Get involved · Field Day 2025
ARRL Field Day With DFMA And OCRA
Since 2009, the Orange County Radio Amateurs and the DFMA have joined forces for a combined Field Day operation — a national emergency preparedness exercise run as a contest. Our combined effort has been remarkably competitive, and new hams get real HF operating experience alongside seasoned operators. And the food is excellent.
#2
National finish (best)
3×
Top 3 finishes
6D
Class 2025
2,500+
Entries nationwide
W3AHL & N1LN connect a beam to a push-up mast — Field Day 2016. Photo: KU4GC
Sunset — Field Day 2013. Photo: KU4GC
Schedule
| Day | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 6/27 | 8am – 6pm | Setup |
| ~6pm | Potluck Dinner | |
| Sat 6/28 | 8am – 2pm | Final Setup |
| 2pm – midnight | Operations begin | |
| ~5pm | Pizza Dinner | |
| Sun 6/29 | midnight – 2pm | Operations continue |
| ~9am | Breakfast / Brunch | |
| 2pm – done | Break Down & Clean Up |
Stations & Band Captains
| Station | Location | Captain(s) |
|---|---|---|
| All-band CW (2 stations) | LOM (Wilson’s Land of Magic) | W4BOH Wilson |
| 40m / 15m SSB | K4SAR camper | K4SAR Joe KI4RAN Bill |
| Digital — FT-4, FT-8, PSK-31 | Tent on grass ♿ accessible | W4SAR Dave |
| 20m / 80m SSB | Garage ♿ accessible | KD4YJZ Karen |
| 10m & 6m / VHF | Barn | N2XZF Paul NA4VY Dave |
Logging: N3FJP software (licensed to W4SAR), installed on all logging laptops at the site.
Overall Coordinator: W4SAR Dave
Potluck Coordinator: KM4MDR John
Overall Coordinator: W4SAR Dave
Potluck Coordinator: KM4MDR John
Volunteers needed
We need relief operators, loggers, canteen help, and general setup/breakdown volunteers throughout all three days. The more hands the easier it is for everyone. Signup sheets are distributed via the OCRA-DFMA email reflector at OCRA-DFMA.groups.io.
Meals
Friday ~6pm
Potluck Dinner
Wilson W4BOH smokes pork butts. Bring a complementary dish — sides, baked beans, potato salad, slaw, desserts, chips, or veggie platters. RSVP to John KM4MDR with your callsign, headcount, dish, dietary needs, and whether you can help with setup or cleanup. John also provides lunch ~11am for Friday setup volunteers.
Saturday ~5pm
Pizza Dinner
Dave W4SAR provides the pizza. You’re on your own for breakfast and lunch Saturday.
Sunday ~9am
Breakfast / Brunch
Pancakes, sausage (and veggie version), scrambled eggs, maple syrup, and juice. Food donated by Dee KU4GC; fresh eggs courtesy of Peter Lamb KM4DMU.
All weekend
Drinks
Water and Gatorade (regular and sugar-free) available all three days. BYOB with your own cooler — no alcohol during setup activities.
Health & Safety
Report any injury immediately. Band Captains keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit at each operating position.
Heat
- Watch for heat exhaustion: nausea, faintness, chills when hot. Rest and fluids.
- Heat stroke is an emergency — flushing red, stops sweating. Ice packs and call 911.
- Drink water constantly. Gatorade is available all weekend.
Weather
- Bring layers — hot days to chilly nights.
- Lightning: shut down, disconnect feedlines, shelter in garage or vehicle.
Outdoors
- Watch for poison ivy. Use DEET for ticks and mosquitoes.
- Wipe DEET off your hands — dissolves plastics and etches microphones.
- Mark all guy lines with fluorescent tape. Glow sticks at night.
Electrical & RF
- All wiring must be fused. All stations grounded.
- Be aware of RF exposure near active antennas.
- Adequate help before raising antennas. Helmets and gloves when stacking metal.
If you feel unwell, please stay home. If recently exposed to COVID, test before attending. Masks optional.