Wild Rose Network - Calgary, Alberta - Canada

Please update your browser to the new web page by clicking here.
This page will no longer be updated and will eventually be removed.

=============================================

----> Wildrose Network Group <---

Oct.28.13 - Wildrose Swap-N-Shop / FoR the Latest Updates Click Here / Favourite LiNks

Calgary 900 Megs VA6TWO 927.0125 -25 Megs PL 131.8 - Long Range 100 watts
Calgary D-Star VE6WRN 146.805(-1.2Mhz) 444.925+ 1287.500(-20Mhz) VE6WRN
Banff D-Star VE6WRO 147.030+ Hailstone Butte D-Star VE6WRT 147.390+

Hub repeater near Spray Lakes 444.7875+ L Hailstone Butte 224.940- L (see note below)
Banff VE6BNF 146.670- L (PL 131.8) / /   Lake Louise VE6BNP 146.880- L
Kootenay VE7KNP 146.700- L (PL 131.8) / Radium-Cranbrook VE7PNR 146.880- L (PL 131.8)
Nester Mtn.(Near Canmore) 147.030- L (PL 131.8) Back online Aug 16/13
Near Cochrane VE6RPT 146.940- (PL 131.8) 444.900+ (PL 218.1)
For a PDF file of all the repeaters click here.
DSTAR INFO ON: VE6WRN   VE6WRO   VE6WRT - more gateways

DStar Administrator for VE6WRN: email Dale VE6CPK     For VE6WRO: email Mike VE6AMC
EST. 1990 ©

CARDS - Calgary Amateur Radio D-Star System
D-Star (CARDS) / Wildrose Network Application Form - (PDF File)

If your registering for the first time with the Wildrose Network Group either at VE6WRN or VE6WRO please send Dale VE6CPK an email for VE6WRN or Mike VE6AMC an email for VE6WRO so that we can approve your access to the Gateway sooner rather than later. Once approved (an email will be sent back to you) please return to finalize your settings. Then you should be good to go in a couple of hours. Enjoy!!   Note: If you have registered elseware do not register a second time as this will cause you problems, you only need to register once.

--> To Register or Log in for VE6WRN click here <--          --> To Register or Log in for VE6WRO click here <--

After registering remember to go back in and set up at-least one terminal.
Here is a link that will help you do that. You can also check out our example here.
Here is another alternate Registration Help file from Australia
No excuse now, however if you still need some help please email me at: Dale VE6CPK

D-Star Explained - DStar Search - To learn more about D-STAR
Setting up DPRS on your Icom DStar Radios
DV Dongle - DVAP Dongle - Index of Tools
Northern Alberta Radio Club - D-Star - VA7ICM - PAPAsys - San Diego
A list of D-Star Nets - DStar INFO - Your Source - DStar in Japan
Need to check your Call or someone elses on the DStar Trust Server?   Another Alternative
N0SO Ham Radio WebSite (D-Rats)

Calgary SUNSET & RISE Times
Current Position of the SUN - World Time - Full

The Wildrose Network host the following nets on VE6WRN weekly, they are:
Philadelphia Digital Net - Monday 18:15 MST/MDT - Module B
The Alberta D-Star Info Net - Monday - 20:00 MST/MDT - Module C (Linked to VE6KM)
Canadian D-Star Net - Friday - 19:00 MST/MDT - Module C (Xrf 021B) - Discontinued on Ref 016B - click here for updated info

Also the following nets may be heard:
San Diego D-Star Tech Net - Tuesday - 21:00 MST/MDT - Module C
Ozark Mountain D-Star Net - Sunday - 19:00 MST/MDT - Module C

If you would like to help support us with the D-Star project please click here.

