RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 2, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

1. New EC for Sudbury

Pat Dopson, VE3HZQ has been confirmed the new EC for the Sudbury
region and takes over the helm from Stiig Larsen VE3LBX who has
served double duty as DEC in the Killarney District.

Pat brings dedicated leadership to this very active amateur radio
community and will provide the Sudbury region with co-ordination and
viable emergency communications planning in this new role as the
latest appointed position within the ARES.

-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario SEC

2. Who says NTS is obsolete?

Ontario Section Traffic Manager Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, chronicles two
examples of how the National Traffic System can still "hold its own"
in these days of instant communications. His article can be read on
the racaresontario.ca web site -- click "Official Bulletin Service",
then "Extended Bulletin Articles".

-- via Ontario Phone Net blog

ITEMS OF INTEREST

3. Amateur Radio Scholarships Available

The non-profit Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) is now accepting
applications for 48 scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year, to
assist radio amateurs pursuing higher education. Some of these
scholarships are available to non-U.S. amateurs. Applications must be
received by March 31, 2010. For more information about eligibility
and applications, visit www.farweb.org [13]

-- via Handi-Ham News

4. Great Circle Map Software

Roger, SM3GSJ, has recently updated his Great Circle Map software
GcmWin to support VOACAP. It now produces colorful propagation maps
as well as telling you which way to point your HF beam. It's a free
download for Windows or Linux. Find it at www.qsl.net/sm3gsj [14]

-- Southgate ARC News

5. XW-1 is now HO-68

China's first amateur radio satellite, XW-1, has now been designated
Hope-OSCAR 68 by AMSAT. The latest official information about HO-68
can be found at the AMSAT-China web site, www.camsat.cn [15]. Click on
the British flag for the English language version.

-- AMSAT News Service

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 9, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST

1. Boatanchor Pix

Enjoy photos of some old friends at KB8TAD's Boatanchor Pix web site,
tinyurl.com/nbkpk (November Bravo Kilo Papa Kilo). The site also
includes links to many free manuals, schematics, PDF books and
reference sources.

-- ARRL Contest Update

2. DigiTalk Users: Avoid Windows 7

DigiTalk is a PSK31 program for visually-impaired users.
Unfortunately, Patrick WA0TDA has discovered that it does not work
with Windows 7, which does not include the "Microsoft Agent" from
previous Windows versions. Hams using Digitalk should stick with
Windows XP or earlier. To obtain Digitalk, visit
www.qsl.net/kh6ty/digitalk.htm [18]

-- Handi-Ham News

3. 102-Year-Old Ham Back On The Air

Ethel Williamson, VE3DTW, a former lighthouse keeper, had been off
the air for at least 20 years. The Welland branch of the Handy Ham
Amateur Radio Club of Canada set up a radio at her long-term-care
home so she could get back on the air. Her first QSO was an IRLP
contact with Melbourne, Australia.

According to the Welland Tribune, Ethel became a ham after the Second
World War. She turns 103 in March and can be heard now on the VE3WCR
repeater, IRLP node 2248. Welcome back, Ethel!

-- Amateur Radio Newsline

4. CW Operators' Club

The CW Operators' Club has been formed to bring together Amateur
Radio operators who enjoy communicating by Morse Code (CW). CWops
encourages the use of CW in Amateur communications, and it supports
CW activity through planned events.

CWops is international in scope, membership and management. Its focus
is the use of CW, whether for contesting, DXing or ragchewing. See
www.cwops.org [19] for more information.

-- Amateur Radio Newsline

5. Canadian ARISS Web Site

A new Web page has been developed by the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio
Club which provides information on amateur radio and the ARISS
(Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program. Visit
www.ovmrc.on.ca [20] and select "ARISS" at the bottom of the left side
menu.

-- AMSAT News

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 16, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

1. Haiti Earthquake Updates

On January 13, Father John Henault, HH6JH, in Port-au-Prince, made
contact with the Intercontinental Assistance and Traffic Net (IATN)
on 14.300 MHz.

On January 15, The Radio Club Dominicano (RCD) reports and Union
Dominicana de Radio Aficionados (UDRA) were scheduled to go to
Port-au-Prince to install an emergency radio communications station,
HI8RCD/HH, and a mobile station. See www.hi8vb.tk [23] for details.

Frequencies in use for this disaster are now 14265, 14300, 7045,
7065, 7265, 3720, and 3977 kHz. Please keep these frequencies plus
or minus 10 kHz clear. The International Radio Emergency Support
Coalition (IRESC) is also active on EchoLink node 278173. Some
Haitian hams speak only French. If you are bilingual and able to
assist, please monitor those frequencies.

As Haiti begins to recover, there may be National Traffic System (NTS)
traffic for Canadian recipients. Please check into NTS often so that
traffic for your area can be delivered. Please do not originate
traffic for Haiti during the next week; direct health and welfare
inquries to the Red Cross web page, tinyurl.com/ycptv7d (Yankee Charlie
Papa Tango Victor Seven Delta).

-- various sources

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST

2. Olympics 2010 Special Event Prefixes

From February 1 to March 31, to commemorate the 2010 Olympic Winter
Games, Canadian amateurs are authorized to use the following special
prefixes: VG for VA, VX for VE, XJ for VO, and XK for VY.

-- RAC Web Page

3. Sarnia and Thunder Bay Hams in the News

The Lambton County Radio Club got a nice write-up last week in the
Sarnia Observer; you can see it at tinyurl.com/yeoy365 (Yankee Echo
Oscar Yankee Three Six Five). And the The Northwestern Ontario Senior
Citizens Amateur Radio Club were featured in the Thunder Bay
Chronicle Journal on December 2nd (archive not available).

-- RAC Blog

4. Morse Code Resources

If your New Year's Resolution is to learn Morse Code, AC6V's web page
at www.ac6v.com/morseprograms.htm [24] has links to many code practice
programs and other resources. For on-line practice, try AA9PW's
web page at www.aa9pw.com/morsecode [25].

-- Handi-Ham News

5. Power Tubes Web Page

G8WRB has a web page on RF Power Amplifiers and Tubes, where you will
find data on RF power tubes from 100 W to 1 MW, as well as
application notes of interest to amateurs using tubes for power
amplifiers. The site is actively seeking uploads of data sheets for
more power tubes.

-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 23, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

1. Haiti Earthquake Traffic

As the recovery in Haiti continues, the IARU would like to thank
Hams of the world for being there for the people of Haiti. Many
messages have been successfully passed over the airwaves. Effective
immediately the frequencies 7.045MHz and 3.720MHz are released with
gratitude to all who have kept them clear in the last days.

-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services

2. Haiti Updates

Note that the frequencies 14265, 14300, 7065, 7265, and 3977 kHz are
still being used for disaster response. Please keep them clear.

Radio Club Dominicano (RCD) and Union Dominicana de Radio Aficionados
(UDRA) were turned back from Port-au-Prince when their convoy came
under fire. RCD has established a 2m repeater at the Dominican
Republic border covering some of Haiti (including Port-au-Prince).

RAC VP of Field Services Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, reports that French-
speaking Canadian hams are monitoring the emergency frequencies, and
a group is ready for deployment to Haiti when required.

CNN has reported on amateur radio activity from Haiti; visit
tinyurl.com/ydw79ze (Yankee Delta Whiskey Seven Nine Zulu Echo).

-- various sources

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST

3. Niagara Hamfest

The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold its "Big Event 32"
Flea Market and Hamfest on Saturday, February 6, at the Merriton
Community Centre, 7 Park Ave., St. Catharines. Open to the public at
9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3NRS repeater 147.240 (+) tone 107.2 Hz. For
more information visit www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent [28]

-- RAC Events Database

4. AM Transmitter Rally

The Amplitude Modulation Transmitter Rally will be held on Saturday,
February 6, from 6 AM Eastern Time 2 AM the following day. The event
will be on will be on 160 through 10 meters on the usual AM
frequencies, and is open to any radio amateurs running standard
(full carrier) AM with any type of equipment. For more information
visit www.classeradio.com/amtr.htm [29] (that's "Class E Radio dot com")

-- Amateur Radio Newsline

5. The Art of Radio-Telegraphy

William Pierpont N0HFF has written a book, "The Art and Skill of
Radio-Telegraphy," for those who are interested in telegraphy, those
who would like to learn it, those who love it, and those who want to
improve their skills. It's a free PDF download, about 1 megabyte, at
tinyurl.com/n7g8d2 (November Seven Golf Eight Delta Two).

-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 30, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

1. Haiti Frequencies Released

The HF frequencies used to respond to the immediate needs of the
Haiti Earthquake, 14.300MHz, 14.265MHz , 7.045MHz, 7.065MHz,
7.265MHz, 3.720MHz, 3.977MHz have now returned to normal use. The
groups who have been passing messages on those frequencies will
revert to monitoring mode or their normal operations.

There are still a number of radio amateurs in the country attached to
relief groups who may still be heard on the amateur bands on various
frequencies. As always, please listen before transmitting, and if
you hear any station passing emergency traffic then leave the
frequency clear and avoid causing QRM.

-- IARU Region 1 News

2. Haiti Reciprocal Licensing

CONATEL (the Haitian Telecomm regulator) has set up temporary offices
and released a public notice. Amateurs wishing to operate in Haiti to
assist with disaster relief need to contact CONATEL to get formal
reciprocal operating clearance, before any use of telecommunications
equipment or the spectrum resources. Contact CONATEL at Number 97,
Avenue Panaméricaine, in Pétion-Ville between 9 AM and 1 PM,
telephone 3454-0541, 2516-0000, or 3702-1414, or at these e-mail
addresses : techommunication (at) yahoo.fr, or info (at)
conatel.gouv.ht. Note that Haiti is an international call; dial 011
and then country code 509 before the phone number.

-- ARRL Web

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

3. Great Lakes Net Time Change

Starting January 30, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net
(GLETN) will change its operating time from 6 pm Eastern to 6:30 pm
Eastern Time. As band conditions improve the net will move back to 8
pm in half-hour increments.

-- via Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV

ITEMS OF INTEREST

4. Nominations Open for Dayton Amateur of the Year

The Dayton Amateur Radio Association is soliciting nominations for
its Amateur of The Year, Special Achievement, and Technical
Excellence Awards. This year nominations are also sought for Club of
the Year. These recognize amateurs who have made significant
contributions to the art and science of amateur radio. The
recipients will be honored at the 2010 Dayton Hamvention.
Nominations close on March 15th. For information visit
www.hamvention.org/awards.php [32]

-- Amateur Radio Newsline

5. Morse Code on Canadian Coin

A new commemorative coin honoring the centennial of the Canadian Navy
features a line of Morse code around the outer edge. The characters
spell out the Navy's motto, "Ready Aye Ready," in both English and
French.

-- CQ News Service

6. ARRL Elects First Female President

The American Radio Relay League has elected First Vice President Kay
Craigie, N3KN, as the organization's new president, succeeding Joel
Harrison, W5ZN, who did not seek re-election. Craigie is the first
woman to hold the League's top position.

-- CQ News Service

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 6, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Sunday ARES Net Frequency Change
The Sunday afternoon Ontario ARES HF net has moved to 7080 kHz to
take advantage of improving propagation and to keep away from the
heavy US usage of 7100 and up.  The net meets at 1 pm EST (1800
UTC).
-- Bob Howard VE3YX
 
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Thinking Day on the Air
The Girl Guides' 2010 World Thinking Day on the Air (TDOTA) will be
February 20 & 21.  This is an opportunity for the members of the Girl
Guides and Girl Scouts  to talk to other members all over the world
via Amateur Radio. 
To celebrate the centenary of Guiding, several special event stations
will be on the air from the U.K.  In Ontario, the 95th Hamilton
Guides will operate station VA3TVW. For more information see
www.guides-on-the-air.co.uk [35]
-- via RSGB News
3. Canada Day Results Available
The results for the 2009 Canada Day Contest have been published on
the Radio Amateurs of Canada Web site, in PDF format at
tinyurl.com/y8nyvzn (Yankee Eight November Yankee Victor Zulu
November).  Plaques and certificates will be going out in the next 30
days. Plaques will be mailed as in previous years and the
certificates will be emailed out as PDF files suitable for printing.
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. Field Day Packets Now Available
Field Day 2010 is June 26-27, and the ARRL has already made its Field
Day packet available for download.  It includes the complete rules
(including changes for 2010), as well as other reference items such
as forms, ARRL Section abbreviation list, entry submission
instructions, a Frequently Asked Questions section, guidelines for
getting bonus points, instructions for GOTA stations, a kit to
publicize your event with the local press and more. Find it at
www.arrl.org/contests/forms/fd-2010-packet.pdf [36]
-- ARRL Web
5. Hams in Haiti
Spectrum magazine, the official publication of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), has a great article
about the success of ham radio operations in Haiti.  Read it online
at spectrum.ieee.org/telecom/wireless/hams-in-haiti
-- via RAC Blog
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 13, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. OPN Net Control Stations Wanted
Due to winter holidays and medical issues, the Ontario Phone Net
(OPN) has an immediate need for 4 Net Control Operators.  Each
position is for one shift a week.  Two are full time positions, one a
5-week temporary posting, and one is an 8-week temporary posting.
The OPN currently meets daily at 1600 Eastern Time, on 3742 kHz. 
If you would like to help out, please email opnreport (at) gmail dot
com.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Burlington Flea Market
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Spring Flea Market on
Saturday, February 27, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 828 Legion Rd.,
in Burlington.  Open to the public at 9 a.m., talk-in on  VE3RSB
repeater, 147.210(+) 131.8 Hz tone.  For more information see
www.barc.ca [39]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Sarnia Licence Course
The Lambton County Radio Club will hold a Ham Radio Basic
Certification Course at the Sarnia Police Headquarters, 555 North
Christina Street, in Sarnia. The course will begin on Saturday,
February 27th, 2010 and run for four weekends on alternating
Saturdays thereafter.  Registration closes on Feburary 22nd.  For
more information, visit www.ve3sar.org [40] and click the "Activities"
link.
-- RAC Events Database
4. RTTY Contesting for Newbies
The Northern California Contest Club has published an online
seminar, "RTTY Contesting for Newbies."  Topics include RTTY
fundamentals and interfaces, common problems, and demos of setting up
MMTTY, N1MM, and Writelog software. The video file is 115 megabytes
and can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/rtty-recording [41]
-- ARRL Contest Update
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 20, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

