Episode 7: Field Day Disappointment? Why We Think ARRL Needs to Evolve

Published: July 3, 2025

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsKXY9sPL9k

Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2438895/episodes/17441669

Summary

What happens when the "Super Bowl of Amateur Radio" meets poor band conditions? The crew breaks down SLAARC's 2025 ARRL Field Day with honest reflection: 680 QSOs from 16 operators despite challenging propagation, first-time HF contacts, and antennas that outperformed expectations. Then the big question: with POTA happening year-round, how should ARRL evolve Field Day to stay relevant?

In This Episode

• SLAARC's Field Day by the numbers: 680 QSOs, 16 operators, several first-timers

• Battling propagation that made 20 meters nearly useless

• Antenna lineup: Aerial-51 off-center fed dipoles on SOTAbeams masts

• The handmade SLAARC 40-meter vertical built by silent key Larry K8UT that outperformed expectations

• Why all stations ran FT-DX10s, and the final goodbye to the FTX-1

• Ham Radio Outlet's standout customer service

• Is POTA replacing Field Day? The 1D station rules debate

• Jim's abandoned plan to backpack a DX10 to Mackinac Island, and "please copy" etiquette

Mentioned in This Episode

• ARRL Field Day: https://www.arrl.org/field-day

• South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club (SLAARC): https://www.slaarc.com

• Aerial-51 off-center fed dipoles: https://www.aerial-51.com/

• SOTAbeams masts: https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/antenna-supports-and-hardware/

• Silent key Larry K8UT and his handmade SLAARC 40m vertical

• Yaesu FT-DX10

• Ham Radio Outlet

• Brighton State Recreation Area (POTA US-3384)

• Parks on the Air: https://parksontheair.com