The ARRL

Field Day
Handbook
For Radio Amateurs

Author
Steve Ford, WB8IMY

Production

Michelle Bloom, WB1ENT

Jodi Morin, KA1JPA

David Pingree, N1NAS

Maty Weinberg, KB1EIB

Cover
Sue Fagan, KB1OKW

Copyright 2010 by
The American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Copyright secured under the Pan-American
Convention
International Copyright secured
All rights reserved. No part of this work may
be reproduced in any form except by written
permission of the publisher. All rights of
translation are reserved.
Printed in the USA
Quedan reservados todos los derechos
ISBN10: 0-87259-088-7
ISBN13: 978-0-87259-088-5
First Edition

Contents
2010 ARRL Field Day Rules

US Amateur Radio Band Chart

15

The Considerate Operators Frequency Guide

16

ARRL/RAC Section Abbreviations

17

ARRL/RAC Section Map

18

Morse Code Character Set

19

Antenna Projects from the Pages of QST

Having a Field Day with the Moxon Rectangle L.B. Cebik, W4RNL

21

An Easily Constructed 30- and 40-Meter Trap Dipole Antenna Arthur Gillespie Jr, K4TP

26

A Simple HF-Portable Antenna Phil Salas, AD5X

27

A Ground Coupled Portable Antenna Robert Johns, W3JIP

29

The NJQRP Squirt Joe Everhart, N2CX

34

Gain without Pain A Beam Antenna for Field Day Bob Clarke, N1RC

38

The Arkansas Catfish Dipole David G. Byrd, KD7VA

42

A Three Element Lightweight Monobander for 14 MHz David Reid, PA3HBB

44

A Simple Fixed Antenna for VHF/UHF Satellite Work L.B. Cebik, W4RNL

48

A Portable 2-Element Triband Yagi Markus Hansen, VE7CA

52

A Portable Twin-Lead 20-Meter Dipole Rich Wadsworth, KF6QKI

55

A One-Masted Sloop for 40, 20, 15 and 10 Meters Rick Rogers, KI8GX

57

One Stealthy Delta Steve Ford, WB8IMY

60

A Horizontal Loop for 80-Meter DX John S. Belrose, VE2CV

62

Tips for Field Day Power

Power Packing for Emergencies John S. Raydo, K0IZ

Modern Portable Power Generators Small, Sleek and Super Stable!

Kirk Kleinschmidt, NT0Z

69
72

Public Relations

Press Release

77

Publicity Tip Sheet

78

Amateur Satellites Steve Ford, WB8IMY

79

HF Digital Communications Steve Ford, WB8IMY

85

References

RF Connectors and Transmission Lines

93

US Customary Units and Conversion Factors

99

Voltage-Power Conversion Table

101

Reflection Coefficient, Attenuation, SWR and Return Loss

102

Abbreviations

103

Antenna and Tower Safety

106

2010 Field Day Log

114

Foreword

Field Day is, without question, the largest on-air event in Amateur Radio. Its roots are
in the efforts of hams to exercise their emergency communication skills, starting with the
first Field Day many decades ago. Emergency preparedness is still at the core of Field Day,
although some also see it as a competition while others celebrate it as a social event. Since
the beginning, Field Day has encompassed all of these things!
Regardless of how you participate in Field Day, I believe youll find this book to be
a valuable reference. The antenna projects alone will spark your imagination. Youll also
learn how to add to your Field Day point totals by making satellite contacts and using digital
modes. Finally, this book includes a handy Field Day log.
Be safe and have fun!

73,

Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

ARRL Chief Executive Officer

ARRL Field Day 2010 Rules

1. Eligibility: Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and
countries within IARU Region 2. DX stations residing in other regions may be contacted for credit, but are not
eligible to submit entries.
2. Object: To work as many stations as possible on any and all amateur bands (excluding the 60, 30, 17, and 12meter bands) and in doing so to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions. A premium
is placed on developing skills to meet the challenges of emergency preparedness as well as to acquaint the general
public with the capabilities of Amateur Radio.
3. Date and Time Period: Field Day is always the fourth full weekend of June, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday
and ending at 2100 UTC Sunday. Field Day 2010 will be held June 26-27, 2010.
3.1. Class A and B (see below) stations that do not begin setting up until 1800 UTC on Saturday may
operate the entire 27-hour Field Day period.
3.2. Stations who begin setting up before 1800 UTC Saturday may work only 24 consecutive hours,
commencing when on-the-air operations begin.
3.3. No Class A or B station may begin their set-up earlier than 1800 UTC on the Friday preceding the
Field Day period.
4. Entry Categories: Field Day entries are classified according to the maximum number of simultaneously
transmitted signals, followed by a designator indicating the nature of their individual or group participation. Twenty
(20) transmitters maximum are eligible for the purpose of calculating bonus points (2,000 points maximum).
However, additional transmitters may be used simultaneously in determining your entry category. Switching and
simulcasting devices are prohibited. Bonus stations, such as the GOTA station and satellite station do not count
towards determining the number of transmitters for the class and do not qualify for transmitter bonus points.
4.1. (Class A) Club / non-club portable: Club or a non-club group of three or more persons set up
specifically for Field Day. Such stations must be located in places that are not regular station locations and must not
use facilities installed for permanent station use, or use any structure installed permanently for Field Day. A single
licensee or trustee for the entry is responsible for the group entry. All equipment (including antennas) must lie
within a circle whose diameter does not exceed 300 meters (1000 feet). To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be
made with transmitter(s) and receiver(s) operating independent of commercial power mains. Entrants whom for any
reason operate a transmitter or receiver from a commercial main for one or more contacts will be listed separately as
Class A-Commercial.
4.1.1. Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) Station. Any Class A (or F) entry whose transmitter
classification is two or more transmitters may also operate one additional station without changing
its base entry category, known as the GET-ON-THE-AIR (GOTA) station. This GOTA station
may operate on any Field Day band, HF or VHF, but is limited to one transmitted signal at
any time.
4.1.1.1. This station must use a different callsign from the primary Field Day station.
The GOTA station must use the same callsign for the duration of the event regardless if
operators change. The GOTA station uses the same exchange as its parent.
4.1.1.2. The GOTA station may be operated by any person licensed since the
previous years Field Day, regardless of license class. It may also be operated by a
generally inactive licensee. Non-licensed persons may participate under the direct
supervision of an appropriate control operator. A list of operators and participants
must be included on the required summary sheet to ARRL HQ.
4.1.1.3. As per FCC rules, this station must have a valid control operator present if
operating beyond the license privileges of the participant using the station.
4.1.1.4. The maximum transmitter output power for the GOTA station shall be 150 watts.
If the primary Field Day group is claiming the QRP multiplier level of 5, the maximum
transmitter output power of the GOTA station may not exceed 5 watts.
4.1.1.5. A maximum of 500 QSOs made by this station may be claimed for credit by
its primary Field Day operation. In addition, bonus points may be earned by this
station under rule 7.3.13.
4.1.1.6. The GOTA station may operate on any Field Day band. Only one
transmitted signal is allowed from the GOTA station at any time.

