A GOTA success!

Did we score an all-time GOTA high?

Our GOTA Field Day representation this year was a huge success. The GOTA station ran continuously for 24 hours and made 404 contacts! (Our two contest radios made about 880 contacts total -  so a very impressive performance from those 'unseasoned' hams).

The biggest challenge was convincing the GOTAs to turn over the mic! ☺

Our plucky and determined GOTA crew included:

• Doug Jeffery VE7JDJ
• Lesley Verhulst VE7CMI
• Dale Burghall VE7LWT
• Ernie Symchych VE7ODK
• Manvir "The Machine" Judge VA7BKI
• UB Adabi VE7UBZ
• Katrina Reynolds VA7WBT
• Alex Sevostiyanov VA7PVC
• Dmitry Sevostiyanov VA7DVO
• Mike Porisky VE7YEG
• Larry Bloom VE7LXB

And thank you to the GOTAs who dropped by to check things out and cheer us on:

• Gary Heald VA7GHD
• Aravind Padmanahban VA7IND
• De Ding (current class)

Fun! Exhausting! Thrilling... and looking forward to next year!

Watch for the Field Day wrap-up article in our next Communicator electronic magazine. 

73,

~ Larry VE7LXB

GOTA@ve7sar.net 

Our Chief GOTA makes his first satellite contact

 

You can too!

On Saturday, June 17, 2023 our intrepid SARC New Ham Coordinator, Larry VE7LXB, broadened his Amateur Radio horizons again by taking the mic to try for his first satellite contact. Guiding Larry was Adrian VA7YEP.

Here it is on video:

https://youtu.be/AbwJ5CJVQI0

Do you want to try it as well? The ISS repeater is workable from youir handheld transceiver with a stock antenna. Here is our SARC video to guide you:

https://youtu.be/Nl_qtSqqDhw

~

Local (Vancouver) area nets

 Get On The Air!

I had requests for the frequency list that was programmed into your radios. I've attached that list, and thought I'd also give you some links to local nets (thanks to Reg VA7ZEB who sent me these links)

Give some of these nets a try...you won't be disappointed.

• VECTOR List of Local Nets

• VE7SCC List of Local Nets

• More Net Info

And here's info on the Zello Net which runs Sunday at 8pm. This is a net for people who want an alternate mode that works while travelling and for unlicensed people (especially prospective hams) who want to try a net without having a radio. The link contains brief instructions.

• checkinandchat.net

73

Larry

Surrey Amateur Radio Communications

gota@ve7sar.net

 

A call for Field Day participation

The biggest Amateur Radio event of the year

Many of you have expressed interest in the upcoming Amateur Radio Field Day. Your timing is perfect as the emphasis this year is on GOTA stations i.e. getting new and unlicensed hams on the air. Below you'll find a brief description of Field Day. Please respond if you are interested or have any questions.  If you would like to get a little pre-field day practice on the radio, drop into the OTC this Saturday and we'll get you on the air!

I realize that some of you may not be local, but perhaps you might check for a club in your area that is participating in Field Day. 

Field Day is always held on the fourth full weekend in June, this year on the 24th and 2th. For those who are not familiar with the event, Field Day is an annual exercise when Amateur Radio enthusiasts, primarily across North America, activate for a 24-hour period. It is more than a contest, however, as teams are encouraged to operate using alternative methods as needed for emergency conditions. It is also a great time to socialize, collaborate, and share ideas to innovate further.

At SARC-SEPAR

Focus this year is to make it more inclusive for recent graduates, new members and the public with a program called ‘Get On The Air’ (GOTA). Unlike previous years we will be providing our best antennas, radios, and frequency bands to GOTA on a priority basis to foster interest in the hobby and participation in our programs.

SARC participation in Field Day this year will take place at the OTC (5756 142 Street, Surrey BC) and in the SEPAR trailer - with the SEPAR trailer being set aside for GOTA use. The plan is for two individuals at a time operating, one as logger and one as operator. You do not require a ham license or a license with honours to operate as I plan on being present as station manager for the full 24 hours. 

The Surrey-Now Field Day article

Our Field Day activation was described in a Surrey-Now article:

https://www.surreynowleader.com/community/surreys-ham-radio-operators-hope-to-make-contact-with-every-province-and-state-during-field-day/

73

~ Larry VE7LXB

GOTA@ve7sar.net

Another great GOTA workshop

 Two sessions on one day! 

Thanks to all who participated in our June 3rd morning and afternoon GOTA workshops. Good luck as you begin your ham radio journey!

 

"I just want to thank you for putting on this session, I really appreciate the thought put into the material covered... I am so much more enthusiastic about the hobby" - K R

 Thank you. That's why we do this.

~ Larry Bloom VE7LXB

Surrey Amateur Radio Communications

What transceiver to buy...

 

Here's a pretty comprehensive guide

Here is an excellent compilation of HT radio comparisons put together by Reg VA7ZEB. Reg is a long time member of SARC and acts as Net Manager for the club. Trust me, he knows his handheld radios. Enjoy.

Radio Comparison Guide for new hams

~ 73 Larry