End-fed long-wire antennas offer excellent multi-band performance with simple construction. The real challenge is getting wire into a tall tree, where a slingshot and fishing line can help.
Latest posts
2026-09-01 Volunteer needed immediately – Website Administrator
Volunteer opportunity: Help maintain the OARC website and monthly newsletter, working 1–2 hours weekly. Training provided, with opportunities to develop skills and support our Amateur Radio community.
2026-08-08 The Prez Sez – August 2026
In this issue: A new home, a new night, a new chapter for the OARC; Thank you to the Scouts Canada National Museum; and introducing a series of Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
2026-08-07 The New Ham: the Adventure Begins
I volunteered to write this column – The New Ham – for other beginners like me: the curious, those studying for their amateur radio licence, newly licensed operators wondering what to do next, and anyone who’s looked at a radio covered in buttons and thought, “Where do I even start?”
2026-08-07 New Waves in Ottawa: Meet the Signal Sisters!
There is a fresh voice on the Ottawa airwaves! Launched this past March, the Signal Sisters (Les Sœurs du Signal) is a newly formed bilingual Amateur Radio group dedicated to connecting and supporting local women, girls, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the hobby.
2026-08-04 Ralph’s Technical Trawl – August 2026
Summer is a good time to do a little myth busting about the topic hams love to chat about; Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, VSWR, often abbreviated as SWR. This month’s column was inspired by the articles written by Walter Maxwell, W2DU (SK).
2026-07-20 Calling All Women and Girls in Ottawa, Gatineau, and the Valley!
Announcing a brand-new Weekly Women’s and Girls’ Net every Thursday at 7:00pm on the VE2CRA Repeater.
2026-07-17 OARC Repeater Modernization Project – July 2026 Situation Report (SITREP)
Read the July 2026 update on the VE2CRA Repeater Modernization Project, including the 2m/70cm repeaters at Camp Fortune, the DStar repeater, and the DMR repeater.
2026-07-05 mk’s Words – July 2026
Following a successful Field Day 2026, OARC reflects on the teamwork and accomplishments that made the event memorable while beginning the search for a new venue for 2027.
2026-06-30 Ralph’s Technical Trawl – July 2026
Summertime is the perfect season for portable operating. Learn how to size an LFP battery so your station stays lightweight, efficient, and ready for a full day on the air.