All posts by Smitty (WB1G)
Field Day | Points and Rules (Page)
Our Stations
| Station Type | Count | QSO Value |
|---|---|---|
| Phone (Voice) | 2 | 1 pt per contact |
| Digital (incl. CW) | 2 | 2 pts per contact |
Bonus Stations (Free — no impact on class)
| Station | QSO Value |
|---|---|
| VHF | 1 pt per contact |
| GOTA (Get On The Air) | 5 pts per contact! |
Logging
All stations will log using N3FJP software on club laptops.
Club Points
Club members can submit their individual logs to be combined into an aggregate club score. Even if you operate from home, your contacts can count toward the club total — just list the club name on your submission.
Site Bonus Points (100 pts each)
Each item below adds 100 points to our final score. Many require documentation — let’s hit as many as we can!
1. Eligibility
Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2. DX stations residing in other regions may be contacted for credit and may submit entries as check-logs.
2. Object
To work as many stations as possible on the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15- and 10-Meter HF bands, as well as all bands 50 MHz and above, and in doing so to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less-than-optimal conditions. A premium is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio. See also recommended frequencies FAQ.
3. Date and Time Period
Field Day 2026 will be held June 27–28. Field Day is ALWAYS the fourth full weekend of June, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and ending at 2059 UTC Sunday.
4. Entry Categories
Field Day entries are classified according to the maximum number of simultaneously transmitted signals, followed by a designator indicating the nature of their individual or group participation. The minimum number of transmitters that must be claimed is one (1). Twenty (20) transmitters maximum are eligible for the purpose of calculating bonus points (2,000 points maximum). However, additional transmitters which may legitimately be used simultaneously will determine your entry category classification, but will not earn additional bonus points (i.e. 22 transmitters = 22A).
The use of switching systems that allow for lock-outs in order to use multiple transmitters (i.e., an “octopus”) in an attempt to enter a lower-number-of-transmitters class are prohibited (i.e. using 2 transmitters that can transmit simultaneously, with two operators, and a lock-out system and entering class 1A). The use of simulcasting devices which allow a single operator to key and transmit on more than one transmitter at a time, is prohibited. Bonus stations, such as the GOTA station and satellite station do not count towards determining the number of transmitters for the class and do not qualify for transmitter bonus points.
4.1. Class A — Club / Non-Club Portable
Club or a non-club group of three or more persons set up specifically for Field Day. Such stations must be located in places that are not regular station locations and must not use facilities installed for permanent station use, or use any structure installed permanently for Field Day. A single licensee or trustee for the entry is responsible for the group entry. All equipment (including antennas) must lie within a circle whose diameter does not exceed 300 meters (1000 feet). To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be made with transmitter(s) and receiver(s) operating independent of commercial power mains. Entrants whom for any reason operate a transmitter or receiver from a commercial main for one or more contacts will be listed separately as Class A-Commercial.
4.1.1. Get On The Air (GOTA) Station (updated for 2025)
Any Class A or F entry may also operate one additional station without changing its base entry category, known as the Get On The Air (GOTA) station. This GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band, HF or VHF, but is limited to one GOTA station transmitted signal at any time.
4.1.2. Free VHF Station
All Class A entries may also operate one additional transmitter if it operates exclusively on any band or combination of bands above 50 MHz (VHF/UHF) without changing its basic entry classification. This station does not qualify for a 100-point bonus as an additional transmitter. This station may be operated for the clubs Field Day period and all contacts count for QSO credit. It is operated using the primary callsign and exchange of the main Field Day group and is separate and distinct from the GOTA station.
Other Entry Classes
4.8. Class F — Emergency Operations Centers (EOC)
An amateur radio station at an established EOC activated by a club or non-club group. Class F operation must take place at an established EOC site. Stations may utilize equipment and antennas temporarily or permanently installed at the EOC for the event. Entries will be reported according to number of transmitters in simultaneous operation. Class F stations are eligible for a free VHF station.
4.8.1. For Field Day purposes, an EOC is defined as a facility established by:
- a) a Federal, State, County, City or other Civil Government, agency or administrative entity; or,
- b) a Chapter of a national or international served agency (such as American Red Cross or Salvation Army) with which your local group has an established operating arrangement.
5. Exchange
Stations in ARRL / RAC sections will exchange their Field Day operating Class and ARRL / RAC section.
6. Miscellaneous Rules
7. Scoring
Scores are based on the total number of QSO points times the power multiplier corresponding to the highest power level under which any contact was made during the Field Day period plus the bonus points.
7.1. QSO Points
| Mode | Points per Contact |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1 point |
| CW | 2 points |
| Digital (non-CW) | 2 points |
7.2. Power Multipliers
The power multiplier that applies is determined by the highest power output of any of the transmitters used during the Field Day operation. Power output for classes A, B and C cannot exceed 500 watts PEP. Power output for classes D, E and F cannot exceed 100 watts PEP.
| Power & Source | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 5W or less from non-commercial, non-generator source (battery, solar, water) | ×5 |
| 5W or less from commercial mains or motor-driven generator | ×2 |
| Up to 100W | ×2 |
| Greater than 100W | ×1 |
7.3. Bonus Points
All stations are eligible for certain bonus points, depending on entry class. Bonus points are added after the multiplier is applied. Bonus points are awarded only when claimed on the summary sheet with required proof.
