From Eugene VE3SSR: January 20, 2025

This week I am in Texas and have slim chances to participate the net. You have mentioned that  Advance or Extra Class required for the net frequency. What about General (US) or Basic with Honor (Canada)? It looks like they are allowed too. (ed note: FCC requires Advanced or Extra Class authorization for this portion of the 40-meter band. Industry Canada requires Advanced or Basic + Honours (B+))

From Patti KE7IR/VE3: January 20, 2025

All is well here.  Wx is cold for us here is AZ, but, most of you would laugh.  Temperatures drop to about 28 degrees overnight, then warm to about 60 during the day.  I took a walk down to the mailbox about an hour ago and it was quite nice being in the sun.  I have been focusing on studying.  CW Academy requires a commitment of one hour per day of study.  Tomorrow will be Session #5.   I am happy with my progress, thus far.  Hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.  I look forward to chatting with you over the summer months from Sandy Island, Ontario, Canada.

From Pat VE3HZQ: January 20, 2025

I am taking the extra class license on zoom every Thursday nite they had 451 students on zoom on Thursday nite for the course..cannot wait to finish course and pass my license. will keep my general license KD2TKS. the course runs for 11 weeks

From Eugene VE3SSR: January 13, 2025

Currently I am fighting with strong local RFI in my shack. Turned off power in my house, RFI still there. There are no RFI 30ft away from the shack. Apparently I need to investigate it with my neighbour.

From Rick WN3T: January 13, 2025

I’ve been working a few SKCC contacts this weekend in the WES. Also worked a few K3Y stations for SKM SKCC event. Also, the Northern VA/DC area had about 6-7″ of snow on Monday which was the most snow we’ve had in several years. With just 6″ of snow, area schools ended up being closed for 4 days! This area is just not prepared for any snow at all. The good news was, it was a light, powdery snow (not heavy), so no damage at all to my HexBeam or other antennas.

From Bill VE3EKJ: January 13, 2025

I’m newly signed in but not very active on the air at the moment. A lingering bad cold is slowing me down. Same thing every winter, I guess! 🙂I’m a senior and my wife has passed so I live alone with a dog and cat. I prefer boat anchors, much to the cat’s pleasure! She loves to curl up on top of a rig with tubes! I do have a Yaesu FT-817 I acquired that I have been slowly accumulating gear and kit to start going out on POTA activations when the spring brings warmer temperatures. Fat old men need all the exercise they can get! 🙂 Meanwhile, I have a house full of old Heathkit stuff. About half a dozen HW-101s, some Swans, a National NCX-500, an Eico “Drifty Three” and lots more are slowly being restored. I love the old gear! I don’t get much thrill out of Chinese appliances and dread the very thought of trying to repair one. I have the theory and experience. It’s just that modern rigs are no longer made with any intention of easy servicing. My frustration level gets more acute as I get older! 🙂 I run two HF antennae – a GAP Challenger vertical and an 80/40 linearly loaded horizontal dipole. The dipole is only 15 feet up – I find the vertical often skips right over the net traffic on the lower bands. The high angle from the dipole works FAR better! Surprisingly, the dipole sometimes is better on DX. I figure the Propagation Gods have never read the books. They also seem to have a sense of humour! 🙂 Even though I’m not checking in while I fight this cold rest assured I often monitor the net traffic. I learn a lot from those giving their QTH about the pattern from either antenna. I’ll never be a DX winner but in over 50 years of being a ham I’ve never been interested in contesting anyway. I prefer to chew the rag and if it’s a DX contact so much the better. I did pick up a 50 watt amplifier for the FT-817 QRP rig but frankly, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit to caving in to the desire for such high power! My main HF rig these past few years has been a Uniden 2020 but it developed a problem. Before I started to fix it I acquired an old Yaesu FTDX-401. It seems to have a few problems as well but nothing that can’t be fixed with a new relay. It will let me get some use out of the 5 or 6 pairs of 6KD6s I have in stock. As I said, the cat will love it!🙂So that’s what goes on in my world, Dick! Hope somebody finds it interesting! 

