Last Sunday a few of us (Howard VA7PWF, Lorne VE7LWK, Colin VA7EEH, and Felix VA7VOL) went out to N'Kwala Park to test out the club's new antenna. We wanted to make sure we worked out the kinks before Field Day.
It went well! Yes, there were a few moments of confusion and we had to resort to the manual a number of times (to the jokes of passers-by), but we got it all sorted and are ready to go for Field Day.
Speaking of jokes, everyone who wandered past us did their social duty and asked if we were doing laundry. We replied "yes, did you bring yours?" before explaining what we actually were doing.
Once we had it set up, we made a couple of POTA contacts in California and Utah and received 5-9 signal reports. Conditions didn't let us reach anyone further East.
Overall, the BuddiHEX antenna is well-designed and well manufactured. I'd say it's handily earned its praise.
73,
Felix VA7VOL
NORAC Vice-President
Ps: thanks to Colin VA7EEH for taking some pictures:
Yesterday was the Falkland Stampede Parade and it all went off without a hitch. Thanks to Colin VA7EEH, Bud VE7KBK, Paul VE7PDE, Doug VA7CPS, Howard VA7PWF, Richard VE7NT, and Ritchie VA7RLX and Rose for coming out! Nine volunteers with eight radios made for a light and breezy affair.
Speaking of breezy, the weather was exactly that (puffs of some sort of tree pollen blowing everywhere) with bouts of sun and cloud, but no rain. We were all adding or removing layers as the moment demanded. But it wasn't too hot or too wet so it was perfect.
The parade organizer Sabrina expressed her thanks and pointed out that the event wouldn't happen without us. Just having plenty of people in (shiny new and stylish) vests there to answer questions is half of the job.
Thanks again, everyone, and see you on May 23, 2027!
73,
Felix VA7VOL
PS: Special thanks to Trudy VA7US who took over my scheduled spot hosting the Sunday Net. She did a great job and I found it entertaining how many of us checked in as mobile while driving out to Falkland, and how my reception changed along the road.
PPS: With 9 volunteers in attendance plus prep time NORAC members contributed (9*4)+4=40 community service hours for this event.
We're excited to welcome you to the new NORAC Community Group on Facebook — an open space created especially for all members of the North Okanagan Radio Amateur Club and amateur radio enthusiasts across British Columbia!
Through this group, we hope to extend that same spirit online — offering a friendly place to connect, share knowledge, collaborate, and keep in touch about everything happening in the world of amateur radio.
Here, you can:
- Stay updated on club activities, meetings, and regional events.
- Exchange technical tips, projects, and on-air stories.
- Ask questions, learn from others, and just talk shop.
Whether you're an experienced operator or just getting started, you'll find a welcoming space full of like-minded operators ready to help and inspire.
We invite you to jump in — introduce yourself, share what you're working on, and make this group an active hub for all things NORAC. Together, let's keep our signal strong across the Okanagan and beyond!
👉 Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DVp6SwTvG/
73,
NORAC Executive
On March 22, 2026, NORAC participated in the Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association's propagation test on the 60m band. As before, a 60m dipole was setup at the DND grounds coupled with Howard's Yaesu FT-710 to try to make contacts with NARA. Unfortunately, it wasn't a great start. Due to recent solar activity, nothing was heard on the band except for a couple of NORAC members reaching us via ground wave. However, all was not lost. After an hour and a half of eating donuts, the band started to open up, slowly! Finally, after hearing only faint signals, the voices started to become more legible. We managed to all contact NARA control in Nanaimo albeit challenging. Thanks to Felix VA7VOL and Colin VA7EEH for helping me setup and for Paul VE7PDE, Wilf VE7OHM and Peter VE7PAE who came up and participated in person.
Howard VA7PWF
In British Columbia, we have 1,455+ Provincial Recreation Sites, 750+ Recreation Trail networks, and 10+ Interpretive Forests. These do not qualify as POTA entities, so we are developing a BC focused "On the Air" program featuring these amazing places to activate ham radio from.
For more information please check out: