First time?
Welcome to Field Day
You do not need a license, a radio, or any experience to come.
What is Field Day?
Field Day is the largest annual ham radio event in North America. The ARRL (the national association for amateur radio) runs it every June. Clubs all over the country head outdoors, set up portable stations, and try to make as many contacts as possible over 24 hours — using only off-grid power. It is part contest, part camp-out, part emergency-comms drill, part community open house.
TBARC competes in the 5A category — five transmitters, Class A (portable, club-run, off-grid). In 2025 we finished #22 nationally in 5A and #1 in Arizona. We are hunting for top 15 this year.
Who can come?
- TBARC members — RSVP via this app once login opens.
- Prospective hams — anyone curious about ham radio. We will get you on the air at the GOTA station.
- Family and friends — bring kids, bring partners, bring food. The site is a friendly, well-organized camp.
- Local officials and agency reps — Field Day is also a community resilience demo. We welcome visits from local government and emergency management.
Participating without a radio
The fastest way to get on the air without a license is the GOTA station— “Get On The Air”. A licensed coach sits with you, gets you comfortable with the mic, and guides you through your first contacts. People who try it almost always go home interested in getting licensed.
You can also just visit. Walk the site, watch the operators, sit at the table with the public info display, ask questions. Field Day is designed to be open. There is no entry fee.
GOTA coach
The GOTA station is led by Joe Hofmeister, callsign KG7COA. If you want to plan your first contact, find him on the TBARC Discord (Sparky) or email fieldday@w7tbc.org and we will connect you.
Getting there
The site is in Flagstaff, AZ — about a 2.5-hour drive from Phoenix. We are publishing a carpool board through this app so members coming up from the valley can share rides.
What to bring
- Warm layer — Flagstaff sits at 7,000 ft elevation. Nights are cold even in June.
- Sun hat, sunscreen, water. The site is open and exposed.
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ground. Closed toe recommended.
- A folding chair if you have one — extra seating is always welcome around the GOTA tent.
- Curiosity. Operators love explaining what they are doing.
Getting your license
The entry-level Technician class license takes a few evenings of study. TBARC runs license classes — ask any member or email fieldday@w7tbc.org. ARRL publishes free study materials at arrl.org/getting-licensed.