Powhatan Area Radio Club
Where the FUN Begins
PARC VA QSO Party 2025
March 15 - 16th
Fighting Creek Park, Large Shelter, Powhatan, VA
Dates and Time
March 15th
-
On Saturday March 15, the VA QSO Party event officially starts at 10:00 am Saturday morning and runs to 12:00 midnight.
-
Set Up: 8:45 AM
-
Go On-Air: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (weather permitting)
March 16th
-
On Sunday March 15, the VA QSO Party event officially starts at 8:00 am and runs to 8:00 pm.
-
Set Up: 8:00 AM
-
Go On-Air: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (weather permitting)
-
Tear Down: 3:00 pm
We will partially break down on Saturday night and resume Sunday morning.
Please note that we will also close up before the event officially ends on Sunday to allow time for everyone to break down, pack up, and unload their equipment
before dark.
VA QSO Party Sign Up
We have a SignUpGenius for volunteers to help with setup, reserve a time to transmit during the QSO Party, or log for another operator.
A separate SignUpGenius is available for those bringing food, water, or drinks. Sign up to get involved and help make the event a success!
Sign up links coming soon!
Setup, Transmit, Log Signup Genius:
-
Volunteer to help setup, transmit on the radio, and/or log for someone transmitting.
Volunteer to Bring Food Signup Genius:
-
Volunteer to bring food, drinks, or run an espresso machine!
Location
Fighting Creek Park, Large Shelter
2505 Mann Road
Powhatan, VA 23139
Worried about the cold? We will operate in a heated tent (as needed). Please bring your own chair.
Talk-In Frequency:
147.315 +74
Need More Information?
Stations
Station One:
-
Radio: Yaesu FT-991A
-
Antenna: Vertical 10–40-meter end fed halfwave
-
Power Source: 12-volt 100AH LiP04 Battery
Station Two:
-
Radio: Bring Your Own Radio
-
Antenna: Pre-tuned 10-80 Meter end-fed halfwave W/ PL-259 connector.
-
Power Source: Bring your own battery
(A battery will be available if you do not have one)
Station Three - VHF:
-
Radio: TBA
-
Antenna: J Pole
-
Contact Us! - Simplex 146.580 (No Tone)
We will operate in "Silent Running" mode, relying on batteries for lighting and radio operations, which nearly eliminates generator RF noise.
What is it all about?
The Virginia QSO Party is a contest event organized by the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club. Its core objective is to promote and invigorate amateur radio activity across the state by engaging licensed operators in a friendly yet competitive environment. Designed to connect participants from all 95 Virginia counties and 38 independent cities, the event encourages technical excellence, strategic communication, and community collaboration.
By offering diverse entry categories—including various station types (Fixed, Mobile, Expedition, and Rover), operating modes (Phone, CW, Digital, and Mixed), and power levels (High, Low, and QRP)—the contest provides an inclusive platform that caters to both individual enthusiasts and organized club teams. Emphasizing safe and responsible operating practices, the Virginia QSO Party not only celebrates the rich heritage of amateur radio in Virginia but also fosters a forward-thinking and vibrant community of radio amateurs.
Ultimately, the contest is committed to enhancing technical skills, promoting innovative operating strategies, and strengthening statewide connections within the amateur radio community.
Anyone can operate a ham radio during the QSO Party!
Curious about ham radio but you heard you must have a license to operate? No problem! PARC lets everyone have a chance to talk on the radio at our QSO. You can experience the fun of ham radio under the guidance of our licensed members. Make your own calls on the airwaves and connect with hams across the US and the World! The PARC Field Day operates under the club's N4POW callsign. As a QSO party goer, you'll use our club call sign and a control operator's license privileges to operate under their supervision. This means if you have no license at all, you can operate the radio. Even if you have a technician class license, you can operate on the HF bands at our event.
Where to Find Us
The PARC Field Day is held in the large shelter at Fighting Creek Park, 2505 Mann Road, Powhatan VA. The park normally closes at 8 PM, but we secure permission to remain in the park for the entire event. Restrooms are just a few steps away from the Field Day site.
