CARS Demonstrates Amateur Radio in Action CARS participated in ARRL Field Day 2026, demonstrating emergency communications capabilities while operating portable radio stations under simulated disaster conditions. The event provided an opportunity to test equipment, sharpen operating skills, and introduce visitors to the exciting world of amateur radio.
The Cabarrus Amateur Radio Society (CARS) once again participated in the annual ARRL Field Day, joining thousands of amateur radio operators across North America for the largest emergency communications exercise of the year.
Held at Harrisburg downtown on June 27–28, Field Day was much more than a contest. It was an opportunity for amateur radio operators to practice establishing reliable communications under simulated emergency conditions using temporary stations, independent power sources, and portable antennas. It also gave the public a chance to learn about amateur radio and the important role it can play when conventional communications systems are unavailable.
This year's operation featured two HF stations operating on voice (SSB), along with a VHF station monitoring our local repeater. Despite periods of challenging weather, including an approaching thunderstorm, our operators remained active throughout the event, making contacts across the country while demonstrating the versatility and resilience of amateur radio.
One of the highlights of the weekend had nothing to do with making contacts. Prior to the event, club members successfully repaired our Hex Beam antenna and then accomplished the entire installation and teardown without incident. The beam was assembled, mounted to the tower, raised into position, lowered after the event, carefully disassembled, and stored away, all without damage to the antenna, the equipment, or the operators.
Of course, no Field Day would be complete without at least one humorous moment. At one point, operators spent several minutes trying to determine why absolutely no signals were being heard on 40 meters… only to realize the station was connected to the Hex Beam, an antenna designed to cover only the 20- through 6-meter bands! Once switched to the proper bands, the beam performed exceptionally well.
Although we did not set up a dedicated Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) station this year, several local visitors stopped by to observe the operation and learn more about amateur radio. We were also honored by a visit from officials of the ARRL Roanoke Division, Dr. Jim Boehner (N2ZZ) and Vice Director Bill Morine (N2COP), who stopped by to see our Field Day operation before continuing to other clubs in the region. Their visit was unfortunately cut short as club members hurried to protect equipment from the approaching storm.
Field Day continues to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding events on the amateur radio calendar. It provides an opportunity to sharpen operating skills, test equipment and antennas under realistic conditions, strengthen friendships within the club, and demonstrate the value of amateur radio to our community. We thank everyone who participated, helped with setup and teardown, operated a station, or simply stopped by to visit. We look forward to an even bigger and better Field Day next year!
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