From Patti KE7IR: January 13, 2025

Have started CW Academy.  I’m in a beginning class.  Monday will be class 3.  Having fun learning.  

From Rick WN3T: January 5, 2025

The local news media is getting everyone here all spun up for the predicted 5-8″ of snow due to hit late tonight into tomorrow (Monday). We rarely get a measurable snowfall so anything over 1-2″ they treat as snowmageddon! But I’m ready with my snowblower!

From Richard VE3LSZ: January 5, 2025

I am co-teaching the basic qualifications class for the North Shore Amateur Radio Club. We have 40 students with half of them being students of Ontario Tech University. There seems to be interest in CW with the students and the club in general. (Congrats Richard for your involvement ed K2KA)

From Jim VE3BRL: January 3, 2025

i enjoyed your website so modern and up to date, my shack is full of old nostalgia arc5/ r390a/apache tx1/ hammarlund sp600, could not rest until i purchased the sp600. i am 86 yrs old now, windows 7 was a revelation lol   73 and thank you for your dedication to ham radio and the 7153 net  work..p.s.just got my first flip cell phone this year

From Dave KD2EH: December 30, 2024

We had a White Christmas in Western NY this year.  We were hopeful, but didn’t think it would happen.  But on Christmas Morning there was 3 inches of the white stuff at this QTH.  With shopping, wrapping gifts, sending cards and visits with friends and family, we had little time for on-air operation.  The Christmas snow is gone, lots of rain here now. I enjoy the CANAM email from you each week.  So…thanks for that…and keep it up.

From Rick WN3T: December 30, 2024

Even though I have a OCF160 dipole that works ok on 160, I never get on 160, mainly because I get a lot of noise here at my QTH on 160, and it is open best late at night, and I never stay up that late. FYI, you probably know that the Stew Perry 160m cw contest is this weekend. I had a nice Christmas visiting my good friend John W3JEB and his XYL at their new house in Harrington, Delaware. John has a nice ham station even though he’s in an HOA. I really liked his ElectroVoice RE-20 mic and his RC-28 controller hooked up to his IC7610, and liked them so much I ordered the same setup for myself. Waiting on delivery … should have everything right after New Years. Will send some pics and a review once I get them.

From Eugene VE3SSR: December 30, 2024

Yesterday we operated multi/single in Canada RAC Winter contest from our VE3YAA club station which is located near Niagara Falls. Did 800 QSOs (mostly CW) which is not too bad for this “soft” contest. Experiencing S9 noise level from my home QTH, so quite often I have to operate mobile. (Ed. note: Eugene has an impressive mobile setup and operates CW and SSB. See the pic of his mobile vehicle in the Scrapbook and his Member Page)

From Justin KG2RG: December 13, 2024

Thanks Justin for sharing. A documentary podcast titled: Morse Code Ready to Transmit. At the world Morse Code championships in Tunisia, competitors must battle to be the fastest and most accurate at sending and receiving Morse code. Check it out

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0k8y9kq

From Rich VE3YW: December 1, 2024

I have arranged for Rob N8BEG to have free parking anywhere in the USA and Canada. His permit is on the main page of the website and on Rob’s member page.

From Eugene VE3SSR: December 1, 2024

I (K2KA) just worked KL7 Alaska on 6M Great achievement! Congratulations.

“ Rob N8BEG is now the official CANAM Net Wise Guy/Meteorologist”

Well done, Rob! I believe you are also great HF propagation prognosticator.

From Pat VE3HZQ: November 21, 2024

(In response to K2KA email thanking Pat for great job logging) tnx fer kind words dick. I appreciated all the help my first time logging as u say greatest net in the world with the greatest people!!!

From Rich VE3YW: November 18, 2024

DX has been good on 10 and 20 of late and easy contacts into Madagascar, Kenya, Mauritius and Reunion Island as well as regular openings into the Middle East (A71, 9K, 7Z and HZ). as well as LP into VK all on both CW and SSB. I do have a personal peeve though about the misuse of the DX cluster by POTA stations. One station in CA “infested” the DX cluster with other North American calls spotting POTA stations and I mean INFESTED it to the point I sent him and email. Out of 60 spots, 40 or so were POTA spots by him. It’s like me spotting every Can-Am station of 40 during the net on the DX cluster. It abuses the purpose of the cluster. I gather he received my email as shortly after, he ceased doing it. Glad you are enjoying 6 meters. I do not have and antenna for 6 regretfully…A winter project perhaps. 

