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2025 ARRL Field Day Has Categories for Every Operator |
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2025 ARRL Field Day is just three weeks away! The excitement is building. Most clubs have their activations planned. In the last two weeks, 350 more sites have been added to the Field Day Site Locator, with a total of 886 listed as of June 5. ARRL Field Day is a great way to connect with your local amateur radio community, for Technician-class operators to get on lower HF bands, to shake down your portable operating gear, and to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow hams.
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If you can’t make it out to an activation near you, or you’d just rather get on for a little bit from your home station – never fear: there’s an operating class for you.
According to Field Day rules:
Class D stations are home stations operating from permanent or licensed station locations using commercial power.
Class D stations can count contacts with any other station for QSO credit. If you’re operating on a radio plugged into a power supply connected to your wall outlet – this is for you.
Class E are home stations using emergency power for transmitters and receivers.
Class E may work all Field Day stations. If you’re operating off a battery, solar, wind, or any other off-grid redundancy – you’re in Class E.
To determine your exchange for ARRL Field Day, use the number of transmitters in simultaneous use, the class of operation, and your ARRL or Radio Amateurs of Canada section prefix. For example, if an amateur in Nebraska turned on their shore-powered home station and operated in the event, they’d be “1 Delta November Echo”. See the full rules for more information and find a list of ARRL Sections at this link.
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ARRL Field Day is fun, but the outreach value is serious, according to ARRL Public Relations and Outreach Manager Sierra Harrop, W5DX. “Each year, ARRL Field Day is the driving force for official proclamations declaring amateur radio a vital part of communities,” she said. States like Hawaii and New Hampshire, among others, have joined with towns and counties around the country to declare the importance of amateur radio.
“Having the governor or even a town council recognize the value that the hams in their community provides is invaluable,” continued Harrop. “Not only does it honor the work of amateur radio volunteers, but it raises awareness of ham radio among the public.”
If a proclamation has been issued in your area, send it to ARRL via pr@arrl.org.
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ARRL Teachers Institute a Success in Louisiana |
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The second session of the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology (TI) to be held outside of ARRL Headquarters was a success this week in Louisiana.
It follows on a successful offsite institute held earlier this year in New York City.
Eleven teachers gathered in Lake Charles for the latest session. The event was featured in local news
and empowered the teachers to incorporate amateur radio and wireless technology into their existing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes.
The program’s success has led to massive growth, with 13 sessions already announced for 2025, and more to come. “We tried something new with taking things on the road,” said ARRL Education and Learning Manager Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, “and it worked out for us really well on Staten Island.”
TIs are funded entirely by donations to the ARRL Education and Technology Fund. Providing the mobile sessions eliminates some of the travel expenses with bringing educators to ARRL Headquarters in Connecticut.
“It also makes it easier for teachers to participate.
If they can benefit from the program without as much travel impacting their already busy lives, it gets them in the door much more easily,” said Goodgame.
The event was held in partnership with the Louisiana Region 5 STEM Center. It kicks off the summer TI “road show” sessions. Another is planned in Kilgore, Texas, and at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab
in Maryland.
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ARRL International Digital Contest Presents Fun Despite Active Sun |
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As Solar Cycle 25 peaks, the sun has been busy. A coronal mass ejections has thrown HF propagation for a roller coaster ride this week. While the medium and lower HF bands suffer, there’s still hope for successful operating during times of solar storms. The 6-meter band has been quite active. Reports of phone contacts to Europe from East Coast hams and great digital activity on 6 meters from elsewhere have filled the ham radio social media space.
All of this is just in time for the ARRL International Digital Contest this weekend. It is a great opportunity for stations capable of operating using digital modes (except for RTTY) to join in on the contest fun! You don’t need to have a big contest station to participate, as even stations with simple wire antennas can work some exciting DX. Power categories are QRP (5 watts PEP transmitter output or less) and low power (100 watts PEP transmitter output).
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There is no high-power category for this event, so even modest stations are on an even playing field with other participants.
The 160-, 80-, 20-, 15-, 10- and 6-meter bands are allowed in this event, which makes it possible for Technician class licensees to participate, as they have operating privileges in the digital portion of the 10-meter band, as well as 6 meters. If you’re a newly licensed Technician, and want to get a taste of contesting, this may be the event for you to get your feet wet.
ARRL Education and Learning Support Specialist Max Freedman, N4ML, is an active contester. He’s looking forward to the contest and sees it as a great hedge against an active sun. “The ARRL Digital Contest is always a ton of fun, and it's especially a great opportunity to practice SO2R. Plus, thanks to digital mode performance, the contest will still be fun even if the bands are not,” said Freedman. If you’re not familiar with the term, SO2R is short for Single Operator, 2 Radios.
