Welcome to the Fleetwood Digital Elmer blog! We're your Canadian source for all things radio, from amateur and CB to marine and commercial. In this post, we'll be tuning into the latest news and developments in the exciting worlds of Amateur Radio, CB Radio, and DXpeditions. We'll start with a focus on what's happening here in Canada, and then scan the globe for a look at the bigger picture.
Canadian Amateur Radio News
The Canadian amateur radio scene is constantly evolving. Here are a few key developments relevant right now:
- 📡 RAC Bolstering Emergency Communications: Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) continues its important work in developing a national Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS). This initiative highlights the critical role amateur radio operators play in providing resilient communication channels during emergencies and public service events. (Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada)
- 📡 Studying for Your License? Check the Exam Bank: For anyone preparing for their amateur radio certification, be aware that Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) implemented an updated question bank for the Basic exam. If you're using study materials, ensure they are aligned with the current version. (Source: RAC News)
- 📡 Major Annual Contests: The Canadian amateur radio contest scene is vibrant. We've recently passed the very popular RAC Canada Day Contest, and as we head into the colder months, now is a great time to prepare for the RAC Canada Winter Contest, which occurs every year in late December. (Source: Radio Amateurs of Canada)
Canadian CB Radio Scene
While major "news" in the Canadian CB world is infrequent, its relevance remains constant. As a license-free service, CB radio is an accessible and reliable communication tool for countless Canadians. It is indispensable in the trucking industry, a safety essential for off-roaders and hunters, and a practical solution for on-site business operations. The technology continues to be a simple, effective way to communicate without reliance on cellular infrastructure.
DXpeditions: The Canadian Connection
For Canadian DXers who enjoy the thrill of contacting rare locations, there's an exciting opportunity to start planning for.
- 🏝️ Sable Island DXpedition (CYØS) Planned for 2026: Mark your calendars! The team behind the highly sought-after Sable Island activation has been invited to return to this rare Canadian entity in March 2026. This is a major event for the global DXing community and a point of pride for Canadian hams. (Source: The 2026 Sable Island DXpedition)
The World of Radio: A Global Perspective
Now, let's switch our focus to the international stage for a look at what's happening in the wider world of radio.
Worldwide Amateur Radio News
- 🌍 Ongoing Push for Antenna Rights in the U.S.: The ARRL, the national association for amateur radio in the United States, continues to advocate for legislation to enable amateur radio operators living in communities with antenna restrictions (often governed by Homeowners' Associations - HOAs) to install effective outdoor antennas. (Source: ARRL News)
- 🌍 Hams to Help Track NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission: In a remarkable collaboration, NASA has sought the help of ham radio operators to track the upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled to orbit the Moon in September 2025. This allows hams to contribute to a historic spaceflight mission. (Source: ARRL News)
Worldwide CB Radio News
- 📻 The Rise of FM on CB Radio: A few years ago, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially approved the use of Frequency Modulation (FM) on the Citizens Band. This has brought clearer, more static-free audio to the 11-meter band, representing one of the biggest technical evolutions in CB radio in decades. (Source: Wikipedia - Citizens Band Radio)
Global DXpeditions
The thrill of the chase is what DXing is all about! As of late September 2025, several major DXpeditions are either active now or just days away.
- ✈️ V6D - Weno Island, Micronesia: Currently active until October 6th, 2025.
- ✈️ A52G - Bhutan: On the air from this rare kingdom from October 1st to 8th, 2025.
- ✈️ 3G0YR - Easter Island: A large team will be active from this remote Pacific island from November 26th to December 3rd, 2025.
For the latest on these and many other DXpeditions, check out DX-World.net.
We hope this updated and verified roundup has been helpful. Whether you're a seasoned ham, a CB enthusiast, or just curious about radio, there's always something new happening. Stay tuned to our blog for more, and be sure to check out our wide selection of radios and accessories at Fleetwood Digital!