4.1.1.7. The GOTA station does not affect the additional VHF/UHF station provided for
under Field Day Rule 4.1.2. for Class A stations.
4.1.1.8. Participants are reminded that non-licensed participants working under the
direction of a valid control operator may only communicate with other W/VE stations or
with stations in countries with which the US has entered a third-party agreement.
4.1.1.9. The GOTA station does not qualify as an additional transmitter when
determining the number of transmitters eligible for the 100-point emergency power
bonus under Rule 7.3.1.
4.1.2. Free VHF Station: Any Class A entry whose category is two or more transmitters may also
operate one additional transmitter if it operates exclusively on any band or combination of
bands above 50 MHz (VHF/UHF) without changing its basic entry classification. This station
does not qualify for a 100-point bonus as an additional transmitter. This station may be
operated for the clubs Field Day period and all contacts count for QSO credit. It is operated using
the primary callsign and exchange of the main Field Day group and is separate and distinct from
the GOTA station.
4.2. (Class A - Battery) Club / non-club portable: Club or non-club group of three or more persons set
up specifically for Field Day. All contacts must be made using an output power of 5 Watts or less and the power
source must be something other than commercial power mains or motor-driven generator (e.g.: batteries, solar cells,
water-driven generator). Other provisions are the same for regular Class A. Class AB is eligible for a GOTA station
if GOTA requirements are met.
4.3. (Class B) One or two person portable: A Field Day station set up and operated by no more than two
persons. Other provisions are the same for Class A except it is not eligible for a GOTA or free VHF station. One
and two person Class B entries will be listed separately.
4.4. (Class B - Battery) One or two person portable: A Field Day station set up and operated by no more
than two persons. All contacts must be made using an output power of 5 Watts or less and the power source must be
something other than commercial mains or motor-driven generator. Other provisions are the same for Class A except
it is not eligible for a GOTA or free VHF station. One and two person Class B - Battery entries will be listed
separately.
4.5. (Class C) Mobile: Stations in vehicles capable of operating while in motion and normally operated in
this manner. This includes maritime and aeronautical mobile. If the Class C station is being powered from a car
battery or alternator, it qualifies for emergency power but does not qualify for the multiplier of 5, as the
alternator/battery system constitutes a motor-driven generating system.
4.6. (Class D) Home stations: Stations operating from permanent or licensed station locations using
commercial power. Class D stations may only count contacts made with Class A, B, C, E and F Field Day stations.
4.7. (Class E) Home stations - Emergency power: Same as Class D, but using emergency power for
transmitters and receivers. Class E may work all Field Day stations.
4.8. (Class F) Emergency Operations Centers (EOC): An amateur radio station at an established EOC
activated by a club or non-club group. Class F operation must take place at an established EOC site. Stations may
utilize equipment and antennas temporarily or permanently installed at the EOC for the event. Entries will be
reported according to number of transmitters in simultaneous operation. Class F stations are eligible for a GOTA
and free VHF station at Class 2F and above.
4.8.1. For Field Day purposes, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is defined as a facility
established by:
a) a Federal, State, County, City or other Civil Government, agency or administrative
entity; or,
b) a Chapter of a national or international served agency (such as American Red Cross or
Salvation Army) with which your local group has an established operating arrangement;
4.8.1.1. A private company EOC does not qualify for Class F status unless approved.
4.8.2. Planning of a Class F operation must take place in conjunction and cooperation with the
staff of the EOC being activated.
4.8.3. Other provisions not covered are the same as Class A.
4.8.4. A Class F station may claim the emergency power bonus if emergency power is available at
the EOC site.
4.8.4.1. The emergency power source must be tested during the Field Day period but
you are not required to run the Class F operation under emergency power.
5. Exchange: Stations in ARRL / RAC sections will exchange their Field Day operating Class and ARRL / RAC
section. Example: a three transmitter class A station in Connecticut which also has a GOTA station and the extra

