Every year, Remembrance Day holds a special place in our hearts as we honor the sacrifices made by our veterans. This year, North Fraser ARC is thrilled to announce a truly unique and meaningful way to pay tribute to our heroes – the Remembrance Day 2023 Super High Altitude Balloon Launch with APRS & Cross-Band Repeater.
Save the Date: November 11th, 2023
On November 11th, 2023, everyone with a dual-band HT (handheld transceiver) is invited to join us in an extraordinary event that promises to be both educational and awe-inspiring. This is your chance to be a part of a remarkable initiative that combines amateur radio, technology, and the spirit of Remembrance Day.
A Balloon Expedition Like No Other
Our high-altitude balloon launch is set to take place in the morning, and it will be a day to remember. We've even planned a special Repeater minute of silence at 11 AM to honor our veterans and fallen heroes.
The balloon launch site, although exact, will be determined on the day of the event, based on wind predictions. However, we can tell you that it will be from the Lower Mainland, adding to the excitement of the occasion.
Horizon to Horizon Coverage
As our super high-altitude balloon reaches approximately 100,000 feet above, it will offer an astonishing horizon-to-horizon range of 550-600 kilometers. This means that our repeater will be armchair copy all throughout South Western BC, the Interior of BC, Vancouver Island, and Northwest & North Central Washington State. It's a unique opportunity to connect with fellow radio enthusiasts over vast distances.
Key Frequencies and Information
Here are the key details you need to know:
- APRS Callsign: VE7NFR-11
- Cross-Band Repeater: 5W transmit output
- Uplink Frequency: 446.150 MHz with a tone of 100.00 Hz
- Downlink Frequency: 146.560 MHz
For those of you who are excited about the chase and recovery, we welcome you to be a part of this adventurous endeavor. The journey is expected to take approximately 4 hours, from launch to burst to landing. It's an opportunity to experience the thrill of tracking and witnessing the balloon's journey.
SWL Scanner Enthusiast?
Not a licensed ham or in the Pacific Northwest?
You're in luck! Visit APRS.FI where you can follow the balloon using callsign VE7NFR-11. A simulcast is also scheduled to be provided at https://www.broadcastify.com/webPlayer/38686
Pre-Game Show
As an added bonus, the pre-game show will be available on any repeater connected to the Allstar BC Hub or The Canada Hub. This ensures that you can get the most out of this exceptional experience.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Day
North Fraser ARC's Remembrance Day 2023 Super High Altitude Balloon Launch with APRS & Cross-Band Repeater promises to be a unique and memorable event. It's an opportunity to celebrate our veterans, connect with fellow Hams, and explore the incredible world of amateur radio and technology.
So, mark your calendars, prepare your handheld transceivers, and get ready for an adventure like no other. We look forward to sharing this incredible journey with you on November 11th, 2023. It's a day to remember and an event to cherish!
Attribution: https://www.ve7nfr.com/pico-balloons.html
