RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 3, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Canada Day Results Posted Results for the 2014 Canada Day contest are posted on the Radio Amateurs of Canada website at www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests. Certificates will be sent out via email, so look for them starting in late January. -- ARRL Contest Update 2. New ARRL HF Contesting Guidelines ARRL's Contest Advisory Committee has revised the HF Contesting Guidelines. The revisions address recent technological changes, including remote station operation, and present a current understanding of contesting standards and practices. The goals of the document are to provide guidance and advice, especially for new contesters, and to encourage contest operation that advances the spirit and integrity of radiosport. Find it in HTML and PDF at www.arrl.org/hf-contesting-guidelines -- ARRL Web 3. Nominations Open for ARRL Technical Awards The ARRL also seeks nominations for awards to individual radio amateurs or groups, that recognize educational and technological pursuits in Amateur Radio. The Microwave Development Award is for contributing to the development of the Amateur Radio microwave bands. The Technical Service Award is for providing Amateur Radio technical assistance or training to others. The ARRL Technical Innovation Award is granted for developing and applying new technical ideas or techniques in Amateur Radio. The nomination deadline is March 31. The awards appear to be open to non-ARRL members, but nominations must come from an ARRL member. For more information see www.arrl.org/technical-awards -- ARRL Web 4. Amplitude Demodulating BPSK31 Amplitude demodulation for phase-shift keying? That's what the web site "Analog Zoo" has done, with nothing more than op amps and a 555 timer. It's a clever and instructive low-tech "hack". Find it at tinyurl.com/am-bpsk31 -- via Ham Radio Daily 5. Repeaterbook.com unveils Worldwide Search www.repeaterbook.com, which describes itself as "the best free resource for amateur radio repeater information in the United States, Canada, and Mexico", is expanding to cover the rest of the world. RepeaterBook relies on users to provide up-to-date information, so please check out their listings for the repeaters in your area. -- Southgate Amateur Radio News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 10, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. New RAC Membership Benefit. RAC is pleased to announce that it has recently reached a deal to provide members with a 10% discount on books available from the Radio Society of Great Britan. Check out the Jan/Feb 2015 issue of The Canadian Amateur (Page 8) for details. ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. 2014 DX SOUND BITES! Tom, K8CX, has done it again. He has provided DXers with 152 memorable rare DX sound clips (in MP3 format) from 2014. Visit Tom's famous "HAM GALLERY" Web site at: http://hamgallery.com/dx2014 While there you can also check out other features on his Web page, such as: 17 years of "Rare DX Sound Clips" of the past, QSL Card Museum, and Dayton Photo Galleries. and speaking of Dayton --- 3. 2015 Dayton Hamvention venue Despite financial struggles dogging the owners of Hara Arena, site of the Dayton Hamvention® since the 1960s, the 2015 Hamvention General Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS, has told ARRL that he expects the world’s largest Amateur Radio show to continue there — this May and in the years ahead. “Both Hamvention and DARA have absolute confidence in the Wampler family’s guiding their corporation through reorganization and have plans in place to keep Hara operating for years to come,” Tiderman said. Last year, Dayton Hamvention attracted nearly 25,000 visitors. 4. Dayton Contest University 2015 Registration is now open for the 2015 Dayton Contest University (CTU). Sessions will take place on Thursday, May 14, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Dayton. 2015 will mark the ninth year in a row that CTU sessions have been held in Dayton, in conjunction with Dayton Hamvention.® More than 3700 students have attended Dayton CTU, and more than 80 instructors have shared their contesting experience and expertise. For more information check out www.contestuniversity.com 5. PAY PHONES MAY DISAPPEAR IN DA BIG APPLE Pay phones on New York City streets would become a remnant of the past under a plan that would replace them with standalone devices offering free Wi-Fi and nationwide phone calls. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio calls the project LinkNYC. He describes it as a plan proposed by the CityBridge group who have been selected to replace the pay phone system. If the plan is approved up to 10,000 devices with touch screens for users to access city agencies would be installed. The devices will also display advertising and announcements. New York City leaders claim that advertising revenue from these devices would bring in $500 million over the next 12 years. The only phones left would be three booth-style pay phones on New York's Upper West Side that would be preserved as pieces of New York City history. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 17, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Jim Dean, VE3IQ passes on... a pillar of the Radio Amateurs of Canada has left this earth. As many of you know, Jim Dean, VE3IQ has been a pillar of RAC for many years and his counsel was sought by a great many in the amateur community both nationally and internationally. Among his many roles he served internationally as our man in Geneva for WRC conferences, domestically as a Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board (CARAB) liaison and an advisor to many RAC Presidents including myself. He will be missed. Geoffrey Bawden VE4BAW; President and Chair, RAC ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club's Big Event! When: Saturday, February 7, 2015 Where: Merriton Community Centre 7 Park Ave. St. Catharines, Ontario Times: Open at 7:00 AM for Vendors and to the Public at 9:00 AM. Out-of-the-Cold Reception area is open at 8:15 AM Admission: $7.00 per person - see website for table pricing. Talk-in:VE3NRS 147.240+ Tone 107.2 Hz For more info: http://www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent.php 3. K1N Navassa DXpedition It is looking like K1N will be QRV the first two weeks of February. It has been over 22 years since Navassa was activated and USFWS will not allow another operation for at least 10 more years. Everyone can make the most of this opportunity by LISTENING to the operator's instructions. We will not be working all modes on all bands, but limiting most bands to a specific mode, so that we can work the pileups down to the last caller. For more information see www.navassadx.com 4. Special Event Callsign Active 2015-02-01 to 2015-03-01 CG350F Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Canadian Maple Leaf Flag QSL to: Robert Emerson VE3RHE 5. CQ Combining January/February 2015 Issues, Closing CQ Plus Digital Supplement: CQ magazine today announced that it will be publishing a combined January/February 2015 issue and will be ceasing publication of its "CQ Plus" digital edition supplement as of the March 2015 issue. Both moves are intended to help restore the magazine's normal schedule for its print edition and to strengthen its foundations moving forward. CQ will continue to publish both print and digital editions, but the digital edition will no longer contain the 50-60 additional pages each month that constituted "CQ Plus." Ham radio will remain the magazine's primary focus, as it has been for the past seven decades. CQ is marking its 70th anniversary of publication as of its January/February issue. Subscribers to both the print and digital editions of CQ will have their subscriptions extended by one month due to the combined January/February issue. From CQ Magazine. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 24, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Special Callsign for February 2015-Feb-04 to 2015-Mar-06 To commemorate the 2015 Canada Winter Games VE3X QSL's to VE3JO (no announcements as yet for operating times) 2. FCC Licenses wideband HF Data Communications experiments in the US The FCC recently granted two companies experimental licenses for data communications at greater bandwidths and data rates than have been used by amateur radio operators in the USA MITRE said it will develop a 100 kHz bandwidth waveform that can achieve approximately 256 kbps with forward error correction (FEC) coding. Read the article at http://www.tvtechnology.com and search for "hf data" 3. Android App shows real time propagation using WSPR network. WSPR World Watch is a free Android app showing real-time HF propagation conditions on a world map. Its available at the google play store. Search for "WSPR World Watch" for pics and more information. 4. ARRL DXCC rules have been amended. The ARRL Board of Directors has tweaked the DX Century Club (DXCC) rules regarding remotely controlled station technology, putting greater ethical responsibility on operators. The modified rules make clear that contacts with legally licensed, land-based, remotely controlled stations count for DXCC, but the control point operator can be anywhere. Transmitter location continues to define the station’s location, and, for DXCC purposes, all transmitters and receivers must be located within a 500 meter diameter circle, excluding antennas. Under the old rules, if either station was operated from a control point in another DXCC entity, the contact did not count for DXCC. The Board further adopted a new rule, puting greater responsibility on individuals applying remote technology ethically and responsibly. -- ARRL News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 31, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame Nominations Nominations are now being accepted for the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. An appointment as Member of the Hall, is made for outstanding achievement and excellence of the highest degree, for serious and sustained service to Amateur Radio in Canada, or to Amateur Radio at large. RAC Membership is not mandatory for nomination or appointment. All nominations for Member of the Hall must be received at RAC Headquarters by the close of the last business day of September. Late nominations will be considered in the following year. For complete information see http://wp.rac.ca and scroll down to "recent posts" ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Winter Storm Report Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) teams and SKYWARN weather observers along the US Eastern Seaboard went on alert Monday, January 26, as a winter storm began working its way into the Northeast. Amateur Radio operators across Southern New England checked into SKYWARN Nets, providing situational awareness information for the National Weather Service, and other agencies. Elsewhere, ARES and SKYWARN volunteers relayed ground-level weather conditions to NWS offices as the severe storm continued its northeasterly trek. Ares Groups in Eastern New York stood down at midday on January 27. In Maine, where heavy snowfall and high winds battered eastern and coastal communities, ARES bumped up its alert status to standby. Maine ARES Section activated ARES Weather and SKYWARN Net sessions on HF, but no served agencies requested ARES communication support. For the full write-up see http://www.arrl.org/ and scroll down to the article of Jan 28th. -- ARRL News 3. Changes to ARRL VHF Contesting Rules The ARRL Board adopted changes at its annual meeting January 16-17 2015, to the ARRL VHF/UHF contest rules to encourage greater participation. Rules now permit spotting assistance with no effect on entry category; permit self-spotting for all operator categories; and allow single operators to transmit on more than one band at a time. The changes become effective with the 2015 June ARRL VHF Contest. -- ARRL News 4. Where is that DX? An Azimuthal map customized for your station location is available for download at http://ns6t.net/azimuth/azimuth.html The map has many output options, e.g. save it as the desktop background of your hamshack computer. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 7, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. RADIO SHACK USA - Founded in 1921 is expected to shut its doors soon. Multiple news sources are reporting what many have expected for awhile: that the longtime electronic goods retailer RadioShack, will shut down. Expected to file for bankruptcy, RadioShack is reportedly going to sell half of its 4,000 stores to Sprint, and close the other half. It's actually quite a sad day for the company, which filled a market need for everyone from amateur computer makers to ham radio enthusiasts to audio/visual equipment lovers. - eHam.net News 2. RESCUE RADIO: ARES CALLED OUT IN OHIO PHONE OUTAGE ARES volunteers in northeast Ohio were activated on January 13th. This after 9-1-1 and other telephone services went down in six counties due to a power failure at a major AT&T center in Akron. Amateur Radio tactical communication regarding the status of systems and repairs confirmed what was being reported via The Ohio State Multi-Agency Radio Communication System. The Amateur Radio activation terminated after 4 hours, once the 9-1-1 system was brought back online. --- ARRL News 3. COCOS ISLAND IN FEBRUARY 2015 In DX up front, TI9A will be active from Cocos Island between February 16th and the 23rd, 2015. It has been 6 years since the last TI9 operation, and because of this Cocos Island is ranked 26th on the most wanted DX list. The operators will be using two radios on 80 through 10 meter CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via 3Z9DX as directed by www.nielsen.net/ti9a -- ARRL News 4. U+ LTE Radio Transceiver APP LG UPlus has launched a unique mobile application which can be used as a portable radio transceiver, enabling communication between up to 500 users at the same time across the globe. The company said in areas where LTE networking or wifi is available, users can communicate by simply pushing a button on the app. There are no additional charges for the app, but using the app for 30 minutes a day will result in approximately 430MB of data use a month, according to the company. --- Korea Bizwire This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 14, 2015 This is V_3___, Offical Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin. NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO NEWS 1. Burlington ARC Spring Fleamarket When : Saturday February 28th. Sellers 7:00am, Buyers 9:00am Where: Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 70, 828 Legion Road, Burlington, ON Info : Talk in VE3RSB 147.21+ (131.8Hz Tone) General Admission $7.00, Tables $12.00 Webpage:http://www.barc.ca/barc-events/spring-fleamarket/ Contact: springfleamarketchair @ barc.ca Tables: hamfesttables @ barc.ca --- RAC Events ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. The Code: A declassified and unbelievable hostage rescue story. How the Colombian army sent a hidden message in Morse Code to hostages... using a pop song See the article at http://www.theverge.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page and use "morse code" in the search box. --- submitted by Brad, VE3RHJ 3. Realtime Band Conditions Website. Bandconditions.com is a new experimental website designed to provide 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, 365 day a year real time band condition information to amateur raido operators. This information is not based on any software predictions or any kind of satellite based readings. Instead it uses a new Ionospheric sounding method called "HF Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. Its in cyberspace atwww.bandconditions.com. --- (OPDX) 4. Motorola up for sale? The last vestige of the Motorola empire is on the block after struggling with stagnant earnings. Motorola Solutions Inc., the $15.6 billion maker of two-way radios and other communications equipment, is exploring a possible sale, according to people familiar with the matter. A sale could mark the final step in the dismantling of Motorola Inc., which was split up four years ago into Motorola Solutions Inc. and a handset (Cellphone) unit, which was purchased by Google Inc. Motorola Solutions is working with financial advisers as it seeks a buyer. A transaction isn’t imminent, though a sale process has been under way for several months. The full article is available athttp://www.bloomberg.com and search for Motorola This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 14, 2015 This is V_3___, Offical Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin. NATIONAL NEWS 1. Government of Canada helping amateur radio in Saint Lucia. The Government of Canada will provide a grant of more than $25,000 (CDN) to the Saint Lucia Amateur Radio Club to improve Amateur Radio coverage and communication in the small Caribbean island nation in the event of a disaster. The project will install two repeater systems including solar back-up power, train 90 radio operators, and increase coverage for all of Saint Lucia’s 18 districts. The nearly year-old Saint Lucia Amateur Radio Club secured support for this project through the Canada Caribbean Disaster Risk Management Fund (CCDRM), part of Canada’s $600 million Caribbean Regional Program. The fund is designed to support Caribbean-based non-governmental organizations working at the community level to reduce risks from natural hazards and climate change. — Thanks to the Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown PROVINCIAL NEWS OTHER NEWS 2. ARRL warns experimental licensee to avoid interference to HF ham activity The ARRL has asked a Massachusetts company that plans to conduct experimental transmissions over wide portions of the HF spectrum either to avoid Amateur Radio allocations or to announce the times and frequencies of their transmissions in advance. As reported a couple weeks ago, The U.S. FCC last fall granted MITRE Corporation of Bedford, Massachusetts, a 2-year license to operate 21 transmitters at 10 fixed New York and Massachusetts sites. MITRE plans to test wideband HF communication techniques on a variety of bands between 2.5 MHz and 16 MHz. The full article is available on the arrl.org website 3. Baofeng handhelds on BBC News A BBC News report on insurgents in Ukraine show them to be using what appears to be Baofeng UV-5R handheld radios. The Baofeng UV-5R is a popular 5W dual band FM amateur radio which costs about $32 US. The extract of the news report on the BBC website which has a clip of the radio at the 01:40 mark can be seen at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31491767 The radios are also showing up in several popular TV shows that have aired recently. ---Southgate News 4. NEW RASPBERRY PI 2 CAN REBOOT IF EPOSED TO XENON CAMERA FLASH The latest version of Raspberry Pi's mini computer appears to be camera shy. At least the Raspberry Pi 2 does not like the spurt of high intensity light from Xenon camera flashes and may reboot itself when exposed to it. Raspberry Pi creator Eben Upton termed it an unintentional educational bonus and an interesting demonstration of the photoelectric effect. The reason seems to be that a chip on the board is not light-resistant and the fix appears to be to cover the offending integrated circuit. The company that created the Raspberry Pi2 says that it has received in excess of 300,000 orders for the new $35US device since its launch two weeks ago. More about this story is on the web at tinyurl.com/raspberry-pi-reboot -- Southgate News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications?
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 28, 2015 This is V_3___, Offical Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin. NATIONAL NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS 1. Are you prepared for the next winter storm? visit the E.M.O. website and take a 10 question quiz to determine your knowledge of what to do in an emergency. You can find it at: http://beprepared.emergencymanagementontario.ca/epquiz/ Other areas of the site will help you build an emergency kit to help keep your family safe when disaster strikes. OTHER NEWS 2. DX UP FRONT: VK0EK HEARD ISLAND DXPEDITION With the K1N Navassa Island operation now over, Heard Island appears to be the next up as far as top 10 Most Wanted entities in the DXCC Program's list. Based on this need, the next Heard Island Operation is tentatively scheduled for the 2015 southern hemisphere summer. The planned expedition will operate from about November 22nd to December 8th. The callsign to be used will be VK0EK. Heard Island was last activated eighteen years ago back in 1997. From Amateur Radio Newsline 3. No One in the Shack as Station Logs 4200+ Contacts in ARRL DX CW Contest A group of six operators operating as K3TN in the ARRL DX CW Contest may have made Amateur Radio history by operating the first completely remote-controlled multioperator contest effort. The K3TN team worked via the Internet through the station of Jack Hammett, K4VV, in Northern Virginia. Three of K4VV’s well-equipped operating positions can be operated via remote control from anywhere in the world. The “Team K4VV” contingent made 4224 contacts and logged 556 multipliers for a claimed score of more than 7 million points. Not a Top 10 score but respectable. For comparison, the top-scoring multi-multi station, K3LR, has claimed 18.85 million points. They are now hoping to gather a team of operators to mount a similar multi-multi effort in the ARRL DX Contest SSB event in March. --- ARRL News 4. German Radio Amateurs Breathe New Life into “Orphaned” Shortwave Channel When 'Deutsche Welle' decided to close down one of their 500 KW short wave broadcast transmitters near Munich at the end of 2012, a group containing some German radio amateurs applied for and were allocated the then available short wave frequency of 6070 KHz. DARC Radio — which has a business association with the Deutscher Amateur Radio Club (DARC) but is privately owned — now has a 10 kW broadcast station, built from parts of the 500kW transmitter. Its branded “Channel 292,”, and a new Amateur Radio DX program will debut next month. The DARC is planning a weekly Amateur Radio-oriented magazine of DARC news, contest schedules, DX information, interviews, DXpedition reports, market reviews, technical hints, and “some nice old music from the 70s and 80s.” It will debut on Sunday, March 22, at 1000 UTC. The program will be in German, but the RSGB has expressed interest in contributing English-language program segments. The inaugural show will be repeated on Monday, March 23, at 1600 UTC. Channel 292 was monitored via a web SDR in Toronto, the best time to hear the station is when both ends of the path are in darkness. In North America Canadian broadcaster CFRX occupies 6070 kHz, transmitting at 1 kW and beaming west; Radio Havana also uses the channel. All reception reports to Channel 292 will be answered with a QSL card. Outgoing cards will go out via the DARC QSL bureau. For the full story, see ARRL News. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications?
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 7, 2015 This is V_3___, Offical Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin. CANADIAN NEWS ONTARIO NEWS 1. Hamex 2015 is on Saturday March 28 - mark your calendars. Sponsored by: Peel Amateur Radio Club & Mississauga Amateur Radio Club It will be at the Brampton Fairgrounds, 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, Ontario L7C 2J3 Times: Vendors 7:00 am, Exhibits & Demonstrations: 8:00 am, Flea Market: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Cost: $7.00 Talk-in frequency: VE3PRC 146.880 (no tone) or VE3MIS 415.430 (103.5 Hz tone) For more info: www.ham-ex.ca OTHER NEWS 2. HAM RADIO RESPONDS AS TWO CYCLONES HIT AUSTRALIA Amateur Radio volunteers with Australia's Central Queensland Amateur Radio Association called up emergency response nets on both the High Frequency and VHF bands in the wake of category 5 cyclone Marcia that came ashore the weekend of February 20th; generating winds of nearly 150 miles per hour. After making landfall, Marcia left 1,500 homes damaged across Queensland state while downing trees and power lines. Upward of 50,000 residents were without electrical power and the cyclone also interrupted normal communications including telephone and wireless mobile service. full report at www.arnewsline.org 3. NOMINATING PERIOD OPEN FOR 2015 YOUNG HAM OF THE YEAR AWARD Amateur Radio Newsline is seeking nominations for its 2015 Young Ham of the Year Award. A nominee must be 19 years or younger, reside in the US or Canada, hold a valid Amateur License and have used amateur radio in some way that has benefited his or her community or encouraged technological development directly or indirectly related to communications. The deadline for submitting an application is May 30th 2015. For more info, or to download an application form see: www.arnewsline.org/yhoty/ 4. VOA RADIOGRAM HAS BROADCAST ITS 100TH PROGRAM VOA Radiogram is an experimental Voice of America program on which digital text modes familiar to amateur radio are transmitted on a 50-year-old analog AM shortwave broadcast transmitter in North Carolina. The half-hour show is on the air four times each weekend. In the first weeks, digital modes were tested side by side, using the various flavors of BPSK, QPSK, MT63, Olivia, and Thor. Reports were received from shortwave listeners and amateurs throughout Europe, North and Latin America, Asia, and New Zealand. MFSK32 worked best on the shortwave broadcast transmitter. It provided the best combination of speed - 120 words per minute and performance under typical shortwave reception conditions. Furthermore, it can transmit images as well as text. It is also received on any radio, including cheap portables with no sideband capability. The results show that digital text via analog transmitter often results in 100 percent copy even in conditions where voice broadcasts are difficult to understand. For more information, visit the website voaradiogram.net. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Bulletin Outage Attention RAC Members, Our provider at eton.ca that handles RAC bulletins, RARAN, and ARES had its internet service changed on Friday Feb 27, 2015 and all of these applicable mail servers were down for a period of time between 12 noon and 5 PM. This affected RAC bulletins, RARAN, and ARES reflectors and any of the affiliated information pages for those services. However, it did not impact the RAC email alias service. Paul Burggraaf VO1PRB RAC Chief Information and Technology Officer PROVINCIAL NEWS OTHER NEWS 2. MARCONI AND THE POLDHU MARCONI CENTER An article published in "The Register" about inventor Guglielmo Marconi and his Poldhu radio laboratory contains an interview with radio amateur David Barlow, G3PLE. Barlow is an administrator at the Poldhu Marconi Center that these days houses modern radio equipment, which can be used by licensed amateur operators. The complete article can be found by using the search feature at www.theregister.co.uk from southgatearc.org 3. NASA RELEASES SOUNDS OF SPACE RINGTONES NASA has released a set of sound files suitable for use as ringtones or computer notifications. One of them is one of the Morse code "HI" messages picked up from the Juno instrument during the earth flyby in 2013. Other tones include the roar of a space shuttle launch or Neil Armstrong's "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" audio clip. The tones are available in both MP3 as well as M4R format for iPhone users. The MP3's are at tinyurl.com/space-ringtones. The M4R files must be downloaded and imported via iTunes. Item Submitted by KD0L 4. BEARTOOTH ADDS VHF AND UHF COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY TO SMARTPHONES You have all heard of Bluetooth and some of you may be familiar with goTenna. Now a new communications device called Beartooth adds analog VHF and UHF voice and data communications capability to smartphones. Beartooth can operate anywhere in the 137 to 174 MHz and 400 to 470 MHz bands with an ERP of two watts of amplitude or phase modulation - transmitting voice, data and telegraphy. The Beartooth unit is described as a software-defined analog radio receiver and transmitter that interfaces with supported devices and includes a battery to double a smartphone's battery life. Uses include personal, industrial, and public safety communications. Beartooth was introduced at the recent Techcrunch gathering looking at new and future communications devices. More on is at www.beartooth.com. 5. SPACEWEATHER AND RADIO PROPAGATION FORECASTS This web site offers regularly updated reports that are both entertaining and give good clues as to what radio conditions will be like in the short term. check out http://spaceweather.tv submitted by John, VE3EJ This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 21, 2015 This is V_3___, Offical Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin. NATIONAL NEWS PROVINCIAL NEWS 1. 18TH Annual Iroquois FleaMarket Sponsor: Iroquois Amateur Radio Club Date: Saturday, April 4, 2015 Times: Vendors 8AM, Public 9AM Cost: Tables $10. Admission Free Location: 1 Dundas Street, Iroquois Ontario, Take Exit 738 on 401 Talk-in frequency: 145.29 (-) For Table rental contact Mike at va3tufham at aol.com -or- Don va3nc at rac.ca. For more info: Don, va3nc at rac.ca 2. Ontario QSO Party on April 18th and 19th Here is a good chance to test your NVIS antenna or portable operation to see if you have Province wide coverage. The 18th running of the OQP is coming up in about a month. This is a "low stress" SSB/CW operating event. The exchange is signal report and location - one of Ontario's 58 multipliers (single tier municipality, county or district). Full details are available at http://www.va3cco.com/oqp/index.htm We would like to have stations "on the air" in all of Ontario's 58 multiplier areas. If you plan to operate, please send your info to oqp at va3cco.com OTHER NEWS 3. SOLAR ACTIVITY: FIRST X-CLASS SOLAR FLARE OF 2015 CAUSES SHORT HF RADIO BLACKOUT According to Space.com, the X-class flare, which is the strongest category possible, peaked at 16:22 GMT Wednesday March 11th, from a sunspot known as Active Region 12297. It registered as an X 2.2 sun storm on the scale. Active Region 12297 had previously fired off a number of medium-strength flares over the preceding few days. The event on March 11th caused at least an hour-long blackout in high-frequency radio communications over wide areas. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured stunning video of this X-class solar flare as it erupted. More details including links to the space.com video and photos are on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/ARNewsline (space.com, ARNewsline) 4 HAM RADIO NEAR SPACE: HABEX-10 TO LAUNCH APRIL 25 The HABEX-10 Mission is scheduled for launch on Saturday April 25th. HABEX is the acronym for High Altitude Balloon Experiment. This flight is part of the Global Space Balloon Challenge for 2015. More information about HABEX and its ties to amateur radio can be found on the web at www.habex.za.net (South African Radio League) 5. How cops are finding "grow ops" with AM radios The original article was posted by Keith Graves on his blog (www.PoliceOne.com). Graves is a police sergeant in the San Francisco area and he describes how police are starting to use AM radios in their vehicles to locate illegal indoor marijuana farms by listening for RFI caused by poorly designed electronic ballasts for high intensity lighting equipment. The full article is is available at www.policeone.com This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 28, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Appointment of RAC C.F.S.O. RAC is pleased to announce that Mr. Bill Boskwick (VE4BOZ/VE4IR) has accepted the position of Chief Field Services Officer (CFSO). This is an executive level position within RAC and reports to the President. One of the significant roles within Field Services is the enabling of amateur emergency communications at the regional level. Emergency disaster response is a provincial/municipal responsibility in Canada. Bill comes to RAC with a significant leadership and communication background in the Canadian Armed Forces. Bill is available at VE4BOZ @ RAC.CA Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW RAC President ONTARIO NEWS OTHER NEWS 2. WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY 2015 Mark down April 18th as the day that radio amateurs worldwide take to the airwaves in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day. It was on that day in 1925 that the International Amateur Radio Union or IARU was formed in Paris, France. Since its founding, the IARU has worked tirelessly to defend and expand the frequency allocations for Amateur Radio. Today, Amateur Radio has more than 3,000,000 licensed operators scattered around the globe. In helping to keep with the spirit of the event, the IARU is providing a downloadable poster for World Amateur Radio Day 2015. Its in Adobe PDF format at tinyurl.com/ward-poster-2015 3. CYLONE PAM DEVISTATES VANUATU Packing winds of close to 200 miles an hour, Category 5 Cyclone Pam caused severe damage when it hit the Pacific nation of Vanuatu on March 13th, isolating it from the world. As far as we have been able to determine, this was a case where not even amateur radio could fill in the communications gap due to the very few hams living there. The restoration of communications with Vanuatu required first responders from other nations arriving with their own communications gear, primarily satellite telephones. It was only then that the full extent of the devastation that Cyclone Pam caused to Vanuatu was made known to the world. Amateur radio likes to claim that its there when all other means of communications have failed. But in this case, there were simply no hams on Vanuatu to respond. from postings on QRZ.com 4. DX0P - SPRATLY ISLANDS IN APRIL The exact dates are still not known for the D-X-zero-P operation from Pagasa Island taking place sometime in April. Over the past two weeks it was mentioned that the team must leave Manila for Palawan Island on April 13th to recover their stored equipment. The plan was to stay overnight in Palawan and than go the next day to Pagasa. One there, activity is planned for 160 through 10 meters using CW, SSB, RTTY and JT-65. QSL's are to go via WA6LOS. For the latest information and updates be sure to check facebook.com/DX0P2015. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 4, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. 39th Annual Durham Region Hamfest Sponsored by : North Shore Amateur Radio Club and South Pickering Amateur Radio Club When : Saturday, April 18, 2015, Vendors 07:30, Public 09:00 - 13:00 Admission : $7. 12 and under free. Talk-in : VE3SPA 147.375+ (103.5 Tone) Location : Pickering, Ontario : Take Brock Rd Exit, North to Hwy 2, West to Valley Farm Road, Turn south towards Hamfest (Pickering Recreation Centre) Website : http://www.durhamregionhamfest.com or on facebook "Durham Region Hamfest" Tables (pre-registration only) see the website for pricing and for bookings. 2. Canwarn training - for Week of April 19th to 25th April 21 – 9 AM – Windsor – Windsor-Essex Health Unit - 1005 Ouellette, Windsor, Room 1A Boardroom, April 21 – 1 PM – Windsor - Windsor-Essex Health Unit - 1005 Ouellette, Windsor, Room 1A Boardroom, registration for the above two sessions through https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/storm-spotter-training-registration-15848853347 April 21 – 7 PM – Tilbury – Knights of Columbus Hall - 20 Dupuis St, Tilbury April 22 – 7 PM – Sarnia – Sarnia Yacht Club - 1220 Fort St, - RSVP to bhoad@xcelco.on.ca April 23 – 7 PM – London – Fanshawe College - Room T1003, Building T, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd, free parking in any metered spot after 6 PM Unless specified otherwise, please RSVP to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend. ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. BENCHER PRODUCT LINE SOLD TO VIBROPLEX The Bencher amateur radio product lines have been sold to Vibroplex, LLC of Knoxville, Tennessee. This includes Iambic, single lever, Hex and Mercury Paddles, and Hand Keys. Vibroplex says that it will continue to offer Bencher products through existing marketing channels. It has also agreed to honor the manufacturer's warranties of all covered products, and to offer parts and support for these products as well. Vibroplex may be contacted at www.vibroplex.com (Vibroplex news release) 4. NEW HAM-ORIENTED DATA NETWORKING FIRMWARE FOR THE LINKSYS AND UBIQUITI PRODUCTS Broadband-Hamnet has released version 3.1.0 firmware for the Linksys WRT54G and Ubiquiti families of products. This firmware returns to the use of patch updates, while also supporting add-on tools such as HamChat created by Nikolai Ozerov, VE3NKL and a tunneling solution optimized by Darryl Quinn, K5DLQ. Many Hams were concerned about future Broadband-Hamnet support of the Linksys units. The core team has listened to these concerns and has decided to continue support of Linksys devices. For more information, see www.Broadband-Hamnet.org 5. IARU EMERGENCY TELECOMMUNICATIONS GUIDE AVAILABLE ONLINE The International Amateur Radio Union's Administrative Council has approved the publication of an IARU Emergency Telecommunications Guide. This handbook was developed to provide the IARU member societies with materials suitable for training their members to participate in emergency events. It is also designed to guide the individual amateur to enhance their ability to participate in these events or to simply have a better understanding of the process. The publication can also be used in to train radio operators in the basic theory and practice of handling emergency communications traffic. You can find it at iaru.org/emergency-telecommunications-guide.html. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 11, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Ontario North Section, new ARES appointments. Due to family commitments Dave Hayes VE3JX has retired as SEC effective April 1st. Thanks Dave for your years of support to the ARES program. Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX has been appointed to the SEC position effective April 1st. Jim McLean, VE3LJM has been appointed to the DEC position for Killarney District. Al Boyd VE3AJB, SM Ontario North 2. Canwarn training - Week of April 26th to May 2nd. April 29 – 1 PM – Central Huron/Blyth – Emergency Services Training Centre, 40193 Blyth Road April 29 – 7 PM – Goderich – Town of Goderich Council Chambers, 57 West St May 2 – 9 AM – Toronto – Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin St please RSVP to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend these sessions. 3. Indoor / outdoor HAM RADIO Swapfest Sponsor: Barrie Amateur Radio Club and the Junk in the Trunk Event Newmarket Date/Time: May 2nd - 07:30 to 11:30 AM Closest town: South / West end of Barrie, Ontario Location: Grenfell Community Centre / Arena - 1989 Sunnidale Road, Grenfel, ON L0L 1Y0 Take Highway 400 to Dunlop Road West (Hwy 90), Head 5km west on Dunlop Road West to Pinegrove Road, turn right proceed north 1 km to Sunnidale Road. Turn Right, proceed 500m. Grenfell Community centre is on your right. Vendors/tailgators $7.00 - Set up inside or out !! - Bring a table for your set up. Rain or Shine. Cost: General Admission FREE !! ! ! Talk-in frequency: Talk In - 147.000 + Tone 156.7 Coffee and snacks available. For more info: Mike VE3MKX - mkx@bell.net Webpage: http://www.barriearc.com/ 4. Ontario QSO Party next weekend. Please don't forget to operate in the Ontario QSO Party next weekend on Saturday April 18 from 1800Z to 0500Z April 19, and 1200Z to 1800Z on April 19. See how many of the 58 Ontario areas you can work on ssb and cw. Your exchange is a signal report and your county, district or single tier municipality. Full details are at http://www.va3cco.com/oqp/index.html ITEMS OF INTEREST 5. DIGITAL VOICE - WHICH WAY TO GO If your club is thinking of replacing its current repeater with a new Digital Voice system but don't know what the right choice is, help has arrived in the form of a new video release from HamRadioNow.TV. The VHF/UHF DV System Comparison is the story of a group of Digital Voice enthusiasts in Charlotte, North Carolina, who have repeaters for every digital voice system available except P-25. They have D-STAR, DMR/ MotoTRBO and even a new Yaesu System Fusion machine. So they're in a pretty good position to evaluate the various technologies. In episode 195 of HamRadioNow, Roland Kraatz, W9HPX gives a simple to understand talk at the Charlotte Hamfest, comparing all three. The hour long presentation is at tinyurl.com/hrn-on-dv (ARNewsline, HRN) 6. South African ISP commercial This internet provider commercial (1:15) is worth a watch, it should have been a ham radio commercial. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxU1ZhINaHk (or search youtube for MTN Internet 'Space') This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. <?pre>
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 18, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Incident Command System Training ARES under direction from their respective SMs, offers support to municipalities across Canada in providing a back-up communications capability for the municipal emergency management team. Some of these municipalities or served agencies use ICS and where that exists, there could be a request that ARES radio operators be trained at least to the ICS-100 / 200 levels in order to be familiar with its concepts. RAC does not have the resources nor is it structured to offer in-house ICS training. In Ontario, there is online training available at the emergencymanagementontario.ca website for IMS100 which is functionally equivalent to the ICS-100 course mentioned above. ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Canwarn training - Week of May 3rd to May 9th. May 4 – 6 PM – Kingston – City Library ; 935 Gardiners Road May 6 – 6:30 PM – Ottawa – Greenboro Community Centre ; 363 Lorry Greenberg Drive May 7 – 7 PM – Waterloo – Adult Recreation Centre ; 185 King St South May 9 – 9 AM – Hamilton – Nash Auditorium, Wilcox Building, Chedoke Hospital, Sanatorium Road in Hamilton, free parking across from Wilcox building May 9 – 9 AM – Frontenac County – Frontenac County Building ; Frontenac Room, 2069 Battersea Road, Glenburnie please RSVP to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend these sessions. ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. SOUTH AFRICA HAMS GAIN FULL KILOWATT PRIVLEGE Hams in South Africa have been granted a transmit power increase to a full kilowatt. For decades the maximum South Africa output power was limited to 400 watts peak envelope. A workgroup was established to campaign for higher power. After negotiating for several years, South African telecommunications authorities were satisfied that the call was well motivated. The updated regulation was then published in the South African Government Gazette and the new 1 kilowatt output power privilege became effective on April 1st. (ZS6FDX) 4. FOUR DAYS IN MAY QRP CONFERENCE IN OHIO Four Days in May is the annual conference of the QRP Amateur Radio Club International that takes place May 14th through the 16th in parallel with the Dayton Hamvention. This gathering is open to everyone and should appeal to anyone interested in home brewed antennas, portable operation, Arduino and more. Seminars begin on Thursday May 14th. Friday May 15th features a late afternoon Build-a-thon this year constructing four pieces of test gear. Saturday May 16th will host the Four Days In May Grand Banquet with awards and prizes being given. Bus service to and from the Hamvention will be available. The venue this year is the in Holiday Inn Fairborn just to the East of Dayton Ohio. Details are on the web at www.qrparci.org/fdim This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 25, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club's 31st Annual Flea Market When: Saturday, May 9, 2015 - Vendors 07:00, Public 09:00 Where: Smiths Falls, Ontario - Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club, Old Sly's Road. Cost: $5.00 (includes a door prize ticket), under 16 free. Talk-In VE3RLR on 147.21 MHz+ Description: Our 31st Annual Flea Market includes; -a large number of Commercial and Private Vendors -a Canteen -a Consignment Table -a Test Table Email contact: ve3rlr @ gmail.com Webpage: http://ve3rlr.dyndns.org 2. Canwarn training - Week of May 10th to May 16th. May 12 – 7 PM – Toronto – Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin St May 12 – 6:15 PM – Cornwall – Cornwall Public Library, 45 Second St E May 13 – 7 PM – Dufferin County – Dufferin County Museum 936029 Airport Rd in Mulmur (Highway 89 and Airport Road) May 16 – 9:30 AM – Belleville – Belleville Public Library, 254 Pinnacle Street please rsvp if you plan to attend to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. GLOBAL AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY CONFERENCE CANCELLED The ARRL reports that the sponsors of the 2015 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference or GAREC 2015 have announced that the event has been cancelled due to a lack of interest. GAREC 2015 registrations were too few, and the decision was largely financial. GAREC was set to mark its 10th anniversary this June in Tampere, Finland, where the first GAREC was held. 4. Is your Icom radio genuine? The "3D GENUINE Icom label" is attached to the models listed below. If the label is not attached to the radio when you purchased it, the radio is probably counterfeit. The labels have been attached to radios manufactured after October, 2013. The labels are attached to: IC-V80, IC-U80/L, IC-V82, IC-V88/U88, IC-G80, IC-80FX, IC-2300H, IC-V8000 IC-F1000/F2000, IC-F16/F26, IC-M23/M24. IC-M304, IC-M411/412. More information is available at http://www.icom.co.jp/world/genuine-info/ This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 2, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNTIONAL NEWS 1. Nepal earthquake As the time passes the situation in Nepal, hit by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake over the past weekend, seems to be getting worse. Rescue teams are moving away from capital of Kathmandu, to reach devastated villages near the quake's epicenter. There is very limited or no power available, cellular towers are down and cell/satphone recharging is impossible. In spite of the appalling conditions, HAM radio operation is in progress and the Nepalese Government has started issuing HAM licences to visiting HAMs, with callsigns that have the 9N7 prefix. The authorities have asked for radio stations to be set up at different places to cover most of devastated areas. Health and Welfare traffic is using 20m for out of country traffic and vhf frequencies are in use locally. Please keep 14.205 - 14.215 clear for emergency traffic while the operation is ongoing. (various sources) ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Canwarn training - Week of May 17th to May 23th. May 20 – 7 PM – Thornhill – Thornhill Community Centre, 7755 Bayview Ave May 20 – 6:30 PM – Renfrew – Best Western, 760 Gibbons Road May 21 – 7 PM – Peterborough – Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. North May 23 – 9 AM – Orillia/Rama – Rama Fire Hall, 7454 Williams Road, just north of Casino Rama May 23 – 9 AM – Greater Sudbury – Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, 239 Montee Principale, Azilda Please RSVP to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend these sessions. ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. THREE 2015 DX OPERATIONS APPROVED FOR CREDIT ARRL DX Advisory Committee reports that several 2015 operations have been approved for DXCC credit. These include 3XY5M from Guinea, E30FB from Eritrea and C21EU from Nauru. You can file for DXCC credit for working these operations now. (DXCC) 4. ZL100ANZA COMMEMORATING ANZAC DAY IN NEW ZEALAND New Zealand telecommunications regulator Radio Spectrum Management has given permission for use of the special call ZL100ANZA until May 26th. This to assist hams in New Zealand to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ZL100ANZA will start operations on April 25th at midday New Zealand time and will last of one month. All logs will be on a regular basis posted to both Logbook of the World and Club Log to enable other operators to check their QSOs. QSL via the bureau. - Amateur Radio Newsline 5. NEW ALUMINUM BENDABLE BATTERY Scientists have built a flexible aluminum battery which they say could be a cheap, fast-charging and safe alternative to current designs. The prototype consists of a soft pouch, containing aluminum for one electrode and graphite foam for the other and all surrounded by a special liquid salt. It can recharge in less than a minute and is very safe and durable compared to lithium-ion batteries. The only drawback is that the new design currently only delivers about half the voltage but work is ongoing to improve this. On the plus side and unlike other designs, this battery will not catch fire even if accidentally punctured or drilled through. The work appears in the journal Nature. You can find it at tinyurl.com/aluminum-salt-battery (BBC, Nature.com, Science Today) This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 9, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC is pleased to announce that RAC Directors, Executive members and other volunteers will be in Southern Ontario to meet with members and other amateurs. Come and see what your national society is up to and provide your input. The public session is on the evening of May 23rd hosted by the Mississauga and Peel Amateur Radio Clubs. **Time and location to be announced.** Please put a placeholder in your busy schedule to come and attend. Feel free to question and challenge the volunteers of the society that represents amateurs to your regulator and to the world. Thanks to the Mississauga and Peel Amateur Radio Clubs for their support in helping to create an opportunity for amateurs to meet and discuss issues of regional and national importance. Geoff VE4BAW ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Canwarn training - Week of May 24th to May 30th. May 24 – 1 PM – Espanola – Pinewood Inn – 378 Centre St May 25 – 6:30 PM – Sault Ste. Marie – Essar Centre , Angelo Bumbaco Room, 269 Queen St E May 26 – 6:30 PM – Timmins – Timmins Fire Hall, 133 Cedar St South May 27 – 6:30 PM – New Liskeard – College Boreal, 280 Armstrong St N May 28 – 6:30 PM – North Bay – OPP Regional Headquarters - Cathy Burns Training Room - 911A Gormanville Road 3. Ontario is marking the 20th anniversary of Emergency Preparedness Week by officially unveiling the new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). The centre co-ordinates the Ontario government's response to major emergencies while also serving as a key resource for municipalities and First Nations that require provincial assistance. Staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with emergency management experts, the new centre features an 82-seat operations room, which includes a 21-metre-wide wall display that gives a real-time view of emerging emergencies. The screens can show up to 20 feeds from data, image, or video sources, such as traffic camera systems, social or broadcast media. This year's theme for the 20th annual Emergency Preparedness Week -- Know the Risks, Reduce them Together, promotes emergency preparedness for those living in multiple unit apartment buildings, condominiums, and seniors residences. Emergency preparedness is especially important for seniors or people with disabilities who might have difficulty coping with power outages, severe weather and other emergencies. Quick Facts •Ontario will use the hashtags #EPweek #ONready to promote preparedness on Twitter and Facebook. •The new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is located within the Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex in the Downsview area of Toronto. -- EMO website ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Extra second to be added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) A bulletin advises authorities an extra second will be introduced to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) during the final minute, of the final day of June. That means that right after the clock hits "23h 59m 59s," it will strike "23h 59m 60s" UTC. Another way to think about it: Instead of 86,400 seconds we normally experience in a day, we're getting 86,401. This "leap second" system started in 1972, so our clocks stay in sync with how long it takes the Earth to rotate on its axis. "Leap seconds ensure that, on average, the Sun continues to be overhead on the Greenwich meridian at noon to within about one [second]." IERS already has added 25 leap seconds to Coordinated Universal Time -- most recently in June 2012. Leap seconds can only be added in June and December. -- INTERNATIONAL EARTH ROTATION AND REFERENCE SYSTEMS SERVICE (IERS) This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 16, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. HAM RADIO EFFORTS CONTINUE IN WAKE OF NEPAL EARTHQUAKE Ham radio continues to provide service to the people of Nepal in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit last month. A second large quake hit this week in the northern part of Nepal. Operations are taking place on a number of frequencies in the 40, 20 and 15 meter bands with 9N1SP and 9N1AJ providing the Nepal end of the radio link. 9N3AA and 9N1SD have started operating from the hard to reach rural areas of Nepal. Other operators are reported on their way to other devastated regions with some expected to take to the airways by the time you hear this newscast. Also, a repeater donated by the group CAN-USA that had been held up by Nepal's customs is now released and ready for deployment. It will compliment the current 9N1KS 70 centimeter to 2 meter cross-band repeater set up in 2012. Many countries' radio amateurs remain active in the area as Nepal has very few licensed amateur radio operators, which is why hams from other countries have traveled to provide their help. -- Amateur Radio Newsline 2. Location of May 23rd Ontario Section RAC meeting announced. In conjunction with the semi-annual RAC Planning Meeting, the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club and Peel Amateur Radio Club are co-hosting a Public Meeting to give RAC members and interested radio amateurs an opportunity to meet members of the RAC executive and Board and consider RAC's activities and future directions. This open meeting will take place Saturday evening May 23 in the Quality Suites Toronto Airport Hotel from 7pm to 9pm. Those who cannot attend in person can participate in a webcast by registering with the RAC Office at rachq @ rac.ca The next RAC public meeting will be the Annual General Meeting in July at the Saskatchewan Hamfest in Martensville from July 3 to 5, 2015. More information is available at http://wp.rac.ca under the "news" banner. -- Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA - Director, North and East Ontario ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 3. Canwarn training - Week of May 31st to Jun 6th. June 2 – 7 PM – Oakville – 1151 Bronte Road – North Auditorium – due to construction parking will be on the north side of building only. - RSVP to bepreparedhalton@halton.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Explaining Standing Waves: When K0NR teaches the Technician License Class, he provides a simple explanation of Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) that emphasizes the concept of impedance matching. HamRadioNow just republished this video of an excellent standing wave demonstration by Bill Hays, AE4QL. Bill actually goes well beyond just standing waves and shows some antenna and transmission line theory as well. The first 35 minutes of the video explain standing waves. Posted by K0NR - follow the link at http://www.k0nr.com or Full link: http://www.k0nr.com/wordpress/2015/04/explaining-standing-waves/ This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 23, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin INTERNATIONAL/NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Canwarn training - Week of Jun 7th to Jun 13th. No Training this week 2. Fleamarket: Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo ARC's Date: Sunday, June 7, 2015 Loc'n: Waterloo Regional Police Association Recreation Centre (Near Cambridge, ON) Beside Hwy 401, between Exit 275 (Homer Watson Dr) and Exit 268 (Cedar Creek Rd) We recommend you use Exit 268 (Cedar Creek Rd) and watch for the signs. Time: Vendors 7am, Tailgaters 8am, Public 9am to 12 noon Admission $7 (under 12 free) Talk-in frequency: Talk In: VE3KSR repeater on 146.970 (CTCSS 131.8) and 146.520 Simplex Description: 41 years and still going strong, Indoor tables and tailgating; major vendors; free prize draws, tasty refreshments. Easy parking. For more info contact: info@hamfest.on.ca Webpage: http://www.hamfest.on.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Short History of Radio Shack (as the bankruptcy proceeds). The company was formed in 1921 by brothers Milton and Theodore Deutchmann, to supply marine radio equipment, hence its name. From supplying maritime installations, it grew to include a mail order business for hobbyists after World War II. In 1951 they started manufacturing audio equipment under their brand name "Realistic." In 1962, Charles Tandy purchased the company and rescued it from its creditors. For the complete article see: http://wshu.org/post/farewell-old-friend 4. WX4NHC to conduct annual station test Amateur Radio station WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center in Miami will conduct its annual station test on May 30, 1400 until 2200 UTC. They will try to use the Hurricane Watch Net frequency 14.325 MHz, but could be on any nearby frequency. Look for spots on your local cluster. The purpose of this event is to test Amateur Radio station equipment, antennas, and computers in advance of the 2015 hurricane season, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30. --- ARRL News 5. Northern Ontario Repeater Listings website upgrade. A request for repeater sponsors in Northern Ontario to update their information on the redesigned N.O.R.L. website. Feedback is also requested to improve users' experience. The site is now responsive to mobile devices as well as regular web browsers. it can be found at http://www.ciinet.org/norl --- Paul VA3PC and Kevin VA3KVC. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 30, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. ALBERTA ARES REQUESTS NATIONAL USE OF 14.135 and 7.135 and 3.675 Fires in Alberta have resulted in the activation of Emergency Management Alberta and the subsequent activation of amateur radio assets. RAC requests that Canadian and US amateurs honour the request of Alberta ARES that priority be given to Alberta amateurs on 14.135, 7.135 and 3.675 in their support of the Alberta government during the emergency. Bill Boskwick, VE4BOZ (ve4boz @ rac.ca) RAC Chief Field Services Officer -- also see write up on arrl.org website. ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Canwarn training - Week of Jun 14th to Jun 20th. June 15 – 7 PM – Thunder Bay – Lakehead Region Conservation Authority – 130 Conservation Road June 16 – 7 PM – Fort Frances-Emo – Emo-Lavallee Community Centre – 78 Colonization Road, Emo June 17 – 1 PM – Kenora – Red Cross Office – 1008 Ottawa St in Keewatin, RSVP to kenora @ redcross.ca June 17 – 7 PM – Kenora – Red Cross Office – 1008 Ottawa St in Keewatin, RSVP to kenora @ redcross.ca June 18 – 7 PM – Dryden – Dryden Fire Services Training Room – 189 Colonization Ave S Unless otherwise indicated, please RSVP to canwarn.ontario @ ec.gc.ca 3. Fleamarket - London Vintage Radio Club Date : Saturday, June 13, 2015 Location: Hammond Manufacturing, 394 Edinburgh Road. Guelph, ON - East side of the parking lot. Times : 7AM for public and vendors alike. Cost : $10.00 for vendors, no charge to public Description: This flea market is an annual club event, held outdoors at Hammond Manufacturing Ltd in Guelph. Bring your own table. You will find antique and vintage radios, ham radio equipment, tubes, radio collectables, parts, magazines and all sorts of radio goodies for sale, trade etc. More info: Visit the club website. Google "London Vintage Radio Club" or "LVRC" Email contact: larry.asp @ sympatico.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Communications is ham radio group’s specialty The Kingston Whig-Standard reports that if something really bad happens in Frontenac County, there is a small group of volunteers who will try to make sure that at the very least, emergency services can talk to each other With about 22 members, the Frontenac Amateur Radio Group uses some high-tech gear to communicate with an almost century-old short wave radio method. And, in the event of a disaster, the group would be called upon to help co-ordinate relief efforts. Read the full story at http://www.thewhig.com/2015/05/25/communications-is-amateur-radio-groups-specialty Frontenac County Emcomm Group Website: http://fecg.ca/ This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for Jun 06, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Comments on the ARRL proposed changes to HF Band Plans The ARRL published proposed changes to the U.S. HF band plan for comment in the April edition of QST. The RAC Band Planning Committee reviewed the proposals for potential impacts on Canadian Amateurs. The proposed changes increase the U.S. digital sub-bands by extending frequency limits upwards into segments normally used for phone communications outside the U.S. As Canadian phone operations in the 80m and 40m bands can take place below the current US phone sub-bands, the effect of the proposed changes would be to reduce the space available to Canadian Amateurs. On 40m and 20m, the proposed changes would also negatively impact DX phone operations throughout the Americas. RAC has formally communicated our concerns to ARRL with the request that they include these concerns in their consideration of any changes to the U.S. sub-bands. -- George Gorsline, VE3YV - RAC International Affairs Officer 2. New RAC Site is now operational RAC announces they have officially cut over to the Word Press based Radio Amateurs of Canada website. This site can be accessed via wp.rac.ca or www.rac.ca. The old site is no longer available. The webmasters are still moving content over from the old site as required. If there is a particular article from the old site that you cannot locate please email the webmaster and he will endeavour to port that content over to the new site. In the coming weeks we will be launching further enhancements to the site. -- Paul Burggraaf VO1PRB ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS -- NIL -- ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Some DX to look out for over the next week: Jun 5 to 18th - Maldives - 8Q7CQ Jun 15 to 22nd - Cape Verde Islands - D4C 4. HEX-BEAM® Manufacturer Traffie Technologies Shutting Down Traffie Technologies, the Massachusetts-based family business that has pioneered and manufactured the HEX-BEAM line of compact rotatable wire beams, is closing its doors. The company’s principal, Mike Traffie, N1HXA, has indicated that he is open to having someone else take over the business. The small firm came into being in 1992, and HEX-BEAM antennas have been developed for 40 meters through 2 meters in various monoband and multiband versions. The company’s latest product is the HX5Bi, which covers 10, 12, 15, 17 and 20 meters. -- ARRL News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for Jun 13, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Announces Post Secondary Scholarships. Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) is pleased to announce that in 2015 we will be offering scholarships to young Amateurs who are enrolled in post secondary studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2015. In 2014 RAC gave out three Education Scholarships of $500 each. Details on all four categories of scholarships and applications can be found at Scholarships Canada http://www.scholarshipscanada.com Further information is also available on the RAC Website - search for: Grant Information. RAC would also like to thank the Canadian Amateurs whose generous donations over the years enable RAC to assist the leaders of tomorrow. If you are able to help further the work of the RAC Scholarship Program with a charitable donation please contact: -- Bill Unger VE3XT - Scholarship Coordinator, Radio Amateurs of Canada ve3xt @ rac.ca ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Section Manager for Ontario South Announced. Allan Foley, VE3XAL of New Lowell Ontario has accepted his appointment as Radio Amateurs of Canada Section Manager for Ontario South, effective immediately. Al has been an amateur for more than 25 years and has been active and involved in amateur radio community service, and emergency planning. Al has spent many years at various locations throughout Ontario with his work in MNR. Allan lives in New Lowell, with wife Peggy VE3PGY and son Don VE3DZA. RAC welcomes Allan aboard and is confident that he will bring positive things both to his Section and to RAC Field Operations. Allan may be contacted by email or phone 705-424-7424 -- Bill Boskwick (RAC CEC) VE4BOZ, RAC Chief Field Service Officer ve4boz @ rac.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. the Planetary Society is requesting signal reports on their LightSail satellite. http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/2015/20150607-lightsail-deployment-initiatied.html According to their mission control page http://sail.planetary.org/missioncontrol (scroll down to the bottom), the downlink signal is: Frequency: 437.435 MHz Protocol: AX.25 Encoding: FSK Baud: 9600 bps Call sign: KK6HIT and data should be sent to lightsail@planetary.org. -- Brad ve3rhj @ rac.ca ITEM OF INTEREST 4. Citizens Assist Radio Service The Toronto ARES Group has launched a new emergency radio communications program. The goal is to link Amateur Radio Operators to citizens needing help when normal lines of communication are down. The program called Citizen Assist Radio Service uses GMRS radios to communicate using specific channels. Details are outlined on the CA-RADIO web site – https://citizenassistradioservice.wordpress.com/ Until the system is widely established, Amateur Radio Operators are asked to run scheduled field tests in their area followed by citizen involvement. Get the media interested to spread the news. Put a link on the your club web site. -- Joe Cusimano – VE3OV, Net Manager, Toronto ARES Group Ve3ov @ rac.ca 5. Free on-line course on satellite remote sensing There is a new online course on satellite remote sensing made available by the European Space Agency at http://www.futurelearn.com It's called: Observing Climate Change from Space There is no fee - it is free, and it's the state of the art about what satellites do in measuring climate and other factors from space. Lesson 1 started on Monday. So go to http://www.futurelearn.com and look for: Observing Climate Change from Space -- Andy G0SFJ This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for Jun 20, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Canada Day Contest is Coming! July 1st is Canada Day. Join in our country's birthday celebration by entering our Contest. Rules are found here: http://wp.rac.ca and search for Canada Day Contest. You can also go to our new website and use the drop down menu "Programmes" on the upper left side to go to Contesting Results. The rules and past results as well as other resources will be on that page. --- RAC Events ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Burlington AMateur Radio Club 41st ONTARIO HAMFEST Date : Saturday, July 11, 2015 Location: Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds Times : 07:00 Inside & Commercial Vendors; 08:00 Tailgate Vendors; 09:00 General Admission; Cost : General Admission: $7.00 Talk-in : 146.520 Simplex - Ontario Hamfest Talk-In SPECIAL GUEST - Greg Jurrens (K5GJ) VICE PRESIDENT, SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FlexRadio Systems Courtesy of RadioWorld.ca Vendor costs and regulations, please see the website. For more info: ontariohamfest @ barc.ca Website: http://ontariohamfest.ca --- RAC Events ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. A reminder to use caution when erecting antennas. The sudden passing due to electrocution of a well known member of the amateur radio fraternity, reiterates the need for due diligence when installing or repairing antennas. -- ARRL West Virginia Section Manager Charles Hardy, WV8CH, of Fayetteville, died June 14, apparently as the result of an accidental electrocution while he was working on an antenna at his home. He was 50 and had been a radio amateur since 2008. Hardy was the President of the Plateau Amateur Radio Association (PARA), the Summit Repeater Association, and held many ARRL positions besides Section Manager. Survivors include his wife, Jane, WV8JH. --- Glenn Killam VE3GNA ITEM OF INTEREST 4. Weather Radio Net The Weather Radio Net is back and has been since March 16. The net can be heard on Monday evenings at 1900 hours local on IRLP reflector 9038 and on Echo Link node VE3ZHR 591897, (the Ontario Public Service Reflector). The net's main focus is: Weatheradio Canada&U.S. and other related topics like CANWARN and SKYWARN. the net also promotes the Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter which is published quarterly in: February, May, August and November. If you wish to join the Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter mailing list, please email Gord VA3WXA at wxrnewsletter @ gmail.com - There is also a twitter feed, contact Gord for the details. --- Gord VA3WXA This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for June 27, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Appointment of new RAC Corporate Secretary - Sukwan Widajat, VA3WID Sukwan Widajat is originally from Indonesia and moved to Canada in 2011. He has been working as a VP of Finance/Corporate Secretary for the past few years of a paper product distribution company in Brampton, ON. Sukwan lives with his wife and three children in Mississauga. He obtained his first amateur radio license in 1998 in Indonesia. He received his Basic with Honours certificate in November 2013, and became a member of RAC and the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club in early 2014. He enjoys RTTY, satellite work and is also a dxer. He holds three call signs; YB0SWI, VA3WID and AB1XM. -- Paul Burggraaf VO1PRB, RAC Chief Information and Technology Officer ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Ham radio enthusiasts describe hobby Prince Edward Island amateurs Robbie Robertson VY2SS and Bill Glydon VY2LI talk about amateur radio in the Journal Pioneer. They are among 250 licensed amateur operators in Prince Edward Island which Robertson says is a good spot to operate a ham radio. “It has a high iron content. It’s like a big reflective mirror down on the ground for radio signals, and it’s also close to salt water, which seems to add a bit of punch to your signals.” In P.E.I’s iron-rich soil, Robertson’s currently getting by with a 33-foot antenna and 16 radials. Read the full story at http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2015-06-19/article-4188599/HAM-enthusiasts-describe-hobby/ 3. Solar storms this week (or what happened to the HF bands?) Geomagnetic storming reached the G4 — severe — level at 0513 UTC on June 23. The storm began a day earlier. