Excitement builds as we move towards September and what will be a first for amateur radio in the Shuswap in terms a very, very Special Event— a DXpedition on Copper Island.

Following is the information submitted to the ARRL’s publication QST and the Radio Amateurs of Canada’s magazine The Canadian Amateur [September-October edition] as well as being posted on the RAC Online Event Database.

The event has been spearheaded by club President Robin Hickman VE7HMN who came up with the idea and who did all the groundwork in terms of securing permission to operate on the island, frequencies and other particulars:

Copper Island CISA Activation. Shuswap Amateur Radio Club

Event Start Date: 2013 September 21.  1700Z

Event End Date 2013 September 22.   1700Z.

Closest Town: Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

Talk-in frequency: in Salmon Arm 146.760-600 or Adams 147.140 + 600

Contact Frequencies: 14.210, 14.110, 7.210, 3.810.

QSL Ron Essex c/o Shuswap Amateur Radio Club, P.O. Box 2613, Salmon Arm, B.C. V1E4R5

Grid Square DO00HV

Copper Island Activation Station Call Sign will be VE7RC

This is the first activation of the only island in Shuswap Lake, British Columbia.

Shuswap Lake covers an area of 120 square miles and has a maximum depth of 530 feet.

This activation will qualify for the Canadian Islands Awards Program (CISA).

Email info: rle73@telus.net

Web page: http://www.sarc.ca/blog

Entered by: Ron Essex VE7RLE / VE7RC Club Secretary

Further planning will take place at the Executive meeting on 5 September and at the Regular Club Meeting on 12 September at 1900 hours in the Piccadilly Mall Board Room.

Amateurs throughout the Columbia-Shuswap and the Okanagan are invited to help operate two stations during this 24-hour period.

Further details will be posted to this blog as they are confirmed.