Calling all ham radio enthusiasts in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley! The Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society (CVARS) offers a welcoming environment for operators of all experience levels. They also have a strong focus on emergency communication and community service.
Why Join CVARS?
- Connect with Fellow Hams: Attend their monthly meetings on the 3rd Saturday of the month (except July, August, and December). They also have informal gatherings every Wednesday and Saturday morning at the Silverbridge Inn from 8:00 AM onwards. This provides ample opportunities to connect with other operators and share your passion for ham radio.
- Learn and Grow: While specific details are unavailable online, contacting the club directly is recommended to inquire about classes, especially if you're new and looking to get licensed.
- Get Licensed: The club has accredited examiners, VE7SAJ and VE7TES, who can assist you in obtaining your ham radio license (verification recommended).
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Stay Connected and Contribute: Utilize the club's network of repeaters for communication within the region:
- VE7RNA VHF 146.680 MHz (-)
- VE7RNA UHF 442.600 MHz (+) PL 143.8 Hz
- VE7RVC VHF 145.470 MHz (-) PL 127.3 Hz (maintained by Cowichan Valley Regional District)
- VE7CDH UHF 442.150 MHz (+) with Autopatch function for phone calls (verify functionality with the club)
- VE7RNA-10 VHF 144.390 MHz APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System)
- VE7RVC-10 VHF 144.490 MHz RMSTelnet Winlink Gateway (for message relay even without internet)
- Support the Community: CVARS has a strong emphasis on emergency communication, with a dedicated Emergency Team Net every Monday evening at 7:00 PM ET on VE7RVC. This is a great way to contribute to community preparedness.
Active Club with Some Website Limitations
The website seems functional (last update March 19, 2012), but reaching out for the latest information is recommended. Here's what we could gather:
- Regular Meetings (Monthly): A platform for connecting, learning, and staying informed.
- Informal Gatherings (Weekly): Opportunities for casual interaction with other club members.
- Emergency Communication: Dedicated net and focus on preparedness.
- Repeaters: The website offers a list of their repeaters with some functionalities mentioned.
Consider Reaching Out for the Latest Updates
Reaching out to the club directly is recommended for the most up-to-date information on:
- Classes: Specific course offerings, dates, and instructors (especially for beginners).
- Events: Any upcoming club events or activities beyond the regular meetings and gatherings.
- Website Updates: While the website offers a good overview, contacting the club can confirm if there have been any recent updates.
How to Get Involved
- Contact: Reach out to Dale Jones VE7JP at [email protected] or the club email at [email protected] or visit their mailing address at P.O. Box 95 Duncan PO, Duncan, BC V9L 3X1 for more information about the club and its activities.
- Website: Visit http://www.cvars.com/ for a general overview of the club (although it might not have the most up-to-date details).
Join the CVARS Community Today!
The Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society can be a valuable resource for connecting with fellow ham radio operators, learning new skills, getting licensed (verification recommended), contributing to emergency preparedness efforts, and participating in a supportive community. Consider reaching out to the club for the latest updates and to explore how you can become part of their vibrant community.
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