Jun 24, 2026 2 min read

The Uniontown Amateur Radio Club, callsign W3PIE, will host its annual Amateur (Ham) Radio Field Day on June 27 and 28 on the club grounds at 433 Old Pittsburgh Road, where operators will set up temporary stations powered by generators, batteries and solar energy as part of a 24-hour event, which begins at 2 p.m.

“Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure, including cell towers,” said Cory Sickles, Western Pennsylvania Section Public Information Coordinator, WA3UVV. “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet or 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. In other instances, we can provide communications and logistics assistance to a variety of public agencies, as a force-multiplier.” Sickles added.

The event allows visitors to observe operators using voice communications and digital messaging. During a recent storm that brought tornados and downed power lines to the area, radio amateurs coordinated with the National Weather Service to provide up to the minute status reports and additional services.

Participants will spend up to 24 hours operating indoors and outdoors, using equipment under field conditions and making contacts across the country and around the world.

The club also plans to offer opportunities where visitors can sit down with experienced operators and make contacts themselves. That hands-on approach is part of a broader effort to attract new members.

“We want to attract as many people as are interested,” said Andrew Horvath, the club’s president. “If anybody needs any information about it, please come by the Field Day site. We’ll give you whatever you need to maybe get you interested in joining our club and being a part of the amateur radio experience.”

The event is free and open to the public.

The Uniontown Amateur Radio Club has over 100 members. Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, beginning with social time at 7 p.m. More information is available at www.w3pie.org. Additional information on amateur radio is also available at www.arrl.org.