10

VHF station would send "3A CT" on CW or "3 Alpha Connecticut" on Phone. DX stations send operating class and
the term DX (i.e. 2A DX).
6. Miscellaneous Rules:
6.1. A person may not contact for QSO credit any station from which they also participate.
6.2. A transmitter/receiver/transceiver used to contact one or more Field Day stations may not subsequently
be used under any other callsign to participate in Field Day. Family stations are exempt provided the subsequent
callsign used is issued to and used by a different family member.
6.3. Phone, CW and Digital (non-CW) modes on a band are considered as separate bands. A station may
be worked only once per band under this rule.
6.4. All voice contacts are equivalent.
6.5. All non-CW digital contacts are equivalent.
6.6. Cross-band contacts are not permitted (Satellite QSOs cross-band contacts are exempted).
6.7. The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single band-mode is prohibited. Exception:
a dedicated GOTA station may operate as prescribed in Rule 4.1.
6.8. No repeater contacts are allowed.
6.9. Batteries may be charged while in use. Except for Class D stations, the batteries must be charged from
a power source other than commercial power mains. To claim the power multiplier of five, the batteries must be
charged from something other than a motor driven generator or commercial mains.
6.10. All stations for a single entry must be operated under one callsign, except when a dedicated GOTA
station is operated as provided under Field Day Rule 4.1.1. it uses a single, separate callsign.
7. Scoring: Scores are based on the total number of QSO points times the power multiplier corresponding to the
highest power level under which any contact was made during the Field Day period plus the bonus points.
7.1. QSO Points:
7.1.1. Phone contacts count one point each.
7.1.2. CW contacts count two points each.
7.1.3. Digital contacts count two points each.
7.2. Power multipliers: The power multiplier that applies is determined by the highest power output of any
of the transmitters used during the Field Day operation.
7.2.1. If all contacts are made using a power of 5 Watts or less and if a power source other than
commercial mains or motor-driven generator is used (batteries, solar cells, water-driven
generator), the power multiplier is 5 (five).
7.2.2. If all contacts are made using a power of 5 Watts or less, but the power source is from a
commercial main or from a motor-driven generator, the power multiplier is 2. If batteries are
charged during the Field Day period using commercial mains or a motor-driven generator the
power multiplier is 2 (two).
7.2.3. If any or all contacts are made using an output power up to 150 Watts or less, the power
multiplier is 2 (two).
7.2.4. If any or all contacts are made using an output power greater than 150 Watts, the power
multiplier is 1 (one).
7.2.5. The power multiplier for an entry is determined by the maximum output power used by any
transmitter used to complete any contact during the event. (Example: a group has one QRP station
running 3 Watts and a second station running 100 Watts, the power multiplier of 2 applies to all
contacts made by the entire operation).
7.3. Bonus Points: All stations are eligible for certain bonus points, depending on their entry class.
The following bonus points will be added to the score, after the multiplier is applied, to determine the final
Field Day score. Bonus points will be applied only when the claim is made on the summary sheet and any
proof required accompanies the entry or is received via email or normal mail delivery.
7.3.1. 100% Emergency Power: 100 points per transmitter classification if all contacts are made
only using an emergency power source up to a total of 20 transmitters (maximum 2,000 points.)
GOTA station and free VHF Station for Class A and F entries do not qualify for bonus point
credit and should not be included in the clubs transmitter total. All transmitting equipment
at the site must operate from a power source completely independent of the commercial power
mains to qualify. (Example: a club operating 3 transmitters plus a GOTA station and using 100%
emergency power receives 300 bonus points.) Available to Classes A, B, C, E, and F.

11

7.3.2. Media Publicity: 100 bonus points may be earned for attempting to obtain publicity from
the local media. A copy of the press release, or a copy of the actual media publicity received
(newspaper article, etc) must be submitted to claim the points. Available to all Classes.
7.3.3. Public Location: 100 bonus points for physically locating the Field Day operation in a
public place (i.e. shopping center, park, school campus, etc). The intent is for amateur radio to be
on display to the public. Available to Classes A, B and F.
7.3.4. Public Information Table: 100 bonus points for a Public Information Table at the Field
Day site. The purpose is to make appropriate handouts and information available to the visiting
public at the site. A copy of a visitor's log, copies of club handouts or photos is sufficient
evidence for claiming this bonus. Available to Classes A, B and F.
7.3.5. Message Origination to Section Manager: 100 bonus points for origination of a National
Traffic System (NTS) style formal message to the ARRL Section Manager or Section Emergency
Coordinator by your group from its site. You should include the club name, number of
participants, Field Day location, and number of ARES operators involved with your station. The
message must be transmitted during the Field Day period and a fully serviced copy of it must be
included in your submission, in standard ARRL NTS format, or no credit will be given. The
Section Manager message is separate from the messages handled in Rule 7.3.6. and may not be
claimed for bonus points under that rule. Available to all Classes.
7.3.6. Message Handling: 10 points for each formal NTS style originated, relayed or received and
delivered during the Field Day period, up to a maximum of 100 points (ten messages). Properly
serviced copies of each message must be included with the Field Day report. The message to the
ARRL SM or SEC under Rule 7.3.6. does not count towards the total of 10 for this bonus.
Available to all Classes. All NTS messages claimed for bonus points must leave or enter the
site via amateur radio RF.
7.3.7. Satellite QSO: 100 bonus points for successfully completing at least one QSO via an
amateur radio satellite during the Field Day period. "General Rules for All ARRL Contests" (Rule
3.7.2.), (the no-repeater QSO stipulation) is waived for satellite QSOs. Groups are allowed one
dedicated satellite transmitter station without increasing their entry category. Satellite QSOs also
count for regular QSO credit. Show them listed separately on the summary sheet as a separate
"band." You do not receive an additional bonus for contacting different satellites, though the
additional QSOs may be counted for QSO credit unless prohibited under Rule 7.3.7.1. The QSO
must be between two Earth stations through a satellite. Available to Classes A, B, and F.
7.3.7.1 Stations are limited to one (1) completed QSO on any single channel FM satellite.
7.3.8. Alternate Power: 100 bonus points for Field Day groups making a minimum of five QSOs
without using power from commercial mains or petroleum driven generator. This means an
"alternate" energy source of power, such as solar, wind, methane or water. This includes batteries
charged by natural means (not dry cells). The natural power transmitter counts as an additional
transmitter. If you do not wish to increase your operating category, you should take one of your
other transmitters off the air while the natural power transmitter is in operation. A separate list of
natural power QSOs should be submitted with your entry. Available to Classes A, B, E, and F.
7.3.9. W1AW Bulletin: 100 bonus points for copying the special Field Day bulletin transmitted
by W1AW (or K6KPH) during its operating schedule during the Field Day weekend (listed in this
rules announcement). An accurate copy of the message is required to be included in your Field
Day submission. (Note: The Field Day bulletin must be copied via amateur radio. It will not be
included in Internet bulletins sent out from Headquarters and will not be posted to Internet BBS
sites.) Available to all Classes.
7.3.10. Educational activity bonus: One (1) 100-point bonus may be claimed if your Field Day
operation includes a specific educational-related activity. The activity can be diverse and must be
related to amateur radio. It must be some type of formal activity. It can be repeated during the
Field Day period but only one bonus is earned. For more information consult the FAQ in the
complete Field Day packet. Available to Classes A & F entries and available clubs or groups
operating from a club station in class D and E with 3 or more participants.
7.3.11. Site Visitation by an elected governmental official: One (1) 100-point bonus may be
claimed if your Field Day site is visited by an elected government official as the result of an
invitation issued by your group. Available to all Classes.
7.3.12. Site Visitation by a representative of an agency: One (1) 100-point bonus may be
claimed if your Field Day site is visited by a representative of an agency served by ARES in your
local community (American Red Cross, Salvation Army, local Emergency Management, law

