Visitors can watch live demonstrations and learn how hams connect with other operators across the U.S. and Canada, even without cell service or internet.
Field Day is considered the largest ham radio event in North America, drawing more than 40,000 participants each year.
“It’s a picnic, a campout, emergency communications training, and a friendly international competition all rolled into one,” the DVRA said in a news release.
In recognition of the event’s importance, the Ewing Township Council proclaimed June 28 as Amateur Radio Appreciation Day, honoring the contributions amateur radio operators make to emergency response and public service. The proclamation was presented at the council’s June 9 meeting.
Amateur radio operators are known for stepping in during crises when other communication systems fail. Whether during natural disasters or power outages, hams provide a reliable backup network. They also lend their skills to large-scale public events, including marathons and parades, where effective communication is essential.
The local Field Day event gives attendees a chance to see this work in action. DVRA members will set up gear in “abnormal” conditions to test their readiness and try to contact as many other stations as possible in a 24-hour period.
The Delaware Valley Radio Association, based in West Trenton, is one of New Jersey’s oldest amateur radio clubs. More information is available at w2zq.com, and details on national Field Day efforts can be found at arrl.org/field-day.
Delaware Valley Radio Association members Jack Tatar, K2WLD, left, and Greg Mauro, K3EA, operating a temporary amateur radio station at the club's 2022 Field Day event.,
