RaDAR Portable Ops Challenge

/

RaDAR (Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio) is a portable operating challenge focused on a simple cycle: move, deploy, and make contacts. Held on the first Saturday of April and November, the challenge provides a four-hour window to test your ham radio skills and gear through multiple deploy, operate, and move cycles.

How it Works

The goal is to make five contacts (QSOs) at each location before moving the required distance to your next stop:

  • On foot: 1 kilometer

  • By bicycle: 2 kilometers

  • By motorized vehicle: 6 kilometers

Scoring

  • RaDAR to RaDAR: 3 points

  • POTA or SOTA: 2 points

  • Other contacts: 1 point

  • Final Score: (Total QSO points × Number of stops) + Bonus points

Rules

You may use any band or mode (HF, VHF, UHF, voice, CW, or digital), but repeaters are not permitted to ensure a focus on field-style, point-to-point operating.

The RaDAR concept was created by Eddie Leighton (ZS6BNE), and the RaDAR Rally is coordinated by Greg Lane (N4KGL). Registration is now open for the upcoming event.

Rules, roster, and registration details - http://radarrally.info

Start Planning for ARRL Field Day 2026

/
Start Planning for ARRL Field Day 2026

It’s not too early to gear up and get ready for ARRL Field Day! Field Day 2026 takes place 27 and 28th June 2026, and will bring together more than 30,000 amateur radio operators for one of the most popular on-the-air events in the US and Canada.

This year’s Field Day theme is “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.” Combined with the ARRL Year of the Club, it provides the perfect opportunity for radio clubs to set up stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation.    

All of the information you need to get started can be found on the Field Day web page, including how to join the ARRL Field Day Facebook Group, where you can share your plans, tips, and tricks for a successful Field Day.  

Read More