This year April 18th has been designated as World Amateur Radio Day.  To learn about the history and what the day is about go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/world-amateur-radio-day-is-april-18

Once again the cell phone system failed during a serious event. This time it was during the response to the Boston Marathon Bombing.  See the comments of Peter Clifford, Superintendent Boston Fire Department.   I realize amateur radio was present for the race and was used in response to the the bombing. I commend all those involved.

When we have a significant event here, read earthquake or large wild fire, the situation will go on a lot longer and will involve a lot more people. We should learn from the experiences of others.

THE  QUESTION  is simply…… after numerous failures of the cell phone systems why doesn’t the government recognize amateur radio, create a strategy, implement a plan and embrace those amateur operators who are interested in emergency communications.  Don’t leave it to local jurisdictions; it needs coordination, standardization and interoperability……………. remember incident command ????

http://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/blog/massachusetts-public-safety-officials-recap-boston-marathon-response-during-initial

This Bulletin was received April 10 2015

April 11, 2015

Recently I have received a few questions from the field relating to ICS training. For the uninitiated, this is an emergency management operations doctrine based on the European Military Staff system and widely accepted by municipal and governments for emergency management. One of its benefits is that it facilitates Continue reading RAC BULLETIN – INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM (ICS) →

The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association will hold their 67th birthday party April 18,2015 from  1pm – 7pm .Demonstrations of voice and digital modes. Foxhunt. Cake, Hotdogs, Refreshments available.

This event will occur at 1415 Wingrove St in the Departure Bay area of Nanaimo BC and CECA will have a presence.

Over the last decade a lot of local repeaters are becoming more and more silent as the days tick by. Coastal Ham Radio, an online club started in the fall of 2014, is proposing April 11 as repeater day. We are promoting that on April 11 between 11:00-15:00 we encourage all amateurs to make a contact or two on a repeater of their choosing. Please spread the word and get involved.

https://coastalhamradio.wordpress.com/2015/03/26/repeater-day-april-11/

The federal government has announced a new alert system using radio and TV.  For more information on this system go to

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/public-alerts/#alert-ready-info

It appears the issues between APRS.FI and Google have been resolved,  APRS.FI is up and running

http://aprs.fi/#!lat=49.13600&lng=-123.94830

The folks in Campbell River  BC are having a bit of a radio event .  For all the information go to the site below.

https://wm-s.glb.shawcable.net/service/home/~/Contest%202015.pdf?auth=co&loc=en&id=307640&part=2

Sunday April 26th 2015 is the annual Times Colonist 10k Half Marathon Race which is held in Victoria BC . 50 Radio operators are needed for this event.  If you are interested in helping go to

http://www.ve7vic.ca/

Google has placed a notice on the aprs.fi website that says they are no longer supporting the maps.   An alternate site is   http://www.openaprs.net/

http://aprs.fi/