Farsy

Coffee

Current WRNG Rpt. List & registered Gateway Users (PDF)

Aug/13
DVAP Freq. List

Dec/11 X-Band Freq. List

Nov/11
WRNG of Supporters

Aug/13 WRN Support Page - Password Required

Amatuer Radio Newsline

Updates

Oct.23.13 A few quick notes, VE6WRT 220 repeater on Hailstone Butte has been put into winter mode. As you will recall last winter the repeater was producing a howlling sound when keyed which echoed through the network. Temperature had to be just below the freezing mark for this to occurr. Much of the winter at that altitude is below freezing so we decided this year to put the repeater into safe mode. This had to be done before it did get cold. You will hear it but will not be able to key it. We were planning to do something about it this summer but with the roads all washed out in the area it never happened. Maybe next year.

The DStar repeater package in Banff has been removed. The ongoing cost was getting a bit much for us so it was decided to have it removed. Not sure at this time what the future plans are for this package. The local Banff FM repeater VE6BNF will continue to run for now and can be worked in Calgary via VE6AMP. The Park repeaters all continue to work well, voltages at mountain sites are good.

Dstar in Calgary will continue to work at this time although at some point we do have plans to re-install the Icom gateway software along with Dplus. With all the issues we had with FreeStar we have decided not to install it at this time.

I'm also working on a new web page for the Wildrose Network. It should be implemented shortly. Once I feel comfortable with the web page I will put up the new link to it here as this page will probably disappear.

Also Walter Isaacson VA7ANI passed away late last night (Tuesday Oct 21/13) formerly VE6ANI. Walter did a lot for the ham community here in the Calgary area and worked on many projects with the Wildrose Group in Calgary. Walter retired a few years back and then moved to Nanaimo BC with family. I'm sure he will be missed by all hams.

Any comments I liked to hear from you. You can email me: VE6CPK
Sep.12.13 We recently have had some issues with the DStar Registry Page and Dashboard on both VE6WRN and VE6WRO. VE6WRN is now working but there is still a bug that needs to be sorted out. Will keep and eye on this and wait for a software update. The big guys have been informed. Thanks to Eric VE3EI for his help on this.
Sep.11.13 Dennis VE6BGZ was able to work VE6AMP from Calgary to Bowden, a minor dropout to Innisfail then good to Antler Ridge. Beyond is hit and miss. The repeater is running about 5 watts at an altitude of 10,300 feet. Antler Ridge to the repeater is 160 km.
Sep.05.13 Please note that with the new installation of our 900 meg repeater (VA6TWO co-existing with VE6WRN DStar repeaters) we have removed the 1200 Digital Data module at VE6WRN. To our knowledge it was not being used and with our group implementing the 900 repeater the space was required. The DStar VHF, UHF, and 23cm voice modules continue to operate as normal. For more information on our 900 repeater and 900 in general please click here.
Aug.16.13 VE6AMP is now back up and running although at a different site however we believe the coverage will be similar to what it was at Barrier Mtn (maybe not as far north as before) but coverage should drastically improve in other areas especially in Calgary, Canmore, Banff, maybe even Lake Louise. K-country and Spray Lakes should also enjoy solid coverage. This site is just over 10,300 feet and is located in a really good location giving RF coverage to many areas. We thought we had it good with Barrier but this site will even be better. VE6AMP is still linked into the park repeaters and 220 on Hailstone Butte. We really have to thank Mike VE6AMC for acquiring this site and putting the package together. Probably the highest and longest range and most covered usable area possible by any one repeater. Lets hope mother nature will take a liking to what we have done. Enjoy!!!
Aug.12.13 Just an update for VE6WRT repeater site on Hailstone Butte. The DStar package has been down since July 21. We have reason to believe it is a minor issue as the 220 repeater and link are still functional. Due to flooding in the area this year we have not been able to make it to the site. We hope to before the snow begins to fly. Watch here for further details.
July.19.13 The DStar gateway at VE6WRN is back online. All modules are working. Thanks to Mike VE6AMC and Dale VE6CPK for getting the package back up and running.
July.07.13 The DStar gateway at VE6WRN is currently offline. At this time were thinking that we have a computer failure. Until we get to the site the gateway looks to be down for now. Watch here for details. You can check the gateway status by clicking here. Local and cross-band use continue to work as normal.
July.01.13 Mike VE6AMC and Dale VE6CPK were up at Barrier Mtn today where the VE6AMP repeater had been acting strangely over the past couple of weeks. It looks like the controller and repeater had been taking on water from recent rainfall. The package has been pulled and will require closer look to determine the overall damage. VE6AMP has been running at Barrier Mtn for almost two years now and has shown to be one of Canada's highest and longest range repeater. However the cost to maintain this repeater at this site is high and with very little support / donations, it may not return. You can check here for further details as we learn more. If you would like to make any comments we would like to hear from you. You can send an email to Dale VE6CPK.
May.12.13 VA6TRE in Banff (224.96 Rpt) has been taken down. Plans are to relocate it so watch here for details.
May.03.13 Here is an interesting article about the Boston bombing and Amateur Radio.

