ORANGE PARK- In times of disaster, you can count on the dedicated members of the Amateur Radio Club to provide crucial support, whether it's for Clay County or anywhere across the state. 

On Saturday, June 28, Camp Chowenwaw Park hosted the ARRL Field Day event. This 24-hour gathering allowed amateur radio operators to work towards crucial objectives and test their equipment in preparation for potential disasters, including the upcoming hurricane season and the possibility of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) event. 

 ARRL Field Day was established in 1973, with the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club founded around the same time. Each year, the club promotes the event as part of its participation point system. 

The club holds an annual Field Day that coincides with the start of hurricane season. During this event, members test their radio equipment to ensure they are prepared for any emergencies that may occur during the season. It is crucial to understand how quickly communication methods can be restored for first responders in the event of a storm disrupting traditional communication lines. 

"For the event, we come out and set up our equipment as if we were setting up for a disaster. Then we work for 24 hours straight, trying to make as many contacts as possible throughout the United States and the rest of the world. We ensure our equipment is functioning and ready to go for needed hurricane season," said Scott Roberts, assistant emergency coordinator for the Clay County Amateur Radio Emergency Service. 

During the event, a specific satellite antenna was set up to enable communication with various satellites, including the International Space Station. 

The field day consisted of three parts:  

1. Analog Communications: Also known as single sideband and voice communications.  

2. Continuous Wave (CW): This is a form of Morse code, which is often transmitted today using a computer.  

3. Digital Mode: This mode facilitates communication with other stations. It enables the computer to detect signals in the noises that are beyond the range of human hearing. 

"I am here at Field Day to also set the network up and to assist other operators in getting their stations up and running. And to educate not only other amateur radio operators who are out here for their very first time, but any members of the public who happened to wander through and have never been exposed to amateur radio.

"In today's digital age, even cell phones remain relevant, as older types of communication, such as shortwave, continue to be used in the world. Whether it be for communications or scientific principles," said Chuck Helverson, Field Day chairman and treasurer for the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club. 

Roberts said now is the perfect time for those interested to get their amateur radio license. 

Visit clayares.org to obtain your license and learn more information.