Local Hams Test Emergency Readiness

GAINESVILLE ‒ Alachua County’s volunteer ham radio operators will join more than 30,000 amateur radio enthusiasts across North America in a 24-hour communications challenge during the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day on June 28–29, 2025. The annual event, which simulates emergency communication conditions, will be held locally at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center at 1100 SE 27^th Street in Gainesville.

The North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC), in partnership with Alachua County Emergency Management, will lead the local effort. Last year, the group ranked in the top seven percent of one of the event’s most competitive national categories. This year, they're raising the bar with live satellite communications, multiple stations, and participation from tech-savvy students at Loften Magnet High School.

“This isn’t just a hobby — it’s hands-on training for real-world disaster response,” said Gordon Gibby, NFARC’s Public Information Officer (call sign KX4Z). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.”

Field Day is designed to demonstrate amateur radio's ability to operate under emergency conditions without reliance on conventional infrastructure. During last year’s event, NFARC operators made over 1,600 contacts with stations across the U.S. and several foreign countries, using only radios powered by solar, battery, and generator backup systems.

This year, the group is introducing live satellite contacts, with a robotic antenna — constructed from PVC pipes and aluminum arrows — tracking orbiting satellites and even the International Space Station. Visitors will have the chance to see the system in action and take part in demonstrations.

Public visitation hours will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the setup, speak with volunteer operators, and even get on the air with coaching to make their own radio contact.

“This is like a sci-fi movie come to life,” said Gibby. “No cell phones, no internet — just pure radio ingenuity.”

NFARC’s effort includes a high-speed data network linking field stations, a portable emergency tower, and coverage of voice, Morse code, and digital messaging technologies. One such method, known as “radio texting,” was developed by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

The group also trains year-round in radio, electronics, and robotics and logged 481 volunteer hours during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024 — efforts that may help the county qualify for up to $60,000 in federal reimbursement funding.

In advance of Field Day, the group is offering free online training in June to help Loften High School students and community members earn their FCC amateur radio licenses. Details and registration are available at https://www.nf4rc.club/june-online-ham-radio-course/.

Two other Alachua County-based teams will also participate: the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS), which will operate from Waldo, and a private team led by Morse code specialist Bob Lightner (call sign W4GJ).

At the Alachua County Commission’s June 10 regular meeting, commissioners are expected to formally recognize the contributions of local radio volunteers by proclaiming the week of Field Day as Amateur Radio Week.

With a potentially active hurricane season ahead, Gibby emphasized the importance of these exercises: “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure. We’re proud to work closely with Alachua County Emergency Management and support local shelters when needed.”

Field Day offers a real-time demonstration of amateur radio’s resilience and value — connecting people across distances when modern systems fail.

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