Boston Marathon 2013 – Bombs, Carnage and Amateur Radio Operators

Posted on April 17, 2013

by: Tim Carter, W3ATB
Apr.28.13 For those of you using your DVAP with the raspberry pi please take note...There has been a recall. If you have the following Raspberry Pi you should take it back to where you bought it and either get a refund or have it replaced with a new one. My preference would be to have a new one. Take a look here, this may help you make a better decision. Rasberry Pi #1
Apr.02.13 Just to let everyone that Pierre VE6PTE has been working on the DStar Remote Gateway to VE6WRT on Hailstone Butte and now has it up and running. For now I believe that VE6WRT is linked to XRF21B full time. You can check the LastHeard list on VE6WRT here or check the status of XRF021 here. Watch here for further updates.
Jan.15.13 This item looks interesting from Icom. Although it does not work on any amateur radios it is interesting, who knows may it will work on amateur radio in the future. Have a look here. More info here and here.
Jan.14.13 There has been enough battery recovery at Hailstone to bring the DStar repeater VE6WRT back online. Enjoy!!!
Jan.13.13 Are we getting closer to a release date. Check it out here.
Jan.09.13 The Support page has a new look and there are a number of users that have expired. Please check it out and help us keep the system up and running. You can check your status here.
Dec.29.12 There has been an announcement in the Canada Gazette as to changes in the Contraventions regulations concerning the enforcement of the Radio Communication Regulations. These changes will allow peace officers including Municipal, Provincial and RCMP police officers to issue tickets for certain offences under the Radio Communication Regulations. The changes may be seen at:

http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-11-21/html/sor-dors236-eng.html

Thanks to Dennis VE6BGZ for bringing this to our attention.
Dec.24.12 Not to much to report this year. It was mostly a year of maintenance and some fine tuning. We did take a couple of lightning strikes but with all the protection we implemented at the sites these strike produced minimal damage and repair was quick. I can't say the same for some of the commercial equipment at these sites. Maybe they will take a few lessons from us. All repeaters and links are functioning well. VE6AMP repeater (west of Sundre) seems to be our pride and joy with having tremendous coverage although VE7PNR (near Radium) probably is a close second as this one covers from north of Golden to south of Cranbrook and many points along the Kootenay valley and with these two repeaters being linked (along with others) there is a lot of territory being covered. Next year will probably be similar but we may have plans to bring another repeater on line, again with great coverage. Stay tune for possible updates on this. We are also supporting 3 different locations of DStar repeaters (Calgary, Banff, Hailstone Mtn) and all are working well and gatwayed (is that a word?). If you have any comments, ideas or just want to let us know something you can email Dale VE6CPK.

I liked to thanks all those that have helped and supported us along the way and we look forward to another year of great fun and communications. A special thanks goes to Mike VE6AMC for making this all happen.

