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Establishing a robust, interconnected communication infrastructure across challenging terrain, the Island Trunk System (ITS) provides a network of open amateur radio repeaters for general and emergency communications throughout Vancouver Island, surrounding waters, and parts of the lower mainland on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. This system, largely off-grid, relies on solar power and batteries, necessitating careful operation, especially during night hours and low solar charging seasons, to preserve its energy resources. Maintaining the ITS involves significant effort from many hams, who appreciate adherence to regulations, including proper station identification. The system hosts a weekly social net every Monday evening at 8 PM, welcoming all participants, and also supports a Vancouver Island Region Emergency Radio Net each Wednesday at 19:15. Experimental projects like the Newcastle Ridge webcams, linked via 5.8 GHz broadband backhaul over 206 km to Nanaimo and Comox, demonstrate the innovative spirit within the ITS community. A new VHF repeater, operating on 146.880 MHz with a 141.3 Hz PL tone, was installed in Tofino, expanding system coverage.

Shelby amateur radio club's VHF emergency net is open to all within the repeater's coverage area. 146.880 and 147.345 are the repeater frequencies. Shelby Radio Club is the sponsor of the Shelby hamfest.

Operating on the 146.880 MHz repeater, the Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs (IEVHFRA) hosts a weekly net, providing a consistent on-air gathering for amateurs within Eastern Washington and Spokane County. My experience with similar regional VHF nets confirms their value in fostering local ham radio community and sharing information, often covering topics from equipment troubleshooting to upcoming hamfests. The club, active for over **50 years**, also organizes the _Inland Empire VHF Tailgate Swap_, an event featuring vendors, emergency communication demonstrations by Spokane ARES-ACS, and POTA/SOTA activity setups. Such events are crucial for hands-on learning and direct interaction, which I've found invaluable for new licensees and seasoned operators alike. Beyond on-air activities and events, IEVHFRA supports the hobby through amateur radio classes and testing, facilitating new license acquisition and upgrades. They also maintain an online messaging group for members, ensuring continuous communication and information exchange.