Ham radio enthusiasts are gearing up to gather at the top of Summit Avenue in Rockport on Saturday to connect with fellow radio operators around the globe.
The June 22 gathering — the 2024 Field Day — will include the participation of operators from the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association and American Radio Relay League. The event will take place from noon to sundown at the site, also known as Hospital Hill.
The event will feature a host of operators who will set up and operate different HAM (amateur radio) stations that will test the club’s ability to make contacts with other participating stations around the nation and the world, according to Hamilton resident Brandon Hockle, president of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association.
“This event is a free and family-friendly event open to the community and a great way to introduce kids to the STEM hobby,” he said. “It will be a great opportunity for the public to observe and learn about radio communication and also discover how they themselves can become licensed radio operators.
“They will learn more about local hams working in their community to provide emergency and community service radio communications,” said Hockle whose call sign is NQ1W.
Tom Stephenson of the Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association (CAARA) said the Field Day event is observed around the globe.
“It’s a day when amateur radio operators, HAMS, go into the field and setup their equipment,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for HAMS to practice their radio skills. Working outdoors presents a different set of challenges with the operation and logistics.
Stephenson, who is in his 70s, said he has been a HAM since he was a child.
“It’s the love of radio and making contacts all over the world,” he said. “Most HAMS have been fascinated by radio since they were kids. It’s a cool hobby. It’s a lot of fun.”
Hockle estimated more than 40,000 HAMS in North America will participate during Field Day.
“It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills all in a single event,” he said. “Field Day has been an annual event since 1933 and remains the most popular event in ham radio.”
The Field Day site for the gathering at the top of Rockport’s Summit Hill, known as Haskins Park or Hospital Hill, was once the location of the former Leander M. Haskins Hospital.
“This site is frequently picked by CAARA because of its elevation, proximity to the ocean and relative quiet radio background noise, which are all really helpful features aiding long distance radio communication with low power equipment,” Hockle said.
“We will have three or four small portable radio stations set up and running outside with stations both in the open and under small tents to keep the sun and rain off operators and equipment. Even casual park visitors are encouraged to stop by and ask questions and see folks operating or inquire about how they can get licenses themselves.”
The Cape Ann Amateur Radio Association is a club established in 1977 which operates from its clubhouse in the Old Riverside Fire Department Building near the Annisquam River in Gloucester. The address is 6 Stanwood St. in Gloucester.
It’s mission it to aid the community by providing emergency communications expertise, testing for amateur radio licensing and providing social connections between people interested in electronics and radio communication.
The organization hosts a community open house every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon and holds a members meeting every second Saturday at noon.
For more information, go to http://caara.net or e-mail info@caara.net.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.