On behalf of the Wildrose Network Group I like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (Happy Holidays) and the best to you all in the new year. And above all stay safe and stay radio active. 73...from VE6CPK
Dec.21.12 Yaesu has announced a new radio called the FTM-400DR. Apparently this radio has video in which can be used to display a mobile cam unit or any video source on its display. For more info you can check it out at Universal Radio.
Nov.24.12 Recently I heard about a new APRS software called APRSISCE/32 and looked like a good replacement for the well know UIView32 that I and others have used for many years, unfortunately the author died and the program never developed any further. I have not tried this program yet but you can check out the link to it and decide for yourself. Andrew VE6EN pointed me in this direction about this software so he may be a person to query on its use.
Sep.02.12 Now this is exciting!!! A new DStar handheld from Icom ID-51A/E (Pre-release Brochure) (Tokyo Announcement). Also check here at Universal Radio. This radio is the same as the well know Icom ID-31 but now includes VHF. Where is the 1200 version? There is also a new Icom IC-7100 (Pre-release Brochure) (Tokyo Announcement) with DStar built in. It also has a touch screen. You can also check Universal Radio. (Sep12) This radio is now showing up on the Icom US web site.

For more News and info for 2013 please click here.
For more News and info for 2012 please click here.
For more News and Info for 2011 please click here.
For more News and Info for 2010 please click here.
For more News and Info for 2009 please click here.
For more News and Info for 2008 and earlier please click here.

Coax/Ant Calc || RAC | Callsign DB | RADIOWORLD | ICOM CANADA - USA - ICOM DSTAR | HAMRAD OUTLET |
NASA | ISS | LOCAL PASSES | 2L-KEPS | WWV | APRSISCE 32/64 |

Solar Ham.com - Cycle 24

Latest Solar Radio Flux Report from DRAO,
- Penticton

Space Weather - A look at what goes on in space.

Free Star - VA3UV | XRF021 - (2) | IRCDDB (Live)

DStar Info - All your DStar requirements Open DV
Newark Canada - All kinds of electronic components including the Raspberry Pi
Creatron Inc - Canadian site for the Raspberry Pi and other components
Advanced Repeater System - Amateur Radio Repeater Systems

Dutch-Star - DStar for the Rest of Us!!!
Dutch Star Software Page
DvWin Node Help

DVAP and Pi - Article on how to...

Node Adapter from Asia - Satoshi

DVRPTR - GMSK

Open DV Software

Matrix Circuits

Matrix Circuits - GMSK board for DStar

Tracker Support Page

Tracker 3 Info
Tracker3 Wiki
Tracker OTM3 Manual
Tracker OTM2 Manual

   RT Systems - Radio Programming Software

Tarheel HF Antennas - For Amateur Radio
       Alinco Home Page
        409shop - All kinds of Radio Stuff

Spot - Live to tell about it!!!

Coffee - Come and join us for coffee, learn and have some fun!!!
Swap-N-Shop - Wildrose Network Swap-N-Shop Page
History - A little history of the Wild Rose Network. May03/08

Go Sky/Sat Watch - App for the IPhone/Ipad
The Night Sky Guy - Info on the Night Sky by the Guy
eHam - Interesting Site...I encourage you to take a look.
UI-View Forever - Here you find mirrors of Roger's original UI-View and Winpack sites

WWV - Check the time on your computer.

Planatarium - An excellent program for the palmpilot's for observing the skies.

Pocket Sat - An excellent program for the palmpilot's for tracking satellites.

GPS Central - Excellent source for Garmin GPS receivers and associated products. Located in Calgary.

NASA's Homepage

Wildrose Network theme song...
DStar CrossBand - How to... - A article by Dale VE6CPK on how to crossband using a Icom 2820 and a DStar Handheld
- also how to crossband using your DVAP via the Icom 2820
Confidential and Secret documents (click to view)
Canadian Callsign DataBase Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Services

Since Aug.15.09