From Stray W8SCS: November 18, 2024

Been a fun-filled week here at the Stray QTH.  Got a new bug added to my small collection of keys, thx for posting on the web page.  It is a 1940 McElroy Deluxe 600 series bug that I purchased from another Michigan Ham and it is in extremely good condition considering its age.  The original data sticker that was located on the top of the “T” bar has deteriorated away, but everything else is in good shape and works flawlessly ! I used it on this past Saturday’s Net and also used it to complete my 100th bug QSO to earn the Triple Key Award from SKCC.  For those not familiar, the TKA award is issued when you successfully work 300 unique SKCC members with a straight key, cootie key and bug key (100 each).  It was a lot of fun and I just love working with a piece of history!! 73 everyone es see ya on the net!

From Eugene VE3SSR: November 11, 2024

I am discovering 220 MHz band. Installed 5-el beam so now I can participate local nets on this band.  Today worked CanAm net mobile from CA-1369 park. Surprisingly nice reports! Used Tarheel HP-40 antenna, FTdx10 radio and Ameritron ALS-500 amp. 

From Robert VE3OAA (K7TSK): November 11, 2024

Thanks for the email and taking my check-in this morning. Although I have been a ham since August 2023, I am new to HF, mainly due to lack of access to a workable HF antenna. As you can see from my QRZ page, I live most of the time in Scottsdale, Arizona. My place in Arizona is a town house condo with restrictive HOA rules. I don’t have a good solution for a workable HF antenna at that location yet. When I am in Canada, I live in Vaughan, Ontario. Here I have a bit more flexibility. I have had some luck setting up a long wire (43′) antenna. However, since my place in Vaughan is currently undergoing renovation, I am staying at an Airbnb in Aurora. I was able to string up a long wire antenna in Aurora, but I could only have it about 12′ off the ground. The antenna works OK for 20m and 10m, but I couldn’t get the VSWR down to an acceptable level in 40m despite using the FC-40 automatic antenna tuner with my FT-991A. I was pleasantly surprised that I could get out at all. I will continue to try to check-in while I am here in Aurora. However, past the end of this month, I won’t be able to check in again unless I can find a good enough antenna to use in Arizona. Best regards, Robert VE3OAA (K7TSK)

From Rich VE3YW: November 4, 2024

DX has been quite good on 10 and 20 of late. Burkino Faso XT2MD has been active with big pile ups. I managed to work them  of SSB on 20 and CW on 10. Also Madagascar and Reunion Island were active on 10 this morning on CW so I snagged them too. CW is great as it is easier to work the DX on that mode. If they are “split” 5-10 uop I always go on 5 OR 10 never in the middle as being on the edge is easier to be heard than being in the middle. One of these days I will write a few words about “How to break the pile ups” (Ed. Note: yes 10 has been great worked VK9CV on 10. Also 6M has been open each day)

From Stray W8SCS: November 2, 2024

Made my first ever bug QSO today with VE3BRL without too many mistakes lol. It is approximately a 1973 Vibroplex Champion Bug based on their S/N historical data at Vibroplex’s site. Found it on eBay for $105 from a Ham in Minnesota. In the pics I’ve used a small binder clip w/ a Sierra MatchKing .308 caliber 180gr bullet to slow the dits down to about 18-20wpm lol (see pic in ScrapBook go to CANAM Net Info and then CANAM Net Scrapbook)

From Doug VE3DVC: October 26, 2024

Thanks Dick, K2KA:       Thanks for posting that info. (on the main page under CANAM Net News “the highest number of check ins”) It shows the level of involvement in our net and Ham Radio in general. Great Job on the Website.

