The Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club (MRARC) swap meet is a much-anticipated event among amateur radio enthusiasts in British Columbia, Canada. This semi-annual event brings together ham radio operators, electronics enthusiasts, and vendors from across the region to buy, sell, and trade amateur radio equipment, parts, and accessories.
The swap meet typically takes place in the spring, and fall, usually in April or May, at the Pitt Meadows Heritage Hall in Pitt Meadows, BC. The event attracts a large crowd of amateur radio enthusiasts, including members of the MRARC and other local clubs, as well as individual hobbyists and collectors.
The spring 2023 event will take place on Sunday, May 7th.
The Event officially starts at 7:30 AM with the famous pancake breakfast. An important note about breakfast from MRARC: We charge only a nominal fee that just covers food costs, this aspect of the swap meet isn’t part of our fund-raising. In fact, we mostly lose money on the breakfast. And it’s a considerable amount of work for our volunteers, one of which must be “Food-Safe” trained, and also requires rental of the downstairs kitchen. Lots of work, lots of cost go into this, for no profit.
So, why do we keep doing it when it’s a ‘money-loser’? It’s the social aspect of the swap meet that many of you love, getting together with fellow hams before the event starts, for either coffee and/or a bite. For that reason, despite it losing money, we continue to provide a pre-event breakfast. So, please do come early, sit down and have a coffee with fellow hobbists. We do this for YOU. 🙂
More Info about the great pancake breakfast here:
One of the main draws of the MRARC swap meet is the opportunity to find rare or hard-to-find equipment and parts. The event is known for its wide selection of vintage and antique radios, as well as newer and more advanced equipment, such as transceivers, amplifiers, and digital signal processing (DSP) equipment. Attendees can also find a variety of antennas, connectors, cables, and other accessories, as well as books and magazines on radio and electronics. (Past vendors do not guarantee future attendance)
In addition to buying and selling, the MRARC swap meet also features a variety of educational and networking opportunities for attendees. The club often hosts talks and workshops on topics such as antenna design, digital modes, and emergency communications, as well as demonstrations of new equipment and technologies. This is a great opportunity for beginners and seasoned hams alike to learn from experts in the field and get hands-on experience with the latest gear.
Full presentation schedule here.
The swap meet also provides a chance for ham radio operators and enthusiasts to connect with one another and build relationships. The event is a great opportunity to meet other local hams, exchange ideas and experiences, and learn about new clubs, groups, and organizations in the area. Many attendees also take the opportunity to share their own experiences and knowledge with others, whether it's by giving a talk or simply chatting with fellow enthusiasts.
Overall, the Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club swap meet is a must-attend event for anyone interested in amateur radio, electronics, or technology in general. With its wide selection of equipment, parts, and accessories, as well as its educational and networking opportunities, the event offers something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned ham radio operator or just starting out, the MRARC swap meet is a great way to connect with other enthusiasts, learn new skills, and expand your collection of equipment and knowledge.
Fleetwood Digital will have an impressive display of new equipment and accessories at the show.
