Ham Radio Operators Compete June 24-25

Amateur (ham) radio operators across North America will try to reach out and touch as many people as they can in 24 hours on the weekend of June 24-25.

In the annual "Field Day" contest held across North America, participants must set up and operate field radio stations, and contact as many other ham radio operators in Canada and the U.S. as they can during the 24-hour contest period. Points are given for each contact, and for using alternate power sources such as solar, wind and methane.

Almost 60 members of Vancouver Emergency Community Telecommunications Organization (VECTOR) will take part in this 24-hour exercise:

starting -- Saturday, June 24 11 a.m.
ending -- Sunday, June 25 11 a.m.
Queen Elizabeth Park, next to tennis courts
West 37th Avenue and Columbia

The event is designed to test communications skills used in emergency situations.
In a real disaster, members of VECTOR would work out of the E-Comm building at 3301 East Pender. They would provide back-up communications for emergency responders. They are also a vital link for the City’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) organization.
In a disaster, ESS would activate emergency reception centres in each of the City’s
24 community centres. Ham radio operators would provide communication between the centres, and also would be an important link to the Red Cross for re-uniting families.

Mayor Owen has declared the week of June 18-24 to be Amateur Radio Week in Vancouver to recognize the public safety benefits provided by amateur radio operators and their organizations. Field Day is the main event of the week. Also taking part in the event will be Vancouver’s Urban Search and Rescue Team. Members of the Vancouver Police Horse Team and the Dog Squad will attend at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively.

The public is welcome to attend the "Field Day" event. Anyone wishing to volunteer with VECTOR can call 552-3215.

[News Release Index]

Comments or questions about the web site? You can send us e-mail.

(c) 2000 City of Vancouver