There was a minor inconsistency in the previous version (03a) of this guide. That problem has been corrected in this version. My apologies for any inconvenience.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1felS0It4HC59E4Gc5Yx2jdjz7Mwg9oCJ/view?usp=sharing

Here is a link to the Radio Configuration and Operation Guide for the 2022 Rocky Mountain Rally. This document lists the operating frequencies for the event, presents key radio procedures, and provides recommendations for effective communication practices.

Powderface Trail is a challenging environment for radio operations. This guide describes means of managing the difficulties that operators may encounter.  Please review the related recommendations.

Please take careful note of the guidance for minimizing interference!  

Accidental jamming of event channels, prolonged squelch tails, incorrectly configured radios, and misconfigured digital services can seriously inhibit efficient operation of the event radio network. The sections in this guide that pertain to cross-band configurations and digital operations are especially important to managing interference.

A copy of the guide can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rye1TkuuH8vv2uCyXbuC8TPqMqVzheO1/view?usp=sharing

73,
Garry, VE6GDS

A rally radio operations pre-op briefing is planned for:

Wednesday, 25 May 2022
19:00 to ~20:00 hrs (7pm to ~8pm) MT
Zoom virtual meeting (Link to be provided later)

We will be covering several important topics including emergency procedures. Prospective radio operators who cannot attend are requested to let Dana (VA6DJH) or Garry (VE6GDS) know beforehand.

In the interests of time, it will be assumed that all radio operators are familiar with the RMR 2022 materials posted to this blog prior to the meeting.

Hope to see you there!

73,
Garry, VE6GDS

In recent memory, we have not done a spring time rally in the Kananaskis region. So, Dana and I went out to the venue to perform radio testing ahead of the event. This gave us a chance to do a quick inspection of the roads and venue while we were there.

In general, Powderface Trail seemed to be in good condition. The road was mostly dry at higher elevations but low lying areas were still a little wet. There were a few soft spots on the road but I never felt that my vehicle was at high risk of getting stuck. Off the road, waterlogged soil was present at some locations near creeks, ditches, ponds, and puddles. This could dry up before the event, depending on the weather. There was a little snow along the road, but I suspect that will mostly disappear over the next couple of weeks. Some significant erosion cracks were present on the road surface and care should be used around them. There were numerous small tree branches, sticks, and substantial rocks scattered about. Extra attention is warranted to avoid this debris, especially in places where there is a steep upslope next to the road, as objects can tumble down from above (and clearly have been doing so). The potential for falling debris should also be considered when selecting a spot to park a vehicle or place equipment. Overall, the road did not seem unsafe, but radio operators are encouraged to use a little extra care.

It appeared that there had been some recent high winds around the north part of the venue, including the North Demonstration Loop. Several fallen trees were observed. Trees and branches that blocked roads had been cut and cleared, so there was no serious impediment to vehicle traffic. Caution is advised when positioning vehicles and equipment, to avoid precarious trees and branches that may yet be at risk of falling.

We did not specifically check the South Demonstration Loop, as there was a Test Day in progress on that road. No reports of serious road issues were obtained from participants, and the Test Day seemed to be running well. If one of the radio operators who assisted at the Test Day can provide a brief conditions report, I'll append it to this posting.

There was still considerable snow up on Moose Mountain Road, including the parking lot and lookout locations where we typically position a relay operator and/or backup repeater. It is possible that some of this snow may still be around on rally day. Operators assisting with relay roles and/or temporary repeater support should take this into account.

Bugs were starting to make an appearance, so insect repellent will likely be an important part of your field kit. The sun was feeling intense and sunscreen would be another good idea.

For the rally we held in this location last fall, the chief organizer produced videos of the roads. Here are links to those videos:

1) Jumping Pound Loop Reverse (Westbound)
https://youtu.be/bnHNemoMrSY

2) Powderface Down (Southbound)
https://youtu.be/vQQRmfjcEYI

3) Powderface Up (Northbound)
https://youtu.be/OcC4MIrvyqM

Keep watching this blog as more rally information will be posted as the event date approaches.

The Rocky Mountain Rally (RMR) is just a couple weeks away and we all need to be prepared for the day.

