07/15/2008 | VE8RAC The Yellowknife Amateur Radio Society (YARS) competed in Field Day 2008 from Yellowknife (DP22TL). Members of the society braved the swarming clouds of ravenous mosquitoes and set up a camp at the Yellowknife Ski Club. We used the callsign of Radio Amateurs of Canada (VE8RAC).

Approximately 20 persons participated. Our modes were primarily PSK, CW and SSB on 40 m and 20 m. As usual the aurora was in full bloom and darkness never fell (we are in the land of the midnight sun). Propagation was horrible but we did manage 54 QSOs including an RTTY contact and a satellite contact on SO-50 during a very low pass - although we were so excited we forgot to record the call sign!

Our site was visited by the Assistant Deputy Minister of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. We also carried out a radio exercise for the Yellowknife Search and Rescue Society.

A massive thunderstorm rolled through on Saturday evening. We disconnected all radios and antennas however one radio and tuner were casualties when the wind blew over the table on which they were situated. The tent however withstood the storm. We were back on the air hours before the City power had been restored.

Overall a fun weekend. Many thanks to VE8GB, VE8WD, VE8RT, VE8SS, VE8MAP, VE6NHQ, VE8PSR and VE8CGK. Thanks are also due to Radio Amateurs of Canada. -- VE8IR PER VE8YK