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Ham radio operators vie for top honours in North American Field Day Challenge

July 15, 2019

By: Karen Wolfe

Pefferlaw resident, Julio Diaz welcomed over 25 members of the Toronto Amateur Radio Club (TARC) at his home on Pefferlaw Road to spend the weekend camping and competing in the 2019 American Radio Relay League’s Annual Field Day.

More than 35,000 North American radio amateurs or “ham radio operators” as they as sometimes known, gathered with their clubs, groups and friends during the Field Day to conduct a mock emergency scenario that required operators to make as many contacts as possible within a 24 hour period.

“While some will treat it as a contest, other groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities,” said Mr. Diaz, President of TARC. “It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate amateur radio to the organizations that amateur radio might serve in an emergency as well as the general public.”

Mr. Diaz said the Field Day is one of the highlights of the club’s annual calendar and allows members to hone their skills in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions. Various sets of radio equipment representing both traditional and new digital workstations, were set up in tents around Mr. Diaz’s property and supported by generators and antenna.

The competition part of the exercise awards points to the various clubs whose operators can verify contact with other remote operators.

For more information, please go to the Toronto Amateur Radio Club website.