The GOTA Net

A progress report

The GOTA Net has been up and running for almost 5 months now, and it's been fascinating watching it evolve. Other than one quiet Thursday we are averaging 8-12 check-ins each week. Of course the idea isn't to set records for check-ins - we'll leave that to the Rainbow Country Net. Rather, the purpose of the GOTA Net is to help newbies get on the air and assist them with ham radio issues. A little social interaction doesn't hurt either. As one of our GOTAs told me recently, if we even help 2 or 3 new hams get over the hump then we've accomplished something important.

I am aware that some of you are struggling to reach the SARC repeater. That's not surprising particularly if you live in Vancouver or Burnaby, and use a Baofeng radio armed with a rubber ducky antenna. But this is a positive. After all, Ham Radio is all about finding solutions to problems. 🤔

Let me give you an example using my own recent trials and tribulations.

For months now, I've had great success with my IC-7000 using a 1/4-wave mag mount antenna on a pizza plate. About 4 weeks ago my signal began losing its oomph and background static became the norm. Reluctantly, I had to drop my participation in a Saltspring Net. My signal for the GOTA Net became a struggle as well. Turns out my mag mount had a poor SWR reading. Plus, residential construction in my area and that of our repeater has gone crazy so I suspect there's been some building interference lately. 

Anyway, John VE7TI spent some time with me and after experimentation we settled on a 5/8 Larson whip attached to the aluminum flower box outside my 3rd floor window (see pic below). This morning I had a crystal clear signal into the Saltspring repeater. 😁 

Will my signal be as good into the Surrey repeater? Time will tell as my antenna is facing in the wrong direction. I do expect a significant improvement, though.

My point is this: embrace the challenge and don't give up! You'll learn a ton working through these problems. 😊 

Have a great rest of the summer, folks and hopefully I'll catch you on the GOTA Net soon.

73,

~ Larry VE7LXB