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Rocky Mountain Rally 2017 - Invermere BC

  • 23 May 2017 2:34 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4848282 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Some Schedule Items

    Here are some important schedule items for Radio Operators that have been sent out by the Rally Volunteer Coordinator. Items #2 and #3 are of particular importance to Radio Operators.

    When you arrive on Friday, please check in with the Volunteer Coordinator to get your package and sign the waiver form (required). The pre-operation briefing is Friday evening at 21:45 and Radio Operators are requested to attend.

    I encourage you to take advantage of some food and good war stories at the volunteer appreciation party on Saturday evening.

    See you there! 

     

    Key Events

    1) Thursday May 25 @ 19:00 - 21:00, coordinator available in Amber Room (Upstairs), Copper Point Resort

    2) Friday May 26 @ 07:00 - 21:00, coordinator available (off and on) in Amber Room, Copper Point Resort

    3) Friday May 26 @ 21:45, Volunteer Meeting in Quartz Ballroom (Downstairs), Copper Point Resort

    4) Saturday May 27 @ 21:00-23:00, Volunteer Appreciation Party in Quartz Ballroom, Copper Point Resort

    5) Sunday May 28 @ 14:00-17:00, Awards Banquet in Quartz Ballroom, Copper Point. All welcome!

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

     
  • 23 May 2017 11:50 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 4847998 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Equipment Configuration Guideline - corrected

    (The original posting had an incorrect link that has been corrected in this updated posting. Sorry about that folks and thanks Greg for catching the error.)

    Here is a link to the Radio Configuration Guideline for this event. Some of this information will also appear in the Radio Operator Instructions to be handed out at the Pre-Operation briefing on Friday evening (around 9pm) at the Copper Point Hotel in Invermere. Radio Operators are requested to review this information and operate in accordance with the guideline for this event.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMN3psdGkyQUxaU3M/view?usp=sharing

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS 

     

    Last modified: 23 May 2017 1:26 PM | Garry Spicer (Administrator)
  • 22 May 2017 9:29 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4846855 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Maps!

    Below is a link to the event maps in PDF format. If you check the assignment list (previous post) and cross reference to the appropriate map, you should be able to see where you're currently placed. Have a look and let me know if you have questions or concerns.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMMDkxWk5jVU5wSkU/view?usp=sharing

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

     
  • 22 May 2017 9:19 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4846818 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Assignment List

    Here is a link for a preliminary Radio Operator assignment list. Assignments are subject to change to accommodate safety or operational requirements. However, this should give you an idea of where you're likely to be setting up for the days of the Rally. Have a look and contact me if you have concerns or questions.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMeU1saS1DbVJZNDA/view?usp=sharing

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

     

     
  • 21 May 2017 11:41 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 4844622 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Accommodations Update

    I trust that everyone has made their accommodation arrangements for the Rally. I see that the CSCC Volunteer Coordinator has sent out a draft of the rooming assignments for people who requested shared accommodation at the Copper Point Resort. If you were expecting to be on that list, and didn't hear from the CSCC Volunteer Coordinator, then I recommend that you contact him at: cscc.volunteer@gmail.com as soon as possible.

    See you in Invermere!

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS 
  • 20 May 2017 11:39 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4844162 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Navigation Aid: GPS Files

    Here are a couple of files that you can load into your GPS or APRS software so that you can find your assigned location(s), as well as several other points of interest for the Rally.

    Remember, though, that GPS devices are unlikely to give you good automatic route plans out in the bush. Be sure that you have updated map tiles on your device, look at the map yourself, and make your own decisions about where you need to go. Never let a GPS take you someplace that your brain didn't go five minutes before!

    Also, I recommend that you get a satellite or flyover tile set for your device, as most of the logging roads are not in typical tile sets.