12

enforcement, etc) as the result of an invitation issued by your group. ARRL officials (SM, SEC,
DEC, EC, etc) do not qualify for this bonus. Available to all Classes.
7.3.13. GOTA Bonus. Class A and F stations operating a GOTA station may earn
the following bonus points:
7.3.13.1. When a GOTA operator successfully completes 20 QSOs, they
receive 20 bonus points. Upon reaching an additional 20 QSOs the same operator
receives a second 20 bonus points, up to a maximum of 100 Bonus points
per GOTA operator. An operator may make more than 100 QSOs but the
QSOs over 100 do not qualify for an additional bonus.
7.3.13.1.1. Additional GOTA operators may earn the GOTA bonus points
under this rule, up to the maximum of 500 bonus points. (Remember that
there is a 500-QSO limit for the GOTA station. But no single GOTA
operator may earn more than 100 of the GOTA bonus points except as
provided in 7.3.13.2.)
7.3.13.1.2. A single GOTA operator must complete all 20 QSOs required
before the bonus is earned. There is no partial credit for making
only a portion of the 20 QSOs or pooling QSOs between operators.
7.3.13.2. If a GOTA station is supervised full-time by a GOTA Coach, the
bonus points earned for each 20 QSOs completed under Rule 7.3.13.1 will be
doubled.
7.3.13.2.1. The GOTA Coach supervises the operator of the station,
doing such things as answering questions and talking them through
contacts, but may not make QSOs or perform logging functions.
7.3.13.2.2. To qualify for this bonus, there must be a designated
GOTA Coach present and supervising the GOTA station at all
times it is being operated.
7.3.14. Web submission: A 50-point bonus may be claimed by a group submitting their Field
Day entry via the www.b4h.net/cabforms web site. Available to all Classes.
7.3.15. Field Day Youth Participation:
7.3.15.1. A 20-point bonus (maximum of 100) may be earned by any Class A, C, D, E, or
F group for each participant age 18 or younger at your Field Day operation that completes at least
one QSO.
7.3.15.2. For a 1-person Class B station, a 20-point bonus is earned if the operator is age
18 or younger. For a 2-person Class B station, a 20-point bonus is earned for each operator age 18
or younger (maximum of 40 points.) Keep in mind that Class B is only a 1 or 2 person operation.
This bonus does not allow the total number of participants in Class B to exceed 1 or 2.
8. Reporting:
8.1. Entries may be submitted to the ARRL in one of three ways:
8.1.1. Via Field Day Web Submission Applet site at www.b4h.net/cabforms/;
8.1.2. Via email to fieldday@arrl.org; or
8.1.3. Via land postal or delivery service to Field Day Entries, 225 Main St, Newington, CT
06111.
8.2. Entries must be postmarked, emailed or submitted by July 27, 2010. Late entries cannot be
accepted.
8.3. A complete Field Day Web Applet Submission site entry consists of:
8.3.1. An official ARRL summary sheet which is completed on the site;
8.3.2. Supporting information must be emailed to fieldday@arrl.org or submitted by land service.
Supporting information must include:
8.3.2.1. An attached list of stations worked by band/mode during the Field Day period
(dupe sheet or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode); and
8.3.2.2. Proof of all bonus points claimed (copies of visitor logs, press releases, NTS
messages handled, photographs, etc).
8.4. A complete non-applet email submission consists of:
8.4.1. An electronic copy of an ARRL summary sheet completely and accurately filled out;
8.4.2. An attached list of stations worked by band/mode during the Field Day period (dupe sheet
or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode); and

13

8.4.3. Proofs of bonus points claimed (copies of visitor logs, press releases, NTS messages
handled, photographs, etc).
8.5. A complete land postal or delivery non-electronic submission consists of:
8.5.1. A complete and accurate ARRL summary sheet;
8.5.2. An accompanying list of stations worked by band/mode during the Field Day period (dupe
sheet or an alpha/numeric list sorted by band and mode); and
8.5.3. Proofs of bonus points claimed (copies of visitor logs, press releases, NTS messages
handled, photographs, etc).
8.6. Complete station logs are not required for submission. The club should maintain log files for one
year in case they are requested by ARRL HQ.
8.7. Cabrillo format log files are not required for Field Day entries. They will be accepted in lieu of
the dupe sheets but do not substitute for a summary sheet.
8.8. Digital images of proof of bonus points are acceptable.
8.9. Electronic submissions are considered signed when submitted.
9. Miscellaneous:
9.1. The schedule of bulletin times for W1AW is included in this announcement. While W1AW does not
have regular bulletins on weekends, the Field Day message will be sent according to the schedule included with this
announcement. The W1AW bulletins will be transmitted on the regular W1AW frequencies listed in QST. The
PSK31 bulletin will be transmitted on the W1AW teleprinter frequencies.
9.1.2. The special Field Day bulletin will be transmitted from station K6KPH on the West Coast as
included in the bulletin schedule.
9.2. See "General Rules for All ARRL Contests," "General Rules for All ARRL Contests on Bands Below
30 MHz," and "General Rules for All ARRL Contests on Bands Above 50 MHz" for additional rules
(www.arrl.org/contests/forms ) that may cover situations not covered in these Field Day rules.
9.3. Remember that the national simplex FM calling frequency of 146.52 MHz should not be used for
making Field Day contacts.
9.4. The complete Field Day information package may be obtained by:
9.4.1. Sending a SASE with 5 units of postage to: Field Day Information Package, ARRL, 225
Main St., Newington, CT 06111; or
9.4.2. By downloading from the Contest Branch home page at: www.arrl.org/contests/forms
9.5. For more Field Day information/questions contact: fdinfo@arrl.org or phone (860) 594-0236.

