Canadian Special Event Planned for September
A demonstration of cooperation in emergency communications preparedness between Canadian radio amateurs and those in the United States is planned for September 29-30 with a special event station VO1ARES. It will be located at the Marconi memorial station on historic Signal Hill, St John's, Newfoundland, where reception of the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission occurred in 1901. Sponsored by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC), the facilities are provided by Parks Canada and coordinated by the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA).
The objectives of the special event are threefold: To highlight the capabilities of Amateur Radio in providing emergency communications in times of crisis, to illustrate the cooperation between Canada and the United States on emergency preparedness within the context of the Security and Prosperity Partnership signed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada in 2005, and to create a database of communications "first responders" that the Government of Canada could contact for emergency communications assistance in times of crisis.
Radio amateurs from all across Canada and the US are being invited to participate in this first-time official activity, with opening festivities scheduled September 29 from 1430 UTC-1730 UTC. In particular, ARES units in both countries are encouraged to take part and to "talk up" the value of Amateur Radio as a community resource. Officials from the Canadian government have been invited, and ARRL Joel Harrison, W5ZN, has confirmed his intention to attend. Operations will feature virtually all transmission modes on most HF bands over the two-day period. Times and frequencies are yet to be determined.
A commemorative QSL card will be issued. QSLs may be sent direct to VO1ARES via VE9GLF, G. L. Friars, 35 Upper Quaco Rd, Baxters Corner, NB E25 2S2, Canada. All replies from VO1ARES will be via the bureau. Those wishing a direct reply, including Short Wave Listeners, must include an envelope and sufficient postage. Within Canada, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope. If outside of Canada, please include sufficient International Reply Coupons (IRCs) to cover the cost of a letter from Canada to your country. This is imperative in order to receive a card directly; otherwise it will go via the bureau.
Listen for VO1ARES both before and after the special event. The call sign will be active September 27-October 1.
Upcoming issues of RAC's The Canadian Amateur (TCA) magazine and the RAC Web site contain further details of the event. -- Information provided by Bob Cooke, VE3BDB
Page last modified: 10:38 AM, 14 Aug 2007 ET
Page author: awextra@arrl.org
Copyright © 2007, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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