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said more geomagnetic storming, although perhaps not quite as severe, could lie ahead. In a G4 event, electrical power systems can experience “widespread voltage control problems,” possibly tripping some protective systems. For radio amateurs, HF radio propagation can become sporadic, and satellite navigation degraded for hours at a time. Auroral displays may be visible as far south as Alabama and California (approximately 45° latitude). According to the SWPC, the geomagnetic storm began as forecast, quickly ramping up to severe levels. This followed a G4 storm alert on June 22, after the storm slammed into Earth at 1839 UTC. The June 25 prediction is for G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) geomagnetic activity over the next 24 hours. HF radio propagation can fade at higher latitudes, and aurora may be visible as far south as Idaho and New York. -- SWPC (Space Weather Prediction Center) 4. Work some DX the second weekend of July. IARU HF Contest is on July 11 beginning at 1200Z Saturday, for 24 hours. Its open to all licensed amateurs worldwide. Mixed mode (SSB/CW) The object is to contact as many other amateurs, especially IARU member society HQ stations, using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. The exchange is a signal report and IARU zone (most of Ontario is zone 4) For full particulars see: http://www.arrl.org/iaru-hf-championship This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 4, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Defense of Amateur Radio Fund Donation. The Defence of Amateur Radio Fund (DARF) is pleased to announce a $10,000 donation from an anonymous ham. The donor noted that he based the amount on the projected costs to support the travel and living expenses of the RAC respresentative for the upcoming World Radio Conference in Geneva in November 2015. International Telecommunications Union World Radio Conferences are held every three or four years. Participation is very expensive, requiring almost a month’s stay in Geneva, one of the world’s most expensive cities. Canada is one of a small number of countries where a radio amateur is part of the official delegation. While Industry Canada (IC) is very supportive of having a RAC representative as part of Canada’s WRC delegation it does not provide any funding. The DARF Trust was established in 1992 to support travel expenses associated with a RAC representative at World Radio Conferences and related preparatory meetings to defend existing bands and work toward new amateur frequency allocations. -- George Gorsline VE3YV, RAC International Affairs Officer ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. 140,000 Thai amateur licenses invalidated The Thai National Broadcasting & Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has invalidated a total of 140,000 amateur radio licences which had been expired for more than two years Prior to the NBTC's action there had been over 248,000 amateur radio licenses in Thailand of which some 247,000 were for the Basic Entry Level licence. A reason for so few upgrading is because of the lack of exam sessions. No exams were held to upgrade to Intermediate between 2004 and 2012. -- http://www.qsl.net/rast/ 3. US NAVY-MARINE CORPS MARS PROGRAM TO END The US Department of Defense is phasing out the US Navy-Marine Corps Military Auxiliary Radio System or MARS program. Its operational mission will transition to the other MARS service branches (Army and Air Force) by the end of September. The Navy-Marine Corps MARS program also supports the US Coast Guard as well as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the US Department of Homeland Security, and local emergency management agencies. (US NAVY-MARINE CORPS, ARRL) 4. Pattern of Contact Padding Prompts Disqualifications, The CQ World Wide Contest Committee said this week that it plans to review all past contest logs, after its investigation revealed a pattern of routine QSO padding on the part of one top-scoring CQ World Wide Contest operator. This follows in the wake of the disqualifications of some two dozen 2014 CQ WW SSB contest operators in April, and another 30 contestants in the 2014 CQ WW CW event. "Radiosport competition is built on a simple foundation — the expectation that all contacts are made over the air and correctly logged,” the committee said. “Since operations are performed from the privacy of our stations and without supervision, we all trust that everyone is playing by the same rules.” As a result, CQ has disqualified UT5UGR’s entries in which they detected log padding and removed them from the official score database. In addition, any entry into a CQ-sponsored contest until July 2020 in which UT5UGR is the operator or listed as a participant will be reclassified as a check log. The CQ WW Contest Committee has announced that new log checking processes are being developed to improve the detection of log padding. “We intend to test these methods against all submitted logs from 2011-2014. If other entries are found to have added unverifiable QSOs, we will address them on a case by case basis,” CQ said. -- CQ Contest Committee. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 11, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. CANWARN Training Summary for 2015 Geoff Coulson reports "Across the province, just shy of 1500 people came out this year. Of that total, about 500 were first time attendees, so the overall number of spotters in the database now rests at around 6500. Also for those of you interested in learning more about Weatheradio, a CANWARN volunteer of long-standing, Gord Maybee, has been producing a Weatheradio Newsletter for the last little while. If you’d like more information about the newsletter, please feel free to contact Gord at blindgordie@gmail.com Keep your eyes to the sky and feel free to report occurrences of severe storms that you may experience." -- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. AM transmitters switched off in Germany Radio Magazine reports on the shut down of two German AM broadcast transmitters on July 6. While there is general gnashing of teeth regarding some countries plans (or lack thereof) to shut down their FM networks, there seems to be no equivalent with respect to plans on shutting down AM medium-wave stations. At 2 a.m. local time, July 6, both of the WDR (West German Radio) MW transmitters were turned off for good. Funds thus saved will be re-allocated for DAB+ radio. The transmitters were in Langenberg (720 kHz @ 63 kW) and Bonn (774 kHz @ 5 kW). The programs that had been transmitted via the two AM stations are already available via the internet, over DAB+, satellite radio, and on local cable systems. -- http://www.radiomagonline.com/trends/0004/wdr-will-switch-off-mw-stations-reallocate-funds-for-dab/36701 3. Satellite Made "on the Cheap" Closing in on 2 Years in Orbit and Still Ticking At just a few months shy of turning 2 years old, the Amateur Radio “PocketQube” microsatellite — also known as Eagle 2 (MO-76) — is still operating, although it’s not entirely well either. The satellite, which transmits on 437.505 MHz at a power of 100 mW, may be heard using a handheld transceiver, but it does not include a transponder. The tiny satellite actually was constructed from about $250 worth of parts and measures just 5 × 5 × 7.5 cm and weighs 210 grams. One of the builders said the power situation on board continues to deterioriate, the satellite requires 3300 mV for the transmitter to fire up. “we never really thought it would last this long. We would have been happy if it just worked, and really happy if it lasted a month or two." -— Full story available on ARRL.org in the news section. 4. From the Project Bin (RTTY keyer) .. If you are considering Tinyfsk for FSK transmit with 2Tone decoder, all you need is an Arduino Board, a 2N2222 and 1K resistor to drive the FSK TX port on your transmitter. After you get it working, you might want to put it in a little metal box for RFI protection. For the full article see: http://www.frontiernet.net/~aflowers/tinyfsk/ or google "tinyfsk arduino" This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 18, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Dayton Hamvention attendance up this year. The official attendance at the 2015 Dayton Hamvention® was 25,621. That’s an increase from the official count of 24,873 visitors last year. The 2013 attendance was 24,542. Hamvention attendance peaked in 1993 at 33,669, before the 1996 change in date from April to May. While attendance has fluctuated over the years, Hamvention has grown to international proportions, attracting members of the worldwide Amateur Radio community each spring. The sponsoring Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA) already has begun counting down the days to the next Hamvention on May 20-22, 2016. — Thanks to Henry Ruminski, W8HJR ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Ontario QSO Party results are now posted on the Contest Club Ontario website. We are happy to report that we received 95 logs. While not record setting, the organizers do appreciate everyone who submitted a log. Having other contests running on the same weekend is a mixed blessing – more activity is always welcome, but can add to a bit of extra QRM. As several folks noted – conditions were less than stellar, but a good time was had by all. You can check out the results at http://www.va3cco.com/oqp -- VA3PC ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. SAQ suffers feed line short circuit and fire. Sweden’s Alexanderson alternator station - SAQ - said this week that a feed-line fire adversely affected the tally of listener reports from the station’s June 28 “Alexanderson Day” transmissions. Lars Kalland, SM6NM, at SAQ said there was a problem with the antenna on the first transmission from the vintage equipment at 0900 UTC. An insulator in the antenna feed system caught fire, during the startup and tuning of the Alexanderson Alternator. As a result, the transmitter was shut down, and no transmission was made at 0900 UTC. Kalland blamed the incident on a short circuit and said the problem was repaired in short order, in time for SAQ to return to the air for its scheduled 1200 UTC transmission. SAQ transmits on 17.2 kHz. The vintage SAQ Alexanderson alternator, dating from the 1920s — essentially an ac alternator run at extremely high speed — can put out 200 kW but typically is operated at less than half that power level. Once providing reliable transatlantic communication, it is now a museum piece and only put on the air on special occasions. The next planned SAQ transmission will take place on Christmas Eve, Dececember 24, 2015. -- ARRL News. 4. VY1AAA Put Northern Territories on the Air for Field Day, Canada Day If you worked VY1AAA in Yukon Territory (Northern Territories Section) during Field Day 2015 or Canada Day, the operator was actually remote. VY1AAA is a club station call sign for the station of J Allen, VY1JA, near Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Gerry Hull, W1VE, was among those operating VY1AAA remotely from the K1B Field Day site of the Contoocook Valley Radio Club (CVRC) in New Hampshire. The operation was part of a project to provide remote control capability for VY1JA, and Hull said the point of the VY1AAA call sign was not to burden Allen with QSL chores. VY1AAA uses Logbook of The World (LoTW) but will have some QSL cards printed too. He added that he’s already received “a ton” of requests as a result of the Field Day and Canada Day operations. Andy McLellan, VE9DX, has been working on getting WSJT, PSK31, and RTTY modes up and running. Hull said he doesn’t think there’s been much digital mode activity from Yukon Territory for some time now. -- For the full article, see the ARRL News at www.arrl.org This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 25, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Acting Section Manager for GTA Section. I would like to confirm that Rick Harrison VA3NV has volunteered to assume the responsibilities as Acting SM for GTA in addition to his position as SEC, until a permanent assignment has been made. -- Bill Boskwick VE4BOZ, CFSO ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. The popular QRZ.com website has been undergoing a major upgrade since last Friday, and things are going a bit more slowly than initially anticipated. QRZ.com Founder and President Fred Lloyd, AA7BQ, said the site’s engineers “have encountered some unforeseen problems.” “What started out as a simple update that went bad is now almost over - We’ve replaced our forums software and are reconfiguring it for use with QRZ. While we realize that many folks have been concerned, we want to express our sincere thanks to those who have been patient and understanding with us as we work overtime to put the system back online.” The outage does not affect call sign lookups, logbook, and other site features. QRZ.com is “looking forward to a shiny new user interface and a bunch of new features for our wildly popular Ham Radio Forums.” -- QRZ.Com 3. IARU Voting to accept additional members. A revote is in the works among International Amateur Radio Union members on whether to admit the Republic of Kosovo's national amateur radio association. A previous membership vote, taken last year, failed narrowly when just 49 ballots were cast in favour before the voting period expired. Additional votes of approval arrived not long after voting had concluded, rendering these votes ineligible for being counted. The Republic of Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, has had a formal amateur radio organization, known by the letters SHRAK, since 2000. In 2008, the government set aside the call prefix of Z6 for the nation's hams. The IARU did vote to admit Burundi, with 67 affirmative votes clinching membership for the African Republic. -- Amateur Radio Newsline. 4. Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields The EC Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has published their opinion on potential health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) The report notes: "Overall, the epidemiological studies on RF EMF exposure do not show an increased risk of brain tumours. Furthermore, they do not indicate an increased risk for other cancers of the head and neck region." Read the report at http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_041.pdf -- Southgate News. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 01, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Updated RAC Band Plan After a year long review, The RAC Band Planning Committee has released an updated band plan for all LF and HF (0-30 MHz) amateur allocations. This includes the new LF bands at 2200m and 600m, the 60m USB channels, and changes to reflect current best practice on other bands. Special thanks go to Vince d’Eon, VE6LK, for designing the single page graphic. The RAC Band Plan is available for viewing at: http://wp.rac.ca/rac-0-30-mhz-band-plan/ or by navigating through the “How to Start?” tab on the RAC home page. A downloadable PDF file is available by clicking the image. Comments and suggestions are welcome using the comment form http://wp.rac.ca/executives/ and select International Affairs Officer. Comments will be acknowledged and forwarded to the full RAC Band Planning Committee for consideration as future updates. -- George Gorsline VE3YV ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. 7th Annual Junk-in-the-Trunk Event --- FREE Admission ! Date : Saturday, August 22, 2015 Location: Newmarket, Ontario Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Cr. Newmarket, ON Opening times: 07:30 AM until 12 noon Cost: ** Proceeds are donated to the Theatre group ** Buyers - - FREE Admission ! ! ! Sellers - - $5 Per space per car - **** additional spaces $5 Talk-in frequency: 146.520 local repeater is 147.225 For more info: Nick - VE3NJG - nickve3njg@rogers.com Mike VE3MKX - mkx@bell.net Webpage: http://ontarioswapshop.com -- RAC Events Database ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Melbourne party balloon almost circumnavigates the globe three times Andy, VK3YT is a network engineer by day. But in his spare time he delves into "the balloon scene" where he gets to indulge his love of amateur radio. He makes the tiny electronics that accompany the helium-filled party balloon he launched more than 9000 metres into the air. And he's just recorded a record run. A standard silver party balloon he launched on May 23 ended up spending eight weeks travelling the globe at high altitude, clocking up more than 110,800 kilometres, before crashing into the Indian Ocean south of Madagascar on July 18 – falling just short of completing its third circumnavigation of Earth. Carrying a homemade shortwave transmitter, a GPS, solar panel for power and antennae throughout its journey, the balloon known as PS-46 weighed 11 grams. Andy said the west-to-east path taken by the balloon was determined by global wind patterns. Its longevity was helped by good weather and good timing, as the journey missed the summer cyclones in the Pacific. At 9000 metres the temperature hovers between minus 50 and minus 55 degrees and the air is so thin that UV radiation is a serious consideration. The shortwave transmitter he built for the balloon had 25 milliwatts output, and transmitted its location every 30 minutes, with the signal picked up by receivers across the globe. Read more: http://www.smh.com.au and search for "melbourne party balloon" -- Bridie Smith, Science Editor, The Age 4. RFinder is now the official repeater directory of FMRE Mexico. FMRE Mexico will be responsible for maintaining the very latest MX repeater data for RFinder - The World Wide Repeater Directory. RFinder is a steadily growing worldwide repeater directory which has over 50.000 repeaters in over 170 countries. An annual subscription to RFinder provides access to repeater data through its collections of Apps on smartphones, web, RT Systems and CHIRP radio programmers. The RFinder team is proud to add Mexico as our newest member country," says Bob Greenberg, W2CYK, the creator of RFinder. RFinder is also the official repeater directory of RAC. Canadian Hams that purchase RFinder support RAC. -- RAC News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 08, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Public Group Followers, "WE HAVE MOVED" Come and visit us at our new Business Page at: https://www.facebook.com/radioamateurscdn In a few days we will be shutting down the RAC Facebook public group to enable us to utilize future integrations and applications that can tie into our main web site. We are also complying with the Facebook regulations as they apply to a business operating Facebook pages. So pop on over...register a "Like" and renew your book marks to our new page at: https://www.facebook.com/radioamateurscdn -- Paul Burggraaf, RAC Chief Information and Technology Officer ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Victoria Haliburton Amateur Radio Association Hamfest Date: Saturday, August 29, 2015 Location: Lindsay, Ontario at the Masonic Temple, 10 Ridout Street Times: Doors open Saturday August 29th, 2015 from 8:00 AM to 11:00AM Vendors: 7:00 AM Set-Up Cost: FREE General Admission! Vendors - see webpage for more information. (http://www.vhara.ca) Vendors are required to supply their own tables and chairs Talk-in frequency: VE3LNZ Repeater 147.195 MHz + Webpage: http://www.vhara.ca -- Len, VE3VSR ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Drone Air Traffic Control? The drones that one day will deliver groceries, toiletries or a box of pizza could swarm haphazardly over cities, occasionally colliding with other drones and careening to the streets below. Or they could form a buzzing symphony as complex and coordinated as a bee colony. The latter vision -- orderly, multitiered highways in the sky -- is what Amazon, Google and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration have in mind as they collaborate to develop an automated air traffic control system for unmanned aircraft. Equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology and sensors that allow them to avoid fellow drones and other objects, the drones could deliver their goods or complete other missions without much human intervention. They would stay below a buffer zone to ensure they don't hit planes and helicopters but could also be programmed to move away if a helicopter arrives. Amazon and Google, along with Verizon and other partners, have been working with NASA for months on developing scenarios for a cloud-based control system that could track drone traffic using cellphone networks, satellites and radar. For the full story see: http://www.mercurynews.com/ and search for "drone traffic control" -- Matt O'Brien. Follow him at Twitter.com/Mattoyeah. 4. Arduino CW Decoder Project Dan Trudgian M0TGN has been blogging recently about his latest project, an Arduino Morse decoder He wanted to create a project that would “inspire” young electronically minded students that might have an interest in radio – (i.e the Morse code) some coding experience and some construction / electronic interest.. He is using a very simple single tone detector interface between his radio and the Arduino microcontroller board. Single tone detector circuits first became popular in the UK around 1980 when they were used for RTTY as well as CW. The circuit Dan is using is based on one published in QST magazine and only needs a few components. Read Dan's blog http://www.m0tgn.com/ -- Follow Dan on Twitter @M0TGN This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 15, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's Bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. WWV 25MHz signal restored to its original antenna. Time may seem to stand still – at least for a few moments - at WWV, in Fort Collins, Colorado. The time and frequency standard station is celebrating the completion of its successful first year with a restored vertical dipole, one it had stopped making use of in 1977. Last year, the 25 MHz signal went back to transmitting at the antenna’s original location on an experimental basis. The experiment, it seems, worked just fine. The decision was made to resurrect the older vertical dipole which after restoration now looks just like it looked in 1977. The vertical dipole has a lower angle of radiation and now has a transmitter of its own, radiating 2.5 kilowatts. WWV welcomes signal reports and comments sent to its email address at wwv-at-nist-dot-gov (wwv@nist.gov ). -- ARRL 2. THREE HONORED BY YASME FOUNDATION Three hams have been given the Yasme Excellence Award for what the group’s directors deem a significant contribution to amateur radio – whether operational, technical or organizational. They are: Mike Mertel, K7IR, of Washington State, for his revolutionary invention of a tunable Yagi antenna that was later made available to the amateur radio community under the brand name SteppIR Koos Fockens, PA0KDF, of the Netherlands, for his investigations, measurements and publications regarding noise in the amateur radio bands that played a key role in the global fight against Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) interference James Ying, N2IW, of Rochester, New York, for his creation of an on-line scheduling application that was used by many W1AW/portable operations during the 2014 ARRL Centennial and remains available without charge The award consists of a cash grant and an engraved crystal globe. -- arnewsline.org ONTARIO NEWS 3. Subject: Toronto Star Article on Ham Radio Here is an informative article on amateur radio published by the Toronto Star Newspaper with tie-ins to CANWARN and emergency preparedness. You can check it out at: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/08/02/local-hams-take-to-the-airwaves.html -- Stiig VE3LBX ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Podcast site authored by Eric 4Z1UG. http://www.qsotoday.com/ There are 53 interviews on the site with interesting radio amateurs. New interviews are added regularly. I find the interviews to be enjoyable. Take a look, maybe you will too. -- Rick ve3mm This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 22, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. DIRECTOR ELECTION IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO Two nominations were received for this position. Following a review of the documentation submitted the Committee determined that the nomination papers were complete and in order for Mr. Philip A. McBride, VA3QR/VA3KPJ, and Mr. Igor Slakva, VE3ZF/VA3YDX. The Committee recommended a Ballot by Mail, for Director, Ontario South Region for the completion of the 2014-2015 term. Ballots will be mailed to the applicable postal codes from the RAC Office in the near future. The closing date for the ballot is August 31, 2015 noon time. Please see the ballot information for the bios of the candidates, and take the time to vote. -- Sukwan Widajat VA3WID, RAC Corporate Secretary 2. New Peterborough ARES EC. Congratulations and warm welcome to Jim Bird, VA3CC, as the new Peterborough ARES Group Coordinator (EC). Jim is now retired and has the time, energy and interest in taking the ARES group to the next level. Jim is replacing Terry, VA3MTT who is stepping down due to increased demands related to his work position, but is remaining an active member. I wish to thank Terry for the work he has done for the group and wish him well in his endeavors. I will be glad to provide any support and guidance Jim and his leadership team may need. -- Michael Hickey - Ontario East SM 3. Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, Inc. CARP Fleamarket Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015 Location: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3832 Carp Road, Ottawa (Carp), Ontario (the W. Erskine Johnson Arena) Times: Commercial Vendor Setup: 7:30 am, Private Vendor Setup: 8 am, Fleamarket Open to Public: 9 am - Noon Cost: $6 General Admission, Talk-in frequency: Talk-in on VE2CRA, 146.94-, 100 Hz The Ottawa region's largest fleamarket and hamfest. Major doorprize draws! Breakfast, coffee, and lunch concession. Volunteer organizations and displays. On-site Amateur Radio licence exams. Get your licence, or upgrade during the hamfest! Webpage: http://www.oarc.net/fleamarket Email contact: fleamarket at oarc.net -- Ed, VE3WGO ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Mechanical Filters being discontinued by Rockwell Collins For many radio amateurs, it’s the end of an era: Rockwell Collins, which designed and manufactured mechanical filters for more than two generations of hams, will discontinue the filters’ production. The company posted on its website: “Over the past several years, we have seen a dramatic reduction in demand for narrowband analog filters. Due to this and other economic reasons, Filter Products will be discontinuing its mechanical filter products in the near future.” The company acknowledged that the filters have since been eclipsed by digital signal processing, and this was a significant factor in its decision. Highly popular mainstays for many hams, the mechanical filters were valued for being able to achieve bandwidths of between 0.05 percent and 5 percent, with input and output transducers converting the electrical signal to and from mechanical vibrations. Rockwell Collins has not yet announced a date for the final production run. -- AR Newsline (and others) 5. Undergrad radio ham uses Reverse Beacon Network in research project A Virginia Tech undergraduate researcher and radio amateur has used Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) and Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) data to study how solar flares impact HF radio propagation with communication loss related to both flare intensity and distribution. Carson Squibb, KM4MBQ, recently summarized his findings in a poster presentation, “Dayside Ionospheric Response to X-Class Solar Flare Events Observed with Reverse Beacon Network High Frequency Communication Links.” As most HF operators understand, higher-intensity flare events can cause complete signal loss on HF, while weaker flares may only partly inhibit radio propagation. Read the full ARRL story at http://www.arrl.org/news/undergrad-radio-amateur-uses-reverse-beacon-network-in-research-project This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 29, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. WRC 2015 5MHz Proposal in Limbo With the deadline to submit proposals to World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) now less than 2 months away, it’s still unclear how at least one agenda item of importance to the Amateur Radio community will fare. That is agenda item 1.4, which calls on the delegates to consider a secondary Amateur Radio allocation at 5 MHz (60 meters). In the US and in most other countries that have privileges there, ham radio has a set of fixed channels at 5 MHz — not necessarily the same from one country to the next, although most are common. For the full story see ARRL Website > News. -- ARRL News ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. London Amateur Radio Club Inc. Fleamarket Date: Sunday, September 20, 2015 Location: HELLENIC COMMUNITY CENTRE. 133 Southdale Rd.W., London, ON Times: 9am - 12pm Cost: Admission- $8 Talk-in: VA3LON, 147.060 PL 114.8 Description: Sale of new and used radios, Free parking, Coffee and muffins for small fee Commercial Dealers and wheelchair access. See website for table pricing details. Email contact: larchamfest@gmail.ca Webpage: http://www.larc.ca -- RAC Events Database ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. IC-7300 HF/50/70MHz Transceiver launched at Tokyo Ham Fair 2015 Icom Inc. had a huge amount of interest at the Tokyo Ham Fair 2015 with the unveiling of the IC-7300 HF/50/70MHz Transceiver. The launch, which caught most people by surprise, saw the manufacturer introduce a new base station transceiver incorporating the latest RF direct sampling system, a first for an Amateur radio transceiver. -- Full story at southgatearc.org 4. Repeaters in Spain now listed in the RFinder Directory Unión de Radioaficionados Españoles (URE) and RFinder are pleased to announce a new partnership agreement effective 20 August, 2015. URE has now joined as the latest federal member society of RFinder. RFinder is a steadily growing worldwide repeater directory which has over 50.000 repeaters in over 170 countries. An annual subscription to RFinder provides access to repeater data through its collections of Apps on Android and iPhone, RadioBuddy on iPhone, web, RT Systems and CHIRP radio programmers. -- Mike Kelly, VE3FFK (RAC HQ) This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 05, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Washington State Wildfires News out of Washington State, where the largest wildfires in the state's history have left casualties, consumed more than half a million acres and destroyed at least 200 homes. The fires surrounding the central Washington town of Twisp, where three firefighters died, were considered among the hardest to contain. Police Chief Paul Budrow, KG7PTU explained how a collective of relatively new hams in the police department, working with hams in the community, has allowed residents to help one another by keeping those all-important channels of communication open. He also added that all members of his police department are now licensed amateurs. -- amateur radio newsline article ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Ham-Cyclist Now in the Maritimes. Cyclist Thomas Andersen, OZ1AA/K9DXX, completed his 6 week ride up the US East Coast on August 29 and now is in the Canadian Maritimes, the 38th country he has visited since beginning his “Cycling the Globe” adventure in Copenhagen 5 years ago. Andersen already has put more than 26,000 miles on his bicycle — more than the distance around the equator. After crossing the border from Maine into New Brunswick, he stopped over at the home of Andy VE9DX, near St John. Once he reaches Newfoundland, Andersen will catch a flight back to Denmark for a 3-month break to visit with his family. Right after Christmas he’ll complete his round-the-world journey in Africa, His idea is eventually to head through Morocco and then to Spain on his way home to Denmark. While he does carry a VHF/UHF FM handheld, Andersen said he really has not used it that much. He said he “definitely” wants to have some sort of HF radio with him as he travels through Africa. -- from arrl newsletter 3. Learning about CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) A CERT educates ordinary citizens about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical procedures. One aspect of this training is communications. Many CERT teams use Family Radio Service (FRS) radios for this. East Lake CERT based in Palm Harbour, FL realized the shortfalls of FRS and began to recruit and train Amateur Radio operators to be their communicators through Amateur Radio licensing classes, mentoring and word of mouth. from an ARES e-newsletter August 19th, forwarded by Dave, VE3JX Note: Ontario at one time had a CERV program (Community Emergency Response Volunteer), but it was cancelled in 2005. 4. HIHI: LOL of the 19th century ? An article by Lauren Collister, an Associate at the University of Pittsburgh, looks at short forms and abbreviations used in the early days of Morse to make messages as concise as possible - a predecessor to today’s SMS textspeak. See her complete article at http://theconversation.com/lol-in-the-age-of-the-telegraph-42578 This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 12, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. RAC would like to welcome our new Director .. Phil McBride VE3QR "As Director, I intend to use my knowledge of Amateur Radio, business management and corporate governance to serve RAC, and through RAC, the broader Amateur Radio community in Canada, by encouraging not only membership, but participation within the organization. With both small and large wireless communications firms working to acquire vast amounts of RF spectrum, it is vitally important, now more than ever, to have a strong, unified lobby that can sit across the table from our country's wireless regulators and represent the collective interests of the thousands of Amateur Radio operators throughout the country. I look forward to working with all of those currently involved in the management of RAC, and welcome anyone with questions or concerns to contact me via e-mail at va3qr @ rac.ca." -- Phil A. McBride, VA3QR 2. The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club Flea Date: Saturday, October 3, 2015 Location: School Fair Building at the Ancaster Fair Grounds, 630 Trinity Road, Ancaster, L0R 1R0 (south-west corner of highways #52 and #53, just west of Ancaster) General Admission: Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Vendor access : After 7:00 a.m. Cost: General Admission: $7.00 per person Talk-in frequency: Talk-in 146.76 (-) with tone 131.8 VE3NCF Visit the HARC website at: www.hamiltonarc.ca for further info. Email contact: ve3htf @ hamiltonarc.ca ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Chess and Morse code The BBC reports on a case of a chess player who allegedly used Morse code to cheat. Officials believe the 37-year-old was using a camera, hung around his neck, to transmit the game to someone with a chess computer program, who was feeding back moves using Morse code. The 37-year-old player was also "batting his eyelids in the most unnatural way", the referee said. "Then I understood it, He was deciphering signals in Morse code." When the player refused to open his shirt, officials asked him to pass through a metal detector which picked up a pendant hanging underneath his shirt. The pendant contained a tiny video camera connected to a small box under his armpit, officials said. -- Read the BBC story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34184940 4. 156 YEARS AGO, A GEOMAGNETIC MEGA-STORM: On Sept. 2nd, a billion-ton coronal mass ejection (CME) slammed into Earth's magnetic field. Campers in the Rocky Mountains woke up in the middle of the night, thinking that the glow they saw was sunrise. People in Cuba read their morning paper by the red illumination of aurora borealis. Earth was peppered by particles so energetic, they altered the chemistry of polar ice. It really happened -- exactly 156 years ago. Sept. 2, 1859. As the day unfolded, the gathering storm electrified telegraph lines, shocking technicians and setting their telegraph papers on fire. Magnetometers around the world recorded strong disturbances in the planetary magnetic field for more than a week. The cause of all this was an extraordinary solar flare witnessed the day before by British astronomer Richard Carrington. His sighting marked the discovery of solar flares and foreshadowed a new field of study: space weather. According to the National Academy of Sciences, if a similar storm occurred today, it would cause a trillion dollars in damage to society's high-tech infrastructure and require four to ten years of repairs for a complete recovery. In fact, a similar flare did occur just a few years ago. On July 23, 2012, a CME of rare power rocketed away from the sun. The storm was in all respects at least as strong as the 1859 Carrington event. The only difference is, it missed the earth. no harm done. The July 2012 event serves as a reminder, however, that extreme space weather is not a thing of the past. -- spaceweather.com This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 19, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Russian military in 7 and 14 MHz Ham Radio bands The latest IARU Monitoring System newsletter reports Russian Military traffic in the amateur radio 7 and 14 MHz bands has increased. The Russian Navy has often been active on 14192.0 using mode F1B and the Russian Over The Horizon (OTH) radar in Gorodezh (near Nizhny Novgorod) has been causing strong interference daily. The International Amateur Radio Union Monitoring System (IARUMS) Region 1 August 2015 newsletter can be read at http://www.iarums-r1.org/iarums/news2015/news1508.pdf [88] Reports of Amateur Band intruders can be logged on the IARU Region 1 Monitoring System Logger at http://peditio.net/intruder/bluechat.cgi -- SouthgateARC News 2. Norway becomes the first Country to shut down FM broadcasting. Norway will shut down FM radio in the country beginning in 2017, Radio.no reports. The Norwegian Ministry of Culture finalized a shift date this week, making it the first country to do away with FM radio entirely. The country plans to transition to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) as a national standard. Read more at theverge.com and search for Norway -- This week in Amateur Radio News ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Dipole and Inverted V Antenna Basics In this Youtube video Dave Tadlock KG0ZZ explains how dipole and inverted V antennas work and how to build an hf antenna. It includes tips for construction, mounting and tuning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyOWRTWdDKM or search youtube for "KG0ZZ dipole basics" -- SouthgateARC News 4. SolderSmoke ebook free on Amazon The SolderSmoke ebook in kindle format by radio amateur Bill Meara N2CQR/M0HBR is available for free download on Amazon. Bill Meara started out as a normal kid, from a normal American town. But around the age of 12 he got interested in electronics, and he has never been the same. SolderSmoke is no ordinary memoir. It is a technical memoir. Each chapter contains descriptions of Bill’s struggles to understand radio-electronic theory. Why does P=IE? Do holes really flow through transistors? What is a radio wave? How does a frequency mixer produce sum and difference frequencies? If these are the kinds of questions that keep you up at night, this book is for you. Soldersmoke on Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/SolderSmoke-Global-Adventures-Wireless-Electronics-ebook/dp/B004V9FIVW/ -- southgateARC News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 26, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. WRC-15 and 5 MHz (60m) The S.A.R.L. reports a European Common Proposal (ECP) for an allocation of 100 kHz at 5350-5450 kHz has now been accepted This was a hard fought proposal with 7 abstentions and 5 against. It is now up to the African block to support the agenda item at WRC which starts in Geneva, Switzerland on 2 November. Source: South African Radio League (SARL) http://www.sarl.org.za/ The WRC 2015 Agenda and Relevant Resolutions can be downloaded from http://www.itu.int/go/wrc-15 -- Southgate Amateur Radio News ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Ontario S.E.T. Scheduled for October 7, 2015 The Simulated Emergency Test is a North America-wide exercise in emergency communications, administered by the ARRL and the RAC Emergency Coordinators and Net Managers. Both the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS) are involved. The SET weekend gives communicators the opportunity to focus on the emergency-communications capability within your community, while interacting with NTS nets. RAC administers our Canadian SETs. Among other objectives we aim to strengthen the relationship between ARES and served municipalities and relief agencies. It is vitally important that this be done at the local EC level. for more details see -- http://wp.rac.ca/welcome/simulated-emergency-test/ -- RAC Website ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. South Sandwich/South Georgia DXpedition Dates Announced The Intrepid DX Group has announced its itinerary and operating schedule for its January 2016 South Sandwich/South Georgia VP8SGI/VP8STI DXpedition. South Sandwich Islands is No 3 on ClubLog’s Most Wanted DXCC List; South Georgia is No 8. "We expect to arrive at South Sandwich on January 17, dependent on the weather and sea conditions." The team will spend 10 days on South Sandwich, operating as VP8STI before sailing to South Georgia Island to start operations as VP8SGI about February 1. -— Thanks to the Intrepid DX Group 4. Ham Radio Team Supports Road Race Using High-Speed Mesh Network Radio Amateurs in Utah have made use of a broadband ham radio mesh network to support a public event. A group of ham radio volunteers set up a high-speed broadband ham net mesh network in the rugged mountains of northern Utah to provide communication along the final 30 miles of the September 11-12 Wasatch 100 Mile Mountain Endurance Race. Other hams covered the first 70 miles of the race using more conventional technology, including FM voice and packet. BBHN MESH uses ordinary Wi-Fi technology on Amateur Radio frequencies, which meant the mesh network was able to cover a considerable amount of real estate, even in the challenging mountainous environment. The group employed TeamTalk software for race communications. -- ARRL News Letter This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 03, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Updated ARES training manual available An updated version of the ARES Training manual has now been posted on the RAC website. http://wp.rac.ca/wp-content/uploads/files/ares/ARES%20Complete_manual_revised%20Aug%202015.pdf or search for "ARES manual" on the RAC website. -- Mike Kelly, VE3FFK (RAC HQ) 2. Hurricane Watch Net activated for Hurricane Joaquin. [UPDATED 2015-09-30 @ 1940 UTC] The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has made it official: It’s Hurricane Joaquin, a Category 1 storm. But the NHC said that Joaquin is gaining strength and “could become a major hurricane during the next couple of days.” The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) activated at 1500 UTC September 30 on 14.325 MHz (after nightfall, the net will convene on 7.268 MHz). WX4NHC at the NHC is not active at this time. Please give these two frequencies some consideration over the next few weeks of hurricane season. -- ARRL News ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. CQ World Wide DX Contest Committee Conducting Survey to gather feedback The survey responses will help improve the contest and make important decisions about the rules. Anyone who has participated in the CQ WW DX Contest in the past 3 years is invited to take the survey, which should take about 10 minutes to complete. An invitation with a link to the survey has been sent via e-mail to everyone who submitted a log in the 2014 SSB and CW CQ WW events. Participants should only take the survey once. The deadline to submit surveys is October 10. -- ARRL News 4. LICENSE CHANGES OVERSEAS Changes are coming to two European amateur radio licensing systems. In the UK, starting on Oct. 1, amateur radio license exams will be overseen by the Radio Society of Great Britain, which is picking up the responsibility from the Radio Communications Foundation. Examinations will continue to be available to all, regardless of RSGB membership, and changes will have minimal impact on the conduct of the examinations at local level. In the meantime, the formerly free licenses issued in The Netherlands are now subject to a fee of 31 euros. The Dutch government announced the imposition of the new fee on Budget Day, Sept. 15. The move is being protested by the Dutch radio communications agency, VERON. -- Southgate Amateur Radio News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 10, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Password Reset Issues on the RAC Website We are experiencing issues with the password reset system due to an upgrade in our version of Word Press. If you have issues, please contact the webmaster or RAC Office and you will receive a new temporary password. Please login with the temporary password (Copy and paste) Once logged in scroll to the bottom of the Membership Details page and set your password back to what it was and SAVE. -- Paul Burggraaf, RAC Chief Information and Technology Officer 2. Hamvention “Fully Committed” to Hold 2016 Show at Hara Arena Dayton Hamvention® General Chairman Jim Tiderman, N8IDS, is downplaying talk that Hamvention might move from Hara Arena as early as next year. Tiderman characterized the reports “all speculation and rumor.” “We still keep an open mind to alternate plans, in case they become necessary. All successful businesses need to do that, and Hamvention is no different in that respect.” Last May, the show attracted some 25,000 visitors. Dayton Hamvention 2016 will take place May 20, 21, and 22. Tiderman told the Dayton Daily News that “something catastrophic” would have to happen to cause Hamvention to move from Hara Arena. -- ARRL News ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 3. York Region ARC Hamfest date: Saturday, October 31, 2015 Location: 10801 McCowan Rd, Markham, ON Opening times: Vendors: 0630 - 0830. General public is admitted to the indoor gathering area commencing at 0730. No more braving the elements while waiting for the event to open! Have breakfast on site. Doors open to the vendor areas at 0900. Cost: $7.00 per person and this includes a door prize ticket. Children twelve and under admitted free. Talk-in: VE3YRA 145.350 MHz (-) T: 103.5 Hz OR VE3YRC 147.225 MHz (+) T: 103.5 Hz Email contact: yrarc.hamfest @ gmail.com Webpage: http://yrarc.org -- Geoffrey Smith VA3GS ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. New OSCAR Satellite Status page Thanks to the efforts of Joe KM1P and Peter 2E0SQL, and with the permission of David KD5QGR, we have set up a copy of the OSCAR satellite status page This page will be maintained by multiple volunteers, and we will be able to keep information links current. It will take a few days to populate the database, but please begin using this page as soon as possible. 73, Drew KO4MA, AMSAT VP Operations OSCAR Satellite Status Page is at http://www.amsat.org/status -- Southgate Amateur Radio News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 17, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. IARU Administrative Council Stresses Importance of Antenna Systems for Amateur Radio The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Administrative Council has adopted a resolution calling on IARU member societies to encourage governments to recognize the importance of the Amateur Radio Service and of Amateur Radio antennas. The antenna resolution called on member societies “to advocate for planning and development regulations that properly recognize the importance of an Amateur Radio antenna and do not place undue restrictions on the erection of antennas.” It also urged member societies to discourage the imposition of any fees related to ham antennas, “particularly in view of its popularity in the student and senior communities.” -- see the full article at the arrl website news section. 2. RAC announces further Scholarships At a recent Board of Directors meeting the Directors voted in favour of granting a $500 Educational Scholarship to Michael Shamash, VE2MXU. Michael recently graduated from West Island College and has enrolled at Marianopolis College in Westmount, QC in the Honours Health Services Program. After two years at the College, he plans to go into McGill's school of Medicine and obtain an MD degree. RAC is pleased to be able to grant Scholarships to young Canadian Amateurs who are furthering their education. We would also like to thank those who have generously given to this Scholarship Program. Without your continued support this would not be possible. If you are able to help support this worthy endeavour and would consider donating to this program, please contact RAC HQ at racgm @ rac.ca -- Bill Unger VE3XT. Chairman, RAC Scholarship Foundation ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. FlexRadio update (video) from the 2015 Digital Communications Conference FlexRadio's Stephen Hicks N5AC hits EIGHT important topics related to the Flex radios in this talk from the 2015 ARRL and TAPR DCC in Chicago You'll learn some fairly advanced concepts about SDR... and he'll bust a myth that some hams have delighted in propagating. The rest of the DCC episodes will be presented more or less in the order they appeared at the conference, beginning in early November. The content in this program is the property of FlexRadio Systems, and is presented by HamRadioNow with their permission. -- Look on Youtube.com for HamRadioNow episode 220. 4. LICENSE NUMBERS ARE DOWN, DOWN UNDER The number of licensed amateurs in Australia has fallen. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, there are almost 400 fewer license-holders this year than in 2014. Most of the losses are the result of cancelled call signs and Silent Keys, many of them amateurs who got their licenses following World War II. Even Australia’s most populated states, New South Wales and Victoria, reported a decline in licensed amateurs. -- full article at SouthGate Amateur Radio News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 24, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. From the CQ Newsroom: Attention Contesters: Please protect the Mexican hurricane emergency net frequency of 7060 kHz during the upcoming CQWW SSB DX Contest as potentially catastrophic Hurricane Patricia heads for Mexico's Pacific coast. As of Friday morning, the Category 5 storm had maximum sustained winds of 200 miles per hour (322 km/h).Please avoid 7055-7065 kHz during the contest, to provide a clear frequency for the net on 7060. Thanks and good luck in the contest! 2. VHF frequency 146.52 OK'd for ARRL VHF contests. The ARRL VHF and Above Revitalization Committee has proposed removing the rule prohibiting the use of 146.52 MHz simplex for making contest contacts. The change will go into effect starting on January 1, 2016. The committee felt that permitting the use of 146.52 MHz would allow new/curious contesters possessing only FM-mode radios to stumble upon more contacts, increasing their chances of being drawn further into VHF+ contesting — the primary aim of the Revitalization Committee. Advance notification of the rule change now has been communicated to the full Board, and the change becomes effective starting with the ARRL January VHF Contest. The change also will be incorporated into the ARRL Field Day rules. -- Thanks to Dan Henderson, N1ND, Regulatory Information Manager/Acting Contest Manager ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 3. DEC Appointment for GTA West Kevin Andrews, VA3KRA, has been appointed as the District Emergency Coordinator for GTA West (Halton and Peel Regions). Kevin has served as the Emergency Coordinator for Burlington ARES for the past 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge related to emergency communications. Congratulations Kevin. -- Rick Harrison, VA3NV, Section Manager - GTA Section ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. REF L’association Réseau des Émetteurs Français partners with RFinder REF France has now joined as the latest Member Society of RFinder. RFinder is the official repeater directory of Radio Amateurs Canada. Canadian Hams that purchase a subscription to RFinder support RAC. Check out RFinder.net for the full list of supported countries. -- RAC HQ. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 31, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Jim Dean VE3IQ (SK) and Hoppy Hopwood VE7RD appointed to the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Jim Dean VE3IQ (SK) of Ottawa, ON and Farrell (Hoppy) Hopwood VE7RD of North Vancouver, BC to the Hall of Fame for 2015. The awards will be presented at local ceremonies in coming months. A summary of their contributions to amateur radio will be published in The Canadian Amateur magazine. -- read more at the RAC website under news. 2. ITU World Radiocommunication Conference gets underway Nov 2, 2015 in Geneva Preparations have been under way since the last WRC wrapped up in 2012. Held every 3 or 4 years, WRCs review, and, if necessary, revise the Radio Regulations — the international treaty governing the use of the radio frequency spectrum. Delegates will consider several items of interest to the Amateur Radio community during the nearly month-long international gathering. International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) President Tim Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, and several others will be on the IARU team or in other delegations. -- read more at arrl.org website under news. ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. North Country DX Association (NCDXA) Operating Event Operating from several different locations in Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories using KL7RST, VY1RST and VE8RST to further promote Amateur Radio up north, this may just be a first for the north - a joint-venture KL7, VY1 and VE8 special event. The object is to work or log (SWL) as many NCDXA “RST” stations as you can from their different locations. Watch for DX spots as we plan to have stations on from Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Anchorage, Fairbanks and many other cities (maybe an Alaskan glacier or two!). QSL manager is K7ICE. SPECIAL EVENT DATE: February 15 (0001Z) through March 27 (2359Z), 2016 -- see qrz.com forums for full details. -- de “Yukon John”, KL7JR 4. Heathkit is back ! Any ham radio operator who’s been active for more than a few years is familiar with Heathkit radios. Heathkit hasn’t been doing much kit building in the last generation or so, but that looks like it’s about to change… The Heathkit president wrote to the Heathkit Insiders group: During the past year: We assembled a team of very talented, hard-working, inventive people. We acquired another company and merged its management, products, assets, and operations gracefully into Heath Company. We ensured we own every last bit of Heathkit intellectual property, unencumbered and in perpetuity. We built a company division and acquired a line of vintage add-on designs to sustain vintage products. We developed and integrated our eBay site, so you can buy or bid on auctioned items. We authored and published an Android software app on Heathkit’s GooglePlay site, with more apps to come. You can see and order the Explorer Jr. at https://shop.heathkit.com/ now., with anticipated shipping time of 30 days. Think about whether there’s anyone who would love one of these kits as a holiday present. And thanks for your loyalty and patience as we brought back to you Heathkit’s incredible legacy of the world’s best kits again. Sincerely, Andy (President) and the team at Heathkit -- Full News release at https://shop.heathkit.com and click on the News tab. This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 07, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. US Government has a plan in case we are hit with catastrophic solar flares We take the nation's power grid for granted. But what would happen if the power went out all over the country, or all over the world? This scenario has resulted in the US Government coming out with a contingency plan if a massive solar flare hits. Most of us are familiar with the devastation caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, and even droughts. But there is one natural phenomenon that could devastate our technology-driven society, and that is space weather. Full article here: http://www.digitaljournal.com/science/white-house-prepares-six-step-plan-for-catastrophic-solar-flares/article/448073 To read the White House plan in its entirety: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/10/28/enhancing-national-preparedness-space-weather-events -- multiple sources 2. ARRL Field Day 2015 Results Now Available: Results of ARRL Field Day 2015 now are available. These include the searchable scores database, the soapbox link, and the QST results article (PDF). A total of 2720 stations submitted entries for the June 27-28 event. While propagation was on the sorry side for Field Day 2015, the number of contacts for this year’s event rose slightly over 2014 — a modest 1.1 percent — and the number of CW contacts account for all of that increase; phone and digital contact numbers dipped slightly in 2015. Nearly 1.3 million contacts were logged during FD 2015. The number of logs received appears to be an all-time ARRL Field Day record. This year saw 35,369 participants, down slightly from 2014. -- arrl news ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Free Frequency Allocations Handbook The National Academies Press have made available the Handbook of Frequency Allocations and Spectrum Protection for Scientific Uses: Second Edition (2015) as a free PDF The 281 page handbook sets forth the principles for the allocation and protection of spectral bands for services using the radio spectrum for scientific research. Download the handbook via http://www.nap.edu/21774 Although it asks for an email address as part of the registration procedure no emails are sent as part of either registration or download procedures. --- southgate amateur radio news 4. Polish Radio Amateur May Be a Step Closer to Activating North Korea Polish radio amateur Dom Grzyb, 3Z9DX, has indicated that he’s moving forward with his plans to operate from North Korea early next year. Earlier this year Grzyb announced that he had secured written permission to operate from North Korea in January or February 2016 and that he would be going to the capital, Pyongyang, for a final meeting to discuss guidelines for the operation. Grzyb now has informed DX News.com that he will head to North Korea in December, radio gear and GP7 vertical antenna in tow, to pin down the details of his ham radio plans. Grzyb is said to have already procured a license to operate as P5/3Z9DX on three bands with 100 W. If he succeeds in being allowed to operate from North Korea, the P5/3Z9DX operation would be for 5 days, SSB only, on 20, 15, and 10 meters from a secured location with 24/7 government supervision. He has said he plans to concentrate on 20 meters. The Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea remains the most-wanted and elusive DXCC entity on the globe. -- Thanks to DX News.com This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 14, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Fragile Agreement for 5 MHz Amateur Allocation Clears First Hurdles at WRC-15 At WRC-15, in Geneva, consensus continues to shape up around a new 15 kHz-wide global secondary 60 meter Amateur Radio allocation at 5351.5-5366.5 kHz. On November 12, Conference Working Group 4B agreed to the global secondary allocation, with power limits designed to protect primary services from harmful interference. Sub Working Group 4B1, had presented its output document with two options, the other being no change — a position many administrations favored going into the conference. The current compromise making the allocation possible still must clear two more levels at the conference. This won’t happen until next week, and the issue is not final until it does. -- arrl.org/news ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. New symbol graphics at aprs.fi and better support for mobile devices The new aprs.fi symbol set will be soon be published as open source on GitHub, in both vector and raster formats. Other APRS applications may then use them at no cost. The symbol set release even comes with a little piece of javascript which crunches out the 3 PNG files (primary, secondary, overlay characters) at the 4 resolutions in a few seconds. aprs.fi will now work better than before on mobile devices. the signup/login flow and most of the text and data table views were fixed to scale more nicely on small devices, allowing horizontal scrolling of tables. It'll need some more work to make it very nice, but this is a good start. -- aprs.fi news 3. WRC-15 allocates flight tracking spectrum Following the loss of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 in March 2014, WRC-15 has agreed to allocate spectrum for global flight tracking. The frequency band 1087.7-1092.3 MHz – currently being utilized for the transmission of ADS-B signals from aircraft to terrestrial stations within line-of-sight – has also been allocated to the aeronautical mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) for reception by space stations of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) emissions from aircraft transmitters. This extends ADS-B signals beyond line-of-sight to facilitate reporting the position of aircraft equipped with ADS-B anywhere in the world, including oceanic, polar and other remote areas. the full story is available at http://newslog.itu.int/archives/1146 -- Southgate Amateur Radio News 4. South African Disaster Exercise. The Hamnet Summer Communications Exercise held in late October in South Africa was such a total disaster – just as everyone had hoped - that it proved to be a total success. Disaster was the whole idea, in fact, since the 60 or so participating hams, working in teams, had committed to operating their field stations in remote locations while living off the grid, as if some cataclysm had struck. All activities, including cooking, lighting and of course, radio communications were done under simulated emergency conditions. But the 16 stations across South Africa, and in Namibia, benefitted from fortunate propagation conditions and the experiment went forward on Oct. 24 and 25 as planned. Plans are under way for next years' exercise. -- SOUTH AFRICAN RADIO LEAGUE, SOUTHGATE radio news This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 21, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) approves 60m band. WRC 2015 has approved an allocation of 5351.5-5366.5 kHz to the Amateur Service on a secondary basis with a power limit of 15 W effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP). The November 18 decision on Agenda Item 1.4 was adopted on two back-to-back readings. The Amateur Service has obtained its first new global HF allocation since 1979. The new band will not become available in each member country until it adopts the Acts of the Conference and establishes operating rules. Until then, existing rules remain in place. The IARU team continues to monitor several other WRC-15 items that appear to be headed toward acceptable conclusions. WRC-15 continues through the signing of the Final Acts on November 27. -- arrl news. ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Fox-1A (AO-85) has been formally commissioned and turned over to AMSAT Operations. The Fox-1 Project is a series of CubeSats. A total of five will be built and flown. Launches already have been scheduled for three more, and a new NASA CubeSat Launch proposal will be submitted for the fifth launch. The Fox Team notes that an apparent lack of receiver sensitivity and difficulty in turning or holding on the repeater with the 67 Hz CTCSS tone are probably the most notable observations about AO-85. The November/December edition of AMSAT Journal will include full details on these technical issues. AMSAT has provided guidelines for using AO-85 - see their website for details. — Thanks to AMSAT News Service via Jerry Buxton, N0JY 3. The DX Magazine Ends its Annual “Most Wanted” Survey The DX Magazine will no longer solicit input or publish its traditional, annual “Most Wanted” DXCC survey. The last survey was conducted in the fall of 2014. The list typically has appeared in the newsletter’s January/February issue. The DX Magazine’s editor, said the ClubLog website survey and “Most Wanted DXCC List” closely paralleled his publication’s survey and feels that should suffice going forward. — Thanks to The Daily DX 4. Radio Waves Magazine available for download The PDF of the Fall 2015 issue of the Radio Waves Magazine is now available for free download Radio Waves is published by ARRL Education Services. Download the Fall 2015 issue from http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Radio%20Waves%20Newsletter/Fall%202015%20Radio%20Waves.pdf Download previous issues from http://www.arrl.org/radio-waves -- Southgate Amateur Radio News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 28, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. Amateur Radio Certificate Center e-mail change: Please note that effective immediately, the Amateur Radio Certificate Service Centre email has been changed to: ic.spectrumamateur-spectreamateur.ic@canada.ca Amy Hoffman Amateur Radio Service Centre Industry Canada 2 Queen Street East, Sault Ste Marie ON P6A 1Y3 , Sault Ste Marie ON P6A 1Y3 Telephone | Téléphone 1-888-780-3333 Facsimile | Télécopieur 705-941-4607 2. Revised RAC 0-30 MHz Band Plan Released The revised RAC 0-30 MHz Band Plan has been released with the effective date of December 1, 2015. This replaces the January 1, 2015 Band Plan version. It incorporates several updates to reflect feedback received on the earlier version. The Band Plan graphics have also been changed to improve readability and make it easier to determine which segments are recommended for which modes, especially for those who are colour-blind. The updated Band Plan is available on the RAC web site: wp.rac.ca/rac-0-30-mhz-band-plan or by navigating through the “How to Start?” tab on the RAC home page. A downloadable PDF file is available by clicking the image. The French version may be found at wp.rac.ca/qc/rac-du-plan-de-bande-0-30-mhz The RAC 0-30 MHz Band Plan is a living document. Comments and suggestions are welcome. George Gorsline VE3YV International Affairs Officer ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Ham Radio Deluxe Version 6.3.448 Released: HRD Software, LLC announces the release of Version 6.3.0.448. This release includes new enhancements and maintenance updates. Everyone that has purchased HRD since February 2012 will get the fixes at no charge. The HRD staff continue to work on new features and fixes and is doing more frequent releases. -- Ham Radio Deluxe.com 4. Martti Laine, OH2BH, Article on Working DX Pileups Now Available An article by legendary DXer and DXpeditioner Martti Laine, OH2BH, on how to work DXpedition pileups is now available. The Northern California DX Foundation (NCDXF) has published the article, “The DX Chase: It Takes Two to Tango,” in a special edition of the NCDXF Newsletter. The article was written in cooperation with the DX University founded by Wayne Mills, N7NG, and the “original” edition appears on the DX University website. Laine’s “original” article mentions the recent VK9WA Willis Island DXpedition, which he has called a “very pleasing experience” and “the most balanced and fair” geographically speaking. Mills will write a follow-up article, “The DX Chase: It Takes Two to Tango — Part 2.” — Thanks to NCDXF, DX University, and Martti Laine, OH2BH This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 05, 2015 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Winter Contest, December 19th, 2015. Mark your calendars for the 24 hour RAC Winter Contest. Its a CW/Phone dual mode contest 160m - 2m (except warc bands). Exchange - Canadian stations send RS(T) and Province or Territory. Other stations send RS(T) and serial number. See The Canadian Amateur magazine Nov/Dec 2015 (page 46) for further information. The RAC website should be updated soon with the 2015 info. -- TCA Magazine 2. WRC-15 Concludes. The WRC-15 (World Radiocommunication Conference 2015) concluded its deliberations by allocating spectrum to mobile broadband, amateur radio service, emergency & disaster relief, search & rescue, earth observation satellites, unmanned aircraft & wireless avionics, flight tracking, maritime communications and road safety. See the full article at http://bit.ly/1NiVrKA ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Magic Moments By Bruce Murray — VE6BRZ The other day a friend asked what kept me interested in amateur radio. I’m not a contester, I enjoy the occasional rag chew, chase a little DX and have done some community service but why am I still involved in this day of instant communication and the Internet? After much introspection (old guys become good at this) I concluded it was because I enjoyed the “Magic Moments.” I’ll explain by way of example. Assembling my first Heathkit and the smoke stayed in, the lights lit up and it worked. Making my first contact ever, getting APRS or PSK 31 to work or building my first J-pole antenna and finally reaching that repeater. It includes things like helping my son get his own amateur licence or mentoring a new ham and sharing their excitement. These experiences created “Magic Moments” that let me feel I had accomplished something of value and gave me pleasure. see the full article at http://www.sunnysouthnews.com/blog/2015/11/17/magic-moments/ 4. APRS Cave-Link Repeaters Get the Signal Out of Mammoth Cave Imagine that you’re coordinating a large scale search-and-rescue mission in a cave. You need to know where all your groups are, and whether or not they’ve found anything. But how do they all communicate to the command center? You’d guess radio, but you’d guess wrong. Radio doesn’t propagate well at all in a maze of twisty passages; rocks absorb radio waves, especially in the VHF/UHF range that’s best suited for most small radios. Some experiments by groups of amateur radio operators, and cavers, with APRS digipeaters aim to change that. Now, GPS still doesn’t work underground, so the cavers need to bring an accurate map along with them and enter their own location. But even getting important messages (“we found him!”) passed around inside a cave environment is enough of a challenge. For the full story see Hackaday.com This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control. ===================================================================== Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Posted by: Paul Caccamo (/pre>
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 4, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Guelph Special Event
From January 10 to February 9, special event callsign XM3P will
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the University of Guelph. QSL
via VE3JO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
2. Ham Radio Promotional Video
A new promotional video entitled "Discovering Amateur radio" has just
been released. Written and narrated by David Anderson, K1AN, it is
available in a condensed 19-minute version and a full 32-minute
program. The producers say it was created for anyone who wishes to
encourage youths and adults to discover amateur radio. Find it
on-line at www.radioqrv.com [115].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. News in CW
K6DBG has a CW server which streams CNN breaking news in various
speed ranges. W1AW and NN9U practice files are also available. Find
it at tinyurl.com/kbthdqx (Kilo Bravo Tango Hotel Delta Quebec Xray)
Also, Morse-RSS-News is an open-source program for your computer
which will output Twitter or RSS news feeds in CW at your selected
speed and code (International or American Morse). Find it at
tinyurl.com/kxwltom (Kilo Xray Whiskey Lima Tango Oscar Mike)
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. CDXC DX Marathon
The UK DX Foundation's yearlong DX Marathon Challenge starts at 0001
UTC on January 1 and continues until 2359 UTC on December 31, 2014.
