AllStar is a full-mesh networking system and is the primary network used by The Canada Hub. More info at https://www.allstarlink.org/
We also use IRLP, EchoLink, and HamShack Hotline:
IRLP is a popular global network developed by Dave Cameron, VE7LTD. More info at: www.irlp.net
Info on EchoLink: http://echolink.org/
Info on Hamshack Hotline: https://hamshackhotline.com/
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Networks frequently connected to us for nets include:
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Other than your local repeater, there are micronodes and computer/phone clients you can use to get on the network. Some are listed below:
Shari Node VHF/UHF micronode (great value for money) for AllStar access: https://hamprojects.info/shari/
A beautifully designed micronode is the ClearNode: https://www.node-ventures.com/
The G7RPG UHF micronode for AllStar access: https://www.hubnetwork.uk/index.php/more/g7rpg-microhub
Popular phone clients include DroidStar, DV Switch, and EchoLink along with many SIP clients for HamShack Hotline access.
Laptop clients include iaxrpt for PC’s (contact VE7NZ at rac dot ca for more info) and Transceive for Macs, see: https://transceive.app/
For repeater builders out there, we have used and recommend products from Kevin W3KKC: http://www.masterscommunications.com/ (EXCELLENT customer support too!). Added to a raspberry Pi, they can be used to interface to AllStar and EchoLink or can even be used as a full featured repeater controller.
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The most unusual amateur radio club in North America might just be our own North Fraser Amateur Radio Club (NFARC). Based in the suburbs of Vancouver, but with executive members across Canada, often randomly appointed without their knowledge. The cost is zero dollars per year. No rules, no meetings, no politics. The only requirement of membership is that you operate your radio and have an interest doing things. Anything. Get on the air! See www.ve7nfr.com more details. If you live in the Vancouver area, you will find many interesting repeaters that the club runs which are connected to the BC Hub, which is usually connected to The Canada Hub (we operate on 5.9 GHz, 1.2 GHz, 900 MHz, 440 MHz, 220 MHz and modes including narrow-band FM, P25, DMR, D-STAR, and NXDN). See www.ve7nfr.com/repeaters for the latest list. Check out http://www.ve7nfr.com/thedipole.html for important news and happenings in the world of Amateur Radio.
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For the most reliable source of Amateur Radio News, please visit www.thedipole.com
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Please also consider joining the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC). They look after the interests of Canadian Amateurs from antenna challenges, to distracted driving laws, to spectrum defense and licensing. RAC has also been most helpful in promoting our activities to the Amateur Community through newsletters and The Canadian Amateur (TCA) magazine: www.rac.ca
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At a recent edition of the Trans-Canada Net, we asked people if they knew of any interesting, perhaps lesser-known websites for ham related topics. These were the responses:
https://www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html
https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/
https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/
https://www.jotajoti.info/jota
Never heard of Canada? More info at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada
Canada is in the Northern and Western hemispheres of Earth. See map to right. To find info on Earth, we recommend Google Earth, or whatever your planet prescribes, probably Google 🙂