1. Great Lakes Net Time Change
Effective February 15, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net
(GLETN) has changed its operating time from 6:30 pm Eastern to 7 pm
Eastern Time.  As band conditions improve the net will move back to 8
pm in half-hour increments.
-- Grant Watson K8VFZ, via Shawn Gartley VE3PSV
 
2. CW Operators Needed
Glenn Killam VE3GNA, Section Traffic Manager for the Ontario Section,
is looking for operators to visit some of the CW Traffic Nets to pick
up any traffic destined for Ontario.
Glenn suggests that you monitor the following frequencies:
Empire State Slow Speed Net (ESS) 7 pm 3576 kHz.
Second Region Net (2RN) Cycle 4 early 7:45 pm, late 9:30 pm 3576 kHz.
Hit and Bounce Slow Speed Net (HBSN) 7:30 am 3576 kHz
Hit and Bounce Net (HBN), 8:30 am 7042 kHz weekdays, 7114 kHz Saturday
and Sunday.
If you have questions, email Glenn, ve3gna (at) xplornet (dot) ca.
-- Ontario Phone Net Blog

ITEMS OF INTEREST

3. IARU Agrees Emergency Frequencies
All three regions of the International Amateur Radio Union have
agreed on three global Center of Activity (CoA) frequencies for use
in the event of emergencies: 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz. When no
emergency operations are being conducted, these frequencies are open
for normal amateur usage. 
-- ARRL Contest Update

4. Ham Radio Deluxe Software
Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) is a suite of free Windows programs providing
computer control for commonly used transceivers and receivers. HRD
also includes logging, mapping, satellite tracking, and the program
Digital Master 780 (DM780) which supports many digital modes.
HRD is designed for Windows 2000 or higher (XP, Vista, 7), also
Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher) is required.  Download it from
www.ham-radio-deluxe.com [44]
-- Handi-Ham News

5. ITU Digitizes Historical Archives
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched  the
"History of ITU Portal," at www.itu.int/history [45] This is part of a
project to digitize, catalogue, and make freely available the ITU's
historical documents since its founding in 1865. This includes
documents from early telegraph and telephone conferences, as well as
Radiocommunication Conferences since 1903.
-- ARRL Web

This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?

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 [48].  Another good
resource is the CircuitsArchive Web site at www.circuitsarchive.org [49].
You can also contribute your own favorite circuits.
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 6, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Update from Chile
Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AMH, President of the IARU Region 2 Executive
Committee, on March 1st spoke with Dr. Galdino Besomi, CE3PG,
president of the Radio Club de Chile.
He informs that soon after the earthquake, the Emergency Net was
activated in the whole country, first on VHF and then on HF. All the
board and club members are actively working in close coordination
with civil and military authorities.
Three days after the earthquake the request for news about people in
the affected countryside areas is one the main activities occupying
the radio amateurs.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. HF Nets Discussion
There will be an evening of discussion on Saturday, March 13,
on 3.755 MHz, immediately following the Laurentian Net at about 7 to
7:15 pm.  This will be to discuss procedures and policies relating to
the Ontario Phone Net and other provincial nets.  Topics will include
net liaisons, alternate net control stations, callup sequences, and
silent key reports.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net manager
3. Second Region Adds a Net
In conjunction with the 36th anniversary of Bill W2MTA's appointment
as the Second Region Cycle 2 Net manager on April 1, 2010, 2RN will
be instituting an additional net in Cycle 2. The net will convene at
3:30 pm local time on 3925 khz. In most cases the net control
station will be  the same as on the 1:45 pm session.
This poses an additional challenge for the Ontario Phone Net, as
there needs to be a liaison station present at 3:30 pm to receive
incoming traffic for Ontario. The Cycle 3 session at 6:30 pm will act
as the incoming net for later arriving traffic and the 7:45 pm
session in Cycle 4 continues to be the outgoing net on CW.
If anyone has questions please contact VE3GNA, email ve3gna (at)
xplornet dot ca.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Section Traffic Manager
4. Great Lakes Net Time Change
Effective March 14, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net will
change its operating time from 7 pm to 8 pm, Eastern Time.  This is
the same day we switch from Standard to Daylight Savings time.
-- via Shawn Gartley VE3PSV

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. VE3GYQ Silent Key
Dr David Toth, VE3GYQ, President Emeritus of Tucson Amateur Packet
Radio (TAPR), passed away Friday, February 26 after a long battle
with cancer. He was 55. A resident of Spencerville, Ohio, Toth served
as a Director and Executive Vice President of TAPR in the 1980s and
was elected President of the organization in September 2005. With his
advancing illness, he decided not to stand for re-election last
October and was instead named President Emeritus with Steve Bible,
N7HPR, taking the reins as TAPR President.
-- ARRL Web
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 13, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Release of Emergency Frequencies
Emergency frequencies 7050, 7095, 3738 and 14200 MHz are now released
from emergency use by the Radio Club de Chile (RCCH). Dr. Galdino
Besomi CE3PG, President of the RCCH and Dr. Cesar Pi Santos HR2P,
IARU Emergency Communications Coordinator Region 2, offer sincere
gratitude to all Hams Worldwide for their understanding and
cooperation during this difficult time for the citizens of Chile.
-- via IARU Region 2 News Service
   
2. Access to 137 kHz
Industry Canada has approved access by Canadian radio amateurs to the
Low Frequency (LF) band 135.7 - 137.8 kHz, subject to certain
conditions.  Amateur use is permitted on a Secondary basis subject to
Footnote 5.67A, which states: "Stations in the amateur service using
frequencies in the band 135.7-137.8 kHz shall not exceed a maximum
radiated power of 1 W (EIRP) and shall not cause harmful interference
to stations of the radionavigation service operating in countries
listed in No. 5.67. (WRC-07)".
Industry Canada has  advised that Canadian radio amateurs may now use
the band and that Schedule I of RBR-4 Standards for the Operation of
Stations in the Amateur Radio Service will be amended in due course.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. CANWARN Training Schedule
The 2010 CANWARN Training schedule has been published.  You can find
it online at www.emergencyradio.ca/canwarn.shtml [54].  The first session
is April 12th, in Windsor.
-- Jim Taylor, VA3KU, EMO Amateur Radio Program Coordinator
4. OPN Time Change Reminder
As of Sunday March 14th, the Ontario Phone Net has reverted to its
evening start time, 7 pm Eastern on or about 3742 kHz.
-- Bob Sharp VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Brampton Hamfest
The Peel and Mississauga Radio Clubs will hold Ham-Ex 2010 on
Saturday, March 27, at the Brampton Fair Grounds, at Heart Lake Road
and Old School Road in Brampton.  Exhibits and Demonstrations at 8
AM, Flea Market at 9 AM.  Talk-in on  VE3PRC 146.880 (-) no PL tone,
and VE3MIS 145.430 (-) 103.5 Hz tone.  For more information visit
www.ham-ex.ca [55]
-- RAC Events Database
6. ARISS Annual Report Posted
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Annual
Report 2009 has been posted to the AMSAT Web site. Find it at
tinyurl.com/yfswv62 (Yankee Foxtrot Sierra Whiskey Victor Six Two).
-- AMSAT News Service
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 20, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Section Manager Elections
Charlie Marsh VO1VZ has been re-elected Section Manager for Newfoundland and Labrador for a two year term starting July 1, 2010.
Jan Schippers VE4JS has been returned as Section Manager for Manitoba for a two year term of office that will begin on July 1, 2010. 
Mr. Chris Pitre VE3CTP/VE3ZO has been elected as the RAC Director for Ontario South for the remainder of a two year term which started January 1, 2010 ending December 31, 2011.
All three candidates ran unopposed, eliminating the need for balloted elections. Congratulations are extended to them all.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

2. IARU Report on Chilean Earthquake
For a copy of the final report from the IARU on the earthquake in Chile, please go to tinyurl.com/yj7dl68 (Yankee Juliet Seven Delta Lima Six Eight -- NOTE that's Delta Lima, not Delta One). 
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Iroquois Hamfest
The Iroquois Amateur Radio Club will hold its IRAC Fourteenth Annual Flea Market on Saturday, April 3, at the Iroquois Civic Center, on the southwest corner of Elizabeth Dr South and Dundas St. Open to the public at 9 am; talk-in on 145.29 (-) repeater. For more information visit www.iroquoisarc.ca [58].
-- RAC Events Database
4. Homebrew Challenge winners
The ARRL has announced the winners of its Second Homebrew Challenge. This challenge was to build a 40 metre linear amplifier to boost 5 watts to 50 watts, for a cost of under $125 using readily available parts. Two winners achieved a cost of about $30: Donald W. Huff, W6JL and David W Cripe, NM0S. Three other entries cost less than $110. For details visit tinyurl.com/yfttfsm (Yankee Foxtrot Tango Tango Foxtrot Sierra Mike)
-- ARRL Web
5. Don't press F1 on that web page
Microsoft has warned users of Internet Explorer to NOT press the F1 key for help, if a web site prompts you to. Pressing F1 can allow a hostile web site to infect your computer. Windows 7 and Windows Vista are not vulnerable to this problem. For more information see tinyurl.com/ydgdjal (Yankee Delta Golf Delta Juliet Alpha Lima).
-- via Amateur Radio Newsline

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 27, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, April 10-16
CANWARN training will be offered in Windsor on Monday, April 12th, 7
pm, at the Caboto Club, 2175 Parent Avenue.
CANWARN training will be offered in London on Tuesday, April 13th, 7
pm, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 1150 Wellington Road.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. AMSAT use on Boy Scouts Anniversary
AMSAT-NA is supporting the Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary
Jamboree by dedicating an AO-51 V/U FM repeater for the event. From
Friday April 16, 15:00 UTC until Sunday April 18 19:00 UTC, an AO-51
repeater will be allocated for Jamboree use. All users are requested
to give way to Jamboree stations or QSO's with Jamboree stations.
The frequencies used will be 145.880 FM uplink, and 435.150 FM
downlink, no PL tone required.
-- AMSAT News
3. Passport to World Band Radio closing
The publishers of Passport to World Band Radio, who ceased
publication of their print guide in 2009, are now shutting down their
web site. According to an announcement on www.passband.com [61], it will
be closed in late March.
-- CQ News Service
4. New Version of HAMCALC
George Murphy, VE3ERP, has released HAMCALC version 118. This popular
package of simple calculators now includes a Filter Tutor, a Filter
Impedance Matching utility, a calculator on the Cark Y Airfoil, and
upgrades the Stripline-Bandpass Filter, Humidex, and Wind Chill
calculators.  Download it from tinyurl.com/yf6bd94 (Yankee Foxtrot
Six Bravo Delta Nine Four).
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Winding Your Own Transformers
If you want to know how to wind your own power transformer to repair
old equipment or build new stuff, visit Manfred XQ2FOD's Web site at
tinyurl.com/yljasqz (Yankee Lima Juliet Alpha Sierra Quebec Zulu). It
has lots of illustrations and photos, and a design spreadsheet to
help with the calculations. Be sure to browse the other pages around
the site, including the supporting Transformers and Coils page.
-- ARRL Contest Update
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 3, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, April 17-23
CANWARN training will be offered in Hamilton on Saturday, April 17th,
9 a.m., at Nash Auditorium, Wilcox Building, Chedoke Hospital,
Sanitorium Road.
And in Sarnia on Tuesday, April 20th, 7 p.m, at the Kinsmen Centre,
(Oakroom Room), 656 Lakeshore Road.
Also on April 20th at 7 p.m. in Peterborough, at the Canadian Canoe
Museum, 910 Monaghan Road.
Training in Kitchener will be Wednesday April 21st, 7 p.m., at
Bingemans Conference Centre, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Ontario QSO Party April 17th
The 13th Annual Ontario QSO Party will be held from 1800Z April 17 to
0500Z April 18, and from 1200Z to 1800Z April 28.  In the contest,
stations outside Ontario make as many contacts with Ontario amateur
radio stations as possible. Ontario stations contact as many stations
as possible, both in Ontario and world-wide.  For more information
visit the web page, cco.ve3xd.com/oqp
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
3. Durham Region Hamfest
The North Shore ARC and the South Pickering ARC will hold the 34th
Durham Region Hamfest on Saturday, April 17, at the Iroquois Park
Recreation Center, on Victoria Street at the corner of Henry Street
in Whitby.  Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3SPA repeater,
147.375 (+), no CTCSS tone required.  For more information visit
drhamfest.tripod.com
-- RAC Events Database
4. Rookie Roundup April 17th
The ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB, will be held on Sunday, April 18, from
1800 UTC-2359 UTC.  This contest is designed to help newly licensed
amateurs build their operating skills on HF.  Any ham licensed in
2008, 2009 or 2010 qualifies as a Rookie.  Non-Rookies may only work
Rookies, while Rookies may work everybody.  Certificates will be
available for all participants to download; the top five high scores
from each US call area, Canadian province and Mexican call area will
be recognized on their certificate.  For more information visit
tinyurl.com/yetky6u (Yankee Echo Tango Kilo Yankee Six Uniform).
-- ARRL Web Page
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 10, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, April 24
CANWARN training will be offered in Orillia on Saturday, April 24th,
9 a.m., at the Highwayman Inn, 201 Woodside Drive.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
2. Laurentian Net Seeks Net Controllers
The Laurentian Net is looking for operators to serve as Net Control
Stations.  A controller is needed every other Sunday evening, and a
list of alternates is needed for days when the scheduled NCS can't be
available. The Laurentian Net meets every evening on 3.755 MHz at
6:45 pm Eastern Time.  If you can assist, please contact Shawn VE3PSV
Saturdays on the Laurentian Net,  or via NTS messsage. 
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. International Marconi Day
April 24th is the date of the 23rd International Marconi Day, a
24-hour amateur radio event celebrating Marconi's birthday. It is not
a contest -- it is an opportunity for amateurs around the world to
make point-to-point contact with historic Marconi sites using only HF
communications.  For more information visit www.gb4imd.org.uk [66]
-- RSGB News
4. Ontario HST and RAC Renewals
As of July 1st, the Harmonized Sales Tax will be fully implemented in
Ontario, adding 8% to the cost of RAC membership.  HST Transition
Rules mean that as of May 1st, RAC will have to collect HST on the
portion of the membership that is after July 1st.  For one-, two-, or
three-year renewals before May 1st, RAC only collects GST (5%)
instead of the HST (13%). 
-- RAC Blog
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 17, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Requests 60m Frequency Assignments
RAC has sent a formal request to Industry Canada, to authorize for
the Canadian Amateur Service the same five 5 MHz frequencies that are
now authorized in the USA. Two additional spot frequencies are
requested for exclusive  Canadian Amateur use.
RAC anticipates this request will go through a lengthy analysis and
review at Industry Canada before being published as a Canada Gazette
Notice for public comment. If all goes well, we may see
authorization within a year.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Royal Canadian Navy Special Events
From May 1st to 31st, special event station CG7NAVY will celebrate
the centenary of the Royal Canadian Navy. CG7NAVY will operate 80m to
2m using ssb/am/cw/fm;  vintage Canadian military radio equipment
will periodically be used. A special QSL will be issued.  See qrz.com
for information.
On May 15th, special event station CG3ADML, will celebrate  the
Founding Father of the Royal Canadian Navy, Sir Admiral Charles
Edmund Kingsmill.  The Admiral Kingsmill Corps, Navy League Cadets of
Canada, Ottawa, Ontario and Sea Cadets will be operate on 20, 40 and
80 meters, various modes, from the Royal Canadian Legion in Portland,
Ontario.
-- RAC Database, QRZ.com, and ONTARS web page

