Field Day 2026: Operating 4F Ohio from the Local EOC

This year’s Field Day operation was a strong example of amateur radio, emergency communications, and community involvement coming together in one event. We operated as 4F OH from our local Emergency Operations Center, putting both our operators and our emergency communications setup through a real-world style exercise.

Over the 24-hour operating period, the group completed more than 1,700 contacts across our stations. In addition to voice and digital contacts, we also sent approximately 35 Winlink messages and received 8 replies, giving us another opportunity to practice message handling over amateur radio.

Operating Location

Our primary operating site was the local EOC, where emergency power was tested and used as part of the event. Field Day is not just about making contacts; it is also a valuable chance to confirm that equipment, power, antennas, computers, and operators can function in a communications-focused environment.

Inside the EOC, we operated from two stations located in the basement. These stations served as the core of the operation and helped support the bulk of the contacts made throughout the event.

GOTA Station

We also had one GOTA station, giving new and newer operators a chance to get on the air.

The GOTA station was used by:

• 3 unlicensed operators
• 1 newly upgraded General-class licensee

This was one of the most valuable parts of the event. Field Day gives people a low-pressure opportunity to experience amateur radio firsthand, ask questions, learn how contacts are made, and understand how radio can support both hobby and emergency communications.

Portable Field Setup

In addition to the EOC stations, we had two operators working from a camper approximately 300 feet from the EOC. This setup used our portable trailer antenna tower, along with various wire antennas as needed throughout the event.

This gave us a more field-deployed operating position while still staying connected to the overall EOC-based operation. It also helped test how well we could extend operations away from the main building using portable equipment and temporary antennas.

Winlink and Message Handling

Winlink was also an important part of the weekend. We sent approximately 35 Winlink messages and received 8 replies during the event.

Practicing Winlink during Field Day helps reinforce the importance of digital message handling, especially when traditional communication systems may be limited or unavailable. It also gives operators experience with formatting, sending, receiving, and tracking messages in a more realistic environment.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Field Day was a successful 24-hour exercise for our group. Between the EOC stations, the GOTA station, the camper-based operators, emergency power testing, portable antennas, and Winlink traffic, the event gave us a solid opportunity to test both people and equipment.

With more than 1,700 contacts completed, new operators getting on the air, and emergency communications tools being actively used, this year’s Field Day showed the value of preparation, teamwork, and amateur radio’s role in public service.