In many ways it felt like Murphy’s Law, “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong” was the theme for the EAWA Field Day 2026. There were numerous equipment, networking, logging, weather (lightning), and personnel issues that presented daunting challenges across the weekend. That said, we persevered! The community of operators and visitors at Field Day worked to find the best solutions and work-arounds to keep the operation running. While the challenges will remain in our memories, so too will the successes and highlights!
Welcome to Field Day 2026! Joan W1DLC is assisting with hanging the banner.The Get-On-The-Air Station (GOTA), with Joan W1DLC as Captain, is the entrance and introduction point for the entire Field Day event. It is a social place where many visitors relax and learn about amateur radio.(Marion W1GRL is posing by the station.)A highlight of GOTA station was guiding John (seated) KC1WNY and Jesse KC1YWY through their first HF Phone contacts! Congratulations to both! The GOTA station was primarily staffed by Joan W1DLC and Matt KC1VLH.The 6 meters station, with Barbara KC1SSY as the Captain, was a bonus station for the event. That station, primarily staffed by Barbara and Stan W1BOY, ran several modes throughout the weekend.The 6 meter station was also a hub for socializing, education about 6 meters, and some serious, hard-won QSOs. Tracey AC1UN and Barbara KC1SSY worked to get the tent up and items arranged. Matt KC1VLH and others stopped by.Building and raising the hex beam for the SSB (Voice) Station always takes a group effort. Below the raised hex beam is a 3 element yagi for the 6 meters station. In the last photo, Jeff KA1DBE is ready to launch a wire to use in putting up a dipole for the SSB station.The SSB (Voice) station was primarily staffed by Mark W1ABY (Captain), Mel W1MEB, Bob AB1EP, and Marion W1GRL. Although it got off to the latest start, once functioning, it was cranking out the QSOs.Preparation for the CW (Morse Code) Station involves setting up the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency trailer and several antennas. The Captain of the CW station was Rob W8HAP.The CW (Morse Code) Station had numerous operators across the event. Seen here are Gerry W1VE, John KQ1P, Howard K2AAU, and Steve W1DTX.Friday evening and Saturday morning set-up at the Digital & Satellite Station. Captain for this station was Jeff KA1DBE.The Digital & Satellite Station was primarily staffed by Jeff KA1DBE, Matt W1MRH, and Bill KC2NMK.
As in previous years, Barbara KC1SSY, club member and Hancock Country Emergency Coordinator, gave us a safety briefing covering everything from marking tripping hazards with bright tape to fire extinguishers to hydration. Bob AB1EP gave an educational program on grounding while we enjoyed some freshly-delivered pizza.
Little did we know when we had our Safety Briefing, and later our Educational Program on Grounding, that around 3:00am lightning would light up the skies!Thanks to Joan W1DLC, Bernie, KI4VCR, Barbara KC1SSY, and our resident chef Matt KC1VLH for keeping us happily fed and hydrated across the weekend.At Field Day there is always time to greet friends and have some fun!A special THANK YOU goes to our Field Day Coordinator, Jeff KA1DBE, for working tirelessly to keep us connected, networked, and functioning.
This Field Day, more than ever, the club members pulled together to tackle a number of difficult situations. We have to wait to see our scores and how we placed in Maine, but that’s secondary to the many victories and highlights. We had around 20 visitors and guests, two people made their first HF contacts, several people joined the club, and every QSO was hard won! One of the fun things about Field Day events is that each year has its own unexpected, yet memorable themes. In 2025 it was rain. In 2026 it was Murphy’s Law. What will 2027 be? Perhaps you will join us and find out! Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 