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. CANWARN Training, May 1
CANWARN training will be offered in Toronto on Saturday, May 1st, 9
a.m., at Environment Canada Headquarters 4905 Dufferin St. (Dufferin
south of Steeles Avenue).
Also on May 1st at 9 am, in Cornwall, at the Cornwall Legion, 415
Second St. West.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. China Earthquake Frequencies
The Chinese Radio Sports Association (CRSA) has asked that the
frequencies of 7050kKHz and 7060kHz be kept clear for emergency ham
radio communications following a devastating earthquake in Yu Shu
district, Qinghai province.
The earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Ritcher scale occurred on April
13th and has left 589 people dead, nearly 10,000 injured and 10,000
families needing to be resettled due to 99% of houses damaged.
-- Southgate ARC News
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 24, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, May 8
CANWARN training will be offered  for Ottawa on Saturday, May 8th, 9
a.m., at the Kanata Legion, 70 Hines Road, in Kanata.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Smiths Falls Flea Market
The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club will hold its flea market on
Saturday, May 8, at the Smiths Falls Youth Arena, behind the
Community Centre, at the corner of Cornelia St. (highway #43) and
Elmsley St. in Smiths Falls.  Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in
on VE3RLR repeater, 147.21 (+).  For more information visit
their web page, ve3rlr.dyndns.org
-- RAC Events Database
3. ARRL Code Practice and Bulletins on Echolink
W1AW's CW code practices and CW/digital bulletins are now available
using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server W1AWBDCT. The audio is
sent in real-time following W1AW's regular transmission schedule.
This is an experimental server, currently limited to 350
connections.  All users who connect are muted; and please do not send
comments via the Echolink text window.  For the schedule, visit
www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule [72]
-- ARRL Web
4. Contest Calendar Upgraded
Bruce WA7BNM has upgraded  his online Contest Calendar website,
www.hornucopia.com/contestcal [73].  There are more ways of viewing
contests, such as the very useful 8-day contest chart and graphic of
when the contests run.  You can also customize the site for the
contests you want to follow, and output iCal for your personal
calendars.
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 1, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, May 15-19
CANWARN training will be offered for Sudbury on Saturday, May 15th,
9:30 a.m., at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, 239 Montee Principale,
Azilda.
On Sunday, May 16th, at 7 p.m. at the Waterfront Inn, 208 St.
Mary's Drive in Sault Ste Marie.
On Monday, May 17th, at 7 p.m, at the Days Inn, 14 Mountjoy St.
South, in Timmins.
And on Wednesday, May 19th, at 7 p.m., at the Ontario Provincial
Police Communication Centre, 877 Gormanville Road, in North Bay.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
2. Inter-County CANWARN Network
The new Inter-County CANWARN Network (ICCN) is being launched this
spring, and will be activated on the new Ontario Public Service IRLP
Reflector # 9030 during severe weather events that generate watches
and warnings issued by Environment Canada Toronto.
The purpose and benefit of this network will be to provide a
co-ordinated link between adjacent counties in the warned regions,
and to create a continuous path for the delivery of urgent weather
reports directly to the Toronto Weather Office using the online
reporting form or the dedicated landline number.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. WorldRadio Online
The May 2010 edition of WorldRadio Online magazine is live and posted
free at www.worldradiomagazine.com [76].
-- Handi-Ham News
4. "Discover Homebrew" at Dayton
The Dayton Hamvention and the Midwest VHF/UHF Society will host a
"Discover Homebrew" demonstration area at the Dayton Hamvention, May
14-16 in Dayton, Ohio.
Located in booths 179, 180, 191, 192, and booths 203, 204, 215, and
216 in the North Hall, there will be 6 eight foot tables available to
accommodate many homebrewers simultaneously. AC power will be
provided, along with HF and possibly VHF antenna access. All you need
to do is bring your favorite home built project, set it up and
demonstrate it to anyone who is interested.
The only restriction is that no sales may be conducted from the demo
area. If you have commercial plans for your project, it is fine to go
ahead and talk about them.  For details, see www.hamvention.org [77].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 8, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Global Simulated Emergency Test
The Global SET will be held on  May 15, 2010 from 0400-0800 UTC. To
review the rules and list of participating stations, visit
tinyurl.com/37c4brg (Three Seven Charlie Four Bravo Romeo Golf). If
you plan to participate in the May exercise, please e-mail  Doug
Mercer VO1DTM to register.
Another Global SET is tentatively scheduled for November 13, 2010
from 1100-1500 local.  This will be confirmed during GAREC this
October.
-- via Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Girl Guides Special Event Station
Guiding Canada will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary on May
15th with a Canada-wide Rally. Over 6000 Guides and leaders will
attend the Toronto venue at Ontario Place. The Emergency Management
Ontario Radio Group will be setting up a Guides On The Air (GOTA)
Station, call sign VE3EMO, operating on 14.140 MHz -/+ and on
the Ontario Public Service Reflector 9035. All stations are invited
to join us in this special celebration from 10:00 am to 4:00pm on May
15th.
Over venues in Ontario include Thunder Bay & Sudbury.
-- Jim Taylor, VA3KU, EMO Amateur Radio Program Coordinator
3. New EC for Orangeville / Dufferin
A new Emergency Co-ordinator has been selected to represent
Orangeville and Dufferin County.  Alex Giger, VE3LFJ has accepted the
appointment effective May 5th, and will be working closely with Brad
Rodriguez VE3RHJ DEC for Bruce District to develop emergency
communications planning and public service leadership for Orangeville
and the surrounding area of Dufferin County.
The Ontario ARES team welcomes Alex to this position with recent RAC
membership and also being the latest appointed ARES Official in the
Province.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC

ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. LM Contest Log Software
LM is a program to "post process" contest logs.  LM allows you to
edit your log after the contest, enter a paper log, and convert logs
between many different file formats.  This is handy if you are using
a general-purpose logging program that produces ADIF files, and you
need to submit Cabrillo format files to the contest.  LM is freeware
and can be downloaded from www.contestsoftware.com [80]
-- ARRL Contest Update
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 15, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Windsor ARES EC Selected
The City of Windsor now has a newly appointed Emergency Coordinator
working with Municipal Officials and Emergency Services providers.
Tim Mousseau VE3TMY has become the new ARES EC designate with an
extensive Municipal background as Administrative Clerk, Director of
Public Works, Certified Technician, and completion of the EMO
Emergency Preparedness and Response course.
These service qualifications and a desire to plan and coordinate
emergency communications resources for Windsor make Tim the ideal
choice to represent the Ontario ARES in this capacity.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC
2. CANWARN Training, Grand Valley and Napanee
CANWARN training will be offered for Grand Valley on Tuesday, May
25th, at 6:30 PM, at the East Luther Grand Valley Community Centre,
90 Main St. North.  This session has special significance given that
it will be almost 25 years to the day since the devastating Fujita
Scale 4 tornado that hit Grand Valley and areas to the east on May
31st, 1985.  The session will begin with a welcome message from the
Mayor.
CANWARN training will be held on Saturday, May 29th, at 9 AM, at the
Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 26 Mill St E., Napanee.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. WX4NHC Annual Test
The annual WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test from the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) in Miami will take place Saturday, May 29, 1300-2100
UTC.  This is not a contest or exercise; this is an equipment test.
WX4NHC will be on-the-air on HF, VHF and UHF, plus 2 and 30 meter
APRS. Suggested SSB frequencies are 3.950, 7.268, 14.325, 21.325 and
28.525 MHz, +/-QRM. They will mostly be on 14.325 MHz and will
announce when WX4NHC will change frequencies.  WX4NHC also will be on
the VoIP Hurricane Net 1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219, EchoLink
WX-TALK Conference 7203).
Stations working WX4NHC should exchange their call sign, signal
report, location and name, as well as a brief weather report, such as
"sunny," "rain" or "cloudy."  QSL to WD4R, NOT to the NHC, and
include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
-- ARRL Web
4. Boat Anchor Manufacturers
For a bit of history, visit www.ominous-valve.com/ba-mfrs.html [83].
You'll find information about several classic ham radio
manufacturers, including Central Electronics, E. F. Johnson, Gonset,
National Radio, and World Radio.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario STM
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 22, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Hams "Stand Down" from Chinese Earthquake Relief
Amateur Radio operators have ended their disaster response to the
April 14 earthquake that struck China's Qinghai province. Amateur
radio operators from Beijing, Sichuan, Shandong, Anhui, Qinghai and
Jiangsu were widely involved in the disaster relief actions, and
amateurs worldwide were asked to keep frequencies clear.  While
relief operations continue, "all of the Amateur Radio heroes have
returned to their daily life."  Read more at tinyurl.com/2fpz633
(Two Foxtrot Papa Zulu Six Three Three).
-- ARRL Web

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training, week of June 7th
CANWARN Training will be offered Monday, June 7th, at 7 p.m.,
at the Atikokan Fire Hall, 101 Goodwin St., in Atikokan.
On Tuesday, June 8th, at 7 p.m., at the Longbow Lake Fire Hall
Training Room, in Kenora.
On Wednesday, June 9th, at 7 p.m., at the Best Western, 349
Government St., in Dryden.
And on Thursday, June 10th, at 7 p.m., at Confederation College,
corner of William St. and Edward St. N., in Thunder Bay. 
These are the last scheduled CANWARN traning sessions for 2010.
If you plan to attend a CANWARN session, please confirm by email to
canwarn.ontarioregion (at) ec.gc.ca.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Central Ontario Hamfest
The Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Clubs will hold the
36th Annual Central Ontario Hamfest on Sunday, June 6th,  at the
Waterloo Regional Police Association Recreation Park just off the 401
at Hwy 97, in Cambridge.  Note the new day and location this year!
Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3KSR repeater, 146.970 (-)
131.8 Hz tone.  For more information visit www.hamfest.on.ca [86]
-- RAC Event Database
4. Streetsville Special Event
The Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will operate a special event
station from the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival, on Saturday
June 5 and Sunday June 6.  VE3MIS will be operating from 1400Z to
2000Z on 28.480, 21.315, 14.240, and 7.230 MHz +/- QRM. For more
information visit www.marc.on.ca [87] and click the "Public Service" link.
-- RAC Events Database
5. Special Event Station CF3NAVY
Special event station CF3NAVY will be active from June 4 to July 3,
to celebrate the 100th Anniverary of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Operations will be 160m through 2m, and 70cm, using AM, FM, SSB,
SSTV, PSK, CW, and RTTY.  QSL via VE3RCN.  See CF3NAVY on QRZ.com for
more information.
-- RAC Events Database and QRZ.COM
6. UNITEC-1 Launched
Amateur Radio Venus satellite UNITEC-1 was launched May 21st (Japan
Standard Time) by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and
separation of the satellite from the H-IIA F17 launcher has been
confirmed.  This makes UNITEC-1 the first interplanetary Amateur
Radio satellite.
Signals have been received from its 5840.0 MHz beacon from about
300,000 km away.  For more information, the latest news, and
monitoring software, visit the Operations Centre website,
sites.google.com/site/unitec1ops
-- Southgate ARC News and AMSAT News

