Alachua County hams host thrilling 24-hour radio showdown with high-tech twists!
Press release from North Florida Amateur Radio Club
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Get ready for an electrifying weekend June 28/29 as Alachua County’s volunteer ham radio group (https://www.nf4rc.club/), partnered with Alachua County Emergency Management, dives into a high-stakes, nationwide 24-hour radio marathon! This isn’t your average contest—on Saturday and Sunday, our local radio wizards will battle it out against 30,000+ hams across the country, showcasing every trick in the radio playbook. Last year, they crushed it, landing in the top 7% of one of the toughest categories, and this year, they’re bringing even more heat with mind-blowing satellite communications efforts and even a crew of tech-savvy high schoolers from Loften Magnet School.
Imagine this: no internet, no cell phones, just pure radio magic with four simultaneous radio stations connecting over 1,600 contacts last year across the U.S. and even foreign countries, simulating life-saving emergency communications. This year, they’re upping the ante by trying live satellite connections, letting visitors watch their crazy robotic antenna follow orbiting satellites or the International Space Station across the sky. Drop by the Alachua County Emergency Operation Center at 1100 SE 27th Street, Gainesville, for free, fun-filled tours on Saturday (4 p.m.-6 p.m.). Kids and adults can even hop on a shortwave transmitter with expert coaching to make their own radio “contact” and feel the thrill of going live on the air!
Prepare to be wowed by the team’s DIY tech genius—a robotic satellite antenna (shown above) built from PVC and aluminum arrows that dances across the sky, tracking amateur radio satellites in real time. Unlike Starlink, these satellites need no internet, linking voices across thousands of miles. It’s like a sci-fi movie come to life! Their own high-speed data network to connect their team’s stations — including hundreds of yards away in a trailer. Their own solar, battery, and diesel generator emergency power, and their own emergency portable radio tower as well! Their team does everything — voice, high speed Morse Code, and a special radio “texting” invented by a Nobel Prize laureate!
These hams aren’t just hobbyists—they’re hometown heroes. In 2024, they logged 481 volunteer hours during Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, potentially securing $60,000 in federal funds for Alachua County. They also teach radio, electronics, and robotics year-round and maintain a backup radio station that can connect local shelters to the State of Florida’s Emergency Management without relying on modern networks. During June, they will conduct evening Zoom classes to help the high school students from Loften High School pass their FCC license exams and their their own individual call signs. That training is open to everyone as well, and is free: https://www.nf4rc.club/june-online-ham-radio-course/.
Don’t miss this chance to see radio in action, meet real-life innovators, and get a front-row seat to a high-tech, high-energy event that’s fun for all ages!
Two other major groups typically join the friendly competition in Alachua County, including the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (https://gars.club/) operating in Waldo, Florida, and a private team led by Bob Lightner W4GJ which specializes strictly in Morse code effort.
At the June 10 regular meeting of the Alachua County Commission, the NFARC group will be pleased to accept the Alachua County Proclamation of Amateur Radio Week to honor volunteer amateur radio service.
This year’s event is also noteworthy given that an active hurricane season is predicted. “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, and our group works closely with Alachua County Emergency Management, helping to staff local shelters,” said Gordon Gibby, 2025 Public Information Officer (call sign KX4Z). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes. Hams can quickly raise a wire antenna in a tree or on a mast, connect it to a radio and power source, and communicate effectively with others,” Gibby added.
Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Their use of radio signals, which reach beyond borders, bring people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network.