Recap of Field Day 2025: Antennas, Heat, and Recognition

By Beth KN4FZB

Our field day 2025 was small, but still a great learning experience and a chance to build the ham community. We ran a 2A operation from the ARES trailer, but set up three antennas, with the idea of switching out as necessary. We also had access to the band room in Oakwood as a place to retreat from the heat, and as our dining room. I always worry about the intense heat at this time of year, but the white paint on the trailer roof really made it pleasant, and with both doors open, the breeze came through. We had access to several fans, but didn’t feel the need to use any of them. We also set up chairs in the shade at the side of the blacktop, and found enough respite from the heat to comfortably hang out there as well. The solar set-up with the new battery worked perfectly. You’ll have to get more details from Nick, KQ4PXG, about the specifications, but I can tell you that we had plenty of power, and did not have to resort to the standby generator.

I’m grateful that we have the generator as an option and it has been reliable for many years, but I suspect that the noise would have been a detriment to operating in the trailer, and as an audiologist (although not practicing) I can tell you that excessive and/or continuous noise exposure adds physiological and psychological stress to the body, and nobody needs that.

One of the highlights was a visit from two of our ARRL officials to present a special award. Bill Morine, N2COP, our Vice Director of the Roanoke Division, and Jim Boehner N2ZZ, Director of the Roanoke Division, who came to bring a certificate recognizing the many awards that Dave Langley, W4YDY, has received. Dave has had over 70 years of experience in the radio hobby and continues to be very active. Some of the accomplishments include, WAC, WAS, and DXCC, AND he has received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is not even a ham radio award, but the highest civilian award in the state of North Carolina. You can look at the photos of the award to see the rest, or check out YDY’s QRZ page for an even more in-depth look. Congratulations Dave.

Additionally, our club was gifted with the newest edition of The Operating Manual from Bill and Jim. I have an older edition and this book is a fantastic resource. 

It looks like field day for 2026 will be the 27th and 28th of June, so save the date and start a list of ideas. What do you want to see next year?  (Send an email here!)

73, Beth, KN4FZB . .

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