2018 W/VE Island QSO Party

The date of this years W/VE Island QSO Party has been set out.  It's being held from 1200z 25 August to 0300z 26 August, 2018. 15 Hours in total.

There are no rule changes this year..... BUT, electronic log submission is now required. In Cabrillo, ADIF or CSV format.

So pick an island and start getting ready for this annual event.  

MacDonell Island, ON-079

Craig, VE3CIJ, will be camping on MacDonell Island, ON-079, at Long Sault (FN25na) in the St. Lawrence River and plan to operate portable while there. 

He will capability to operate on 80/40/30/20/17 but doesn’t have a plan regarding frequencies and times. 

The dates will be June 11-15th. 

Forans Island - ON293

John, VE3ISE, will attempt to activate Foran's Island (Canada ON-293) on Wednesday, May 9th.  From the island he can also see the Grimsby Breakwater Light (Canada CAN 1417)

He will be operating from his vehicle running 100 Watts into a Hustler mounted antenna.

Frequencies will be approximately 7230 + or - QRM (1.5 hours) and later 14255 + or - QRM (1.5 hours)

Start time will be 1500Z to 1800Z

Spotting on DX Summit will be appreciated.

Foran's Island has the red square on it.

Successful Activation...

Congratulations to Don, VE3DQN, for his successful first activation of Libby Island, ON-017, in FN25da.

Don used the QRP to the Field and the Ontario QSO Party participants to rack up 29 contacts, in the required two DX entities.  

Mike, VE7ACN, will be operating portable VE2 from Havre Aubert Island, QC-016, in the Madeleine Islands group for one week from April 2nd.   

It's located in FN97af

Give a listen for him!

First Activations of 2018 Announced

This year the first activation announcement is for two BC islands.....which is a first!  

On Monday, May 21st, Bill VE3FI will be activating Barnston Island - BC055, and on Sunday, May 27th, he will be activating Annacis Island - BC033.   If you are also hunting grids for the ARRL Grid Challenge, he will be operating in CN89 on those days.

Bill will be operating as VE3FI/VE7.  

Operating start time will be noon west coast time.   Bands to be used will be 20m, 14.260 +/- QRM  and 40m, 7.250 +/- QRM.

Get Ready...

Spring is just around the corner, time to start planning your mini-dxpeditions to your local islands.

The last few years the number of activations has fallen.....is this a lack of interest, or the fact that many hams are not aware of this aspect of our great hobby...we don't know, but it's time to give it a kickstart again.

Start making those plans....and let us know so we can get the information on this page and our Facebook page.