RAC Bulletin 2014-02-22

RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 22, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RBR-4 Confirms Access to 137 KHz
In 2009, Canadian amateurs were given secondary access to the Low
Frequency (LF) band 135.7 -137.8 kHz.  Industry Canada has now
included this in the newly updated RBR-4 Standards for the Operation
of Stations in  the Amateur Radio Service.  The maximum emission
bandwidth in this band  is 100Hz, allowing CW, BPSK31, and BPSK63.
Maximum EIRP is 1 watt.  Amateurs "shall not cause harmful
interference to stations of the radionavigation service."
RAC welcomes reports of activities in this band, especially reports
of DX achieved and useful operating tips.  Please consider writing
articles for TCA to help other amateurs get started on LF.
-- RAC Bulletin Serice
2. New Deputy Director for Mid-West region
Bill Boskwick, VE4BOZ has accepted  the position of Deputy Director
for the Mid-West region of Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC).  Now
living in Elm Creek, Manitoba and officially retired, Bill was the
District Officer for NE Alberta with the Alberta Emergency
Management Agency and also has 32 years military service with
Canadian Forces as a Communications Electronics Engineering Officer
and former deputy commander of the signals regiment in Winnipeg.
-- RAC Bulletin Serice
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. HF-Link Interoperability Exercise
From March 27 to April 7, the HFLINK network will conduct an
international ham radio HF Interoperability Exercise. Ham operators
with ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) capability are invited to
participate at any time during the 10 days of this free and open
informal exercise.  
Operators get real-world experience and become proficient in HF
digital communications. They initiate and respond to ALE calls, link
up with fellow operators for text or SSB voice QSOs on HF, and share
helpful information about setting up ALE stations. It's not a
contest, and many just do it for fun.  For more information visit
www.hflink.com
-- via Ian Snow, VA3QT
4. CJ3A Special Event
From March 7 to April 6, special event station CJ3A will commemorate
the 75th anniversary of the National Film Board.  QSL via VA3RVK. 
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Smartphone Apps for Hams and SWLs
The on-line SWLing Post has a summary list of "The Best Amateur Radio
and Shortwave Apps for iOS and Android smart phones."  The list first
appeared in Monitoring Times magazine but is being kept up-to-date on
line. Find it at tinyurl.com/ham-radio-apps
-- Amateur Radio Newsline