From Don VE3KII: October 26, 2024

Thanks Doug for the summary of 60 Plus counts. For those who are interested in some trivial information, I checked my records back to 2003. On August 13,  2013, Bob, K8LJ was filling in as Net Control for Marty, WB9TNQ. The results for that day: Count 65 and time 97 minutes. The Solar Figures were 129. A=9 K=1.00 and sunspot count 124. The previous solar cycle had not reached it peak yet. The solar activity was no where Near what we are seeing during this cycle. We had just started cw operations on February 12, 2013, so most of the check-ins for K8LJ’s record were ssb. Looks like K8LJ still holds the highest check-in record.   Also interesting is the daily count average for 2013 years ago was about 38 per day. (Ed. Note: In my eyes Rob N8BEG has the highest check in total in current day SSB/CW format)

From Doug VE3GVW: October 23, 2024

Doug here VE3GVW. I’m going to be on the air again soon. The control box for my magnetic loop is being replaced with a wireless version. no more cable from the shack except for the feedline. Ill be using my Iphone or Ipad to tune the Magloop Antenna. Should be on in a few weeks, don’t forget me I’ll be back

From Mike WB2FIE: October 22, 2024

Glad to see that you had a tremendous visit with your  family. I have not been on the NET for over 2 weeks. Everyone is one Sick Puppy. We are all Heart Patients so we cannot take most Meds to cure it. Hopefully I will be back in a while..I have missed the NET for about 15 days. God Bless (ed. note) Mike thoughts and prayers your way. Please get better and come on the net we miss you!)

From Ken VE3KRX: October 22, 2024

SB200 arrived last night. Will set it up on Wednesday afternoon and get some training. Interesting about your son in law, our grandson is on an apprenticeship with Equinox Gold mine in Geraldton as heavy equipment technician. They no longer call them mechanics. Too technical these days! Hi ((ed. note) will be great to hear you Ken 3 -5 s units louder special thanks to Jim WB2TJO, Justin KG2RG, and all others who helped get the amp to Ken) I  am in Thunder Bay today and tomorrow.

From Dick K2KA: October 21, 2024

Just back from my trip to Prescott AZ to visit my daughter. Weather was great. We actually had snow on the 18^th in Prescott! But it warmed up that day. We did a lot of visiting with my daughter and her Corgi. We rented a house in Prescott https://nexaerorental.com/property/rosser-house/ it was same price when all totaled to a hotel but had 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and enclosed back yard with fire pit. Was awesome. We visited with my daughters husband when he could. Her husband works nights at a mine in Baghdad AZ. He’s not a miner rather a heavy equipment operator / supervisor. They are digging a trench to remove copper from the mine via water. They are removing millions of yards of sand each day. The operation runs 24 hrs 7 days a week. We toured Prescott and of course Whiskey Row.

From Eugene VE3SSR: October 11, 2024

I’ve spent this week in Texas having no chance to participate CanAm net due to time constrains. Will be NET active from tomorrow till Tuesday, next week. After that I will be  traveling back to my office in Denton, TX. When I travel I have my mobile setup: FT-891, Diamond SD-330 and MFJ-336 strong magnetic mount in the roof of my rental car. With this setup I’ve received a lot of 59s on NATA and OMISS evening nets and plenty of DX stations.

From Mike WB2FIE: October 6, 2024

No Aurora here..It was Thunder Storming & Lightniing Til aout 10 Pm then Cloudy. Have a Great week. WB2TJO must have had one Heck of a time with the Storm coming thru his place !!!!

From Dave K8VOK: October 6, 2024

After the last few years of floods in my area I was thinking of setting up a low pwr FM or AM station for my area. If you know anyone with some info on this send them my way. Seems I read somewhere it is ok as long as i keep the pwr down.

From Don VE3KII: October 6, 2024

Thanks for the October 6, 2024 Check-in and 1^st. time files. Your Aurora photo is nice. Unfortunately, we have to much light pollution, so did not see anything. Right now we are having a small electrical storm,. Lots of lightning and thunder and a bit of rain.

From Eugene VE3SSR: October 6, 2024

Thanks for the e-mail. I had not seen aurora, but enjoying overwhelming opening on 12 and 10m bands. Next week I am in Texas and most possibly will be unable to participate the net. Usually I am busy during net hours and my mobile setup is not powerful enough to reach the net from Texas. Will try anyway.

