History of BC Interior HamWAN

In 2015, a group of amateurs from the Orchard City Amateur Radio Club started discussing the possibility of using off-the-shelf radio gear on ham frequencies to provide high speed data capability up and down the Okanagan Valley. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, it was decided to investigate existing projects, such as the Pugent Sound HamWAN and the European HamNET.

Due to the proximity, as well as certain technological advantages, it was decided to pursue a HamWAN-compatible design. An application for a BC Community Gaming Grant was successfully applied for in 2016.

On June 11, 2017, The first successful HamWAN connection was made between the QTH of Ian VE7BST and the 0 degree sector of the LMK site.

The KUI site was installed and operational thanks to a work party on July 8, 2017. This site has an uplink to LMK, and sectors at 0° and 240°.