I’ve set up a bi-directional APRS IGate in the Kingston area and it is now “live”. While there is an existing IGate, it is RF to IS only, limiting APRS usage in the area to just position reporting. Mine will give APRS users within RF range of the VE1ARC digipeater full two-way messaging capability. SMS or email to/from your radio. Query the IGate for local services/businesses (I will have to add many more than I have so far, that will be ongoing).
Hello everyone,
Winter Field Day will take place this upcoming weekend, and once again the Annapolis Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate!
As described on the WFD web page, the purpose of Winter Field Day is “to foster Ham camaraderie, field operation, emergency operating preparedness, and just plain on the air, outdoor fun in the midst of winter for American, Canadian and DX Amateurs”. Disasters don’t always happen in the summer, and as providers of emergency communications capabilities, Amateurs need to be ready.
Last year, AVARC was the top station in the world in its category, and we intend to defend that placement. Don’t worry about freezing in a tent however! We will operate in the “Home” category, using my station. In recognition of the emergency preparedness aspect of the event however, we will power the equipment with a generator.
Winter Field Day will start at 1500 (3 PM) Saturday 28 January, and will finish up at 1500 the next day. All modes are permissible, so we need voice, CW and digital operators. If you would like to take part in the event, or simply want to drop by to see how Amateur Radio works, please contact me and I’ll fit you into the operating schedule.
This is a low intensity, relaxed contest, so there is no need to feel intimidated. I’ll have snacks and refreshments for those who drop by.
73
Al
VO1NO / VA1AVR
Well – that was a fantastic start to the Basic Course in Annapolis Royal today! Nine students, with several more to join us next time. What’s more, they were motivated, quick to catch on to new concepts, and very sharp – a pleasure to teach! We covered the first 3 chapters of the Study Guide, and then spent an hour hooking up circuits in the Physics Lab. I think we’ll have a bunch of new hams in a few month’s time!