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 29, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Laurentian Net Advisories
On SUNDAYS only, the Laurentian Net now starts at 18:40 Eastern Time.
This is to accomodate the Ontario Swap Shop which starts on the same
frequency, 3.755 MHz, at 19:00 Eastern.  From Monday through Saturday
the Laurentian Net still starts at 18:45 Eastern.
Also, the Laurentian Net is seeking liaison stations to carry traffic
between that net and the Ontario Phone Net, once a day.  If you can
assist even one or two days a week, please contact Shawn VE3PSV,
Saturdays on the Laurentian Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net Manager
2. GLETN Pre-Net Times
The Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net (GLETN) meets daily on
3.932 MHz, at 20:30 Eastern Time.  Please note that there is now a
pre-net starting half an hour before, at 20:00 Eastern.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. London Vintage Radio Flea Market
The London Vintage Radio Club will hold its annual flea market on
Saturday, June 12, at Hammond Manufacturing, 394 Edinburgh Road in
Guelph, on the east side of the parking lot.  Open to vendors and the
public at 7 a.m.; free admission to the public.  The Hammond Museum
of Radio at 595 Southgate Road in Guelph will also be open that day.
For more information visit web page lvrc.homestead.com
-- RAC Event Database
4. ARRL Audio News Returns
Effective May 27, after a hiatus of nearly four months, the ARRL
Audio News is available at www.arrl.org/arrl-audio-news [90].  For the
time being, it will only be available as one mp3 file; ARRL will no
longer be breaking it up into segments.  It will not be available by
telephone, though that feature may return in the future.
-- ARRL Web
5. Battle Harbour
Right here in Canada there is a site begging for a few devoted,
adventurous ham operators and it has not one but two towers.
Battle Harbour is an island off the southeast shore of Labrador. It
is a National Historic District operated by the Battle Harbour
Historic Trust.
Neil Galloway, VE3VNG, describes the location and its history in an
article on the ARRL Web page.  You can read it at
tinyurl.com/3xgccyc (Three Xray Golf Charlie Charlie Yankee Charlie)
Or read more about the island at www.battleharbour.com [91]
-- ARRL Web

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 6, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Special Event Station VE7TUB
The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association will host a 24 hour special
events station VE7TUB beginning on July 24 to commemorate the annual
running of the World Championship Bathtub Race to be held on July 25
in Nanaimo, British Columbia. For more information on the World
Championship Bathtub Race visit www.bathtubbing.com [94]. For more
information on special event station VE7TUB visit www.ve7tub.ca [95].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Rotary International Special Event
Special event station VC2R will operate from June 18-24, to
celebrate the 2010 Rotary International Convention in Montreal.
Expect activity on all HF bands/modes. QSL via VE2GTI.
-- RAC Events Database and VA3RJ Web Page

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Ontario Phone Net Needs Your Help
The Ontario Phone Net (OPN) is in need of Local Net Liaison Stations,
to represent your area by picking up message traffic coming in. All
you need to do is check into OPN, which meets at 19:00 Eastern Time
daily on or about 3.742 MHz, and identify yourself as representing
your home area.  With the poor band conditions you also might be able
to help us with relays.
OPN also needs Regional Net Liaison Stations, to carry traffic to and
from the Second Region Net, which meets daily on 3.925 MHz at 13:45,
15:30, and 18:30 Eastern Time.  You check into the Net when they call
for Net Liaison Stations and advise that you are "going to" or
"coming from" Ontario, and either you have no traffic or list the
traffic you have. Please give a listen on 3.925 and see if you have a
good enough copy on one of the sessions to assist us.
If you have any questions or would like to be scheduled into the
rotation please contact Bob Sharp VA3QV OPN Net Manager, by email at
opnreport (at) gmail (dot) com, or by checking into the Ontario Phone
Net.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Wireless Amber Alerts
There is now available a new service which will send Amber Alerts via
text message to your mobile phone.  The website offers selected areas
of the country, or you can opt for countrywide amber alerts. Best
of all - it's free. Sign up at www.wirelessamber.ca [96]
-- Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, DEC Magnetawan Sector
5. AO-51 Field Day Schedule
AMSAT has announced the AO-51 configuration for Field Day:
From June 21 10:40Z to June 24 09:35Z, FM Repeater, V/S to allow
testing of V/S station equipment prior to Field Day.
Uplink: 145.880 Mhz FM, Downlink: 2401.200 Mhz FM.
From June 24 09:35Z to June 27 06:40Z, FM Repeater, V/U.
Please observe the 1 QSO per repeater Field Day rule.
Uplink: 145.920 Mhz FM, PL tone 67Hz,  Downlink: 435.300 Mhz FM.
From June 27 06:40Z to June 27 22:00Z, FM Repeater, V/S.
Please observe the 1 QSO per repeater Field Day rule
Uplink: 145.880 Mhz FM, Downlink: 2401.200 Mhz FM.
After Field Day, from June 27 22:00Z to July 5, FM Repeater, V/U.
Uplink: 145.920 Mhz FM, PL tone 67Hz, Downlink: 435.300 Mhz FM.
-- AMSAT News Service
6. New URL for Contest Club Ontario
The Web site for Contest Club Ontario can now be found using the new
URL of www.va3cco.com [97]
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 12, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 2010 Canada Day Contest
RAC's annual Canada Day Contest will be held from 0000 UTC to 2359
UTC on July 1.  Operations will be on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and
2 metres, CW and phone.  Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province
or territory; VE0's and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a
serial number.  For more information and full contest rules visit
tinyurl.com/rac-contests
-- RAC Web Page

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Canada Day Radio-Thon for Charity
In conjunction with the Canada Day Contest, members from the Niagara
Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold their third annual Canada Day
Radio-thon for Charity.  The more contacts NPARC members make during
the contest, the more money they will raise from their pledges. This
year's charities include the Canadian National Institute for the
Blind (CNIB) Amateur Radio Program and the St. Catharines General
Hospital Foundation.  For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca [100]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Field Day Station Locator
The ARRL's Field Day Station Locator is an interactive map that helps
those interested in Amateur Radio find a Field Day site near them. It
is free to clubs or individuals who will be operating public Field
Day stations. If your group would like to be a part of the Station
Locator Service, just go to www.arrl.org/field-day-locator [101] and
follow the instructions.  Note that this is a different web address
than was printed in the Field Day packets.
-- ARRL Web
4. 12 Out Of 48 Hours
A review of the 2009 CQ Worldwide DX SSB logs shows that while Single
Operators can be on the air for 48 hours, the average all-band
operator spent only about 12 hours in the contest last year. Of the
over 3500 Single Operator, All Band entries, 87 percent operated less
than half the CQ WW DX SSB contest.  Only 25 operators worked more
than 44 hours.  For details visit tinyurl.com/cqww09logs
-- Radio-Sport.net
5. Satellite Frequency Allocations
In preparation for frequency allocation negotiations, the IARU has
published a full specification at www.iaru.org/ac-09spec.pdf [102]
Proposals include: an allocation for the Amateur Satellite Service in
the 50-54 MHz band; expansion of the satellite allocation in the
420-450 MHz band; retention of the 1240-1300 MHz band; and removal of
the "Earth-to-space only" restriction on 1260-1270 MHz.
-- AMSAT News Service

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 19, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Ontario Phone Net on Field Day
As in previous years the Ontario Phone Net (OPN) will be in operation
for Field Day, running our regular scheduled net activities.  The
"Pre Net" will start at approximately 18:30 hours Eastern time, and
the net at 19:00, as close to 3.742 MHz as conditions will allow.
Remember that there are bonus points awarded for NTS messages being
sent from your field day site to the Ontario Section Manager and the
Ontario Section Emergency Coordinator.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Quebec Amateur Radio Balloon
The next flight of the Quebec Amateur Radio Balloon is scheduled for
June 26 or 27, Field Day weekend, weather permitting.  The main
payload will be a VHF-UHF crossband repeater  available to the
amateur community while airborne. Input frequency 145.560 Mhz, with
103.5 Hz tone; output frequency 445.525 Mhz.  The balloon will also
be equipped with APRS and can be followed during the flight.
This will be a bilingual (French and English) directed net with Gerry
VE2AW as net control.  Check-ins are invited to use the phonetic
alphabet and then will be required to provide their nickname and
location.  A commemorative QSL card will be issued to all  stations
which are confirmed by the net control station.  For more information
visit www.raqi.ca/braq/live.htm [105]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. U.S. Licence Exams
The Lambton County Radio Club sponsors a Volunteer Examiner Team
certified to administer examinations in Canada for all three classes
of United States Amateur Radio licenses.  This service is offered to
assist those who would like to obtain a US Amateur Radio license and
call sign without traveling across the border to do so.
Test sessions are scheduled by appointment. Depending on the
availability of examiners, dates and times can be tailored to
accommodate those traveling long distances.  Pre-registration is
REQUIRED and absolutely NO "walk-ins" will be accommodated.  You must
have a mailing address in the U.S. where you can receive domestic
U.S. mail. For more information visit www.ve3sar.org [40] and click on
"USA Licensing".
-- Keith Baker, VA3KSF
4. Radio Telegraphy Web Site
For anyone who is a CW aficionado this is the definitive webpage for
everything you would ever want to know about the mode. From links to
sample spark transmissions to those for many CW clubs it is the place
to look.  Visit www.radiotelegraphy.net [106]
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario STM

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 26, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Membership Campaign
Radio Amateurs of Canada has announced a year-long membership
campaign starting on Field Day 2010.  RAC is providing campaign
materials such as brochures, and is asking each RAC member to
personally ask 20 amateurs to join RAC -- whether they join or not,
just ask 20.  The goal is to increase RAC membership by 1,000 over
the next year.  For information and campaign materials, visit
tinyurl.com/rac-campaign
-- Peter West, VE3HG, RAC VP Public Relations

