Month: March 2026

Come out and participate in one of the largest North American contests for the year, where amateurs set up portable emergency stations and demonstrate their ability to make as many contacts, or establish emergency communications with off-grid power.

Southern Alberta Field Day 2026 will be happening the weekend of June 27th to 28th at the Lion’s Club Campground, about five km north of Fort Macleod on highway 811 (GPS coordinates: 49.7566, -113.4061).

Registration Form:
Please fill out the following form if you are planning to attend:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkyZFLgisApT2TCABlIGGm1OiJ_u3hsfBA6TjWNNWKAQlIDw/viewform?usp=header

Prior year’s Field Days have traditionally been very well attended and this year we are expecting even more attendees. We have invited hams from Calgary, Medicine Hat, Montana, and of course everyone in the Lethbridge area.

Camping is available (there’s lots of space). There are NO services but there is non-potable water, free firewood (end cuts from the Truss Plant in town), and out-houses. Sites are so nice and a very good size. You are welcome to come early and stay as long as you want.

Agenda (tentative):
• Saturday morning 10 am tailgate flea market around the cook house.
• Saturday hotdog and hamburger lunch provided.
• Saturday pizza supper (ordered individually from Fort Macleod Pizza (403-553-3131) and delivered to the campground).
• Sunday pancake and sausage breakfast provided.

We are open to any other suggestions for events, such as if anyone wishes to make a presentation.  Amateurs are encouraged to explore what types of stations are operating and to connect with fellow amateurs in attendance.

A local VHF simplex frequency will be operating to coordinate operation and events.

If you need a ride on Saturday to attend the Flea Market and the hotdog/hamburger lunch, or require any other specific assistance, please let us know by email to saarcfieldday@gmail.com.

 

 

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Present: Tyler VA6TI, Gary VE6CV, Barry VE6BGR, Cory VE6CYT, Renze VE6DC, David VA7ZYE, Kalvin VE6KRO, Norm VE6NFW, Dave VA6SYS, Kate (no call sign yet), Bill VA6VIV, Peter VA6ARI

Call to order by Kalvin at 10:07 am, seconded by Tyler.

Reading of the minutes of January 24, 2026, by Peter.

• No errors or omissions.
• Motion to approve minutes by Norm, seconded by Renze. All in favour.

Treasurer’s Report by Barry in Dave’s absence.

• Motion to approve treasurer’s report by Dave SYS, seconded by Tyler. All in favour.

Events Report by Renze:

• Nothing planned yet.
• Field Day: Cory COR had a number of questions. Gary will forward them to Peter.

Repeater Committee Report by Cory:

• Nothing more to report. Searched for parts. Replacement parts available in Mexico. Will put the Yeasu back out mid March.

 

OLD BUSINESS

1) Antenna project

• Since we are very close to the 75% mark, Barry and Cory CYT will begin the ordering process and spec out the antenna.

1. A) Fundraising

• we’re almost 75% there. Wonderful response from the ham community.
• Barry sent letters to counties and has received no response. Gary suggested that the only way to get a response would be by doing a presentation at a board meeting.

1. B) Sale of equipment

• Barry discussed issues with the Motorola repeater which is in the business band. Gary suggested selling the unit and all agreed.

2) Gary’s training development:

• first session will be Thursday, March 5, 7 pm on Teams. Need volunteers to be on air around 7:15 to 7:45, on mobile VHF/UHF, a UHF WIRES-X handheld station that can work his repeater VE6DOK, and an HF station.
• Peter will send out another blast to the contact list regarding the Thursday session.

3) The joint LSCO/SAARC flea market will be May 9 at the LSCO foyer. Vendor setup at 9, done at 12.

4) Broadcasting the meetings: Dave SYS says that the TV and webcam would be available to use. Just need a computer.

 

NEW BUSINESS

1) AGM will be March 28. General meeting first followed by the AGM.

2) Barry received a phone call from a lady who has asked if the club would spread her father’s ashes at the CAM site. George was very active in the CAM repeater. Land owner Alan is in support of this. There will be a ceremony planned. A plaque will be installed inside the shack at the CAM site. No objections.

3) Tyler recommended contacting MLA’s regarding the shutdown of the weather radio system. He will prepare a letter.

 

Next meeting: March 28, 2026, will be our AGM.

Motion to close the meeting by Bill at 11:06 am.

 

Presentation by Dave: a continuation of the last session on path calculations with a deeper dive into path loss calculations.

 

 

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