From CJ KD2TZX: October 2, 2024

Referring to CJ’s Sep. 28 comment, wife and a crew of friends wanted to do big trip for the people turning 50, so that was Punta Cana. Now the NJ Devils are already in Prague to open the season and my oldest said he was going.  He got there Sunday. So now tomorrow I will fly there to meet him and watch the games. (ed. Note CJ is now a world traveler.)

From Aldo VA3AG: October 1, 2024

The IPO in the FT-991A does not work and also ATT does not work The 991A is on it’s way to Yaesu to be repaired.
There is a resistor at the front end rated for a 1/10th of a watt that blows when there are other transmitters near by, the 991a does not have to be on for this to happen all that it needs is for an antenna to be connected to it. It is covered under the warranty so no problem.

From Jim WB2TJO: October 1, 2024

We, as NCS and Loggers, always wonder how we are doing and looking for advice to do a better job.  As far as early hand offs from the TC Net, I always monitor their net at least 1/2 hour before scheduled hand off.  I get a sense of band conditions and number of check ins.  If check in numbers appear low, I anticipate an early hand off and open up Netlogger for our net a bit early.  We have to just “go with the flow”.  (ed. Note: Thanks Jim for your wisdom)

From Don VE3KII: September 29, 2024

Good to hear that you (K2KA) have a cooperative power company and your noise problem is gone. Not sure if it is a sign of the season but a huge wild turkey walked down our street yesterday. Just like he was out for an afternoon stroll.   Thanks for the September 28 2024 updated files.   Beautiful day here at 72 F. Thoughts and prayers go out to all those h who have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. It will be a long time before things get back to some semblance of normal.

From Rick WN3T: September 28, 2024

The rain gauge on my Acurite weather station died, after working flawlessly for about 8 years, so I just went ahead and ordered a new weather station (same model) from Walmart, received the new one yesterday and got it up and running with no issues. Hopefully the new one will last at least 8 years or more!

From CJ KD2TZX: September 28, 2024

CJ is down in the Dominican Republic enjoying the heat and humidity. See his picture “here”

From Dick K2KA: September 28, 2024

Well my (K2KA) S9 QRN is gone. I had this noise for a couple months. I sent an email to the local electric company and they came out and fixed it. The bands have been pretty good lately. I worked 7Q Malawi and E6 Niue on 10M yesterday. Starting to do the fall projects getting ready for winter. Today will be sealing the deck attached to my screened in three season porch. November is a busy DXpedition month. Go to http://dx-world.net  click on the Featured DXpeditions Timeline. I print this out and keep it with what bands I need them on. Really helps. Lately constantly searching for new band countries. 6M has been pretty dead here. The F2 openings have not made it here. Has anyone worked anything interesting on 6 these days?

From Dick K2KA: September 24, 2024

Sad news from Greg AA2SX. He lost his dog. Had Cushings and needed to be put down. Thoughts and condolences to Greg and family. We get so attached to animals and they don’t live long enough. Lost many horses and 2 dogs here. Still miss them.

From Dave VA3CP: September 22, 2024

Not much happening here other than I have  my leg surgery date of October 11 when they are going to remove the hardware in my right leg, clean up whatever is  preventing the two parts of the tibia from knitting back together then reassemble everything.  It will be three years this coming February when I broke the tibia and fibula in my right leg on some black ice a few blocks from home.  (Ed. Note we all wish you the best of luck and prayers your way for a 100% fix and speedy recovery.)

From Jim WB2TJO: September 22, 2024

Dick-received your email just fine.  Thanks for all the info.  My health insurance is not on Groupers list but I sent them information like you did.  We’ll see what happens! (Ed. Note I actually did get on the site and my Aetna plan is covered. I have the Aetna Medicare  Advantage Plan. K2KA.)

From Ken VE3KRX: September 22, 2024

You will be happy to know I am buying an SB200 from Justin KG2RG, Jim WB2TJO is helping coordinate the purchase. Thanks Justin and Jim.

From Ron VE3FMW: September 22, 2024

Ron was nominated the spotlight member for this week. He says thanks dick and all who checkin to the canam net …   as the doctor ordered … “always start your day with a dose of cw!”