Revised 2/2010

14

15

3800

2.8 kHz

E,A,G

5403.5 kHz

E,A,G
(50 Watts)

E
A
G
N,T
(200 W )

4000 kHz

2000 kHz

7125

7125

7175

E
A
G
N,T
(200 W )

7300 kHz

7100 kHz for FCC licensed stations in ITU Regions 1 and 3 and
by FCC licensed stations in ITU Region 2 West of 130 degrees
West longitude or South of 20 degrees North latitude. See
Sections 97.305(c) and 97.307(f)(11). Novice and Technician
licensees outside ITU Region 2 may use CW only between
7025 and 7075 kHz. See Section 97.301(e). These exemptions
do not apply to stations in the continental US.

Phone and Image modes are permitted between 7075 and

7025

7000

40 Meters (7 MHz)

General, Advanced, and Amateur Extra licensees may use

the following five channels on a secondary basis with a
maximum effective radiated power of 50 W PEP relative to a
half wave dipole. Only upper sideband suppressed carrier
voice transmissions may be used. The frequencies are
5330.5, 5346.5, 5366.5, 5371.5 and 5403.5 kHz. The
occupied bandwidth is limited to 2.8 kHz centered on 5332,
5348, 5368, 5373, and 5405 kHz respectively.

5330.5 5346.5 5366.5 5371.5

60 Meters (5.3 MHz) USB only

3700

80 Meters (3.5 MHz)

3600

3525 3600

3500

1800

1900

Avoid interference to radiolocation operations

from 1900 to 2000 kHz

160 Meters (1.8 MHz)

28,000

28,500

10 Meters (28 MHz)

24,930

12 Meters (24 MHz)

21,200

21,275

21,225

21,200

15 Meters (21 MHz)

18,110

17 Meters (18 MHz)

14,175
14,150 14,225

14,150

20 Meters (14 MHz)

28,000 28,300

24,890

21,025

21,000

18,068

14,025

14,000

10,100

200 Watts PEP

18,168 kHz

E,A,G

E
A
G

14,350 kHz

10,150 kHz

E,A,G

N,T
(200 W )

E,A,G

29,700 kHz

24,990 kHz

E,A,G

E
A
G
N,T
(200 W )

21,450 kHz

30 Meters (10.1 MHz)

1270

23 cm (1240 MHz) *

33 cm (902 MHz) *

E,A,G,T

1295

N (5 Watts)

E,A,G,T

1300 MHz

928.0 MHz

E,A,G,T

450.0 MHz

All licensees except Novices are authorized all modes

on the following frequencies:
2300-2310 MHz
10.0-10.5 GHz
122.25-123.0 GHz
2390-2450 MHz
24.0-24.25 GHz
134-141 GHz
3300-3500 MHz
47.0-47.2 GHz
241-250 GHz
5650-5925 MHz
76.0-81.0 GHz
All above 275 GHz

1240

902.0

420.0

70 cm (420 MHz) *

above 420 MHz. See The ARRL Operating Manual for

information about your area.

225.0 MHz

E,A,G,T
N (25 Watts)

148.0 MHz

E,A,G,T

54.0 MHz

E,A,G,T

*Geographical and power restrictions may apply to all bands

222.0

www.arrl.org

Published by:

Copyright 2007, ARRL rev. 3/26/2007

Exams: 860-594-0300 email: vec@arrl.org

Getting Started in Amateur Radio:

Toll-Free 1-800-326-3942 (860-594-0355)
email: newham@arrl.org

Membership/Circulation Desk:
www.arrl.org\catalog
Toll-Free 1-888-277-5289 (860-594-0338)
email: membership@arrl.org

Publication Orders:
www.arrl.org\catalog
Toll-Free 1-888-277-5289 (860-594-0355)
email: orders@arrl.org

ARRL Headquarters:
860-594-0200 (Fax 860-594-0259)
email: hq@arrl.org

See ARRLWeb at www.arrl.org for

more detailed band plans.

E = Amateur Extra
A = Advanced
G = General
T = Technician
N = Novice

= Fixed digital message

forwarding systems only

= USB phone only

= SSB phone

= CW only

= phone and image

= RTTY and data

Test transmissions are authorized above

51 MHz, except for 219-220 MHz

MCW is authorized above 50.1 MHz,

except for 219-220 MHz.

CW operation is permitted throughout all

amateur bands except 60 meters.

Note:

KEY

225 Main Street, Newington, CT USA 06111-1494

1.25 Meters (222 MHz)

2 Meters (144 MHz)

6 Meters (50 MHz)

219.0 220.0

144.0

144.1

50.0

50.1

Effective Date
February 23, 2007

Avoid interference to fixed services outside the US.

At all times, transmitter power should be kept down to that necessary to carry out the desired communications.
Power is rated in watts PEP output. Except where noted, the maximum power output is 1500 Watts.

US AMATEUR POWER LIMITS

US Amateur Radio Bands

Table 1-3
The Considerate Operators Frequency Guide
The following frequencies are generally recognized for certain modes or activities (all frequencies are in MHz) during normal conditions.
These are not regulations and occasionally a high level of activity, such as during a period of emergency response, DXpedition or
contest, may result in stations operating outside these frequency ranges.
Nothing in the rules recognizes a nets, groups or any individuals special privilege to any specific frequency. Section 97.101(b) of
the Rules states that Each station licensee and each control operator must cooperate in selecting transmitting channels and in making
the most effective use of the amateur service frequencies. No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station. No one
owns a frequency.
Its good practice and plain old common sense for any operator, regardless of mode, to check to see if the frequency is in use
prior to engaging operation. If you are there first, other operators should make an effort to protect you from interference to the extent
possible, given that 100% interference-free operation is an unrealistic expectation in todays congested bands.
Frequencies
1.800-2.000
1.800-1.810
1.810
1.843-2.000
1.910
1.995-2.000
1.999-2.000

