McHenry County Wireless Association
Propagation report as of Tuesday, March 10, 2026 12:51 PM CDT
ARRL Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held annually in the United States and Canada. Each year on the fourth weekend of June, thousands of radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups, or friends to
operate from remote locations.
Field Day is an important event for MCWA, eagerly awaited. The Field Day experience provides opportunities to learn new skills, improve radio technique, enjoy great food, and have fun.
Check back here from time to time for more information and details about our 2026 Field Day event.
You can also email MCWA at info@mcwa.org and someone will be happy to answer any questions you have.
— The 2026 Field Day Committee
Ready to get or upgrade your Amateur Radio License?
Date: November 18, 2025
Date: February 17, 2026
Date: May 19, 2026
Date: August 18, 2026
Date: November 17, 2026
Please call or text Steve Maresso (KB9OLD) 847-477-3518 (scmaress@gmail.com) with questions and to confirm the session.
Location
Free Methodist Church
934 N. Seminary
Woodstock, Il. 60098
Cost
(Cash is preferred, exact change is appreciated. Credit and Debit cards are not accepted)
Important information
All amateur examination applicants are required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) to the Volunteer Examiners (VEs) BEFORE taking an amateur exam. This is necessary due to changes the FCC has made to its licensing system.
Social Security numbers are no longer accepted at exam sessions. Photo ID is recommended. For further information, please visit https://www.arrl.org/what-to-bring-to-an-exam-session.
First-time exam applicants MUST obtain a FCC Registration Number before taking the exam. For more information, visit FCC Registration Number (FRN)
A FCC instructional video provides step-by-step instructions on how to obtain an FRN through the FCC’s COmmission REgistration System (CORES).
Amateur candidates who already have a FCC license, whether for the amateur radio or other service, already have an FRN and can use the same number. All prospective new FCC licensees, however, will be required to obtain an FRN before the examination and provide that number to the volunteer examiners on the Form 605 license application.