The aim of the Challenge and its awards program is to promote DX
activity throughout the year and to encourage operators to upload
their logs to Club Log. Any ham worldwide can enter, though only
CDXC members can receive trophies or salver awards. For more
information visit www.cdxc.org.uk [116]
-- ARRL Web
5. Tokyo Hy-Power Files for Bankruptcy
Tokyo Hy-Power, a manufacturer of Amateur Radio amplifiers, antenna
tuners, and other equipment, is in bankruptcy, and its plant near
Tokyo has been closed. Telephones at the company are not being
answered, and its Japanese website has been taken down, although the
company's US website remains working.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 11, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. British Columbia QSO Party
The 2014 BC QSO Party will run from 1600z Feb 1 to 0400z Feb 2. The
objective for stations outside BC is to work as many BC stations as
possible. Rules, exchange and multipliers, awards, helpful hints and
a schedule of same-day events can be accessed from the BCQP
homepage on the Orca DXCC website at www.orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html [119].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC member appointed Queen Counsel
The province of Alberta announced on December 31th, that Mr. Timothy
S. Ellam, VE6SH was one of the lawyers appointed to the province's
Queen Council status. Mr. Ellam is the current IARU President and has
been a member of Radio Amateurs Canada for several years.
RAC President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW on behalf of all members and
amateurs in Canada, extends his sincere congratulations to Tim Ellam
for this prestigious appointment.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Ontario ARES 40m net
The Ontario ARES 40m net has designated 7065 kHz as a backup
frequency when the usual frequency of 7080 kHz is busy. The ARES net
meets every Sunday at 1300 Eastern Time.
-- James Davidson VE3TPZ, STM Ontario South
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. ARRL Centennial Operations
To celebrate the Centennial of the American Radio Relay League,
station W1AW at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, CT, will operate with
special call sign W100AW, on all bands and "on every mode possible."
W100AW contacts will be uploaded to Logbook of The World. Postal QSLs
will be acknowledged as well.
Also, during 2014 W1AW will be on the air from every state (at least
twice) and most US territories. On January 8, operation moved from
North Carolina and West Virginia to Utah (W1AW/7) and South Carolina
(W1AW/4). The "Worked All States with W1AW Award" will be available
to those who work W1AW operating portable from every state.
-- ARRL Web
5. Log4OM New Version
The latest release of the free logging software Log4OM version 1.16
can now be downloaded from www.pisto.it/wordpress [120]. There are many
new features including tight integration to FLDigi, for streamlined
logging of digital modes, and integration with SDR-Radio Consul
version 2.1. Details are in the updated user guide, available at the
same download location.
-- Terry G4POP, via QRZ Forums
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 18, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Niagara Peninsula Hamfest
The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold its "Big Event 36"
on Saturday, February 1, at the Merriton Community Centre, 7 Park
Ave. in St. Catharines. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3NRS
repeater, 147.240 MHz (+) 107.2 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.nparc.on.ca [123]
-- RAC Events Database
2. VE3LML wins kudos from U.S. Coast Guard.
Congratulations to Herb Hilgenberg, VE3LML, who was presented in
December with the United States Coast Guard's Meritorious Public
Service Award. An American Coast Guard spokesman said it was the
first time he remembers the award going to a Canadian. Read more at
tinyurl.com/kuds5cw (Kilo Uniform Delta Sierra Five Charlie Whisky)
-- RAC News Service
3. KC4AAA to be Active from South Pole Station
Joe Musachia, W5FJG, will be operating station KC4AAA at the
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station this year, through the Antarctic
winter season, until November 2014. The station offers a kilowatt
into 6 element 20 and 3 element 40 meter monobanders fixed on the US
and a tribander fixed toward Europe. A 3 element 17 meter beam aimed
at North America, is also supposed to go up this month.
He will operate SSB only on weekdays and some weekends, through the
winter season, until November 2014. Listen for KC4AAA on or near
14.243 MHz. QSL to Larry Skilton, K1IED
-- ARRL Web
4. Saint Maximilian Kolbe
January 8th was the 120th birthday of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, SP3RN,
who is the Catholic Church's Patron Saint of amateur radio
operators. Licensed in Poland in 1938, Father Kolbe died in
Auschwitz when he volunteered to take the place of another prisoner
sentenced to death. A more in-depth look at his life can be found at
tinyurl.com/sp3rn.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for January 25, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 60 Metre Band Allocations
Industry Canada has approved five frequencies within the 60 meter
band for amateur radio use. They are: 5332 kHz, 5348 kHz, 5358.5 kHz,
5373 kHz and 5405 kHz.
The five frequencies are the same as authorized in the USA, with the
same power restriction of 100 watts ERP. Transmissions, independent
of emission mode, must be centered on each of the five frequencies,
with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz. Sideband will be upper. Other
modes will be CW, Data (including PSK 31 and Pactor III), and RTTY.
See tinyurl.com/canada60m for technical details. Refer to RBR-4,
Issue 2, online at tinyurl.com/rbr4issue2, for all specifics before
operating on the new 60 metre channels.
-- RAC News Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. ARRL Accepting Information for Repeater Directory
Repeater owners can now submit updated information directly to the
ARRL for use in the ARRL Repeater Directory, TravelPlus and other
products. The submissions web page is www.arrl.org/repeaters [126].
Repeater owners or trustees can use the new web page to notify the
ARRL of changes to existing repeaters, such as new CTCSS frequencies
or changes of call signs. However, it cannot be used to add new or
uncoordinated repeaters. Also, repeater owners must still
communicate changes to their local repeater coordinators.
-- ARRL Web
3. New NCJ website
National Contest Journal (NCJ), the ARRL publication devoted to
Amateur Radio contesting, has an updated web site, at www.ncjweb.com [127]
The site contains selected feature articles, as well as a group of
tools for setting up teams and submitting logs for NCJ-sponsored
contests, and an archive of scores for all NCJ going back to 2001.
-- ARRL Web
4. uLog Logging Software
uLog (pronounced micro-log or "you log") has been designed as an
easy-to-use logbook application that offers just the basic fields for
QSO entry. "No fancy gimmicks, just quick and easy input of QSOs."
Download the free Windows program at www.m0pzt.com/?ulog [128]
-- Southgate ARC News
5. QRP Forum
A new online forum has been created for QRP enthusiasts.
Visit www.qrpclub.org [129] to join (it's free).
-- Nicola, IZ5ZCO
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 1, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. GWEN Net Time Change
Ontario's Ground Wave Emergency Network (GWEN) has changed the time
of its biweekly net. The net is now on the first and third Monday of
each month at 1930 ET, on 3607 kHz LSB, or near that frequency in
case of QRM.
The goal of GWEN is to provide communications in Southern Ontario and
throughout the Niagara Peninsula in the event of repeater failure.
The net uses 80 metre groundwave and vertical polarization for
reliable point-to-point coverage up to 100 kilometers. For more
information or to get involved, visit www.nparc.on.ca/gwen [132]
-- via Peter Teminski VA3WET
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Burlington Flea Market
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Spring Fleamarket on
Saturday, February 22, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 828 Legion Rd.,
in Burlington. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3RSB
repeater, 147.210 (+) 131.8 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.barc.ca [133]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Canada Day Results Posted
Results for the 2013 Canada Day contest are posted on the RAC website
at www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests [134]. Work on the certificates
and plaques will start in the coming weeks and certificates will be
sent out via email as in the last few years.
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. VE6 Canada Winter Contest video
Don VE6JY and crew operated as VE6RAC for the RAC Winter Contest.
Barry VA6DX has made a YouTube video of the event, including shots
of some up-and-coming young ops at this big station on the plains of
Alberta. Find it at tinyurl.com/ve6rac-13
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Fifty-Dollar Sat
It has now been 2 months since the launch of Fifty-Dollar Sat
($50SAT) into its 625 km approximately sun-synchronous orbit, and as
of Tuesday January 21, it is still operating.
$50SAT is one of the smallest amateur radio satellites ever launched
at 5x5x7.5 cm and weighing only 210 grams. Transmitter power is just
100 mW on 437.505 MHz (+/-9 kHz Doppler shift) FM CW/RTTY. It uses
the low cost Hope RFM22B single chip radio and PICaxe 40X2 processor.
For more information visit www.50dollarsat.info [135]
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 8, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. VC3S Special Event
From March 1 to March 31, special event station VC3S
will commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Amateur Radio at the
Canada Science and Technology Museum. QSL via VE3OIJ.
-- RAC Special Events Database
2. Field Day Information Packet Available
Field Day 2014 is June 28-29, and ARRL Field Day information packet
is now available for download, at www.arrl.org/field-day [138]. The PDF
file includes the complete rules, forms, Section abbreviation list,
entry submission instructions, guidelines for getting bonus points,
instructions for Get-On-The-Air stations, and a publicity kit.
-- ARRL Web
3. Tx-Factor online TV show
Bob McCreadie, G0FGX, Mike Marsh, G1IAR and Nick Bennett, 2E0FGQ will
be hosting a new streamed TV show, TX Factor, which goes live on
Friday 21 February. The show aims to explore all aspects of our
diverse and fascinating hobby. The free to view programme can be seen
via www.txfactor.co.uk [139] and should be compatible with phones, tablets
and smart TVs.
-- RSGB News
4. Yasme Foundation Honors Nine
The Yasme Foundation has awarded its 2013 Excellence Awards to nine
hams who "have made a significant contribution to amateur radio."
They are: Tom Roscoe, K8CX, for his "Hamgallery" history
website; Lee Sawkins, VE7CC, for writing filtering software for the
DX Cluster spotting network; low-band authority John Devoldere,
ON4UN; a group of four hams who have helped make FCC database
information readily available - Michael Carroll, N4MC; Eldon Lewis,
K7LS; Dean Gibson, AE7Q, and Joe Speroni, AH0A; ham video producer
Ken Claerbout, K4ZW, and Ashraf Chaabani, 3V/KF5EYY, who is leading an
effort to bring individual amateur licensing to Tunisia, and serving
as a representative for amateur radio throughout northen Africa.
-- CQ News Service
5. dB for Free!
The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation recently posted a
"webinar" by Hank Garretson, W6SX, on how to improve your antenna
situation. It's called "dB for Free! An Antenna Exercise for Little
Pistols", and is a 50-minute YouTube video. Find it at
www.wwrof.org/category/webinar-archive [140]
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 15, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Industry Canada's Antenna Policy
On February 5th, Industry Canada's Minister announced that changes
would be made to "Cell Tower Placement Rules". The governing
document is CPC-2-0-03, which also regulates amateur radio antennas.
RAC will request that no changes be made that would negatively
affect the amateur radio antenna installations currently in place.
RAC does not believe this policy change announcement was generated
by problems caused by the amateur radio community. RAC further
believes the current 15m height has worked well for several years.
We will provide regular updates as the situation warrants.
-- RAC Bulletin Serice
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Winter 2014 5 MHz Newsletter
The Winter 2014 edition of the 5 MHz Newsletter is now available for
download. Download it in PDF format at tinyurl.com/o26huzb (Oscar
Two Six Hotel Uniform Zulu Bravo)
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. Winter 2014 Radio Waves Newsletter
The Winter 2014 edition of Radio Waves, ARRL's e-newsletter for
instructors and teachers, is now available. Download the PDF file at
tinyurl.com/lmja6ge (Lima Mike Juliet Alpha Six Golf Echo).
Radio Waves aims to provide information that will help educators and
instructors with licensing or classroom instruction and to share
experiences and stories of other instructors and teachers that may
offer ideas for you to incorporate in your own activities.
-- ARRL Web
4. QSOMap Web Site
QSOmap is a web site that will take ADIF or LoTW logs and create a
world map with pins. You can also apply various filters such as
band, mode, and so forth. Find it at www.qsomap.org [143]
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Send Your Name to the Asteroid Bennu
NASA is inviting people around the world to submit their names to be
etched on a microchip aboard a spacecraft headed to the asteroid
Bennu in 2016. Your name will ride to the asteroid, spend 500 days
there, and return in the Sample Return Capsule to Earth in 2023.
Plus your name will be on the spacecraft, which will remain in
space after the return.
The deadline to submit names online is Sept. 30, 2014, at
www.planetary.org/bennu [144]. You can also print a certificate of
appreciation.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for February 22, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RBR-4 Confirms Access to 137 KHz
In 2009, Canadian amateurs were given secondary access to the Low
Frequency (LF) band 135.7 -137.8 kHz. Industry Canada has now
included this in the newly updated RBR-4 Standards for the Operation
of Stations in the Amateur Radio Service. The maximum emission
bandwidth in this band is 100Hz, allowing CW, BPSK31, and BPSK63.
Maximum EIRP is 1 watt. Amateurs "shall not cause harmful
interference to stations of the radionavigation service."
RAC welcomes reports of activities in this band, especially reports
of DX achieved and useful operating tips. Please consider writing
articles for TCA to help other amateurs get started on LF.
-- RAC Bulletin Serice
2. New Deputy Director for Mid-West region
Bill Boskwick, VE4BOZ has accepted the position of Deputy Director
for the Mid-West region of Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC). Now
living in Elm Creek, Manitoba and officially retired, Bill was the
District Officer for NE Alberta with the Alberta Emergency
Management Agency and also has 32 years military service with
Canadian Forces as a Communications Electronics Engineering Officer
and former deputy commander of the signals regiment in Winnipeg.
-- RAC Bulletin Serice
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. HF-Link Interoperability Exercise
From March 27 to April 7, the HFLINK network will conduct an
international ham radio HF Interoperability Exercise. Ham operators
with ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) capability are invited to
participate at any time during the 10 days of this free and open
informal exercise.
Operators get real-world experience and become proficient in HF
digital communications. They initiate and respond to ALE calls, link
up with fellow operators for text or SSB voice QSOs on HF, and share
helpful information about setting up ALE stations. It's not a
contest, and many just do it for fun. For more information visit
www.hflink.com [147]
-- via Ian Snow, VA3QT
4. CJ3A Special Event
From March 7 to April 6, special event station CJ3A will commemorate
the 75th anniversary of the National Film Board. QSL via VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Smartphone Apps for Hams and SWLs
The on-line SWLing Post has a summary list of "The Best Amateur Radio
and Shortwave Apps for iOS and Android smart phones." The list first
appeared in Monitoring Times magazine but is being kept up-to-date on
line. Find it at tinyurl.com/ham-radio-apps
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 1, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. CFSO Steps Down
Doug Mercer, VO1DM, has retired as RAC's Chief Field Service
Officer. RAC President Geoff Bawden says "He has served with
distinction in that post for the last four years. His was a tough
file and he gained the respect of all who worked with him. After four
years he wanted to have a personal life and has stood down as CFSO."
Our thanks to Doug for his hard work.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Brampton Hamfest
The Peel and Mississauga Amateur Radio Clubs will hold Ham-Ex 2014 on
Saturday, March 22, at the Brampton Fall Fairgrounds, Heart Lake Road
and Old School Road, in Brampton. Exhibits and demonstrations open
at 8 am, flea market at 9 am. Talk-in on VE3PRC 146.88 (-) no tone,
or VE3MIS 145.43 (-) 103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.ham-ex.ca [150]
-- RAC Events Database
3. St. Patrick's Day Award
A new St Patricks Day award is being launched this year. The
operating period is March 17th from 0000 to 2359 UTC. For information
about how to become a registered award station, or how to participate
as a regular station, visit their web page, stpatrickaward.webs.com
-- Southgate ARC News
4. ISS Gets Ten More Years
NASA has announced that the International Space Station will continue
to operate until at least 2024. The extra time allows NASA and other
space agencies around the world to pursue a number of important
goals. For more information visit www.nasa.gov/station [151]
-- NASA web page and Handi-Ham News
5. Radio Monitoring Guide
"Radio Monitoring: A How-To Guide" by Skip Arey, N2EI, is a 348-page
book including chapters on spectrum use, antennas and grounds,
safety, and propagation. The book is available as a free download
under a Creative Commons license. Download the 6.4 MB PDF file at
tinyurl.com/lc5ssht (Lima Charlie Five Sierra Sierra Hotel Tango)
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 8, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. IC Proposes Changes to Antenna Siting Protocol
Industry Canada has released a consultation document proposing
changes to CPC-2-0-03, the Antenna Siting Protocol. The proposal
would remove the 15m tower exemption for "broadcasting undertakings
and telecommunications carriers" but would preserve the exemption
for radio amateurs, as RAC had urged last month.
The consultation document proposes a number of other small changes,
and RAC will look closely at these before completing its comments.
The deadline for comments is 31 March 2014. The consultation
document can be found at tinyurl.com/sf10786 (Sierra Foxtrot One Zero
Seven Eight Six)
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC supports nomination of Tim Ellam for IARU Presidency
The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), of which RAC is a
member society, has nominated Timothy S. Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA and Ole
Garpstead, LA2RR, for president and vice-president, respectively,
for a five-year term beginning May 9, 2014. They are currently
serving a five year term in those positions.
At the February 20th, 2014 meeting the RAC board directed the
president to vote for the reelection of these individuals.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. RAC Facebook Page
RAC has a Facebook group with almost 2800 members. You can join at
tinyurl.com/rac-facebook. You must be a Facebook member to join.
-- RAC Twitter Feed
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. FAR Scholarship Applications Open
The Foundation for Amateur Radio is accepting applications for
scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year. Licensed Radio Amateurs
who compete for these awards must be planning to pursue a full time
course of studies beyond high school and be enrolled, or have been
accepted for enrollment, at an accredited university, college or
technical school. Non-US residents are eligible to apply for some of
the scholarships.
The application deadline is April 15. For additional information and
an application form, visit www.farweb.org [154]
-- ARRL Web
5. Amateur Satellites Deployed
Five Amateur Radio CubeSats have been deployed into orbit from the
International Space Station: LithuanicaSAT-1, Litsat-1, ArduSat-2,
UAPSAT, and Chasqui-1. For information visit www.amsat.org [155].
Also, seven Japanese Amateur Radio satellites launched successfully
from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex on February 27. They include the
ARTSAT: INVADER CubeSat (call sign JQ1ZKK), OPUSat, STARS-II,
TelkyoSat-3, ITF-1, and ShindaiSat-1. For information visit
tinyurl.com/feb2014sat
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 15, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Amateur Radio Exam Generator and Question Bank
Industry Canada has released a new set of amateur radio exam
questions, and a new exam generator, based on recommendations made by
RAC in March 2013. The new exam generator can be found at
tinyurl.com/new-ic-exam
RAC will prepare information identifying where changes have been made
to assist instructors in modifying their course materials and
examiners in preparing for the change. The curriculum has not been
changed; the topics addressed in the exams remain the same. The
changed questions are clearer, more accurate, more understandable and
more relevant to modern amateur radio.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Laval Hamfest
The Club Radio-Amateur Laval-Laurentides will hold its hamfest on
Saturday, March 29, at the Georges-Vanier High School, 3995 Blvd
Levesque East, Laval, Quebec. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on
VE2REL repeater, 147.315 (+). For more information visit
www.ve2crl.qc.ca [158]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Ham Radio to be Highlighted at Preparedness Summit
The importance of amateur radio in emergency response will be
highlighted by a special event station at the Preparedness Summit,
the largest public health preparedness conference in the U.S., being
held in Atlanta from April 1-4. Special event station N4P will be on
the air on April 2 and 3. For more information visit
www.preparednesssummit.org/ham-radio [159] or look up N4P at qrz.com.
-- CQ News Service
4. "HamTV" on the Air From ISS
The "HamTV" digital amateur television transmitter aboard the
International Space Station was installed on March 6, and initial
transmissions on March 8 were successfully received on the ground and
streamed over the Internet by the British Amateur Television Club
(BATC). The project will allow space station crew members to include
live video as well as audio in their contacts with school groups.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/Hamtvproject [160]
-- CQ News Service
5. Amateur VLF Signal Crosses Atlantic
For perhaps the first time, a very low frequency (VLF) signal from a
radio amateur in New York was heard across the Atlantic. Bob Raide,
W2ZM, transmitted on 29.499 kHz under a US Part 5 experimental
license, WH2XBA/1. His very slow-speed CW signal was initially
detected in the UK just before 0000 UTC on March 3 by Paul Nicholson,
an SWL, and later by Mike Dennison, G3XDV, and Markus Vester, DK6NM,
in Germany. Nicholson also copied a 29.501 kHz transmission from Dex
McIntyre, W4DEX, in North Carolina, operating as WH2XBA/4.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 22, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Brunswick Distracted Driving Exemption
The New Brunswick Government has tabled new legislation to provide
an exemption to that province's distracted driving law for amateur
radio operators.
New Brunswick had previously banned the use of mobile radios by
amateur operators. RAC hopes the New Brunswick government will make
this a permanent exemption. RAC President Geoff Bawden stated, "We
are extremely satisfied that New Brunswick has finally come to
recognize that amateur radio enhances public safety."
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Iroquois Fleamarket
The Iroquois Amateur Radio Club will hold its fleamarket on Saturday,
April 5, at the Iroquois Civic Building, 1 Dundas Street in Iroquois.
Take exit 738 from Highway 401. Admission is free. General
admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3IRO repeater, 145.29 (-).
-- RAC Events Database
3. Hams Assist with Flight MH370 Search
The Malaysian Amateur Radio Emergency Service Society (MARES) has
called on hams in and around India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Mauritius,
the Seychelles, and Thailand to participate in the search for
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, missing since March 8.
Nets have been established from 1300 to 1500 UTC on 14.250 MHz and
21.250 MHz, "for ham stations to provide any sightings, information
or evidence" that might help the authorities to find the missing
plane. As usual, please keep those frequencies clear at those times.
-- ARRL Web
4. MDSR V2.8 Software Now Available
Modulator Demodulator Software Radio or MDSR improves the performance
of an existing analog rig, by turning it into an Intermediate
Frequency Software Defined Radio. MDSR works with any symmetrical HF
transceiver. A simple and reversible modification on many analog
transceivers is all it takes to connect the down converter to the
sound card of your computer. The MDSR version 2.8 software, for
Windows XP, Vista, 7, or 8, is free to use for amateur radio
operators. For more information visit tinyurl.com/mdsr-2014.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Building a Super Station
Dave K1TTT has released the 30th anniversary edition of his 700-page+
book "Building a Super Station," including lots of pictures of towers
and antennas as well as other stuff. The e-book version is free, at
www.lulu.com/spotlight/k1ttt [163]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for March 29, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Volunteers needed for Dayton Hamvention
RAC is returning to the Dayton Hamvention for 2014, and we are once
again looking for volunteers to operate the booth over May 16 to
18th. Last year we organized a single three hour slot for each
volunteer. If you can help, please forward your contact information
and availability by email to ve4baw (at) rac.ca, with a cc: to our
office at rachq (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAQI Election of directors
Radio Amateur du Quebec Inc. has elected, by acclamation, directors
for three divisions. Guy Richard, VE2XTD, was re-elected to represent
Division II (Quebec). Normand Pitre, VE2NHK, will represent Division
IV (South West). Pierre Martel, VE2PF, will represent Division VI
(Centre of Quebec). RAQI welcomes the new directors and wishes them
good luck in their new mandate.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. TPN Net Controllers Needed
The Trans-Provincial Net is seeking net controllers. TPN meets daily
on 7.055 MHz, lower sideband, from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. If you
can help by taking a regular shift, please check into TPN and speak
with a net control station, or contact Shawn VE3PSV via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Montreal Fleamarket
The Montreal Amateur Radio Club will hold its fleamarket on Saturday,
April 12, at a new location: the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish
Church, 4455 West Broadway, Montreal. General admission at 9 am;
talk-in on VE2BG repeater, 147.060 (-). For more information visit
www.marc.qc.ca [166]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Ontario QSO Party
The 2014 Ontario QSO Party runs from 1800Z April 19 to 0500Z April
20, and from 1200Z to 1800Z April 20. The objective is for Ontario
stations to contact as many amateur radio stations as possible
world-wide, CW and phone, using the bands 160-2 meters except the
WARC bands. Ontario stations send signal report and county; others
send signal report and province, state, or DXCC country abbreviation.
For full rules and information visit www.va3cco.com/oqp [167]
-- Contest Club Ontario
6. World Amateur Radio Day 2014
Each year, April 18 is World Amateur Radio Day, celebrating the
founding of the International Amateur Radio Union in 1925. This
year's theme is "Amateur Radio: Your Gateway to Wireless
Communications."
This year, April 18 is Good Friday. The IARU encourages participants
to schedule activities earlier or later, as required to accommodate
the Easter weekend.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 5, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Consultation on Federal Regulatory Issues
The Radio Amateurs of Canada meets on a regular basis with Industry
Canada on issues of interest to amateur radio operators. We are
seeking immediate input from amateur radio operators on what issues
should be raised with Industry Canada for resolution.
Send email to rachq (at) rac.ca, or send hardcopy to our office: RAC,
720 Belfast Road, Unit 217, Ottawa, ON, K1G 0Z5. Items raised by
amateurs may be published in the RAC Report with personal
identification removed.
-- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, RAC President and Chair
2. RAC Scholarships Available
In 2014 Radio Amateurs of Canada will again be offering scholarships
to young Amateurs who are taking post-secondary schooling in
Electrical, Electronic and Software Engineering. Students in other
fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The
student must be an Amateur and the deadline for applications is
July 31, 2014.
Details on RAC scholarships and applications can be found at
Scholarships Canada: www.scholarshipscanada.com [170]. Further information
is also available on the RAC Website at: tinyurl.com/rac2014grant
-- Bill Unger, VE3XT, RAC North/East Ontario Regional Director
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. OPN Frequency Change
Effective April 6, the Ontario Phone Net will move to 7.065 MHz. The
traffic net meets at 7 pm Eastern Time, 7 days a week. All stations
are welcome.
OPN is also seeking additional net control operators. If you would
like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the Ontario Phone
Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager
4. GLETN Time Change
Effective April 1, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is
starting at 8:30 pm Eastern Time, with the pre-net at 8 pm. GLETN
meets every night on 3.932 MHz. All are welcome.
-- Jack Wiswasser WA8IAL, via Shawn VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Durham Region Hamfest
The South Pickering ARC and North Shore ARC will hold the 38th Durham
Region Hamfest on Saturday, April 19, at the Pickering Recreation
Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Road, in Pickering. General admission at 9
am; talk-in on VE3SPA repeater, 147.375 (+). For more information
visit www.durhamregionhamfest.com [171].
-- RAC Events Database
6. CANWARN Training April 22-26
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Windsor, April 22, 7 PM, in Caboto Hall at the Caboto Club, 2175
Parent Avenue.
Sarnia, April 23, 7 PM, at the Sarnia Yacht Club, 1220 Fort Street.
London, April 24, 7 PM, at Fanshawe College, Room T1003, Building T.
Free parking at any metered spot after 6 PM.
Hamilton, April 26, 9 AM, in the Nash Auditorium, Wilcox Building,
Chedoke Hospital, 555 Sanatorium Road. Free parking available across
the street from Wilcox Building.
Ottawa, April 26, 9 AM, at the Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling
Ave., in Nepean.
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending. For the Sarnia training session, please RSVP
directly to Bill Hoad at bhoad (at) xcelco.on.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 12, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Response to Antenna Siting Changes
Radio Amateurs of Canada has issued a formal response to
the proposed Amendments to Industry Canada's Antenna Tower Siting
Procedures. You can read RAC's letter, in PDF format, at
tinyurl.com/rac2014tower
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Recognition of Vernon Ikeda
Radio Amateurs of Canada would like to recognize Vernon Ikeda
VE2MBS/VE2QQ for his contributions as a very dedicated and key
volunteer for RAC. Vern was our Blog/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin
Editor and also managed the RAC twitter account.
Volunteering for RAC is a crucial endeavor that continues to provide
everyone with the services they expect. Vern was no exception to this
and we recognize his dedication to RAC; always exercising utmost
attention to detail and quality in his work. On behalf of everyone
at RAC, Thank you Vern!
-- Geoff Bawden VE4BAW, RAC President and Chairman
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Ontario QSO Party Request
The 17th Annual Ontario QSO Party will be held on the third full
weekend of April 2014, from 1800Z April 19 to 0500Z April 20, and
1200Z to 1800Z April 20. For the full set of rules, contest
exchange, frequencies, modes, and categories, see
www.va3cco.com/oqp/rules.htm [175]
This year several California contest clubs are challenging each other
to win the "out of province" awards. If you plan to participate,
please send an e-mail to va3pc (at) rac.ca with your city/county/
district activation plans. Even if you are only going to be on for a
couple hours, you could be the rare multiplier someone needs. Hope
to hear you on the air.
-- Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, Ontario North OBM
4. International Marconi Day
A few dozen special event stations will take to the air April 26,
0000 UTC to 2359 UTC, to commemorate International Marconi Day (IMD).
This event is held annually to celebrate the birth of Guglielmo
Marconi on April 15, 1874.
IMD is not a contest; it is an opportunity for amateurs around the
world to contact historic Marconi sites using HF communications. An
award certificate is available. All stations planning to participate
are urged to register on the IMD 2014 website, www.gb4imd.com [176]
-- ARRL Web
5. Free ATV magazine CQ-DATV
The new April issue of CQ-DATV magazine, number 10, is now available
as a free download from www.cq-datv.mobi [177]. It is published in Mobi,
ePub, and AZW3 ebook formats, plus PDF for those who want to read it
on a PC. Older issues are also available.
Although the site is called "DATV," to avoid confusion with All
Terrain Vehicles, they cover all aspects of Amateur Television, both
digital and analog.
-- CQ-DATV web site
Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 19, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. CANWARN Training May 1-7
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Huron County, May 1, 7 PM, Bayfield Community Centre, Municipality of
Bluewater, 4 Jane Street, Bayfield
Toronto, May 3, 9 AM, Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin
St.
Toronto, May 7, 7 PM, Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin
St.
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
Also, if you know of any repeaters that are used in your area for
CANWARN weather events, please email Ward Kennedy, ve3wgk (at)
hotmail.com, with the frequency, known PL tone and call sign.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
2. Young Ham of the Year Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2014 Amateur Radio Newsline Young
Ham of the Year Award. This award recognizes the achievements of a
radio amateur age 19 or younger. Nominees must reside in the
United States or Canada.
Complete details, rules and a required nominating form in Microsoft
Word format are available on the website at www.arnewsline.org/yhoty [180].
Nominations must be received by May 30.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. CK3UG50 Special Event
From May 1 to May 31, special event station CK3UG50 will commemorate
the 50th anniversary of the University of Guelph. QSL via VE3ZUP.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. International Museums Weekends
You, your club, and your local museum are invited to take part in the
International Museums Weekends, the third and fourth weekends in
June. The goal is to set up amateur radio special event stations at
as many museums as possible worldwide.
Stations can be set up from any type of location which might be
broadly classified as a museum, such as air, railway, radio,
agricultural and doll museums. Even entities such as preserved jails
and warships will qualify. To register for the event, or for more
information, visit www.radio-amateur-events.org [181]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for April 26, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Website development news:
The redesigned RAC website has started to make its appearance.
For an early look at the new design, follow the link on the RAC home page and
log in with your primary callsign (not your membership number) and existing password.
--- RAC website.
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. CANWARN Training May 10-15
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Cornwall, May 10, 9 AM, at the OPG St. Lawrence Power Visitor Centre,
2500B 2nd St. West
Dufferin County, May 13, 7 PM, at the Amaranth-East Garafraxa Town
Hall, 374028 6th Line, Amaranth
Kitchener, May 15, 7 PM, at Bingemans Conference Centre, 425
Bingemans Centre Drive
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Ham Radio on CTV Barrie
CTV Barrie has produced a video introducing Ham Radio to their viewing audience.
The footage was shot during an exercise in Orangeville with the Dufferin ARES group.
Jason Miles VE3TYG was instrumental in putting this together. John Corby VA3KOT and Bert
Morgan VA3BMY also assisted. It was a awesome performance from every one.
It takes a minute to buffer, so be patient..
CTV News story link:http://tinyurl.com/plyx3ks [184]
-- Wayne McLean, VE3WWM, Dufferin County EC
4. 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship Locations announced.
From July 9th through 14th, 2014 the world's top amateur radio operators will converge on towns spanning the Route 495 corridor in New England.
WRTC2014 pits 59 two-operator teams, representing 38 countries, in a battle of operating skill and strategy under emergency field conditions. Competing teams were selected from around the world in a series of 55 qualifying events over a 3-year period.
Top teams will operate for the entire 24-hour competition using ssb and cw in an effort to contact as many stations and countries as possible to earn the distinction of “the best in the world.”
This year there are 5 Canadian hams competing on four of the 59 teams.
--- based on QRZ.com article
5. Smiths Falls Flea Market
The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club will hold its 30th annual flea
market on Saturday, May 10, in the Smiths Falls Curling Club on Old
Sly's Road in Smiths Falls. This is the same location as last year.
General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3RLR repeater, 147.21 (+).
For more information visit ve3rlr.dyndns.org.
-- RAC Events Database
=====================================================================
Bulletin from Official Bulletin Manager (Ontario North) Paul Caccamo, VA3PC.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 3, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada Winter Contest Logs Posted
The list of the 708 electronic logs received for the 2013 Canada
Winter Contest has been posted at tinyurl.com/racwinter2013 (it is a
PDF file). Log categories are based on contents of logs submitted and
paper logs are not included.
-- ARRL Contest Update
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. CANWARN Training May 21-22
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Niagara Region, May 21, 7 PM, at Thorold Fire Station #2, 701 Allanburg Road, Thorold
Renfrew, May 21, 6:30 PM, at the Best Western, 760 Gibbons Road
Peterborough, May 22, 7 PM at the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. North
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
3. Thank you from Ontario QSO Party Organizers
The 2014 Ontario QSO Party was held the weekend of April 19th.
Most areas of Ontario were represented, and it provided a great chance
for all of us to check our station coverages within the Province.
So far over 43 stations in Ontario, and over 56 stations from
outside the Province have submitted their logs.
--- from VA3CCO Website.
4. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS WEEK in Ontario
MAY 4-10 This year's theme: "I am ready. We are ready."
Check your ready kits, charge your batteries, and gather your 72 hour
supplies. Storm season is upon us for the next few months.
Check the Emergency Measures Ontario website at
http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html [187]
for more information.
--- From Doug,VA3DLJ Asst E.C. North Bay ARC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Free Online Linux Training Course this summer.
Want to replace that XP operating system with an open source alternative?
Introduction to Linux is being offered free of charge by the Linux Foundation
in conjunction with www.edx.org [188] a non-profit online learing site.
The course helps develop a good working knowledge of Linux using the GUI and the
command line, covers major distributions, and is suitable for home users, system
admins and developers. The course is estimated to take 40 to 60 hours to complete.
Pre-registration for LFS101x can be found at http://bit.ly/lxfintro [189]
--- from Linux Format Magazine by Paul, VA3PC
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 10, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New 472-479 kHz allocation
Canadian amateurs are now authorized to use the 472-479 kHz band.
Operations are subject to the international footnotes in Industry
Canada's April 2014 Canadian Table of Frequency Allocations, which
limit power to 5 watts EIRP except in certain areas within 800 km of
certain other countries.
The RAC 0-30 MHz Band Planning Committee will be proposing a suitable
plan to enable best use of this very narrow band. Comments and
suggestions may be emailed to the committee via rachq (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. March 2014 Council Meeting
The proceedings of the March 19 Section Managers Monthly Meeting have
been posted to the RAC website. You can download the PDF file at
tinyurl.com/mar2014sms
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Orillia CANWARN Training
CANWARN training will be offered near Orillia on May 24, 9 AM, at the
Rama Fire Hall, 7454 Willams Road, in Rama.
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. VX9MOSKVA Special Event
From May 24 to June 22, special event callsign VX9MOSKVA will
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the historic Iluyushin DB-3
"Moskva" Flight, from Moscow to Miscou Island, New Brunswick. QSL
via VE9GFD.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. AMSAT Field Day rules available
The 2014 AMSAT Field Day rules are now available online at
www.amsat.org [192], under the "Events" menu.
-- ARRL Contest Update
6. Voice of Russia QRT
After months of conflicting reports, the Voice of Russia permanently
ended its shortwave broadcasts at the end of March. As with many
other government broadcasters, the Voice of Russia cited budgetary
problems as the reason for ending its shortwave broadcasts.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 17, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Day at Radioworld
"Radio Amateurs of Canada Day" will take place at Radioworld in
Toronto on Saturday May 24th. You can meet Geoff Bawden VE4BAW,
President of RAC, and other RAC officials. There will be free
seminars on Digital and HSMM Communications, ARES, and the QSL
Bureau. Also, raffle draws, and giveaways, and a free BBQ lunch from
1100 to 1400 local time. Rain or shine!
-- via Ian Snow, VA3QT
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Orillia CANWARN Training Update
The May 24 CANWARN traning location has been changed. The new
location is Rama Community Hall located at 5950 Rama Road. The hall
is just to the south of the Fire Hall between CasinoRama and Williams
Road on the west side of Rama Road.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
3. CANWARN Training, May 29 - June 5
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
May 29 - 7 PM - Markham - Cornell Community Centre - 3201 Bur Oak
Avenue, Markham
Sudbury, May 31, 9 AM, at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, 239 Montee
Principale, in Azilda.
Belleville, May 31, 9:30 AM, at the Belleville Library, Upper Floor
Conference Room, 254 Pinnacle Street.
Espanola, June 1, 1 PM, at the Pinewood Inn, 378 Centre St.
Sault Ste. Marie, June 2, 7 PM, at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie, 208
St. Mary's Drive.
Timmins, June 3, 7 PM, at the Holiday Inn, 30 Algonquin Blvd West.
Temiskaming Shores, June 4, 6:30 PM, at College Boreal, route 118,
New Liskeard.
North Bay, June 5, 6:30 PM, at OPP Regional Headquarters, Cathy
Burns Training Room, 911A Gormanville Road.
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
4. Laurentian Net Seeks NCS Alternates
The Laurentian Net is looking for alternate Net Control operators,
to fill in occasionally for a regularly scheduled Net Control
Station. LN is an information and traffic handling net that meets at
18:45 Eastern Time, seven days a week, on 3.755 MHz. If you can
help, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Central Ontario Hamfest
The Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Clubs will hold their
40th annual Central Ontario Hamfest on Sunday, June 1, at the
Waterloo Regional Police Association Recreation Park, 1199 Rife Rd.,
in North Dumfries. General admission at 9 am; free admission for
youths under 12. Talk-in on VE3KSR repeater 146.970 (-) 131.8 Hz
tone, and simplex 146.520 when nearby. For more information visit
www.hamfest.on.ca [195]
-- RAC Events Database
6. ISS Contacts On Hold
There will be a lapse in contacts with the International Space
Station from May 12 to June 15, as there are no hams on board.
Licensed crew members will join the ISS and contacts are expected to
resume in July.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 24, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VE6SH re-elected IARU President
Timothy S. Ellam, VE6SH/G4HUA, and Ole Garpestad, LA2RR, have been
elected IARU President and Vice President, respectively, for the
five-year term beginning 9 May 2014.
Mr. Ellam served as IARU Vice President from 2004 until 2009, and was
elected as IARU President on 9 May 2009 for a five-year term. Mr.
Garpestad was first elected as IARU Vice President in 2009 at the
same time Mr. Ellam became President.
RAC extends its sincere congratulations to Timothy Ellam for this
re-election and wish him the best during this new mandate.
-- Radio Amateurs of Canada
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. CANWARN Training, June 9-13
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Thunder Bay, June 9, 7 PM, McIntyre Building Room 274, Red Rock
Drive, Confederation College.
Atikokan, June 10, 7 PM, AEDC Training Room, 214 Main St.
Fort Frances/Emo, June 11, 7 PM, Emo-Lavallee Community Centre 78
Colonization Road, in Emo .
Kenora, June 12, 1 PM and again at 7 PM, Red Cross Offices, 1008
Ottawa St., Keewatin.
Dryden, June 13, 7 PM, Dryden Fire Services Training Room -189
Colonization Ave S.
Please RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca with the session
you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. London Vintage Radio Flea Market
The London Vintage Radio Club will hold its annual Flea Market on
Saturday, June 7, in the Hammond Manufacturing parking lot (east
side), 394 Edinburgh Rd. North, corner of Speedvale and Edinburgh, in
Guelph. Open at 7 am for vendors and public. The Hammond Museum of
Radio on Southgate Road will be open for visitors in the afternoon.
For more information visit their web page, lvrc.homestead.com.
-- RAC Events Database
4. Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival
On Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8, the Mississauga Amateur Radio
Club will operate a special event station from the Streetsville Bread
and Honey Festival. Operating times are 1400 to 2000 UTC on each
day. SSB frequencies are 7.230 and 14.240 MHz +/- QRM. For more
information visit www.marc.on.ca [198] and click the "Bread & Honey" link.
-- RAC Events Database
5. WX4NHC Station Test
On Saturday, May 31, WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center in
Miami, Florida, will be on the air for the annual NHC Station Test.
The event will begin at 1300 UTC and wrap up at 2200 UTC.
The annual Station Test is NOT a contest or simulated hurricane
exercise. WX4NHC will make brief contacts with participating
stations, exchanging signal reports and basic weather data. For
example, stations may report "sunny" or "rain" or "cloudy." WX4NHC
will operate HF on the Hurricane Watch Net frequency of 14.325
MHz, 30 meter APRS, and Winlink (subject line must contain "//WL2K").
WX4NHC also plans to be on the VoIP Hurricane Net from 2000 until
2200 UTC (IRLP node 9219; EchoLink WX-TALK Conference node 7203).
-- ARRL Web
6. Training Guide for Traffic Handlers
Mark Rappaport W2EAG has re-written parts of his Training Guide for
Traffic Handlers. The revised version may be found here as a PDF
file: tinyurl.com/k7lhv9p (Kilo Seven Lima Hotel Victor Nine Papa).
There is a tremendous amount of information contained in the guide
and it should be required reading for anyone interested in traffic
handling.
-- Glenn Killam VE3GNA
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for May 31, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC at Dayton
Once again this year's RAC presence at the Dayton Hamvention -- the
fourth year in a row after a ten year hiatus -- was an overwhelming
success. Hundreds of amateurs from various countries visited. Many
memberships were renewed and new ones were added.
RAC President Geoff Bawden says "A big thank you is in order for our
booth volunteers, staff, as well as RAC officials who made the trip
down and contributed to its success. ... We are definitely planning
on returning for 2015, this venue is a very valuable opportunity for
our organization."
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. VC3JUNO Special Event
From June 6 to July 31, special call sign VC3JUNO will commemorate
the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Juno Beach Canadian Sector. QSL via
VE3JO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. ISEE-3 Reboot Attempt
A private group, ISEE-3 Reboot, has reached their crowd-funding goal
and has persuaded NASA to let them command the returning ISEE-3
satellite. The International Sun Earth Explorer 3 was launched in
1978 into a solar orbit, and is now returning to Earth. Space
enthusiasts wanted to contact the craft and use it for a new mission,
but NASA no longer had the capability. A group of old and new
engineers has reconstructed the communications protocol and will be
attempting to contact the probe in the next few weeks. For the
latest updates, visit www.spacecollege.org/isee3 [201]
-- via Gizmodo and IO9.com
4. Chris Hadfield Honoured for Photography
Canada's most famous astronaut is now a professionally-recognized
photographer. Chris Hadfield, VA3OOG, has been awarded an honorary
Service of Photographic Arts designation by the Professional
Photographers of Canada for his photos from space. Hadfield said he
was honoured by the designation that was bestowed in recognition of
contributions made to photography in Canada. For the full story,
visit tinyurl.com/Hadfield-Photo-Honor
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. ARRL Offers New Amateur Radio PSAs
ARRL has added new 30-second radio/audio public service announcements
(PSAs) to promote Amateur Radio and the 2014 ARRL Field Day.
The spot named "Amateur" talks about the meaning of the word amateur
and how the Amateur Radio Emergency Service helps during disasters.
It includes an 8-second "bed" at the end for local clubs to provide
contact information. "Careers" tells how Amateur Radio skills can
lead to a career path, and it references the ARRL website. "What Is
Ham Radio" is a generic spot to promote how much fun Amateur Radio
offers, with an 8-second bed at the end. Two PSAs for 2014 Field Day
are available. One includes 8 seconds at the end for local clubs, one
does not. Find them at www.arrl.org/public-service-announcements [202]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for June 7, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VE9IM Appointed ARISS Representative
RAC is pleased to advise that Ian MacFarquhar VE9IM will be our RAC
appointment as the ARISS regional representative. He will replace
Daniel Lamoureux VE2KA.
"Mr. MacFarquhar has been Vice President, supervised the successful
insurance program and has been a pillar in RAC for longer than he
cares to remember," says Geoff Bawden VE4BAW, RAC President.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Field Day 2014 is soon!
Field Day is June 28-29. Whether your focus for the event is an
Emergency Preparedness Display, a Public Service Demonstration or
just an excuse to get on the air, the main thing is to have fun.
Contact your municipality for support, your news crews to cover the
event, and invite your government leaders to drop by.
This is also a great time to recruit new Hams, or encourage just-
licensed Hams to join you to get their "feet wet," experiencing for
the first time the thrill of having the world at their fingertips.
And why not place some RAC membership forms on your Public
Information table?
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Oakville CANWARN Training
CANWARN training will be offered on June 24, at 7 PM, at the Halton
Region Administration Building, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. Please
RSVP by email to geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend
this session.
A reminder: if you know of any repeaters that are used in your area
for CANWARN weather events, please email Ward Kennedy, ve3wgk (at)
hotmail.com, with the frequency, known PL tone and call sign.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. ARES Day at Radioworld
On Saturday June 21, 2014, between 1000 and 1500 hours Eastern Time,
Radioworld and RAC Ontario South Director Rod Hardman VE3RHF will
host "ARES Day at Radioworld". This event will focus on the future
of ARES through seminars and demonstrations. Learn about Broadband-
Hamnet MESH networks, the Winlink Hybrid Radio Email Messaging
System, the Narrow Band Emergency Message System, and more. View
displays of mobile and portable stations. Meet with the GTA Section
Manager George Duffield, VE3WKJ and Ontario-South Section Manager Ian
Snow, VA3QT to learn how you can contribute your technical knowledge
and operator skills towards a new world-class Auxiliary
Communications capability. For more information, contact either
ve3wkj (at) rac.ca, or va3qt (at) rac.ca.
