Field Activities For The New Ham - Joe, N2QOJ
Here in the Phoenix Valley, we hams are very fortunate to have some options that will give a new ham the opportunity to experience stations consisting of radios, antennas, power sources, and a knowledgeable ham. Those four ingredients (yes, there are miscellaneous goodies too) will allow a new ham to observe, learn, ask questions and, most importantly, operate all kinds of stations.
Field activity has benefits for experienced hams too. For example, a ham might be interested in a different operating mode, learning about radio sports (contesting), engaging satellite stations, and lots more.
So What Field Activities Are Available?
RADIO UNDER SUN SHADE (RUSS) - During the cooler months, namely October through April, many hams take their portable stations to public areas (usually parks), set up and operate simplex to make as many VHF contacts as possible. Some also utilize UHF and HF bands. These folks are happy to host new hams, wannabes, and answer questions for the public. It's a ham field activity and a public relations event for our hobby. Dates and descriptions of this event can be found here: http://queencreekarc.org/ If you would like more information as to where these events are taking place, contact me at n2qoj.ham@gmail.com.
RADIOS AT HOME (RAH) - During the hotter months (May through September, third Saturday), hams are encouraged to operate at home in comfort. The idea is to keep our operating skills sharp and our equipment in ready-to-go condition while not succumbing to heat strokes. Of course, there are folks who still bring this activity outdoors where conditions can be favorable such as park ramadas. In either case, new hams can still participate. Dates and descriptions of this event can be found here: http://queencreekarc.org/ Current Dates: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20.
GATHERING OF THE WILLING - Also known as GOTW, this event on the third Wednesday of each month is brought to you by members of the East Valley QRP Group. QRP operation was their original meeting theme but now includes all modes of operation, all kinds of transceivers - Analog, Digital, SDR, etc. These folks get together to try out new radios, old radios, antennas of all types, and more. They are very happy to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to share all about ham radio. Here are the details:
When: Third Wednesday of the Month @ 5:00pm to 7:00pm, (UTC-07:00)
Where: Mansel Carter Oasis Park ((West side of the Park). The address to Mansel Carter is 19535 E. Appleby Rd and can be entered either off of Sossaman or 196th and Ocotillo Rd. Contact Dave Martin @ ac7ff1@gmail.com directly if you are interested in attending or if you should have any questions. Here are links to their web presence:
Facebook: East Valley QRP Group (https://www.facebook.com/
Groups.IO (Email Distribution Group) Gathering of the Willing: https://groups.io/g/GOTW
Chandler Amateur Radio Society - This bunch of hams meet every 3rd Saturday morning at Desert Breeze Park in Chandler. They have named this event, "Hams in the Park", or "HIP". Their catchy motto is "Be HIP". They do exactly what was noted above; the members meet, set up complete stations and have a great time socializing and checking out each other's stations. They welcome everyone to participate, hams and non-hams.
Here is a description of the Group from their "Reflector" site: "This is the email reflector for the BE-HIP group of Chandler AZ. We are simply a group of amateur radio operators in the Chandler AZ area that enjoy doing ham radio field events and getting together for social events such as breakfast or lunch. We are not organized as a CLUB nor will we ever be. No rules or dues for this group of hams. We are just HAMS having fun on amateur radio. Our park events are on the 3rd Saturday of every month between Oct and April (the bearable months). All other events such as lunches and breakfasts are always published on this reflector. We do have a weekly NET on Wednesday Nights at 8pm on MARCA owned repeater 443.050 + PL100....this is a 100% open to anyone NET, all hams are welcome.”
If you have questions, comments, etc., please contact KI7PBR, Gary, at ki7pbr@cox.net. Their Reflector site: https://groups.io/g/chandler-
Coolidge / Florence Amateur Radio - Some hams in the Coolidge / Florence area have organized into a Group (not a club) and are making their monthly meetings open to everyone interested in ham radio. They are meeting every 2nd Saturday of the month at 10 AM. They meet at the Viney Jones Library located at 778 North Main Street, Florence 85132. They encourage setting up stations. This is a link to their Group Flyers: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/
They will host an "Amateur Radio Day" on March 8th. Here's a complete description of their event on March 8th running from 9:30 AM to 2 PM:
"Florence/Coolidge Amateur Radio enthusiasts invite you to a HAM RADIO DEMONSTRATION DAY. Come operate a working radio, talking to other operators locally and from all over the world! See demonstrations of Satellite, digital modes, and various forms of communications. Come look inside and operate from a mobile communications van. Learn about antennas and participate in finding a hidden transmitter (referred to as Fox Hunting) and learn about getting your FCC license.
Arizona T-Hunt / Fox-Hunt - If you like to exercise your skills of direction finding, then Fox Hunting or T-Hunting is for you. This is what we call a Radio-Sport. It’s a competition to find a hidden transmitter. There are different types of hunts such as walking and driving. We are very fortunate to have a very active group of hunters in the Valley.
You can find their website here: https://azthunt.com/index.
This Group runs their own hunts, plus they partner with local clubs and organizations to host educational hunts.
Additional Field Activities for Hams
Check out the following organized activities (Most are International) that experienced hams can share with new hams and folks interested in remote communications, emergency communications, etc.:
POTA – Parks On The Air - Parks on the Air ® (POTA) site for international portable amateur radio operations that promote emergency awareness and communications from national/federal and state/provincial level parks.
https://parksontheair.com
Bonus: Arizona has a very active POTA Group:
https://www.facebook.com/
SOTA – Summits on the Air - SOTA is an award scheme for radio amateurs that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas.
https://www.sota.org.uk/
ARRL Field Day – Held Annually During the Last Full Weekend in June
https://www.arrl.org/field-day
Winter Field Day – Held Annually During the Last Full Weekend in January
https://winterfieldday.org/
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