Band Pass Filters and Bureaucracy: Field Day's Identity Crisis

The lines between ham radio's traditional Field Day and the increasingly popular Parks on the Air program are blurring, prompting a thoughtful examination of what truly matters in our hobby. As operators pack their POTA bags weekly for activations, does the annual emergency preparedness exercise of Field Day still serve its intended purpose?

This episode dives deep into how the ham radio landscape has evolved. POTA activators regularly set up portable stations in challenging conditions—essentially conducting "field day" operations throughout the year. Meanwhile, many clubs focus Field Day efforts on maximizing contest points rather than introducing newcomers to the hobby or practicing genuine emergency skills. Has Field Day's complex ruleset and competitive nature overshadowed its original mission?

We explore how Winter Fiel ...