Don't miss The Splatter
ARES

Our club members are active in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, a North-America-wide organization devoted to disaster relief support.

Members train to work with municipal & regional officials & front-line emergency service providers. They ready themselves to provide backup support and communication systems in the event of a major disaster.

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Foxhunting

No, we don’t hunt foxes!

Foxhunting is a popular game in which the players use wits and radio equipment to find a transmitter (the "fox") hidden somewhere in York Region.

Come and join one of our games! We'll help you learn what to do, and even lend you equipment to do it.

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Club Projects

Each year our club undertakes a number of radio-related kit-building projects. They are usually small kits which can be completed in one or two evenings.

The projects are usually designed to teach a little about radio, and produce a useful device or equipment part when completed.

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Field Day

In June of each year, radio clubs across North America participate in Field Day, a competition demonstrating our abilities to quickly set up radio stations outdoors and communicate non-stop across the continent for 24 hours.

Our club usually scores very well, and we welcome visitors to observe or participate at this interesting event.

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Community Service

YRARC offers free help to major community events throughout York Region.

Our members volunteer their time to give communications support, act as traffic and safety marshalls, and assist with the planning and ground organization of community parades & major charity events in York Region.

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Our Hamfest

In October of each year, our club sponsors one of the largest hamfests in Canada. (A "hamfest" is a flea market for radio, electronics, and computer equipment.)

Our hamfest also features interesting presentations, license exams, prizes, and a big social area. Visitors are welcome.

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Training Courses

The amateur radio hobby includes many technologies and skills, from basic radio systems through satellite and internet communications and into emerging technologies.

Our club periodically offers training for basic licensing, as well as more advanced courses covering other aspects of the hobby. We welcome newcomers, and old hams looking to upgrade.

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Activities

Our Hamfest

Saturday, November 6th, 2010

Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd @ Elgin Mills Rd

Doors open to the public @ 9:00am

Admission $7 at the door

Indoor ticket booth - no freezing while waiting in line.

Free coffee!

Our club hosts the largest hamfest in Canada each year.

(A "hamfest" is a flea market for radio, electronics, and computer equipment.)

At ours, over 200 vendors set up tables and displays. They range from well-known retailers and manufacturers to individual hams selling their own used equipment.

About a thousand people - hams and non-hams - pass through the aisles looking for bargains or hard-to-find items. They also pause to take in presentations, or write license exams, or socialize with people from all over Ontario and New York State.

The attractions include great door prizes and chances to win high-value gift certificates from sponsoring vendors, as well as a refreshment area offering relaxation and food (including the best butter tarts in Ontario!)

YRARC Hamfest

Our hamfest site is conveniently located at the Markham Fairgrounds, just minutes north of Toronto. The address is 10801 McCowan Road, at the northeast corner of Elgin Mills Road and McCowan (north of Major MacKenzie Drive and south of Stouffville Road) in Markham. Click here for map

Talk-in is on the VE3YRA repeater (145.350-)

For information about being a vendor at our hamfest, please see our Vendor Information Package.

For more information, come out to one of our meetings or contact us via our Contact Us page. Vendors with questions / requests after reviewing our Vendor Information Package can write to hamfest at yrarc dot com.