Have you ever wondered what all those funny looking antennas on your neighbor’s house are all about?

The West Valley Amateur Radio Club will be hosting its Winter Field Day, an annual event for ham radio enthusiasts on the last full weekend of January at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.

Field Day offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide.

The Winter Field Day event also aims to help participants improve their preparedness for disasters and enhance their operational abilities in adverse conditions.

The Field Day will be “on the air” from 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 around the clock until 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.

Users may choose to participate solo or get friends, family or a whole club involved.

Ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.

Here in Arizona’s warm weather, the group will be making radio contacts with other hams operating outdoors, in tents, or trailers in freezing weather. All will be using portable or “compromised” antennas to make contact with others around the globe.

Ham radio operators are licensed by the Federal Government to use frequencies on the HF, VHF, or UHF bands while employing voice, Morse Code, and digital transmissions. The event designates specific objectives to encourage a diverse range of activities, including the use of non-commercial power sources, the deployment of multiple antennas, establishing satellite contacts and more.

This is a contest to make as many contacts with other hams worldwide as possible within the time frame allowed.