I just wanted to send out this message to gauge interest in VHF & above operations and weak signal work. Seems like there are pockets of interest in the province...but there are times that I think it would be nice to have individuals with this similar interest, meeting somewhat regularly ("coffee anybody?") to discuss operation, station building, rover operations, etc.

The prime focus is to gather and encourage participation and most of all, HAVE FUN. Support everyone from the newcomer who only has one radio/band/mode, to the semi-serious (hopefully, not too serious) operator. Get out and try the equipment remotely, see what you can work simplex..... get the idea?

Therefore, if anyone is interested in participating in an informal VHF/UHF/SHF working group, not necessarily affiliated with any particular club...feel free to contact me. If you know of anyone who is similarly interested who might not see this message, feel free to give them my email address.

I myself am working on assembly of two stations for VHF contesting/testing that could be operated as portable, temporary or rover:

• A six band station (FM only) on 50,144,220,440,900,1200mhz operating in portable QRP power category (10w PEP max).
• A multi-band station with mixed FM/SSB mode capability (it's a "work-in-progress") operating in lower power category (50-100 watts max). Current bands are 50,144,440,1200 (FM/SSB) and 220,900 FM.

Thanks for your consideration..

Tino, VE6MB  (ve6mb@shaw.ca)