A self-contained, deployable field station — built by the club, funded by the community, and out working events every year since.
In 2020, the club purchased a 2006 Haulmark cargo trailer to replace our aging 2000 Ford communications van. It's now our platform for public service events and disaster response — radios, antennas, and power ready to set up the moment we arrive on site.
In April 2021, the Fayette County Community Foundation awarded the club a $6,000 grant to outfit the trailer. That funding covered interior building materials, radios, lighting and electrical, paint and lettering, and tires and brakes.
For ARRL Field Day 2021, the trailer made its first real test at Lakeview Campground, Volga Lake Recreation Area — and it held up. For the most part, the deployment was a success.
See more from the build and every event since on the Rural Iowa ARC picture gallery.
The trailer isn't a static display piece — it rolls out for real events and real drills, year after year.
Two extendable fiberglass masts, Army mast capable, for higher and more flexible antenna placement on site.
Ham radio, public safety, and ISICS interoperability channels for county and statewide coordination.
Built-in UHF and VHF repeaters extend coverage from wherever the trailer sets up.
Runs independent of shore power when needed, for true off-grid operation.
Several operating stations inside, so more than one operator can work at once.
A dedicated weather radar system keeps the crew aware of conditions during a deployment.
A working day at the fair — radar up, radios on, both stations running. Not a staged photo, just what the trailer actually looks like mid-event.