Below you will find a link to the Radio Operations at Rallysport Events '101' Guide. If you are new to rally radio operations, or you have been away from the scene for a while, then this document is made just for you! The guide was written to help radio operators get comfortable with the sights and sounds of rally day action. 

At the pre-op briefing, we assume that everyone is familiar with the contents of this guide.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/171GtEM40hJlq7bUH0MwRNMZhQujiJ6W3/view?usp=sharing

73,
Garry, VE6GDS

Hello Rally Radio Operators!

Below are links to a couple documents that you can use to start getting ready for the upcoming Rocky Mountain Rally.

These guides are oriented at new or returning folks and also serve as secondary checklists for others. The material was provided by some of our most seasoned field radio operators. Only a few items on these checklists are required, as most are recommendations and suggestions.

Here are links for the documents:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5DFZw6O_OT4WIRk_gWCBdw9bEN8KDNH/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P104FccBXRexTe5mdxtN8i2MeJz1AM05/view?usp=sharing

Keep checking this blog regularly. More materials and information will be posted here soon. I hope that we'll see you at the upcoming Rocky Mountain Rally!

The Calgary Sports Car Club is seeking radio operator volunteers to assist with a Test Day this coming weekend (15 May 2022). 

A Test Day is a more modest undertaking than a full rally. It typically involves fewer rally cars, a shorter route, fewer radio operators, and less formal radio protocols. These events are opportunities for rally drivers to test their cars, work on technique, and practice with the co-drivers. While the atmosphere is more relaxed than that of a competitive event, safety is still a priority.

If you are interested and need more details, please contact Amanda:
amandasrallyemail [at] gmail {dot} (com)

The registration page can be found at:
https://forms.gle/NVRNfasuKaaGVvET7

Our CARA communications trailer will be deployed at the 2022 Rocky Mountain Rally, at the Jumping Pound Demonstration Forest's Visitor Centre.  It will be used to house the Net Control team, radio operators who control the rally for the day.  Crew should be on site by 06:30 AM MDT and have the trailer ready for operation by 07:30 AM MDT.  Likewise, you would also be needed to pack up the trailer, ready for towing, likely around 7:30 PM MDT, that same day.  If you can help with setting up the trailer, morning and/or evening, please reply to Peter VA6RPL VA6RPL@caraham.org .  Many thanks.  73   :-)

Important Registration Procedure

Volunteer registration for the Rocky Mountain Rally (RMR) is available.

The instructions on the Rallywest / CSCC / RockyMountainRally web page(s), and those on Facebook, may be inaccurate for Radio Operator volunteers.

Please use the following instructions:

• The Google Forms tool requests your email address so that we can send you event related messages and a registration receipt. In the receipt there is a button to edit your response should you need to do so later.
• We request contact and profile information so that we can reach you regarding the event. In an emergency, we may notify a friend or family member on your behalf, or inform first responders. Please ensure that the information you provide is accurate.
• You will be asked if you are registering for a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator role. Answer YES to to be taken to the Radio Operator section.
• Please provide the one government assigned callsign that you intend to use for the rally.
• There is a free format question near the end of the form for information or concerns that you believe were not addressed elsewhere.
• Once you are done, click on the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page. You should receive an email receipt shortly.

This URL will take you to the volunteer registration form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6sFtoplwMonBEWr7kolFqFTz8yXZNrbBY6fboW521qPWaIw/viewform?usp=pp_url

We hope that you will join us for a great time at the Rocky Mountain Rally!

It is time to RALLY again!!!

This is an announcement for this year's Rocky Mountain Rally (RMR).

This event is being planned for (Friday) 27 May and (Saturday) 28 May 2022. Recce and other opening activities are planned for the Friday, and a few radio operators are often needed to help with this part of the event. Only one day of racing will occur, on the Saturday. This is when the majority of the radio operations support is required. Be sure to make the appropriate entries on your calendar.

The usual roads in the Powderface area of Kananaskis will be used for this rally, and we will confirm details as they come available.

While COVID continues to be a factor in our lives, we do not believe it will substantially affect this event. Updates will be made here in the blog with any necessary protocols.

More details about this event will be posted here, soon.

73,
Garry, VE6GDS
Dana, VA6DJH