Modes/Activities
CW
Digital Modes
CW QRP calling frequency
SSB, SSTV and other wideband
modes
SSB QRP
Experimental
Beacons

3.500-3.510
3.560
3.570-3.600
3.585-3.600
3.590
3.790-3.800
3.845
3.885
3.985

CW DX window
QRP CW calling frequency
RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
RTTY/Data DX
DX window
SSTV
AM calling frequency
QRP SSB calling frequency

7.030
7.040
7.070-7.125
7.100-7.105
7.171
7.285
7.290

QRP CW calling frequency

RTTY/Data DX
RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
SSTV
QRP SSB calling frequency
AM calling frequency

10.130-10.140
10.140-10.150

RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations

14.060
14.070-14.095
14.095-14.0995
14.100
14.1005-14.112
14.230
14.285
14.286

QRP CW calling frequency

RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
IBP/NCDXF beacons
Automatically controlled data stations
SSTV
QRP SSB calling frequency
AM calling frequency

Frequencies
18.100-18.105
18.105-18.110
18.110

Modes/Activities
RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
IBP/NCDXF beacons

21.060
21.070-21.110
21.090-21.100
21.150
21.340
21.385

QRP CW calling frequency

RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
IBP/NCDXF beacons
SSTV
QRP SSB calling frequency

24.920-24.925
24.925-24.930
24.930

RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
IBP/NCDXF beacons

28.060
28.070-28.120
28.120-28.189
28.190-28.225
28.200
28.385
28.680
29.000-29.200
29.300-29.510
29.520-29.580
29.600
29.620-29.680

QRP CW calling frequency

RTTY/Data
Automatically controlled data stations
Beacons
IBP/NCDXF beacons
QRP SSB calling frequency
SSTV
AM
Satellite downlinks
Repeater inputs
FM simplex
Repeater outputs

ARRL band plans for frequencies above 28.300 MHz are shown
in The ARRL Repeater Directory and on www.arrl.org.

Table 1-4
North American VHF/UHF/EHF Calling Frequencies
Band (MHz)
50

144

222

16

Calling Frequency
50.110 DX
50.125 SSB US, local
50.620 digital (packet)
52.525 National FM
simplex frequency
144.010 EME
144.100, 144.110 CW
144.200 SSB
146.520 National FM
simplex frequency
222.100 CW/SSB
223.500 National
FM simplex frequency

Band (MHz)
432

902

1296
2304
10000

Calling Frequency
432.010 EME
432.100 CW/SSB
446.000 National FM
simplex frequency
902.100
903.100 East Coast
906.500 National FM
simplex frequency
1294.500 National FM
simplex frequency
1296.100 CW/SSB
2304.1 CW/SSB
10368.1 CW/SSB
10280.0 WBFM

VHF/UHF Activity Nights

Some areas do not have enough VHF/UHF
activity to support contacts at all times.
This schedule is intended to help VHF/
UHF operators make contact. This is only
a starting point; check with others in your
area to see if local hams have a different
schedule.
Band (MHz)
50
144
222
432
902
1296

Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday

Local Time
6 PM
7 PM
8 PM
9 PM
9 PM
10 PM

Amateur Radio All About Operating

1-23

ARRL Section
/ RAC Section
Abbreviations
ARRL / RAC Contest
Abbreviation
List
1
Connecticut
Eastern Massachusetts
Maine
New Hampshire

CT
EMA
ME
NH

Rhode Island
Vermont
Western Massachusetts

RI
VT
WMA

2
Eastern New York
NYC / Long Island
Northern New Jersey

ENY
NLI
NNJ

Northern New York

Southern New Jersey
Western New York

NNY
SNJ
WNY

3
Delaware
Eastern Pennsylvania

DE
EPA

Maryland DC
Western Pennsylvania

MDC
WPA

4
Alabama
Georgia
Kentucky
North Carolina
Northern Florida
South Carolina

AL
GA
KY
NC
NFL
SC

Southern Florida
Tennessee
Virginia
West Central Florida
Puerto Rico
US Virgin Islands

SFL
TN
VA
WCF
PR
VI

5
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
New Mexico

AR
LA
MS
NM

North Texas
Oklahoma
South Texas
West Texas

NTX
OK
STX
WTX

6
East Bay
Los Angeles
Orange
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara Valley

EB
LAX
ORG
SB
SCV

San Diego
San Francisco
San Joaquin Valley
Sacramento Valley
Pacific

SDG
SF
SJV
SV
PAC

7
Alaska
Arizona
Eastern Washington
Idaho
Montana

AK
AZ
EWA
ID
MT

Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Western Washington
Wyoming

NV
OR
UT
WWA
WY

8
Michigan
Ohio

MI
OH

West Virginia

WV

9
Illinois
Indiana

IL
IN

Wisconsin

WI

Colorado
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota

CO
IA
KS
MN

Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
South Dakota

MO
NE
ND
SD

Canada
Maritime
Newfoundland/Labrador
Quebec
Ontario
Manitoba

MAR
NL
QC
ON
MB

Saskatchewan
Alberta
British Columbia
Northern Territories

SK
AB
BC
NT

Non US stations should be logged as DX

17

A map showing US states, Canadian provinces and ARRL/RAC Sections.

