Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society

CVARS

The Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society, an incorporated "Not For Profit" group, represents the amateur radio community from Ladysmith to the Malahat, including Lake Cowichan and the Gulf Islands. It supports members and encourages and educates new amateur radio operators. Courses are regularly held to train and instruct new hams. A system of radio repeaters is owned and maintained by the CVARS as part of their commitment to the amateur radio group in our area. Both by independent repeaters and connection to the Island Trunk System. This system allows communication by linked and independently operated repeaters covering Vancouver Island.

The CVRS is dedicated to community Emergency Communication support and has designed and deployed a fully equipped Ecom Trailer. As well, emergency radio communications kits are distributed with our community of members.

In the past CVARS has done the Subaru Triathlon around Shawnigan Lake, Mt. Tzouhalem Gut Buster, Mind over Mountain Adventure Racing at Comox Lake, Ladysmith Pant and Paddle and Ladysmith Festival of Lights.

Volunteer Opportunities:
We have an opportunity to participate in one of the great Vancouver Island events. CVARS will be setting up the trailers to supply communications for the Swift Sure Race.

This will be a good opportunity to find out how well we as a club are prepared to handle a major emergency requiring long time communications. It will also stretch the ability of the southern island amateur radio community as this is the week-end of the Shawnigan Lake Triathlon where we have helped for many years. The public exposure will be good for everyone.

Swift Sure, May 25th to 26th (see detailed news item)
Shawnigan Lake Triathlon May 26th. VE7JTR has his regulars.
Doug, VE7AQW

Web Cams

• Mount Brenton web cam 1 (opens in a new window)
• Mount Brenton web cam 2 (opens in a new window)
• The web cameras will be off over night while the batteries are charged. Too much cloud and not enough sunlight. (December 3, 2012)

News & Events

Minutes of the General Meeting March 16, 2013 (PDF)

Information available as a PDF document

The Swiftsure International Yacht Race
will take place May 25th-27th. Radio communications volunteers are needed starting on Saturday until the end of the race. See the list of volunteer positions (pdf)

Please visit the Swiftsure Volunteer webpage (opens in a new window)

A 220 repeater has been added to Cowichan District Hospital. 224.94-, pl 141.3 This repeater will be relocated to Mt. Brenton when the roads are clear of snow.

Emergency Communications Trailer
Slideshow

Reference Plans for the Communications Trailer (pdf, 1.6 MB)