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. OPN Seeks Two Net Control Stations
Due to a change in work schedules, the Ontario Phone Net (OPN) needs
a new operator to run the Tuesday night net. You start by checking
into the Second Region Net on 3.925 MHz at 18:30 Eastern, checking
for traffic to Ontario.  At 19:00 Eastern you QSY to 3.742 MHz and
run OPN.
We also have an open slot on Saturdays with the same format.  If you
can help out, please contact Bob VA3QV, via OPN, or via email at
opnreport (at) gmail.com.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Milton Hamfest
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Ontario Hamfest 2010
on Saturday, July 10, at the Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds in
Milton.  Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on 146.52 simplex. For
more information visit www.barc.ca [39]
-- RAC Events Database
4. K2BSA Special Event
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will celebrate 100 years of Scouting
at this year's National Jamboree from July 26 to August 4.  K2BSA
will have a large demonstration station operating for the duration of
the Jamboree.  Note that this is NOT the October Jamboree-On-The-Air,
this is a 3000-acre event at Fort A.P.Hill, Virginia.  A special QSL
card will be available for a self-addressed stamped envelope.  For
more information visit www.bpmlegal.com/k2bsa.html [109].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. PileUP! Magazine
The Contest Club of Finland's PDF magazine Pileup!, issue 14(2), is
now available for free download at  www.contestclubfinland.com/CCF [110] .
The theme of the issue is "Low-Cost Contesting."   It's about 4.4
megabytes to download.
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Bulletin for the week of July 03, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New RAC Director for Quebec
Congratulations are extended to Mr. James Keep, VE2KHC, who was
recently appointed as the RAC Director for Quebec for the remainder
of a two year term ending December 31, 2012.  Mr. Keep is a Certified
Emergency Coordinator, has trained with  the Sécurité Civil Quebec
and is also a registered Radio Amateurs of Quebec Inc. member.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. XL2I Special Event
Members of the NA-128 Contest Group will activate the special
callsign XL2I from Isle-aux-Coudres, Quebec between July 23-25, 2010
during the IOTA Contest to commemorate the 475th anniversary of
arrival of the explorer Jacques Cartier.
The group will operate many stations on 6 to 80 meters, SSB, CW,
RTTY, and PSK31.  A station will be dedicated on 6m. During the IOTA
Contest, a station will be dedicated to the contest exclusively on CW
or SSB. QSL via VE2CQ (bureau or direct).
-- RAC web page and QRZ.com
3. ISS packet repeater active
The Amateur Radio AX.25 FM packet repeater on the International Space
Station (ISS) is now active on 145.825 MHz.
Amateur Radio Stations callsigns heard via ISS can be seen on APRS
maps. In order to appear on a map, a position report in a valid APRS
format must be digipeated through ISS, then be heard by an internet
gateway station, which then forwards it on to the APRS Internet
System.  For more information visit www.ariss.net [113]
-- Southgate ARC News
4. Ethics and Operating Procedures
The document "Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur"
was adopted by the International Amateur Radio Union in 2008.  There
is now a new website, www.ham-operating-ethics.org [114], where all
official versions in 25 different languages can be downloaded.
-- IARU Region 2 News
5. QRZ Launches Online Logbook
eQSL.cc and the ARRL's Logbook of the World are both facing new
competition. QRZ.com has announced the launch of its online logbook,
which will be fully integrated with the callsign database.  QRZ.com
will begin to issue its own operating awards and certificates, based
on entries in its system.
-- CQ News Service
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 10, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. VOACAP On-line
VOACAP (Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program), a well-known HF
propagation program, is now available online, at web page
online.voacap.com.  The online version uses a QTH locator based on
Google Maps, and gives its prediction as a color-coded "circuit
reliability" graph showing the probability of achieving a CW-grade
transmission quality between the transmitter and the receiver.
-- ARRL Web
2. Two-way contact on 8.97 kHz
What is believed to be the first Amateur Radio two-way contact on
8.97 kHz using truly radiated fields took place on Friday, June 4,
2010 between DJ2LF and DF6NM, over a distance of 20.2 km.  This is
well outside the reactive near field zone.  For details visit
tinyurl.com/8970hz.
-- Southgate ARC News
3. National Traffic System web page
The ARRL has a very useful web page on the National Traffic System,
with introductory and training material, and links to resources.
Much of this information is applicable to Canada.  Visit
www.arrl.org/nts [117].
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. Coax Cable and Stubs tutorial
Jim K9YC has published a tutorial on "Coaxial Cable and Stubs for
Your HF Station," available as a 10-page PDF file at
tinyurl.com/coaxstubs. This tutorial is in FAQ format and would be
particularly good for contesters that are beginning to optimize or
expand their stations.
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 17, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. EmComm East in Rochester
The third annual EmComm East conference is slated for September 18,
in Rochester, New York.  EmComm East is an ARRL-sanctioned Amateur
Radio emergency communications conference where operators can attend
training sessions on technical topics, learn from served agencies,
and interact with other EmComm operators from all over the area.  For
more information visit www.emcommeast.org [120]
-- ARRL ARES E-Letter
2. Russians win WRTC
In a very close finish, the Russian duo of Vladimir Askenov RW1AC and
Alexey Mikhailov RA1AIP won a narrow victory in the 2010 World
Radiosport Team Championship, the first time a team from outside
North America has ever won the top prize in the "World Cup" of the
ham radio contest community.
-- Radio-Sport.net
3. VHF/UHF Contesting
Todd KC9BQA has published an eight-part series of articles aimed at
newcomers to VHF+ contesting. The articles are designed to help
someone get started with contests above 50 MHz. See them at
tinyurl.com/vhf-contesting
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. Operating on 2200m
As of December 2009, Canadian amateurs have been authorized to use
the 2200 metre band (135.7-137.8 kHz) on a secondary basis.  VE7SL
maintains the "136 kHz Report," listing who is on the air and who is
building.  See his web page at tinyurl.com/2wtewj2 (Two Whiskey Tango
Echo Whiskey Juliet Two) 
-- VE7SL web page
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 24, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Brantford Hamfest
The Brantford Amateur Radio Club will hold its Hamfest 2010 on
Saturday, August 14, at the Burford Fairgrounds, 6 Park Avenue in
Burford. Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3TCR repeater,
147.150 (+) tone 131.8.  For more information visit www.ve3ba.com [123]
-- RAC Events Database
2. Girl Guides Contact ARISS
On Friday, July 16, the Girl Guides of Canada spoke with astronaut
Doug Wheelock, KF5BOC via Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS). The initial call to the ISS was made by the
Commissioner of Girl Guides of Canada.  The girls had gathered at
Guelph Lake, Ontario for the Guiding Mosaic 2010 to celebrate the
100th anniversary of Girl Guides in Canada, and were supported by
the  Guelph Amateur Radio Club.
-- AMSAT News and Girl Guides of Canada
3. WorkedGrids software
WorkedGrids is a freeware Windows application, developed by Bertrand
VE2ZAZ, that displays a map showing Amateur Radio grid squares logged
using a third-party logging program. It uses colors to display up to
four bands concurrently.  The program reads the plain-text ASCII log
files generated by most logging programs. WorkedGrids can be
downloaded from http://tinyurl.com/24okrtm [124] (Two Four Oscar Kilo Romeo
Tango Mike)
-- AMSAT News Service
4. Seven CQ WorldWide Contest Disqualifications
The CQ WW Contest Committee has continued its crackdown on cheating
in log checks on the 2009 CQ WorldWide SSB contest, tossing out the
top QRP score and moving a top low power entrant to the Assisted
category.  Seven "red card" disqualifications and four "yellow card"
warnings were issued, mostly for unclaimed assitance or unverifiable
QSOs. For more information visit www.radio-sport.net [125]
-- Radio-Sport.net

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 31, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Maplecon 2010  
The "Maplecon" QRP Gathering will be held August 20-22 at Emily
Provincial Park, Omemee, Ontario.  Gather with fellow QRPers for a
fun and relaxing weekend of camping, QRP operating, demonstrations,
show & tell, and swap/trade/sell. Day visitors (no camping) are also
welcome.  For more information visit tinyurl.com/maplecon2010
-- Ontario Swap Shop Web Page
2. International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW)
This year's ILLW will run from 0001 UTC August 21 to 2359 UTC August
22.  The objective is to promote public awareness of lighthouses and
lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, to
promote amateur radio, and to foster International goodwill.  Over
400 lighthouses in some 50 countries around the world participate.
For more information visit www.illw.net [128]
-- ILLW Web Page
3. VB1H and VC3L Special Event Stations
From August 11-15, special event station VB1H will be on the air from
Harris Island, IOTA NA-126, to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of
the Arrival of the Planter Loyalists to the Tusket Islands. There
should be 2 HF stations, CW & SSB.  Please qsl to VE3EXY.
From August 21-22, special event station VC3L will be active from the
historic Oakville harbour lighthouse at the Oakville Yacht Squadron,
for the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend.  QSL direct via
the info on QRZ.com for call sign VC3L.
-- RAC Events Database and QRZ.com
4. Ontario QSO Party Results
Final results for the 2010 Ontario QSO Party are available online at
www.va3cco.com/oqp/results [129]. Scores are listed by Ontario county, US
state, and by country. Plaque and certificate winners are listed on a
separate page. Certificate winners may download their certificate
from this page.
-- ARRL Contest Update

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 7, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Junk in the Trunk fleamarket
The Ontario Swap Shop will hold its second annual Junk in the Trunk -
Loonie Event on Saturday, August 28, at the Newmarket Theatre, 505
Pickering Crescent, in Newmarket.  Open to the public at 9 a.m.;
talk-in on 146.520 simplex.  For more information see
www.ontarioswapshop.com [132]
-- RAC Events Database
2. North American QSO Party
The North American QSO Party, SSB, will run from 1800Z August 21 to
0600Z August 22.  The object is to work as many North American
stations as possible, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 metres.
Exchange operator name and province or state.  For details visit
www.ncjweb.com [133] and click the "Contests" button.
-- National Contest Journal
3. New World Record on 10 GHz
A group of six Swiss hams have set a new record for the longest
contact made on 10 GHz using SSB: 2696 km, from Ilha do Sal (one of
the northern Cape Verde islands) to Portugal. Using a 20 W
transmitter and a 90 cm parabolic reflector with 35 dB gain, these
hams, contacted Portugal on the morning of July 10 for almost 25
minutes.
-- ARRL Web
4. Travel Antennas for HF
Phil AD5X has published articles on both a 60-10 meter travel
vertical, and a 40-10 meter travel dipole. Both are easy to build,
and very compact. Visit www.ad5x.com [134] and click "Articles", then click
the links in the "Antennas" section.  Both articles are PDF files. 
-- ARRL Contest Update
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 14, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Grounding for Lightning Protection
Radio World has a series of three "Tech Tips" on how to ground
commercial radio station antennas for lightning protection.  Much of
that information is also relevant to amateur stations.  See the
articles at tinyurl.com/grounding-1, tinyurl.com/grounding-2, and
tinyurl.com/grounding-3.
-- ARRL Contest Update
2. Wind Loading Calculations
Contesting.com's Wiki has a handy reference for antenna wind loading
calculations.  You can see it at tinyurl.com/2elnzko (Two Echo Lima
November Zulu Kilo Oscar).
-- ARRL Contest Update
3. RFI from LED lamps
Many hams have discovered that CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) emit
radio frequency interference.  Some have hoped that LED lighting will
solve the problem.  But New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management
department reports that LED bulbs can produce RFI, too.  The problem
is that the current regulators in LED bulbs use switching circuits
similar to CFLs.  So check those LEDs for interference before you
install them.
-- Southgate ARC News
4. ARRL Contest Corral
The ARRL's "Contest Corral" is the list of upcoming contests that is
published in QST Magazine.  This list includes all ARRL-sponsored
contests and most other major ham radio contests. Visit
www.arrl.org/contest-calendar [137] and click the link for "Contest Corral"
for the monthly listings.
-- ARRL Web
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 21, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Transforming Radio Amateurs of Canada
At the RAC Annual General Meeting in Halifax on 6 August, President
Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, officially launched RAC's transformation
process. The intent of which is to provide context and set the stage
-- specifically, the why, how and what of RAC's transformation.
We hope that all Canadian amateur radio operators, members and future
members, read the documents at tinyurl.com/rac-transformation and
reflect on the information they contain. Then we ask for your
comments, suggestions and recommendations on how to transform Radio
Amateurs of Canada.
-- Peter West, VE3HG, RAC VP of Public Relations

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Laurentian Net Seeks Liaison Stations
The Laurentian Net is looking for stations to bring traffic from that
net to the Ontario Phone Net, and vice versa. The Laurentian Net
meets every evening on 3.755 MHz at 6:45 pm Eastern Time, 6:40 pm on
Sundays.  The Ontario Phone Net meets every evening on 3.742 MHz at
7:00 pm Eastern.  If you can assist, even one night a week, please
contact Shawn VE3PSV on either net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. 2010 Field Day Logs Received
The 2010 Field Day logs received list has been posted at
www.arrl.org/logs-received [140]. It includes all logs received -- web,
email, and paper.  Any changes, corrections, or missing inquires
should be sent to ARRL Field Day Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND, via
e-mail, fdinfo (at) arrl.org.
-- ARRL Web
4. Contest Canada E-mail Group
Tom VE3CX has created a new Yahoo group called Contest_Canada. To
join, please send an email to
Contest_Canada-subscribe@yahoogroups.com [141]. Tom's intention is to
create a forum where issues of interest to Canadian contests can be
discussed.
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. New CQ VHF Web Page
CQ Magazine has launched a new and easier-to-navigate website for CQ
VHF magazine.  CQ VHF is a quarterly magazine edited by Joe Lynch,
N6CL devoted to "Ham Radio Above 50 MHz." You can browse the new web
layout at www.cq-vhf.com [142]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 28, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Ottawa Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
The Ottawa Amateur Radio Club will hold its 14th Annual Hamfest on
Saturday, September 11, at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3832
Carp Road, in Carp.  Open to the public at 9 a.m.;  talk-in on VE2CRA
repeater, 146.94 (-), 100 Hz tone.  For more information visit
www.oarc.net/fleamarket [145]
-- RAC Events Database
  
