RAC Canadian Portable Operations Challenge
Note: Unfortunately, Nick Gagnon, VE2NCG, is unable to participate in the RAC Canada Conference this Sunday.
Dave Goodwin, VE9CB
The new “RAC Challenge” began on Canada Day, July 1, 2021 and the program recognizes all portable operations in which RAC members participate, and has similar features as a contest.
Dave has been an Amateur since 1975, is an active HF Contester and DXer and his DXpedition to Point Amour Lighthouse was featured on the front cover of the November-December 2020 issue of The Canadian Amateur (top left; and right photo).
Dave has also volunteered his time at the national level and has served as the RAC President and as the RAC Director for the Atlantic Region and currently as the RAC Member Services Officer.
Since 2015, he has also has been teaching Basic and Advanced certification courses with the Fredericton (NB) Amateur Radio Club.
As RAC Member Services Officer, Dave launched the new Canadian Portable Operations Challenge Award for RAC members and this will be the focus of the presentation.
The new program began on Canada Day, July 1, 2021 and we hope it will become an annual event for RAC members.
The new “RAC Challenge” recognizes all portable operations in which RAC members participate and has similar features as a contest. Amateur Radio contests in VHF, UHF and the Microwave bands all have categories for “Rovers” – who move from grid square to grid square and “Backpackers” – who seek out hilltops from which to operate with highly portable equipment and antennas.
For many satellite operators, making contact with as many grid squares as possible is a mark of success. Some of those operators go on satellite DXpeditions to activate rare grids or operate from the intersections of grids to offer multiple grids with a single contact.
In addition to being fun, these activities provide an opportunity for Amateurs to experience what is required to set up and operate under challenging conditions – valuable experience for emergency preparedness.
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