From Rick WN3T and Dick K2KA: September 22, 2024

FYI, We never heard of Grouper association with the ARRL, but we just signed up and it accepted us. Rick has AARP United Health Care Supplemental Medicare insurance. Dick also signed up and has Aetna Medicare Advantage. We hope we get $50 and the $20 every three months for our involvement in the CANAM Net. Check it out: Click Here

From Rick WN3T: September 17, 2024

Rich VE3YW will be in Cornwall UK for 2 weeks using his callsign G0TZD keep an ear out for him on the HF bands.

From CJ KD2TZX: September 16, 2024

Spent some time down in Wildwood, NJ at the Firefighters Convention.

From Dick K2KA: Sunday September 15, 2024

I have been working the ARRL VHF/UHF Contest Sep 14 and 15. It End’s at 0259z Monday.  Yesterday I worked  a bunch of 2M including 7 states. 1 contact on 70cm. It’s fun to operate these bands that I do not regularly frequent. Hoping for some ES openings on 6. Worked 7 states as well on 6. No ES opening tho. Yesterday on 6 worked as far south as PA. On 2 and 70cm I am using the FT991A with 10el yagi on 2 and 20 element yagi on 70 cm both atop the house at 30 feet. On 6 meters the radio is a IC-7610 and ACOM 700s amp. I have a 7 element yagi on a 30 foot boom at 40 feet atop my barn. This antenna runs super well. Final number 50 Q’s and 24 multipliers (different grid squares).

From Dick K2KA: Tuesday September 10, 2024

Was supposed to take a CT River Cruise to see swallows on Saturday. Second year in a row it was cancelled because of weather A front came though just at the time the cruise would start!! Click this >> https://ctriverquest.com/portfolio/swallow/ .Fortunately we had alternate plans to tour Niantic CT, cozy little sea town. Maybe next year. It’s so popular you have to book a year in advance!! Third time’s a charm?

From Pat VE3HZQ: Tuesday September 10, 2024

Radio amateurs of canada had a 2 day aux com course over the weekend in Azilda close by Sudbury it covered quite a bit of emergency procedures  etc

From Rob N8BEG: Wednesday August 24, 2024

Lately, been working on finishing my Family Tree. It’s a project that has spanned 25 years. I am printing and Packaging it for release to my Family. Once that’s out of the way, its back to the HF Receiver project that I have on Breadboard. It is based upon a si5351 RF Generator module and an Arduino NANO. This, along with a 128×64 Digital display, drives a NE602 mixer/RF Amp and LM386 Audio amp. Tuning is accomplished thru the NANO and an Optical Encoder. Going to be an ultra portable multi band Direct Conversion Rec’vr that I can use to monitor CW at night. Great to fall asleep to ! 73 all…..Rob N8BEG

From Rick WN3T: Sunday August 18, 2024

I worked Jarvis Island N5J on 17cw, 20ssb, and 30cw. 30 meters was the most challenging since I ran only 100w and I don’t have the greatest antenna for 30.

From Rich VE3YW: Sunday August 11, 2024

I am enjoying the DX as usual. Managed to get YI5THA in Basra Iraq the other day on SSB and have it confirmed. The 9K’s out of Kuwait have been strong on 20 meters of late in the evenings as well as the HZ’s in Saudi Arabia. Still waiting for openings again. Band is poor tonight with the A index at 28 again, must be another flare.

From Ken VE3KRX: Sunday August 11, 2024

I am at camp, arrived today after waiting 2 days of heavy rain.

My setup at home is 1 antenna and at camp 1 alpha delta and 1 hi gain vertical.

Deborah and I went fishing this afternoon and limited out with Walleye. She caught the most and biggest!

That’s my story today

From John VA3OW: Sunday August 11, 2024

New 40m delta loop was well worth hooking up here.
I’m feeding it with approx 40ft of ladder line -450 ohm stuff and a homebrew 4 to 1 current balun then into the radio room with rg11a coax approx 25 ft.
The tip of the triangle is at 40 ft and the base is 15ft.
Feed point is halfway on one side.
The loop slopes at 45deg to the West.