SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Ham radio operators from the Friends & Amateur Radio Communications Enthusiasts in the Sacramento County area will participate in a national amateur radio exercise from 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, to 12:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 23.

If you are new to Field Day, it is like Ham Radio’s Open House.

Hams set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to showcase the science, skill and service of amateur radio. It is an exciting opportunity to learn, connect and demonstrate the capabilities of this hobby. Use the Field Day Locator at www.arrl.org/field-day-locator to find a site near you and join the celebration. The Friends & Amateur Radio Communications Enthusiasts group will set up operations in Diamond Springs.

The event is the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day (www.arrl.org/field-day), an annual amateur radio activity organized since 1933 by the league. Hams from throughout North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.

Hams from the Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer County area will also use radio stations set up in their homes or take to their backyards and other locations to operate individually or with their families. Many hams have portable radio communication capability that includes alternative energy sources such as generators, solar panels and batteries to power their equipment.

Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers. Ham radio functions are completely independent of the internet and phone systems and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others.

During Field Day 2023, more than 40,000 hams participated from thousands of locations throughout North America. Hams range in age from as young as 9 to older than 100.

For more information about American Radio Relay League Field Day and ham radio, contact the California Department of Technology Radio Association (N6CDT) at [email protected] or visit the Amateur Radio Club (KF6NNM) Friends & Amateur Radio Communications Enthusiasts page at www.kf6nnm.net.

Introductory information can be found at www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.

A self-study license guide is available from American Radio Relay League: The American Radio Relay League Ham Radio License Manual is online at www.arrl.org/shop/Ham-Radio-License-Manual.