Calgary Amateur Radio Association
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Rally Radio Recce
Maps are now available!
The information in these files is intended to help radio operators navigate to, from, and around the rally venue. You will need this information on rally day.
The links below are for map files in KML format. They are not image files! These files are intended for use with a GPS device or GIS software.
The utility that you obtain from these files will be closely associated with the device or software into which you import the data. I generally use APRSIS32 or YAAC. Some people report success with a program called Gaia. If you want image files, then I suggest making them with an application that can display KML data (Google Earth, Bing Maps...).
If you need files in GPX format (some GPS devices require this) or you would like them in a CSV to import into a spreadsheet, then I suggest using one of the online converter services available on the Internet.
In any case, be sure that you understand the features and requirements of your chosen GPS device or GIS software.
It is strongly recommended that radio operators use GPS based navigation on rally day. Keep in mind that cell coverage is poor at the rally venue, so be sure to download map tiles to your device prior to rally day.
First is a KML with just the course segment locations (blockers, control points...).
KPR Segment Items v2.0
Second is a KML with the routes (roads), places of significance, and waypoints. These items are marked to help you navigate to, from, and around the venue.
KPR Context v2.0
It is possible for changes to occur between now and the rally, so keep watch in this blog for possible updates.
73, Garry, VE6GDS
Here is a link to the Radio Configuration and Operation Guide for the upcoming rally. This document lists the operating frequencies for the event, provides key radio procedures, and makes recommendations for effective communication practices.
Powderface Trail is a challenging environment for radio operations. This guide describes means of managing the difficulties that operators may encounter. Please review the related recommendations.
Please take careful note of the guidance for minimizing interference!
With so many of us out there, radio operator caused interference can become a significant problem on rally day. Accidental jamming of event channels and poorly configured equipment can seriously inhibit operation of the event radio network. Please review this guide carefully to help us reduce interference at the event.
A copy of the guide can be found here:
KPR 2022 Radio Configuration Guide
The event is handling participation waivers through an online system.
You can access this system to submit a waiver by this link: https://calgarysportscc.speedwaiver.com/cayre
If able, please submit a waiver by this link before the event.
Waivers will be verified in the event venue - pre-submitted waivers will speed up the verification process.
The Kananaskis Performance Rally (KPR) is next month, and we'll need all our radio operators to be prepared for the day.
Below you will find a link to the Radio Operations at Rallysport Events '101' Guide. If you are new to rally radio operations, or you have been away from the scene for a while, then this document is made just for you! The guide was written to help radio operators get comfortable with the sights and sounds of rally day action.
At the pre-op briefing, we assume that everyone is familiar with the contents of this guide.
Rally Radio Operations 101 Guide
Hello Rally Radio Operators!
Below are links to documents that you can use to start getting ready for the upcoming Kananaskis Performance Rally.
These guides are oriented at new or returning folks and also serve as secondary checklists for others. The material was provided by some of our most seasoned field radio operators. Most items on these lists are recommendations and suggestions, but a few are required.
Here are links for the documents:
Packing and Preparation Guide
Vehicle Preparation Supplement
Keep checking this blog regularly. More materials and information will be posted here soon. I hope that we'll see you at the upcoming Kananaskis Performance Rally!
Volunteer registration for the Kananaskis Rally (KPR) is available.
Instructions posted in other locations may be inaccurate for Radio Operator volunteers.
Please use the following instructions:
This URL will take you to the volunteer registration form:
https://forms.gle/ynCu6dD3cU8tmbHz9
We hope that you will join us for a great time at the Kananaskis Rally!
Save the Date!
It is great to be getting back into the regular patterns of life after all the troubles caused by the COVID pandemic. Let's hope that this virus is going to stay in our rear view mirrors!
Looking forward into the autumn, here's a heads-up for your calendars:
Planning has started for the Kananaskis Performance Rally (KPR). The intended date is Sunday, 30 October. We'll be back in the Jumping Pound / Powderface area of Kananaskis Country, West of Calgary.
Watch this forum for further information at it comes available.
Please send all requests for reimbursement for a Kananaskis Pass by email to treasurer <at> cscc.ab.ca along with a copy of the pass.
Rocky Mountain Rally 2022 Communications Crew
For the communications crew we had 26 volunteers including 2 Net Controllers and 2 for Radio Support and Radio Coordinator. In addition to the blocker and control point roles - one deployed and tended to VE6RNQ, one in the Ambulance, two supported the Communications Trailer deployment and were available in the Service area.
It was a good mixture of experienced operators, and a first time for a few.
The day had an exciting start, and then carried on mostly as expected. A little bit chilly up Moose Mountain Road, and dusty down below. The weather forecast changed between the pre-op briefing and event day with the forecasted rain holding off delivering a great day to be out in Kananaskis.
Some of this area is challenging for RF, and the area delivered it's challenge again on rally day. We had strategically placed the VE6RNQ portable repeater at a location on Moose Mountain Road where it would reach most of the south end of Powderface Trail and also had simplex reach to Net Control. This was a valuable asset and a contingency that worked as intended, and we will plan on doing the same again next time in this area.
There were a couple of locations that had more trouble reaching VE6RNQ - and some possible solutions to those are being contemplated. It is a tough problem, and any input is definitely welcome. We are looking forward to hearing from anybody who deployed or experimented with directional antennas - those are one of the options that might be part of a solution.
Equipment issues were not a problem for this crew. Before the event, there were a couple of items that came up with deploying the communications trailer - one was a problematic lock on the unit. The amount of tooling that was ready to show up, and that did show up to deal with it made quick work of that problem. During the event, one operator had noticed a misbehaving microphone - while properly stowed, the PTT was still occasionally being engaged. Once noticed, spare equipment was brought online and the issue resolved.
‘Two is one, one is none.’ is not trite - we live this every event in some way or another.
We were even able to help out a member of the public in a small way. A hiker had come to the area early and, on returning to their vehicle, discovered both the road closure and also that they had locked their keys in their car. A phone call was relayed by Radio Support, and arrangements made to drop off spare keys at one of the control points. 000 executed a dramatic tactical turnaround to be able to retrieve and then get the keys to their destination.
This event was a good introduction to a new net controller - Bob VA6BM. Net Control handled the challenging conditions and some split channel operations really well. True professionals.
There was also a trial with a Starlink endpoint in the Service area and near Net Control. An internet based link is used for managing RallySafe data - and being able to keep a RallySafe operator close to Net Control has been a desirable thing for a long time. Initial reports are that this worked very well.
And finally, our estimate on a final check out time - after being adjusted for the stage timing - was out by only 10 minutes. Thank you to all of the volunteers who stuck with the check out procedure (which was all of you) - we KNOW that everybody who wanted to get out of the area did so successfully.
73,
Dana Harding, VA6DJH
Garry Spicer, VE6GDS
From the registrar:
The insurance company has mandated electronic waivers for all participants and volunteers at events.
Below is the link for the volunteer waiver, can you please share it with your Radio marshals for Rocky and ask them to sign by Thursday the 26th so we have time to check the list.
https://calgarysportscc.speedwaiver.com/bqqqs
Debbie Dyer