    This one is a .kml file:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMa2NCaGlXNm9mZlE/view?usp=sharing

    This one is a .gpx file:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMQm1aMUlIRVZHYWs/view?usp=sharing

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

      
  • 20 May 2017 12:43 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4843718 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Equipment Notes

    I have received requests for further information about the necessary radio equipment for the rally. Here are a few thoughts and recommendations on equipment needs.

    Most Radio Operator locations for the Rally are several kilometers into the bush on logging roads. The bush can be dense in some areas, there are significant elevation changes, and various obstructions such as hills. Additionally, some locations are a kilometer or more from the next Radio Operator. Consequently, equipment that would work fine in an urban setting, such as a 2w HT with a stock "rubber duck" antenna will likely struggle to get a signal through in a rally scenario. In the past, in some rally locations, I have been able to reach the VE7RIN repeater (Invermere) using a 5w handheld and a *good* upgraded antenna. However, I'd still recommend a mobile radio installation with a good antenna and at least 10w output power.

    If you do not have a mobile radio installation, and cannot arrange a temporary/borrowed installation, please make sure that you clearly note this information in your registration information on the Rallywest website, so that we can take this into consideration when we make role assignments. Additionally, we are asking our Radio Operators to bring FRS radios if at all possible, as we may need to relay some unlicensed operators into the net.

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

     
  • 19 May 2017 2:25 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4842736 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

     

    Hey everyone, it's just one more week until the Rally! I trust that everyone is getting their kit together for this fun event and tracking down those last minute items. We should have good weather, with the forecast currently calling for rain on Friday, but sunny skies on Saturday and Sunday.

    We really need Radio Operators to bring FRS radios. Since we're very short on licensed operators, we may need to staff several locations with unlicensed operators using FRS radios, and relay that traffic into the net.

    For operators who are looking for guidance on getting ready for this event, the PDF available at the link below is a packing and preparation list for Rally Radio Operators.

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4XGJ_yDcEzMYVlEb3VKRk5LTkU/view?usp=sharing

    We're planning a pre-operation briefing for Radio Operators, to ensure that everyone has the information they need for the Rally. That briefing will likely take place at the Copper Point hotel in Invermere on Friday evening (26 May) at around 9pm.

    In the mean time, if you have questions, feel free to email me or submit a reply in this forum. Also, check this forum regularly for updates in the coming days as maps and other information is distributed.

     

    See you there!

    Garry, VE6GDS

     

    Last modified: 19 May 2017 2:27 PM | Garry Spicer (Administrator)
  • 09 May 2017 10:17 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4823641 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!

    Hey everybody, we really need some more radio operators for the RMR event coming up soon. Please check your calendars and see if you can join us. This is truly one of the best field operation events of the year, so don't miss out on a great time in Invermere / Radium!

    If you have already signed up, see if you can convince someone else to join the team. Your endorsement of the event goes a long way toward helping another ham catch the excitement!

    If you've been delaying, then sign up soon to get in on the accommodation arranged by the Calgary Sports Car Club.

    See you there!

     

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS 

     
  • 06 May 2017 7:38 PM
    Quote
    Reply # 4818611 on 4790453
    Garry Spicer (Administrator)

    Accommodation

    I have received a few questions about accommodations for the rally. Here are a few options:

    1) You can sign up for a shared room at the Copper Point Resort when you register as a volunteer at the Rallywest website (see elsewhere in this forum for the link). This is the least expensive option.

    2) You can contact the Copper Point Resort in Invermere and make your own arrangements - at your own cost, of course.

    3) I sometimes stay at the Canterbury Inn, downtown Invermere. It's a no-frills place, but the price is right, the location has advantages, and they have always taken good care of me. If you request a ground floor unit, it's easy to get radio gear from your vehicle to the room and back.

    4) There are several good hotels and motels in the area, and you're free to pick a spot that suits your needs.

    I hope this is helpful.

    73,

    Garry, VE6GDS

    Last modified: 06 May 2017 7:39 PM | Garry Spicer (Administrator)


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