WCF

Chapter 13

18
13-28

Morse Code Character Set1

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

didah
dahdididit
dahdidahdit
dahdidit
dit
dididahdit
dahdahdit
didididit
didit
didahdahdah
dahdidah
didahdidit
dahdah
dahdit
dahdahdah
didahdahdit
dahdahdidah
didahdit
dididit
dah
dididah
didididah
didahdah
dahdididah
dahdidahdah
dahdahdidit

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0

didahdahdahdah
dididahdahdah
didididahdah
dididididah
dididididit
dahdidididit
dahdahdididit
dahdahdahdidit
dahdahdahdahdit
dahdahdahdahdah

Morse Code Character Set1

At [@]
Period [.]:
Comma [,]:
Question mark or
request for repetition [?]:
Error:
Hyphen or dash [ ]:
Double dash [=]
Colon [:]:
Semicolon [;]:
Left parenthesis [(]:
Right parenthesis [)]:
Fraction bar [/]:
Quotation marks []:
Dollar sign [$]:
Apostrophe []:
Paragraph []:
Underline [_]:
Starting signal:
Wait:
End of message or cross [+]:
Invitation to transmit [K]:
End of work:
Understood:

didahdahdidahdit
didahdidahdidah
dahdahdididahdah

AAA
MIM

dididahdahdidit
didididididididit
dahdididididah
dahdidididah
dahdahdahdididit
dahdidahdidahdit
dahdidahdahdit
dahdidahdahddidah
dahdididahdit
didahdididahdit
didididahdididah
didahdahdahdahdit
didahdidahdidit
dididahdahdidah
dahdidahdidah
didahdididit
didahdidahdit
dahdidah
didididahdidah
didididahdit

IMI
HH
DU
BT
OS
KR
KN
KK
DN
AF
SX
WG
AL
IQ
KA
AS
AR
K
SK
SN

AC

Notes:
1. Not all Morse characters shown are used in FCC code tests. License applicants are
responsible for knowing, and may be tested on, the 26 letters, the numerals 0 to 9, the
period, the comma, the question mark, AR, SK, BT and fraction bar [DN].
2. The following letters are used in
certain European languages which use
the Latin alphabet:
, A
didahdidah

, , , didahdahdidah

, C
dahdidahdidit

, , E
dididahdidit

didahdididah

dahdididahdit

, O,
dahdahdahdit

dahdahdidahdah
.

dididahdah

Z
dahdahdidit

Z
dahdahdididah

CH, S
dahdahdahdah

4. Signals used in other radio services:

dididahdidah
Interrogatory
Emergency silence dididididahdah
Executive follows
dididahdididah
Breakin signal
dahdahdahdahdah
Emergency signal
didididahdahdahdididit
Relay of distress
dahdididahdididahdidit

3. Special Esperanto characters:

^
C

dahdidahdidit

^
S

didididahdit

^
J

didahdahdahdit

^
H

dahdidahdahdit

^
U

dididahdah

^
G

dahdahdidahdit

INT
HM
IX

TTTTT
SOS
DDD

Morse Abbreviated Numbers

Abbreviated Equivalent
Numeral
Long Number
Number
Character
1
didahdahdahdah
didah
A

dididah
U
2
dididahdahdah


didididah
V
3
didididahdah


dididididah
4
4
dididididah


dididididit
5 or E
5
dididididit

or
dahdidididit

6
6
dahdidididit

dahdididit

B
7
dahdahdididit

dahdidit

D
8
dahdahdahdidit

dahdit

N
9
dahdahdahdahdit

0
dahdahdahdahdah
dah

T
Note: These abbreviated numbers are not legal for use in call signs. They should be used
only where there is agreement between operators and when no confusion will result.

19

References

13-21

Antenna Projects
from the pages of QST

20

By L. B. Cebik, W4RNL

Having a Field Day with

the Moxon Rectangle
Good gain and a high front-to-back ratio are a couple of
reasons to consider this antenna for Field Day use.
ield Day antenna installations
tend to pass through phases.
Phase 1 is the starter for any
group: Get some antennasusually
dipoles and inverted Vsinto the air and see
how well they perform. Phase 2 rests on an
evaluation of the initial results. It generally
consists of mechanical improvements to place
the same or similar antennas higher using
stronger materials. It also includes making
better use of potential antenna supports at the
site.
Real antenna design work usually begins
with Phase 3. Based on the improved results
with Phase 2 changes, the group begins to
think about where they want the signals to go
and how to get them there. At this stage, the
group takes its first steps toward designing
wire beams for the HF bands. (In Phase 4,
we find the use of portable crank-up towers,
rotators and multiband arrays. Ill not delve
into Phase 4 in this article.)
Wire beams and arrays have one significant
limitation: We cant rotate them. Therefore,
we must resort to carefully planned aiming
during installation. Still, we can only cover
so much of the area across the country with
the beamwidth available from gain arrays.
Dreamers will always wonder if they could
have garnered a few more contacts lost to the
deep front-to-side ratio offered by most twoelement Yagi designs.
So lets explore an alternative to the twoelement wire Yagi, one that is only about
70% as wide, side to side, and which offers
some other benefits as well: the wire Moxon
Rectangle.

The Moxon Rectangle

In its most fully developed monoband
form, a Moxon Rectangle outline looks like the
sketch in Figure 1. A is the side-to-side length
of the parallel driver and reflector wires. B is
the length of the driver tails, while D is the
length of the reflector tails. C is the distance

between the tips of the two sets of tails. If any

dimension of the Moxon Rectangle is critical,
it is C. E, the total front-to-back length of the
array, is simply the sum of B, C, and D.

The history of the Moxon Rectangle is

itself fascinating.1 Basically, it derives from
early experiments with a square shape by
Fred Caton, VK2ABQ, although the very first

Figure 1Outline of a Moxon Rectangle with various dimensions labeled. See the text
for an explanation of the labels.

Table 1
Dimensions of Wire Moxon Rectangles for 80-10 Meters
All dimensions refer to designations in Figure 1. Dimensions are in feet and apply to #14
AWG bare-wire antennas.
Band
Frequency
A
B
C
D
E
(MHz)
80
75
40
20
15
10

3.6
3.9
7.09*
14.175
21.225
28.3*

99.98
92.28
50.69
25.30
16.88
12.65

15.47
14.28
7.82
3.87
2.56
1.90

2.16
2.00
1.15
0.62
0.44
0.35

18.33
16.92
9.35
4.70
3.14
2.36

36.96
33.20
18.32
9.19
6.14
4.61

*Because of bandwidth versus wire-size considerations, 40- and 10-meter design frequencies
are below the mid-band points to obtain less than 2:1 50- SWR over as much of the band as
possible. See the text for alternative strategies.