-- Ian Snow VA3QT, Ontario South SM
5. SPROUT Microsatellite Launched
SPROUT is a 7 kilogram microsatellite launched on May 24th from the
Tanegashima Space Center in Japan to a 406 mile high sun synchronous
orbit. This satellite is a project of Nihon University and includes
CW telemetry, an FM digipeater, a digitalker and message box, and
live and preloaded Slow Scan TV pictures. The Morse telemetry can be
found on 437.525 MHz while the downlink for the Slow Scan TV and the
Digitalker is at 437.600 MHz. For more information visit
tinyurl.com/sprout-e
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for June 14, 2014 NATIONAL NEWS 1. Canada Day Contest The RAC Canada Day Contest runs from 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC on July 1, CW and phone, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 metres. Stations in Canada send RST and province or territory; VE0s and stations outside Canada send RST and a serial number. Logs must be received by July 31. Complete rules are in a PDF file at tinyurl.com/rac2014canday -- RAC Web Page 2. AEMA Announcement Project The Alberta Emergency Alert program is pleased to announce that the Southern Alberta Repeater Association (SARA) will transmit critical Alberta Emergency Alert messages starting June 18, 2014. The Alberta Emergency Alert program provides lifesaving information through radio, television, a public website, a smartphone application, Facebook, Twitter, and an RSS feed. SARA maintains over 20 repeater sites providing continuous coverage between major centers in the province. Alert messages will be delivered on the main SARA backbone automatically, covering the Highway 2 corridor from Edmonton in the north to Vulcan County in the south. -- RAC Bulletin Service 3. Guest Operation in Brazil during FIFA 2014 The Brazilian Amateur Radio League (LABRE) has obtained special permission for foreign amateurs wishing to operate during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. During June and July, any foreign amateur will be able to operate in Brazil regardless of the existence of a reciprocity agreement between countries. No IARP or CEPT license are necessary and no fees are required. If you wish to operate in Brazil you must send to LABRE the following documents: 1. a copy of the identification pages of your valid passport, 2. a copy of your amateur radio license, 3. a list of cities in which you intend to operate and the respective periods, and 4. an email address for contact. The documents must be scanned and emailed to executiva (at) labre.org.br. For further information, contact George Gorsline, RAC International Affairs Officer, VE3YV (at) rac.ca -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 4. Reminder: ARES Day June 21 On June 21, from 1000 to 1500 Eastern, "ARES Day" will be held at Radioworld, 4335 Steeles Ave. West, in Toronto. There will be an Open House, Information Seminars, Membership Drive, and Emergency Communications Training. For more information visit tinyurl.com/aresday2014 -- RAC Ontario Section Managers and Radioworld ITEMS OF INTEREST 5. Special Event Stations From July 1 to July 31, special call sign CK2I will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Conference of Quebec. QSL via VE2EBK. Also, special call sign VX6100EMP will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Village of Empress. QSL via VE6CRH. From July 4 to July 12, call sign VC1T will be used for the Trans-Atlantic 2 metre Digital Experiment, an attempt to complete a two-way QSO on 144 MHz from Newfoundland to Ireland. The group will use digital mode JT65B, but can also use CW or SSB if conditions are favorable. For more information visit www.brendanquest.org [207] -- RAC Special Events Database, and RSGB News 6. Soldering Surface Mount Devices Here's an Instructables presentation describing how to use a hot plate to solder tiny Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) onto a printed circuit board: tinyurl.com/nj7tzsg (November Juliet Seven Tango Zulu Sierra Golf) -- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for June 21, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Look for VE3RCMP during Field Day
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police amateur radio Group in Ottawa will
be operating a Special Event Station VE3RCMP during the Field Day
contest weekend, June 28-29. They plan also to activate the call
sign during the RAC Canada Day Contest July 1st.
The Special Event commemorates the 75th anniversary of the first RCMP
owned and operated radio-to-patrol-car dispatch system that was
commissioned in the fall of 1939. VE3RCMP during Field Day will be
operated by current and retired members of what is currently known as
the RCMP National Radio Services Directorate, Ottawa.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC volunteer recognition: VE2QK
Radio Amateurs of Canada recognizes and honors Jacques Dubé VE2QK for
20 years of true continuous volunteer dedication. In 1994, Jacques
Dubé took over the VE2 QSL Incoming Bureau, and he has been handling
it on his own since 1996. To date Jacques has handled well over
600,000 QSL cards. From RAC and all those who benefit from your
dedication to the QSL Bureau: a huge thank you!
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. RAC Report for June
Please note that he RAC Report for June 2014 is available for viewing
on the old web site (www.rac.ca [210]) under the Member's Section - RAC
Reports.
The RAC Report can also be viewed on the new site http://wp.rac.ca [211] by
logging in with your call sign and RAC password. It is located under
Publications - Downloads menu tabs.
If you have any questions or technical issues please contact the RAC
office.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Two-Metre Transatlantic Attempt
A group of amateur radio operators from Atlantic Canada will operate
from Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, from 4-12 July in a bid to complete a
two metre transatlantic QSO and claim the Brendan Trophy. Station
VC1T will use WSJT digital modes on 144.155 MHz. If WSJT is
successful, CW or SSB will be attempted. For details and daily
updates, visit the team's website, www.brendanquest.org [207].
-- RSGB News
5. Baofeng Changes Name to Pofung
Radio supplier Baofeng has changed its product distribution name to
Pofung for all sales outside China. Baofeng is a literal translation
of its Chinese character name. The company says the new name of
Pofung is easier to pronounce and more friendly to its customers,
while maintaining the phonetic symbolism of its brand. The company's
official web domain www.baofengradio.com [212] will remain unchanged.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
6. REACT is Not Just CB Radio
REACT International is a network of communicators who assist their
communities in times of emergency or disaster. While often associated
with CB Radio, the organization has widened its focus to embrace
amateur radio, GMRS, FRS, and MURS. Their emergency communications
course is similar to the ARRL course, but is free. Find the course
and more information at their web site, www.reactintl.org [213]
-- ARRL ARES E-Letter
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for June 28, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Head Office Phone System problems
Please note that the VoIP telephone system at the RAC office is
currently experiencing problems. Callers are still able to leave
messages and we encourage this. The problem is being investigated
and we hope to have it repaired in a timely fashion.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. VE6NL Appointed SEC
Radio Amateurs of Canada would like to announce the appointment of
Neal Sunderland VE6NL, as Section Emergency Coordinator for Alberta,
Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The Alberta Section is one of our
most active Sections in recent years with fires in the north and
flooding in the south.
Neal has been involved in radio both professionally and privately for
more than 40 years. He became a licensed Amateur five years ago, and
has been active in ARES in the Calgary region. Neal is trained in and
has worked professionally in Search and Rescue, Emergency Medicine
and other related fields.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Alberta Hams Honoured
In June of 2013, High River, Alberta suffered one of Canada's
greatest natural disasters, the Alberta floods. Ham radio operators
from the Foothills Amateur Radio Club and across the region responded
to the emergency, to augment or replace communications that had been
damaged or destroyed in the torrent.
To honour the extraordinary efforts of these amateurs, the Foothills
Amateur Radio Club arranged a ceremony and banquet. To read the
full story, and to see the list of volunteers, the certificate
presented by RAC, and the letter of thanks from the Town of High
River, visit tinyurl.com/opzkxyq (Oscar Papa Zulu Kilo Xray Yankee
Quebec)
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Milton Hamfest
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its 40th anniversary
"Ontario Hamfest" on Saturday, July 12, at the Milton Agricultural
Fairgrounds. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on 146.52 simplex.
Special Appearance and two seminars by by Bob Heil, K9EID. For more
information visit www.ontariohamfest.ca [216]
-- RAC Events Database
5. WRTC 2014 Participation Awards
The 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship, a contest with 59
teams, will also give awards to amateur stations who participate by
working the WRTC team stations. Any station that appears in all 59
WRTC team logs will be able to download a certificate. Also,
stations who submit logs within six hours of the end of the contest
will be designated "Assistant Judge" and will be eligible for
Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. For complete details visit
tinyurl.com/wrtc2014awards. The contest runs 1200Z July 12, to
1200Z July 13.
-- WRTC 2014 Web Site
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 5, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Renew Your RAC Email Notifications
Effective July 1st, Canada's anti-spam law requires RAC to have your
consent to continue sending you notifications and emails. You can
do this by re-subscribing at tinyurl.com/rac-emails. If you do not
re-subscribe, you will no longer receive emails from RAC.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Annual General Meeting
A reminder: RAC will have its Annual General Meeting in British
Columbia associated with the Pacific Northwest DX Conference from
July 25 to 27 of this year. For more information about the conference
visit tinyurl.com/orca2014dx.
For those who cannot attend in person, we will again have an
electronic outreach. We started this outreach in 2011 in St. John's
and want to see it grow in use, to ensure that members have an
opportunity to participate.
-- RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference
The 2014 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Conference,
sponsored by the International Amateur Radio Union, returns to the
United States this year. The conference will take place on August 14
and 15 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Huntsville, Alabama, adjacent
to the Von Braun Convention Center, where the Huntsville Hamfest will
be held on August 16 and 17. For more information visit
w4ozk.com/GAREC14.htm
-- CQ News Service
4. No Young Ham of the Year
There will be no Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year Award
presented in 2014. According to Chairman Mark Abramowicz, NT3V, the
judging committee decided to defer making an award this year due to
the low number of nominees. This is not a reflection on the quality
of the nominations they did receive; merely that more nominations and
documentation would be needed to make a fair determination. Right
now the plan is to open nominations again in February of 2015.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Basics of HF Propagation
Practical Wireless Editor Don Field G3XTT took part in the RSGB
Commonwealth Contest and used it as a basis for explaining the basics
of HF propagation. Practical Wireless have given permission for the
article "The Basics of HF Propagation" to be made available on the
Commonwealth Contest website. You can download the PDF file at
tinyurl.com/pwhfprop
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 12, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Ontario South SEC Appointed
Effective 9 July, Scott Carter, VE3CGN has been re-appointed as
ARES Section Emergency Coordinator for Ontario South Section, for a
two-year term. Scott was previously SEC for Ontario South until
health issues prompted him to step down. Scott now advises that his
health issues are under control, and he is keen to resume as SEC.
Please join me in extending best wishes to Scott as he continues to
regain his health, and give him your full support.
-- Ian Snow, VA3QT, CEC, SM Ontario South
2. OPN Seeks Relay Stations
The Ontario Phone Net (OPN) is currently seeking stations to carry
radiogram traffic to, and bring radiogram traffic from, Ontario
municipalities and other radio nets. No special qualifications are
required. Merely check into the OPN, any evening at 7 pm Eastern on
7.065 MHz, and inform the net control station that you have traffic,
or can accept traffic for some destination. For further information
contact Shawn VE3PSV on-air during the OPN.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Transatlantic 2m Success
The "Brendan Quest" team has been successful in its record-setting
attempt to send a 2 metre signal across the Atlantic from its
location in Pouch Cove, Newfoundland. On July 6 at 1341 UTC, G4SWX
in the U.K. was able to completely decode an FSK441 transmission from
VC1T. As of July 10 the team has not yet completed a two-way QSO.
-- ARRL Web and CBC News
4. New NAQCC Great Lakes Net
The North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC) is pleased to announce that a
new slow-speed CW net is being held Thursday evenings, at 9 PM
Eastern, starting July 10. The net will meet on 7.117 MHz +/- QRM,
and the Net Control Station will be David, KC8AAG.
The NAQCC is open to any licensed radio amateur or shortwave listener
worldwide with at least some interest in CW/QRP operation. For more
information visit the web site, www.naqcc.info [221]
-- via Paul, N8XMS, NAQCC Club Manager
5. UKube-1 Launched
On July 8, UKube-1 was successfully launched and deployed from the
Soyuz-2-1B/Fregat-M launch vehicle. UKube-1 is a 3U cubesat and
carries a FUNcube educational beacon and linear transponder. Beacon
signals were heard soon after launch by the UKube team at 19:16 UTC.
Frequencies in use by UKube-1 include:
* 145.840 Primary telemetry downlink CW or 1k2-9k6 BPSK
* 145.915 FUNcube-2 telemetry 1k2 BPSK
* 145.930-145.950 FUNcube-2 transponder downlink, 435.080-435.060
uplink
* 2401.0 S-band downlink (QPSK-OQPSK)
* 437.425-437.525 myPocketQub spread spectrum
For recent updates, visit funcube.org.uk and www.amsat-uk.org [222].
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 19, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Scholarships deadline approaching
Earlier this year, RAC announced the availability of scholarships to
young Amateurs who are taking post-secondary schooling in Electrical,
Electronic and Software Engineering. Students in other fields of
study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You must be a
licensed Amateur and we remind everyone that the deadline for
applications is July 31, 2014.
Details on RAC scholarships and applications can be found at
Scholarships Canada: www.scholarshipscanada.com [170]. Further information
is also available on the RAC Website at: tinyurl.com/rac2014grant
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Canal Days Special Event
On August 2nd and 3rd, the Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will
operate station VE3WCD as part of Port Colborne's Canal Days Marine
Heritage Festival, held annually to celebrate the long history of the
Welland Canal. Operation will be 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time, both
days. For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca [123] and click on
"Community Events".
-- RAC Events Database
3. August Special Callsigns
From August 1 to August 31, special call sign VX9CMA will commemorate
the 2014 World Acadian Congress. QSL via VE9RLW.
Also from August 1 to 31, call sign CF3NAVY will commemorate the
100th Anniversary of Submarines in Canada. QSL via VA3OR.
From August 5 to September 15, call sign VC3A will commemorate the
150th Anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference. QSL via VE3JO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Add Your Callsign to your Facebook Profile
Facebook has made a way for Hams to add their callsign to their
profile. Here's how: open up "Settings," and under "General Account
Settings," on the line that says "Name", click "Edit". Enter your
callsign in the space marked "Alternate name", and check the box for
"Include this on my timeline". Enter your password, click "Save
Changes", and you're done. Your callsign will appear under your
name.
-- RAC News Service
5. WRTC on "As It Happens"
On CBC Radio's program "As It Happens", Jeff VY2ZM was interviewed by
Rick MacInnes-Rae about the World Radiosport Team Championship
(WRTC). Jeff did a great job of presenting Amateur Radio, contesting
and WRTC. To hear it, go to tinyurl.com/qxl2u3o (Quebec Xray Lima
Two Uniform Three Oscar) and look for the 10 July edition. The
interview should come on about half-way through the podcast.
-- Dave VO1AU and VE3AAQ, via RAC News Service
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for July 26, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. IARU Region 2 Meeting
The annual Executive Committee meeting of IARU Region 2 was held in
Hartford, Connecticut, USA, last July 15 and 16, immediately
preceding the ARRL's National Centennial Convention. Annual reports,
future plans, and the situation of each Member Society and amateur
radio in general were discussed.
On behalf of Region 2, President Leandro and Secretary Molina
presented a plaque to the ARRL with congratulations on their 100th
anniversary and in recognition of its work in favor of radio amateurs
throughout the world.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Vern Ikeda, SK
It is with deep sadness that we were recently informed of the sudden
passing of Vern Ikeda, VE2MBS/VE2QQ. Vern was very active with the
Montreal ARC. His contributions as a long-time RAC volunteer, as
Blog/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor and manager of the RAC
twitter account, were recently recognized by RAC, at
tinyurl.com/ve2qq
-- RAC News Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event Callsigns
From August 15 to September 14, call sign XO2C will commemorate the
150th Anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference. QSL via VY2XDX.
Also commemorating that anniversary, from August 26 to
September 25, will be special call sign CG3C. QSL via VE3OKA.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Auxiliary Communications Field Operations Guide
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has compiled the Auxiliary
Communications Field Operations Guide (AUXFOG), a reference for
auxiliary communicators and amateur radio organizations who support
public safety entities.
It contains information about best practices, frequently used radio
frequencies, Mutual Aid channels, and tips and suggestions about
integrating into a ICS environment to support communications for
planned events or incidents. It can serve as a reference both for
auxiliary emergency communicators and public safety communications
professionals. The book is a free PDF download at
tinyurl.com/auxfog-1
-- ARRL ARES E-Letter
5. Free On-line Electrical Engineering Course
The University of Liverpool is offering a new "Massive Open Online
Course" (MOOC) covering Analogue/Digital Electronics, AC/DC Circuits,
Electromechanics, and an introduction to C programming. The
free six-week course starts in September, but you can sign up now.
Find it at www.futurelearn.com/courses/electrify [227]
-- Southgate ARC News
6. India's VO-52 Satellite Goes Dark
Despite efforts to keep it operating for a while longer, ground
controllers have permanently taken VUSat OSCAR-52 (VO-52)
out of service, due to the failure of its lithium-ion batteries.
The VO-52 satellite was one of the most popular SSB/CW satellites
during its lifetime. Launched in 2005, it had been designed to
remain operational for just one year.
-- ARRL Bulletin Service
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 2, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 2014 RAC AGM Concluded
The RAC Annual General Meeting took place on July 27th in New
Westminster BC. The proceedings can be heard through the archived
Webinar recording at tinyurl.com/rac2014agm
RAC would like to thank everyone who helped make the AGM another
successful event, including the Orca DX and Contest Club for making
the venue available.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Canadian Amateurs receive Order of Canada
The Governor General of Canada recently announced 86 new appointments
to the Order of Canada. Among them are two radio amateurs.
Veena Rawat, VA3ITU, was honored as a “Companion of the Order of
Canada” for her contributions to telecom engineering and for
leadership in establishing a global regulatory framework for radio
spectrum management. Amongst other accomplishments, Rawat chaired the
World Radiocommunication Conference in 2003.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield, VA3OOG/KC5RNJ, was honored as an “Officer
of the Order of Canada” for “his commitment to promoting scientific
discovery and for sharing the wonders of space exploration with the
world.” Hadfield was the International Space Station Expedition 35
commander during his 2013 duty tour.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Junk-in-the-Trunk Swapmeet
The 6th Annual Junk-in-the-Trunk Event will take place on Saturday,
August 23, in the parking lot of the Newmarket Theatre,
505 Pickering Crescent, in Newmarket. The closest intersection is
Leslie Street and Mulock Drive. Free admission to buyers. Open to
all at 7:30 am; talk-in on 146.520 simplex, or the local repeater,
147.225.
-- RAC Events Database
4. International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend takes place this year
on August 16th and 17th, from 0001 UTC Saturday to 2359 UTC Sunday.
The objective is to promote public awareness of lighthouses and
lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, and at
the same time to promote amateur radio and to foster international
goodwill. Over 400 locations are registered for this year's event.
For more information visit www.illw.net [230].
-- ILLW web page
5. Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter Updates
A new email address and Twitter account for the Weather Radio
Listeners Newsletter have been created. The email address will be
the flagship address for all things relating to the newsletter and
news on coming issues or developments. The Twitter account will serve
the same function and will also have segments from both the current
and previous issues tweeted from time to time.
The new email address is wxrnewsletter (at) gmail.com and the Twitter
handle is WxrNewsletter. We hope that those who are on Twitter and
are on the mailing list will take advantage of both of these new news
sources. To subscribe to the newsletter, send a request to the new
email address.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
6. Australian Balloon Reaches Brazil
On July 13, Andy Nguyen, VK3YT launched a "pico balloon" with an APRS
beacon from central Victoria state in Australia. According to its
last copied APRS data, call sign VK3YT-8, it appeared to be at an
altitude of about 29,000 feet and some 50 miles north of Brasilia.
The balloon is believed to have left South America on July 22nd and
its ultimate destination is unknown.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 9, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Simulated Emergency Test
The date for the 2014 Simulated Emergency Test (SET) has been
confirmed as Saturday October 4th.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Bob Eldridge, SK
VE7BS, Bob Eldridge, has become a Silent Key. He passed away July
15th at Lion’s Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, B.C. after a short
stay. He was 93.
Bob was a member of the DX and Topband community, and a regular
columnist for the Canadian Amateur Magazine. A tribute article in TCA
is planned by the editor.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Gordon Pierce, SK
Gordon Pierce, VE3BZB, lost his long battle with cancer late Tuesday,
29 July 2014.
For many years, Gord was a regular participant in the National
Traffic System's Eastern Area Net, and for a portion of that time he
also served as manager of the Eastern Canada Net.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Free Newsletters Online
The August 2014 issue of CQ-DATV, the Amateur Television magazine, is
now available in popular ebook formats at www.cq-datv.mobi [177].
The August newsletter of the North American QRP CW Club, in PDF, can
be downloaded at www.naqcc.info [221].
The July/August 2014 issue of the free professional publication Sat
Magazine, including stories about amateur satellites, is available
for download in PDF format at tinyurl.com/july-2014-satmag.
The August edition of the free "432 MHz and Above EME Newsletter" is
available in either Word or PDF formats at tinyurl.com/432-and-above.
And a belated reminder, the latest - Spring 2014 - edition of The
5 MHz Newsletter, in PDF, can be downloaded at tinyurl.com/owbbggk
(Oscar Whiskey Bravo Bravo Golf Golf Kilo)
-- Southgate ARC News and Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Amateur balloon flies round the world
The 434MHz solar powered party balloon B-64, launched by Leo Bodnar,
M0XER, is passing the UK at the end of a record breaking journey
around the world.
Leo launched his balloon from Silverstone on 12 July. It traveled
east across Asia, the Pacific and the Americas and completed the
final transatlantic crossing arriving over Cornwall on July 31.
-- RSGB News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 16, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Orangeville Basic Amateur Course
Dufferin County ARES will hold a Basic Amateur Radio course starting
Thursday September 11 at 7:00pm, and running for ten weeks. The
course will be held at the Edelbrock Center on 30 Center Street in
Orangeville. There is no cost to this course but you need to have the
Canadian Amateur Radio Basic Qualification Study Guide, 8th Edition.
Anyone interested can email wayne.mclean (at) yahoo.ca
-- Wayne McLean, Dufferin ARES EC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Ottawa Hamfest
The Ottawa ARC will hold its 17th Annual Hamfest on Saturday,
September 6, at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3832 Carp Road, in
Carp. The hamfest is in the W. Erskine Johnston Arena at the north
end of the fairgrounds. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE2CRA
repeater, 146.94 (-), 100 Hz tone. Licence exams on site. For more
information visit www.oarc.net/fleamarket [235]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Special Event Stations
From August 29 to August 31, special event station VC3B will be
active during the 14th annual Warrior's Day in Coe Hill, the largest
display and parade of current and vintage military equipment in
Ontario. Plans are to operate an old fashioned wireless telegraph
station on 80 and 40 meter CW. Contacts will also be made on SSB.
QSL via VE3DCX. For more information search VC3B on qrz.com
From September 1 to October 28, special call sign VC3P will
commemorate 70 years since Operation Market Garden. QSL via VE3JO.
-- RAC Special Events database and QRZ.com
4. 630 Metre Special Event
Experimental operators on 600/630 meters will conduct a special event
operation October 31 - November 2. The Maritime Radio Historical
Society (MRHS), which maintains the KPH/KSM commercial coast
stations, will take part in the event, as will the three active
Canadian 630m stations.
Joe, VO1NA will transmit from Torbay, Newfoundland and should be
heard throughout eastern North America. Joe will listen for replies
on both 80 and 40m CW. John, VE7BDQ will transmit from Delta, B.C.,
south of Vancouver, and will listen for callers on 80m CW only.
VE7SL will transmit from Mayne Island B.C., midway between Vancouver
and Victoria, and will listen for callers on both 80 and 40m CW.
Frequencies are still to be announced.
-- VE7SL, via RAC News Service
5. Tube Books
tubebooks.org is a web site with "a collection of vintage engineering
texts, vacuum tube datasheets, and other obsolete information,
presented free of charge." Most manuals are available in PDF format.
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 23, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Email Bulletins
RAC would like to encourage more people to subscribe to the RAC email
Bulletin System. This is a very efficient tool that lets you receive,
directly to your email inbox, time sensitive and important news from
the Amateur Radio Community and RAC. To subscribe, visit
rac.eton.ca/racbullemail.htm. If you require any assistance in
signing up, please contact RAC.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Lindsay Swapmeet
The Victoria Haliburton Amateur Radio Association will hold its
annual Swap Meet on Saturday, September 13, at the Masonic Temple, 10
Ridout Street, in Lindsay. General admission is free, and starts at
8 am. Talk-in on VE3LNZ repeater 147.195 (+). For more information
visit www.vhara.ca [238]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Ottawa ARISS Contact
On August 13, a successful contact was made between Canada Science
and Technology Museum Summer Day Camps in Ottawa, and Astronaut
Alexander Gerst KF5ONO using callsign OR4ISS on the International
Space Station. The contact was telebridged via IK1SLD, and lasted
about nine and a half minutes. The ARISS Mentor was VE3TBD.
-- AMSAT News
4. Dutch WebSDR back on line
After nearly two years off-line, the Dutch WebSDR is available once
again, at tinyurl.com/nl-websdr. The Software Defined Receiver
makes the entire HF spectrum visible on a single waterfall display.
No log in is required but your browser must support either Java or
HTML5. To tune to a specific frequency, type it in and hit Enter.
Click the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons to change the spread of the
waterfall.
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Ham Radio Around the Moon
A lunar flyby with a ham radio payload transmitting JT65B mode on
145.990 MHz is expected to take place toward the end of this year,
giving earthbound radio amateurs the opportunity to receive "lunar
DX" as the payload flies around the Moon.
China has announced plans to launch a lunar orbiter carrying a 14 kg
battery-powered payload known as 4M-LXS. Signals from the Amateur
Radio payload can be decoded using the free WSJT software.
The launch is planned for 4th quarter 2014. The orbiter will be
launched into Lunar Transfer Orbit and then perform a lunar flyby
before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere after 9 days.
-- ARRL Web and AMSAT UK
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for August 30, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. GTA Simulated Emergency Test
Due to commitments made with agencies served by ARES groups in
Greater Toronto Area Section, we will hold our annual SET on
Saturday, October 18, rather than the national date of October 4.
When October 18th was first proposed as the date for the Simulated
Emergency Test, group leaders in the GTA Section moved quickly to
ensure that served agencies would have sufficient time to commit to
participation along with the amateur radio groups. By the time the
date was changed to an earlier Saturday in October, so as not to
conflict with JOTA, most of the served agencies no longer had the
flexibility of dates. GTA Section Clubs will support JOTA despite
the fact that some members will be involved in the ARES SET.
-- George Duffield, VE3WKJ, GTA Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. London Swapmeet
The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 37th Annual Hamfest on
Sunday, September 21, at the Hellenic Community Centre, 133 Southdale
Rd. W., in London. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VA3LON
repeater, 147.060 (+) 114.8 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.larc.ca [241] and click the "Hamfest" link.
-- RAC Events Database
3. Canadian Liberation March Special Event
From October 16th to November 15th, special event station ON4CLM will
commemorate the Canadian Liberation March, a 33km march by Canadian
troops coming to liberate the town Knokke, Belgium in 1944. This is
the 33nd year for this special event, which uses different call
signes from year to year.
A pdf certificate is available free of charge to any station who
makes one contact with ON4CLM. Their goal is to work as many
Canadian stations as possible. For more information see www.oo4clm.be [242]
-- Guy, ON4RO, via RAC Bulletin Service
4. Field Day Logs Received
ARRL has published a list of all 2014 ARRL Field Day logs received to
date, including logs submitted via e-mail, web applet or on paper.
It's at www.arrl.org/logs-received [243], at the bottom of the page. The
ARRL Contest Branch requests that Field Day participants review the
list and contact Matt Wilhelm, w1msw (at) arrl.org, no later than
September 12, if anything appears to be incorrect with their entry.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 6, 2014
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Report for August
The August 2014 RAC Report is available for viewing on both the old
and the new website. You must be logged in as a member to view the
report on either site. On the old website, www.rac.ca [210], the report is
in the "Members' section" pull down menu on the left. On the new
website, wp.rac.ca, once logged in, go to "publications" then
"downloads".
-- RAC web page
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Special Prefixes Authorized
From October 1 to November 30, special prefixes have been authorized
for Canadian amateurs, to remember the Empress of Ireland, an ocean
liner that sank in the Saint Lawrence River 100 years ago. Use CF for
VA, CG for VE, CH for VO, and CI for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. History of Morse
James Wades WB8SIW has written a brief version of how the Morse of
the telegraph era evolved into the Morse we hear today on our ham
bands. Find it online at ve3gna.wordpress.com. James is the
international president of the Morse Telegraph Club, whose web page
is www.morsetelegraphclub.org [246]
James is also instrumental in manning the eastern hub of the annual
"Letters to Santa" event which runs each Christmas season between
Michigan and North Pole, Alaska. The letters are all transmitted
to Ed Trump AL7N using original telegraph circuits and equipment.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. Stan Goldberg, SK
Stan Goldberg, the artist who, with Mike Esposito, drew the "Archie's
Ham Radio Adventure" comic for ARRL in the 1990s, died August 31. He
was 82. A New York City native, Goldberg was Marvel Comics' chief
colorist during the 1960s, when most of the characters now associated
with Marvel were created.
"He's the reason Spider Man's costume is red and dark blue, the
reason the Incredible Hulk's skin is green," said Jim Massara, N2EST,
who penned QST cartoons in the 1980s and also once worked for Marvel.
"Goldberg was a giant in our industry."
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 13, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC 60m Proposal Accepted Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased report that the CPC, Industry Canada's consultative committee, has accepted the RAC proposal to establish a 60m allocation for amateurs. It proposes two 25 KHz band segments for amateurs: 5330 - 5355 kHz and 5405 - 5430 kHz. Amateur access would be on a non-interfering, secondary basis. This proposal will be tabled at the CITEL (ITU Region 2 countries minus Cuba) meetings in Mexico next month, to be considered as the CITEL position going in to the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC15), where the final decision will be made. -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. OPN Needs SET Operators The Ontario Phone Net is seeking Net Control Stations for the Simulated Emergency Test on Saturday October 4th. The OPN will operate from 10 am to 3 pm, and again from 7 pm to 9 pm, on 7.065 MHz SSB. Operators are needed for one-hour shifts. Volunteers are also needed throughout Ontario to serve as relay stations, in case of poor band conditions. If you can help, as NCS or relay station, please contact OPN manager Shawn VE3PSV, or any regular OPN net control station. OPN meets daily at 7 pm Eastern time on 7.065 MHz. -- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Hamilton Swapmeet The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual Hamfest on Saturday, October 4, in the Old School Building at the Ancaster Fair Grounds, 630 Trinity Road, Ancaster. This is at the south-west corner of highways #52 and #53, just west of Ancaster. Note this is a different building from previous years. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3NCF repeater, 146.76 (-), 131.8 Hz tone. For more information visit www.hamiltonarc.ca -- RAC Events Database 4. Free Online Magazines The September 2014 issue of the free amateur television magazine CQ-DATV is now available for download. You can download it as a PDF file at tinyurl.com/cq-datv-september. Also, volume 2 issue 1 of the free radio astronomy publication RAGazine is now available for download. You can download this and previous issues at tinyurl.com/ragazine. -- Amateur Radio Newsline and Southgate ARC News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 20, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. "Last Man Standing" Special Event On September 28, from 1400 to 2200 UTC, special event station K6H will operate HF and D-STAR from the so-called "Seinfeld Stage" on the CBS Studio Center lot in Studio City, California. Hosts for the event will be Amateur Radio crew members of the ABC television series "Last Man Standing." K6H is planning to operate HF SSB on or around 28.420, 14.250, and 7.260 MHz, and D-STAR reflector 12A. IRLP and Echolink will also be used. Updated information can be found on the PAPA Repeater System website, www.papasys.com. During the event the PAPA website will stream video directly from the operating stations. -- ARRL Web 2. Quebec Conference Special Event From October 11 to November 10, special event station CK3Q will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Quebec Conference. Expected frequencies are 28.490, 21.290, 14.290. QSL via VE3RHE. For more information visit www.canada-150th.ca. -- RAC Events Database 3. Jamboree-On-The-Air This year's Scouts Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA) will be October 18-19. Each year more than half a million Scouts and Guides "get together" over the airwaves, with the help of local radio amateurs. RAC provides a JOTA guide in PDF format at tinyurl.com/jota47, and Scouts Canada has a web page at www.jota-joti.ca. -- RAC web page and JOTA web page 4. Lunar Ham Radio Mission A ham radio payload developed in Luxembourg is part of a mission China will send around the moon this year. The payload, 4M-LXS, is one of several on the spacecraft, which will fly within 7500 to 15000 miles of the moon, and then return to Earth. 4M-LXS will transmit on 145.980 MHz plus or minus 2.9 kHz, using JT65B mode, with 1.5 watts into a monopole antenna. The signal strength should be comparable to amateur moon bounce signals. The launch is currently scheduled for October 23rd. A complete mission outline is on the web at tinyurl.com/China-Moon-Flyby -- Amateur Radio Newsline 5. HF Video Experiment in UK Rockwell Collins has released a report on its 2012 trials in the United Kingdom that used HF bands from 3 to 13 MHz for high-speed data and video transmissions. They found that by using modern modulation techniques, an SSB channel can support a raw data rate of 12,800 bits per second. Colour video at 15 frames per second can be streamed in a bandwidth of just 18 kHz, which is within the limits of the Canadian 10 metre amateur band. You can find the report in PDF at tinyurl.com/hf-video-testing -- Amateur Radio Newsline This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 27, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Ham Radio Saves the Day in Yukon On September 21, amateur radio operators provided communications for a Search and Rescue team seeking a missing teenager. The satellite phone at the SAR command centre, 35 km north of Whitehorse, was not functioning, so they had no way to call for assistance or send status reports. Team member Terry Hauff, VY1MAP, used his mobile 2 metre radio to contact VY1RF and VY1RM in Whitehorse via repeater, to pass traffic to and from the command centre. The missing young man was found and all ended well. -- RAC News Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Montreal South Shore Hamfest The Montreal South-Shore Amateur Radio Club will hold the "Biggest Hamfest in Quebec" on Saturday, October 18, at Place Desaulniers, 1023 Taschereau Blvd, Longueuil (10 minutes from downtown Montreal). General admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE2RSM repeater, 145.390 (-) 103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit www.ve2clm.ca and click the "Hamfest" link. -- RAC Events Database 3. U.S. Simulated Emergency Test The national ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is slated for the October 4-5 weekend, although the window for local and regional exercises is September 1 through November 30 each year. All groups conduct their events over the course of 48 hours. This is the same weekend as the Canadian SET. Ontario sections except for GTA are holding exercises on October 4th. For more information visit wp.rac.ca/welcome/simulated-emergency-test -- ARRL Web and RAC Web Page 4. Humanitarian Award Nominations Open Nominations are open for the 2014 ARRL International Humanitarian Award, conferred upon an amateur or amateurs who demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace, and international understanding through Amateur Radio. Any radio amateur or group world-wide may be nominated, by a licensed radio amateur, governmental or any other organization, that has benefited from the radio amateur's extraordinary service. Nominations must be received by December 31. For information, see www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award -- ARRL Web This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 4, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Dayton Hamvention Seeks 2015 Award Nominations The Dayton Hamvention is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Amateur of the Year, Special Achievement, Technical Excellence, and Club of the Year Awards. For descriptions of the four awards, and nomination forms, visit their web page, www.hamvention.org/awards.php The deadline for nominations is January 16, 2015. -- ARRL Web 2. World Space Week October 4 to 10 is World Space Week, proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize two important dates: the launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty on October 10, 1967. For more information on this event, visit www.worldspaceweek.org -- AMSAT News 3. Michigan VHF-UHF Society Being Reactivated Roger Cox, W8IO, is leading an effort to reactivate the Michigan VHF-UHF Society. The intent is to become an ARRL-affiliated club serving the entire state of Michigan. Details are still being discussed -- for the latest information, visit their web page at www.wb0dgf.com/MichiganVHF.htm -- Amateur Radio Newsline 4. Measuring Transmitter Noise We all check specs on receiver noise for HF rigs, but what about transmitter noise? Jim Brown, K9YC, has examined the noise transmitted in CW mode by a number of popular amateur radio rigs. Surprisingly, more expensive rigs are often the worst! You can see the results of his study on the web at k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf -- Amateur Radio Newsline 5. Tim Allen now a Ham Actor and comedian Tim Allen now not only plays an Amateur Radio operator on television, he is one! Allen got his Technician license on September 4, but did not release the news until this week. In the weekly ABC sitcom "Last Man Standing," Allen's character Mike Baxter is a radio amateur, and the show has featured ham radio in some episodes. More than 2 dozen members of the show's crew -- and now Allen, its star -- have been inspired by the show to get licensed. -- ARRL Web This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 11, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. ARES ID Card Production RAC is happy to report that the production of ARES Identification cards is back to normal, and the backlog has been cleared. We apologize for the delays during our transitional phase. Submit requests on the RAC web site: wp.rac.ca/ares-id-card Please note that as of January 1st 2015, a written confirmation of eligibility by the applicant's EC (or person acting as coordinator for ARES group) must be sent to the RAC office as part of the initial process. Until then, RAC reserves the right to verify eligibility as it deems necessary. -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Section Manager Vacancies Ian Snow, VA3QT, and George Duffield, VE3WKJ, have stepped down as Section Managers of Ontario South and Greater Toronto Area, respectively. On behalf of Radio Amateurs of Canada, I thank Ian and George for their many years of exemplary service. Both of these positions are currently vacant. If you might be interested in either position, please contact the RAC Office. -- Geoffrey Bawden, VE4BAW, RAC President ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. ARRL Web Server Breach Late last month, a security breach occurred, involving a web server at ARRL Headquarters. ARRL IT Manager Mike Keane stressed that it is highly unlikely that any sensitive information was compromised. But the hacker may have been able to obtain site usernames and passwords that were established prior to April 2010, and that have not been changed since then. Members who have not changed their ARRL website passwords since early 2010 should do so at this time. -- ARRL Web 4. 630-Meter Special Event With the opening of 472-479 kHz to Canadian hams this past May, we will be able to participate in this year's Maritime Radio Historical Society special event on 630 meters, from October 31 to November 2. U.S. hams may participate by conducting cross-band QSOs. VO1NA in Newfoundland, along with VE7SL and VE7BDQ in British Columbia, will be transmitting on 630 meters (477.7, 473.0 and 474.0 kHz, respectively), while listening for responses on 80 and 40 meters. U.S. coast stations KPH and KSM will operate on 500 kHz. -- CQ News Service 5. XMLog Logging Software Want to do your logging with a computer? The venerable XMLog by W1ECT is still available, at www.xmlog.com. It's free to use, and accessible. It works on Windows 95 through Windows 7, and interfaces with many radios, including all Kenwood models, the Elecraft K2 and K3, a long list of Icoms & Yaesus, and many others. -- Handi-Ham News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 18, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. OPN Frequency Change Effective November 2, the Ontario Phone Net will switch back to its wintertime frequency, 3.745 MHz. The net meets every day at 7 pm Eastern Time. All stations are welcome. The Ontario Phone Net is also seeking Net Control Stations to take shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. If you would like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the Ontario Phone Net or via NTS message, or any OPN Net Control operator. -- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. York Region Hamfest The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its 38th annual hamfest on Saturday, November 1, at their old venue, the Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Rd, in Markham. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3YRA repeater, 145.350(-) 103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit www.yrarc.org and click "Our Hamfest". -- RAC Events Database 3. ARRL Adopts Mobile Radio Policy The American Radio Relay League's Executive Committee has adopted an updated Policy Statement on Amateur Radio mobile operation. The policy cites Amateur Radio's 70-year history of two-way mobile operation as evidence that such radio use does not contribute to driver inattention. And it points out that Amateur Radio operation differs from cell phone communication, in part because the device need not be held to the face to listen, no text messaging is involved, and mobile ham operators only need to pick up a microphone to make "brief and infrequent" transmissions. -- ARRL Web 4. JOTA founder passes away The founder of Jamboree-on-the-Air, Les Mitchell, G3BHK, died on 6 October. Les started JOTA in 1958, after launching the idea a year earlier at the World Scout Jamboree. That was the first year the Jamboree had an amateur radio station on site, and it has had one every year since. -- RSGB News 5. B-64 Balloon Still Floating The B-64 balloon, launched by Leo Bodnar M0XER on July 12th from the United Kingdom, is still aloft and on air transmitting on 434.500 MHz, using both Contestia 64/1000 and APRS. On October 3rd, Phil Heron MI0VIM reported decoding data from B-64 while it was over the North Atlantic ocean, coming up to the 6th time it would pass the U.K. on its continuing journeys around the world. You can see its track at tinyurl.com/b64-continues-journey. -- Amateur Radio Newsline This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 25, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Submitting Bulletin Items Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address, obm (at) ve3rhj.net. Items should be no more than twelve lines long, and must be received by Wednesday for the next week's bulletin, -- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. 4M-LXS Lunar Ham Radio Mission Launched On October 23, at 1759 UTC, the Chinese Chang’e-5-T1 mission was launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province. It is carrying a ham radio payload, 4M-LXS. The battery-powered payload will transmit a JT65B signal on 145.980 MHz +/- 2.9kHz, Doppler max: -2200Hz, +1000Hz. The transmissions will start 77.8 minutes after launch, and will be continuous through the lunar flyby on October 28, and possibly longer as the spacecraft returns to Earth orbit. For more information, visit web page moon.luxspace.lu -- ARRL Web and NASA Spaceflight 3. November Sweepstakes Operators across all 83 ARRL and RAC sections will participate in the two November Sweepstakes events. The CW event is November 1-3, while the SSB event is November 15-17, both from 2100 UTC Saturday to 0259 UTC Monday (Sunday evening local time). For rules operating details, visit www.arrl.org/sweepstakes -- ARRL Web 4. Gray Line Software Simon Brown, G4ELI has released a simple Windows program which displays Gray-line, Geomagnetic Indices, Solar Data as well as Sunrise and Sunset times. The program is free of cost and can be downloaded at tinyurl.com/G4ELI-gray-line -- Amateur Radio Newsline 5. Historical Radio Publications Online The American Radio History website, www.americanradiohistory.com, offers "two million pages of AM FM & TV Broadcasting history online." There are many vintage professional and consumer magazines, including hobby electronics magazines. Also check out their technical bookshelf. -- ARRL Contest Update This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 1, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Getting Started on Six Metres Looking for something new to try? Dr. Ron Milliman, K8HSY has written an article called "Getting Started on Six Meters". Many new rigs include this band, and it's not quite like any other amateur band. Find the article at tinyurl.com/start6m -- Handi-Ham News 2. ICQ Ham Radio Podcast The ICQ Amateur / Ham Radio Podcast is a free fortnightly radio talk style podcast by and for amateur radio operators. A "podcast" is an audio program intended to be downloaded from the Internet for listening on an iPod or other personal audio player. Each episode of the ICQ Podcast reviews the current news, and discusses a technical feature and the hobby in general. Find it at www.icqpodcast.com -- via Ham Radio Daily 3. 100 Years of Amateur Radio Speaking of podcasts, the SPN Special: 100 Years of Amateur Radio features Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV, at the ARRL Centennial as he conducts some excellent interviews. It's aimed at explaining amateur radio to a non-ham audience. The hour-long podcast is a free 51 megabyte download from SeroTalk at tinyurl.com/ham100years. -- Handi-Ham News 4. Mexican Hams Install Winlink Emcomms A three year program in Mexico to fund Winlink gateways for emergency communications was completed recently with the installation of four HF Winlink gateways. Each system is configured with an ICOM 7200, SCS Dragon Pactor modem, and battery back-up. All gateways run Pactor and WINMOR 1600. The sites also have packet radio ports for training and local use. Since Mexico is allowed auto-forwarding and Pactor 4 operation, all the gateways participate in the Winlink Hybrid Network, offering radio-only message transport in the event of Internet failure, and MPS (Message Pickup Station) delivery. -- ARRL ARES E-Letter This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 8, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Amateur Payloads Lost in Antares Launch Explosion The RACE and GOMX-2 CubeSats were among more than 2 dozen satellites lost after an unmanned Orbital Space Sciences (OSC) Antares 130 vehicle exploded 6 seconds after launch on Tuesday, October 28. Both satellite packages carried Amateur Radio payloads. The RACE (Radiometer Atmospheric Cubesat Experiment) was built by a 30-student team in Texas. The GOMX-2 CubeSat was intended to test a de-orbit system designed by Aalborg University in Denmark. -- AMSAT News 2. Lightning Protection Information There is a good collection of downloadable white papers on grounding and lightning protection at the Smiths Power website. Find it online at tinyurl.com/lnyk8po (Lima November Yankee Kilo Eight Papa Oscar). Click to page 2 where you will find a paper specifically about "Ham Radio Station Protection." -- ARRL Contest Update 3. AMSAT-OSCAR-7 40th Anniversary AMSAT-OSCAR 7 (AO-7) was launched on November 15, 1974. It was the second AMSAT-NA constructed and Phase 2 amateur radio satellite launched into Low Earth Orbit. It operated until a short circuit in a battery in 1981. In June 2002 the battery became an open circuit, and the satellite's 2-metre beacon (145.9775 MHz CW) was heard again after 21 years of silence, and 27 years in space. AO-7 remains semi-operational, powered only when its solar panels are in sunlight. Special event station W7O (Whiskey Seven Oscar) will operate between 15 and 24 November 2014, working satellites and possibly other bands, to commemorate the anniversary. -- AMSAT News 4. 75th Anniversary of "the long dash" On November 5, 1939, Canadians first heard "the beginning of the long dash" which officially indicated 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Since then, the National Research Council's official time signal has been broadcast regularly, making it the longest-running feature on CBC Radio. -- CBC, via Southgate ARC News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 15, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Affiliated Club Insurance RAC is pleased to advise that it has found a new insurance carrier for the Affiliated Club Insurance program. Currently insured clubs should have received renewal forms by this time. Please contact Frank at the RAC office if we missed sending you a renewal notice, either by email to frank (at) rac.ca, or telephone 877-273-8304. This program is primarily run by RAC volunteers and RAC would like to thank Jerry VE3EXT for his expertise and hard work in working with our broker to hold the line on costs. -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Acting Section Manager for Ontario South, GTA I am pleased to announce that Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Section Manager for Ontario North, has indicated his commitment to RAC by accepting the role of Acting Section Manager of Ontario South and Ontario GTA until such time as these positions are filled. Allan was Section Manager for all Ontario before the division into four Ontario sections. Allan will continue in his role as Chair of the Ontario Section Managers Council. I want to thank Allan for his continuing support of RAC. He has been a pillar of RAC for over a decade. -- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, Acting Chief Field Services Officer ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Treaty of Ghent Special Events From December 5 to January 5, Special Event Station VC3D will commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. QSL via VE3JO. From December 6 to January 5, the same event will be commemorated by Special Event Station XM3G. Expected frequencies are 28.490, 21.290, and 14.290; possibly also operating on 12m, 17m, and 40m. QSL via VE3RHE, bureau or direct. Visit www.canada-150th.ca for updates. -- RAC Special Events Database 4. Some CQ WPX Applications via LoTW Not Processed Some CQ WPX Awards Program applications using ARRL’s Logbook of The World (LoTW) were not properly processed. If you used LoTW to apply for a WPX Award between October 8th 0500 UTC and November 5th 1700 UTC, and have not yet received a e-mail acknowledgment, contact WPX Award Manager Steve Bolia, N8BJQ, email n8bjq (at) cq-amateur-radio.com -- ARRL Web 5. Alberta ARISS Contact On November 8th, a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact was made between Airdrie Space Science Club, Airdrie, Alberta, and Astronaut Gregory Wiseman KF5LKT using callsign NA1SS. The contact began at 16:01 UTC and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Contact was direct via ARISS Mentor VE6JBJ. -- AMSAT News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 22, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. My DX Summit website The new "My DX Summit" website is now live. It replaces the old "DX Summit" website, using the same URL, www.dxsummit.fi. The new site has been undergoing some beta testing and last-minute tweaking over the past few weeks. It incorporates a number of features, including a handy propagation tool. -- ARRL Web 2. AMSAT 20 Metre Net The AMSAT 20M International net has undergone some changes. Effective 9 November, the net starts with check-ins at 1900 UTC on 14.282 MHz, and proceeds with Satellite Q&A and other topics. The weekly AMSAT Bulletin Titles will be read and an offer will be made to read or discuss specific bulletins by request. Check-ins are encouraged from operators that are new to the satellites or ham radio. The net usually ends by 2000 UTC. -- AMSAT News 3. December is YOTA Month During the entire month of December, stations in many countries will be on the air with the YOTA (Youngsters On The Air) suffix. YOTA is a fast-growing event, with more youngsters asking to participate every week. By making YOTA popular we can all help to get youngsters active in ham radio. YOTA stations will be trying to make lots of contacts, so take this opportunity to connect young operators in their teens and 20s with their peers on the air. YOTA is not limited to Europe only -- this will be the first worldwide YOTA event. For more information visit www.ham-yota.org -- Southgate ARC News, and QST Magazine 4. Real Time Band Conditions Website A new website, www.bandconditions.com, provides up-to-the-minute HF band condition information to amateur radio operators. The data is based on a new Ionospheric Sounding method called "H F Ionospheric Interferometry" which operates very similarly to the PolSAR system used by NASA. Reports are generated and uploaded to the web server every 30 seconds. -- Amateur Radio Newsline 5. Radio Prepares for War U.S. Public Radio station WSHU has a series of online articles about vintage radio. Recent articles include "Radio Prepares for War", in two parts, about the development of the National HRO and the BC-348. Find them at www.wshu.org/term/vintage-radio-0 -- ARRL Contest Update This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 29, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Hall of Fame Appointments The Board of Trustees of the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame is pleased to appoint Don Dashney VE3RM of L'Orignal, Ontario and George Spencer VE3AGS of Jordan (St. Catherines), Ontario to the Hall of Fame for 2014. Both appointees are Silent Keys. The families of the two appointees will receive this postumous award in early 2015. A summary of their contributions to amateur radio will be published in The Canadian Amateur magazine. -- Ed Frazer, VE7EF, Chair, Board of Trustees ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. Bulletin Managers Needed Ontario East, Ontario South, and GTA Sections are all in urgent need of Bulletin Managers. Otherwise, the weekly Bulletin we have been used to hearing on our local nets may come to an end, as Brad VE3RHJ will be stepping down after many years of producing the RAC Ontario Bulletin. These bulletins carry important and useful information to Ontario clubs and ARES/Emcomm groups. We need volunteers to take this job for the three sections as soon as possible. If you are in the habit of looking up interesting news items regarding the amateur radio hobby and are interested in taking this important position, please contact your Section Manager. -- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East SM ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Do-It-Yourself Lightning Alarm Here's a winter beginner's project that will be useful next summer: TechLib has a four-transistor lightning detector that will flash an LED or light bulb when lightning strikes in the vicinity. Find it at www.techlib.com/electronics/lightningnew.htm -- ARRL Contest Update 4. Radio Telegraphy Web Page Keys, keys, keys, and more keys - if you want a website that covers the subject thoroughly, visit www.radiotelegraphy.net. It has links to many collections of keys, maritime radio history, and key construction and maintenance. -- ARRL Contest Update 5. November Newsletters The Autumn 2014 edition of The 5 MHz Newsletter is now available for free download from http://tinyurl.com/jvjrtn6 (Juliet Victor Juliet Romeo Tango November Six). Also, the November issue of the CQ-DATV e-magazine, covering amateur television news from around the world, is now available for free download. Find it at tinyurl.com/datv-november-2014. -- Southgate ARC News and Amateur Radio Newsline This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 6, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Canada Winter Contest The annual RAC Winter Contest will be held from 0000 to 2359 UTC on Saturday, December 27. Operate CW and phone on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 metres. Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or territory. VEØs and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial number. For more information visit tinyurl.com/rac-contests -- RAC web page ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Japanese Deep Space Launch On December 3rd, Japan successfully launched its Hayabusa 2 mission into deep space, to Asteroid 1999 JU3. With it are two Amateur Radio satellites, Shin’en 2 (Abyss 2) and ARTSAT2:DESPATCH. The launch had been postponed twice owing to unfavorable weather conditions. For more information, including frequencies, visit tinyurl.com/mtu32fy (Mike Tango Uniform Three Two Foxtrot Yankee) -- ARRL Web 3. The early days of amateur radio on the farm The Canadian Cattlemen magazine has republished an article on amateur radio from the March 1948 edition. The article "Calling CQ--Calling CQ" was written by Slim Marsden VE6BM and sought to promote amateur radio to Canadian ranchers and farmers. Find it online at tinyurl.com/farm-ham -- Southgate ARC News 4. HamCollege Pilot Episode Ham College is a show for those new to the hobby and those wishing to get into Amateur Radio. We'll help you study for your Amateur license exam and cover topics to get you up to speed and having fun. If the pilot turns out good and draws enough interest, this show will be coming in 2015. You can find the hour-long episode at www.hamcollege.tv -- Southgate ARC News 5. Free Electronics DIY Tools EDN Magazine has published a list of the "Top Free Do-It-Yourself Software Tools Every Electrical Engineer Needs." It includes many calculators, circuit simulators, computer-aided-design, and more. Find it at tinyurl.com/eediytools -- ARRL Contest Update This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 13, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. RAC Announces 2014 Scholarships Radio Amateurs of Canada has granted three academic scholarships for 2014. The recipients are Ms. Sonja Andersson, VA7SAA attending British Columbia Institute of Technology, Mr. Russell Walter, VA3WTR attending Sheridan College, Institute of Technology, and Mr. Brad Lane, VE9BML, attending the University of New Brunswick. Look for more information on each of these recipients in an upcoming issue of TCA and the RAC Report. -- RAC Blog ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 2. OPN Seeks Net Controllers The Ontario Phone Net is seeking Net Control Stations. Shifts are available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday. No special qualifications are required. If you would like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the Ontario Phone Net or via NTS message, or any OPN Net Control operator. OPN meets every day at 7 pm Eastern Time, on 3.745 MHz LSB. -- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Sir John A McDonald Special Events From January 1 to January 31, two special event stations will commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Sir John A Macdonald. The Kingston Amateur Radio Club will operate VG3SJAM; for more information see ve3kbr.com/karc/vg3sjam.htm. QSL via VA3KGB. The Delta Amateur Radio Society will operate VC7SJAM. Visit www.deltaamateurradio.com for information. QSL via VE7CUS. -- RAC Events Database 4. AMSAT Straight Key Night You are cordially invited to participate in Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2015. Participation in AMSAT SKN on OSCAR is easy and fun. Just operate CW, using a straight key or non-electronic "bug," through any amateur satellite between 0000 and 2400 UTC on January 1, 2015. There is no need to send in a log, but all participants are asked to nominate someone they worked for "Best Fist." -- AMSAT News 5. SpinSat Now in Orbit The US Naval Research Laboratory SpinSat satellite was successfully deployed from the International Space Station on November 28. The 22-inch diameter sphere carries a 2 W 9600 bps AX.25 packet radio store-and-forward system on 437.230 MHz. SpinSat is powered by primary batteries only, and is expected to last up to 6 months. -- AMSAT News This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 20, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. New NTS EAS Chair Joe Ames W3JY has been elected as the National Traffic System's new Eastern Area Staff Chair effective January 1, 2015. Outgoing chair Marcia Forde KW1U will continue on the staff as TCC Director for Eastern Area Cycle 2. For traffic handling purposes, Ontario is considered part of the Eastern Area. -- Marcia Forde KW1U, via Glenn Killam VE3GNA ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. The Imitation Game If you go out to see The Imitation Game this month -- a film based on the life of World War II codebreaker Alan Turing -- keep an eye open for vintage HRO and AR88 receivers. Those receivers were loaned by British radio amateurs, after filmmakers asked the Radio Society of Great Britain and The Old Radios Team for help. See more at www.oldradios.biz, click on the "Imitation Game" link. -- RSGB News and Old Radios web page 3. Cross-Border ARES Exercise in Maine On the morning of December 13, Maine ARES convened a 40 meter "cross-borders" net on 7262 kHz to test the communication paths for that band and time for operators in Maine, New Hampshire, and the bordering Canadian provinces. Maine ARES Section Emergency Coordinator Phil Duggan, N1EP said the net attracted 33 check-ins from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Several state and provincial ARES members and emergency coordinators participated. Similar events are planned for the future. -- ARRL ARES E-Letter 4. FAR Scholarship Applications Open The non-profit Foundation for Amateur Radio is now accepting applications for 2015 scholarships. These are available to licensed radio amateurs who are enrolled, or have been accepted for enrollment, at an accredited university, college or technical school. Several of the scholarships are available to Canadian students. Applications are due by March 30, 2015. For more information, or to apply on-line, visit www.farweb.org -- ARRL Web This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 27, 2014 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. OPN Seeks Relay Stations The Ontario Phone Net (OPN) is currently seeking stations to carry radiogram traffic to, and bring radiogram traffic from, Ontario municipalities and other radio nets. No special qualifications other than HF privileges are required. Merely check into the OPN, any evening at 7 pm Eastern on 3.745 MHz, and inform the net control station that you have traffic, or can accept traffic for some destination. For further information contact Shawn VE3PSV on-air during the OPN. -- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Special Event Station From January 5 to February 4, special event station XM3A will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Maple Leaf Flag. QSL via VE3JO. -- RAC Special Events Database 3. JOTA Participation Down The Boy Scouts of America have released a report on the 2014 Jamboree On The Air. The report shows an across the board decline in participation by Boy Scout Councils, individual Scouts, and by amateur stations. Attendance at JOTA took a big jump in 2012 with 18,566 Scouts and visitors; in 2014 the number fell to 13,326. In 2013, 173 Boy Scout Councils were active; this year only 148. But the news was not all negative. The number of Radio Merit Badges earned is growing. In 2013, there were 7,208. -- Amateur Radio Newsline 4. The Earliest Female Hams "The Mary Sue" website has a story about some of the earliest women in radio. Both amateur and commerical operators are featured, including Canadian Olive Carroll, who was an operator for the Norwegian Merchant Navy. Read it at tinyurl.com/female-hams -- ARRL Contest Update 5. NAQCC Newsletters Available The December newsletter of the North American QRP CW Club has been posted to their website. This and previous issues can be found at www.naqcc.info. The NAQCC open to any licensed radio amateur or shortwave listener (SWL) worldwide with at least some interest in CW/QRP operation. -- NAQCC web site This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications? Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 5, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. OPN Manager Appointed
The Section Managers of Ontario are pleased to announce the
appointment of Pat Dopson, VE3HZQ as the Manager of the Ontario Phone
Net, effective January 2. Mr. Dopson is the Section Traffic Manager
of the Ontario North Section and has a wealth of experience working
traffic nets in Canada and the United States.