With the band conditions being unpredictable right now, the weak signal digital modes are useable even when the bands aren’t that great. The most popular modes in this event are FT4 and FT8, but any digital mode — except RTTY — that supports a 4-digit grid square exchange can be used. Stations may work each other once per band, regardless of digital mode.
Visit www.arrl.org/arrl-digital-contest for full rules and details.
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13 Colonies Event Founder Passing the Reins After 16 Years |
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The 13 Colonies 2025, a popular summer operating event, will take place less than a month from now, on July 1, 9:00 AM to July 7, midnight EDT (July 1 – 1300 UTC – July 8 – 0400 UTC).
This year the event will honor founder Ken Villone, KU2US, who is passing the torch to Tony Jones, N4ATJ. Villone has led the event for 16 years by working with state and bonus station coordinators and has grown from making approximately 12,000 contacts in 2009 to making 292,496 contacts around the world in 2024.
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This year, one station will be operating in each of the 13 original British colonies, K2A – K2M, along with three bonus stations — WM3PEN, Philadelphia; GB13COL, England, and TM13COL, France — each representing their city, state, or country’s role in America’s colonial period.
Villone said event actually started 2008, right after he finished participating in the ARRL Sweepstakes.
“I remembered how fun it was but I could not figure out why there were not more of these types of special events on the air,” said Villone. “So I decided to try my luck and create one, for one year only, to see what happens and to have some fun.
I knew we had to offer a special QSL card and/or certificate plus have on hand a printer and supplies.
The hard part was deciding what the event would commemorate and when to do this.
I needed a theme that all could relate to and the event would have to be the type with multiple event stations involved, like the ARRL Sweeps.”
“Then it hit me...13 colony states, during the 4th of July week and offer a certificate with the theme for the year.
I made sure the theme was different each year with a different certificate design, to make it interesting and to also make the cert collectable.
The theme would highlight some event or thing connected to the American Revolution.”
“The inaugural event was held July 1st to the 4th, 2009, 4 days, with no advertising except on QRZ.
I had a hard time getting 13 different ops, one from each colony state, but it worked out.
All in all it was a success!”
Amateur radio operators and SWLs can participate in the event. Complete information about the call for each colony station and the bonus stations can be found on the event website
or on Facebook at 13 Colonies Special Event Community.
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Amateur Radio in the News |
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“Ham Radio operators will be on air for nationwide event in June” / Clarkesville Now.com (Tennessee) May 28, 2025 -- The Clarksville Amateur Transmitting Society is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“415 Amateur Radio Club of Crystal Lake to hold Field Day June 28” / Daily Hearld (Illinois) May 30, 2025 -- The 415 Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Participating in Field Day Event in Taylorsville” / Cherokee Tribune (Georgia) June 1, 2025 -- The Cherokee Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“Amateur Radio Club to host disaster preparation field day” / WGCU (Florida) June 1, 2025 -- The Fort Myers Amateur Radio Club is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
“Ham radio exercises planned at Kennebunk church” / Portland Express Hearld (Maine) June 2, 2025 -- The New England Radio Discussion Society.
“Program held to provide educators with tools to integrate radio and robotics into classroom” / KPLC (Louisiana) June 4, 2025 -- The Southwest Louisiana Amateur Repeater Club.
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ARRL Live Events and Podcasts |
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On the Air LIVE
"Want to learn more about Fox Hunting? Perhaps pick up a new strategy or two? Join Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, LIVE from ARRL HQ on June 24 at 8pm Eastern. Registration is open now! learn.arrl.org/webinars/83549"
Up Next:
📅 Date: June 24, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific
👉 Register Now
The ARRL Education and Learning Department would like to apologize for the limitation of the registration system for May’s edition of On The Air Live. It hit a limit at 500 registrants. We’ve upgraded the system to allow for this rapid success and growth in participation. The recording of the May session is available in the ARRL Learning Center.
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On the Air
Sponsored by Icom
Simple HF Antennas for Field Day
ARRL Education Specialist Wayne Greene, KB4DSF, returns to the podcast
to walk readers through his May/June 2025 On the Air article, "Building Simple Antennas for 10 and 15 Meters."
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ARRL Audio News
Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
ARRL Audio News is a summary of the week's top news stories in the world of amateur radio and ARRL, along with interviews and other features.
The ARRL Audio News is now broadcast on FM low power radio stations KQRZ-LP 100.7 and 96.7 MHz FM in Spokane, Washington every Saturday and Sunday morning at 8:00 AM PDT.
The On the Air podcast and ARRL Audio News are available on blubrry, iTunes, and Apple Podcasts.
On the Air
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The Kern County, California, Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association
(TARA) was recently recognized as Tehachapi's Finest Non-Profit Organization for 2025. ARRL Pacific Division Director John Litz, NZ6Q, said the award and trophy don’t just belong to the club.
