ARCUA will join with “ham radio” operators across North America this weekend by taking part in the annual Field Day sponsored by the American Radio Relay League.

Providing an opportunity for amateur radio operators to test their emergency communications and technical skills, Field Day is a 24-hour event starting at 1 p.m. local time on June 27.  Field Day continues until Sunday, June 28.

ARCUA will conduct its Field Day operation for 2009 at The Gardens park facility, located on Razorback Road adjacent to Carlson Terrace.

The oldest amateur radio club in the state of Arkansas and one of the oldest university clubs in the nation, ARCUA also has the distinction of the longest consecutive Field Day operations in northwest Arkansas.

While filled with tradition, Field Day operations are far from old-fashioned as ARRL member groups across the nation seek to operate independent of regular infrastructure.  The goal is to set up and operate portable stations without the use of permanent antennas or commercial power.

Additionally, the week prior to Field Day has been designated Amateur Radio Awareness Week in the state of Arkansas by Governor Mike Huckabee.

Along with a demonstration of amateur radio equipment, the ARCUA Field Day site has information for persons interested in becoming a licensed radio operator.

For more information on ARCUA Field Day, contact W5YM@uark.edu.