RAC Bulletin 100227

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 27, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Earthquake Emergency Frequencies
Following the earthquake that struck southern Chile early Saturday,
IARU, Region 2 and the Red Chilena Nor Austral de Servicio (RECNA)
suggests radio amateurs monitor EmComm frequencies for earthquake and
tsunami information:
SSB frequencies:
10 meters - 28.300, 28.500 MHz
15 meters - 21.200, 21.350 MHz
20 meters - 14.200, 14.350 MHz
40 meters - 7.050, 7.095 MHz
80 meters - 3.738, 3.750 MHz
In addition, monitor the worldwide emergency communication "centre of
activity" frequencies: 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz.  As always,
please keep the frequencies clear for emergency traffic.
-- CQ News Service
2. New NARED Manager
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mervyn Halvorsen,
VA3TSA/VO1TSA, as our new National Amateur Radio Emergency Database
(NARED) Manager effective immediately.
Merv has many years of ARES experience, has worked in support of ARES
during the BC fires while he lived there, has worked closely with me
in support of the Newfoundland and Labrador EMO at the Provincial
EOC. Merv was active "on the ground" following Hurricane Katrina in
Biloxi, Mississippi and while in Newfoundland  was in charge of
Emergency Services for the Salvation Army, Critical Incident Stress
Trainer, as well as Chaplain for the St. John's Regional Fire
Department.
Merv and family now reside in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Welcome aboard!
It will be great working with you again.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM, CEC, RAC VP Field Services

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. ARES HF Nets Return
The Ontario ARES HF network has returned to operations due to
improving propagation on low HF frequencies. The 40-metre Ontario
ARES HF Net is scheduled on Sundays at 13:00 Eastern on 7.080 Mhz.
The 80-metre Ontario PROCOM HF Net is scheduled on Mondays at 21:00
Eastern on 3.650 Mhz.
Please continue to support and maintain this weekly HF Emergency
Communications network.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC
4. OPN Time Change
On March 14th, the Ontario Phone Net (OPN) will revert to its
Spring/Summer start time of 1900 Eastern Time to compensate for
changing 80m band conditions.
This change is planned to coincide with the change from Standard to
Daylight Savings time, with the Sunday March 14th net starting at
1900 Eastern. However, if daytime band conditions continue to weaken
to the point that communications are not dependable then this could
change earlier than planned.  Please check
ontariophonenet.wordpress.com for up to date information.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. College Satellite Night
College Satellite Night is planned for all available satellites on
the first Thursday of each month. College club stations plan on
being on satellites AO-51, SO-50, AO-7, VO-52, HO-68 and FO-29.
Welcome the student operators and enjoy your QSOs with them as we
are planning on creating an award for working college club stations
on satellite.
-- Jay Garlitz, AA4FL, via AMSAT News
6. On-Line Circuit Databases
When you need circuit design ideas it is usually time to hit the
books, but if you don't have a huge library on hand, try the Potluck
Circuit Database at www.kitsandparts.com/potluck.  Another good
resource is the CircuitsArchive Web site at www.circuitsarchive.org.
You can also contribute your own favorite circuits.
-- ARRL Contest Update