“The award belongs to the incredible Tehachapi community that makes everything we do possible.
Surrounded by the people and organizations that bring our town to life, we felt the deep connections and shared commitment that make Tehachapi special,” said Litz. “In addition to our beautiful trophy, we are deeply honored to have received certificates of recognition from City Mayor Joan Pogon-Cord, California State Senator Shannon Grove - 12th District, and U.S. House Representative Vince Fong - 20th District of California.” Litz also noted that whether helping during disasters, fostering communication, or just building friendships on the airwaves, the club exists because of the support, encouragement, and belief of the community.
Litz acknowledged the group’s volunteers, members, and neighbors.
“This recognition is a reflection of your dedication, passion, and spirit.
Every radio transmission, every training session, and every act of service is powered by you,” added Litz. The Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club.
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The Wellesley Amateur Radio Society
(WARS) in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is planning a summer group build project as part of the “The SolderSmoke Direct Conversion Receiver Challenge.” SolderSmoke is a monthly podcast that focuses on the design and construction of homebrew HF radios. Podcast host Bill Meara, N2CQR, recently challenged his listeners to build a copy of a simple receiver that he and co-host Dean Souleles, KK4DAS, designed for a group of local high school students. Schematics, video tutorials, and a robust Discord forum are available to help guide participants through the process. This simple rig is well-documented and has been constructed by many hams around the world. More information is available at the club’s website and there is a June 7 deadline for ordering a parts bag. If you have questions about the project, or if you would like to order an exclusive WARS Parts Bag, please contact Bruce MacKinnon, KC1FSZ, at bruce@mackinnon.com.
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Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation, HamSCI, has recently announced a substantial expansion to its advisory board. Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF, lead HamSCI organizer, announced the new members including: Dr. Gareth Perry, KD2SAK, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Dr. Hyomin Kim, KD2RLM, and Dr. Chris Zorman, Case Western Reserve University; Bill Engelke, AB4EJ, and Dr. Travis Atkison, University of Alabama; Dr. Mary Lou West, KC2NMC, Montclair State University HamSCI Volunteer Scientist; Gary Mikitin, AF8A, HamSCI Volunteer Coordinator, and Ed Efchak, WX2R, HamSCI Public Information Officer. Efchak also serves as the Public Information Coordinator for the ARRL Northern New Jersey Section and on the ARRL Public Relations Committee. HamSCI serves as a means for fostering collaboration between professional researchers and amateur radio operators. For more information about HamSCI, visit www.hamsci.org.
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SteppIR Communication Systems will cease production of consumer antennas and accessories on August 31, 2025. The company will accept and fulfill all consumer antenna and spare parts orders placed by August 31. There will not be any changes in terms of warranty service or technical support inquiries.
A notice on the company’s Facebook page states the change was made due to several emerging factors and is not taken lightly, but is necessary for ongoing operations.
The first SteppIR antennas for amateur radio were demonstrated at the 2001 Dayton Hamvention®.
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SEA-PAC, hosting the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, was held last weekend and featured a large turnout from members of the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program. Radio amateurs from across the Pacific Northwest joined together at the Seaside, Oregon, Convention Center for a weekend of fun activities. ARRL First Vice President Kristin McIntyre, K6WX, and ARRL National Instructor Gordon West, WB6NOA, were among many greeting ARRL members during the event. A photo and video album of the event are posted on the ARRL Facebook page.
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The weekend of June 7 - 8, 2025 is Museum Ships Weekend. Amateur radio operators will be on board and on the air, offering unique QSOs from many famous restored battleships. Information about operating times, suggested operating frequencies, and QSL cards is available at ARRL’s Search for Special Events Stations.
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June 7 - 8, 1600Z-2300Z, NI6IW, San Diego, CA. USS Midway Museum Ship.
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June 7 - 8, 0000Z-2300Z, W4AVM, Tampa, FL. American Victory Museum Ship.
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June 7 - 8, 0001Z-2359Z, NJ2BB, Camden, NJ. Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station.
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June 7 - 8, 0001Z-2359Z, W4BSF, Huntsville, TN. Big South Fork Amateur Radio Club.
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June 7 - 8, 1330Z-2100Z, K3SAV, Port of Baltimore, MD. Nuclear Ship Savannah Amateur Radio Club.
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June 7 - 8, 0000Z-2359Z, N1S, Groton, CT. Submarine Force Library & Museum. Nuclear Submarine USS NAUTILUS SSN 571.
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June 7 - 8, 1400Z-1830Z, K8E, Toledo, OH National Museum of the Great Lakes Museum Ships Weekend. Toledo Mobile Radio Association.