The Section Managers also wish to thank Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV for his
commitment to the net, acting as interim Manager following the
retirement of the previous Manager. The Ontario Phone Net is the
primary traffic net for the province of Ontario and operates daily on
3.745 MHz +/- QRM at 19:00 ET.
-- George Duffield, VE3WKJ, GTA Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. NTS Traffic School on YouTube
The Los Angeles ARES group has created a three-part YouTube video
presentation called "TFC School, the Art of Passing Radio Traffic".
Session 1 can be found at tinyurl.com/tfc-school and links to
sessions 2 and 3 can be found on the right side of that page.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
3. Canadian Hellschreiber Award
The Feld Hell Club now offers the Worked All Canada award. The basic
award requires contacts in Hellschreiber with the ten Canadian
Provinces. The complete award requires additional QSO's be held
with Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Hellschreiber
was originally a mechanical mode, now sent digitally, that transmits
text using facsimile technology. It was patented by Dr. Rudolf Hell
in 1929.
You must be a member of the Feld Hell Club to be eligible, but
contacts with non-members are valid for award credit. For more
information visit tinyurl.com/Hellschreiber-Canada-Award.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Cleaning Receive Relays
Sometimes relay contacts that handle received signals (such as
transmit-receive relays) develop thin films of oxide that present a
high resistance to low voltage signals. Tom W8JI has published a
contact cleaning procedure that may help you clear up an intermittent
receive problem caused by a relay contact. View it at at
tinyurl.com/relay-cleaning
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 12, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. British Columbia QSO Party
The British Columbia QSO Party will run from 1600z Feb 2 to 0400z
Feb 3. The objective for stations outside BC is to contact as many
BC stations as you can. Full details, including rules, exchange and
multipliers, can be viewed at www.orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html [119]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Niagara Hamfest
The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold its "Big Event 35"
Flea Market and Hamfest on Saturday, February 2, at the Merriton
Community Centre, 7 Park Ave. in St. Catharines. General admission
at 9 am; talk-in on VE3NRS 147.240 (+) with 107.2 Hz tone.
For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca/content/bigevent [285]
-- RAC Events Database
3. 4-H Special Event
Special event callsign XM3Z will operate from from Coldwater,
Ontario, between 15 January and 15 February, to celebrate 100 years
of 4-H in Canada. QSL via VE3JPP.
-- VA3RJ Events Page
4. Bedford NS ARISS Contact
CBC News covered an ARISS contact between Canadian astronaut Chris
Hadfield, aboard the International Space Station, and the students
at the Charles P. Allen High School, Bedford, Nova Scotia, on
Saturday January 5. See the story at tinyurl.com/ariss-bedford
-- RAC Bulletin Service
5. Satellite Pass Predictions via APRS
The KJ4ERJ satserver will send live tracking data to your APRS radio
anywhere, anytime. For the International Space Station, just send an
APRS message to "ISS" from any APRS radio (on the national APRS
channel). If you are in range of an APRS IGate, the satserver will
respond with the time to AOS and the direction of AOS, max elevation
and LOS.
This also works for other satellites. For example, send a message to
"FO29" and get its prediciton for your location. The satserver will
use the last APRS position you have transmitted. For a full
description, visit aprsisce.wikidot.com/doc:satsrv
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 19, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Newfoundland ARISS Contact
The Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA), partnering with
the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and the Admiralty House Museum and
Archives, hosted an ARISS contact on Saturday January 12.
A group of Air Cadets in Mount Pearl had the opportunity to talk with
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield on the International Space Station.
CBC coverage of the event can be viewed at tinyurl.com/sonra-iss
Special thanks to Everett Price VO1DK, RAC Atlantic Regional Director
for the Maritimes, for facilitating this event, and to ARISS mentor
Wayne Harasimovitch VE1WPH.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Canadian Ski Marathon seeks radio operators
The Canadian Ski Marathon will take place February 9th and 10th
between Lachute and Buckingham in western Quebec - snow or shine.
The Marathon depends on ham radio volunteers to provide important and
timely safety and logistical communications for the benefit of the
skiers. The amateur radio CSM web page is at www.radio-1.ca [288] and is
up and running with 2013 information.
If you would like to volunteer this year, please email Harold
VA3UNK at radio1 (at) admin2.ca or va3unk (at) gmail.com.
Assignment requests cannot be promised, but are generally are on a
first-come, first-served basis.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Nominations Open for Hamvention Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Dayton Hamvention
Awards. Awards are granted to three individuals in the Technical
Excellence, Special Achievement, and Amateur of the Year categories,
and to one club with the Club of the Year Award.
Nomination forms, criteria, and more information may be obtained at
www.hamvention.org/awards.php [289]. Nominations must be submitted no
later than February 15, 2013
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Submitting Bulletin Items
Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming
events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief
items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address,
obm (at) ve3rhj.net. Items should be no more than twelve lines long,
and must be received by Wednesday for the next week's bulletin,
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 26, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Brunswick ARISS Contact
An International Space Station school contact was successful with
participants at Saint Rose Elementary School, Saint John, New
Brunswick on 17 January. The contact was direct between NA1SS and
VE9LC and was conducted in English. The Loyalist City Amateur Radio
Club and ARISS mentor Wayne Harasimovitch VE1WPH supported this
event.
Students in grades three to five had questions ready for
International Space Station Canadian Commander, Chris Hadfield. A
video of the contact can be found at tinyurl.com/a5fv8qk (Alpha Five
Foxtrot Victor Eight Quebec Kilo). The video is under "LifeStyle",
then select "Misc." The title is "Students talk to Space Station".
-- AMSAT News and RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Radio-Sport.Net Re-Launches
Ham radio contesting website Radio-Sport.net, long operated by Jamie
Dupree NS3T, has been re-launched under the new management of Jeff
Demers N1SNB.
The new site will support ongoing discussions and comments, and users
will be able to add opinions, news and even share photographs. It is
designed as an interactive platform for everything ham radio
contesting related.
-- Ham Radio Daily and QRZ Forums
3. QNI Traffic Newsletter
QNI is an independent newsletter by and for amateur radio traffic
handlers. It is distributed free to members of the NTS-EAN Yahoo
group. Any ham is welcome to join this group, at
groups.yahoo.com/group/NTS-EAN. The February issue, a PDF file,
can be viewed on-line at ve3gna.wordpress.com
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. AMSAT Web Site Compromised
On or about 20 January 2013, AMSAT-NA's main web site www.amsat.org [192]
was compromised by an attacker, with the contents of the supporting
database, including non-public information, posted on other publicly
available web sites. Out of an abundance of caution, the main site
was shut down. Work is underway to move to a more secure
infrastructure. In the interim, www.amsat.org [192] will have limited
content.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 2, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Burlington Flea Market
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Spring Flea Market
Saturday, February 23, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 828 Legion Road
in Burlington. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3RSB
repeater, 147.210 (+) 131.8 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.barc.ca [294]
-- RAC Events Database
2. GAREC 2013
The 2013 Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference (GAREC) will be
held in Zurich, Switzerland from June 25th to 28th. The topics will
include the relevance of Amateur Radio Emergency Communication in the
'first world,' and the HAMNET high speed data network. There will
also be presentations from the three regions of the IARU and talks by
groups with recent experience in disaster relief communications.
More information on the venue, registration, and agenda can be found
on-line at www.garec2013.ch [295].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. SWL Contest Logging Software
Marek SP7DQR has released version 1.2.0 of SWL_DQR_Log, a contest
logging program for SWLs. The program can be used in at least 90% of
the international contests having a SWL section. Download it at
tinyurl.com/sp7dqr (Sierra Papa Seven Delta Quebec Romeo)
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. RigReference.com
The website RigReference.com calls itself the "reference guide for
ham radio equipment." Currently it has photos and descriptions for
over 3000 rigs, and manuals for nearly 300, from 155 different
manufacturers -- new and old.
-- ARRL Web
5. International Space Station Calendar
A free 2013 NASA Calendar, featuring images from the International
Space Station, can be downloaded at tinyurl.com/iss-2013-calendar
It's a 4.6 megabyte PDF file.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 9, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Director Election / Appointments
Mr. William (Bill) Gipps, VE7XS was recently acclaimed as the RAC
Director for British Columbia/Yukon, from January 1, 2013 to December
31, 2014. Mr. Gipps ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a
balloted election.
Mr. Everett Price, VO1DK was recently acclaimed as the RAC Director
for Atlantic, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. Mr. Price
ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election.
Mr. Derek Hay, VE4HAY was recently appointed as the RAC Director for
Midwest. Mr. Hay has generously stepped forward to continue his RAC
Director's role after there were no eligible nominees resulting from
a second call for nominations. His term will end on December 31,
2014.
Congratulations are extended to all three gentlemen.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Ontario-South Section Traffic Manager Appointed
Mr. James Davidson, VE3TPZ / VA3WR has accepted the appointment of
Section Traffic Manager in the Ontario-South Section. James is a
former Manager of the Ontario Phone Net and is active in the ARES
program. Congratulations James.
-- Ian Snow VA3QT, ONS Section Manager
3. TPN Seeks Net Controllers
The Trans-Provincial Net is seeking net controllers. TPN meets daily
on 7.055 MHz, lower sideband, from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. If you
can help by taking a regular shift, please contact Shawn VE3PSV,
from 3 to 4 pm any day on the TPN, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Free Download of ITU Radio Regulations
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is offering an
electronic version of the 2012 International Radio Regulations at no
charge. These regulations incorporate the decisions of the World
Radiocommunication Conferences WRC-95, WRC-97, WRC-2000, WRC-03,
WRC-07 and WRC-12. Article 25 defines the Amateur Radio Service.
You can download the file at www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2012 [298].
-- ARRL Web
5. Field Day 2013 Packet Available
Field Day is June 22-23, and the ARRL Field Day Packet is now
available for download at www.arrl.org/fieldday [299] . The packet includes
the complete 2013 rules, forms, ARRL Section abbreviation list, entry
submission instructions, guidelines for getting bonus points,
instructions for Get-On-The-Air stations, a publicity kit, and a
"What is Field Day" flyer for clubs and individuals to reproduce.
New for 2013: Stations operating as Class A or B may begin setting up
at 0000 UTC on Friday (Thursday 8 PM Eastern Time). The groups may
start and stop their set-up, resuming the set-up later, but may spend
only a maximum of 24 hours cumulative time for setting up their
sites.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 16, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. TCA Correction
A recent issue of The Canadian Amateur incorrectly lists IRLP node
9034 for the Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter Net. The correct
node is IRLP node 9038, and also Echolink node VE3ZHR-L 591897. The
net meets on Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM Eastern Time and will
either have a roundtable topic or connect to the Skywarn Hurricane
Prep Net at 8:00 PM. For more information, or to join the mailing
list, email Gord VA3WXA, blindgordie (at) gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. North American QRP CW Club
The North American QRP CW Club (NAQCC) is open to radio amateur or
SWL worldwide with at least some interest in CW/QRP operation. There
are no dues or membership fees. Encouraging use of CW and helping
all hams increase CW speed and proficiency is a top club priority.
The club runs several weekly slow-speed nets, and monthly sprints.
For more information vist www.naqcc.info [221]
-- NAQCC Web Page
3. Noise Blankers Hijinks Site
Be sure to check out the "Ham Hijinks" page on the Noise Blankers'
web site. The Arkansas group writes fictional and satirical news
items, like the recent one blaming ham radio for the Super Bowl
blackout. Find their latest jokes at www.noiseblankers.com/hijinks [302]
-- Ham Radio Daily and QRZ.com forums
4. Multi-purpose Portable Satellite Station
Ivo Klinkert PA1IVO has posted an article describing his relatively
simple, portable setup to work amateur radio low-earth orbit
satellites. This is an expansion of his talk at the AMSAT-UK
Colloquium. Read it at tinyurl.com/ivok-sat
-- AMSAT News
5. Understanding Wave Behaviour
The wonderful and timeless Bell Labs training film, "Similarities in
Wave Behavior," hosted by Dr J.N. Shive, is now available online as a
28-minute YouTube video. The mechanical version of a transmission
line is used to show velocity of propagation, reflections, standing
waves, and other phenomena. If you've ever been mystified at how SWR
"works", watch this video. See it at tinyurl.com/att-waves
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 23, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. GTA West DEC Appointed
Glenn Marrett, VE3CEZ, has been appointed as the District Emergency
Coordinator for Peel and Halton Regions (GTA West) in the Ontario GTA
Section.
Licensed in 1994, Glenn brings much experience to the position. He's
served as Emergency Coordinator for Milton ARES and before that was
involved with Peel ARES. He is currently part of Oakville ARES. Glenn
has been a CANWARN net controller for 13 years, a participant in
various SET's, Field Day events both group and individual, Winter
Field Day, and has provided radio support for a number of local
charitable events.
Congratulations Glenn, and welcome to the team.
-- Rick Harrison, VA3NV, GTA SEC
2. Oakville EC Appointed
George Davis, VE3OGP, was recently appointed as Emergency Coordinator
for Oakville ARES.
Licensed in 1983, George has been a member of Oakville ARES for the
past 23 years and has served as an Assistant Emergency Coordinator
with that group for the past 7 years.
-- Rick Harrison, VA3NV, GTA SEC
3. Help Needed for Burlington Event
Burlington ARES is looking for radio operators to help with
communications for the Chilly Half Marathon charity event in
Burlington on Sunday March 3. The event raises funds for the Joseph
Brant Memorial Hospital.
If you are available to help please contact Burlington ARES Emergency
Coordinator Kevin Andrews, VA3KRA by email, va3kra (at) cogeco.ca
-- Rick Harrison, VA3NV, GTA SEC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Postal Service Special Events
Two special event stations will commemorate the 250th Anniversary of
Formalized Postal Service in Canada. From February 28 to March 28,
listen for call sign VX3Z, QSL via VE3JPP. From March 9 to April 7,
call sign CF3A will operate, QSL via VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Maritime Storm Response
Amateur radio operators responded to the blizzard that hit the
northeast U.S. and Atlantic Canada on Saturday, February 9th.
On Friday morning the call was made to activate CANWARN in Nova
Scotia and Prince Edward Island. At 8 a.m. Saturday morning, Net
Control began operations by linking up 13 repeaters throughout Nova
Scotia through the MAVCOM system, IRLP, Echolink and HF operations on
3.770 MHz. CANWARN spotters were asked to record snowfall amounts
each hour, visibility, wind speed, direction and storm surge.
Over the next 12 hours Net Control recorded close to 200 messages.
Environment Canada advised that the net could be closed after the
high tide at 10 pm. The net activated again Sunday morning for only
one hour to take damage reports.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
6. Winnipeg ARISS Contact
On February 13, an International Space Station contact was made with
participants at Chief Peguis Junior High School, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This is a grade 7-9 school with about 550 students and staff. The
contact was made with a telebridge between NA1SS and VK5ZAI.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 2, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Brit Fader Scholarship Call for Applications
The Brit Fader Scholarship is for assistance with the cost of
tuition, room, board, books and/or other fees at an accredited
Canadian post-secondary technical school, college or university.
An applicant must be a Canadian Citizen, without regard to gender,
race, national origin, handicap status or any other factor. The
applicant must be performing at a high academic level, and must hold
an active Basic Class or higher Canadian Amateur Radio license.
Preference is given to applicants who have been accepted into a
program in the field of electronics or electrical engineering, or
related area.
An application package can be downloaded at www.Halifax-arc.org; [307]
follow the link under the "Education" tab. Application submissions
must be postmarked no later than July 12th, 2013.
-- via D. Howard Dickson, VE1DHD
2. RAC Field Organization seeks Secretary
The RAC Field Organization National Secretariat and the CFSO Council
is seeking an individual to join the organization as Secretary.
Duties for the position are: recording the minutes of all monthly
teleconferences; distribution of minutes to Section Managers,
Advisers and members of the groups in a timely manner; preparing
monthly teleconference agendas in consultation with the CFSO;
maintaining control of relevant documents; and maintaining an up to
date nominal roll of all active participants.
If you are an individual who would like to apply for this important
volunteer position, please contact Chief Field Services Officer Doug
Mercer via email, dougvo1dtm (at) gmail.com.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM, RAC CFSO
3. RAC seeks Regulatory Affairs Officer
Radio Amateurs of Canada is seeking an organized, knowledgeable and
diplomatic individual to undertake the role of Regulatory Affairs
Officer. This is a senior executive level position reporting to the
President. The position has a key role in managing our relationship
with Industry Canada. This includes monitoring and analyzing
Industry Canada initiatives, generating policy options and advising
IC of RAC's position on issues of importance to our members.
In the interim, Mr. Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM, has taken on the duties
of Regulatory Affairs Officer. Mr. MacFarquhar will continue in the
role of Vice President but will be assisted in that role by Mr. Doug
Mercer, VO1DTM.
-- via Geoff Bawden VE4BAW, President and Chair, RAC
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Weather Net Name Change
The "Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter" has changed its name to "The
Weather Newsletter," and the net will now be known as The Weather
Newsletter Net. This is to emphasize that Weather Radio isn't the
only topic. The net will continue to meet Saturdays at 7 pm Eastern
Time, on IRLP node 9038, and Echolink node VE3ZHR-L 591897.
The latest issue of the newsletter is now out. If you would like to
join the mailing list, send an email to Gord VA3WXA at blindgordie
(at) gmail.com and you will be sent all issues of the newsletter as
well as monthly reports.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 9, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Planning Session
This February the Board and Executive of RAC met in Ottawa to develop
the planning context for 2013 and 2014 and the vision for RAC over
next five years.
Over the course of the next few months we will be undertaking
regional "webinars" with Club Presidents and Field Service members,
chaired by the President and the local Regional Director. At these
meetings we will discuss our plans for 2012/2013 in more
detail.
More information will come out in The Canadian Amateur and the RAC
Report so stay tuned.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Amateur Radio Exam Revisions
Radio Amateurs of Canada has been contracted by Industry Canada to
review the questions used for Canadian amateur radio examinations.
The work began on 28 January, based in part on responses received
from the amateur community last summer, and will be delivered to
Industry Canada on 17 April. Radio Amateurs du Quebec Inc. (RAQI) is
working with RAC on the French language component. Industry Canada
will make the final decision on all revisions.
The curriculum for the qualifications (Basic and Advanced) is
not changing, so while individual questions may be changed the main
areas of knowledge required for certification will not change.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Ham-Ex 2013
The Peel and Mississauga Amateur Radio Clubs will hold the Ham-Ex
hamfest on Saturday, March 23, at the Brampton Fall Fair Grounds,
12942 Heart Lake Road in Brampton. Exhibits open 8 am, flea market
opens 9 am. Talk-in on VE3PRC 146.88(-) with no tone, and also
VE3MIS 145.43(-) with 103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit
www.ham-ex.ca [310]
-- RAC Events Database
4. Laval Hamfest
LAVAL HAMFEST 2013 --- (108 days from now) The Club Radio Amateur
Laval - Laurentides will hold its 2013 hamfest on Saturday, March 23,
at Georges-Vanier High School, 3995 Boulevard Levesque E. in Laval,
Quebec (just north of Montreal). General admission at 9 am; talk-in
on VE2REL repeater, 147.315(+) no tone. For more information visit
www.ve2crl.qc.ca [311]
-- RAC Events Database
5. FAR Scholarship Applications Open
The Foundation for Amateur Radio is now accepting applications for
scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year. Licensed Radio Amateurs
who compete for these awards must be planning to pursue a full time
course of studies beyond high school and be enrolled, or have been
accepted for enrollment, at an accredited university, college or
technical school. Non-US residents are eligible to apply for some of
the scholarships.
Applications must be received by April 15th. For additional
information and an application form, visit www.farweb.org [312]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
6. "Last Man Standing" features Ham Radio
In an episode scheduled to air Friday, March 15, the hit ABC comedy
Last Man Standing -- starring Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, KA0XTT --
will feature a secondary ham radio storyline. This is the first time
that the show will highlight Amateur Radio in its plot.
In the episode, Mike's daughter Mandy uses Mike's basement shack to
make faraway friends. The home shack is a brand new set built just
for this episode. The ARRL provided many of the awards and
certificates that appear on the shack wall.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 16, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Field Organization meets with Industry Canada
Following up on last year's Canadian Amateur Radio Advisory Board
meeting, RAC recently met with Industry Canada in Ottawa. During the
meeting RAC described the Field Organization Review Project and our
Training Working Group. Industry Canada presented an outline of their
District Emergency Telecommunications (DET) emergency telecom
organization. They also explained their initiatives relating to use
of their HF radio system, voice and digital for exercises, regular
drills and emergencies. IC expressed an interest in building on
their interactions in this area with RAC members.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. IARU GlobalSET
This is a reminder that this year's IARU GlobalSET takes place April
13 and April 20. If you plan to participate, please note that you
must register by contacting the RAC Vice President of Field Services,
vo1dtm (at) rac.ca. This is a great opportunity to practise your
traffic passing skills.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. GLETN Time Change Update
Effective March 10th, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is
holding its main net at 8:30 pm, Eastern Time. The "pre-net" will
start at 8 pm. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365 nights a year. All
amateurs are welcome.
-- Grant Watson K8VFZ, via Shawn VE3PSV
4. Nominations Open for ARRL Awards
Nominations are now open for the ARRL Technical and Educational
awards. The nomination deadline for most of these awards is March
31st. For more information, and nomination forms, visit
tinyurl.com/arrl-awards-2013
-- ARRL Web
5. Canadian DMR C-Bridge Launches
On February 23rd, Canada took its first step toward the creation of a
national amateur radio DMR network with the launch of the first
inter-provincial DMR networking server. This server, known commonly
as a "c-Bridge," will serve as a network hub for Canadian amateur
radio DMR repeaters, allowing them to reliably link to one another
and to the larger DMR-MARC global network using the Internet.
The Canadian c-Bridge is located in Montreal and is currently
supporting several DMR repeaters in Ontario and Quebec, including the
VA3XPR digital DMR repeater located in downtown Toronto. For more
information see tinyurl.com/dmr-c-bridge
-- via Ham Radio Daily and eHam.net News
6. Canadian ARISS Contacts
On February 22, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) contact was made with with participants at Uplands Elementary
School, Penticton, BC. The contact began at approximately 19:36 UTC
and lasted 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact was a telebridge
between OR4ISS and IK1SLD.
On March 7, an ARISS contact was completed with the Stonepark
Intermediate School, Charlottetown, PEI. The contact was direct
between NA1SS and VY2PEI.
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 23, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Ontario East Seeks SEC
Effective immediately, Scott Carter, VE3CGN has resigned as the
interim Section Emergency Coordinator for Ontario East Section.
Scott is stepping down so he can fully focus on the growing ARES
activities in Ontario South Section.
I wish to thank Scott for being the acting SEC, giving me time to
settle into my job as SM. Finding a good SEC with experience and
dedication is no easy task and I appreciate the help that Scott has
given this Section. With that said, I will be looking for someone to
become the SEC for Ontario East Section.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Iroquois Fleamarket
The Iroquois Amateur Radio Club will hold its 17th Annual Fleamarket
on Saturday, April 6, at the Iroquois Civic Centre, 1 Dundas Street,
in Iroquois. Take exit 738 Off highway 401. Open to the public at 9
a.m., admission is free. Talk-in on VE3IRO repeater, 145.290. Email
inquiries to va3nc@rac.ca [317].
-- RAC Events Database
3. Young Ham of the Year Nominations Open
Nominations are now open for the 2013 Amateur Radio Newsline Young
Ham of the Year Award. The award recognizes a radio amateur age 18
or younger for his or her accomplishments in service to the nation,
his or her community, or to the advancement of the amateur radio
state of the art. Nominees must reside in the United States, U.S.
possessions, or any of the 10 Canadian provinces.
Complete details, rules and a required nominating form in PDF format
can be found online at www.arnewsline.org/yhoty [180]. Nominations must be
received by May 30, 2013.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. "Modern Amateur Radio" video
Modern Amateur Radio is the title of a new, bi-lingual video produced
by Donald Boucher, VE2XT. Boucher, who owns a video production
company in Montreal, put the show together in full wide screen High
Definition and it includes some truly breathtaking aerial footage of
the Canadian countryside.
What makes Modern Amateur Radio unique is its international flavor.
While the narration is in English most of the natural sound
background conversations are in French. You can see it for yourself
at tinyurl.com/modern-amateur-radio
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. PSK-31 Code Accepted by ITU
The code behind the popular PSK-31 digital mode has now been
officially endorsed by the International Telecommunication Union and
given its own "recommendation" number. The ARRL reports that the
technical characteristics of "Varicode," developed by Peter Martinez,
G3PLX, in the 1990s and which serves as the underpinning of PSK-31,
has been officially enshrined by the ITU as Recommendation ITU-R
M.2034, Telegraphic Alphabet for Data Communication by Phase Shift
Keying at 31 Baud in the Amateur and Amateur Satellite Services.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 30, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Section Managers reaffirm support of NTS
Section Managers representing all RAC Sections coast to coast
concluded discussions recently regarding NTS (National Traffic
System), and they confirmed ongoing support of NTS encouraging
operators to continue to support NTS by passing traffic on a regular
basis. NTS digital and Win link 2000 is the preferred system for ARES
Units to remain interoperable and functional in a digital world and
operators who have digital capability are encouraged to keep the
system busy.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM, RAC Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Montreal Spring Fleamarket
The Montreal Amateur Radio Club will hold its spring fleamarket on
Saturday, April 13, at Royal Canadian Legion Hall Branch #212, 7771
Bouvier (Corner of Shevchenko), Ville LaSalle, Quebec. General
admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE2BG repeater, 147.060 (+). For more
information visit www.marc.qc.ca [166]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Young Ham of the Year Update
Last week's bulletin mentioned that amateurs from the "10 Canadian
Provinces" could be nominated for Young Ham of the Year Award. In
response to a query, Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has confirmed that young
hams from the three Canadian territories -- Yukon, Nunavut, and
Northwest Territories -- are also eligible. The deadline is May 30;
for more information visit www.arnewsline.org/yhoty [180]
-- Bill Pasternak and Amateur Radio Newsline
4. World Amateur Radio Day April 18
April 18 is World Amateur Radio Day, commemorating the founding of
the International Amateur Radio Union on that day in 1925. 2013 is
also the 100th anniversary of the first recorded instance of amateur
radio providing communications in a natural disaster, during a 1913
flood in the U.S. Accordingly, the theme of this year's World
Amateur Radio Day is "Amateur Radio: Entering Its Second Century of
Disaster Communications." IARU member societies are encouraged to
arrange demonstrations and public displays during this week.
-- IARU News
5. CANWARN Training April 16-20
CANWARN training will be offered on the following dates:
Leamington, April 16, 7 PM, at the Kinsmen Recreational Complex, 249
Sherk St.
Sarnia, April 17, 7 PM, at the Upper Hall Clearwater Arena, 1400
Wellington St.
London, April 18, 7 PM, at Fanshawe College Building T Room T1003,
1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. Free parking at any metered spots on
campus after 6 PM
Hamilton, April 20, 9 AM, at the Nash Auditorium, Chedoke Hospital,
Sanatorium Road. Free parking in lot across from the auditorium.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending. For those attending the Sarnia
session, please RSVP directly to Bill Hoad at bhoad (at) xcelco.on.ca
6. Smartphone-based Ham Satellite Now in Orbit
The University of Surrey has launched the UK's first cubesat, called
STRaND-1. The satellite is built around a Google Nexus One smartphone
with an Android operating system. It has a 9600 bps AX.25 packet
radio downlink on 437.568 MHz. The purpose of the project was to
demonstrate the feasibility of using a smartphone to control a
spacecraft. For more information visit tinyurl.com/cum2rm8 (Charlie
Uniform Mike Two Romeo Mike Eight).
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 6, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Ken Pulfer VE3PU, Silent Key
J. Kenneth Pulfer, VE3PU, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 31
after a long illness. He was 80. Pulfer has served as RAC's
Secretary, Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President for Government
Affairs, and Vice President for International Affairs. In 2009
Pulfer became Chairman of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector's Working
Party 5A Working Group 1, which addresses Amateur and Amateur-
Satellite services. He served as an IARU Technical Representative
for 15 years, culminating with the 2012 World Radiocommunication
Conference (WRC-12). For more details, visit tinyurl.com/ve3pu-sk
-- ARRL Web
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Ontario East seeks SEC
The Ontario East Section is looking for a Section Emergency
Coordinator (SEC). The candidate should have previous experience as
a District Emergency Coordinator (DEC), but consideration will be
given to an experienced and dedicated Emergency Coordinator (EC) who
understands the bigger picture of ARES.
This position requires a self-motivated and personable ham with
leadership skills and administrative abilities. If you are
interested in this position, please contact Section Manager Michael
Hickey, ve3ipc (at) rac.ca, or telephone 613-679-4474.
-- Michael Hickey, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Durham Region Hamfest
The South Pickering ARC and North Shore ARC will hold their annual
hamfest on Saturday, April 20, at the Pickering Recreation Complex,
1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering. General admission at 9 am; talk-in
on VE3SPA repeater 147.375 (+) no tone. For more information visit
drhamfest.tripod.com.
-- RAC Events Database
4. 2013 Ontario QSO Party
The 16th Annual Ontario QSO Party will be held from 1800Z April 20 to
0500Z April 21, and 1200Z to 1800Z April 21. Stations outside
Ontario contact as many Ontario stations as they can. Ontario
stations contact as many amateur radio stations as possible both in
Ontario and world-wide. For rules, county multipliers, and more
information, visit www.va3cco.com/oqp [167]
-- Contest Club Ontario
5. Orangeville Basic Course
The Dufferin County ARES group will hold a Basic Amateur
Qualification Course starting April 22 at the Edelbrock room, 30
Centre Street in Orangeville. The course will run Monday from 7 to 9
pm for 10 weeks, with the Industry Canada exam on the last week. For
more information, email Jason Miles, ve3tyg (at) rac.ca
-- RAC Events Database
6. CANWARN Training April 27
CANWARN training will be offered on April 27 at the following
locations:
Orillia, 9 AM, at the Rama Fire Hall, 7454 Williams Road in Rama.
Ottawa, 9 AM, at the Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave. in Nepean.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 13, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Field Organization on Twitter
To help to improve communications to our ARES members, the RAC Field
Organization is taking advantage of Twitter. Watch us at
"RACARES@ares_rac" for appointment updates and other ARES news.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM, RAC Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. CANWARN Training April 25 and May 1-4
CANWARN training will be offered at the following locations:
Wingham, April 25, 1 PM, at North Huron Wescast Community Complex,
Hot Stove Lounge, 99 Kerr Drive.
Exeter, April 25, 7 PM, at the Exeter Firehall, 55 William Street.
Kitchener, May 1, 7 PM, at Bingemans Conference Centre, 425 Bingemans
Centre Drive.
Toronto, May 4, 9 AM, at Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905
Dufferin St.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
3. CW Operators Special Event
From May 1 to May 31, special event call signs VX2X and XM3X have
been authorized to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the First
Class CW Operators Club. QSL via VE3HX.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. George Hart W1NJM Silent Key
George Hart, W1NJM passed away Sunday, March 24. He was 99. An ARRL
Charter Life Member, Hart spent more than four decades as a member of
the ARRL Headquarters staff. In 1984, he was named an ARRL Honorary
Vice President.
Hart may be best known to Canadians for his development of the
National Traffic System (NTS) in 1949. He was inducted into the CQ
Hall of Fame in 2010 for his contributions to the NTS, and since 2009
the ARRL has awarded the George Hart Distinguished Service Award
annually for exemplary service to the ARRL Field Organization.
-- ARRL Web
5. Hammond Mfg. to Take Over Peter Dahl Transformer Line
Hammond Manufacturing of Guelph, Ontario and Cheektowaga, New York,
is the new manufacturer of the Peter Dahl line of transformers.
Since Dahl's death several years ago, Peter Dahl transformers have
been manufactured by Harbach Electronics. Harbach announced early
this year that they would stop making the transformers, and has
entered into an agreement for Hammond to acquire the product line.
The deal was to be completed by March 31.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 20, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. CANWARN Training May 8
CANWARN training will be offered in Toronto on May 8, at 7 pm, at
Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin St. Please RSVP by
email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca if you plan to attend.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
2. Toronto Amateur Radio Course
The Central Toronto Amateur Radio Club offers a variety of amateur
radio certification courses throughout the year. The next Basic
Qualification course begins on May 1 and runs for 10 weeks. For more
information, visit www.va3cta.net/get-a-licence [326]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Smiths Falls Flea Market
The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club will hold its 29th Flea Market
on Saturday, May 11, at the Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club,
Old Sly's Road, in Smiths Falls. This is the same location as last
year. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3RLR repeater, 147.21
(+). For more information visit ve3rlr.dyndns.org
-- RAC Events Database
4. Canadian ARISS Contacts
On April 6, an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) Contact was made with participants at 820 Chris Hadfield
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, Milton, Ontario, starting at about
20:25 UTC. The contact was by a telebridge between NA1SS and LU8YY.
On April 9, an ARISS Contact was made with participants at Sir George
Simpson Jr. High, Albert, AB, starting at approximately 20:00 UTC,
lasting for about 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact was a
telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD.
On April 12, an ARISS Contact was made with participants at Innalik
School, Inukjuak, Nunavut, starting at approximately 17:30 UTC,
lasting for about 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact was a
telebridge between OR4ISS and IK1SLD.
-- AMSAT News Service
5. Radio Amateurs at the Boston Marathon
Over 200 Amateur Radio operators participated in communications for
the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15. This year's marathon will
be remembered for the bombings that took place at the finish line.
Steve Schwarm, W3EVE, reports that "Within minutes, cell phone
systems became overloaded and making phone calls and text messages
was difficult. Amateur Radio operators performed communication duties
under duress and performed admirably. No Amateur Radio volunteers
were injured on the course in this terrible act."
For a more detailed report of the amateur radio response, visit
tinyurl.com/br52dun (Bravo Romeo Five Two Delta Uniform November).
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 27, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. CANWARN Training May 14 and 15
CANWARN training will be offered at the following locations:
Peterborough, May 14, 7 PM, at the Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
North.
Dufferin County, May 15, 7 PM, at the Centre Dufferin Recreational
Complex, 200 Fiddlepark Lane, in Shelburne.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
2. Weather Newsletter Needs a New Web Home
Recently the Weather Newsletter has been on the Maritime Amateur
website. However, it has been removed to streamline that site. Due
to this development, there is no place on the Internet where all the
issues published can be found.
If you can spare web space for the newsletter and some other Weather
Radio related material please email Gord VA3WXA, blindgordie (at)
gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
3. Canadian ARISS Contacts
On April 17, the International Space Station made an amateur radio
contact with participants at John McCrae High School, Nepean,
Ontario. The contact was completed via telebridge between OR4ISS and
IK1SLD.
On April 23, the ISS contacted participants at Gray Mountain Primary
School, Whitehorse, Yukon. The contact was completed via telebridge
with IK1SLD.
-- AMSAT News
4. Web-based Software Defined Radio
Chris Moulding G4HYG has made a web-based Software Defined Radio
available on the new RSGB website. With a web browser that supports
Java and Javascript you can listen to any frequency in the 5, 7 and
14 MHz bands from the receiver's location in Bolton, England. Find
it at tinyurl.com/rsgb-sdr
-- AMSAT News
5. 3830scores Web Site
There is a new contest score reporting service at the improved and
upgraded 3830scores.com website, managed by Bruce Horn, WA7BNM. You
can view a summary of contest activity from any call sign, including
for the operators of multi-op entries, for the past few years, and
compare activity from contest-to-contest, too. Find it at
www.3830scores.com [329].
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 4, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC completes Exam Review
RAC and RAQI have completed the second and final phase of the
Industry Canada contract to review the Canadian amateur radio
examination questions. The curriculum has not changed. Rather, the
review concentrated on the accuracy and clarity of the questions and
answers, taking special care that the English and French versions
conveyed the same information. Industry Canada will make the final
decision on all changes, and will publish updated question banks.
For more details visit blog.rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. CANWARN Training May 21 to 26
CANWARN training will be offered at the following locations:
Fort Erie, May 21, 7 PM, at the Fire Station, 444 Central Avenue.
Sudbury, May 25, 9 AM, at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, 239 Montee
Principale, in Azilda.
Belleville, May 25, 10 AM, at the Belleville Library, 3rd Floor
Conference Room, 254 Pinnacle Street.
Espanola, May 26, 1 PM, at the Pinewood Inn, 378 Centre St.
Elliot Lake, May 26, 7 PM, at the Renaissance Centre, 20 Veterans Way.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
3. XL3T Special Event
From May 24 to June 23, special event station XL3T will commemorate
the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Arctic Expedition. QSL via
VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events database
4. New Amateur Satellites in Orbit
On April 19, OSSI-1 from the Open Source Satellite Initiative was
deployed. Listen for CW beacon on 145.980 MHz CW, and 1200 baud
packet on 437.525 MHz. More information at www.opensat.cc [332].
On April 26, CubeBug-1 and TURKSAT-3USAT were launched on a Long
March CZ-2D rocket. CubeBug-1, from Argentina, is the first
demonstration mission for a new open-source CubeSat platform design.
Listen for 1200 baud packet on 437.445 MHz, callsign LU1VZ-11.
Please send reception reports to cubebug1 (at) satellogic.com. Their
website is 1.cubebug.org (that's the digit "1", not "www").
TURKSAT-3USAT, from the Turkish Amateur Satellite Technologies
Organisation, has an inverting V/U linear transponder supporting
SSB/CW communications. The transponder input is 145.940-145.990 MHz
and the output is 435.200-435.250 MHz. On 437.225 MHz is either a CW
beacon or 9600 baud AFSK. Read more at tinyurl.com/TurkeyTAMSAT
-- AMSAT News
5. Radio Foxtrot 100
Tony Bond, EI9GMB, says he is again operating Radio Foxtrot 100, an
internet radio station that has topics related to ham radio in
addition to its music programming. Find it at www.foxtrot100.info [333].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 11, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Radio Amateur of the Year
Scott Wood, VE1QD of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been selected as the
Canadian Radio Amateur of the Year for 2012. Scott has been a ham for
sixty years, and his local, regional, and international leadership is
recognized with this award -- in particular, his commitment to
excellence in the area of Amateur Radio DXing through the
establishment and management of the Maritime DX Forum for eight
consecutive years.
A presentation will be made to Scott by the RAC President at the
Dayton Hamvention, and a more detailed article will appear in The
Canadian Amateur.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Brit Fader Scholarship Call for Applications
The Brit Fader Scholarship provides assistance with the cost of
tuition, room, board, books and/or other fees essential to the
post-secondary education of the recipient.
The applicant must be a Canadian Citizen, must hold a Basic Class or
higher Canadian Amateur Radio license, and must be performing at a
high academic level. Preference is given to applicants who have been
accepted into a program in the field of electronics or electrical
engineering, or related area.
Application submissions must be postmarked no later than July 12th.
An application package may be downloaded from the Halifax Amateur
Radio Club webiste, www.Halifax-arc.org [336].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. CANWARN Training May 27 to 31
CANWARN training will be offered at the following locations:
Sault Ste. Marie, May 27, 7 PM, at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie, 208
St. Mary's Drive.
Timmins, May 29, 7 PM, at the Holiday Inn, 30 Algonquin Blvd West.
North Bay, May 31, 6:30 PM, at the OPP Communications Centre, 877
Gormanville Road.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
4. SS Keewatin Special Event
Amateur station VA3VGC, on board the SS Keewatin, will be active for
the Museum Ships Weekend Event (MSWE), June 1 and 2. Operation will be
from 8 am to 6 pm Eastern Time. Frequencies are listed on the event
web page, www.nj2bb.org/museum [337].
After decades in Michigan as a tourist attraction, the "Kee" returned
to its home port in Port McNicoll last year. Local hams are helping
to restore the original radio room, and will install a permanent
amateur station during this season. For more information about the
station visit tinyurl.com/keewatin; for ship information visit
www.sskeewatin.com [338].
-- Dave Krull, VA3DK
5. Canadian ARISS Contacts
On March 26, The Laval Laurentides A.R.C. under the call VE2CRL made
their second International Space Station (ISS) contact. Station
commander Chris Hadfield spoke with students at Des Cardinaux School,
Sainte-Rose, Laval, Quebec, via telebridge between NA1SS and K6DUE.
The contact lasted about 10 minutes 30 seconds.
On April 25, the ISS contacted participants at Maani Ulujuk
Ilinniarvik, Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, via telebridge between OR4ISS and
IK1SLD. The contact lasted approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds.
On April 29, the ISS contacted Polyvalente de Black Lake, Thetford
Mines, Quebec. The 9 minute contact was direct between NA1SS and
VA2VDL, and was audible over portions of eastern Canada.
On May 3, the ISS conacted participants at Hay River, NWT, via
telebridge between NA1SS and VK4KHZ. The contact lasted 9 minutes
and 30 seconds.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 18, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Planning Webinars
On May 1st, RAC held the first in a series of webinars with club
presidents and Field Organization volunteers to discuss the
activities of RAC from January 2010 to date and RAC's goals and
2013/14 plans. This first webinar was in the Atlantic region. For a
brief summary, visit the RAC Blog, blog.rac.ca
Over the next couple of months we will have webinars with each
Region. The next will be for Northern and Eastern Ontario with
Director Bill Unger, VE3XT. Invitations will be going out shortly.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Eastern Ontario ARES District meeting
DEC Lance Peterson, VA3LP has scheduled his first ARES District
meeting to be held in the City of Clarence-Rockland (just east of
Ottawa) for May 25. Lance will be inviting the leadership teams of
each ARES group within his District. He is also inviting other
interested persons to attend. Besides a discussion on the Mutual Aid
plan for ARES, there will be a focus on how ICS-213 Message
Manager/Outpost can be presented to clients as a useful Emcomm tool.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. CANWARN Training May 27 to 31
The final 2013 CANWARN training sessions will be offered at the
following locations:
Sault Ste. Marie, May 27, 7 PM, at the Delta Sault Ste. Marie, 208
St. Mary's Drive.
Thunder Bay, June 3, 7 PM, at the McIntyre Building, Room 274,
Confederation College, 950 William St.
Atikokan, June 4, 7 PM, at the Atikokan Fire Hall, 101 Goodwin St.
Fort Frances/Emo, June 5, 7 PM, at the Emo-Lavallee Community Centre,
78 Colonization Road, Emo.
Renfrew, June 5, 6:30 PM, at the Best Western, 760 Gibbons Road.
Kenora, June 6, 7 PM, at the Fire and Emergency Services Training
Centre, 100 14th Street North.
Dryden, June 7, 7 PM, at the Dryden Fire Hall, 189 Colonization Ave
South.
Please RSVP by email to canwarn.ontario (at) ec.gc.ca with the
session you plan on attending.
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
4. Central Ontario Hamfest
On Sunday, June 2, the Guelph ARC and Kitchener-Waterloo ARC will
hold their Central Ontario Hamfest and Fleamarket, at the Waterloo
Regional Police Association Recreation Centre R.R. 2, 1199 Rife Rd.,
North Dumfries Township, near Cambridge. General admission at 9 am;
talk-in on VE3KSR 146.970 (-) with 131.8 Hz tone, and 146.520
simplex. For more information visit www.hamfest.on.ca [195]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Bread and Honey Special Event
On June 1st and 2nd, the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will operate
a special event station at the Streetsville Bread and Honey
Festival. Operation will be SSB on 7.300 and 14.240 MHz +/- QRM,
from 1400 to 2000 UTC both Saturday and Sunday. Send requests for QSL
cards to MARC, c/o Michael Brickell, VE3TKI, 2801 Bucklepost
Crescent, Mississauga, ON, L5N 1X6, with an SASE.
-- RAC Events Database
6. Arctic Expedition Special Events
From June 1 to July 1, two special call signs will commemorate the
100th Anniversary of the 1913-1916 Canadian Arctic Expedition.
Station CK3C will operate 10m, 20m, and 40m during the month -- find
information online at events.ve3rhe.ca/ck3c, and QSL via VE3RHE.
Station XM3A will also be active; QSL via VE3JPP. Both call signs
will be active during the Canada Day Contest.
-- RAC Special Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 25, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Foundation Grants
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) is seeking applications for grants
from amateurs across Canada in the following categories: Scholastic
Grants for deserving Amateur Radio Operators; Research Grants for
research and development related to Amateur Radio; Community Grants
for charitable institutions, senior homes, and youth centres; and
Emergency Grants for radio equipment for emergency service groups
We are especially interested in awarding grants to young amateurs at
the College or University level studying Electrical Engineering, or
another Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics program.
Send your College or University name, recent transcript, Amateur
Radio Certificate and a brief biography to RAC. For details and
application forms visit tinyurl.com/rac-grants
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. VE3RCN on air for Museum Ships Weekend
On June 1 and 2, the retired Canadian submarine HMCS Ojibwa will join
95 other museum vessels around the world for the Museum Ships Weekend
amateur radio event. Operation will be primarly SSB and CW using
call sign VE3RCN (Royal Canadian Navy). For more information about
the event visit www.nj2bb.org/museum [337]
-- RAC Events Database
3. WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami will conduct its annual
station test on Saturday, June 1, from 1300-2100 UTC. The purpose is
to test all of their radio equipment and antennas, on as many modes
and frequencies as possible, in preparation for this year's hurricane
season. It is not a contest or simulated emergency exercise.
WX4NHC will be on the air on HF, VHF and UHF, as well as 2 and 30
meter APRS. Suggested SSB frequencies are 3.950, 7.268, 14.325,
21.325 and 28.425 MHz, +/-QRM. WX4NHC also will be on the VoIP
Hurricane Net from 1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219/EchoLink WX-TALK
conference node 7203). Exchange call sign, signal report, location
and name, plus a brief weather report, such as "sunny," "rainy" or
"cloudy." QSL via WD4R with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
-- ARRL Bulletin Service
4. London Vintage Radio Flea Market
The London Vintage Radio Club will hold its annual flea market on
Saturday, June 8, in the parking lot of Hammond Manufacturing, 394
Edinburgh Road North (NW corner of Speedvale Avenue), in Guelph.
This is NOT the Hammond Museum Location. Entrance is from Speedvale
Avenue ONLY. Open at 7 am. For more information visit
lvrc.homestead.com/fleamarket.html
-- RAC Events Database
5. VE3GWS Silent Key
After a battle with cancer, George Sansom VE3GWS passed away on
Monday, May 20. George was a former Electronics Technologist with
the Canadian Armed Forces, Correctional Service of Canada and Ontario
Provincial Police, and was an avid amateur radio operator.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
6. Tesla Laboratory Saved
Thanks to an Internet fundraising campaign, the Tesla Science Center
has been able to purchase Wardenclyffe, the last remaining laboratory
of Nikola Tesla, located in Shoreham, New York. Over 33,000 people
from 108 countries contributed. The group plans to restore the
laboratory, turning it into a science centre and museum.
-- via TheOatmeal.com
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 1, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. TPN Seeks Net Controllers
The Trans-Provincial Net is seeking net controllers. TPN meets daily
on 7.055 MHz, lower sideband, from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. If you
can help by taking a regular shift, please contact Shawn VE3PSV, on
the TPN, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
2. Ontario-South Field Day Section Manager Message Traffic.
Field Day digital Radiogram message traffic destined for
Ontario-South SM Ian Snow VA3QT may be addressed to "va3qt at winlink
dot org". Voice/CW messages should be sent to the IC address
(telephone 705-302-4321), or via the Barrie ARC club station VE3GCB
during the event.
-- Ian Snow, VA3QT
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. XL3S Special Event
From June 15 to July 15, special call sign XL3S will commemorate the
200th Anniversary of Laura Secord's role in the War of 1812. Special
operation on June 22, from 1300 to 1800 UTC, from the actual trail
Laura Secord used. For more information search XL3S on qrz.com
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Weather Net Changes
As of Saturday May 18th the Weather Net will be referred to as the
Weather Radio Net, emphasizing that it is a place to discuss weather
radio as well as weather. It conitnues to meet at 7:00 PM Saturdays
on IRLP reflector 9038 and on Echolink node VE3ZHR-L 591897.
Also, the newsletter has reverted to the original name, the Weather
Radio Listeners Newsletter, and is now distributed independently.
To subscribe, please contact Gord VA3WXA by email, blindgordie (at)
gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee VA3WXA
5. Yellowknife ARISS Contact
A succesful International Space Station school contact was conducted
between participants at Yellowknife R.C.M.P. Headquarters, and
Expedition 34 Commander Chris Hadfield, on May 12 at approximataely
17:55 UTC. The contact was via telebridge between NA1SS and K6DUE,
and lasted about 9 minutes and 30 seconds.
-- AMSAT News
6. Heathkit is back with a survey
Heathkit, it seems, is not quite dead. There is a new "Spring 2013
Customer Survey" on their website at www.heathkit.com/survey [345]. Be
warned -- it's a fairly long survey, asking a lot of questions about
possible new products, including amateur radio products. It also
offers the opportunity to sign up for email updates.
When Heathkit's owners declared bankruptcy in 2012, the Heathkit
name, logo, and rights to previous equipment designs were put up for
auction. It is not currently known who acquired them.
-- Southgate ARC News and CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 8, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. BC-Yukon Section Manager re-elected Congratulations to Paul Giffin VA7MPG who was recently re-elected for a two year term of office that will begin on July 1, 2013. He ran unopposed eliminating the need for a balloted election. -- Doug Mercer VO1DTM, RAC Chief Field Services Officer 2. IARU WRC-15 Agenda The Administrative Council of the International Amateur Radio Union has set forth the IARU positions on the agenda items that will be considered during the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2015 (WRC-15). A summary of those positions can be read at the RAC blog, blog.rac.ca, and the full document at www.iaru.org/news--events.html [348] [Note: two dashes between 'news' and 'events'] -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 3. OPN Frequency Change Effective immediately, the Ontario Phone Net has moved from 3.745 MHz to 7.055 MHz. The net meets every evening at 7 pm Eastern Time to handle National Traffic System traffic for the province of Ontario. All are welcome to check in, regardless of NTS experience. -- Pat Dopson, VE3HZQ, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Field Day June 22 Just a reminder: Field Day runs from 1800 UTC Saturday June 22 to 2059 UTC Sunday June 23. For more information visit www.arrl.org/field-day [138] -- ARRL Web 5. Waterloo Maker Faire The Waterloo Mini Maker Faire will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 10 am to 10 pm, at the Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West in Kitchener. Admission is free. "Makers" range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers, and the Maker Faire is a showcase of their work. For more information visit www.makerfairewaterloo.com [349] -- via Diyode Community Workshop 6. Shortwave Radio Archive The Shortwave Radio Audio Archive is a collection of shortwave radio recordings that you can download or listen to as a podcast. With many broadcasters leaving the air, it is vital to preserve historic shortwave radio broadcasts. The site also seeks to archive current broadcasts. If you have any shortwave recordings you can contribute, or to listen to the archive, visit www.shortwavearchive.com [350] -- Southgate ARC news
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 15, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada Day Contest
The RAC Canada Day Contest is July 1, from 0000 to 2359 UTC.
Operation is CW and phone on 160, 80,40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2 metres.
Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or territory; VE0s and
stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial number. For complete
rules visit www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests/ [353]
-- RAC web page
2. Scouts National Jamboree
From July 5 to July 13, Scouts Canada will be holding a National
Jamboree at Camp Woods Sylvan Lake near Red Deer, Alberta. We will
have an Amateur Radio station and will be using the call signs of
VE6JAM and VA6JAM. The Jamboree will operate HF on the JOTA
Frequencies, plus VHF/UHF and PSK31, and plan on contacting the
International Space Station.
