Today I wrote an exam to obtain my basic Canadian amateur radio operator certificate, and I passed! Within an hour of completing the in-person, on-paper exam, I received an automated email from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the government body who oversee radiocommunications in Canada, inviting me to create an online account and get my call sign.

I am now VY2VH. “VY2” is the prefix for PEI, and “VH “is in honour of my mother, Vivian Hardy, her name until she married my father, Harold Phillips, so handily the “H” if also in honour my father. Victor Yankee Two Victor Hotel.

I have never studied so hard for anything in my life, two online classes a week since the middle of February with the wonderful Al Penney (VO1NO) from Nova Scotia, who runs the course for the Radio Amateurs of Canada. There was a lot of math and formulas at the beginning and I was certain I would never get it all straight in my head, but I read and studied and it finally all came together. It’s an interesting course, Al is a patient and goodnatured teacher, and if I can pass it, anyone can. It’s only $50, about the same again for the study guide, and the radio licence is free and for life.

There is a little handheld radio tuned to the O’Leary repeater sitting on my counter. Every so often it beeps or the time is announced. I heard a couple of people saying hello to each other, talking about the rainy weather and wishing each other a good night. The examiner from the Summerside club was a kind and generous fellow and it seems like a welcoming community. Will report back when I actually get up the never to push the button and talk.