Amateur Radio Field Day
A major way that MESAC provides training to their members is to have them set up several radio stations, antennas, and off-the-grid power for our Field Day operations. It is an exercise on how to mobilize in an emergency and then communicate in a controlled environment. Field Day is certainly a weekend to learn and use new communication skills using most, if not all, of the modes and frequencies open to Amateur Radio operators.
It is also a fun weekend. Friday afternoon we set up a camp on the grounds at Goat Hill Train Station and erect portable antennas, power, and multiple radio stations. We begin 24 straight hours of communicating around the country honing our skills and having fun. A BBQ dinner on Saturday night is always a highlight. Many different organizations join us on Field Day to have fun while working with our members, including the Boy Scouts, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach CERT members, USCG Auxiliary members, and local amateur radio operators.