JOTA Phone frequencies are 50.160, 28.390, 24.960, 21.360, 18.140,
14.290, 7.090, 7.190, 3.690, and 3.940 MHz.
-- Ralph Jenkins. VE3RJE
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Laurentian Net seeks net controllers
The Laurentian Net is looking for additional Net Control Operators.
This is an information and traffic handling net that meets at 18:45
Eastern Time, seven days a week, on 3.755 MHz. If you would like to
help, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Special Event Stations
From July 1 to July 31, special event callsign CF2I will commemorate
the 250th Anniversary of Formalized Postal Service in Canada (1763-2013)
QSL via VA2BK.
From July 4 to August 3, special event callsign CF3X will commemorate
the 70th Anniversary of Operation "Husky", the Canadian Military
liberation of Sicily. QSL via VA3JPP.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Contest University Videos
Dayton Contest University Videos Available on YouTube
Several videos of Contest University 2013 sessions from the 2013
Dayton Hamvention now are available on YouTube. You can find them by
visiting www.youtube.com [354] and then searching for "CTU Segment". They
have been posted by Icom America, a CTU sponsor.
-- ARRL Web
6. SSB Using a Raspberry Pi
Guido Pen Dolle, PE1NNZ, has released the code to enable the
Raspberry Pi computer board to generate SSB on the 7 and 14 MHz
bands. The code generates SSB modulation by controlling the PLL on
the Raspberry Pi board. For the highly-technical details, visit
tinyurl.com/raspberry-ssb.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 22, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Power Line Interference Contact Information
Industry Canada has just posted contact information to report Power
Line Radio Interference, at tinyurl.com/sf10641 (Sierra Foxtrot One
Zero Six Four One). The information is provided with the cooperation
of the Canadian Electricity Association, and covers all the major
Power Line companies in Canada. Please use this reporting
information when confronted with suspect power line interference.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. New Certified Emergency Coordinator
Congratulations are extended to Ken Long, VE7JU for successfully
completing his Certified Emergency Coordinator qualification exam.
All EC's, DEC's, AEC's are encouraged to complete this program of
study along with the IMS-100 and IMS-200.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC, RAC Chief Field Services Officier
3. Operators Needed for VC2CGJCS
Le Club Radio Amateur de l'Estrie will be running the VC2CGJCS
Special Event station for the Canada Games from August 2 to August
17 in Sherbrooke, Quebec. QSL via VE2RAE.
As we are a small club, we are looking for operators to fill the
operating positions for the duration of the event. The location that
we will be operating from is air-conditioned and on-site. If you
need more information or if you want to volunteer, contact Daniel,
va2sch (at) gmail.com, or via telephone at 1 819 446 1190.
-- Daniel Schaller, VA2SCH
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. VOA Radiogram
The Voice of America is experimenting with sending digital text and
images via shortwave broadcasting. The broadcasts are transmitted
with AM, and so can be received by any inexpensive shortwave
receiver. The schedule is
Saturday 1600-1630 UTC 17860 kHz,
Sunday 0230-0300 UTC 5745 kHz,
Sunday 1300-1330 UTC 6095 kHz, and
Sunday 1930-2000 UTC 15670 kHz,
all via the Edward R. Murrow transmitting station in North Carolina.
Reception reports are welcome.
Visit their web page, www.voaradiogram.net [357], for more information
about the software required. The free Fldigi program, as well as
MixW, MultiPSK, DM780, and EasyPal will work, with a simple audio
patch cable from the receiver output to your sound card input.
-- via VA3FAL, VA3ROM, and VE3GNA
5. Trusted QSL Software 1.14.1 Now Available
Logbook of The World users will be pleased to know that the new
Trusted QSL software is now available for downloading from the ARRL
Logbook of The World page,www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world [358]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 29, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. ARES Support for Southern Alberta Flooding Ended
As of June 24, all ARES operations in Alberta have been stood down by
their respective agencies. ARES will remain on standby during the
recovery process. A temporary link between the SARA provincial
linking system and the VE6HAT Medicine Hat Elkwater repeater will
remain in place until recovery operations are complete.
Thanks to all the operators that provided countless volunteer hours
to support the served agencies with priority and emergency traffic.
A provincial debrief meeting will be held, date and venue to be
announced.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Possibly Canada's Youngest Ham
Congratulations to Miss Eilis (AY-lish) Isobel Wotherspoon, for
passing the amateur radio licence exam, with honours, on June 17th.
At ten years of age, she may currently be the youngest amateur radio
operator in Canada. Eilis was one of seven new hams who successfully
completed the course offered by the Peterborough Amateur Radio Club
-- including her mother Melissa, who also achieved honours standing
on the exam.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. Collingwood ARC Meeting Change
Effective immediately, the Collingwood Amateur Radio Club will no
longer meet Tuesday evenings at the town hall. Meetings are
currently suspended for the summer, and resume in September. At that
time, club meetings will be combined with the club breakfast on the
first Saturday of the month, 9:30 am, at the Georgian Family
Restaurant, near the hospital.
-- Helena Short, VE3GFS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Milton Hamfest
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its 39th annual Ontario
Hamfest on Saturday, July 13, at the Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds
in Milton. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on 146.52 simplex.
For more information visit www.barc.ca [294].
-- RAC Events Database
5. Weather Radio Net Change
As of July 3rd the Weather Radio net will be moving from Saturday
evenings to Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. It will remain on IRLP reflector
9038 and Echolink node VE3ZHR-L 591897. This change is necessary in
order to further promote Weather Radio and hopefully can encourage
guest speakers to come to the net.
For more information email to Gord VA3WXA at va3wxa@gmail.com [361].
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 6, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Incoming QSL Bureau
Please remember that all VE/VA cards to VE/VA Amateurs are to be sent
to the RAC Incoming Bureau in Saint John, not to the Outgoing QSL
Bureau. This QSL service is only available to RAC members.
Also, if you choose not to receive QSL cards via the bureau, please
notify your respective bureau and also post your QSL requirements to
services such as QRZ.com. Thousands of QSL's are received annually
and never claimed. Bureau volunteers would appreciate your assistance
with this issue.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Submitting Bulletin Items
Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming
events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief
items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address,
obm (at) ve3rhj.net. Items should be no more than twelve lines long,
and must be received by Wednesday for the next week's bulletin,
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. VHF/UHF Portable Quad
Wayne N6NB has published an inexpensive design for a tri-band
144/222/432 MHz cubical quad antenna, for roving or portable VHF/UHF
operation. Several of these are in use around Southern California.
See it at tinyurl.com/vhfquad
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. Center for the Advancement of Science in Space
CASIS Academy is an interactive learning website created to educate
middle school students about the International Space Station (ISS)
and to pique their interest through multimedia videos and features.
Students are most likely to lose interest in science fields while in
the middle grades. CASIS Academy targets students at this critical
age, using the excitement of space as a tool to increase interest in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
For more information, please visit www.casisacademy.org [364].
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 13, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. Proposed Revisions to Frequency Allocations Canada Gazette notice SMSE-004-13 proposes revisions to Canadian Amateur Frequency allocations, following WRC-12. Included is the new International Amateur MF band between 472 and 479 KHz (600 metres). Not included is the proposal for spot frequency channels in the range 5230 to 5240 KHz, as petitioned by RAC in 2010 and considered by SMSE-10-12 issued by Industry Canada last year. This is an omission and should not mean an unfavourable decision on the 5 MHz channels. Public comments on the proposed revisions are invited until September 27th, 2013. Radio Amateurs of Canada will be responding directly to this Consultation. If you chose to comment to Industry Canada please send a copy to RAC as we would be interested in your views. -- RAC Bulletin Service ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. August Special Events From August 1 to August 31, call sign XM3B will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Sea-King helicopter. QSL via VE3JO. On August 3 and August 4, the Niagara Peninsula ARC will operate Special Event Station VE3WCD for the 35th Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. Operation will be 9 am to 5 pm Eastern on Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm Sunday, on most HF bands in SSB. For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca [367] and look under "Community Events". Le Club Radio Amateur de l'Estrie will be running the VC2CGJCS Special Event station for the Canada Games from August 2 to August 17 in Sherbrooke, Quebec. QSL via VE2RAE. -- RAC Special Events Database 3. Slow Speed CW Traffic Handling Have you ever wanted to give CW traffic handling a try, but weren't sure your speed would suffice? Here are some traffic nets where you can "get your feet wet" with slow speed CW. The Hit And Bounce Slow Net (HBSN) meets daily, on 7114 kHz, at 7:30 am Eastern (1130Z summer, 1230Z winter). CW speeds are typically between 10 and 15 wpm. The Maryland Slow Net (MSN) meets daily, on 3563 khz, at 7:30 pm Eastern (2330Z summer, 0030Z winter). The net is centred in Maryland but they welcome checkins from anywhere with or without traffic. -- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA 4. Amateur Radio in the Edmonton Journal The Edmonton Journal has published a nice article on modern amateur radio, and its role in emergency response, with mention of the southern Alberta floods. Read it at tinyurl.com/k392obb -- via Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, Ontario North Bulletin Manager 5. WWVB Celebrates 50 Years WWVB, the 60 kHz time standard station that many digital clocks and watches follow, went on the air on July 5, 1963, broadcasting with 7 kilowatts of Effective Radiated Power. "Wired" has an interesting article on the station's half century of service; find it at tinyurl.com/wwvb-history. -- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 20, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. New CQ World Wide Contest Rules The sponsor of the CQ World Wide DX Contest has completely rewritten the contest rules, effective with this fall's SSB and CW weekends. RTTY is not affected. A new "Classic Overlay" category is for traditional single-operator, all-band entries. A new "Rookie Overlay" is for amateurs licensed 3 years or less. "Xtreme Contesting" and "Team Competition" categories are removed. For the new rules visit www.cqww.com/rules.htm [370]. The SSB event takes place October 26-27, the CW event November 23-24. -- ARRL Web 2. Scouts ARISS Contact On July 8, a successful contact was made between the Scout Canada Jamboree, in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada and Astronaut Luca Parmitano, KF5KDP using callsign NA1SS. The contact was a telebridge via VK5ZAI, and lasted about nine and a half minutes. Canada Jamboree '13, the largest gathering of Scouts in Canada, brought up to 6500 youth, leaders and volunteers to Sylvan Lake from July 6-13. -- AMSAT news 3. Detroit, Michigan Communications Failure On July 5th, around 5:30 am, Detroit's digital trunked radio system failed. This system is for communication between 911 dispatchers and Detroit's police, fire and Emergency Management Service crews. The failure, during the 4th of July holiday weekend, caused a backlog of hundreds of calls. Like most new digital systems, Detroit's is dependant on centralized computer control. Failure of the central computer can bring the entire system down. The backup system also failed. Finally, Michigan State Police allowed Detroit to use the state's communication system, for the several days required to restore the Detroit system. For more info see tinyurl.com/detroit-radio-down -- Amateur Radio Newsline 4. Harness Saves Tower Climber A certified tower expert who had taken apart hundreds of towers was likely saved by his harness after he fell while disassembling a ham radio tower above a west Edmonton home last week. District Fire Chief Lorne Corbett said, "He had on the proper harness, that's what saved him." When firefighters arrived, he was stuck 10 metres above ground. He was able to walk to the ambulance after being rescued. For news coverage, visit tinyurl.com/oz6to92 (Oscar Zulu Six Tango Oscar Nine Two) -- via Ham Radio Daily 5. HAARP Facility Shuts Down The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) has ended. The 35-acre ionospheric research facility in Gakona, Alaska, has been closed since early May. The site is currently abandoned, and might be dismantled next year. One reason for the shutdown is that the site would need expensive new diesel generators to meet U.S. EPA standards. For more info, visit tinyurl.com/haarp-down -- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 27, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS 1. New RAC Corporate Secretary I want to welcome Alvin Masse, VE3CWP, as RAC's new Corporate Secretary. Al comes to us with a wealth of organizational skills, history and wisdom and will be a great benefit to RAC. I am looking forward to working with Al. I want to thank Linda Friars, VE9GLF, for serving as Acting Corporate Secretary and also Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB, for all his support. -- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, President and Chair RAC ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend This year's International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend will take place on August 17 and 18, starting at 0001 UTC and continuing for 48 hours. The basic objective of the event is to promote public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their need for preservation and restoration, and at the same time to promote amateur radio and to foster International goodwill. For more information visit www.illw.net [373]. -- ILLW web page 3. IARU Region 2 Meeting The IARU Region 2 Eighteenth General Assembly will take place in Cancun, Mexico from September 23 to 27. This event is hosted by the Federación Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores (FMRE). Cancun 2013 will deal with many important issues regarding the promotion and defense of amateur radio, HF, VHF and higher band plans and other issues of importance to Member Societies within Region 2. For more information please visit the event webpage, www.cancun2013.info [374] -- IARU Region 2 News 4. The K9YA Telegraph The K9YA Telegraph is a general interest ham radio e-Zine, published by the Robert F Heytow Memorial Radio Club. It is free, and is delivered in PDF format by email. A subscription link and sample issues can be found at their web site, www.k9ya.org [375] -- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA 5. The Return of Western Electric The Western Electric name has been resurrected for a new vacuum tube manufacturing venture in the United States. The Rossville, Georgia operation will make vacuum tubes mainly for use in high-end audio components, starting with some exact reproductions of Western Electric "classics," such as the 300B power triode. Read the full story at tinyurl.com/western-electric-lives. -- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 3, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Simulated Emergency Test Date The Ontario SET is scheduled for 26 October. ARES groups will receive further scenario information in early September to assist with local planning and message generation. -- Ian Snow, VA3QT, Ontario South SM 2. Ontario South ARES Seminar With the support of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club executive, there will be an Ontario-South ARES leadership seminar at 10:15 AM on 5 October, held in conjunction with the Hamilton Hamfest. This will be followed at 11:00 with a "town hall" meeting, open to all Amateurs. Section Manager Ian Snow VA3QT will provide updates on ARES and Section developments, and will be open to questions from the floor. -- Ian Snow, VA3QT, Ontario South SM 3. Ontario Phone Net Schedule A reminder: the Ontario Phone Net has moved to 7.055 MHz for the summer. The traffic-handling net meets every day, 365 days a year, at 7 PM Eastern Time. On October 1st, OPN will return to 3.745 MHz. -- via Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV ITEMS OF INTEREST 4. Monitoring Times Going QRT Monitoring Times magazine will be shutting down after its December 2013 issue. After 33 years, publisher Bob Grove and his wife Judy have decided to retire. Grove also said that "a combination of a down-turned economy, as well as the ready availability of free listening and technical information on the Internet, has reduced sales and subscriptions throughout the marketplace." -- CQ News Service 5. Forty Dollar SDR Stephen Cass, KB1WNR, has published an article in IEEE Spectrum magazine describing a Software-Defined Radio costing only $40 in parts. Cass's radio uses a Freeview P250 dongle, an indoor TV antenna and a Model B Raspberry Pi microcontroller. You can read the article and see a video of the device at tinyurl.com/inexpensive-sdr -- Amateur Radio Newsline 6. Zone to Zone Propagation Chart ZoneProp shows a 40 zone by 40 zone matrix that is updated hourly at approximately 20 minutes past the hour. The intersection between a row and column gives the band on which a contestant in the first CQ zone is most likely able to contact a contestant in the second CQ zone. Find it at www.radiosport.ca/zoneprop [378] -- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 10, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Junk In The Trunk Event
The 5th Annual Junk-in-the-Trunk swapmeet will be held on Saturday,
August 24th, in the parking lot of the Newmarket Theatre, 505
Pickering Crescent, in Newmarket. Free admission for buyers. Open at
7:30 am; talk-in on 146.520 simplex or the 147.225 repeater. For more
information see the RAC Events page, rac.eton.ca/events/upcoming.php
-- RAC Events Database
2. Hamspots web page
Ever wonder what's going on with all those new digital modes? Check
out www.hamspots.net [381] -- you can find a listing of current activity on
a particular band, who is currently active on the various digital
modes, and activity by digital club members. If you are logged in,
you can also chat between club members to coordinate on air
activity. Its sponsored by VK3AMA and is a great step up from a DX
cluster raw feed.
-- via Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, Ontario North Bulletin Manager
3. MACS Net Time Change
The Michigan Amateur Communications System (MACS) is seeking new
participants to learn traffic handling. As of August 1st the net
meets daily at 1000 Eastern Time on 3.952 MHz, with an alternate
frequency of 7.232 MHz. The net begins with member comments,
followed by traffic handling. Net Manager Mike Horn WB8TQZ says
"Rest assured that we've got time to take the time to break in new
operators." Give traffic handling a try!
-- ARRL ARES E-Letter, 15 jul 2013
4. Field Day Logs Received
The ARRL Contest Branch has posted a list of all logs received from
participants in the 2013 ARRL Field Day. You can get this list as a
PDF file, at tinyurl.com/2013-fd-logs It includes logs sent via the
web applet, e-mail and hard copy summaries. Some logs were
designated "checklog" because the entry was missing information --
contact the ARRL Contest Branch Manager, Mike DeChristopher, N1TA, to
have your entry reclassified properly.
Because of an e-mail issue at ARRL Headquarters in early July, some
e-mail submissions may not have been received. If your entry is
missing from the list, contact the Contest Branch to resolve this
issue.
-- ARRL Web
5. Antique Wireless Association Convention
The 52nd Antique Wireless Association World Convention August 20-24
in Rochester, New York, will have a dual theme -- the grand opening
of the new AWA Museum (on August 20), and Heathkit history and
equipment -- the keynote speaker will be Dick Goslee, K2GI, the
former manager of the Rochester Heathkit store. The annual event --
essentially the "Dayton" of the vintage radio collecting community --
includes a huge flea market, an expanded old equipment contest,
forums and presentations, a banquet, and special event station W2AN.
For more information visit www.antiquewireless.org [382]
-- ARRL Web
6. "MM" Applications Released for Open-Source Development
Mako Mori, JE3HHT, the author of MMTTY, MMVARI and MMSSTV, has
released these programs to open-source development under the LGPL
license. This license enables developers and companies to use and
integrate these programs, while ensuring that all improvements to
source code are made publicly available. MM-Open has been established
to facilitate this development; find it on-line at www.mm-open.org [383]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 17, 2013
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Certified Emergency Coordinators
Congratulations to Canada's newest Certified Emergency Coordinators,
Peter Gauld VE7PGX of Surrey, BC, and Shawn McDonald VA3MFD of
Burlington, ON.
-- RAC Blog
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Special Prefixes Authorized
From September 1 to October 30, special prefixes have been authorized
for Canadian amateurs to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Ile
Royale -- modern day Cape Breton Island. Use CJ for VA, CK for VE,
CY for VO, and CZ for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. WRTC-2014 Team Leader Applications Open
World Radiosport Team Championship 2014 is accepting applications
from individuals who would like to participate in WRTC-2014 as team
leaders. You must use the application form on their website,
www.wrtc2014.org [386], and applications are due by September 13, 2013.
WRTC-2014 is a competition among two-operator teams. 54 team leaders
will be selected from the top qualifiers in 29 regions around the
world. Each team leader then selects a teammate for the competition.
The team leader qualification formula considers 12 scores selected
from 55 qualifying contests between October 2010 and March 2013.
-- ARRL Web
4. Weather Radio Net
This is just a reminder that the Weather Radio Net is on Wednesday
evenings at 7:00 P.M. on IRLP reflector 9038 and Echolink node
VE3ZHR-L 591897. We try to discuss Weather Radio in both Canada and
the US, but we also touch on topics such as CANWARN and SKYWARN,
among other related items. If you would like to join the mailing list
for the newsletter that goes along with it please email Gord VA3WXA
at va3wxa (at) gmail.com or blindgordie (at) gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
5. AMSAT.ORG Make Over
AMSAT has revamped their web site, www.amsat.org [192], with a new, more
colorful theme and some updated content. The AMSAT web site is now
using the popular WordPress package, so it will be easier to maintain
and update, and will be familiar to many users.
-- AMSAT News
This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
=====================================================================
Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ.
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 24, 2013 This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada, with this week's bulletin NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST 1. Ottawa Hamfest The Ottawa Amateur Radio Club will hold its 17th annual Hamfest on Saturday, September 7, at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3832 Carp Road, in Carp. The event is in the W. Erskine Johnston Arena at the north end of the fairgrounds. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE2CRA repeater, 146.940 (-), 100 Hz tone. For more information visit www.oarc.net/fleamarket [235] -- RAC Events Database 2. EmComm East EmComm East, the U.S. east coast amateur radio emergency communications conference, will be on Sunday, September 29th, at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. This year's featured guest speaker will be the ARRL Chief Operating Officer Harold Kramer, WJ1B. Amateurs within driving distance of Rochester are encouraged to attend (take your passport)!) Previous year presenters include Ontario-East Section Manager Mike Hickey VE3IPC, on the Deployable Mutual Aid Plan, and Ontario-South Section Manager Ian Snow VA3QT, on an ARES Qualification Proposal. For more information visit www.emcommeast.org [389] -- Amateur Radio Newsline 3. U.S. MARS "High Pressure Test" On August 3-4, U.S. Army MARS and Air Force MARS underwent a high-pressure nationwide test. The six hour drill evaulated performance of the volunteer radio operators under heavy traffic conditions, relaying encrypted data between individual members in the 50 states and the headquarters station at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The scenario called for breakdown of normal channels, including cell phones and the Internet, with MARS and other unspecified military assets replacing essential circuits MARS, the Military Auxiliary Radio System, is a Department of Defense unit for specially-trained Amateur Radio operators who volunteer their skills and equipment to support government communications when normal channels are disrupted. Separate branches exist for the Army, Air Force and Navy-Marine Corps. -- ARRL Web 4. Manuals for Chinese Rigs One complaint about inexpensive Chinese ham rigs is their user manuals. The Radio Documentation Project is working to produce high-quality, in-depth, open-source manuals for Chinese-built handhelds. The first one completed is for the Baofeng UV-5R dual-bander. Download the free PDF at tinyurl.com/new-uv5r-booklet You can also find information, Frequently Asked Questions, and software, for Baofeng handhelds at www.miklor.com [390] -- CQ News Service and Handi-Ham News 5. Introductions to Contesting If you need a presentation on getting into contesting, here are two. Rick N6XI has a web page on "Radio Contesting" at tinyurl.com/n6xi-contesting. Kirk K4RO has a PDF file of a PowerPoint presentation, "Contesting 101," that would be suitable for presentation to a club -- find it at tinyurl.com/k4ro-contesting. -- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 31, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. DXCC Suggestions Wanted
The ARRL Board has directed the DX Advisory Committee (DXAC) to do a
comprehensive review of the DX Century Club (DXCC) Rules. This has
not been done for at least ten years.
As your representative on the DXAC I need to hear your views. Please
advise me as soon as possible of anything in the DXCC rules that
concerns you. I will do my best to bring your concerns to the
attention of the rest of the committee. Contact me by email at ve1js
(at) ns.sympatico.ca
-- John Scott, VE1JS, RAC DX Advisory Committee Representative
2. Alberta ARES Members Commended
On July 27, 2013, Alberta ARES members met to debrief following a
four day Emcomm deployment during the recent Alberta floods.
In attendance to present each member with a RAC Public Service
Honour roll and Public Service Commendation was RAC Regional
Director for AB/NWT/NU, J.T. Mitchell VE6OH. For a list of
recipients and a group photo, visit blog.rac.ca
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM, RAC Chief Field Services Officer
3. 2013 RAC Simulated Emergency Test
This year's national Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is now scheduled
for October 19, 2013 due to a conflict with Thanksgiving on October
12. Please visit the RAC website for details.
Groups are encouraged to hold their SET on any weekend that is
convenient. [See next item.]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
4. 2013 Ontario Simulated Emergency Test
The Ontario SET is scheduled for October 26. An SET scenario will
be issued in early September when planning is complete.
One requirement this year will be to send a "Declaration of
Emergency" letter, on behalf of your municipality's Head of Council,
to a simulated Provincial EOC Duty Officer. Any method of delivery,
including email, is acceptable provided that an amateur radio link is
used at some point. A sample letter will be included in the SET
scenario, but we recommend that ARES Group Coordinators meet
immediately with their Community Emergency Management Coordinator to
draft a letter more specific to your municipality.
-- Ontario Section Managers Council
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Kingston Hamfest
On Saturday, September 14, the Kingston Amateur Radio Club, and the
Military Communications and Electronics Museum, will hold their
annual hamfest, at the Communications Museum, 95 Craftsman Blvd., in
Kingston. This is about 1 km east of Hwy.#15. General admission at
9 am; talk-in on VE3KBR repeater, 146.940 (-) 151.4 Hz tone. For
more information visit www.ve3kbr.com [393]
-- RAC Events Database
6. Sudbury-Manitoulin Hamfest
On Saturday, September 14, the Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club, with
assistance from the Sudbury Amateur Radio Club, will hold a hamfest
at the Garson Arena Community Hall, 100 Church St. in Garson.
General admission at 9 am; talk-in on 147.060 (+) 100 Hz tone. For
more information visit www.sudburyamateurradio.com [394].
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 7, 2013 NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. Ontario South "Town Hall" Meetings The Ontario-South Section Manager will hold two "town hall" meetings in conjunction with the Hamilton ARC Hamfest on October 5. The first will be for ARES/EMCOMM leaders, and will focus on team building within Ontario South. RAC Chief Field Services Officer Doug Mercer, VO1DM will be present. The second will be open to all Amateurs but especially club executive officers. This meeting will provide a relaxed forum where club officers can provide guidance on improving the relationship between clubs and section management. RAC President Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW will be in attendance Club executives are encouraged to read RAC "Briefing Note 4", a PDF file at tinyurl.com/kbrvmgp (Kilo Bravo Romeo Victor Mike Golf Papa), particularly the Section Manager administrative functions shown on page 4. Advance comments may be sent to va3qt (at) rac.ca prior to the meeting. -- Ian Snow, VA3QT, Ontario South SM 2. TPN Seeks SET Net Controllers The TransProvincial Net (TPN) is looking for volunteers to serve as net control stations for the National Simulated Emergency Test on October 19, and the Ontario SET on October 26. Net control operators are also needed for regular shifts on all days of the week. TPN meets daily on 7.055 MHz, lower sideband, from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. If you can help by taking a shift, please contact Shawn VE3PSV, on the TPN, or via NTS message. -- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. London Swapmeet The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 36th Annual Flea Market on Sunday, September 22, in a new location: the Hellenic Community Centre, 133 Southdale Rd. W., in London. General admission at 9 am. Talk-in on VA3LON repeater, 147.060, 114.8 Hz tone. For more information visit www.larc.ca [397]. -- RAC Events Database 4. Radio Talk 2013 Special Event On September 21st, special event station VE2013RT will operate in conjunction with the Radio Talk 2013 event in Montreal. QSL via VE2DDZ. Radio Talk 2013 is not a hamfest. It is an educational event with presentations, displays, and demonstrations. It will be held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish 4455 West Broadway Montreal. For more information, visit their web page, radiotalk2012.wordpress.com -- RAC Special Events Database 5. Say Hi to Juno On October 9, NASA's Juno spacecraft will fly past Earth for gravity boost, putting it on course for Jupiter. To celebrate, the Juno mission is inviting Amateur Radio operators around the world to say "HI" to Juno in a coordinated Morse code message. If enough operators participate, Juno's "Waves" radio and plasma wave experiment should be able to detect the message. All transmissions will take place on 10 meters, with the precise (suggested) frequency determined by the last letter of your call sign. Participants can receive a QSL card. For more information visit www.jpl.nasa.gov/hijuno [398] -- ARRL Web 6. Collins Radio Anniversary Special Event Four club stations will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Collins Radio Company. Stations W0CXX and N0CXX Cedar Rapids, Iowa; W5ROK Richardson, Texas; W4CRC Melbourne, Florida and W6CXX Tustin, California will be on the air September 21-23 and September 28-30. Operation is from 9 AM to midnight local time for each station based on operator availability. A special QSL card and commemorative certificate are available. For more information visit www.w0cxx.org [399]. -- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 14, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Annual General Meeting
On Saturday, October 5, at 1 pm, RAC will hold its Annual General
Meeting in conjunction with the Hamilton ARC Hamfest, in Marritt Hall
at the Ancaster Fair Grounds in Ancaster. Many thanks to the
Hamilton Amateur Radio Club for the invitation! RAC will also have a
booth at the hamfest. For more information see the PDF file at
tinyurl.com/racagm2013
For those unable to attend in person, we will be using Go To Webinar
and you can join over the Internet or by phone. Slots are limited;
to register, please email racgm (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. October Special Events
From October 1 to October 11, special event callsign CY0P will be
activated for the Sable Island Expedition. QSL via VE1RGB.
From October 1 to October 31, special event callsign VC2O will
commemorate the 90th anniversary of The Mauricie Amateur Radio
Association (VE2MO). Operation will be 80-10m, CW and SSB. QSL via
VE2NMB.
-- RAC Events Database and VA3RJ Special Events Page
3. ARISS Contact
On August 12 a successful contact was made between 14th World Scout
Moot Canada 2013, Camp Awacamenj Mino, Ottawa-Gatineau, Quebec, and
Astronaut Astronaut Luca Parmitano, KF5KDP, on the International
Space Station, using callsign IRØISS. The contact was telebridged via
IK1SLD and lasted about nine and a half minutes. VE3TBD served as
ARISS mentor.
-- AMSAT News
4. Space Station Slow Scan TV Active
The International Space Station (ISS) is transmitting SSTV images on
145.800 MHz FM. To receive them, all you need is to connect your
rig's audio output via a simple interface to the soundcard on a
Windows PC or an Apple iOS device. You can even receive pictures by
holding an iPhone next to the radio's loudspeaker.
The ISS puts out a strong signal on 145.800 MHz FM, using standard 5
kHz deviation, and a 2m handheld with a 1/4 wave antenna will be
enough to receive it. To decode the signal, on Windows PCs use
MMSSTV, on Apple iOS devices use the SSTV app. The website
www.issfanclub.com [402] will show you when the space station is in range.
For more tips visit tinyurl.com/sstv-iss
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 21, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Hamilton Hamfest
The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its 2013 Hamfest on
Saturday, October 5, in the Concession Building at the Ancaster Fair
Grounds, 630 Trinity Road in Ancaster. This is the south-west
corner of highways #52 and #53, just west of Ancaster. General
admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3NCF repeater, 146.76 (-), 131.8 Hz
tone. For more information visit www.hamiltonarc.ca [405]
-- RAC Events Database
2. VX31763 Special Event
From October 6 to November 5, special event station VX31763 will
commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763,
which laid the foundation for the relationship between First Nations
people and the Crown. QSL via VE3RHE (Bureau or Direct). For
operating schedule visit www.ve3rhe.ca [406]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Two Silent Keys
Wayne Green, W2NSD, died on September 13 at the age of 91. Green was
editor of CQ magazine before going on to found 73, 80 Micro, Byte, CD
Review, Cold Fusion, Kilobaud Microcomputing, RUN, InCider, and
Pico.
Jack Althouse, K6NY, died of a massive stroke on September 15, at the
age of 90. Althouse was president of Palomar Engineers, one of
amateur radio's foremost providers of ferrite and powdered-iron
toroidal cores, baluns and balun kits. The family has asked that
those having outstanding orders with Palomar please cancel them, as
Palomar is closed for business and not taking new orders. Questions
regarding paid orders should be emailed to palomareng (at) gmail.com
-- CQ News Service
4. AX.25 Open Source Soundcard Modem
Radio amateur Alejandro Santos LU4EXT is developing extmodem, an open
source, APRS compatible, AX.25 packet radio modem. It runs three
different demodulators in parallel to improve reception. Download
extmodem for Windows from extradio.sourceforge.net. Source code is
available for Linux.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for September 28, 2013 NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS 1. New EC for Renfrew County East As of September 27, Debra Anne Bee, VE3IEH is the ARES Emergency Coordinator for Renfrew County East. Debra is the new President of the Champlain Regional RPT Association, a CANWARN spotter for three years, has her Basic, Morse, and Advanced privileges, and has leadership and management experience. Congratulations go to Debra for accepting this important position. Please help me welcome her aboard. Her predecessor, Ron Sinclair, VE3JRN, has been EC of Renfrew County East since December 2011. Ron is stepping down primarily due to health reasons. We thank Ron for the time he served and wish him well in all his future endeavors. -- Michael Hickey VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager. ITEMS OF INTEREST 2. Nominations open for International Humanitarian Award Nominations are now open for the 2013 ARRL International Humanitarian Award, 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 the individual (or individuals) 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, no later than December 31, 2013. For details see www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award [409] -- Southgate ARC News 3. Jamboree On The Air, October 19-20 Scouting's 56th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) is the weekend of October 19-20, from 0000 local time Saturday to 2400 local time Sunday. JOTA provides an opportunity for Boy Scouts to experience Amateur Radio firsthand. It is the largest Scouting event in the world, with nearly 750,000 Scouts participating from 6000 stations in 150 countries. JOTA is not a contest. The idea is to contact other Scout stations and allow as many Scouts as possible to talk to other Scouts and learn about who they are and what they are doing. Licensed amateurs often open their stations to Scouts on JOTA weekend, serving as control operators. Operation will be on 80 through 6 meters and 2 meters and 70 centimeters FM simplex, all modes. For more information visit www.arrl.org/jamboree-on-the-air-jota [410] -- ARRL Web 4. ConSat-1 CubeSat The Canadian ConSat-1 CubeSat is one of the educational CubeSats chosen for Phase 1 of the "Fly Your Satellite!" initiative. It aims to analyze radiation characteristics in the South-Atlantic Anomaly, a plasma cloud 200 km from the Earth's surface, located above the east coast of South America. It appears to be constantly growing in size and a NASA report speculates that by 2240 it might cover approximately half the southern hemisphere. A launch date has not yet been announced. For updates, visit www.spaceconcordia.ca [411] -- AMSAT News 5. QScope Log Statistics QScope.org is a new online application that provides statistics and charts from amateur radio logs. While some features are designed with contesting in mind, most of the statistics will be useful for DXers and DXpeditions. You just import your ADIF 2 or Cabrillo logs into QScope database and then browse the statistic and charts pages. Registration and access to the website are free at www.qscope.org [412] -- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 5, 2013 NATIONAL NEWS ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Loyalist ARES DEC stepping down. The Loyalist ARES DEC has stepped down as of September 30th. George Williams, VE3SIQ has tendered his letter of resignation after one year into his term. This was due to changes in his personal life and could no longer perform his duties. We thank George for the time he was able to give and wish him well.
Michael Hickey, VE3IPC - Ontario East Section Manager
2. OPN Frequency Change As of October 1st, the Ontario Phone Net has moved back to 80 metres. The traffic net now meets on 3.745 MHz, at 7 pm Eastern Time, 7 days a week. All stations are welcome to check in. -- Pat Dopson, VE3HZQ, OPN Net Manager ITEMS OF INTEREST 3. Montreal South Shore Hamfest The Montreal South-Shore Amateur Radio Club will hold its hamfest on Saturday, October 19, at the Place Desaulniers, 1023 Taschereau Blvd., Longueuil (10 minutes from downtown Montreal). General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE2RSM repeater, 145.390 (-) tone 103.5 Hz. For more information visit www.ve2clm.ca [415]. -- RAC Events Database 4. Voice of Russia Going QRT The Russian news service RIA Novosti reports that the Voice of Russia will stop its shortwave broadcasts on January 1st, 2014, due to funding cuts. The Voice of Russia was established in 1929; as of next year, it will have only three low-power medium-wave transmitters and an Internet radio presence. -- Amateur Radio Newsline and RIA Novosti 5. DXLog DXLog is a free contest logging program being developed by Chris, 9A5K. DXLog resembles Win-Test, and supports the CT command set. Over 160 contests are supported, and new contests can be defined with rule sets in plain text files. DXLog supports CW, phone, and MMTTY for RTTY operation. It requires Windows XP or a later version of Windows, and Microsoft.NET Framework version 4.0. Download it at www.dxlog.net [416]. -- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 12, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Scholarships Granted
Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased to announce the granting of three
$500 academic scholarships, to Ms. Paulyn Mulles, VE3PJM at Carlton
University, Mr. Jason Deglint, VE7TJD at University of Victoria, and
Mr. Liam Bindle, VE5LRB at the University of Saskatchewan.
RAC has also awarded a $500 community grant to Shaftesbury High
School in Winnipeg, to assist them to become the only permanent
Amateur Radio ARISS Telebridge Station in Canada under the guidance
of Mr. Robert Striemer, VE4SHS.
RAC would like to thank all the Amateurs from across Canada who have
generously contributed to this fund. If you want to contribute,
please contact RAC HQ. If you want to apply for future scholarships,
details and an application are available at the RAC web site.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. OQ4CLM Special Event
From October 16th through November 25th, special event station OQ4CLM
will commemorate the Canadian Liberation March, a 33km march by
Canadian troops coming from the town Hoofdplaat in Holland to
liberate the town Knokke in 1944.
This is the 32nd year for this special event, which in previous years
used different call signs. For more information visit www.oq4clm.be [419]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Nominations Open for Hamvention Awards
The Dayton Hamvention is soliciting nominations for its 2014 awards
for Amateur of the Year, Special Achievement, Technical Excellence,
and Club of the Year. All Amateur Radio operators are eligible.
Nominations must be received by January 17, 2014. Winners will be
recognized at the 2014 Dayton Hamvention. For more information and a
nomination form, visit www.hamvention.org/awards.php [289].
-- ARRL Web
4. ARRL Centennial QSO Party
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ARRL, the ARRL Centennial
QSO Party will start on January 1 and run for the entire year 2014.
Participants can accumulate points and win awards. The event is open
to all, although only ARRL members and appointees, elected officials,
HQ staff and W1AW are worth points. During 2014 W1AW will operate
portable from every state (at least twice) and most US territories.
To qualify for points all contacts must be two-way using CW, phone,
or any digital mode, on 160, 80, 40, 30, 17, 15, 12, 10, 6, 2 or 1.25
meters, plus 70 centimeters and satellite. No cross-band or
cross-mode contacts. For more information see
www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party [420]
-- ARRL Web
5. Guide to DSP
"The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing," by
Steven W. Smith, Ph.D. is available for free download. The book is
written for students and professionals and is "low math." You can
download each chapter in PDF format, or read it online, at
www.dspguide.com [421]
-- Southgate ARC News
6. Free PCB Design Software
DesignSpark PCB is a free printed-circuit board layout program for
Windows. DesignSpark Mechanical, just released, allows 3-D mechanical
design. For more information, or to download these free programs,
visit www.designspark.com [422]. And follow the link to DesignShare, a
collection of open source projects contributed by DesignSpark users.
-- via ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 19, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. York Region Hamfest
The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its 37th Annual Hamfest
on Saturday, November 2, at a new location: the Newmarket Community
Centre, 200 Doug Duncan Drive, in Newmarket. General admission at 9
a.m.; talk-in on VE3YRA repeater, 145.350 (-) 103.5 Hz tone. For
more information visit www.yrarc.org [425].
-- RAC Events Database
2. Special Prefixes Authorized
From November 5 to December 5, special prefixes have been authorized
for all Canadian amateurs to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the
Royal Proclamation of 1763, which laid the foundation for the
relationship between First Nations people and the Crown. Use VG for
VA, VX for VE, XJ for VO, XK for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. IARU Emergency Communications Workshop
The first IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications Workshop was held
September 24-25 in Cancun, Mexico in conjunction with the IARU Region
2 General Assembly. Sponsored by IARU Region 2 and the ARRL, it
explored international issues facing Amateur Radio's response to
emergencies and disasters. For more information visit
tinyurl.com/iaru-ecw
-- ARRL ARES E-Letter
4. Solarham Web Site
VE3EN has created a "space weather" web site specifically for
amateur radio operators, with all the latest solar statistics. Find
it at www.solarham.net [426].
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for October 26, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New RAC Director for Ontario South
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Rod Hardman, VE3RHF who was
recently acclaimed as the RAC Director for Ontario South. His term
as Director will be for the two years starting January 1, 2014 and
ending December 31, 2015.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Member Recognition Program
In an effort to properly recognize our valued volunteers, a committee
has been named to manage the RAC Member Recognition Program (MRP).
Two awards are available.
Any full member of RAC is eligible to nominate a fellow member for an
"Individual Award." All you need is to provide a short essay on why
you think that your candidate is deserving. Also, an "Extraordinary
Award" is available for an individual or group that has gone above
and beyond the call of duty.
Send nominations to any one of the MRP committee members:
Jeffrey Stewart, VA3WXM, va3wxm (at) sympatico.ca
Doug Mercer, VO1DM, vo1dtm (at) rac.ca
Normand Pitre, VE2NHK, ve2nhk (at) rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. JOTA on the Keewatin
On Saturday Oct. 19th, the SS Keewatin Radio Operators opened the
doors to the historic ship, and the ham radio station on board, to
welcome Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and their leaders for the
2013 Jamboree-on-the-Air.
Using the original call sign from her historic years on the Great
Lakes, VA3VGC operated 0900 to 1700 local time from Port McNicoll,
Ontario. 150 youths from the region were in attendance supported by
the Keewatin crew and their own leaders. Everyone is looking forward
to next year!
-- via Micheal Moreau, VE3LKI
4. Small Wonder Labs closes
Small Wonder Labs, a stalwart in the QRP arena since the mid-1990s,
announced October 10 that it is closing. New sales have been
discontinued, and the last several dozen orders are in the process of
being shipped. Founder Dave Benson, K1SWL, says he is coordinating
with another QRP vendor to have him assume production and sales of
the RockMite.
-- ARRL Web
5. New Release of Audacity
Audacity is free, open source, cross-platform software for recording
and editing sounds. Version 2.0.5 is now available, for Windows,
Mac, and Linux. Download it at audacity.sourceforge.net.
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 2, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Special Event CJ3T
From October 26 to November 24, special call sign CJ3T has been
authorized to commemorate the 300th Anniversary of Louisbourg
(1713-2013). QSL via VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events Database
2. New IARU Region 2 Band Plan
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 (the Americas) has
published a revised Band Plan for all allocations from 137 kHz to
250 GHz, effective September 27, 2013. The plan was adopted during
the recent General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico. Download the plan, in
PDF, at tinyurl.com/iaru2-bands
-- ARRL Web
3. Free E-Book on Image Communications
Martin Bruchanov, OK2MNM, has written a Free e-book for hams and
SWL's interested in special communication modes for image
transmission and reception. This includes such modes as SSTV,
Digital SSTV and radio facsimile to name only a few. You can
download the entire book or view on line at www.sstv-handbook.com [431]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. More on Station Grounding
Before winter sets in, you may be working on your antennas. Tom W8JI
has provided a web page on lightning protection with a number of
helpful photos that may help you design your own station. See it at
www.w8ji.com/station_ground.htm [432]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 9, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Recognition Awards
Jeff Dovyak, VE4MBQ, has been nominated to receive our first RAC
Member Recognition Award. An Amateur since 1994, Jeff has been very
active with Winnipeg ARES, and is the Emergency Coordinator for
Winnpeg since 1994.
For the very first time, a group has been nominated to receive the
Extraordinary Service Award. The VE4WWO CANWARN Net Controller Team
has been serving the Prairie and Arctic Storm Prediction Center
(PASPC) in Winnipeg. They number 13 strong, and spend long hours
doing Net Control duties and storm spotting.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC 2013 AGM concluded
The Radio Amateurs of Canada held the Annual General Meeting on
October 5th in Ancaster, Ontario. RAC President Geoffrey
Bawden's report is available on the RAC website. Of particular
interest is that, after a two and a half year effort, RAC has
returned to financial solvency, as confirmed by the audit report.
RAC would like to sincerely thank the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club and
its volunteers for hosting the event, and ICOM Canada and Radioworld
for generously providing two transceivers for the hamfest draw.
The 2014 AGM will take place in Vancouver, during the Pacific
Northwest DX Convention, July 25-27th. Convention details can be
found at: www.orcadxcc.org/vancouver2014/home.html [435]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. New Certified EC
Congratulations are extended to Ken Brightling VE3ETP of London,
Ontario. He's Canada's newest Certified Emergency Coordinator (CEC).
-- RAC ARES Twitter Feed
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Salisbury Special Event
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
is scheduled for the Salisbury Middle School, in Salisbury, New
Brunswick, for the week of November 18th.
Leading up to this event, members of the Moncton Area Amateur Radio
Club and the Tri County Amateur Radio Club will set up a temporary
station in the school on November 15th, to give students a chance to
contact hams in distant lands, and perhaps decide to join the world
of amateur radio. Operation will be from 1300 until 1830 UTC, on 40m
to 10m plus VHF/UHF, using special event callsign VC9SMS. QSL via
VE9GFD. For more information search VC9SMS on qrz.com.
-- RAC Special Events Database and qrz.com
5. Another "Last Man Standing" Ham Episode
"Last Man Standing" producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, reports that lead
character Mike Baxter (Tim Allen) finally gets on the ham bands
during the program's Thanksgiving episode, which was shot in
mid-October and scheduled to air on November 22 on ABC.
According to John, Mike heads to his basement ham shack to escape a
house full of guests waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be served.
This is the second "Last Man Standing" episode to include ham radio
as a story element, and the first in which Allen's character is seen
operating his ham station.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 16, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. SHARP 3.1 Successful Mission
RAC congratulates the students, volunteers, and teacher Robert
Streimer VE4SHS, at Shaftsbury High School in Winnipeg for a
successful launch of the Shaftsbury High Altitude Robotics Project.
The SHARP 3.1 helium filled balloon carried an assortment of sensors
plus four cameras to an altitude of 35,727 meters (117,214 feet).
RAC would like to recognize Bill Unger VE3XT for being instrumental
in assisting this event through a $500 community grant from RAC.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. OPN Seeks Net Controllers
The Ontario Phone Net is looking for additional net control
operators. The net meets every night, 365 days a year, at 19:00
Eastern Time, on 3745 kHz. If you would like to help out, please
contact Shawn VE3PSV on the Ontario Phone Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, acting net manager
3. Submitting Bulletin Items
Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming
events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief
items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address,
obm (at) ve3rhj.net. Items should be no more than twelve lines long,
and must be received by Wednesday for the next week's bulletin,
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Philippines Emergency Response
In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, ham radio emergency communicators
in the Philippines are handling a large volume of vital message
traffic. The Ham Emergency Radio Operations (HERO) network is active
in the disaster areas and sending messages on 40 meters and 2 meters.
Cellular service is starting to be restored in hard-hit Tacloban, but
ham operations are expected to continue for another week. Outbound
traffic is being carried on 14.277 MHz, and amateurs not involved in
the relief effort should keep that frequency clear.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 23, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Amateur Radio in Schools Does your school or college have an amateur-radio (ham radio) station, program or special project involving this fascinating hobby? If the answer is YES, Radio Amateurs of Canada would like to hear about it! Contact Vincent Charron, VA3GX/VE2HHH, RAC Director of Communications and Fundraising, via email, communications (at) rac.ca -- RAC Blog ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. IOTA Special Event From December 2 to December 31, special event station VX3X will commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Islands on the Air (IOTA). QSL via VE3JO. -- RAC Special Events Database
3. FUNcube-1 Satellite in Orbit A Russian Dnepr rocket carried AMSAT-UK's FUNcube-1 and 18 other satellites to orbit at 0710 UTC on Thursday, November 21. Ground stations began receiving telemetry from FUNcube-1 soon after deployment and the satellite appears to be functioning normally. One of the satellites on the launch, UniSat-5, will deploy the CubeSats PUCP-SAT-1, HumSat-D, estar-2, Icube-1 and the PocketQubes Wren, Eagle-1 (BeakerSat), Eagle-2 ($50Sat), and QB-Scout1. PUCP-SAT-1 will release a further satellite Pocket-PUCP. Additional Amateur Radio satellites on the launch include HinCube, ZAcube-1, First-MOVE, UWE-3, Velox-PII, CubeBug-2, Triton-1, Delfi-n3Xt, and GOMX-1. For a frequency list, see tinyurl.com/nov2013sats. Orbital elements for FUNcube-1 are available at tinyurl.com/funcube1. -- ARRL Web
4. 2013 Field Day Results Posted ARRL has posted the results of the 2013 ARRL Field Day. Less-than-ideal conditions this past June likely accounted for a slight drop in participation from 2012. Nonetheless, there were more than 2500 entries, and more than 35,500 people participated. Download the PDF file at tinyurl.com/fd2013results -- ARRL Web
5. BBC News Highlights Ham Radio The BBC's on-line "News Magazine" has a story about ham radio in the United Kingdom. "The Very Particular World of Amateur Radio" is a three and a half minute video reporting on the recent growth in licensing, and following the operation of the Chorley and District Amateur Radio Society as it took part in the an operating event from Astley Hall in the city of Lancashire. The video and accompanying text story can be found at tinyurl.com/BBC-news-ham-radio. -- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for November 30, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Affiliated Clubs Deadline Approaching
All current RAC club affiliations expire 31 Dec 2013, and clubs
failing to renew by that date will be removed from the affiliated
clubs list on the RAC Web Site. Affiliation applications must be sent
to the address found on the application form NOT to RAC
Headquarters. Forms can be found at tinyurl.com/m6rflvq (Mike Six
Romeo Foxtrot Lima Victor Quebec).
For clubs participating in the "Club Challenge," the top three clubs
in each category will receive special recognition by RAC in the TCA
magazine and on the RAC web site and will be able to download a
certificate recognizing the club's achievement. For more information
about the Challenge, visit the RAC Blog, blog.rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Officers Elected
At its regular monthly meeting, the Board of Directors representing
the Radio Amateurs of Canada elected the following officers for a
two year term beginning January 1, 2014 and ending December 31, 2015:
Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW - President
Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA - First Vice President
Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB - Chief Information and Technology Officer
George Gorsline, VE3YV - International Affairs Officer
Doug Mercer, VO1DTM/VO1DM - Chief Field Services Officer
Marcel Mongeon, VA3DDD - Honorary Counsel
Dorothy E. Brown, VA7DBR - Treasurer
Al Masse, VE3CWP - Corporate Secretary
-- Al Masse, VE3CWP, RAC Corporate Secretary
3. Hall of Fame Appointments
The Board of Trustees of the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame is
pleased to appoint Ken Pulfer VE3PU of Ottawa, ON and Earle Smith
VE6NM of Grande Prairie, AB to the Hall of Fame for 2013. Both
appointees are Silent Keys; their families will receive this
posthumous award in early 2014. A summary of their contributions to
amateur radio will be published in "The Canadian Amateur" magazine.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Weekly Solar Forecast
Every Monday, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center issues a free
weekly report, "The Preliminary Report and Forecast of Solar
Geophysical Data", called "The Weekly" for short. It summarizes a
week of space weather activity and provides outlooks for solar and
geophysical activity for the next solar rotation -- 27 days. Find it
at www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly [442]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 7, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Maple Leaf Operator Members Newsletter
Beginning in Decembrer, RAC will launch a new electronic newsletter
for its Maple Leaf Operator Membership. This newsletter will be
issued six times per year, in between TCA issues. This is a new
benefit of belonging to the MLOM.
One feature will be MLOM Member's Corner, to share anything deemed
"newsworthy" -- ham related personal story, electronic tidbit, DX
success story, station photos, Silent Key tribute, etc. Any MLOM may
send submissions. The deadlines are the 15th of November, January,
March, May and July and September. For this month, submissions
can be sent in up to December 15th. Member submissions will be
subject to approval prior to publishing.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. VX9MRC Special Event
The Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland VX9MRC has been endorsed to
conduct transmissions on 472-479 kHz by Industry Canada for 14 and
15 December to bring attention to the potential new Amateur band and
to the role played by Amateur Radio in emergency communications.
A special message from the mayor will be sent on CW on 478 kHz as a
beacon transmission on these days, said Joe Craig, VO1NA. Those
receiving the message are invited to forward it to their respective
municipal representative.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Canadian National Institute for the Blind
The CNIB has recently confirmed to us that they still have amateur
radio study guide/resources available in various formats for those
who are blind or vision impaired. If you wish to avail yourself of
these services, please contact RAC and we will assist you in
contacting CNIB.
-- Vincent Charron, VA3GX/VE2HHH, RAC Director of Communications and
Fundraising
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
4. Help Wanted: Two ARES District Coordinators
Ontario East Section is looking for two amateurs to serve as ARES
District Emergency Coordinators. The first is for Loyalist District,
which includes a strong ARES group in Frontenac County and two other
groups. Their previous DEC has stepped down.
The second is for Severn District, which includes the strong ARES
group in Peterborough. Severn has not had a DEC for several years,
and effort is needed to cultivate new ARES groups.
As a District Coordinator you will receive my full support,
assistance, and ARES guidance. Interested hams with ARES leadership
experience please email me at VE3IPC (at) rac.ca or telephone
613-679-4472.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. GLETN Time Change
Effective immediately, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net will
meet 15 minutes earlier than its usual start time. The pre-net will
convene at 7:45 pm and the main net at 8:15 pm, Eastern time. This
is due to band conditions, and will continue until further notice.
GLETN meets 7 days a week on 3.932 MHz. All are welcome.
-- Jack Wiswasser WA8IAL, via Shawn VE3PSV
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 14, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada Winter Contest
The RAC Canada Winter Contest will take place from 0000 to 2359 UTC
on December 28. Operate CW and phone on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6
and 2 metres. Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or
territory; VEØs and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial
number. For complete rules and information see
www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests/ [353]
-- RAC Web Page
2. RAC letter regarding Medical Devices in 70 cm band
In the Sept/Oct 2013 issue of TCA there was an article entitled:
"Industry Canada Releases a Radio Standard Specification (RSS) for
Medical Devices Operating in the Band 413-457 MHz". In the article,
we mentioned RAC would be responding to IC with a letter of comment.
This letter is now posted for public viewing on the Industry Canada
web site at tinyurl.com/rac70med We encourage members to read it.
-- Norm Rashleigh, VE3LC, RAC Representative the Radio Advisory Board
of Canada
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Straight Key Night on OSCAR 2014
This year's AMSAT Straight Key Night on OSCAR is being held in memory
of Robert Morris W2LV. All radio amateurs throughout the world are
invited to participate. Simply operate CW through any amateur
satellite from 0001 through 2400 UTC on 1 January 2014, using a
manual, non-electronic key. Note that "bugs" are allowed now.
There is no need to send in a log, but please nominate someone you
worked for Best Fist. Your nominee need not have the best fist of
those you heard, just of those you worked. Send your nomination to
w2rs (at) amsat.org.
-- AMSAT News
4. ARISS Contact
On November 20, a successful Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station contact was made between Salisbury Middle Schools in
Salisbury, New Brunswick, and Astronaut Michael S. Hopkins KF5LJG,
using callsign NA1SS. The contact was telebridged via W6SRJ and
lasted about nine and a half minutes. The ARISS Mentor was VE1WPH.
