RandomGram is unlike the typical amateur ("ham") radio contest. Scores are determined entirely by the accurate exchange of random character groups in Morse code. Scoring in most other contests primarily involves logging of call signs: the actual information exchange is often predictable, redundant and automated.

The content of each RandomGram contact is unique. As such, duplicate contacts are not an issue. There is no "dup" restriction in RandomGram. Multiple contacts between the same stations on the same band are permitted, and encouraged, because fresh content is exchanged in each.

Absence of a dup restriction has the effect of equalizing stations of widely different capability. Low-power stations with wire antennas that can only reach a few other regional stations on one or two bands can be as active as the "big dogs" running high power output and multiple arrays. There is no Power category or SPC multiplier in RandomGram.

Even an SWL with no transmitter may participate by monitoring RG stations and logging the code groups they exchange. All participants are encouraged to earn additional points by intercepting traffic passed between other stations.
Automated and computer-assisted means of transmitting and receiving Morse code are permitted, but only for those who would not otherwise be able to participate-- never for convenience or competitive advantage. Many participants use traditional style telegraph keys: straight key, semi-automatic "bug" and sideswiper "cootie".

How to participate...

1. Obtain a registered transmit list of random code groups by emailing your call sign to RandomGram+owner@groups.io
   
2. During the event call "CQ RG", or answer such calls, on non-WARC HF bands;
   
3. Transmit real RST and one code group from your TX List to the other operator;
   
4. Log the group received from the other operator. You can also monitor other stations and log the groups they exchange;
   
5. You can contact any participating station multiple times on the same band;
   
6. Submit your call sign and all of your logged groups by email to the above address;
   
7. Results will be posted in the RandomGram Group on Groups.io. (Subscription not required.)
   

I have added a page to record our fox hunt activities at

https://gbarc.ca/foxhunt.php

73

Posted on Youtube by Bill, K2WH, who says "A very large amount of lightning was approaching my area so I disconnected my 80 meter dipole and inserted a large blue LED in the connector".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ4Gxye8Sn4&t=73s

Think about all those pulses lighting up that LED, lighting up your rig instead.  And the storm was still miles away.

73
Dave, VE3WI

SARC Communicator newsletter

Net Controller — VE3OZW Richard - Mildmay

We need your help by submitting ideas for topics via this forum.  This is a net for all of us.  Help out your fellow club members and net controllers by submitting topics for future nets.  Reply to this thread with any suggestions.

HELP WANTED, please apply within!  Consider being a GBARC Net Controller (NC).  It is a positive learning experience and great fun.  The only scary part is if your pen runs out of ink while the calls are coming in!  The more Net Controllers available, the less work for everyone.  Currently, we have 4 NC's so each of us covers 1 night every 4 weeks.  Imagine if we had more and doubled the number to 8.  It's a lot of fun and we are available to help anyone that is willing to step up and try.

Topic for discussion -

1. QSL cards - Do you have one?  Do you reply?  Do you use the QSL bureau?
2. How do you power your ham radio equipment?  Power supply?  Linear or switching mode or battery?
3. Open Mic

VHF/Echolink

KO4DXQ Bob - Soddy Daisy, TN
VE3PAV Bobby - Lionshead
VE3MIO Maureen - Wiarton
VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake
VE3BQM Bernie - Red Bay
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke
VA3DNY Dan - Owen Sound
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VE3VCG Marvin - Paisley
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VA3EAC Janet - Paisley

HF – 3.783 MHz

VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3BQM Bernie - Red Bay
VE3VCG Marvin - Paisley
VE3DDU Ray - Nottawasaga
VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VA3DNY Dan - Owen Sound
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke

Thanks to all, 73

Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Net Report
July 5 2023
Net Control Marvin VE3VCG
Topic: What did you do for Canada Day; radio or other activities?

Echolink:
KO4DXQ Bob / Tennessee
VE3BQM Bernie

2 Meters
VA3WXW Bob (mobile)
VE3RQY Greg
VA3TS Tom
VE3DGY Doug
VE3OZW Richard
VA3MFO Jim
VA3EAC Jan
VE3FP Adam

HF (3783)
VE3DGY Doug
VE3OZW Richard
VE3BQM Bernie
VA3MFO Jim
VA3TS Tom

I have deleted the email address fieldday2023 at gbarc.ca as it has no further use....

General maintenance on the page, updated privacy, cookie policies and added webpage disclaimers. Added section on "Fair Dealing Exemptions" to cover our use of external links and material from other websites.
https://gbarc.ca/about.php

Another day to the history books. 

Canada Day Contest was a little disappointing this year. Our sun had lot to do with that. It has been very active, every few days we had radio blackouts in different parts of the world making communications on HF bands difficult. 

This year I only managed to get 335 QSOs compared to 2020 over 600. The highest number I worked was over 800 near the end  of the contest. Canadian stations don't use number in the exchange so won't know how Canadians did till the results are published sometime next year. 

Here are my results: 
Operating time: 8 hrs 11min Operating Mode: All Band, CW (22-28wpm),  Low Power < 100 watts

   

I had a great time at Field day this year.I looked forward to it every year
.I would like to thank everyone who lent there equipment to a great event and there expertise.
After every FD i learned alot about  antennas and techniques in this great hobby.73