38

21

experiments were performed in the 1930s. Les

Moxon, G6XN, outlined in his classic HF Antennas for All Locations, a rectangular variant
in which he remotely tuned the driver and the
reflector.2 Curious about the basic properties
of the rectangle, I modeled and built variations
of the design for about eight years, using wire
and aluminum tubing.3
The Moxon Rectangle has three properties
that recommend it for Field Day use:
It is not as wide as an equivalent wire
Yagi, because the two elements fold toward
each other.
It offerswith the right dimensionsa
50- feedpoint impedance so no matching
system is required (although use of a choke
to suppress common-mode currents is always
desirable).
It presents a very useful Field Day pattern,
with good gain and a very high F/B.
Figure 2 overlays the pattern for a
typical two-element Yagi (reflector-driver
design) and the Moxon Rectangle. The pattern
may appear odd since it uses a linear decibel
scale (rather than the usual log decibel scale)
to enhance the detail at the pattern center.
Although the Yagi has slightly more gain, the
Moxons deficit wont be noticeable in operation. Most apparent is the F/B advantage that
accrues to the Moxon. In practical terms, the
Moxon effectively squelches QRM to the rear.
Of equal importance is the broader beamwidth
of the Moxon. The azimuth pattern does not
show deep nulls off the ends of the beam
elements. Instead, the deep nulls are about
15 to 20 farther back. Signals off the beam
sides are stronger than those of a Yagi, even
though the rear quadrants themselves are that
much quieter than the Yagi. (At low heights,
from 3/8 to 1, the Moxons side gain ranges
from 2 to 6 dB greater than that of a similarly
positioned two-element Yagi.) As a result,
the Moxon provides useful signal strength
from one side to the otheras if it had good
peripheral vision.
A Moxon Rectangle aimed in the general
direction of the greatest number of potential
Field Day contacts will generally gather signals from a broader sector of the horizon than
most other antennaswith the bonus of good
QRM suppression from the rear. Stations located near one of the US borders may discover
that a basic, fixed Moxon Rectangle is all they
need. For those stations located inland and
needing coverage in all directions, Ill have
a solution a bit later. But first, lets design a
Moxon Rectangle.

Designing a Moxon Rectangle

The objective in designing a Moxon Rectangle is to produce a set of dimensions for
the wire diameter used that yields maximum
F/B, maximum gain and a 50- feedpoint
impedance at the design frequency. For this
11

Notes appear
appearon
onpage
page25.
00.
Notes

22

Figure 2Relative free-space azimuth

patterns at 14.175 MHz for a wire Yagi
(driver and reflector) and a wire Moxon
Rectangle. These patterns use a linear
decibel scale to enhance detail at the
pattern center (rather than the more usual
log-decibel scale). Compare the pattern
scale to that used in Figure 5.

Figure 3The pattern of free-space gain

and 180 F/B across 10 meters for a #14
AWG wire Moxon Rectangle.

exercise, I chose #14 bare copper wire, perhaps

the most popular Field Day antenna material.
I also aligned the maximum F/B and 50-
resonant feedpoint frequencies. Of course,
gain varies across the band as it does with any
two-element parasitic array.
With these design criteria, Table 1 provides
the dimensions of Moxon Rectangles for 80,
75, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metersall potential
Field Day bands of operation. The design
frequencies are listed with the band of operation. Because the 40- and 10-meter bands are
wide relative to the wire size used, I moved
their design frequencies below the mid-band
point in order to obtain low-end coverage at
an SWR under 2:1.4
The Moxon Rectangle functions by virtue
of the mutual coupling between parallel element segments and the coupling between the
facing element tips. Hence, the gap between
element tips (dimension C in Figure 1) is the
most critical dimension. Measure the gap
accurately and ensure that the spacing does
not change over time. The other dimensions

follow from setting the gap in order to obtain

the desired performance characteristics.
Figure 3 shows the gain and F/B curves
for a 10-meter version of the #14 wire Moxon
Rectangle, designed for 28.3 MHz. I chose
10 meters because even the first megahertz
represents a very wide band. Note that the
gain curve is nearly linear across the band.
However, the F/B peaks near the design frequency and tapers offmore rapidly below
the design frequency than above it. Figure
4 shows a similar curve for the 50- SWR,
with the rate of increase more rapid below the
design frequency than above it.
There is no absolute need to align the
maximum F/B frequency with the resonant
50- feedpoint. We can move one or both
of them by small adjustments in the antenna
dimensions. To sample the rates of change
in performance parameters relative to small
changes in dimensions, I altered some dimensions of a 20-meter version of the antenna by
one inch. (One inch at 20 meters is, of course,
approximately equivalent to changes of four
inches on 80, two inches on 40, and a half-inch
on 10 meters.) In all cases, the gap (dimension
C) is held constant.
Decreasing or increasing the side-to-side
dimension (A in Figure 1) raises or lowers the
maximum F/B and the resonant feedpoint frequencies by about 40 kHz. For small changes
in dimension A, the resonant feedpoint impedance does not change.
Increasing or decreasing only the length
of the driver tails (dimension B) by one inch
lowers or raises the resonant frequency of the
driver by about 70 kHz. The new resonant
feedpoint impedance will be a few ohms lower
(for an increase in driver length) than before the
change. The frequency of maximum F/B will
not change significantly.
Increasing or decreasing only the length
of the reflector tails (dimension D) by one inch
lowers or raises the peak F/B frequency by
about 70 kHz. The drivers resonant frequency
will not significantly change, but the impedance will be higher (for an increase in reflector
length) than before the change.
With these guidelines, you can tailor a
basic Moxon Rectangle design to suit what
you decide is best for your operation.
One of the realities of Field Day is that you
will not operate your antenna in free space.
Actual antenna heights over real ground may
range from 1/4 to over 1, depending on the
band and the available supports. To sample the
operation of the Moxon Rectangle at various
heights, I modeled a 10-meter version of the
antenna at various heights, listed in Table 2 in
terms of fractions of a wavelength. The performance of versions for other bands will not
materially differ for equivalent heights.
Note that as the antenna height increases,
the take-off angle (or the elevation angle of
maximum radiation) decreases, as do the
vertical and horizontal beamwidths between
39