7.3.13.1. Any successfully completed contact made by an operator at the GOTA station is worth 5 bonus points, regardless of mode. No limit on the number of contacts a single GOTA operator can make. GOTA bonus points are not multiplied by the power multiplier (clarification of the rules published in 2023).
7.3.13.2. If a GOTA station is supervised by a GOTA Coach, a single 100-point bonus is earned.
- 7.3.13.2.1. The GOTA Coach supervises the operator (answering questions, talking them through contacts) but may not make contacts or perform logging functions.
- 7.3.13.2.2. Must be a designated GOTA Coach present and supervising for at least 10 contacts.
7.3.15.2. For 1-person Class B, 20 points if the operator is age 18 or younger. For 2-person Class B, 20 points for each operator age 18 or younger (max 40 points). Class B is still only a 1- or 2-person operation — this bonus does not allow more participants.
8. Reporting
8.1. Submission Methods
225 Main St
Newington, CT 06111
(tracking highly recommended)
8.3. A Complete Web App Entry Consists Of:
8.3.2. Supporting information uploaded via web app, including:
- 8.3.2.1. An attached list of stations worked by band/mode (dupe sheet, alpha/numeric list, or Cabrillo log).
- 8.3.2.2. Proof of bonus points claimed (press releases, NTS messages, photographs, etc.).
- 8.3.2.3. The web app will display a confirmation number and email a confirmation. Save this!
8.4. Email Submission Includes:
8.5. Postal Mail Submission Includes:
Other Reporting Notes
9. Miscellaneous
Field Day | Press Release (Page)
Field Day | Questions (Page)
Field Day | RSVP (Page)
Field Day | RSVP Results (Page)
Field Day | Safety Plan (Page)
2026 FIELD DAY SAFETY PLAN
Provided by Scott (KM6RFB), Placer County ARES EC
Skip to PDF content
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Field Day | Survey (Page)
Field Day | Survey Results (Page)
Field Day Feedback
12 total responses
I attended Field Day for ...
What did you like about Field Day?
- Really well organized, easy to find different stations. Plenty of opportunity to get on the air.
- I liked the whole shebang, but want to mention... Liked the location, and appreciate the work done to prepare it. Liked Brian's pancakes. Liked the teamwork. Liked Thursday evening.
- Well organized - common community area - great food.
- The pony rides
- Everything, in spite of the unusual weather. My daughter(KO6NMP) and I had GREAT time. Loved getting our first QSLs on the 20m and 40m radios. We especially liked Brian's walk & talk about the antenna farm. Looking forward to next year - perhaps with a couple of new General tickets.
- I attended Field Day for EDCARC up on Mormon Emmigrant Trail in the morning, then attended SFARC at the Georgetown Airport in the afternoon. What a difference! SFARC was double the size and infrastructure, way more organized! Thanks for putting on a great event. KD6CWU
- It was well organized, great people.
- I am biased 🙂 but I think it was well organized and flowed well. The weather helped keep folks upbeat but setup and cleanup went smoothly.
- I liked the layout and having the FT-8 and GOTA station side by side.
- Cool WX, well organized, great food, good friends. Liked the central rag chew chair arrangement.
- Great balance of a social event and radio. Well organized.
What did you not like about Field Day?
- The missing Ferris Wheel
- There were a couple of doggie doo piles that didn't get scooped up by owners. Luckily we weren't looking up at the time. 🙂
- Nothing.
- N/A
- We has a lack of leadership in the evening. Dave is an excellent band captain but we need to appoint someone in the evening, up until about midnight, that can assist with evening operations.
- A single group campfire each night would be nice giving folks a place to gather in the evenings.
- Windy drive to Georgetown 😜
Do you have any ideas that could make next years Field Day even better?
- I should have brought ice with the drinks I provided.
- Try to engage youth ( scouts for example) more. I know that is a challenge. Maybe additional computer, satellite, ham related stuff.
- More people stepping forward to help with tasks. Asking for volunteers does not work! We simply need to ask a person to if they would "assist with this", or "that" and get a commitment. I think people have a natural stigmatizem against volunteerism.
- Perhaps a brief or not-so-brief training of the ins & outs of how to best utilize the Repeaters capabilities concerning Echolink and/or Allstarlink?
- No.
- Change up the menu for dinner,
- Recreate the planning spreadsheet and include station check-lists making it clearer to know what is needed per station.
- Have cool WX again.
- Make stations multi-mode instead of dedicated mode for more flexibility in usage (including GOTA). Need to have a band captain present during all operating hours. Stations need sign-up sheets. Check list for station equipment.
Field Day | T-Shirt Design Contest (Page)
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CHECK OUT ALL THE 2026 ENTRIES BELOW
READY TO UPLOAD YOUR DESIGN?
1. Limit of (2) designs (original or AI) per person.
2. Please submit each design separately.
3. Original designs are often weighted higher than AI designs.
4. Due to the cost increase for multiple colors, please limit designs to (2) colors
5. Your design will be on the back of the shirt with the SFARC logo on the front.
6. While the final T-Shirt color has yet to be determined, it’s almost always a lighter color. The final color may deviate from the example shown.
7. Click the upload button below when you’re ready to upload your design, and good luck!
CONTEST CLOSED FOR 2026.
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 1, 2026.
In the meantime, check out this year’s entries.



