Winter Field Day 2026

by Patrick Gooden

Winter Field Day is relatively new in comparison to the Summer Field Day that we are accustomed and it brings about it own unique set of challenges for many as the season might suggest. Though not as harsh as what was experienced in the central and eastern parts of the country, winter weather can test the resolve of any field operation and this event was no exception. The Amateur Radio Club of El Cajon members and some members of The Convair220 Club gathered at the Harry Griffen Regional Park decided to test their luck which would serve as a test bed for training that might their needs for later in the year.  A few members arrived early to meet the MTS bus which provided wheelchair transportation for Charles (KO6ANB) and to check parking and space availability for setup. The members began their assembly of the EZ-Ups, antennas, tables and radios. While waiting for the coffee and donuts, the groups were given their safety brief and instructions on bands of operation, and the script to rely on when engaging other stations participating in Winter Field Day 2026.

The group operated 3 bands – 40 meters, 20 meters and 15 meters, but some members operated on 10 meters to test their luck. In the end, the group racked up 111 tentative contacts. The contacts are tentative until confirmed by the Winter Field Day after the log submission date has expired.  We want to give a special acknowledgement to Mike KG6TDP, Tommie AA6TG, Rich NJ6F and David AK6QP for allowing us to lovingly abuse their radio gear. We tried to separate ourselves as much as possible but because we did not have band pass filter the spacing did not matter (see photo below).

A lot of fun and experience was gained by all despite the grueling cold that was amplified near the end. The distance contact winner belongs to Vance who made a contact to Japan on 15 meters. Well, a lot of new and new HF operators got a dose of what it was like to work long distant stations, which was our goal and that was accomplished. Well done by all.