2. Barrie-Orillia Hamfest
The Barrie and Orillia Amateur Radio Clubs will hold their joint
hamfest on Saturday, September 11, at the the Oro-Medonte
Fairgrounds, north on Hwy 11 to 7th line of Oro-Medonte, and then
just past the Airport on 7th line. Open to the public at 8 a.m.;
talk-in on VE3LSR repeater, 146.85 (-), 156.7 Hz tone.  For more
information see tinyurl.com/barriehamfest
-- RAC Events Database
3. Pakistan flood disaster update
The Pakistan Amateur Radio Society (PARS) reports that emergency
communications support has been extended in the past week to three
more villages. Food and non-food items have been provided to around
1,000 families in the Charsadda and Nowshera areas. A medical camp
was also established which has treated almost 700 patients. 
About 30 hams are providing help to those who have fled the flooded
areas, using repeaters and 2m simplex. Hand-held radios and cross
band repeaters and antennas have been offered from Turkey. PARS
continues working in collaboration with Islamabad Jeep Club members
with their 4WD sport utility vehicles delivering essential relief
supplies, with medical help being provided by the Pakistan Academy of
Family Physicians.
-- IARU Region 1 News
4. Antique Radios Web Page
Jim Tripp WA6DIJ has quite a collection of old radios, which you can
see on his web page, www.antiqueradiomuseum.org [146].  Be sure to visit
the Hallicrafters and "boat anchor" collections.  As Jim says, "real
radios glow in the dark."
-- via ARRL Contest Update
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 4, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Pakistan Relief Frequencies
Several HF, VHF and UHF frequencies have been set aside for  relief
communications in Pakistan. The HF frequencies are 7.070, 14.200 and
14.300 MHz.  Please cooperate by keeping these frequencies clear.
-- via CQ News Service
2. Missisauga Amateur Radio Club 25th Anniversary
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Mississauga ARC, special
event station VC3M will be active from September 18 to October 18, on
all HF bands except the WARC bands.  For QSL and other info, see
VC3M on QRZ.com.
-- RAC Events Database
3. Halton County Radial Railway Event
On September 18th, the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will once again
operate a Halton County Radial Railway special event station, from
1400 to 2000 UTC, using call sign VC3M. SSB Frequencies will be 7.227
MHz, 14.240 Mhz, 21.315 MHz, 28.480 MHz +/- QRM.  For more
information visit www.marc.on.ca [87]
-- RAC Events Database
4. Portuguese AM Feast
The Association of Radio Amateurs of the Alentejano Coast in Portugal
invites everyone to participate in a special commemoration of
Amplitude Modulation, using the 80, 40, 20, 10 and 2 metre bands, on
Sunday, September 19.  HF frequencies will be
3.685 MHz - from 06:00 to 08:00 UTC
7.100 MHz - from 08:00 to 11:00 UTC - alternate frequency 7.143 MHz
14.286 MHz - from 13:00 to 14:00 UTC
29.075 MHz - from 14:00 to 15:00 UTC
The objectives are to provide an opportunity for the use of antique
or collection transmitters, and to promote practical training and
knowledge about an emission mode that is falling into disuse.
-- Southgate ARC News
5. Software Freedom Day 2010
September 18th is Software Freedom Day, a worldwide celebration of
Free and Open Source Software.  Ontario events will be held in
Kingston, Pickering, and Waterloo.  For more information visit
www.softwarefreedomday.org [149]
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 11, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Commercial Activity on 2m and 70cm
Industry Canada advised both RAC and RAQI on Friday, Sept 10, that
their Montreal office had temporarily authorized a number of 430 to
450 MHz frequencies, and a single VHF frequency on 145.555 MHz, to
support communications for many European entrants of a cycling event
to be held on Quebec City and Montreal on Sept 10 and Sept 12
respectively. According to IC, frequencies were chosen to avoid
known amateur repeater channels.
This type of authorized intrusion by Industry Canada of non-amateur
communications in amateur spectrum is highly unusual and is a matter
of great concern to Radio Amateurs of Canada.  RAC will be taking the
matter up with Industry Canada officials.  RAC wants to know if
actual interference has been caused to amateur communications; please
report any observations to regulatory (at) rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Laurentian Net Seeks Net Controllers
The Laurentian Net is looking for operators to serve as alternate Net
Control Stations, for days when the scheduled NCS can't be available.
The Laurentian Net meets every evening on 3.755 MHz at 6:45 pm
Eastern Time, 6:40 pm on Sunday.  If you can assist, please contact
Shawn VE3PSV on the Laurentian Net, or via NTS messsage. 
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. London Hamfest
The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 33rd Annual Flea Market
on Sunday, September 26, at the Western Fair Grounds in London.
Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VA3LON repeater, 147.060,
114.8 Hz tone.  For more information visit www.larc.ca [152]
-- RAC Events Database
4. ARES Marks 75th Anniversary
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service is celebrating its 75th
anniversary between September and December of this year. The
anniversary date is based on the first published mention of an
organized amateur radio response organization, in QST magazine in
September, 1935. ARES has gone through several name changes over the
years, but its mission has always been the same - providing
communications during emergencies and disasters when normal means of
communicating are either disabled or overloaded.
-- CQ News Service
5. QCWA Seeks Youth Mentoring Stories
Dave Hayes, VE3JX, who writes the QCWA column in WorldRadio online
magazine, is looking for input from Quarter Century Wireless
Association members regarding their involvement in youth oriented
projects such as ham radio youth mentoring and education.   If you
are a QCWA member and have experiences with any aspect of ham radio
youth mentoring, please send your story along with any related photos
to Dave, ve3jx (at) rac (dot) ca.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 18, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Special Event Station VC1J
On Sunday, October 24th, the Westcumb ARC in Amherst, NS will operate
special event station VC1J to commemorate 65th Anniversary of the
United Nations and UNESCO.  The station will operate from the Joggins
Fossil Cliffs which became a UNESCO site last year.  A special QSL
card will be available.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Special Event Station CG3MUG
During the month of November 2010, special event station CG3MUG
will be operated to celebrate the 100th  birthday of the Thunder Bay
Marine Communications and Traffic Centre, VBA.  For more information
check CG3MUG on qrz.com.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. New RAC HQ Appointments
I am pleased to announce that Chris Wiesner, VA3SM has assumed the
position of Office Co-ordinator and Dave Parks, VE3AV/VA2LGQ, is
continuing in his role as Membership Administrator. Chris is
full-time while Dave is part-time. Offices hours are Monday to
Friday from 10:00  to 16:00 Eastern Time and the telephone number is
613-244-4367 or toll-free 877-273-8304.
Our treasurer has also engaged the part-time services of Lyne
Lamothe-Phillips as bookkeeper. With these changes we look forward to
offering improving service to Canadian Amateurs in general and our
members in particular.
-- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, RAC President

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Please Keep 7065 kHz Clear
In response to Hurricane Karl, which came onshore in Mexico as a
Category 3 hurricane, the Mexican Emergency Net is operating on
7065 kHz. All stations not involved in passing hurricane-related
traffic are requested to keep that frequency clear, according to
IARU Caribbean area Emergency Coordinator Arnie Coro, CO2KK.
-- CQ Bulletin Service
5. Echolink for Android and iPhone
EchoLink software is now available free of charge for Android and
iPhone smartphones.  If you own one of these devices and are a
validated EchoLink user, you can access the EchoLink system from
nearly anywhere where WiFi or 3G networking is available. EchoLink
for Android is available from the Android Market; EchoLink for iPhone
from the Apple App Store.  For more information see
www.echolink.org/support.htm [155]
-- AMSAT News Service

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 25, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Simulated Emergency Test Dates
The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is an annual emergency
communications exercise, administered by ARRL and RAC. Both the
Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and the National Traffic
System (NTS) are involved.  The SET gives communicators the
opportunity to focus on the emergency-communications capability
within your community, while interacting with NTS nets.
For Canada EXCEPT Ontario, the SET will be held October 16.
Ontario will be holding its provincial SET at a later date, to be
announced after October 23.   Individual ARES units and other groups
are free to conduct their SETs anytime between September 1 and
November 30 if an alternative date is preferred. The activity period
should not exceed 48 hours.  For more information visit
tinyurl.com/3979kom (Three Nine Seven Nine Kilo Oscar Mike)
-- RAC Web Page
2. RAC Director Elections
Congratulations to the following:  William (Bill) Gipps, VE7ISV /
VE7XS has been re-elected as the RAC Director for British Columbia /
Yukon.  Derek Hay, VE4HAY has been re-elected as the RAC Director for
Midwest.  Bill Unger, VE3XT has been re-elected as the RAC Director
for Ontario North / East.  Everett (Ev) Price, VO1DK has been elected
as the new RAC Director for Atlantic.  All ran unopposed, eliminating
the need for a balloted election.  All were elected for a two year
term from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012.
The RAC Executive and Directors wish to extend a sincere "Thank You"
to Mr. Len Morgan VE9MY, outgoing Director for Atlantic, for his
service to the  RAC and dedication to amateur radio.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Bonaire DXpedition
From October 10th to 24th, a combined Dutch and American operating
team will operate from the island of Bonaire, activating the island
for the first time as a new DXCC entity.  Bonaire is currently part
of the Netherlands Antilles which are scheduled to be dissolved as a
unified political entity on October 10th.  The five islands of the
former Netherlands Antilles are expected to become new independent
entities for DXCC.  For more information about the expedition, visit
www.bonaire2010.com [158]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Transcontinental Railway Special Event
The last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven on November
7, 1885.  To commemorate the 125th anniversary of this event, special
event station XM7CPR will operate from October 15th to November
15th.  Operation will be on all HF bands.  For more information check
XM7CPR on qrz.com.
-- RAC Special Events database
5. Jamboree On The Air
The 53rd Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) will take place on 16 and 17
October, starting Saturday at 0000 hours local time, to Sunday 23:59
hours local time.  JOTA is an annual event in which Boy and Girl
Scouts and Guides from all over the world speak to each other by
means of Amateur Radio, mostly with the assistance of local radio
clubs and individual radio amateurs.  This year's event will be
noteworthy for the Boy Scouts of America as they celebrate their
100th anniversary.  For more information see the ARRL web page at
tinyurl.com/jota-arrl, or the Scouts web page at tinyurl.com/jota53
-- Scouts and ARRL web pages 
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 2, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Alberta Section Training Coordinator appointed
I have been advised by National Training Coordinator Dave Drinnan,
VE9FK of the appointment of Ken McPherson VA6KM as STC for the
Alberta Section.  Ken has been a Ham since 1993 but has had an
interest in  radio since 1982. Ken has served in the Navy as a NCI-OP
(Naval Combat Information Operator) as well as the Armored Reserves
in Ottawa. Ken's background in training includes time as a Cadet
Instructor, First Aid Instructor and Scuba Instructor.
With this varied background, Ken hopes to help develop ARES in
collaboration with the Province of Alberta, RAC, Provincial ARES
groups, and all others that wish to help.  I know will all join me in
wishing Ken the best in this.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Northern Ontario Hamfest
The Manitoulin Island and Sudbury Amateur Radio Clubs will hold a
flea market on Saturday October 16, at the Walden Arena, 325 Anderson
Dr., in Lively.  Note that this is not accessible from Highway 17;
take the Lively exit to Regional Road 55 and turn to Regional Road
24, Walden Arena will be on the left side after the underpass. Open
to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on 147.060 (-) 100 Hz tone.  For
more information visit www.ve3srg.com [161]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Hamilton Hamfest
The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its 2010 Hamfest  on
Saturday, October 16,  at the new Ancaster Fair Grounds, south-west
of Ancaster at the corner of highways #53 and #52.  This is the same
location as last year.  General admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on
146.760 (-) 131.8 Hz tone.  For information visit www.hamiltonarc.ca [162]
-- RAC Events Database
4. First 2200 Meter VE-JA QSO Claimed
Kunikazu Togashi, JA7NI, in Daisen, Akita, Japan, and Scott Tilley,
VE7TIL, of Vancouver, British Columbia, completed a transpacific QSO
on 2200 m (137 kHz) on September 28, a first between Canada and
Japan. The distance between CN89dk and QM09fl is 7162 km. While not
the DX record for 2200 m, it comes in second to the distance achieved
by ZM2E and UA0LE in 2004.  For more information see
tinyurl.com/268yeao (Two Six Eight Yankee Echo Alfa Oscar)
-- ARRL Web

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 9, 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

1. IARU Region 2 Conference Reports

RAC President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, and Vice President International
Affairs Daniel Lamoureux, VE2KA, have been in Salinitas, San
Salvador to participate in the IARU Region 2 Triennial Conference
held from Oct 4th to 8th.  Their brief reports have been issued as
RAC Bulletins and can be read at tinyurl.com/2010rac, or at
blog.rac.ca.

-- RAC Bulletin Service

2. Ballooning and Ham Radio

As part of the Shaftesbury High Altitude Robotics Project (SHARP),
students and teachers from Shaftesbury High School in Winnipeg will
launch a balloon with two APRS beacons, VE4SHS-14 and VE4SHS-9, from
Erickson, Manitoba on October 22nd at 10:00 Central Time. The balloon
is expected to land near or east of Portage, Manitoba after a three
hour flight to an anticipated altitude of 100,000 feet.

-- RAC Bulletin Service  

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

3. New OPN Net Manager

Ian Cope VE3HMS has been appointed Net Manager of the Ontario Phone
Net (OPN), effective Thursday, October 7.  OPN participants were
polled and wholeheartedly approved the selection, as has the Ontario
Section Manager.  Please join with me to welcome Ian aboard.

-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario Section Traffic Manager
 
4. SET and NTS

I encourage all groups in Ontario, who are participating in this
year's Simulated Emergency Test, to announce their exercises on the
Ontario Phone Net by way of NTS messages to other groups both within
and outside the province. By doing so you assist with traffic
handling training and help keep our nets solvent. The province-wide
SET date will be announced after October 23rd following a meeting
between EMO and ARES and RAC Field Services.

I also encourage groups holding local exercises to use NTS to promote
your local SET. Your scenario might require the help of non-local
amateurs to relay exercise traffic.  By advising neighbouring groups
of your plans, that assistance is more likely to be available.

-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario Section Traffic Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST

5. OSCAR-11 Signals Heard

Clive G3CWV reported that OSCAR-11 was heard by JA0CAW on August 29
after being silent since March 30, 2010. Since August 29 it continued
to be heard until September 8 and then again September 18-29.
Excellent signals have been reported from stations located around
the world, and good copy obtained from decoded telemetry frames.

The 26-year-old satellite appears to be operating for ten days on,
followed by ten days off, so it should start transmitting again
around October 9. Listen for OSCAR-11's VHF AFSK FM ASCII Telemetry
beacon on 145.826 MHz.  Web site www.g3cwv.co.uk [165] has sample sound
files, information about using soundcard and hardware demodulators
for data capture, and software for capturing data and decoding
telemetry.

-- AMSAT News
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 16, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Membership Poll:
Fellow amateur radio operators;
The Board and Executive of the Radio Amateurs of Canada are meeting at
the end of October to develop a vision for RAC in the 21st Century. In
addition we will be establishing a two year operational plan for 2011
and 2012.
We are asking current, past and future potential members of Radio
Amateurs of Canada, amateur radio clubs and associations to provide
your thoughts and recommendations on a set of questions which will be
found on our website. We would appreciate receiving your response by
October 20th.
We have already received submissions from a number of members, clubs
and associations and we wish to thank you for your input.
Feel free to add to your previous comments.
Please visit the RAC website at
http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/strategic-future/survey/ [168]
to provide your input
--Geoff Bawden VE4BAW – Président, Radio Amateurs du Canada
2.Announcement from IARU Region 2 conference:
It was announced that El Salvador has decided to sign the IARP
agreement amendment.
This very significant news means that shortly the IARP and
the CEPT Intenational Amateur licences will be harmonized and become
one.  This is the first concrete step towards a worldwide international
roaming permit that has long been wished for by the IARU as well as the
Amateur community.
--RAC Blog
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. New DXCC Entities:
On Sunday, October 10, five Caribbean islands changed their
governmental status at the same time. Two DXCC entities (the island pair of Bonaire(PJ4) & Curacao(PJ2)
and the three island group of St Maarten(PJ7), Saba(PJ6) and St Eustatius(PJ5)) were deleted from the
DXCC list of active entities.
 