-- AMSAT News
5. Winlink 2000 Video Presentation
Al Nollmeyer W3YVQ's presentation on using radio-email via Winlink
2000 (WL2K) is now on YouTube, at tinyurl.com/w3yvq-speech. It
describes the use of WL2K as a common interoperable messaging layer
for ARES and NTS leadership and personnel.
This presentation is intended for ARES and NTS leadership, and anyone
else interested in effective public service communications. You are
welcome to share this with your ARES and NTS members provided that it
is not used for any commercial use. The copyright is retained by Al
W3YVQ and the ARRL NTS Winlink Committee.
-- Dave Struebel WB2FTX, via Glenn Killam VE3GNA
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 21, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC 0-30 MHz Band Planning Committee
Al Penney, VO1NO has agreed to chair RAC's 0-30 MHz Band Planning
Committee. The previous chair, Jim Fisher, VE1JF has retired but will
continue to serve the BPC for a time. Other continuing committee
members include Scott Wood VE1QD, Mel Martin VE2DC, Don Moman VE6YJ,
and Frank Vanderzande VE7AV.
Al was first licensed in 1977. He has been active on all bands from
160M to microwave, and enjoys DXpeditions for IOTA and VHF/UHF
contests. He is a past president of the VE2CMR Club, Halifax Amateur
Radio Club, Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association in Colorado
Springs, and the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club in Ottawa. He is
currently President of the Greenwood Amateur Radio Club in Nova
Scotia.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. December Newsletters
The December 2013 issue of QNI, the independent newsletter of the
National Traffic System, is now available online in PDF format, at
ve3gna.wordpress.com.
The December issue of SatMagazine is now online and can be downloaded
in PDF format at www.satmagazine.com/download.php [449].
The European Radio Amateurs' Organization Winter Newsletter is now
online, and can be downloaded at www.eurobureauqsl.org/newsletter [450]
This newsletter comes out quarterly, and can be read either in PDF
or as a web page.
-- Glenn Killam VE3GNA, and AMSAT News
3. Voice of Russia ending shortwave broadcasts
Voice of Russia (VOR), the former Radio Moscow during the USSR era,
will cease shortwave broadcasts as of January 1, 2014.
Voice of Russia currently broadcasts to 160 countries in 38 languages
for 151 hours per day on short and medium waves, on FM, via
satellite, and via the Internet. Earlier this year shortwave
transmissions were cut to 26 hours a day in all languages, down from
more than 50 hours a day in 2012.
-- ARRL Web
4. ARRL Offers Free QST Articles
Beginning December 2, a selected article from each issue of QST will
be made available to non-members and non-hams on the Web at
www.arrl.org/this-month-in-qst [451]. The open-access articles will be
posted for downloading during the first week of each issue month.
The December article is "Colorado Flooding and Ham Radio: Public
Service at its Finest" by Sean Kutzko, KX9X, ARRL Publication
Relations Manager.
-- ARRL Web
5. Juno hears hams say "HI"
On October 9, NASA's interplanetary Juno spacecraft detected Amateur
Radio signals transmitting "HI" as it looped past Earth for a
gravity-assisted boost on its way to Jupiter. More than a thousand
radio amateurs around the world spread out across 10 meters to
transmit "HI" in very slow speed CW, sending 30 second dits
punctuated by 30 second spaces and 90 seconds between characters.
"The second 'HI' was detected clearly," according to researcher Don
Kirchner, KD0L. The experiment involved 16 identical rounds and ran
a bit longer than 2-1/2 hours. The object of the experiment was to
see if Juno's onboard "Waves" experiment could detect the
collaborative RF.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Sections Bulletin for December 28, 2013
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. TPN Net Controllers Needed
The Trans-Provincial Net is seeking net controllers. TPN meets daily
on 7.055 MHz, lower sideband, from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. If you
can help by taking a regular shift, please check into TPN and speak
with a net control station, or contact Shawn VE3PSV via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
2. OPN Net Controllers Needed
The Ontario Phone Net has an urgent need for net controllers. OPN is
a National Traffic System net, meeting on 3.745 MHz daily at 7 pm
Eastern Time, usually lasting less than 15 minutes. No previous
experience is required. If you can help by taking a single shift per
week, please contact Brad VE3RHJ on the OPN Mondays and Wednesdays,
or via email at ve3rhj (at) rac.ca
-- Brad Rodriguez VE3RHJ, OPN NCS
3. NTS Traffic for Carribean
We now have a viable link to the Carribean for third party traffic.
There is a daily net in operation on 7188 kHz with regular scheduled
liaisons to the region who are anxious to have traffic sent their
way.
Any country in the Caribbean area with which we have a third party
agreement can now receive NTS traffic from North America. This
includes Guyana, and many hurricane-prone areas. Please note that it
is essential that the sender provide a phone number, because many
recipients in the Caribbean have only cell phones, which are not in
the telephone directory.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. New Certified EC
Congratulations are extended to Anzil Rock VE3HDR of London Ontario.
He's Canada's newest Certified Emergency Coordinator (CEC).
-- RAC ARES Twitter Feed
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Voice of Russia to Continue Broadcasts
A correction to last week's bulletin: SWL Tom Witherspoon, K4SWL,
contacted VOR, and was informed that "the Voice of Russia will stay
on the air in 2014, however, considerable changes in our frequency
schedule are expected." The schedule through March 2014 can be found
at tinyurl.com/vor-schedule
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 7, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Operators Needed for Canadian Ski Marathon
The 46th Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) will be held on February 11-12
in Western Quebec and the Ottawa Valley. The CSM depends on ham
radio volunteers to provide important and timely safety and
logistical communication. We're looking for volunteers right now.
For more information see the amateur radio CSM web page at
www.radio-1.ca [288]. If you would like to volunteer this year, please
email Harold VA3UNK, radio1 (at) admin2 (dot) ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Section Traffic Manager Wanted
Ontario Section is currently looking for a volunteer to be Section
Traffic Manager. The STM is appointed by the Section Manager to
supervise and coordinate the traffic-handling efforts within the
section, regardless of mode or National Traffic System affiliation.
The STM must be a full RAC member and should be familiar with traffic
handling on all modes. The duties of the STM are described at
www.rac.ca/fieldorg/fsd251r.htm [460]. Please contact the outgoing STM,
Glenn Killam VE3GNA, or the Section Manager if you are willing to
help.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, STM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. SSTV Handbook On-Line
Martin Bruchanov OK2MNM has made his new book "Image Communication
on Short Waves" available free on the web. You can either read it
online or download the chapters in PDF format. Find it at
www.sstv-handbook.com [431]
-- AMSAT News Service
4. AMSAT-Francophone
AMSAT-Francophone is the name of a new organization that hopes to
replace AMSAT-France which was dissolved in late 2011. Formed in
late December, AMSAT-Francophone aims to include French-speaking
countries in the development of amateur satellites and their
technology and systems, and participation in national and
international non-commercial projects in space. Their website is
www.amsat-f.org [461], or read it in Google translated English at
tinyurl.com/AMSAT-Francophone.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. OPERA Transatlantic on 137 kHz
Joe Craig, VO1NA , has successfully received an OPERA digital
transmission on 137.5 kHz from station G4WGT, a distance of 3500 km.
G4WGT was running no more than 400 watts to a 12 meter top loaded
vertical, for an estimated ERP of no more than 250 milliwatts.
OPERA is a low speed digital mode that uses only on/off keying. It
requires only a CW transmitter, unlike other modes that require
modulation or frequency shift keying.
-- Southgate Amateur Radio News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 14, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Pitcairn Island DXpedition VP6T
From January 20 to February 4, a DXpedition will operate VP6T from
Pitcairn Island (OC-044, CQ Zone 32). They will be on all bands
160-10 metres, including the WARC bands. If possible, they will
upload to the Logbook of the World and their "ClubLog" during the
operation; otherwise they will upload logs after their return. For
their operating plans, QSL information and other information, visit
their web site at www.vp6t.org [464].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Trustee wanted for Defence of Amateur Radio Fund
RAC is looking for a person to fill the recently vacated trustee
position in DARF. The DARF trustee must be a licensed amateur and may
not be an officer, employee, director or agent of RAC. DARF is a
Trust Fund established in the early 90's to provide financial support
for travel expenses of an Amateur representative on the Canadian
delegation to World Radio Conferences to defend the Amateur Radio
Bands.
If you are interested please send your name, and a brief resume of no
more than 500 words in French or English, to Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB,
Vo1prb (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. New ARES Ontario Web Page
With the assistance of many amateurs, and especially Carlo Salvitti
VA3CSS, a new Ontario RAC ARES Field Services web site has been
launched. Please visit ontario.racares.ca and check it out. It is
still a work in progress, and ongoing changes will be made. Comments
are welcome.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Big Event 34
The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold its Big Event #34
Flea Market and Hamfest on Saturday, February 4, at the Merriton
Community Centre, 7 Park Avenue, in St. Catharines. General admission
at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3NRS repeater, 147.240 (+) 107.2 Hz tone.
For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent [465].
-- RAC Events Database
5. Digital Communications Conference Videos
Amateur Radio Video News (ARVN) has released video of the entire 2011
ARRL and Tucson Amateur Packet Radio Digital Communications
Conference on the web. Sixteen tech talks and four introductory
talks are available in full. The videos are free to download, but if
you wish you can donate to help cover the production costs. Find
them at www.arvn.tv [466].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 21, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Seeks a Treasurer
The Radio Amateurs of Canada is looking for a Treasurer who is a
Chartered Accountant, Certified General Accountant or Certified
Management Accountant. A certification in amateur radio is optional.
As RAC's financial advisor, we need someone to provide direction on
the accounts and act as liaison with the external auditors.
Experience with QuickBooks would be an asset.
Please speak with your friends, there must be a RAC member who
either qualifies or can approach someone for this volunteer
position. Interested parties please contact the RAC Corporate
Secretary at vo1prb@rac.ca [469]
-- Paul Burggraaf, RAC Corporate Secretary
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. British Columbia QSO Party
The 2012 British Columbia QSO Party will take place from 1600Z
February 4 to 0400Z February 5, on all bands 160-10 metres except the
WARC bands, phone, CW, and digital. The object for stations outside
British Columbia is to work stations in the 36 BC Federal Electoral
Districts. Exchange is electoral district for BC stations,
province/state for non-BC stations. For more information see
www.orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html [119]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Guides on the Air
Guides on the Air (GOTA) will take place Saturday and Sunday,
Feburary 18th and 19th. This is an opportunity for Girl Guides, from
Sparks to Guiders, to talk to other members of Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts all over the world via amateur radio. Outside Canada, GOTA is
known as Thinking Day on the Air. For information visit
tinyurl.com/gota2012
-- Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association
4. Traffic Handlers' Quiz
Anyone interested in determining his or her knowledge of traffic
handling do's and dont's is encouraged to take the Traffic Handlers'
Quiz at www.emcomm.org/thc/scoreboard.htm [470]. There are 40 questions
related to message handling. If you have done the quiz in the past,
do not take it again as your original score is the only one which
will count towards your placement.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario STM
5. Contest University 2012
The 2012 Contest University will be held May 17th at the Crowne Plaza
Hotel in Dayton, Ohio, during the Dayton Hamvention. This years
scheduled instructors include such notables as N6TR, K3NA, K7NV,
XE1KK, W5WZ and K2RD. Early bird registration is open through
January 31st. For more information visit www.contestuniversity.com [471].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 28, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Quebec Director
Congratulations to Mr. Sheldon M. Werner, VA2SH / VA6SH, who was
recently elected as the RAC Director for Quebec. Mr. Werner ran
unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election. His role as
Director will be for the remainder of a two year term which ends
December 31, 2013. Mr. Werner has been an amateur operator since
1976 and is currently the Vice President for the Montreal Amateur
Radio Club.
-- Paul Burggraaf VO1PRB, RAC Corporate Secretary
2. WRC-2012
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC 2012) is now underway
and runs until February 17. This year, the delegation from Canada is
composed of Industry Canada Staff along with Bryan Rawlings VE3QN -
our RAC representative. A report on WRC 2012 will appear in a future
issue of The Canadian Amateur.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Collingwood 2 Metre Net
Effective immediately, the Collingwood Amateur Radio Club weekly net
will be held on Thursdays at 7 pm, on the VA3ROG Blue Mountain
repeater, 145.37 MHz (-), 118.8 Hz tone. All amateurs are welcome to
check in. The net formerly met on Wednesdays.
-- Helena Short, VE3GFS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. FAR Seeks Scholarship Applicants
Canadian amateurs pursuing higher education may be eligible for one
or more of the scholarships administered by the Foundation for
Amateur Radio (FAR). The application deadline for most awards is
April 15, although a few have a May 15 deadline. Details and
downloadable applications may be found online at www.farweb.org [312], or
request an application package by sending a letter or QSL card to:
FAR Scholarships, P.O. Box 911, Columbia, MD 21044-0911 USA.
-- CQ News Service
5. Amateurs Asked to Listen for RS-39 Satellite
The Chibis-M microsatellite, also known as RS-39 (RadioSputnik 39),
was placed into orbit Tuesday evening. RS-39 has CW beacons on
435.315 and 435.215 MHz, and amateurs are asked to submit reception
reports via email to amateur-rs39 (at) chibis.cosmos.ru. Each report
will be acknowledged with a special QSL. The CW telemetry format is
available at tinyurl.com/RS-39-Morse-Code-Telemetry, and decoding
software can be downloaded at www.dk3wn.info/files/rs39.zip [474]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 4, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Outstanding ARES ID cards
I am happy to advise that all outstanding ARES ID Cards are now "in
the mail". Please accept my thanks for your patience. We have now
purchased our own machine, so future turnaround time will be days
instead of weeks. RAC also can now produce cards for affiliated
clubs and ARES groups; email me, vo1dtm (at) rac.ca, for details.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
2. WRC Report Number One
Rod Stafford, W6ROD has submitted his first report from the World
Radiocommunication Conference 2012. There are a number of agenda
items for WRC-12 that have some impact on amateur radio; one item of
particular interest is a possible new amateur frequency allocation
near 500 kHz. The full report is posted on the RAC blog, at
blog.rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Distracted Driving Status Report
RAC is seeking an exemption for Ontario Amateurs from Ontario
Legislation 366/09, the "distracted driving" law. Last year Steve
Pengelly, VE3STV, Jeff Stewart, VE3WXM, and Bill Unger, VE3XT made a
presentation to MTO officials requesting this exemption. The MTO
officials asked for some time to think this through and made a
commitment to contact us in early 2012.
At the moment we are advising all Ontario Amateurs to wait for a
reply from MTO. If the reply is in our favour, end of story. If not
we have several ideas in the works. Stay tuned for updates.
-- RAC Blog
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Antarctic Special Event
The Worldwide Antarctic Program's 9th Antarctic Activity Week,
will be held from 0000Z February 20 through 2400Z February 26.
One of the callsigns used will be VB3A; North American stations QSL
via VA3ITA. For more information search VB3A at qrz.com.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Burlington Spring Flea Market
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual flea market
on Saturday, February 25, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 828 Legion
Road, in Burlington. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on
VE3RSB repeater, 147.210(+) 131.8 Hz tone. For more information
visit www.barc.ca [294]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 11, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 500 kHz Allocation Moves to Next Stage
Committee 4 of the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12)
has approved a worldwide secondary allocation to the Amateur Service
at 472-479 kHz, with a power limit of 1 watt EIRP, or 5 watts EIRP in
special circumstances. This proposal now moves to the Plenary
session for consideration. Individual countries may elect to opt out
of this allocation.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Ontario Restructuring Update
RAC, through its Ontario Section Restructuring Commission, has
decided to divide Ontario into four Sections: Ontario North, Ontario
East, Ontario South, and Greater Toronto Area. The four Section
Managers will meet as a Provincial Council to handle provincial-
level issues.
The new Section Managers will be appointed by the VP Field Services
from qualified persons recommended by the membership. Nominations of
RAC members may be made through your local club. Nominations close on
March 31st, new managers will be appointed by May 1st, and the
transition will be complete by September 1st.
More information can be found at the RAC Blog at blog.rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Ontario ARES District Changes
Effective January 2012, Emergency Management Ontario has changed its
sector boundaries. Ontario ARES will rearrange Districts to follow
the EMO change. The new EMO Sector maps can be found at
tinyurl.com/emo2012.
-- via Allan Boyd, Ontario Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. ARRL to Permit Use of LoTW for CQ Awards
Applicants for CQ's WPX award will soon be able to use ARRL Logbook
of the World (LoTW) credits in their applications, under an agreement
between CQ and the ARRL announced on January 24. Previously, ARRL had
prohibited the use of its LoTW system by any outside organization.
The target date for starting WPX support on LoTW is April 1, 2012.
Support for additional CQ awards will follow, although no timetable
has been set.
-- CQ News Service
5. Hungarian Cubesat
Andras Gschwindt HA5WH is requesting Radio Amateurs to send reports
of telemetry data from the Hungarian student satellite Masat-1, due
to be launched on February 13. Its call sign is HA5MASAT and
telemetry is being sent GFSK on 437.345 MHz +/- 10 kHz Doppler shift.
The group also needs amateurs to receive voltage and temperature data
sent in CW. For more information, and decoder software, visit their
web page, cubesat.bme.hu/en/
-- AMSAT UK, via RSGB News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 18, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Amateur of the Year 2011
RAC is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC
of Kingston, ON as the Canadian Radio Amateur of the Year. Dr. Trifu
exemplifies the Canadian Amateur with numerous IOTA DXpeditions since
2008 covering Canadian and overseas islands. He has raised the
profile of Canadian Amateur operations world-wide with thousands of
QSOs with DXCCs covering over six continents, and with over twenty
multi language articles in several amateur journals.
A presentation will be made to Dr. Trifu in the coming weeks. More on
his nomination will appear in the May-June issue of The Canadian
Amateur magazine.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Section Manager Nominations
As mentioned last week, Ontario Section Field Service is being
revamped, to close the communications gap between RAC and its
members. The transition will begin May 1st with the appointment of
new Section Managers. I ask the clubs and ARES groups to nominate
appropriately skilled and capable candidates. Nomination letters
must be signed by 10 full RAC members, or by the president of a club,
and should be mailed to Allan Boyd VE3AJB, P.O. Box 208, Little
Current, ON, POP 1K0 no later than March 31st.
The job of the Section Manager has changed, and there are new support
positions that need to be filled. Provisional job descriptions can
be viewed online at tinyurl.com/ontrestruct. During the transition
period, May through August, we will be recruiting new section staff.
Please think of who you know that might be able and willing to tackle
one of these important jobs.
-- Allan Boyd, Ontario Section Manager
3. GLETN Time Change
Effective immediately, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net will
hold its pre-net at 8:00 pm, and the main net at 8:30 pm, Eastern
Time. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365 nights a year. All amateurs are
welcome.
-- via Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Loyalist City Special Event
From March 1st to March 31st, club members of the Loyalist City
Amateur Radio Club of Saint John, New Brunswick will use special
event station CK975LC to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the club.
QSL via VE3MY or bureau; no LOTW or EQSL. Visit www.lcarc.ca [481] for more
information.
-- RAC Events Database and qrz.com
5. Eight Satellites Reach Orbit
At 1000 UTC February 13, a European Space Agency Vega rocket lifted
eight student-built MicroSats and CubeSats to orbit. They are:
ALMASat-1 from Italy, sending 1200-baud packet data at 437.465 and
2407.850 MHz.
Xatcobeo from Spain, sending telemetry at 437.365 and 145.940 MHz.
Robusta from France, sending 1200-baud packet telemetry at 437.325
MHz with one 20-second data burst every 3 minutes.
E-Star from Italy, sending 1200-baud packet telemetry at 437.445 MHz.
Goliat from Romania, sending 1200-baud packet data at 437.485 MHz.
PW-Sat from Poland, which includes a voice repeater that listens on
435.020 MHz FM and retransmits on 145.900 MHz SSB. Telemetry will be
sent as 1200-baud packet and CW at 435.020 MHz.
MaSat-1 from Hungary, sending 625/1250 bps GFSK data at 437.345 MHz.
UniCubeSat GG from Italy, sending 9600-baud data at 437.305 MHz.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 25, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. A New Band at 600 metres
The 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference has approved a new
secondary frequency allocation to the Amateur Radio Service at 472 to
479 kHz. As a secondary user, amateur radio shares this band with
the Maritime Mobile Service, who are the primary user in all three
ITU Regions, and with the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service.
It remains for the Canadian government to authorize the use of 472 to
479 kHz by Canadian amateurs. We expect this to occur, but the
process may take some time.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. ARES Reflector Address Changes
Effective immediately, the RAC email reflectors have new addresses.
ares_alerts (at) eton.ca REMAINS THE SAME.
ares_sec_dec_ec (at) eton.ca is changed to ares_chat (at) eton.ca
racamberalert (at) eton.ca is changed to raran_on (at) eton.ca
racamberalertbc (at) eton.ca is changed to raran_bc (at) eton.ca
Neil Herber, VE3PUE has created aliases so that the "old" addresses
will work until everyone is changed over. There will be no changes
for persons receiving these bulletins except for those who filter
their incoming mail.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Communications Ontario Net
Effective immediately the warm-up session for the Communications
Ontario Net, COMSONT, will start at 9:00 AM Eastern time just after
the Treasure Coasters Net concludes. The Comsont Roll Net roll call
will start at 9:30 AM Eastern time rather than 10:00 AM.
We hope the change will help fill the gap left after the Treasure
Coasters clear the frequency. Additionally, it will give everyone
a bit more of the morning to do other things.
COMSONT operates daily on 7.153 MHz. All are welcome to check in.
-- Don Rowed, VE3KII
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Titanic Special Event Callsign
From March 9 to April 9, special call sign XL3T has been authorized
to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the voyage of the RMS
Titanic. QSL via VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Nunavut ARISS Contact
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
was successful for Inuksuk High School, Iqaluit, Nunavut, on February
8 at 15:18 UTC via telebridge station AH6NM in Hawaii. The school
has formed a space club through which students are learning about the
ISS via videos, the internet and guest speakers. First Air and the
Makivik Corporation are the sponsors that ensure ARISS contacts are
supported in the remote areas of Northern Canada.
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 3, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Volunteers needed for Dayton Hamvention.
RAC is returning to Dayton for 2012 and we are once again looking
for volunteers to operate the Booth over May 18 to 20th. Last year
we organized a single three hour slot for each volunteer. Your
availability will determine your slot and flexibility is the
watchword. If you can help, please forward your contact information
and availability by email to ve4baw (at) rac.ca, with a cc: to our
office at rachq (at) rac.ca.
-- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, RAC President
2. Earle Smith, Silent Key
It is with regret that Radio Amateurs of Canada has learned that
Earle Smith, VE6NM, passed away peacefully after an illness on
Friday, February 24th.
Earle served as President of RAC from late 2004 to the end of 2007.
All who knew Earle respected him as a leader, a friend and a force
for good in the amateur radio community. We will miss him. The
amateur community can post condolences which will be forwarded to
the family, online at earlesmith.rac.ca.
-- Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW, RAC President
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. TPN Seeks Net Control Stations
The Trans-Provincial Net (TPN) meets daily from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern
Time on 7.055 MHz. The net currently needs more net control
stations. If you can help, please contact net manager Shawn, VE3PSV,
either directly on the TPN or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Ham-Ex 2012
The Mississauga and Peel Amateur Radio Clubs will hold Ham-Ex 2012 on
Saturday, March 24, at the Brampton Fall Fair Grounds, Heart Lake
Road and Old School Road, north of Brampton. Exhibits and
demonstrations start 8 am, flea market 9 am. Talk-in on VE3PRC
146.880, no tone, and VE3MIS 145.430, 103.5 Hz tone. For more
information visit www.ham-ex.ca [310]
-- RAC Events Database
5. New Sections in ARRL Contests
RAC's decision to split Ontario into four Sections will affect ARRL
contests and Field Day in the following ways:
For ARRL contests that use ARRL/RAC sections as multipliers there
will be an overall increase of three available multipliers.
ARRL contests that use US states and Canadian provinces as
multipliers, and the IARU HF Championships, are unaffected by this
change.
The first contest to be affected by the RAC administrative change
will be the 2012 ARRL November Sweepstakes, which will now require 83
multipliers to achieve a Clean Sweep.
ARRL Field Day does not use multipliers, but Ontario stations will
send new Section abbreviations as part of their exchanges.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 10, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Volunteers Needed for RAC Band Planning Committees
RAC is looking for additional volunteers to help update the VHF/UHF
and SHF band plans to reflect new modes and current practice. At
this time, we have enough members on the 0-30 MHz (formerly HF) Band
Planning Committee.
Volunteers must be RAC members and have an active interest in the
VHF/UHF or SHF bands. To volunteer for the VHF/UHF committee, please
contact the chair, Dana Shtun VE3KU, Dana at: ve3dss-1.rogers.com.
For the SHF committee, contact chair Steve Kavanagh VE3SMA, by email
at ve3sma (at) rac.ca. The SHF committee especially seeks someone
with specific interest in satellite operations, or knowledgeable
with interference issues in the shared bands above 2 GHz.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Special Event Station VO1AA
On April 25th, the birthday of Guglielmo Marconi, the Society of
Newfoundland Radio Amateurs will make Amateur Radio contact with
Princess Elettra (Marconi) who will be in Bologna, Italy to
celebrate her father's birthday. It is planned to have the Canadian
Heritage Minister, the Newfoundland Premier, the City of St. John's
Mayor and the the Newfoundland Lieutenant Governor exchange greetings
with the Princess via station VO1AA at Cabot Tower.
This is the first time that this event has been attempted, and we
anticipate that it will be a high level media exposure for Amateur
Radio in Canada.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. New Ontario SEC
Effective immediately, Scott Carter VE3CGN of Dutton, Ontario is
appointed ARES Section Emergency Coordinator for Ontario. He will
serve until September 1st, when appointments are made for each of
the four new Sections in Ontario.
Scott brings with him much experience in emergency communications.
Scott was the former District Emergency Coordinator for the Tecumseh
District, and has many certifications in emergency management
including CEC, BEM, IMS-100, and IMS-200. He is also very active
with the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network. Please welcome
Scott to his new position.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Young Ham of the Year Nominations
Nominations are open for the Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the
Year Award. Nominees must be 18 or younger, licensed amateurs,
residents of the US or Canada, and must have made significant
contributions to their community, the nation or amateur radio.
Nominations must be received by May 30. Complete details and
nominating forms are online at www.arnewsline.org/yhoty [180].
-- CQ News Service
5. Field Day Packet Now Available
Field Day is June 23-24 and Field Day packets are now available for
download. They include the complete rules, forms, entry submission
instructions, a Frequently Asked Questions section, guidelines for
getting bonus points, instructions for GOTA stations, a publicity
kit, and a one-page "What is Field Day" flyer you can hand out. Find
it at www.arrl.org/fieldday [299]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 17, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New ARES logos
Tyler Tidman VA3DGN has designed new logos in both official
languages for use by all ARES/SURA members and groups. The black
and yellow is suitable for caps, shirts, crests etc, while the black
and white lends itself well to print form. They are available in a
PDF file at tinyurl.com/racareslogo
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Iroquois Fleamarket
On Saturday, April 7, the Iroquois Amateur Radio Club will hold its
16th Annual Fleamarket, at 1 Dundas in Iroquois. Take exit 738 from
the 401. General admission is free and starts at 9 am. Talk-in on
145.29 (-). For information about tables, contact contact Mike
va3tufham (at) aol.com or Don va3nc (at) rac.ca .
-- RAC Events Database
3. IRLP Topic Channels
Beginning in March 2012, the Internet Radio Linking Project (IRLP)
will host IRLP Topic Channels. Nearly 3000 IRLP nodes worldwide can
connect to thirty "reflectors" for group discussion. Twenty
reflector channels are being designated for specific topics, like DX,
sports, history, and movies. While IRLP is the backbone of the
system, some topic channels will provide access via Echolink and
other VOIP systems. For more information on using IRLP visit
www.irlp.net [490]. For the latest list of topic channels visit
www.irlptopics.net [491].
-- via Paul Caccamo VA3PC
4. Next WRC to Discuss 5 MHz
At the 2012 World Radiocommunications Conference, it was agreed to
discuss a permanent 5 MHz amateur allocation at the next conference
in 2015. The band being proposed is 5.250 to 5.450 MHz. The
International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) worked hard to get support
for putting this item on the agenda, after it failed to make the
WRC-12 agenda.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. VA3OOG to Command the ISS
The BBC reports that astronaut Chris Hadfield, VA3OOG, will be the
first Canadian to command the International Space Station. Hadfield
will travel to the ISS near the end of this year, and will serve as a
flight engineer in the Expedition 34 crew. Then, in March 2013, he
will assume command of Expedition 35 for three months before
returning to Earth. Read more at tinyurl.com/va3oog-on-orbit
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 24, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Appoints Public Information Officer
I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Bauld,
VE3CBR, to the Field Organization National Secretariat effective
immediately. Alan resides in Stittsville, Ontario just outside Ottawa,
and will be a welcome addition to our ever growing team.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Olympic Special Event Stations
Two special event call signs will be activated to celebrate
the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
From London, England, station 2012L (Two Oscar One Two Lima) will be
active through the duration of the Games, located at the historic
Eltham Palace, south-east London on 160m-2m, all modes. For more
information see www.2o12L.com [494].
From Wales, station 2O12W (Two Oscar One Two Whiskey) will also be
active on all bands from 160m to 23cm and all modes including SSTV
and satellite from Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan,
Wales. For more information see www.2o12W.com [495].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. India's HAMSAT VO-52 Recovered
After failing on February 28, HAMSAT VO-52 is back on the air. Both
the transponder and CW beacon are functional. Their frequencies are:
Uplink: 435.2250 - 435.2750 MHz SSB/CW
Downlink: 145.9250 - 145.8750 MHz SSB/CW
Beacon: 145.8600 MHz CW
The HAMSAT team requests detailed reception reports be sent to:
tprangan (at) istrac.org with a copy to wmy (at) isac.gov.in.
-- AMSAT News Service
4. Longwave Club
Interested in the possible new MW (medium wave) amateur allocation?
Check out the Longwave Club of America, www.lwca.org [496]. Their
periodical "Lowdown" covers everything on LF from "Natural Radio"
(atmospherics) to 500 kHz, experimental stations, technical content,
and a stations-heard listing.
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Quick and Dirty CW Netiquette
Alan Wormser, N5LF offers the "Netiquette" web page, a good training
tool for newbies to CW nets. Find it at
www.qsl.net/n5lf/cw-nts.html [497]
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 31, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Quebec Section Emergency Coordinator appointed
Effective immediately, Normand Pitre VE2NHK, of Saint Zotique QC, is
appointed Section Emergency Coordinator for the Quebec Section. He
recently earned his RAC Certified Emergency Coordinator designation,
and is eager to chat with any members of the Quebec Section that
might have an interest in establishing a new ARES unit. Welcome
Normand.
-- Gilles Lariviere VA2SGL, Quebec Section Manager
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. World Amateur Radio Day
On April 18 we celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. This year's theme
is "Amateur Radio Satellites: Celebrating 50 Years in Space" to
commemorate the launch of OSCAR 1 on December 12, 1961 and the
launch of OSCAR 2 on June 2, 1962. IARU Member Societies will
operate the following special event stations:
6H6IARU by the Federación Mexicana de Radio Experimentadores,
operated by Grupo DXXE, will be active from 13 to 18 April in all
modes and bands. QSL via LoTW and N7RO, direct or bureau. Daily logs
uploads will be available in ClubLog.
3G87IARU by the Radio Club de Chile, will be active throughout the
month of April. QSL via CE3AA.
LZ1WARD by the Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs also will be
active throughout the month of April. QSL via bureau.
-- IARU News, via RAC News Service
3. Titanic Special Event Station
From April 6 to April 26, special event station GB100MGY will operate
on all amateur bands, CW and SSB, from Fort Perch Rock Marine Radio
Museum, New Brighton, Wirral, U.K. This is to mark the 100th
anniversary of the Titanic disaster. Overnight on 14th-15th of April,
the date Titanic was sunk, we will operate mainly on 502 kHz CW, the
band where the Titanic made her distress call.
We have special permission to operate GB100MGY on the 501-504 kHz
band from April 12th to April 18. Those without a 500 kHz band
licence can make a crossband QSO on 3566 khz or 7066 kHz as
propagation conditions permit. We are hoping conditions are suitable
for a "pond hop" to East coast area of Canada. For more information
visit www.gb100mgy-fortperchrock.co.uk [500].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. Morse Code Special Event
New York's QSY Society Amateur Radio Club will host a special event
station at the Samuel F. B. Morse Estate in the city of Poughkeepsie,
to celebrate his creation of the Morse Code in 1832. Call sign K2QS
will operate CW from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Eastern Time on Saturday
April 14th, centered on 7.034 and 14.034 MHz. QSL requests go to
David Ruth at 48 Hoof Print Road, Millbrook, New York, 12545.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. City of Ottawa Relaxes Antenna Rules
The city of Ottawa has compromised with radio amateurs regarding
antenna restrictions. Personal antennas may be erected in front or
side yards in urban or suburban neighbourhoods as long as they're
shorter than 15 metres, less than three inches across and set back at
least 1 1/2 metres from property lines. Bigger antennas would require
public consultations so neighbours can have their say.
-- The Ottawa Citizen, via RSGB News
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Special Event station VX9MRC
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, the
Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland will transmit a special bulletin
near 500 kHz, the frequency used by the Titanic to send their
distress call to Newfoundland. Listen on 507.77 kHz CW for VX9MRC
between 0001 and 0400 UTC on 15 April. Please note this is Saturday
night, 14 April, for listeners in Ontario.
-- Charles Marsh, VO1VZ, Newfoundland Section Manager
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training April 11-21
CANWARN training will be held in the following locations:
On Wednesday April 11, in Sarnia, 7 PM, in the Lower Auditorium of
the Clearwater Arena, 1400 Wellington St. in Sarnia.
On Tuesday April 17, in Windsor, 7 PM, at the Giovanni Caboto Club,
2175 Parent Ave.
On Wednesday April 18, in London, 7 PM, in Room T1003, Building T,
Fanshawe College, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. There is free parking
at any metered spots on campus after 6 PM.
On Saturday April 21, in Hamilton, 9 AM, in the Nash Auditorium,
Wilcox Building, Chedoke Hospital, Sanatorium Road. Free parking
is available across the street from the auditorium.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Durham Region Hamfest
The South Pickering Amateur Radio Club and North Shore Amateur Radio
Club will hold their annual hamfest on Saturday, April 21, at the
Pickering Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Rd, just one block
east of Pickering Town Centre. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on
VE3SPA repeater, 147.375 (+) 103.5 Hz tone. For more information
visit drhamfest.tripod.com
-- RAC Events Database
4. Ontario QSO Party
The 15th Annual Ontario QSO Party will be held from 1800Z April 21 to
0500Z April 22, and 1200Z to 1800Z April 22. Stations outside Ontario
attempt to contact as many Ontario stations as possible; Ontario
stations work everyone. Operation is on all bands 160-2 meters except
the WARC bands, CW, SSB, and FM. For complete rules visit
www.va3cco.com/oqp [167]
-- Contest Club Ontario
5. More World Amateur Radio Day Stations
In addition to those mentioned last week, these special event
stations will commemorate World Amateur Radio Day:
EL2RL by the Liberia Radio Amateur Association will be active on
April 18, on 10, 15, 17 and 20 meters. Direct QSL to EL2BA.
HB9WARD by Union Schweizerischer Kurzwellen-Amateure to be active
also on April 18. QSL via HB9JOE.
HF87WARD by members of the SP-CFF (SP0CFF). This station will be
active from April 17 to 30. QSL via eQSL.cc and WFF LogSerach. For
those who want to send card direct, please send SASE to: Polish Club
Flora & Fauna, Suchacz, Wielmozy 5b, 82-340 Tolkmicko, Poland.
-- IARU News, via RAC News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 14, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Update on 60 Metres
RAC has requested that Canadian amateurs be granted channelized
access to 60M, identical to the US allocation with one additional
unique Canadian channel. In late 2011 the FCC issued a final Report
and Order for U.S. 60M access, clearing the way for Canada to
proceed. This allocation, on a secondary basis, requires a public
consultation through the Canada Gazette, which we expect will occur
in the second quarter of 2012. It is important that Canadian
Amateurs comment on the draft once released.
As an interim step, Industry Canada will issue special licences for
60M. The process requires a formal licence application, payment of a
licence fee, and the use of a special call sign instead of your
amateur call sign. If you wish to obtain a temporary, paid license to
operate on 60M, please contact your local Industry Canada Regional
Office.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training April 22-28
CANWARN training will be held in the following locations:
On Tuesday April 24, in Goderich, 1:30 PM, in the Goderich Community
Centre (Old Arena), 180 McDonald St.
Also on April 24, in Clinton, 7 PM, at the Central Huron Fire Hall,
410 Beech St.
On Thursday April 26, in Parry Sound, 12:30 PM, at the Bobby Orr
Centre, 7 Mary Street.
On Saturday April 28, in the Washago/Orillia area, 9 AM, at the
Community Room, MASK Arena, 6147 Rama Road (north of Casinorama and
south of Airport Road on Rama Road)
Also on April 28, in the Ottawa area, 9 AM, at the Nepean Sailing
Club, 3259 Carling Avenue, Nepean.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
3. OPN seeks net controllers
The Ontario Phone Net has an immediate need for both regular and
alternate Net Control Operators. Regular positions are for one shift
a week. Alternates are to substitute on an "as needed" basis.
The OPN currently meets daily at 1900 Eastern Time, on 3745 kHz.
If you would like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the
Ontario Phone Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, acting net manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Radio Scouting IRLP Calling Channel
Radio Scouting and Jamboree on the Air now have a meeting place for
IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project) contacts. IRLP Node 9091 is a
dedicated Topic Channel for Radio Scouting.
Recommended times for calling are 1800Z and 0100Z, but the channel is
available for use 24/7. It's recommended that once two stations make
contact, they agree upon a different IRLP node, disconnect from the
Topic Channel and connect using the new node, freeing Node 9091 for
more contacts. For more information about Topic Channels, visit
www.irlptopics.net [491]
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 21, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Deputy Director Ontario North/East
Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA, of Ottawa is the new Deputy Director for
Radio Amateurs of Canada, North/East Ontario Region. Glenn is
currently president of the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, and led the
team that made presentations to the Ottawa city council regarding
amateur radio exemptions for antenna systems. He has worked for the
Federal Government and was an advisor on issues related to Canada's
space program.
Glenn will bring administration, innovation and management skills to
RAC, and we look forward to working with him as part of the
North/East Ontario team.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Distracted Driving in Ontario
The amateur radio exemption from Ontario's distracted driving
regulation will expire at the end of 2012. RAC has been lobbying for
a permanent exemption. On April 16, MTO proposed a five-year
extension of the current exemption. You can view the regulatory
notice in the provincial registry at tinyurl.com/ddo9043 (Delta Delta
Oscar Nine Zero Four Three). The deadline for comments is May 30.
RAC will be providing comments to the Road User Safety Branch of MTO
on this issue and will continue to press for a permanent exemption.
We thank all organisations that supplied letters of support to assist
us in obtaining this extension.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. CANWARN Training May 2 - May 5
CANWARN training will be held in the following locations:
On Wednesday, May 2, in Kitchener, 7 PM, at Bingemans Conference
Centre, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive,
On Saturday, May 5, in Toronto, 9 AM, at the Environment Canada
offices, 4905 Dufferin St
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Special Event Stations
From May 1st to May 30th, special event station VC2CBS30 will
commemorate the 30th anniversary of the incorporation of the Club
Radioamateur Sorel-Tracy VE2CBS Inc. QSL via VE2DWE. For more
informatinon visit www.ve2cbs.qc.ca [507]
From May 1st to May 31st, special event station VC3D will celebrate
the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. QSL via VE3FXX.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Register your Field Day Location
ARRL provides the Field Day Station Locator, a free, interactive map
that helps amateurs or those interested in Amateur Radio find a
public Field Day site near them. To view or add sites, go to
www.arrl.org/field-day-locator [508]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 28, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Section Traffic Manager Needed
Ontario Section is in need of a Section Traffic Manager, to serve
until the Section reorganization is complete this fall. The
appointment description can be found at tinyurl.com/fsd251r (Fox
Sierra Delta Two Five One Romeo). In the interim, net reports and
station activity reports should be sent to the Section Manager, Allan
Boyd VE3AJB, via email, ve3ajb (at) vianet.ca.
Ontario Section thanks outgoing STM Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, for his
many years of great work in the position.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario SM
2. CANWARN Training May 8 - May 10
CANWARN training will be held in the following locations:
On Tuesday, May 8, in Toronto, 7 PM, at the Environment Canada
offices, 4905 Dufferin St.
On Thursday, May 10, in Peterborough, 7 PM, at the Peterborough
Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. North.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Smiths Falls Flea Market
The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club will hold its 28th Flea Market on
Saturday, May 12, at the Smiths Falls Curling and Squash Club, Old
Sly's Road, in Smiths Falls. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on
VE3RLR repeater, 147.21 (+). This is a new location; visit
ve3rlr.dyndns.org for a map and more information.
-- RAC Events Database
4. Special Event Station VE3A
From May 10 to June 9, special event station VE3A will commemorate
the Diamond Jubillee of HM The Queen of Canada. Expected frequencies
are 28.490, 21.290, 14.290, 7.143 MHz. QSL via VE3RHE (Direct or via
Bureau) or N0OKA (Direct Only); we will also be using LoTW. For more
information see VE3A on QRZ.com.
-- RAC Events Database
5. Special Event Station VX3W
Members of the Manotick Amateur Radio Group will be operating special
event station VX3W from Fort Wellington in Prescott, Ontario, on
Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 EDT to 16:00 EDT (1400Z to 2000Z) to
commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Operation will
be mostly HF phone, but local operators may find us on VHF or UHF
simplex. For more information visit tinyurl.com/vx3w-2012.
QSL via Manotick Amateur Radio Group, c/o 609-45 Holland Avenue,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Y 4S3.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 5, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. New ECs in Bruce District
Wayne McLean, VE3WWM, has become the new ARES Emergency Coordinator
for Orangeville and Dufferin County. Wayne has been quite active in
ARES as an assistant to outgoing EC Alex Giger VE3LFJ. Thanks go to
Alex for his years of service as EC.
Also, Tim Eaton, VE3RTE, CEC, has become the new Emergency
Coordinator for Kincardine and Bruce County. Tim has been active for
years in Grey County ARES, and is now filling the long-standing
vacancy in Bruce County.
On behalf of RAC, I thank both Wayne and Tim for taking on these
important positions in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, Bruce District EC
2. CANWARN Training May 16
CANWARN training will be held on Wednesday, May 16, in Dufferin
County, 7 PM, at the Dufferin County Museum, corner of Hwy 89 and
Airport Road in Mulmur.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. U.S. Armed Forces Day Crossband Test
On May 12th, the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard are co-sponsoring the annual Military/Amateur Radio Crossband
Communications Test in celebration of the 62nd anniversary of Armed
Forces Day (AFD).
Participating military stations will transmit on selected military
MARS frequencies and listen for Amateur Radio stations in the amateur
bands. SSB and CW will be used. QSL cards will be provided to those
stations making contact with the military stations. For schedules and
frequencies, download the PDF information file from
tinyurl.com/bwx5pvu (Bravo Whiskey Xray Five Papa Victor Uniform).
-- ARRL Bulletin Service
4. Bailing Out a Radio Club
Is your radio club struggling? You might find this article
interesting, about a tugboat captain who discovered amateur radio
after a career-ending injury, and then proceeded to join and
revitalize his local radio club. It's a story full of ideas and
inspiration. See www.arrl.org/bailing-out-a-radio-club [513]
-- ARRL Web
5. Amateur Radio Posters for Download
The RSGB has made available a collection of amateur radio promotional
posters that can be used when demonstrating the hobby to the public.
The posters can be downloaded from www.rsgb.org/posters [514]
-- Southgate ARC News
6. Understanding Digital Modulation
Confused about QPSK, 16QAM, and 4FSK? Louis Frenzel, W5LEF, writing
in Electronic Design, offers a nice overview of different techniques
for modulating a radio signal with digital data. Find it on-line at
tinyurl.com/crqeqdg (Charlie Romeo Quebec Echo Quebec Delta Golf).
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 12, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC E-mail Bulletins
The Radio Amateurs of Canada National Bulletin Service will email to
you any breaking news items that are of interest to Canadian
Amateurs. This could be frequencies being used for international
emergency that you need to stay clear of, or it could be information
on a new frequency assignment. To learn how to subscribe for free go
to rac.eton.ca/racbullemail.htm
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training May 26 - 27
CANWARN training will be held:
In Belleville on Saturday May 26, at 10 AM, at the Belleville Library
Conference Room, 254 Pinnacle Street.
Near Sudbury on Saturday May 26, at 9 AM, at the Lionel E. Lalonde
Centre, 239 Montee Principale, in Azilda.
In Espanola on Sunday May 27, at 1 PM, at the Pinewood Inn, 378
Centre St.
In Elliot Lake on Sunday May 27, at 7 PM, at the Renaissance Centre,
20 Veterans Way.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Museum Ships Weekend
The worldwide Museum Ships Weekend Event will be held from 0000Z
June 2nd through 2359Z June 3rd. Last year 83 ships in 13 countries
around the world participated in the event. Operators that work at
least 15 different ships are eligible for a certificate. For a list
of ships, suggested frequencies, and other information, visit
www.nj2bb.org/museum [337]
-- AMSAT News
4. Learn CW Online
Fabian, DJ1YFK, offers the "Learn CW Online" web site. LCWO is a
Morse Code learners program for all levels of expertise. It's free
of charge and no installation is needed -- just internet access.
Find it at www.lcwo.net [517].
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
5. CircuitLab Online
CircuitLab Editor is a free online application for designing,
testing, editing, and sharing electronic circuits. It's intended
for students, educators and engineers, and hobbyists, to test
circuit designs before breadboarding. It's web-based, so all you need
is Internet and a web browser. Find it at www.circuitlab.com [518].
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 19, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 60 Metre Consultation
Industry Canada has Gazetted the request from Radio Amateurs of
Canada for access to 60M. See the gazette item at
tinyurl.com/gazette60m. A consultation process now begins, which is
one of the last steps before final approval.
Industry Canada is seeking input on five items. RAC feels it is
important for amateur radio operators to comment on this proposal.
The five items, and the comment procedure, are explained at
www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2012/26 [521]. Comments on these items must
be received prior to June 12th.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training May 28 - 31
CANWARN training will be held:
In Sault Ste Marie on Monday May 28, at 7 PM, at the Delta Sault
Ste Marie, 208 St. Mary's Drive.
In Timmins on Tuesday May 29, at 6:30 PM, at the Timmins Inn and
Suites, 1800 Riverside Drive.
In Temiskaming Shores on Wednesday May 30, at 6 PM, at College
Boreal, 280 Armstrong St.
In North Bay on Thursday May 31, at 6:30 PM, at the North Bay Public
Library, 271 Worthington.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event VC3E
From June 1 to June 30, special event station VC3E will commemorate
the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. QSL via VE3JPP.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Bread and Honey Festival Special Event
On June 2nd and 3rd, the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will operate
a special event station at the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival.
Operating times are 1400 to 2000 UTC on each day. SSB frequencies are
7.230 and 14.240 MHz +/- QRM. Requests for QSL cards to MARC, c/o
Michael Brickell, VE3TKI, 2801 Bucklepost Crescent, Mississauga, ON
L5N 1X6 Canada, with an SASE. For more information visit marc.on.ca
-- RAC Events Database
5. Central Ontario Hamfest
The Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo Amateur Radio Clubs will hold their
Central Ontario Hamfest and Fleamarket on Sunday, June 3rd, at the
Waterloo Regional Police Association Recreation Centre R.R. 2, 1128
Rife Rd. North Dumfries Township. This is just west of Cambridge,
beside Hwy 401, between exits 268 & 275. General admission at 9 am,
talk-in on VE3KSR 146.970 (-) 131.8 Hz tone, and 146.520 simplex. For
more information visit www.hamfest.on.ca [195]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 26, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 60 Metre Consultation Paper
The consultation paper regarding the addition of 60 metre frequencies
to the Amateur allocation can be found at tinyurl.com/consult60m.
Remember that you must submit comments no later than June 12.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training June 4-7
CANWARN training will be held:
In Thunder Bay on June 4, at 7 PM, in Room 196 Shuniah Building,
Confederation College, William and Edward St.
In Atikokan on June 5, at 7 PM, at the Atikokan Fire Hall, 101
Goodwin St.
Near Fort Frances on June 6, at 7 PM, at the Lavallee Community
Centre, 78 Colonization Road, in Emo.
In Renfrew on June 6, at 6:30 PM, at the Best Western, 760 Gibbons
Road.
In Kenora on June 7, at 7 PM, at the Fire and Emergency Services
Facility and Regional Training Centre, 100 14th Street North.
To register for any CANWARN training session, please send an email to
geoff.coulson (at) ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. London Vintage Radio Club Flea Market
The London Vintage Radio Club will hold its annual flea market on
Saturday, June 9, at the Hammond Manufacturing parking lot, 394
Edinburgh Road North, in Guelph. This is not the museum location;
this is the northwest corner of Edinburgh Road and Speedvale Avenue.
Entrance from Speedvale Avenue only. General admission is free and
starts at 7 am. The Hammond Museum of Radio on Southgate Road will
be open for visitors in the afternoon. For more information visit
lvrc.homestead.com/fleamarket.html
-- RAC Events Database
4. Kitchener Special Prefix
From June 12 to June 26, amateurs in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario
may use prefix CJ3 for VA3, and prefix CK3 for VE3. This is to
commemorate the 100th anniversary of the City of Kitchener. For more
information search CK3ZUP on qrz.com.
-- RAC Events Database, and qrz.com
5. Syracuse 6m Repeater
Repeater KD2SL, a six meter repeater in Syracuse, New York, is
now on the air. This repeater uses the former Channel 3
television antenna, and is on 53.67 MHz (input 52.67 MHz) with a
103.5 HZ CTCSS tone. For more information visit www.kd2sl.com [524]
-- via Keith Harvey, VA3KRV, OBS
6. AMSAT Field Day Rules
Field Day runs 1800 UTC June 23 to 2100 UTC June 24, and AMSAT will
have a concurrent event for operation via amateur satellites.
The congestion on FM low-earth-orbit satellites was so intense in
prior years that their use is limited to one-QSO-per-FM-satellite.
This includes the International Space Station. You will be allowed
one QSO if the ISS is operating Voice. You will also be allowed one
digital QSO with the ISS or any other digital, non-store-and-forward,
packet satellite (if operational).
The complete listing of the AMSAT Field Day Rules is posted on-line
at: www.amsatnet.com/fd2012.pdf [525]
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 2, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Field Day is Just Around the Corner
This year's Field Day is just weeks away, and by now your
preparations should be well under way. Whether your focus for the
event is an Emergency Preparedness Display, a Public Service
Demonstration or just an excuse to get on the air, the main thing is
to have fun. For rules and details, visit www.arrl.org/field-day [138].
This is also a great time to recruit new Hams, or encourage "just
licensed" Hams to join you to get their "feet wet" with pile ups,
experiencing for the first time the thrill of having the world at
their fingertips. Field Day is also a great time to recruit new RAC
members, or to repatriate ones who have not renewed for one reason or
another. Why not place some RAC membership forms on your Public
Information table?
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training June 11
The final CANWARN training of 2012 will be held in Dryden on June 11,
at 7 PM, at the Dryden Fire Services Training Room, 189 Colonization
Avenue. To register, please send an email to geoff.coulson (at)
ec.gc.ca
-- Geoff Coulson, Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. SS Keewatin Homecoming
On June 23, the SS Keewatin returns home to Port McNicoll. The "Kee"
is an Edwardian era steamship, built in 1905, that provided passenger
and freight service on the Great Lakes until the mid 1960's. For the
last 45 years she has been a tourist attraction in Michigan. Now, a
local developer is bringing her back to Ontario. She is the last of
her kind; learn more about her at www.sskeewatin.com [338].
Local hams will provide communications for the Keewatin's homecoming,
and have been asked to develop a Marine and Ham radio museum and to
establish an active ham radio station on board. For more information,
visit tinyurl.com/keewatin. To volunteer, contact Michael, VA3LKI
via email, va3lki (at) yahoo.com, with a brief summary of what skills
and talents you can bring to the project.
-- Michael Moreau, VA3LKI
4. Special Event Stations
From June 15 to July 15, the following special event callsigns have
been authorized: VC2L will commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the
Laval-Laurentides Amateur Radio Club; QSL via VE2NHK. Special Event
Station CG7CWPC will commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the C. W.
Parker Carousel at the Burnaby Village Museum; QSL via VE7EES, or
visit www.ve7bar.org [528] for more information. And VX3ROYL will
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 (Escape of the
Royal George); QSL via VE3NOO.
Also, from June 17 to June 30, VX3T will commemorate the 100th year
of the Calgary Stampede; QSL via VE3IKV. Search VX3T at qrz.com for
more information.
-- RAC Events Database
5. Radio Canada International QRT
On June 25, Radio Canada International will end its shortwave and
satellite broadcasts, and abandon its transmitter facility in
Sackville, New Brunswick. An 80 percent budget cut means RCI will
also stop producing its own programming and will shut down its news
department. RCI will maintain a "Web presence"...but only 22 percent
of the developing world has access to the Internet.
-- CQ News Service and Montreal Gazette
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 9, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada Day Contest
The RAC Canada Day Contest runs from 0000 - 2359 UTC on Sunday, July
1st. This is a great opportunity to have a little fun on the
airwaves and compete with others over a twenty four hour period.
What better way to celebrate Canada's birthday!
For rules and details, see the PDF file at tinyurl.com/canday2012.
The very best of luck to everyone and have fun!
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. NTS Liaisons Needed
The net manager for the Second Region (2RN) Cycle 2 nets, Bill W2MTA,
has put out a request for additional Canadian stations to check into
the two 2RN daytime nets. Currently there is no liaison to either
net from Ontario. These times are 1:45 pm and 6:30 pm Eastern Time
on 3925 kHz. The early session usually reverts to 7235 kHz due to
propagation issues.
If you are a CW operator, the Hit and Bounce Slow Net (HBSN) is
looking for Canadian stations to check into the net on 3574 kHz at
7:30 am Eastern.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event Calls
From June 18th to July 2nd, special call VC390IC (Victor Charlie
Three Nine Zero India Charlie) will commemorate the 90th Anniversary
of the Kitchener Waterloo Amateur Radio Club; QSL via VE3ZUP. Search
VC390IC on qrz.com for more information.
From June 25th to July 25th, special call VX3X will commemorate
the Centennial of the War of 1812; QSL via VE3OP.
