RAC Bulletin 2014-07-26

RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 26, 2014

NATIONAL NEWS

1. IARU Region 2 Meeting

The annual Executive Committee meeting of IARU Region 2 was held in
Hartford, Connecticut, USA, last July 15 and 16, immediately
preceding the ARRL's National Centennial Convention. Annual reports,
future plans, and the situation of each Member Society and amateur
radio in general were discussed.

On behalf of Region 2, President Leandro and Secretary Molina
presented a plaque to the ARRL with congratulations on their 100th
anniversary and in recognition of its work in favor of radio amateurs
throughout the world.

-- RAC Bulletin Service

2. Vern Ikeda, SK

It is with deep sadness that we were recently informed of the sudden
passing of Vern Ikeda, VE2MBS/VE2QQ. Vern was very active with the
Montreal ARC. His contributions as a long-time RAC volunteer, as
Blog/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor and manager of the RAC
twitter account, were recently recognized by RAC, at
tinyurl.com/ve2qq

-- RAC News Service

ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST

3. Special Event Callsigns

From August 15 to September 14, call sign XO2C will commemorate the
150th Anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference. QSL via VY2XDX.

Also commemorating that anniversary, from August 26 to
September 25, will be special call sign CG3C. QSL via VE3OKA.

-- RAC Special Events Database

4. Auxiliary Communications Field Operations Guide

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has compiled the Auxiliary
Communications Field Operations Guide (AUXFOG), a reference for
auxiliary communicators and amateur radio organizations who support
public safety entities.

It contains information about best practices, frequently used radio
frequencies, Mutual Aid channels, and tips and suggestions about
integrating into a ICS environment to support communications for
planned events or incidents. It can serve as a reference both for
auxiliary emergency communicators and public safety communications
professionals. The book is a free PDF download at
tinyurl.com/auxfog-1

-- ARRL ARES E-Letter

5. Free On-line Electrical Engineering Course

The University of Liverpool is offering a new "Massive Open Online
Course" (MOOC) covering Analogue/Digital Electronics, AC/DC Circuits,
Electromechanics, and an introduction to C programming. The
free six-week course starts in September, but you can sign up now.
Find it at www.futurelearn.com/courses/electrify

-- Southgate ARC News

6. India's VO-52 Satellite Goes Dark

Despite efforts to keep it operating for a while longer, ground
controllers have permanently taken VUSat OSCAR-52 (VO-52)
out of service, due to the failure of its lithium-ion batteries.

The VO-52 satellite was one of the most popular SSB/CW satellites
during its lifetime. Launched in 2005, it had been designed to
remain operational for just one year.

-- ARRL Bulletin Service