The last full weekend of June every year is called Field Day for ham radio operators around the world.  It is a challenge to individuals and groups to get outside of their own ham shacks and demonstrate that they can operate their equipment for 24 continuous hours.  And do it on emergency power and contact as many other stations as possible.

That challenge was answered by the Cedar Creek Amateur Radio Club.  Their operation at their new club station at the Gun Barrel City Fire Department was a way of testing the equipment and antennas and people.

And it was a record setter for the club.  They exchanged simulated emergency information with over 200 stations worldwide.  Field Day coordinator Dave Randall said, “The opportunity to test our equipment and our operators at our new home was a great combination.”

The weekend was also used to introduce visitors and members alike to “fox hunting.”  The fox is a hidden transmitter.  Using antennas built at the fire station, groups drove off trying to track down the location of the signal.  This can be a difficult exercise and though the secret transmitter was located in Tool, some folks weren’t so successful.

Member Jeff Irion’s group couldn’t find it.  Irion said, “We thought we were close around Tamarack, but we were on the wrong side of the lake!”

It all made for a great learning weekend and presents a challenge to be even better next year.

For more information about ham radio and the local club go to www.k5ccl.org