Maximum Points & Minimum Power: 2023 Field Day Plans

• News Event:  ARRL Field Day 
• Date:  ON-AIR Saturday June 24th 2023 2:00 PM ET - Sunday June 25th 2023 2:00 PM
• Location: Taconic-Hereford Multiple Use Area, Pleasant Valley NY 12569
• Attendees: Open to public for interactive demo and displays
• Media Attendance: Best time is Sunday morning 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET (see below)

During the fourth weekend each June is the ARRL Field Day event across the United States along with heavy participation from Canada. The goal of Field Day is to simulate abnormal conditions away from home and use amateur radio equipment from temporary locations to make as many radio contacts over a 24 hour period. Goals are mostly bragging rights thanks to a point scoring system, but most who participate just do it for the fun and experience.

This year in Dutchess and Ulster Counties of the Hudson Valley there appears to a record number of "Alpha" class stations participating in this annual event.  Any licensed amateur radio operator can participate in Field Day due to different operating classes such as the "Alpha" class mostly reserved for club stations, "Echo" class reserved for those operating from home on emergency power and "Foxtrot" class reserved for emergency operations centers managed by local, state or federal government. 

A full listing of rules and all participant classifications plus a site finder map can be found at http://www.arrl.org/field-day​. 

In the true spirit of Field Day, this year the Ulster & Northern Dutchess Readiness Group will be operating a 100% "off grid" field day operation at Taconic-Hereford Multiple Use Area in order to simulate true field communications with as little external support as possible.

This location was chosen because of its community of users such as trail bike riders, hikers, bird watchers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts plus its "Parks On The Air" location designation, which is another outside activity for amateur radio. ​

Steve K2GOG operating as "Parks On The Air" with basic field equipment from Taconic-Hereford Multiple Use Area in May 2023.

​Using the callsign N2HVD, thanks to the Hudson Valley Digital Network,  the UNDR team will be purely running equipment from sustainable solar charged batteries for the entire 24 hours and will be using very low transmit power compared to most participants using 180% more power.  Logging computers, radio, lighting and everything else will be run from these small environmentally friendly power sources.

The extra challenges brought on by camping conditions and a "carry in & carry out" focus along with the lower power transmit limit will allow the UNDR team to score more points in the event and hopefully demonstrate what can be done via the most basic but well prepared field day operation as a teaching tool. 
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Everything from voice, image, data and even Morse code will be used to communicate nationally with simple but effective antennae systems that can fit easily within a backpack.  Many other local locations such as those organized by the Overlook Mountain Amateur Radio Club, QSY Society and Orange County Amateur Radio clubs all take different approaches to the event and are also worth visiting to learn more about field radio communications.

ARRL Field Day officially starts at 2:00 PM ET Saturday June 24th and concludes the following day at 2:00 PM ET Sunday June 25th 2023. Members of the public and local media are encouraged to visit and also take part in a simulated "search and rescue" event on Sunday which will focus on finding a lost hiker using direction finding radio equipment.

Signs will be posted to help visitors find the UNDR Group field station which will be just a short walk  and ample parking at the Tyrrel Rd trail head entrance as noted on the map.  The exact GPS coordinates are 41.74704 -73.76036 and approximate locations where UNDR team may be located are displayed. 

If visiting, please dress accordingly including comfortable shoes and clothing. Please be aware that we are not the only users of the park and to be mindful of those enjoying the facility for other activities.  There is no vehicle access past the main gate for those not involved in planning this event.

FAQ's

What types of communications will be on display?

• Voice radio for local and worldwide communications
• Morse Code
• SSTV Slow Scan Television – A way of sending pictures via radio around the world.
• Satellite communications –  Low power “walkie-talkie” that will fit in a day pack for long range communications.
• WinLink & VaraAC – A way of sending email via radio
• APRS – A way of messaging or sharing/seeing location of users in real time, use for search & rescue as example.
• DV/DMR - Next generation digital voice and data communications
• RTTY – Radio TeleType – send texts messages via radio
• QRP – Low power radios capable of transmitting around the world that you can carry in a briefcase.

How many Ham Operators?

• This is a small operation with 2-4 participants along with short duration visitors at this location.

When will the radios be active?
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• The entire 24 hour period of the event.

When can the public attend?
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• Anytime from 2:00 PM ET on Saturday until 2:00 PM ET on Sunday. 
• Special "Radio Direction Finding Search and Rescue Simulation" planned for Sunday 10:00 AM ET.
• Visitors are encouraged to RSVP to allow site organizers to plan for your arrival.

 
What can the public do?

• Observe the various radio operators make radio contact with people all over the world
• Chat with other club members about what is happening, how it is being done.
• Attend any teaching demonstrations being given
• Learn about viable options for personal and family Emergency Communications for local outdoor activities and disaster preparedness.
• Depending on resources they might be able to go on the air under the supervision of a licensed Amateur Radio Operator using the club license.

 
Media attendance preferred Sunday Morning, a liaison will be available for you then.

Media can show up anytime but may not have anyone available to assist them.

Any advance visitor or media questions contact Steve Bossert below.

Steve Bossert
K2GOG@undr-group.com
+1-914-573-1799