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June 7 - 8, 1400Z-2000Z, NB9QV, Manitowoc, WI. USS Cobia Amateur Radio Club.
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June 7 - 8, 0359Z-2359Z, W4JDD, Ships On The Air Jacksonville, FL. Orleck Amateur Radio Society.
International Museums Weekends 2025 will take place on the weekends of June 21 - 22, and 28 - 29.
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This image was taken on June 5, 2025. [Photo courtesy of NASA SDO/HMI] | | |
ARRL Solar Report June 5, 2025
Solar activity remained at moderate levels earlier this week.
There was an approximately 20-degree filament eruption on June 4 and a possibly related coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME is unlikely to have an Earth-directed component, but analysis is in progress.
Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class flares (R1-R2/minor-moderate) and a slight chance for an X-class flare(R3-strong) on June 5 – 7.
Solar wind speed parameters increased from approximately 550 km/s to nearly 810 km/s before decreasing to around 760 km/s. This could either be transient influence or a transition back into the coronal hole high speed streams (CH HSS).
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to G1 (minor) storm conditions, but the forecast calls for active to G2 (moderate) storm levels through early to midday on June 5 due to a transition into CH HSS activity.
Quiet to active levels are expected to prevail on June 6 - 7.
The 10.7 -centimeter flux: June 5, 150; June 6 – 10, 155; June 11, 150.
Predicted sunspot numbers: June 5, 145; June 6, 144; June 7, 146.
For more information concerning radio propagation, visit
the ARRL Technical Information Service, read A Quick Guide to HF Propagation Using Solar Indices, and check out
the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA.
For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website.
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June 6 -- HA3NS Sprint Memorial Contest (CW)
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June 7 - June 8 -- Atlantic Canada QSO Party (CW, phone)
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June 7 - June 8 -- Kentucky QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)
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June 7 - June 8 -- RSGB National Field Day (CW)
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June 7 - June 8 -- ARRL International Digital Contest (digital)
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June 10 -- DARC CW-Training Contest (CW)
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June 11 -- RSGB 80m Club Championship (CW)
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June 13 -- Weekly RTTY Test (digital)
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June 14 - June 15 -- Portugal Day Contest (CW, phone)
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June 14 - June 15 -- REF DDFM 6-Meter Contest (CW, phone)
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June 14 - June 16 -- ARRL June VHF Contest (CW, phone, digital)
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June 16 -- RSGB FT4 Contest (digital)
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June 17 -- ICWC Medium Speed Test (CW)
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June 18 -- Phone Weekly Test (phone)
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Remember to visit the ARRL Contest Calendar
for more events and information.
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Upcoming Section, State, and Division Conventions |
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June 8 | BreezeShooters Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Butler, Pennsylvania
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June 21 | Knoxville Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee
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July 12 | Souris Valley Amateur Radio Club Hamfest, hosting the ARRL North Dakota Section Convention
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July 13 | Sussex NJ Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Hudson Division Convention
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July 26 | ARRL West Virginia State Convention and Ham Fest, Sutton, West Virginia
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August 2 | ARRL Maine State Convention and Hamfest, Augusta, Maine
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August 3 | SVARC Berryville Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Roanoke Division Convention, Berryville, Virginia
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August 9 | ARRL Idaho State Convention, Post Falls, Idaho
Remember to search the ARRL Hamfest and Convention
Database to find events in your area.
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Have News for ARRL?
Submissions for The ARRL Letter and ARRL News can be sent to news@arrl.org. -- John E. Ross, KD8IDJ, ARRL News Editor
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ARRL -- Your One-Stop Resource for Amateur Radio News and Information
Join ARRL or renew today!
No other organization works harder to promote and protect amateur radio. Membership supports benefits, services, programs, and advocacy to help you get (and stay) active and on the air. Membership includes access to digital editions of all four ARRL magazines: QST, On the Air, QEX, and NCJ.
Listen to ARRL Audio News, available every Friday.
The ARRL Letter is available in an accessible format, posted weekly to the Blind-hams Groups.io
email group. The group is dedicated to discussions about amateur radio as it concerns blind hams, plus related topics including ham radio use of adaptive technology.
NCJ -- National Contest Journal. Published bimonthly, features articles by top contesters, letters, hints, statistics, scores, NA Sprints, and QSO parties.
QEX -- A Forum for Communications Experimenters. Published bimonthly, features technical articles, construction projects, columns, and other items of interest to radio amateurs and communications professionals.
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The ARRL Letter is published Thursdays, 51 times each year. ARRL members may subscribe at no cost or unsubscribe by editing their profile at www.arrl.org/opt-in-out.
Copyright © 2025 American Radio Relay League, Incorporated.
Use and distribution of this publication, or any portion thereof, is permitted for non-commercial or educational purposes, with attribution.
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