The largest annual remote on-the-air event for amateur radio enthusiasts made a triumphant return to Baldwin County over the weekend of June 22-23.

The Baldwin County Amateur Radio Club (BCARC), call sign N4MZ, set up at Silver Creek Boy Scout Camp in Silverhill to participate in the 2024 American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day.

Part educational event, part operating exercise and part public service demonstration, ARRL Field Day offers amateur radio operators, or "hams," a chance to showcase their skills. The BCARC transformed the campgrounds with temporary radio stations, antennas and generators, engaging the public and demonstrating their crucial role in emergency communications.

Throughout the weekend, local hams provided insights into their hobby and explained how they support local emergency agencies during disasters such as hurricanes. The event also served as a competition, with participants earning points for each successful radio contact, with additional bonuses for using alternative power sources like solar panels and wind-charged batteries. This year, the BCARC successfully bounced a signal off an amateur radio satellite, adding to their score.

Since the first ARRL Field Day in 1933, radio amateurs across North America have used the event to practice rapid deployment of communication equipment in various environments. This year's exercise in Silverhill included operating stations powered by alternative energy, simulating conditions where public infrastructure fails during a disaster. The event's competitive edge, driven by points and categories such as the number of stations and power levels, spurred participants' enthusiasm.

Amateur radio operates on frequencies allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exclusively for this purpose. Operators must skillfully choose the right antenna and frequency for successful contacts, a vital skill showcased during Field Day.

Beyond the weekend's excitement, the Baldwin County Amateur Radio Club collaborates with the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to prepare for emergencies. While the county maintains an advanced network of emergency communications equipment, this can be vulnerable to severe weather. The BCARC has developed mobile, rapidly deployable communication systems to fill any gaps, ensuring that first responders remain connected even when the main network is down.

Field Day also included recreational activities, with club members and volunteers hosting an outdoor cookout. Visitors enjoyed hotdogs, met club members and explored educational displays. Children practiced Morse code on a key, and under supervision, many got the chance to communicate with other hams over the air. Despite the summer heat, operations were run from an air-conditioned building, with generators and antennas set up outdoors.

Public engagement was a key component, with residents encouraged to visit and learn about the vital role of amateur radio in emergency preparedness. The BCARC's participation in Field Day highlights their commitment to supporting the Baldwin County EMA and enhancing community resilience against weather emergencies.

For more information about the Baldwin County Amateur Radio Club and their activities, visit their website at www.n4mz.com, follow them on Facebook or attend one of their monthly meetings.