They will be replaced by four new entities on the DXCC List (bracketed
numbers are DXCC country codes): (517) Curaçao; (518) Sint Maarten; (519) Saba and St Eustatius, and (520) Bonaire.
The event date and time for these changes will be 0400 UTC, October, 10 2010.
Confirmations for these new entities will be accepted for credit starting January 1, 2011.
Other administrative changes and actions will be announced as they are finalized.
--ARRL DXCC Desk
4. VC3A and VE3IYOB Special Events
From October 29 to November 29, special event station VC3A will
commemorate the 400th Anniversary of the birthplace of English
Canada: Cupers Cove, Newfoundland, in the year 1610.  For
QSL information search for VC3A on qrz.com.
Also, from November 1 to November 30, special event station VE3IYOB
will commemorate the UN International Year of Biodiversity.  QSL via
VE3NOO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Montreal South Shore Hamfest 
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Place Desaulniers, 1023 Taschereau Blvd. Longueuil (10 minutes from
downtown Montréal)
Times: Vendors 6h00, visitors 9h00
Table $ 10.00 (individual entry(s) not included)
General Admission $ 5.00
Talk-in frequency:  145,390 ( - ) VE2RSM CTCSS 103,5Hz
Free parking
For more info: http://www.ve2clm.ca/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=120 [169]

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 23, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Aurora Webcam
The Canadian Space Agency has set up a camera in Yellowknife to
broadcast the aurora borealis to the general public. It's part of a
5-year educational initiative to raise awareness of space weather and
the sun's influence on Earth. See it online at tinyurl.com/auroramax
-- ARRL Contest Update
2. CY0 DXpedition, FRIDAY – October 22:  DXpedition DELAYED;
160 - 6 M (including WARC bands)   -  CW  SSB  RTTY
Today, prior to our planned departure to Sable Island on Saturday, a
major safety issue was discovered with the charter aircraft that
requires repair before we can fly.  As of this writing, parts have not
yet been located and it is estimated that acquiring parts and completing
the repairs will extend as much as 3 weeks or longer. 
 
Thus, we will be returning to the US to “regroup” and reschedule a
return for another try.
Hopefully, a new date can be announced in the near future. Info and
details will be posted on this website, as they develop. 
Thanks to all for your patience and understanding.
- http://www.cy0dxpedition.com/ [172]
3. Nominations Open for ARRL Humanitarian Award
Nominations are open for the 2010 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. The award is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs who
demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and international
understanding through Amateur Radio.
Nominations should include a summary of the nominee's actions that
qualify for this award, plus verifying statements from at least two
people having first-hand knowledge of the events warranting the
nomination. All nominations and supporting materials  must be submitted
in writing in English to ARRL International Humanitarian Award, 225
Main
St, Newington, CT 06111 USA. Nomination submissions are due by December
31st.
-- ARRL Web
4. York Region Hamfest
The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its hamfest on
Saturday, November 6, at the Markham Fair Grounds,
10801 McGowan Road at Elgin Mills Road, in Markham. 
General admission at 9 a.m.;
talk-in on VE3YRA repeater 145.350 (-). For more information see
www.yrarc.on.ca/hamfest.shtml [173]

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 30, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Global Simulated Emergency Test
The next GlobalSET runs from 1100 until 1500 local time November 13,
2010.  This is a great chance to practice your emergency traffic
passing skills.  For a full list of frequencies and rules, please
visit the IARU Region 2 website, www.iaru-r2.org [176].  To participate you
*must* register with the RAC VP of Field Services.
During GlobalSET, the Radio Club Peruano (RCP) will celebrate it's
80th anniversary, and will be the Region 2 HQ station with the
special call sign OC80A. Look for them on the IARU Center of Activity
frequencies on 15, 17, 20, 40 and 80 meters.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. New ARES Mutual Aid Manual
The new Ontario ARES District Mutual Aid Program Manual DMAP-2010
drafted by DEC Mike Hickey VE3IPC and group partners from
Seaway/Capital Districts is now available in completed form is being
made available in a 33 page e-mail attachment for all Ontario EmCom
Groups and interested members. This document is the result of much
dedicated work and will become a valuable tool to set a new higher
standard in EmCom Coordination and the application of mutual aid
protocol throughout all of Ontario.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Kingston Hamfest
The Kingston Amateur Radio Club and the Military Communications and
Electronics Museum will hold a Breakfast and Tailgate Hamfest on
Saturday, November 13, at the Communications Museum at CFB Kingston.
Breakfast at the Garrison Golf club at 7:30; swapmeet open to the
public at 8:30.  Talk-in on VE3KBR 146.94 (-), 151.4 Hz tone. For
more information visit www.ve3kbr.com [177]
-- RAC Events Database
4. Hams Provide Support in Chile Mine Rescue
The miraculous rescue of the 33 trapped miners in Chile  has received
worldwide media coverage. One aspect that has not been covered is the
participation -- since Day 1 -- of amateur radio operators from the
Radio Club Copiapó, CE1CPI.
According to the Radio Club de Chile, there is very little
communications infrastructure in the remote area and the hams played
a vital role in keeping everyone in contact with each other. The club
provided communications support between government authorities and
equipment operators in the mine complex, among various response
agencies and for families of the trapped miners.
-- CQ News Service
5. 77th ARRL Sweepstakes
The object of the ARRL Sweepstakes is for stations in the United
States and Canada to exchange QSO information with as many other US
and Canadian stations as possible on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter
bands.  The CW contest runs from 2100 UTC Saturday, November 6
through 0300 UTC Monday, November 8. The SSB contest runs from 2100
UTC Saturday, November 20 through 0300 UTC Monday, November 22.
Complete information and the Sweepstakes Operating Guide can be found
at www.arrl.org/sweepstakes [178]
-- ARRL Web
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 6, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board Meeting
The 35th meeting of the Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board  took
place on Thursday Oct. 28th. CARAB is composed of representatives
from both RAC representing Canadian Amateurs, and Industry Canada, as
the regulator of amateur radio.  For the full report visit the RAC
web page at www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/27 [181]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. VA3QT Appointed Special Advisor
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Ian
Snow VA3QT, Special Advisor to the RAC National Field Organization
Executive.  Ian, an original National Training Resource Group
member, will work closely with National NTS Coordinator Hew Lines
VA7HU initially, looking at the manner in which the ARES and NTS stay
useful and relevant to the Agencies we serve, from a messaging and
use of technology standpoint.
I would like to welcome Ian, and thank him for his continued valuable
support of the Radio Amateurs of Canada.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
  
3. RAC Executive Meeting
On the weekend of October 30th, directors, executives, and key
participants gathered in Ottawa to plan the future of RAC.  An
initial report can be read at www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/30 [182]
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Killarney District ARES Report
On October 18, members of the Manitoulin ARES group, along with
personnel from the Red Cross, OPP, Ministry of Natural resources,
E.M.O., OMAFRA, and EMS, and Community Control Groups from the
Townships of Billings, NEMI and Central Manitoulin, participated in a
simulated emergency involving a forest fire on Manitoulin Island. The
focus of the exercise was to evaluate the response, telecommunication
and evacuation capabilities in a multi-jurisdictional emergency.  The
exercise was a success according to Jeannine Morin, Killarney Sector
Field Officer, Emergency Management Ontario.
Sudbury EC Pat Dopson and and Killarney DEC Stiig Larsen VE3LBX
attended the ARES Ontario meeting in Toronto at the Toronto Office of
Emergency Management. Presentations by Al Boyd VE3AJB, Section
Manager, and Ian Snow VA3QT were informative and discussed a role for
the group that would be independent of RAC, the ARES Qualification
System, and the establishment of a steering committee.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, Killarney DEC

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. MMSSTV
MMSSTV is an easy to use SSTV program for your Windows PC which will
allow you to receive and decode the SSTV signals from the
International Space Station. Makoto Mori, JE3HHT released version
1.13A on September 29th.  Download MMSSTV for free from
tinyurl.com/mmsstv
-- AMSAT News
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 13, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Indonesian Disaster Frequencies
All Amateur Radio operators are requested to note the following from
the Organisasi Amatir Radio Indonesia (ORARI). All IARU Center of
Activity frequencies, 21.360, 18.160, 14.300, 7.060 and 3.760 MHz
should  be kept clear. The disaster assistance effort is using 7.065.
Your  usual cooperation is very much appreciated.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. ITU Plenipotentiary wraps up
The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference ended with broad agreement on core
issues.  Delegates approved Financial and Strategic plans, and
reinforced the Union's mandate in development, standards-making and
global management of radio frequency resources.  For more information
visit tinyurl.com/2wq89r5 (Two Whiskey Quebec Eight Nine Romeo Five)
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Field Organization Review Project
I am pleased to report that a National Field Organization Review
Project was started yesterday. With the assistance of Hew Lines VA7HU
and Ian Snow VA3QT, and others, guidelines were adopted to review the
entire RAC Field Organization, including but not limited to:
Organizational structure, Focus, Training, Methodology, Communication
to and from our members, and Technology.
This will be an ongoing process that will look at all aspects of how
we operate and how we deliver Amateur Radio resources to our
customers. If you would like to assist with this project, and feel
that you have something to offer, please contact vo1dtm (at) rac
(dot) ca
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services
 
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Provincial Simulated Emergency Test
The 2010 Ontario Province-wide Simulated Emergency Test will be
conducted on the following dates:
* EOC to EOC test: December 1st from 0900-1200 local time
* Province-wide SET: December 4th from 1000-1400 and 1900-2100 local
All Amateur Radio Operators are invited to participate. Complete
details about the Province-wide SET can be found on the EMO ARES
website, www.emoares.org [185]
-- Jim Taylor, VA3KU, EMO ARES

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Nominations Open for Lighthouse Activator of the Year
The Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society presents an annual award to the
ham who has done the most to promote the activation of any of the
world's nautical light beacons.  Criteria include the rarity of the
beacons, their remoteness, and the technical difficulty. Any licensed
amateur anywhere in the world is qualified for the award.
Nominations should include the nominee's call, name, address, e-mail
address (if available) and a brief paragraph (50-100 words)
describing why the nominee should receive the award. They must be
sent to the ARLHS via e-mail or by postal mail to the ARLHS HQ, 114
Woodbine Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109, USA, no later than December
31st.  For more information visit www.arlhs.com [186]
-- ARRL Web
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 20, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Vision Statement Published
The Board and Executive of the Radio Amateurs of Canada, committed to
the future of Amateur Radio in Canada and to the future of RAC, held
a planning meeting in Ottawa from October 29th to October 31st as
part of a process to map the future of RAC in the 21st Century. The
Board and Executive have unanimously agreed upon a draft Vision for
RAC.  That statement can be viewed at tinyurl.com/racvision
Comments from members and amateurs are welcomed and should be sent to
Paul Burggraaf, Secretary, Radio Amateurs of Canada by email to the
RAC Corporate Secretary at pburggraaf (at) nf.sympatico.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. 2010 Field Day Results Now Online
The results from the 2010 ARRL Field Day -- including a copy of the
QST article (with line scores) and a results database -- are now
available on the ARRL Web site, at tinyurl.com/2b2k3o7 (Two Bravo Two
Kilo Three Oscar Seven)
-- ARRL Web
3. ARRL Homebrew Challenge 3
ARRL's Third Homebrew Challenge is to make a 25 watt SSB and CW
transceiver, for 10 or 6 metres or both, with the highest quality,
best performance and most features for under $150 single-band or
$200 dual-band.
To be considered, each entrant must submit a working transceiver no
later than November 1, 2011, suitable for testing in the ARRL Lab and
for on-the-air judging by the ARRL staff judges.  For full details
visit tinyurl.com/2bhpfjo (Two Bravo Hotel Papa Foxtrot Juliet Oscar)
-- ARRL Web
4. PileUp Seeks Contributions
The next issue of the Finnish contesting magazine PileUP! will be
published in January. The editors are looking for contributions on
propagation, antennas, station accessories, international contest
coordination, contesting history, your thoughts on this year's fall
contest season, and humor!  Contributions are due by 31 December.
Visit www.contestclubfinland.com [189] for information.
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. New Section Manager Appointed in Western New York
Steve Ryan, N2ITF, of Ashville, New York, has been appointed Section
Manager of the ARRL Western New York Section, effective November 2.
The position was made vacant when Scott Bauer, W2LC, announced his
resignation for personal reasons on October 31. Bauer had served as
Section Manager since January 2000. Ryan will complete the current
term of office that continues until September 30, 2012.
-- ARRL Bulletin Service

