Shine at ARRL Field Day 2025 with W2RRC – Start Now from Your QTH!

Hey White River Radio & Communications (W2RRC) crew! ARRL Field Day 2025 is just around the corner, and whether we’re gathering for an official club event or not, YOU can still make this an unforgettable ham radio adventure! This year’s Field Day is set for June 28–29, 2025, kicking off at 2:00 PM EDT (1800 UTC) on Saturday and wrapping up at 4:59 PM EDT (2059 UTC) on Sunday. It’s the fourth full weekend of June, as always, and it’s your chance to join thousands of hams across the globe in the ultimate test of skill, preparedness, and camaraderie.

We know things are a bit up in the air this year. George (AG5CC), shared in our Facebook group that personal medical challenges will limit his ability to help organize a big W2RRC Field Day event. But here’s the exciting part: Field Day isn’t just about one big gathering—it’s about the spirit of amateur radio, and that spirit lives in every one of you! Whether you’re operating from your home shack, a mobile setup, or stepping up to host an official W2RRC Field Day event, you can contribute to our club’s legacy and rack up points for the White River Radio & Communications aggregate score. Let’s dive into how you can make it happen, why it’s worth it, and how to get everyone involved!

Why Field Day 2025 is a Can’t-Miss Opportunity

Field Day is more than a contest—it’s a celebration of what makes ham radio special. It’s about pushing your skills to the limit, operating in less-than-ideal conditions, and showing the world what amateur radio can do. You’ll work stations on bands from 160 meters to VHF/UHF, rack up QSOs, and maybe even spark a new ham’s passion by inviting a neighbor to check out your setup. Plus, every contact you make can help boost W2RRC’s score, even if you’re operating solo from your QTH!

This year, we’re calling on YOU—our amazing members—to keep the W2RRC flag flying high. Whether we have an official club event or not, your individual efforts will add up to a collective win for our club. And if you’re feeling the Field Day fever, why not take the lead and organize an official event using the W2RRC callsign? Let’s make some noise on the airwaves!

How to Participate from Your Own QTH
(Class D or E)

You don’t need a big club event to join the Field Day fun! You can operate from your home station as a Class D (using commercial power) or Class E (using emergency power, like batteries or solar) and still contribute to W2RRC’s aggregate score. Here’s how it works:

1. Set Up Your Station: Fire up your rig at home—whether it’s a full-blown shack or a simple portable setup. Class D stations use commercial power (up to 100 watts PEP), while Class- E stations use emergency power for extra bragging rights (and a shot at bonus points!).
2. Use Your Own Callsign: Operate under your personal callsign. You’ll exchange your operating class and ARRL/RAC section (e.g., “2D AR” for a Class D station in Arkansas). No need to use the W2RRC callsign unless you’re part of an official club event.
3. Log Your QSOs: Work as many stations as possible on Phone, CW, or Digital modes across the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-, 15-, and 10-meter HF bands, plus 50 MHz and above. Each contact counts: Phone QSOs earn 1 point, while CW and Digital QSOs earn 2 points each.
4. Claim Bonus Points: Boost your score with bonuses like operating 100% on emergency power (100 points per transmitter, up to 2,000 points), getting media publicity (100 points), or copying the W1AW Field Day bulletin (100 points). Check the ARRL Field Day 2025 Rules for the full list.
5. Submit Your Log with White River Radio & Communications as Your Club: When you submit your entry to ARRL (by July 29, 2025), include “White River Radio & Communications” as your club affiliation. You can submit via the ARRL web app at field-day.arrl.org/fdentry.php. Your individual score will be listed, and your QSO points will also count toward White River Radio & Communications aggregate club score.
6. Share Your Story: Post about your Field Day setup, QSOs, or fun moments in our Facebook group or tag us on social media. Let’s inspire each other! Bonus: Promoting Field Day on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) can earn 100 bonus points for club-organized groups.

Spelling matters, submit it exactly as shown below:

White River Radio & Communications

The beauty of this approach? Every member can participate, no matter where you are or what gear you have. Your 5-watt QRP setup in the backyard? It counts. Your 100-watt home station? It counts. Even if you only make a handful of contacts, you’re helping W2RRC shine in the national rankings!

Hosting an Official W2RRC Field Day Event? Let’s Do This!

If you’re feeling inspired, why not step up and organize an official Field Day event using the W2RRC callsign? George’s Facebook group post reminded us that W2RRC thrives because members like you make things happen. Whether it’s a portable setup in a park (Class A), a battery-powered operation (Class A-Battery), or an Emergency Operations Center activation (Class F), hosting an event is a chance to bring our community together and show off amateur radio to the public.

Here’s how to make it happen:

• Pick a Location: Choose a public spot like a park, school, or community center to qualify for the 100-point Public Location bonus. Set up antennas and gear within a 1,000-foot circle, as per the rules.
• Operate as Class A or F: Use the W2RRC callsign and operate as a club portable station (Class A) or at an EOC (Class F). You can have multiple transmitters (e.g., 3A for three simultaneous signals) and even add a Get On The Air (GOTA) station to let new or inactive hams join the fun (limited to 100 watts, or 5 watts if claiming the QRP multiplier).
• Invite the Public: Set up a Public Information Table (100 bonus points) and welcome visitors. Invite local media (100 bonus points) or an elected official (100 bonus points) to boost your score and spread the word about ham radio.
• Recruit Helpers: Post in our Facebook group to rally members. As George said, “If you want to do something… just decide to do it and folks will step up to help.” Wayne (KB9ELS) might be tied up with family, but others might jump in!
• Submit as W2RRC: Submit the club’s entry under the W2RRC callsign, including the club name for the aggregate score.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to George (AG5CC) or other club members for tips, or check out last year’s Field Day photos for inspiration: Field Day 2024 Gallery. Hosting an event is a chance to create memories, mentor new hams, and put W2RRC on the map!

Why It Matters: The W2RRC Spirit

Field Day is about more than points—it’s about the W2RRC community. Whether you’re operating solo from your QTH or leading a club event, you’re part of something bigger. Every QSO you log adds to our club’s story, and every visitor you inspire could be the next W2RRC member. As George put it, “That’s always been the core spirit of our group.” Let’s keep that momentum going, even if this year looks a little different.

Plus, your efforts today are paving the way for future events—like George’s “special plans” for Winter Field Day 2026. Let’s make Field Day 2025 a warm-up for an even bigger 2026!

Get Started Now!

Ready to make Field Day 2025 epic? Here’s your action plan:

• Mark Your Calendar: June 28–29, 2025, from 2:00 PM EDT Saturday to 4:59 PM EDT Sunday.
• Plan Your Station: Decide if you’ll operate Class D, Class E, or join a club event. Test your gear and antennas now!
• Spread the Word: Post in our Facebook group if you want to host or join an official W2RRC event. Let’s get the ideas flowing!
• Review the Rules: Dive into the ARRL Field Day 2025 Rules for details on scoring, bonuses, and submission. Need more info? Email fdinfo@arrl.org or call (860) 594-0232.
• Submit logs by July 29: Use the ARRL web app, email, or mail to submit your entry, and don’t forget to list “White River Radio & Communications” as your club.

Let’s make ARRL Field Day 2025 a blast, whether we’re scattered across our QTHs or gathered under the W2RRC banner. Grab your mic, key, or laptop, and let’s light up the bands together. Who’s in? Drop your plans in the comments or our Facebook group—we can’t wait to hear from you!

73,
The White River Radio & Communications Team
#W2RRC #FieldDay2025 #HamRadio