Amateur Radio Enthusiasts Unite for Annual Field Day

This Saturday, a group of FCC-licensed amateur radio enthusiasts will gather at Memorial Park in Cupertino to participate in Field Day. During this North American event, more than 40,000 ham radio operators set up temporary transmitting stations in public places across the continent to demonstrate the science behind ham radios and their usefulness in emergency operations. 

The radio operators participating Saturday are a part of the Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Services (CARES) group, an organization of 70 Cupertino volunteers who have agreed to provide reliable primary and backup communication links for the City of Cupertino and other agencies primarily during emergencies.

On Saturday, the radio managers will practice contacting as many stations as possible across North America in 24 hours using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 Meter HF bands and all bands 50 MHz and above. The goal will be to learn how to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions to be better prepared for future emergencies.

The Event Details: 

Saturday, June 25 

11 a.m. 

Memorial Park 

21121 Stevens Creek Blvd

Meet near the Quinlan Community Center, 10185 N Stelling Road.

While none of CARES’ members get paid for their services, they still have agreements with Cupertino, the Santa Clara Fire Department, the Cupertino Sanitary District, and the San Jose Water Company to provide public service communications when needed. The group could be a lifesaver when the internet and phones are down after an earthquake. 

Radio operators must have licenses to participate in activities, but the general public is welcome to listen in. 

To learn more about CARES, visit: https://www.cupertinoares.org/

To learn more about Field Day, visit: Field Day (arrl.org)