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 27, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Volunteers honoured for service to RAC
At a recent meeting in Ottawa, Radio Amateurs of Canada recognized
the long term effort by the individuals who have operated the RAC QSL
bureaus.  Plaques were presented to Nenad Stevanovic VE3EXY, the
manager of the National Outgoing Bureau for more than 10 years of
service, and to Len Morgan VE9MY and the Loyalist City Amateur Radio
Club, the manager of the National Incoming Bureau, for more than 15
years of service.  Congratulations and big Thank You to these people
for all their dedicated work from the Radio Amateurs of Canada.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Lanark ARES Balloon Launch, 20 November
The Lanark Amateur Space Agency, comprised of members of the Lanark
North Leeds ARES Group, launched an Amateur High Altitude Balloon
from Perth, Ontario on 20 November 2010. This launch was an  attempt
at the world height record for amateur balloons.
The flight was designated LASA 8 and transmitted as VE3REX-11 via
APRS.  It attained a record setting altitude of 39,899 meters, or
130,903 feet, before bursting and descending by parachute to land in
Jay, Maine, where it was recovered. The balloon reached speeds of 256
kilometres per hour and travelled a distance of 598 kilometres.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. CARAB News on Electrical Interference
On November 2, the annual Transmission Telecommunications Task Group
meeting between Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) and Industry
Canada was held.  Industry Canada relayed to the Association concerns
that had been raised by RAC, at the October 28 Canadian Amateur Radio
Advisory Board (CARAB) meeting, relating to electrical
interference. 
The CEA thanked Industry Canada for bringing CARAB's concerns to the
meeting and acknowledged that there are benefits to locating sources
of electrical interference. Industry Canada indicated that the CARAB
would appreciate receiving the CEA's views and reaction to this
matter  and the Association agreed it would respond.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Bruce ARES Organizational Meeting
An organizational meeting for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) in Bruce County will be held on Tuesday, December 21, at 7
p.m., at the community room at Legault's Independent Grocer, 1244
Goderich St., in Port Elgin.  All amateurs and interested
non-amateurs are welcome to attend. 
If you have been previously involved with Bruce ARES, please come to
this meeting.  If you are unable to attend, please contact me by
email, ve3rhj (at) rac.ca, so that I may renew your registration.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, DEC Bruce District

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Hams Invited to Listen for New Satellites
Five research satellites were carried to orbit November 19th, aboard
a Minotaur V rocket from Kodiak Island, Alaska. All the satellites
use Amateur Radio frequencies and hams have been invited to
participate in their missions by monitoring and collecting data.
FASTRAC1 and FASTRAC2 are "nanosatellites" from the University of
Texas.  RAX is a CubeSat from the University of Michigan.  O/OREOS is
another nanosat, and NanoSail-D2 is a solar sail experiment.
Information and web links for all these satellites can be found at
tinyurl.com/35k4zyg (Three Five Kilo Four Zulu Yankee Golf).
-- ARRL Web
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 4, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Important News About the RAC Insurance Program
For several years RAC has offered an Insurance Program to its members
and incorporated Affiliated  Clubs.  The broker who provided this
coverage recently informed RAC that it would no longer be available.
RAC has successfully found a new insurance provider, and details will
be emailed to participating RAC Affiliated Clubs.
Note that to be eligible for personal coverage, RAC members must
also be a member of an Affiliated Club that participates in the RAC
Insurance program. This is due to changes in insurance availability
and requirements of the Insurer. Complete details of this new
Insurance Program will be posted shortly on the RAC website at
www.rac.ca [194].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. New Section Manager for Saskatchewan
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Barry
MacKenzie VE5TRF Section Manager for Saskatchewan effective
immediately. Barry has a military background, and is currently
active in Moose Jaw, Sask.  Barry is the current President of the
Moose Jaw Amateur Radio Club, an accredited examiner as well as Club
webmaster. I would like to thank Barry for taking on this important
role, and thank him for his continued support of the Radio Amateurs
of Canada.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services
3. RAC is now on Twitter
On the 29th of November Radio Amateurs of Canada opened their new
Twitter Account.  If you are active on Twitter you can now follow
RAC at @RACTWEETS.  Up-to-date information is also available from
the RAC website at www.rac.ca [194] and the RAC blog at blog.rac.ca.
-- James R. Hay, VE2VE, RAC VP Technical and Administrative Services

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Ontario Phone Net Time Change
Effective immediately, the Ontario Phone Net (OPN) will start at
18:00 Eastern Time, 23:00 UTC, with the warm up commencing ten
minutes earlier.  Hopefully, this change will be sufficient to
compensate for band conditions which are likely to continue to 'go
long' earlier over the next two months.
-- Ian Cope, VE3HMS, OPN Net Manager

ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Nominations Sought For 2011 Hamvention Awards
The Dayton Hamvention is seeking nominations for its 2011 awards. The
Radio Amateur of the Year, Special Achievement, and Technical
Excellence Awards are considered among the most prestigious honors in
amateur radio. Also, the association is continuing its  Radio Club of
the Year Award, introduced last year. Nominations must be submitted
by January 15, 2011. Details and nominating forms are available at
www.hamvention.org [77].
-- CQ News Service
6. Media Coverage of LASA 8
The Sun-Journal in Lewiston, Maine, has reported on the Lanark Space
Agency's successful launch and recovery of LASA 8, the record-holding
high altitude balloon flight. Read it at
www.sunjournal.com/city/story/948273 [195]
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 11, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 2010 Canada Winter Contest
The RAC Canada Winter Contest runs 0000 to 2359 UTC on December 18,
on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 metres, phone and CW.  Canadian
stations send RST and province or territory; VE0s and stations
outside Canada send RST and a serial number.  For more information
see www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests [198]
-- RAC Web Page
2. Call for Homebrew Articles
The Canadian Amateur magazine is looking for a variety of articles,
long or short, describing Amateur Radio projects which you have
conceived and built.  Possible topics could include transmitters,
amplifiers, receivers, tuners, keyers, computer-controlled devices,
station control systems, measuring equipment, original construction
techniques, or special software.  Please send a preliminary outline
of your article to the Editor by December 31.  If accepted, you will
be asked to submit the complete article by February 15, 2011.  An
Author's Guide is at www.rac.ca/tca/tca_authors_guide.htm [199]; send
email submissions to tcamag (at) yahoo.ca.
-- The Canadian Amateur
3. RAC Membership Changes
Due to the cost of mailing, Radio Amateurs of Canada is
increasing its annual membership fees for U.S. and International
memberships.  These changes apply only for members receiving The
Canadian Amateur; family and blind memberships remain unchanged.
See www.rac.ca [194] for details.
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. FM Simplex Damaging Space Communications
FM operators are once again being asked to not use 145.8 to 146.0 MHz
for terrestrial, point to point casual communications.  This is
because such operations are devastating to weak signal ground to
space and space to ground satellite operations.  Your cooperation is
appreciated.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Falcon 9 launches Amateur Radio CubeSat
The SpaceX Falcon 9 that launched on Wednesday, December 8, carried
the Amateur Radio CubeSat CAERUS into Low Earth Orbit. The satellite
transmits beacon data on 437.600 MHz, 1200 baud AFSK, using call sign
KJ6FIX, with a power of 900 milliwatts.  Reception reports are
desired -- for information see tinyurl.com/37w8map  (Three Seven
Whiskey Eight Mike Alfa Papa).
-- Southgate ARC News
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 18, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Distracted Driving Legislation
On November 24th New Brunswick introduced a bill to control cell
phone and "hand-operated electronic device" use while driving and
this legislation will prevent amateurs from using mobile radios while
driving. RAC agrees with the intent of the legislation but has argued
for an exclusion for Amateur Radio operators in a December 9th letter
from the President of RAC to the New Brunswick Minister of Public
Safety.
Third reading on the bill is expected during the week of December 13
to 17. The Bill permits the government to proclaim the legislation at
a time of its choosing anytime thereafter.
For a more complete report visit www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/39 [202]
-- RAC Bulletin Service

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. January 1st is Straight Key Night
Straight Key Night is held every January 1 from 0000 UTC through 2359
UTC. This 24-hour event is not a contest; rather it is a day
dedicated to celebrating our CW heritage. Participants are encouraged
to get on the air and simply make enjoyable, conversational CW QSOs.
The use of straight keys or bugs to send CW is preferred.
For more information see www.arrl.org/straight-key-night [203]
-- ARRL Web
3. Straight Key Night on Oscar
You are cordially invited to participate in Straight Key Night on
OSCAR, conducted by AMSAT for radio amateurs throughout the world.
There are no rules, no scoring and no logs required. Just operate CW
on any OSCAR satellite, using a straight hand key, from 0000 UTC to
2400 UTC on 1 January 2011, working as many SKN stations as you can.
-- AMSAT News
4. January 2nd is Kids' Day
Kids Day is an on-air event to encourage young people (licensed or
not) to have fun with Amateur Radio. It is designed to give
on-the-air experience to youngsters and hopefully foster interest in
getting a license of their own.  Kids Day runs from 1800 to 2359 UTC
on Sunday, January 2nd, 2011.  Operate as much or as little as you
like. Suggested exchange is name, age, location and favorite color.
For more information see www.arrl.org/kids-day [204]
-- ARRL Web
5. DX Code of Conduct
The 'DX-Code of Conduct' are some very important guidelines on how to
best use your station, as well as providing good operating skills to
make it into the DX log in a way that is both efficient and follows
the ethical standards of operating on the amateur radio bands.  Read
it at www.dx-code.org [205]
-- Southgate ARC News
 

RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 25, 2010
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Season's Greetings from RAC
To Fellow Radio Amateurs, your Families and Loved ones: I bring you
seasonal greetings from your national radio association; the Radio
Amateurs of Canada. I hope that 2010 has been an excellent year for
you and those that you hold dear.
As we enter this holiday season I want to wish each and every one of
you a warm wish for a fabulous holiday season as well as a healthy
and prosperous 2011. I am sure that you will be taking time to be
with your friends and family. Being with those closest to you makes
this the finest part of the year.
Take care. May 2011 be good to you.
-- Geoff Bawden VE4BAW, President and Chair, RAC
2. Fast Facts on the New RAC Insurance Program
Since the RAC Bulletin advising Members about the changes to the RAC
Insurance Policy came out there have been some questions being
raised.  With the intent of keeping our members better informed, Bob
VA3QV asked First Vice President Ian MacFarquhar VE9IM to address
some of the questions we have heard recently.  Read Ian's replies at
blog.rac.ca/?p=1844
-- RAC Blog

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. EmComm Quarterly Signing Off
EmComm Quarterly has ceased publication.  This e-newsletter about
amateur radio emergency communications started as EmComm Monthly in
2004, and became quarterly in 2009.  Back issues will remain
available at www.emcomm.org/em [208], and the web site will continue
operation unitl funds are depleted.
-- D. W. Thorne, K6SOJ, Editor / Publisher
4. Free Propagation E-Book
Steve G0KYA and Alan G3NYK, of the Radio Society of Great Britain's
Propagation Studies Committee, have released a free ebook called
"Understanding LF and HF Propagation."  It is based on a series of
features the two wrote for the RSGB's "Radcom" magazine in 2008 and
2009.  Download the book in PDF format for free at
www.g0kya.blogspot.com [209]
-- AMSAT News 

RAC Bulletin 2010-11E - RAC requests Industry Canada for 60m Spot
frequency assignments.
2010-04-13

A formal request has been sent to the Director, Spectrum and Radio
Policy, Industry Canada for consideration in authorizing for the
Canadian Amateur Service the same five 5 MHz frequencies that are now
authorized in the USA.

In addition, two spot frequencies are also requested for exclusive
Canadian Amateur use. The ground work for this was established at
previous meetings of the Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board (CARAB).

RAC anticipates this request will go through a lengthy due process of
analysis and review at Industry Canada before being published as a
Canada Gazette Notice for public comment. If all goes well, we may see
authorization within a year.

Norm Rashleigh, VE3LC
RAC Vice-President Industrial Laison
 

Subject: Radio HF Christmas Specials 2010 Flyer
Date: Friday, October 29, 2010 9:05 AM
Hello from Montreal!
It is almost impossible to believe that we are now less than two months away from Christmas 2010!  Where does the time go?
Attached please find my "Radio HF Christmas Specials 2010" flyer. As you will see there are several new ARRL and RSGB publications released, with a few others along the way in November.
Some of you might like to treat yourself to a few early Christmas gifts, or you might like to leave a copy of the flyer lying around somewhere in the house for the spouse, the kids, or significant other, with items highlighted that you think would look great under your Christmas tree or jammed into your Christmas stocking!
As indicated in the flyer, orders received here by December 12th will be filled and shipped out in time for you to receive them prior to the holidays (said holding my breath and crossing my fingers!) barring unforseen delays.
Please note that all items have U.S. and Canadian prices indicated.  If you are located outside of North America, you can still order but you should leave a little more time for shipping.  Overseas customers should e-mail me for quotations on orders.
I am working on updating the Radio HF webpage.  When completed it will have the full catalog of publications available, including those listed on this flyer. However, at this time, I am having some difficulty with the FTP program so, at the time you receive this, the page may not yet be updated. Hopefully the bugs will be ironed out shortly.
If you have any questions about these publications, or any other Radio HF products, please feel free to contact me.  Remember that Radio HF gift certificates are also available, in any denomination. Contact me for details.
Off to work on the CIDX Messenger and the Radio HF Internet Newsletter for November.  Those will hopefully be ready to ship off to members and subscribers in a few days.
Happy Halloween everyone and then on to the downhill race towards the end of the year and the holiday season.
Best wishes,

Sheldon Harvey
Radio HF - Canada's radio specialist
http://www.radiohf.ca [216]