Let’s Make This a Season of Activity
As we move into April and the start of a new operating season here in Ottawa, it’s a great time to reflect on what makes the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club such a strong and vibrant community—and where we go next.
Amateur radio continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: this is a hobby built on participation. Whether it’s getting on the air, experimenting with new technologies, supporting public service events, or simply connecting with fellow members, the strength of OARC comes from what each of us chooses to put into it. And right now, there has never been a better time to get involved.
Across the club, we’re seeing momentum in several exciting areas. Our repeater systems continue to serve as a backbone for local communication. We have a major capital project underway to both upgrade our existing VE2CRA repeater and install a new DSTAR digital repeater. Later this year we will bring our DMR repeater back online and internet connected.
Interest in digital modes and HF activity continues to be strong and we are still at the top of the solar cycle. You don’t need expensive equipment to be successful even on QRP in a park.
Our recent exposure to mesh networking opens a new door to entirely new ways of thinking about amateur radio infrastructure. These are not abstract ideas—they are active projects, and they need people.
There is a place for you in all of this. April is shaping up to be an exciting month for OARC, with several great opportunities to participate:
- Monthly Club Meeting – April 8 (Homebrew Night)
Join us for one of the most anticipated events of the year. Homebrew Night is our annual show-and-tell where members bring their self-built radio projects—everything from simple builds to highly sophisticated designs. It’s a celebration of experimentation, creativity, and learning. If you’ve ever built (or even started building) something, this is your chance to share it.
CLICK HERE to register for HOMEBREW NIGHT 2026 - World Amateur Radio Day – April 18
Join operators around the world as we celebrate amateur radio on the air. This is a perfect opportunity to get active, make contacts, and showcase the hobby. Whether you operate from home, portable, or as part of a group activation, your participation matters.- The newly created AuxComm services team, is planning an exercise in West Carleton, where they will set up radio stations in several locations to demonstrate passing messages between communities using both the VE2CRA and the VE2REH repeater systems. There will also be a demonstration table at the Kinburn Client Centre where you can learn more about why this technology is becoming so popular for off-grid communication especially during emergencies. Drop by from 1:00pm to 3:00pmto find out what you need to get started.
- There will also be a demonstration table at the Kinburn Client Centre where you can learn more about MESHCORE and why this technology is becoming so popular for off-grid communication especially during emergencies. Drop by from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to find out what you need to get started.
- The Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club (OVMRC) are planning to do parks on the air (POTA) activities at several parks.
- And there will also be a Get On The Air (GOTA) radio station set up in Confederation Park across from City Hall on Laurier Avenue, where radio volunteers will explain amateur radio to passersby and provide everyone with an opportunity to get on the air. Please drop by between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Weekend parking at Ottawa City Hall is just $1.00 per hr, $2.00 max.
- Weekly Nets (Ongoing) on VE2CRA
Our regular nets remain one of the easiest and most important ways to stay connected. If you haven’t checked in recently—or ever—this is the perfect time to start. Every check-in helps keep our repeaters active and our community engaged.- The Capital City net on Tuesday evenings at 8 PM
- The New Hams Net on Wednesday evenings at 8 PM
- Looking just beyond April, we also have CN Cycle for CHEO in May, Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour (RLCT) and Field Day coming up in June—one of the biggest events of the year and a great reason to start getting active now.
CLICK HERE to learn more about OARC FIELD DAY 2026
If you’re a newer member, or someone who has been on the sidelines for a while, consider this your invitation to step in. You don’t need a fully equipped shack or years of experience. Start simple: check into a net, join us at a meeting, or get on the air for World Amateur Radio Day.
If you’re an experienced operator, your role is just as important. This hobby grows when knowledge is shared. Mentoring, demonstrating, and encouraging others is one of the most valuable contributions you can make—and it’s one that leaves a lasting impact.
It’s important to remember that OARC is not something separate from its members—it is its members. If you’ve ever thought, “we should be doing more of this,” or “someone should organize that,” I encourage you to take that next step. Bring forward the idea. Start the conversation. You will find support.
I also want to recognize and thank those who are already contributing their time and energy. Whether you’re maintaining infrastructure, organizing activities, mentoring new hams, or simply getting on the air—you are helping build the kind of club others want to be part of.
So here’s a simple challenge for the month ahead: do one more thing than you did last month. Make one more contact. Attend one more event. Try one new aspect of the hobby. Reach out to one more member.
Small actions, taken consistently across a club like ours, create real momentum.
Let’s make this a season where OARC is not just active—but thriving. I look forward to hearing you on the air, seeing you at meetings, and working alongside you on the projects that will shape the future of our club.
73,
Roger Egan
VA3EGY
President (aka “The Prez”)
Last Updated on 2026-04-03 by Eve