VA7RA

Roland

Following high school, my first trade qualification was as an Industrial Electrician. I worked under the Atlantic ocean servicing the coal mining industry in Nova Scotia. Also during that time I completed the Radio/TV repair course from National Radio Institute. (1959-61)

I joined the Canadian Army Regular (Armoured Division) Royal Canadian Dragoons as a Radio Operator in the Centurion MK IV tanks. (1961-64)

I received my 'Certificate of Proficiency in Radio' (Amateur, 10 wpm) in 1965 and issued the call VE1APB. One year later I passed the Advanced requirements including 15 wpm CW. This all led to my employment as a Broadcast Technician with CBC Radio Fredericton NB 1966-76

I accepted the gift of God's grace and in faith received Jesus Christ as my Lord & Saviour in 1970. I entered Theological Studies in 1977 and was ordained to the Christian ministry on April 27, 1982. In 1989 we moved to Vancouver BC to join our daughter & two sons where I officiated at our eldest sons wedding. Retaining the VE1APB, I picked up the call VE7PDX for BC (now used primarily for mobile operation) In 2014 I picked up VA7RA.  In Canada, you are permitted to hold more than one call at a time. The 'shack' is no longer shared with my xyl of 60 years, Roylene passed into the presence of her Lord & Saviour on Dec. 2- 2022.

I can be found on the following Nets almost daily :

-The ARMS (Amateur Radio Missionary Service) Net on 14.307.5,1500-1700 UTC. (Canadian Director)

-The RV Service Net on 7.272, 1700 -1800 UTC.

-The Noon Time Net on 7.283.5,  Early check-ins 1700-1900, Actual net 1800-2200 UTC.

-The Aurora Net on 7.100, 2300 - 0000 UTC (US welcome on CW) 

-The BCPS net (British Columbia Public Service) net, on 3.729, 0130 -0230 UTC. (NCS on Wed's) Remote control of VE7SCC Coguitlam Club and stream live on uTube @ BCPSN & the date, or operate live from the club.

My station is very basic, an FT-1000MP MARK-V Field driving an SG-500 Smart Power Cube through a Drake MN-2000 Matching Network,  To a Hustler 6-BTV, all band vertical mounted to a chain link fence.

TheYaseu FT-897 as backup and for Digital Modes.

I am all band/all mode mobile, with the FT-857D to a Hi-Q on the trailer hitch and a Diamond Tri-Band V/U.

Updated 4 January 2024