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Today is Field Day, the annual event where thousands of hams across the nation publicly demonstrate their emergency communication abilities. You can find hams constructing emergency stations in parks, schools, backyards and shopping malls operating using only emergency power supplies. If you are interested in getting started with ham radio but don't have a license, today is a great day to do so. Field Day is one of the few opportunities when you can operate without a license at the GOTA (get on the air) stations (which are supervised by licensed hams).
You can find your local field day station on the ARRL Web station locator.
Well, according to FCC rules an unlicensed person can speak on an amateur radio station at any time if there is a licensed operator there to monitor and control the transmitter. Admittedly, we are easier to find on Field Day...
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Took the family out to a local Field Day get together and even my 4 year old made a QSO. The family had a great time and are even more motivated to earn their license (which they'll be testing for in July). It was a great experience for all. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of non-licensed folks stopping by to see what it was all about.
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