Summer
Field Day
W3ACH's 2026 Field Day is in the books! Thank you to every operator, visitor, and volunteer who made it a success. Photos will be uploaded to the club website soon.
Field Day 2026 — Complete!
Summer Field Day 2026 is all wrapped up — thank you to everyone who participated!
Photos from the event will be uploaded to the club website soon. Stay tuned!
Emergency
Preparedness
Field Day is amateur radio's premier emergency preparedness exercise. For 24 hours, we operate completely off-grid using generators and battery power, demonstrating our ability to provide emergency communications when traditional infrastructure fails.
We set up at the Cumberland Valley Antique Engine & Machinery Association's Steam Show Grounds and invite the public to visit, learn about amateur radio, and see our capabilities firsthand.
Whether you were an experienced operator or a curious newcomer, we're glad you were a part of it. See you next year!
24
Hours Operating
100%
Off-Grid Power
Cumberland Valley Antique Engine & Machinery Association's Steam Show Grounds
1501 Criders Church Rd, Chambersburg, PA 17202
In the Twin Bridges area, near Twin Bridges Campground
30 West Family Restaurant
1021 Lincoln Way W, Chambersburg, PA 17202
Saturday, 7:00 AM — feel free to join us here for breakfast before we head out together. Crottlestown Rd is right off Lincoln Way W next to the restaurant — take it the rest of the way to the Field Day site on Criders Church Rd.
2026 ARRL Field Day Rules
Download the PDF
2026 ARRL Field Day Packet
Download the PDF
Read Dwight Weidman/K3WVU's Field Day Article
Published on the Franklin County Free Press
4,373
Clubs & Groups Nationwide (2025)
32,000
Hams Participating (2025)
1.2M+
Radio Contacts Made (2025)
ARRL Field Day has been held every June since 1933 — this is one of the longest-running traditions in amateur radio.
How It Went
Here's how the 2026 Field Day weekend played out — all phases complete!
Saturday 7:00 AM
You Can Meet Us at 30 West Family Restaurant
Feel free to join us at 30 West Family Restaurant (1021 Lincoln Way W, Chambersburg, PA 17202) for breakfast, then head to the Field Day site together. Crottlestown Rd is right off Lincoln Way W next to the restaurant — take it the rest of the way to the Steam Show Grounds on Criders Church Rd.
Saturday 8 or 9 AM
Main Setup Begins
All hands on deck! We'll raise antennas, set up operating positions, and prepare for public visitors. Exact start depends on how long breakfast runs.
Saturday 2:00 PM
Field Day Begins!
The official operating period starts (1800 UTC). All stations go on the air and the fun begins!
Sunday 5:00 PM
Field Day Ends
The official operating period concludes (2059 UTC). Time to celebrate and start teardown!
Sunday 7:00 PM
Teardown Complete
Everything packed up and the site restored. Another successful Field Day!
Equipment
- Multiple HF & VHF/UHF stations
- SSB, CW, Digital, and Satellite modes
- Generator & battery power only
- Multiple antenna systems
Participation
- Open to all members, families & public
- No license or equipment needed to visit
- Camping available (bring your tent!)
- Bring your own food & drinks
Thanks for a Great Field Day!
Field Day 2026 was a great success — thank you to every operator, volunteer, and visitor who came out. Photos will be uploaded to the club website soon. We hope to see you at a future event!