Successful Activations!!

Congratulations to Doug VE3VS, and Rob VA3RBM who have successfully activated Narrows Island, ON-298, and Darling Island, ON-299.

You can read all about their adventure, complete with pictures HERE.

This was done despite lousy band conditions, so well done to these two.  It looks like it was an outstanding day!!

Narrows Island - NEW DATE

It looks like we will have a run of good weather here in Ontario next week so Doug, VE3VS and Rob, VA3RBM, are going to attempt the first time activation of Narrows Island on Tuesday November 3rd, after their postponement last week.

Once again Doug hopes to be on the air by 11:00 local, and perhaps will even be on a little bit sooner.

The frequencies of the day will be:

40m - 7.250 to 7.260, and maybe 7.150.
20m - 14.250 to 14.260.

Narrows Island Activation

Just had an email from Doug, VE3VS, that tomorrow's planned activation of Narrows Island has been cancelled due to expected bad weather.   We are expecting in this part of Ontario two inches of rain and winds of 70 kph gusting to 100 kph......not the sort of weather you want to be out in, especially on an island.

This activation will be rescheduled for a later date.

New Island Activation.....

Just received a note from Doug, VE3VS, that he will be attempting a first time activation of Narrows Island, which is along the Trent-Severn Waterway System.

It's nice to see activations still happening this late in the season, so let's hope the weather and propagation are both good for the day.

The activation will take place on Wednesday, October 28th, and Doug  hopes to be on the air by 11:00 local, and perhaps even a little bit sooner.

The frequencies of the day will be:

40m - 7.250 to 7.260, and maybe 7.150.
20m - 14.250 to 14.260.

There is a possibility that two additional islands may be activated for the first time that day if time permits.

Let's get on the air and support Doug and this activation!

Yukon Islands on the air next year!!

Members of the North Country DX Association (NCDXA) will be active in February and March 2016 from several different locations in Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories using KL7RST, VY1RST, and VE8RST to further promote Amateur Radio up north.  This may just be a first for the north- a joint-venture KL7, VY1 and VE8 special event.  All modes 6-160 meters and WARC bands are permissible.  

The dates for this event is February 15 (0001Z) through March 27 (2359Z), 2016.

There will be three island activations during this event, YT-003, YT-004, and YT-005.  These islands are all located in the Yukon River at Whitehorse.

Let's get ready for Winter!!

Wintertime in Canada allows us to activate islands over the ice that we sometimes cannot get too during the warmer months.  Activating islands in the Canadian winter can encounter serious weather hazards at any time, and without warning! 

It is assumed that in preparing themselves prior to any winter activity, each participant will:

Understand the causes, preventive measures and treatment for hypothermia;

Dress appropriately (in layers), bring food, snacks, and water and be prepared for unforeseen delays on the trail, remember the "10 Essentials" and carry them in your pack as well as your radio gear.

Understand that changes in weather and snow conditions can affect the difficulty level of a given trail;

Have experience on and be familiar with his/her own equipment;

Have a good understanding of the hazards of travelling over open ice.

The Ten Essentials:

Remember!!!  Be Safe Out There !!!!

How this all started...........

Many people have wondered how amateur radio operators started activating islands.....and today Jose VA3PCJ discovered the truth and sent us the photographs evidence.

A picture they say is worth a thousand words...and here you have it.