-- RAC Events Database
4. Nunuvut/IOTA DXpedition
From June 21st to July 2nd, Dick AH6EZ and Harry K9DXA will be active
as YV0/homecall from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Activity will be on 80-6
meters, with a focus on 30/17/12 meter bands using CW, SSB and RTTY.
They hope to travel to Marble Island between June 25-29 to activate
IOTA NA-185 for several hours on one day. And on July 1st, they will
be active as VY0RAC for the Canada Day contest. For more details,
visit ah6ez.yolasite.com
-- Southgate ARC News
5. Too Old for Contesting?
I hope none of you are ever inclined to send an email like this
old-timer received, but if you are -- or if you're tempted to be
rude on the air to a new operator -- I hope his story, at
www.arrl.org/too-old-for-contesting [531], gives you pause. And remember,
you're never too old for contesting.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 16, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Operators wanted for VA3RAC Canada Day Contest Station
The Canada Day Contest is fast approaching and Radio Amateurs of
Canada are looking for a VE/VA Amateur to operate under the VA3RAC
call sign. You must be a RAC member and once the contest is over you
must submit a copy of your log to RAC Headquarters so we can verify
QSL requests. Here is your chance to be a rare one and never have to
leave your home QTH!
Reply to Jeff Stewart, VA3WXM via email, va3wxm (at) sympatico.ca
For complete contest rules see tinyurl.com/canday2012
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. ARES Input to POINT Discussion
The Ontario government has invited Radio Amateurs of Canada to
participate as a member of the Province of Ontario INteroperabilty
Task group (POINT).
Ian Snow VA3QT will represent the Ontario Section Manager at the
semi-annual POINT meeting to be held on 27 June. We will have the
opportunity for a 10-minute presentation to describe our ARES
capabilities, and to outline where government policies (or lack
thereof) limit ARES groups from reaching their full potential.
DEC's and EC's are invited to provide -- in bullet form -- talking
points for the presentation. Send comments, with "POINT Comment" as
the subject line, to va3qt (at) rac.ca with copy to ve3ajb (at)
vianet.ca. Comments must be received no later than 20 June.
-- via Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
3. OPN needs your help
The Ontario Phone Net has an immediate need for both regular and
alternate Net Control Operators. Regular positions are for one shift
a week. Alternates are to substitute on an "as needed" basis.
The net also needs liaison stations to carry traffic to and from
local nets in all parts of Ontario. If you can help, please contact
Shawn VE3PSV on the Ontario Phone Net, or via NTS message. The OPN
currently meets daily at 1900 Eastern Time, on 3745 kHz.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, acting net manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Special Event Prefixes
From July 1 to July 31, for the Bicentennial Celebrations of the War
of 1812, Canadian amateurs are authorized to use the following
special prefixes: XL for VA, XM for VE, XN for VO, XO for VY.
Also, from June 30 to July 15, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary
of the Regina Cyclone, operators may use CJ5 for VA5, CK5 for VE5.
-- RAC Events Database
5. Special Event Callsigns
From July 1 to July 30, special event callsigns VE260AEJ and VE360HX
will commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. QSL via VE2AEJ
and VE3HX, respectively.
From July 1 to July 31, for the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812:
CG3B will operate Canada Day from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake,
QSL via VE3FOI. VX2I will operate from Ile Verte for the IOTA
Contest, QSL via VE2EBK. XM31812 will operate all bands and modes
from July 13 to 15, QSL via VE3ATX. For these three callsigns, visit
qrz.com for more information about their operation.
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 23, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. BC/Yukon Section Manager Election
Congratulations are extended to Paul Giffin, VA7MPG who was recently
elected Section Manager for British Columbia/Yukon, for the balance
of his appointed term that ends October 30, 2013. He ran unopposed
eliminating the need for a balloted election.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Second Region NTS Update
Effective July 1, Second Region net Cycle Two at 1345 local time
will be deactivated. Cycle Three, at 1830 local time, continues.
-- Bill Thompson, W2MTA, 2RN Net Manager, via Glenn VE3GNA
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Calgary Stampede Special Event
From July 5 to 15, the Calgary Amateur Radio Association will operate
special event station CK6S, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the
Calgary Stampede. Planned frequencies are 3.825, 7.180, 14.250,
21.320 and 28.475 MHz +-QRM. QSL via bureau or direct to VE6A0,
following the CK6S listing on QRZ.com.
All amateurs within the City of Calgary can use special prefixes
CJ6 for VA6 and CK6 for VE6 for the same period. Work 10 Calgary
stations and you can qualify for the Stampede City Award.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. IARU HF World Championship
The IARU HF World Championship 2012 will take place July 14-15,
beginning 1200 UTC Saturday and ending 1200 UTC Sunday. The
objective of this contest is to contact as many other amateurs,
especially IARU member society HQ stations, around the world as
possible using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. The rules
for this year are available at www.arrl.org/iaru-hf-championship [536].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
5. The Rooster Roster
If you happen to be travelling in Eastern Ontario early any morning
and 146.520 is quiet, you might try the Watertown NY repeater on
147.255+ (no PL tone). At 7:30 each morning a great bunch of guys and
gals get together for an informal chat net, called the Rooster
Roster. This net has been going for over 7300 consecutive sessions.
The repeater has excellent coverage, reaching north to the Ottawa
area, west to at least Brighton and east nearly to Cornwall. There
are a great bunch on the Roster each day and they welcome new
checkins, so why not give them a "bean for the pot"?
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
6. WRTH A-12 Shortwave Schedules Available
The World Radio and Television Editorial team has announced that the
Summer 'A' season broadcasting schedules file is now available to
download, free of charge, from the WRTH website. The 87-page PDF
file is about 3.1 MB in size. To get a copy visit www.wrth.com [537] and
follow the link "Latest PDF Updates."
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 30, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Convention 2012
Radio Amateurs of Canada will hold its 2012 National Convention on
the weekend of August 10-12, at the Concordia University College of
Alberta, at 7128 Ada Boulevard, in Edmonton. There will be a solid
program of speakers and events covering all aspects of Amateur Radio.
For more information visit the web site, convention2012.rac.ca
-- RAC Events Database
2. Amateur Radio Online Service Centre
Industry Canada's new Amateur Radio Operator Certificate Services
page is up and running. Sign up, and you can access your account
online, make address changes, apply for call signs, etc. Almost all
items that required either faxing or mailing can now be done online
in real time. Have your Certificate of Proficiency with you and sign
up today, at tinyurl.com/icservice
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Submitting Bulletin Items
Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming
events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief
items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address,
obm (at) ve3rhj.net. Items should be no more than twelve lines long,
and must be received by Wednesday for the next week's bulletin,
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Milton Hamfest
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual hamfest on
Saturday, July 14, at the Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds in Milton.
General admission at 9 am; talk-in on 146.520 simplex. For more
information visit www.barc.ca [294].
-- RAC Events Database
5. Radio Netherlands Ends English Service
Effective June 29th, Radio Netherlands has terminated its English
language services. Both shortwave broadcasts and webstream have
ended, due to steep budget cuts imposed by the Dutch government. For
more information visit tinyurl.com/rnw2012
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 7, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. 60 Metre Comments Posted
Industry Canada has been prompt to post the 47 comments to the 60
metre consultation, SMSE 010-12. You can read them at
tinyurl.com/sf10418 (Sierra Foxtrot One Zero Four One Eight)
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC seeks IT Volunteers
RAC is looking for IT volunteers to be part of the website
restructuring, development and management team. Experience with web
design and programmers with a coding knowledge of PHP 5.3.6, MySQL,
IIS and Apache would be an asset.
The potential for other development platforms and recommendations
will form part of the scope for this website enhancement and
redesign. This will initially include daily support to the RAC HQ
staff on the existing website and MySQL databases. Interested
parties please contact the RAC Corporate Secretary, Linda Friars,
VE9GLF.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event Callsign
From July 25 to August 2, call sign CY9M will be used by the 2012 St.
Paul Island DXpedition. QSL via VE3EN. Visit www.cy9m.com [542] for more
information.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Ham Nation Changing to Wednesdays
Beginning on July 11th, the TWIT.tv program Ham Nation will be on
Wednesday evenings. Bob Heil, K9EID, who hosts Ham Nation says that
the move is good news for his program due to the strong lead-in shows
that network owner Leo Laporte has chosen to precede it.
The netcast will still take place live at 9 P.M. Eastern Time, with
video and audio podcasts available for download at twit.tv/hn about
24 hours later.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Canada Scouts ARISS Contact Successful
On Saturday, June 23, Scouts in Halifax called astronaut André
Kuipers, PI9ISS during an Amateur Radio on the International Space
Station (ARISS) contact via telebridge station VK5ZAI in Australia.
Over 150 were in attendance at the event. The contact was Webcast and
the presentation will be transmitted by Aliant IPTV Atlantic during
July/August, and eventually distributed on CD to interested parties.
Media coverage included 3 television stations, two newspapers, a 20
minute radio interview, and articles to appear in the periodicals of
the Royal Astronomical Society, Halifax Public Libraries, and Radio
Amateurs of Canada.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 14, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Laurentian Net seeks net controllers
The Laurentian Net is looking for additional Net Control Operators.
This is an information and traffic handling net that meets at 18:45
Eastern Time, seven days a week, on 3.755 MHz. If you would like to
help, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the net.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net Manager
2. Weather Radio Listeners Net
There is a new net on IRLP. The Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter
Net meets on Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM on the Ontario Public
Service Reflector 9034. It is primarily focusing on Weather Radio but
we can discuss other related topics as well. For more information,
contact Gord VA3WXA at blindgordie (at) gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee, VA3WXA
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event Callsign
From August 3 to August 5, special event station XL31812 will
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812 at Fort
Amherstburg. QSL via VA3CSS.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Online Repeater Directory
www.repeaterbook.com [545] is a free North American repeater directory,
maintained by volunteers. You can search by state or province, and
further by frequency, features, linking system, highway coverage, and
more.
-- Handi-Ham News
5. VHF Antenna Comparisons
VE7BQH has updated his 2m and 6m antenna comparison tables and
provided additional information on each antenna. These tables
provide the results of computer models for dozens of commercial and
homebrew VHF antennas. The tables are available in plain text and
Excel format at tinyurl.com/6mtable
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 21, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Ottawa-based Technically Qualified volunteer needed
As a member of the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest
Group, RAC has been invited to appoint a volunteer to sit on
the 700Mhz definition working group. This group will sit at the table
with Public Safety Canada, government agencies and the private
business sector to develop the 700Mhz Emergency Communications
program. It is anticipated that two or three Ottawa meetings will be
necessary as well as occasional teleconferences. If you possess skills
and interest in this area, are technically qualified in land
mobile radio systems, and would like to be considered for this
position, please contact Doug Mercer, email dougvo1dtm (at) gmail.com
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM, Chief Field Services Officer
2. Deputy Director Appointed for the Midwest Region
Radio Amateurs of Canada Midwest Region Director, Derek Hay, VE4HAY,
is pleased to appoint Allan Grant, VA4AJG, as Deputy Director. The
Midwest Region includes all the VE4 and VE5 call sign area of
Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Deputy Directors may attend RAC Board
meetings as observers, and if the Director cannot attend, may be
authorized to vote the Director's proxy.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Collingwood Net Seasonal Suspension
The Collingwood Amateur Radio Club's 2 metre net, normally held 7 pm
each Thursday on the 145.37 MHz Blue Mountain repeater, will be
suspended for the rest of the summer. It will resume in September.
-- Helena Short, VE3GFS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Nunavik Youth Connect With ISS
On July 4, youth attending the Cirqiniq Summer Camp in Kuujjuaq,
Quebec (Nunavik), Canada spoke with on-orbit astronaut Joe Acaba,
KE5DAR via an ARISS contact. Telebridge station K6DUE in Greenbelt,
Maryland provided the radio connection.
-- AMSAT News
5. ARISS Digipeater Moves to 437.550 mhz
The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
digipeater has changed frequency from 145.825 MHz to 437.550 MHz.
Packet operations were moved to the Columbus Module UHF radio when
the Kenwood D700 radio was recently powered off due to needing an
additional air purifier to support the recently arrived Automated
Transfer Vehicle or ATV. This appears to be a long term impact as
ATV is currently scheduled to depart from ISS in September.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 28, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Convention Update
The RAC Convention 2012 speakers list has been updated. The
convention is being held August 10-12 at Concordia University
College, Alberta. For the latest information visit their web site,
convention2012.rac.ca.
-- J.T. Mitchell, VE6OH, RAC Director Alberta/NWT/Nunavut
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival
The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will operate special event
station VE3WCD, for the 34th annual Canal Days Marine Heritage
Festival, in Port Colborne, on the Welland Canal. Operations will be
on August 4th and 5th from 1300Z to 1800Z, on or about 7.250, 14.250,
21.250 and 28.250 MHz. The group will also have RAC and ARES
displays for the visiting public. For QSL information look up VE3WCD
on qrz.com.
-- VA3RJ Events Page
3. Hymers Fair Special Event
From August 15 to September 14, call sign VX3FAIR will commemorate
the 100th Hymers Fall Fair. The fair itself is September 2 and 3 in
Hymers, near Thunder Bay. QSL via VE3XT.
-- RAC Special Events database
4. CQ Adopts 5-Day Contest Log Deadline
Participants in CQ-sponsored contests will now have five days after
the end of a contest to either upload or mail their logs. Previously,
the contests had a four-week window for log submissions.
The change takes effect with this fall's CQ World Wide DX Contest
and will apply to all future CQ-sponsored contests.
-- CQ News Service
5. Heathkit Declares Bankruptcy
The owner of the revived Heathkit company has confirmed that the
company is filing for bankruptcy. In August 2011, Heathkit announced
it was returning to the kit building business, and in September, that
it would once again be manufacturing Amateur Radio kits. The
business was not successful, and the assets of the company are now
being auctioned off.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 4, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Edmonton Conference Cancelled
The organizers of the Conference that was to be held at the Concordia
University College in Edmonton, Alberta, on 10-12 August have advised
RAC that the Conference has been cancelled.
RAC wishes to thank the organizers for their hard work in preparing
for that conference and regrets the need for the cancellation. RAC
understands that those persons who have registered are in the process
of having their registration fee refunded and that the Conference
Organizing Committee will be contacting registrants directly. If you
do not hear from the Organizers then you may wish to contact them by
email, convention2012 (at) rac.ca, or telephone 780-466-5779.
-- Linda Friars, VE9GLF, RAC Acting Corporate Secretary
2. RAC Canadian Call Sign Search
Some amateurs have contacted RAC about incorrect address information
being displayed on the "Canadian Call Sign Quick Search" on the RAC
website, or requesting that no address be displayed.
Both of these issues can only be corrected by the holder of the call
sign contacting Industry Canada at 1-888-780-3333, or via email to
spectrum.amateur (at) ic.gc.ca, or by creating a user account on the
Industry Canada website at tinyurl.com/icamateur. Industry Canada
requires amateurs to keep their address current, and offers the
option not to publish that information online.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Canadian Amateur Radio Clubs Listing
There is a listing of Canadian Amateur Radio Clubs on the RAC
website at tinyurl.com/rac-arcs. There are some clubs that have
not been updated for a few years. So, as of January 1, 2013, and
bi-annually thereafter, any club listing that has not been updated
within the last two years will be deleted.
If your club is not current and the club wishes to have their club
information listed, please contact Geoff Smith VA3GS via email,
cdnclubs (at) gmail.com.
This list is not to be confused with the RAC Affiliated Club list
which is displayed under the link "Affiliated Club Program, RAC" in
the Site Map on the RAC website.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend
The 15th annual International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW)
runs 48 hours, from 0001 UTC August 18 to 2359 UTC August 19. So far
365 entrants from 38 countries have registered for this year's
event. Their 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. For
more information visit www.illw.net [230]
-- Southgate ARC News and illw.net
5. I Can Work This Thing
Looking for a non-PDF manual for the Kenwood TS-590S? Web site
www.icanworkthisthing.com [552] offers manuals for a variety of ham
equipment, in a text format accessible to the visually handicapped.
The site also has manuals for some consumer electronics, and
submissions of new manuals, cheat sheets, and quick start guides are
always welcome.
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 11, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Ontario Section Boundaries
On September 1, the current Ontario Section will be replaced by four
new Sections: Ontario North (ONN), Ontario East (ONE), Ontario South
(ONS), and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The new sections are
described on the RAC blog at blog.rac.ca, or see the map at
tinyurl.com/rac2012map. All four Section Manager Positions have
been filled and will be announced shortly.
The ARRL has recognized the four new sections and they will be
effective for the ARRL November Sweepstakes. Several other vendors of
logging/contest software have also announced changes, some not
effective until January 2013. Please verify with your vendor well in
advance of upcoming contests.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. VE3LC to Represent RAC on 700 MHz Group
Recently, the Canadian Interoperability Technology Interest Group
(CITIG) invited RAC to appoint a representative to the 700 Mhz
definition working group. This group will help to define the network
architecture and technical interoperability requirements for a
nationwide broadband mobile data network operating in this band.
RAC has appointed Norm Rashleigh VE3LC. Norm is currently the RAC
Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC) representative, and he has just
completed a term as Vice President Industrial Liaison. We thank
Norm for volunteering yet again.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. RAC Incoming QSL Bureau
RAC members are reminded that all VE/VA cards to VE/VA amateurs are
to be sent to the RAC Incoming Bureau in Saint John, not to the
Outgoing QSL Bureau. QSL's sent to the Outgoing Bureau will
experience delivery delays. This QSL service is only available to
RAC members.
Also, if you choose not to receive QSL cards via the bureau, please
notify your respective bureau and also post your QSL requirements to
services such as QRZ.com. Thousands of QSL's are received annually,
sorted, sent to the various Provncial/Territorial Bureaus at RAC's
expense, only to never be claimed.
-- Len Morgan, VE9MY, RAC Incoming Bureau Manager
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Junk-in-the-Trunk Swapmeet
The 4th Annual Junk-in-the-Trunk Loonie Event will be held on
Saturday, August 25, in the parking lot of the Newmarket Theatre,
505 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket. Open to all at 7:30 am; admission
is free to buyers. Talk-in on 146.52 simplex or the 147.225 repeater.
For more information visit www.ontarioswapshop.com [555]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 18, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Ontario Section Managers
The four new Ontario Section Managers are:
Ontario North: Allan Boyd VE3AJB
Ontario East: Michael Hickey VE3IPC
GTA: George Duffield VE3WKJ
Ontario South: Ian Snow VA3QT
These appointments/nominations are effective immediately, for a
two-year term.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Annual General Meeting
Radio Amateurs of Canada will hold its Annual General Meeting on
Saturday, September 22, in Montreal, Quebec. It will be hosted by
the Montreal Amateur Radio Club (VE2ARC) which is celebrating its
80th anniversary this year.
This will be held in conjunction with the second annual Radio Talk
conference at the same location. All RAC members are encouraged to
attend the Annual General Meeting. For more information see the PDF
file at tinyurl.com/rac2012agm
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Call Sign Database Clarification
Regarding the Ontario Bulletin of August 4th: form IC2381, requesting
an amateur radio callsign, authorizes Industry Canada to disclose
that information on a public database. This has been the practice
for many years. You may request that your address be removed, but
call sign, name and qualifications will remain visible on the public
website.
Regarding incorrect addresses, section 15 of RBR-4 requires amateur
radio operators to notify Industry Canada of a change of mailing
address within 30 days.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. CW Open
All amateurs are invited to participate in the CW Open, a set of
three separate 4-hour CW contests being held September 1 from
1200-1559Z, September 1 from 2000-2359Z and September 2 from
0400-0759Z. You can participate in 1, 2 or all 3 sessions, on 160,
80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. The contest exchange is a sequential
serial number and given name. For full rules and information, visit
www.cwops.org/cwopen.html [558]
-- via Glenn Killam VE3GNA
5. Amateur Rocketry and Ham Radio Presentation
On Tuesday, September 4, the Central Toronto Amateur Radio Club's
monthly meeting will be about Amateur Rocketry. Clayton Wozney will
provide an overview of Amateur Rocketry, including some live display
units that he's built, and will show how ham radio plays a role in
this hobby. The meeting is free, and will be held in the basement
level theatre of the Leaside Retirement Residence, 10 William Morgan
Drive, Toronto. Talk in on VA3XPR repeater, 441.950 (+), 100.0 Hz
tone. For more information visit www.va3cta.net [559]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 25, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Question Bank Updates
Radio Amateurs of Canada and Industry Canada are undertaking a
review of exam questions in the Basic and Advanced qualifications.
We welcome suggestions and comments from Amateur Radio Operators, on
the following topics:
a. What questions are not technically correct in the current exams?
b. Which questions are no longer relevant to the Amateur Radio
Service and should be removed?
c. Which topics should be added to the exams to replace older
questions?
Submissions should be received by RAC by August 31st, 2012. For
more information visit the RAC Blog, blog.rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Amendment to Quebec Cell Phone Ban
On June 6th, the Quebec Legislature amended their ban on using cell
phones while driving, to specifically exclude "a two-way radio, that
is to say a cordless voice communication device which does not allow
the parties to speak simultaneously." The legislation also
authorizes the Minister of Transport to grant additional exemptions.
Radio Amateur du Quebec (RAQI) is proud to have contributed, by its
representations to the authorities concerned, to this clarification
of the law, permitting all Quebec radio amateurs to continue to use
their mobile communications equipment in their vehicles as they
always have.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Non-Amateur Use of Frequency in BC
During the Canadian Paragliding National Championships, from August
5th to 12th in Pemberton, BC, the organizers stated that all
participants must use a VHF radio tuned to 146.415 MHz. Amateur
operators are the primary user of this allocation, and RAC expressed
to Industry Canada its concerns about incursion by non-authorized
users.
Industry Canada has notified the group that use of Amateur Radio
Frequencies by persons who are not in possession of a valid Amateur
Radio Operator's Certificate is not permitted. The group has assured
Industry Canada that all participants who used the channel were
properly licensed, and has added a notice to their website indicating
this requirement.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Alouette Special Events
From September 1 to September 30, special call sign CK3A will
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Alouette, the first Canadian
satellite. QSL via VE3JPP.
Also commemorating Alouette is special call sign CG3X, from September
29 to October 28. QSL via VE3ZUP. Alouette 1 was launched on
September 29, 1962, and was switched off after 10 years of
operation. It is still in orbit.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. Ottawa Hamfest
The Ottawa Amateur Radio Club will hold its 16th Annual Hamfest on
Saturday, September 8, at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, W. E.
Johnston Arena, at 3832 Carp Road (near Falldown Lane) in Carp.
Tailgaters open at 8 am, indoor fleamarket at 9 am. Talk-in on VE2CRA
repeater, 146.94 (-), 100 Hz tone. Following the fleamarket, the OARC
is proud to sponsor the RAC Forum and Technology Update. For more
information visit www.oarc.net/fleamarket [235]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 1, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. New Eastern Ontario DEC
Effective September 1st, Lance Peterson VA3LP has been appointed
District Emergency Coordinator (DEC) for the Eastern Ontario ARES
District, previously known as Seaway/Capital District.
Lance has been an advanced amateur radio operator since 1978, and
served in the Canadian Armed Forces as an avionics technician.
He has been Assistant DEC since 2004 and has also served as interim
EC for Prescott-Russell ARES. Please join me in supporting Lance in
his new position.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. TFMCS AGM and Picnic
The Toronto FM Communications Society will hold its Annual General
Meeting and Picnic on Sunday, September 16, at 11 am, at the VE3RPT
Repeater Site, Skyloft Ski Resort, 722 Chalk Lake Road, in Uxbridge.
Membership renewals will be accepted before the meeting. For more
information visit www.tfmcs.org [564]
-- via Ontario Swap Shop
3. Azores Islands Hunt
Hams from Europe and North America will activate stations on all nine
Azores islands, prefixes CU1 through CU9, from 1200 UTC September 29
to 1200 UTC September 30. Everyone contacting at least five
different CU islands during the 24-hour event will be entered into a
lottery for a free trip to the Azores. Also, the first 25 operators
to contact all nine CU islands will be entered into a second lottery.
For more information visit azores-islands-hunt.com
-- CQ News Service
4. Field Day Logs Posted
The combined list of Logs Received for Field Day 2012 has been posted
online, at www.arrl.org/logs-received [243]. The list includes all logs
submitted via the www.b4h.net [565] website, as well as those submitted via
e-mail and US Mail. More than 2600 submissions have been received.
-- ARRL Web
5. Lightning Protection Info
The ARRL web site offers a three-part series about lightning
protection, at www.arrl.org/lightning-protection [566]. And the Institute
for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEE) publishes a 61-page PDF
on "How To Protect Your Home and Its Contents From Lightning,"
available at tinyurl.com/ieee-lightning.
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 8, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Simulated Emergency Test
The RAC Simulated Emergency Test (SET) will be held October 13-14.
This nationwide exercise is the chance to test your emergency
operating skills and readiness in an emergency-like deployment. The
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic
System (NTS) and members of the RAC Field Organization will
participate and practice emergency operation plans, nets and
procedures.
RAC Field Organization Leaders may opt to conduct their local or
Section-wide SET on a different date, so check with your local
Section Manager or Emergency Coordinator for the exact date in your
area. Contact information, and more information about the SET, is
posted on the RAC website, www.rac.ca [210].
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. London Flea Market
The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 35th Annual Flea Market
on Sunday, September 23, at the Western Fair Grounds, Special Events
Building, 900 King Street, in London. General admission at 9 am;
talk-in on VA3LON repeater, 147.060, 114.8 Hz tone. For more
information visit www.larc.ca [241].
-- RAC Events Database
3. Special Event Station ON44CLM
Special event station ON44CLM will be active from 16 October until
15 November, to commemorate the liberation of Knokke, Belgium by
the Canadian Army in 1944. CLM stands for "Canadian Liberation
March." For more information visit www.on44clm.be [569].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. Volunteers for Honduras Needed
The International Health Service is looking for volunteer radio
operators to go to Honduras to assist their medical/dental teams,
from 15 February to 1 March 2013. They hope to have all
volunteers signed up by 1 October 2012.
IHS has sent medical/dental teams to the mountain and Moskito Coast
areas of Honduras for 30 years, always with a radio operator on each
team. Portable Winlink 2000, HF voice and VHF FM are used for
logistics, medical consults, and team health and welfare messages. If
you want experience in the closest thing to a real disaster
communications emergency, in foreign no-infrastructure conditions,
and want to use your hobby for something good at the same time,
please contact John Kirckof K0UUP, email JMKKEK (at) Yahoo.com
-- Winlink Emcomm Group
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 15, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Commercial Operations Evicted from Two Meter Band
Recently a transportation company based in Reinfeld, Manitoba was
observed to be operating illegally on 144.100 Mhz. Upon contact from
RAC, the company ceased operating in the two meter band and shifted
to a business band frequency. Industry Canada was notified and is
working with the company to secure a licensed channel.
Also, a home moving company Winkler, MB was observed in Alberta to
be operating on 144.940 Mhz. The moving company was also contacted
by RAC and agreed to move their operations to their correctly
licensed frequencies.
RAC suspects that the radios being used by these companies are
modified Amateur Radio equipment. We thank those amateurs who have
provided assistance in these cases. Reports of confirmed or suspected
illegal operation should be emailed to regulatory (at) rac.ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Brampton Day Event
The annual Brampton Day celebration is set for Saturday, September
22, and ARES has been invited to participate. Our display will
operate a portable station on battery power, as no Hydro will be
available. We plan to operate from 9 am - 2 pm local time, VHF/UHF
on the PARC repeaters - 146.880, 443.550 and 443.600 - as well as
HF. Those who wish to be a part of this event please email rcupfield
(at) rogers.com.
-- via Richard Upfield, VA3RMU
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Halton County Radial Railway Museum Event
The Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will operate VE3MIS as a special
event station on 22 September, from 1400-2000 UTC, from the Halton
County Radial Railway Museum. SSB Frequencies will be 7.227, 14.240,
21.315, and 28.480 MHz +/- QRM, as propagation permits. Requests for
QSL cards to MARC, c/o Michael Brickell, VE3TKI, 2801 Bucklepost
Crescent, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 1X6 Canada, with an SASE. For more
information visit www.marc.on.ca [198] and click on "HCRR Event".
-- VA3RJ Events Page
4. NTS Newsletter
A new publication has been created by James Wades WB8SIW, called
"QNI". It deals with all aspects of the National Traffic System and
makes for an excellent read. Jim plans on issuing monthly newsletters
and encourages all amateurs to read along and to supply additional
copy on related subjects. The September issue as a PDF file can be
found at tinyurl.com/sep2012qni
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
5. 100 Years of Standardized Radio Prefixes
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the use of ITU callsign
prefixes, special event station PB100PREFIX will be on the air
between October 4th and the 31st. Visit www.pb100prefix.nl [572] for
details.
Following the loss of the Titanic in April 1912 -- call sign MGY,
with "M" meaning the Marconi company -- there was agreement that
there should be international standards for radio communications.
Several international meetings led to the callsign prefix system that
we use today.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 22, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Radio Amateur Chris Hadfield VA3OOG to command ISS
The BBC reports that astronaut Chris Hadfield, VA3OOG will be the first Canadian to command the ISS. His big moment will begin when he launches to the station on a Soyuz rocket at the end of this year. For three months, the 52-year-old will serve as a flight engineer in the Expedition 34 crew.
Then, in March 2013, he will assume command of Expedition 35 for three months, before returning to Earth in his Soyuz capsule.
Read the full BBC story at the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-170925462 [575].
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Ontario Amateurs Represented at POINT Meeting
Representing the new Ontario Provincial Council, Ontario-South Section Manager Ian Snow VA3QT attended the Province of Ontario Interoperability Task Group (POINT) on Sept 18th. POINT is a steering group composed of emergency management stakeholders drawn from Ontario ministries, municipal governments, and professional associations. On Sept 19th Ian was joined by Scott Carter VE3CGN, Ontario SEC at the Canadian Interoperability Technical Investigation Group (CITIG) meeting where presentations were given on progress towards standard operating procedures. The emphasis at this time is on common practices rather than technical specifications for future communication systems.
ONS Section Manager - Ian Snow, VA3QT
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Republic of Kosovo - On The Air!
On September 17th, shortly after 1700z, international and local ops started operating as Z60K from near Pristina, Kosovo on both 20 and 17m SSB. Operators included Emil/9A9A, Bob/MD0CCE, Martti/OH2BH and
Pekka/OH2TA. Local TV recorded the moment live on air. QSL via G3TXF.
-Southgate Amateur Radio News.
4. K3EST RETIRES FROM DIRECTOR OF CQWW DX CONTEST
CQ Magazine has announced that Bob Cox, K3EST, has retired as Director of the CQ World Wide DX Contest and as CQ's Director of Contesting. Cox has been at the helm of the CQ World Wide DX contest for 35 years. During his tenure he guided the competition through numerous changes in technology
and growth to become the world's most popular amateur radio contest. Cox's retirement is effective immediately. A successor has not yet been named. (CQ)
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 29, 2012
NATIONAL
1. RAC Bulletin 2012-057E - Distracted Driving Bulletin: Ontario Extends
Exemption (Issued 2012-09-25 )
The Radio Amateurs of Canada are today announcing written confirmation
from Minister Bob Chiarelli of the Ontario Provincial Government
regarding a five year extension of exemption to the Ontario distracted
driving law. In his letter, Minister Chiarelli explains that the
current exemptions for both Amateur Radio and Two Way Commercial
Radios will be extended until January 1st, 2018.
Minister Chiarelli expresses his hope that in that time commercial
hands free alternatives will be found for two way radios. While RAC
finds victory in the five year extension, a permanent solution is
desired and required.
The Radio Amateurs of Canada will continue to pursue a permanent
exemption for Amateur Radio operators in Ontario. Similar exemptions
already exist in many other provincial jurisdictions in Canada -
thanks in part to the efforts of local amateurs and RAC's national
strategy to address distracted driving legislation.
The Radio Amateurs of Canada is Canada's national voice for Amateur
Radio. Our efforts not only promote the Amateur Radio Service but
protect it from regulatory interference that may lead to less
capability to provide emergency communications. Not already a RAC
member? Why not join today at www.rac.ca [210] and find out about the many
benefits our members enjoy across the country and the world beyond.
Bill Gade, VE4WO
Regulatory Affairs
ONTARIO SECTION
2. RAC Simulated Emergency Test
A reminder of the RAC Simulated Emergency Test (SET) to be held October 13-14.
ARES and the National Traffic System (NTS) will participate in and practice
emergency operations plans, nets and procedures.
If you are an ARES member, please join in, if you are not, please give a listen
on your local VHF repeater, or on one of the provincial HF net frequencies to
aquaint yourself with the traffic flow.
RAC Field Organization Leaders may opt to conduct their local or
Section-wide SET on a different date, so check with your local
Section Manager or Emergency Coordinator for the exact date in your
area. Contact information, and more information about the SET, is
posted on the RAC website, www.rac.ca [210].
OTHER
3. Hamilton Hamfest
The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual hamfest on
Saturday, October 13, in the Concession Building at the Ancaster
Fair Grounds 630 Trinity Road, at the south-west corner of highways
52 and 53, just west of Ancaster. General admission at 9 am; talk-in
on VE3NCF repeater, 146.760 (-), 131.8 Hz tone. For more information
visit www.hamiltonarc.ca/activities/harc-hamfest/ [578]
4. Daily MF/HF/6M Propagation Forecasts
Thomas Giella has announced that his NZ4O Medium Frequency, High
Frequency and 6 Meter Radio Wave Propagation Forecast is now
published on a 'daily' basis. It can be found on line at
www.solarcycle24.org [579]. Each new edition will be available at around
1300 UTC.
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 6, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. 2012 Jamboree on the Air
This year's Jamboree on the Air will be held on October 20 and 21.
Last year's effort saw a 600% increase in reported Scout
participation in the USA -- 3,000-plus American Scouts were a part of
exciting activities and a superb introduction to the fun and
technology of Amateur Radio. For more information visit
www.scouting.org/jota [582] or www.scout.org/jota [583]
-- ARRL Contest Update
2. Montreal South Shore Hamfest
The Montreal South-Shore Amateur Radio Club will hold "the biggest
hamfest in Quebec" on Saturday, October 20, at Place Desaulniers,
1023 Taschereau blvd, Longueuil (10 minutes from downtown Montreal).
General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE2RSM repeater, 145.390 (-)
103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit www.ve2clm.ca [584] and click
the "Hamfest" link.
-- RAC Events Database
3. Humanitarian Award Nominations Open
Nominations are open for the 2012 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. This award is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs world-wide
who demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and international
understanding through Amateur Radio.
Nominations should include a summary of the actions that qualify the
individual (or individuals) 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, no later
than December 31, 2012. For more information see
www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award [409]
-- ARRL Web
4. IARU Region 2 Newsletter
The September 2012 issue of the IARU Electronic Newsletter is now
available for download. It's a 160 Kbyte PDF file, which you can
find at tinyurl.com/iaru0912
-- IARU News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 13, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. NARED database update
RAC is developing a new database for ARES/EmComm personnel. We are
requesting that Section Managers ask their Emergency Co-ordinators to
provide a list of their ARES members. The only information required
is a name and call sign. In response to concerns, this information
will be kept confidential and will not be placed in a database.
Also, we ask each group to estimate how much growth they anticipate
each year. Please send responses by email to racnared (at)
gmail.com by November 15. Questions can be sent to that address.
-- Pat Barrett, VE3RNH, NARED Manager
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Trans-Canada Highway Special Event
From October 27 to November 25, special event callsign XL3A
will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Canada Highway.
QSL via VA3RVK.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. Space Station Deploys Five CubeSats
Five research CubeSats with Amateur Radio communication systems
were successfully deployed from the International Space Station
on October 4th.
TechEdSat will send AX.25 packet telemetry at 437.465 MHz. The
TechEdSat team is asking for assistance from amateurs in decoding and
relaying data. Follow the mission online at twitter.com/TechEdSat
F-1 will send telemetry at 145.980 and 437.485 MHz using 1200-baud
packet and CW. Amateurs are asked to monitor and submit reports. For
information visit fspace.edu.vn
Also, FITSAT-1 will transmit telemetry on 437.445 MHz and 5.84 GHz.
WE WISH will send CW telemetry and occasional SSTV at 437.505 MHz.
And RAIKO will transmit high-speed data at 2.2 and 13 GHz.
-- ARRL Web
4. Ham Info Toolbar
John, G0DPC offers a free Ham Radio and SWL Toolbar for your web
browser at www.haminfobar.co.uk [587]. It's available for Windows, Mac,
and Linux systems using either the Safari, Internet Explorer,
Firefox, or Chrome browser.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 20, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Collingwood Net Resumes
After a summer hiatus, the Collingwood Amateur Radio Club has resumed
its weekly two metre net, every Thursday at 7 pm, on the VA3ROG
(Blue Mountain) repeater, 145.37 (-), 156.7 Hz tone. All are welcome
to check in. The club has also resumed its monthly meetings, second
Tuesday of the month at 7 pm, at the Collingwood Town Hall.
-- Helena Short VE3GFS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. 30 Meter Multi Mode Weekend
On October 27 and 28, the 30 Meter Digital Group (30MDG) will
celebrate its 5th anniversary with a "30 Meter Multi Mode Weekend"
event. The objective is to promote the use of different digital
modes on the unique 30 Meter Band. It's not a contest; there are no
exchanges, log submissions, or trophies. For more information visit
www.30mdg.net/news.html [590]
-- Don KB9UMT, via Paul Caccamo VA3PC
3. York Region Hamfest
The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its 36th hamfest on
Saturday, November 3, at the Markham Fair Grounds, at the northeast
corner of McCowan Road and Elgin Mills Road (10801 McGowan Road) in
Markham. General admission at 9 am; talk-in on VE3YRA repeater,
145.350 (-). For more information visit www.yrarc.ca [591]
-- RAC Events Database
4. CQ seeks WPX Contest Director
The appointment of Randy Thompson, K5ZD, as director of the CQ World
Wide DX Contest has created an opening for director of the CQ WPX
Contest. Interested contesters are invited to apply. You must be an
experienced contester with particular knowledge of the WPX Contest,
must be a proven administrator, able to work well with other people
and to meet deadlines for submitting material for publication in CQ.
For more information visit tinyurl.com/cqwpx110
-- CQ News Service
5. Accessible Emergency Preparedness Info
The Northeast Texas Public Health District has compiled 18 Emergency
Preparedness Topics and formatted the information to be friendly to
deaf, blind, and limited sight populations. The information is in
video and downloadable document format for public use, at no charge.
Find it at www.accessibleemergencyinfo.com [592]
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 27, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Hurricane Sandy Update
As of Saturday morning Hurricane Sandy is projected to make landfall
on the U.S. East Coast, and Environment Canada forecasts that it will
impact parts of Eastern Canada. Amateurs are asked to keep the
frequencies of the Hurricane Watch Net clear: 14.325 MHz, 7.268 MHz,
and 3.950 MHz.
-- RAC Bulletin Service and hwn.org
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. GTA Section Appointments
For the new Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Section, Rick Harrison VA3NV
has been named Section Emergency Coordinator. Rick has previously
served as EC for Oakville and DEC for GTA West, has extensive
experience in Marine Search and Rescue, and was a founding member and
leader of the Halton Region Emergency Communications Team.
Also, Ray Chow, VE3ZXC, has been named Club Coordinator. Ray is the
administrator of the GTA Presidents' Council, and holds executive
positions with the Scarborough Amateur Radio Club and with the
Toronto FM Communications Society. His job is to ensure that the
voice of local amateur radio clubs is heard by our national
organization.
Please join me in welcoming Rick and Ray, and support them in these
important assignments.
-- George Duffield, VE3WKJ, CEC, GTA Section Manager
3. Huron Challenge
On October 16-18, ARES volunteers participated in the Huron Challenge
exercise, "Trillium Resolve", a week-long simulated emergency
involving federal and provincial agencies, Bruce Power, and
municipalities from several counties. The scenario included multiple
tornadoes striking towns and the Bruce Power plant, causing
widespread power and communications failures.
Ten hams from Bruce and Grey counties activated amateur-radio-
equipped EOCs in Kincardine, Walkerton, and West Grey, and set up
portable stations in Southampton, Goderich, Tiverton, and
Flesherton. VA3EMO in the provincial EOC in Toronto was also staffed
for the event.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, DEC Bruce District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Youth HF Station Giveaway
On January 1st, 2013, Amateur Radio Supplies of Haverhill,
Massachusetts will give a complete HF station to a young amateur,
to promote youth in amateur radio DXing and contesting.
Applicants from any country under the age of 21 are invited
to provide brief answers to the following three questions.
1. How often are you able to operate on the HF bands?
2. Where (what QTH) do you typically operate from?
3. How do you intend to use the equipment provided?
Apply online at www.amateurradiosupplies.com/youth-s/222.htm [595].
Nominations will also be accepted.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Introduction to Satellite Tracking
A 3-Part Video Series, "Introduction to satellite tracking and
listening" is available from the Southgate ARC site. This video
covers the basics of satellite tracking using the free Orbitron
software. Visit tinyurl.com/3PartSatelliteTrackingVideo
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 3, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VE3AJB Receives Accolade
Former Ontario Section Manager, and current Ontario North Section
Manager Al Boyd VE3AJB has been recognized with an OPP Accolade
award. This award recognizes an individual whose actions and
behaviours demonstrate and/or exceed commitment to the OPP and their
communities.
Boyd joined the OPP in 1981, and currently holds the position of
community service officer for Manitoulin detachment, North East
Region. Our congratulations to Al !
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. OPN Seeks Net Controller
The Ontario Phone Net is looking for a net control operator for the
Saturday net. The net starts at 1900 Eastern Time, on 3745 kHz.
If you would like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV on the
Ontario Phone Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, acting net manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Kingston Hamfest
The Kingston Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual hamfest on
Saturday, November 17, at the Military Communications & Electronics
Museum, 95 Craftsman Blvd., in Kingston. General admission at 9
a.m.; talk-in on VE3KBR repeater, 146.94 (-), 154 Hz tone. This
event is co-sponsored by the museum, and the museum will be open.
For more information visit www.ve3kbr.com [393]
-- RAC Events Database
4. GRE quits the scanner business but Alinco not affected.
GRE, the radio manufacturer which also represents Alinco
in the United States, has ceased all manufacturing of
scanner radios. The good news is that Alinco product sales
and service will continue.
The news was a bit of a shock to the GRE group in Belmont,
California where word from Japan earlier this month that GRE
personnel in Asia and the United States were being dismissed
and scanner operations were being discontinued. The Belmont
office will stay open for sales and service of the Alinco product line.
(Amateur Radio Newsline)
5. Canadian AM Stations Leaving the Air
More AM stations are leaving the medium wave AM broadcast
band in Canada than are coming on the air, according to
the trade publication Radio World. It says since 2009,
some sixteen Canadian AM broadcasters have gone
off the air, several have moved to the FM band and
companies have closed the least profitable stations.
A quick search of the Canadian Radio-Television and
Telecommunications Commission site shows 727 remaining
commercially licensed radio stations, not broken down by service.
(trade publication Radio World)
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 10, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
1. Ontario North Section Appointments
The following appointments in Ontario North Section Field Services
are effective November 1st:
Dave Hayes, VE3JX, of Sault Ste. Marie, is Section Emergency
Coordinator. Dave was a former EC for the City of Sault Ste. Marie
and the DEC for Albany District, and recently sat as a board member
on the section restructuring advisory committee.
Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, of Callander (just south of North Bay) is
Official Bulletin Manager. Paul is the DEC for the Magnetawan and
North Bay District and has been an Official Bulletin Station for many
years.
Pat Dopson, VE3HZQ, of Sudbury, is Section Traffic Manager. Pat was
a former EC for the City of Sudbury and active member of both the
Sudbury and Manitoulin Amateur Radio Clubs, and is very experienced
with CW and Traffic Handling.
Please join me in welcoming these gentlemen to their new positions.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario North Section Manager
2. New DEC for Loyalist District
Effective September 1st, George Williams, VE3SIQ has been appointed
the new DEC for the Loyalist ARES District. George has been
licensed since 1989, Advanced and 5 wpm CW, and previously served as
EC for Frontenac ARES from 2008 to 2011. We thank him for accepting
this important position and we wish him every success. George can
count on the support of Scott Carter as the SEC and of me as Section
Manager.
George replaces Bill Milligan, VA3WOW who has been the Loyalist DEC
for the past 10 years, Bill has stepped down for personal reasons.
Everyone in the District and at the Section level thanks him very
much for his years of valued service and dedication, and we wish him
well.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Ontario East Section Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. CK3B Special Event
From November 28 to December 28, special event call sign CK3B
will commemorate 50 years of Conservation by the Nature Conservancy
of Canada. QSL via VE3JPP.
-- RAC Special Events Database
4. Winlink saves Bounty crew
On Monday, October 29, during Hurricane Sandy, a replica of the HMS
Bounty -- built for the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty -- sank off
the coast of North Carolina. Ship's electrician Doug Faunt, N6TQS,
reported that calls for help by satellite phone, HF radio, and the
Maritime Mobile Net went unheeded. But with the ship's Winlink
amateur rig they were able to email the U.S. Coast Guard for help.
As a result, 14 of the 16 crew were rescued.
Sadly, ship's captain Robin Walbridge, KD4OHZ, did not make it to a
life raft, and is presumed dead.
-- ARRL Web, via Paul VA3PC
5. Hams Respond to Sandy
Even though Hurricane Sandy was declared a post-tropical cyclone by
the time it made its final landfall, the storm still had winds in
excess of 80 miles per hour. Hams from the Carolinas to Maine
responded to requests for assistance and activated local nets,
supported the Hurricane Watch Net's and the VoIP Hurricane Net's
operations, assisted their local and state Emergency Operations
Centers and provided assistance at shelters and wherever needed.
For the full story, visit tinyurl.com/arrlsandy
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 17, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VE3KZ appointed to Hall of Fame
Congratulations to Robert Nash VE3KZ of Milton, ON, who has been
appointed to the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. The
appointment recognizes an amateur for outstanding achievement for
sustained service to amateur radio in Canada, or amateur radio at
large. Bob will be presented with this award in Toronto in early
2013, at which time a more detailed summary of his contributions to
amateur radio will be published in The Canadian Amateur magazine.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Frontenac "Sandy" Report
On Monday, October 29, the Frontenac EmComm group activated for
Hurricane Sandy. The evening before, the ARES EC in Watertown NY
checked in to our net to coordinate plans, and an email was sent out
to our members. A listening watch began at 0800 local Monday on
VE3FRG, VE3KBR, and Watertown repeaters, and the National Hurricane
Center HF frequencies. A digital network was also set up. All of
this was reported to the county CEMC. Winds in Frontenac County
peaked at 86 km/hour, and when it was clear that worst weather had
passed, the group shut down at 2200 local. Our thanks to all who
participated, and stood by ready to assist.
-- via Bill Nangle VE3CLQ
3. Prince Edward "Sandy" Report
On October 29, Prince Edward County ARES had eight members with
backup power standing by: two HF/VHF home stations for relay, and
five mobiles. The Belleville Red Cross station was jointly staffed
by Hastings and Prince Edward ARES, and had three operators standing
by from early Monday. ARES EC Doug Monk, VE3ZDG, contacted Prince
Edward County officials to notify them of our status. ARES members
remained active from 2000 local time Monday to 0800 Tuesday.
-- via Doug Monk, VE3ZDG
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Weather Transmitter Wanted in Minden
The Minden Amateur Radio Club is lobbying for an Environment Canada
weather station to be installed in the Minden area. Club President
Dorian Young, VE3YBG, says that there have been two weather
emergencies in the past few years -- a massive snowstorm and a wind
storm -- and "with Minden hosting the Pan Am Games in 2015 it would
be a wonderful addition to have a weather transmitter in the area."
Since the Algonquin Park weather radio went off the air, Minden's
closest transmitter is in Orillia. Addressing the club via
conference call, Denis Paquette of Environment Canada said it
typically takes two years to find a location and install a new
transmitter. Visit tinyurl.com/minden-weather-radio for more.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. PRISM available for Amateur Radio AX.25 Packet
The Japanese PRISM satellite has been opened up for use by radio
amateurs. The satellite was built by the University of Tokyo and
launched on January 23, 2009 into a 660 by 670 km orbit. It uses
AX.25 packet radio and can now be used by amateur radio operators as
a store-and-forward message box. For more information, visit
tinyurl.com/ax25prism
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 24, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. IRLP/EchoLink Weather Net
The Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter Net meets every Saturday night
starting at 7 pm Eastern Time on IRLP Reflector 9034, and if you have
a computer, Echolink node 223557. It is hosted by Gordon Maybee,
VA3WXA, and has information about Weather Radio and also CANWARN.
We hope to make this a Cross Canada Net to include all provinces and
Territories. We are looking for Québec stations as we do not yet
have anyone checking in from there. For more information go to
www.maritimeamateur.ca [604] and click on CANWARN, then click on CANWARN
News.
-- Jim Langille VE1JBL
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Lanark "Sandy" Report
The Lanark North Leeds (LNL) ARES group members on October 29th were
advised by EC VE3BSB and VE3UIX about which repeaters had standby
power when looming tropical storm Sandy was about. Though they were
not called upon, this info serves for future needs. Norm VE3VY had
Winmor available and was in contact with Kingston ARC hams that were
on standby.
-- via Norm VE3VY
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Radio Welcomers Needed
Have a little spare time? I am looking for someone to help create
and send "welcome to the hobby" radiograms to new amateurs. You'll
need to place several small programs and one database in a folder on
your computer. Then, every few weeks, you download the callsign
database from Industry Canada, "unzip" it, and run a program that
tells you the new callsigns. Then get the name, address, and phone
number online, and create a radiogram using whatever program works
best for you.
If you are interested in helping out, and gaining valuable practice
in formatting message traffic, email ve3gna (at) rac (dot) ca.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. WWVB Broadcast Format Change
As of October 29, Radio Station WWVB has been broadcasting a phase
modulation (PM) time code. The new signal provides improved
performance in new products that are designed to receive it.
Existing radio-controlled clocks and watches will not be affected by
the new broadcast protocol, and will continue to work as before.
A few clocks that used information from the carrier -- specifically
the Spectracom NetClock and receivers manufactured by True Time
during the 1970s and 1980s -- will no longer be able to read the time
code and will be obsolete. For more information, visit
tinyurl.com/new-wwvb
-- Amateur Radio Newsline and WWVB
5. Good Amateur Radio Operating Practices
The Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has made available a
leaflet on good amateur radio operating practices. You can download
the PDF file at tinyurl.com/5ragel4 (Five Romeo Alpha Golf Echo Lima
Four)
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 1, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Weather Radio Net new reflector
The Weather Radio Listeners Newsletter net will switch IRLP
reflectors as of Saturday December 8th. The net has moved back one
hour to 7:00 PM ET and it will switch to IRLP reflector 9038. This is
due to a demand for Echolink check-ins and this should also help to
expand the scope of the net. For more information or to sign up for
the newsletter mailing list, email blindgordie (at) gmail.com.
-- Gord Maybee VA3WXA
2. VO1DTM Email Change
RAC's Chief Field Services Officer, Doug Mercer VO1DTM, advises that
he has closed his vo1dtm (at) hotmail.com email account. If you sent
an email which went unanswered, that may be why. If you need to
reach him, please use his contact info on page 4 of The Canadian
Amateur, or email vo1dtm (at) rac.ca or dougvo1dtm (at) gmail.com.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM
3. Ontartio North/East Director Acclaimed
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Bill Unger, VE3XT who was
recently acclaimed as the RAC Director for Ontario North East. Mr.
Unger ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election.
His term as Director will be for two years starting January 1, 2013
and ending on December 31, 2014.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
4. OPN Seeks Net Controllers
The Ontario Phone Net is looking for net control operators for the
Friday and Saturday nets. The net starts at 1900 Eastern Time, on
3745 kHz. If you would like to help out, please contact Shawn VE3PSV
on the Ontario Phone Net, or via NTS message.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, acting net manager
5. Ontario-South Section Webmaster Needed.
A webmaster is needed to manage a new Ontario-South Section website
that will be hosted on the new RAC server but will be under the
direct control of the Ontario-South Section Manager. The site will
be open to the general public and its design and content will be
influenced as much by Section club and association needs as those of
the Section management team and Field Service operations. If you
feel you have the necessary skills to develop this website, and are
prepared to accept the challenge of designing a website 'from the
ground up', please contact Section Manager Ian Snow at
va3qt (at) rac.ca.
-- Ian Snow VA3QT
ITEMS OF INTEREST
6. Doomsday Special Event
According to one of the three Mayan Calendars, the End of the world
will occur on December 21, 2012. To celebrate this once in a
lifetime event, Special Event Station N0D (Now Zero Days) will be
activated for three days during and possibly after the end of the
world. December 20; is a celebration of the end of the world.
December 21, the day of destruction, we will be on the air as long as
possible. December 22...that is a little iffy right now.
Amateur radio stations around the crumbling globe are invited to
contact N0D, who will be operating from a secret undisclosed
location. QSL with SASE to the address in qrz.com. If Doomsday
actually does happen, we regret that a QSL will not be possible so
hold on to your SASE until the 22nd at least. For more information
visit www.nowzerodays.com [607]
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 8, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Diamond Jubilee Special Prefix
From December 29 to December 30, Canadian amateurs have been
authorized to use special prefixes in commemoration of the Diamond
Jubilee Year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Use CF for VA, CG
for VE, CH for VO, and CI for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Toronto ARES D-Star Net
The Toronto ARES D-Star net is Tuesday night at 8:30pm, using the
XRF005A reflector on VE3RPT 145.250MHz (-) and VA3PMO 444.250MHz (+)
in Toronto, and linked to other repeaters across Canada and the USA.
The purpose of this net is to promote and exercise the Mutual Aid
Program between the ARES and EmComm Groups in the Greater Toronto
Area and to distribute club activity news of interest to all net
particpants. The XRF005A reflector is located at the Grand River
Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario.
-- Ralph Muecke VE3VXY, via George Duffield VE3WKJ
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. GLETN Time Change
Effective November 30, due to band conditions, the Great Lakes
Emergency and Traffic Net will hold its pre-net at 7:30 pm, and the
main net at 8:00 pm, Eastern Time. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365
nights a year. All amateurs are welcome.
-- Grant K8VFZ, via Shawn VE3PSV
4. Morse Telegraph in Spielberg's "Lincoln"
Members of the Morse Telegraph Club played an important role in the
production of Steven Spielberg's film "Lincoln." Several members
provided period telegraph instruments and technical advice. With
their help, nine of the sixteen telegraph positions depicted in the
War Department were fully operational.
The Morse Telegraph Club was founded in 1943 to perpetuate the
knowledge, history and traditions of telegraphy. Chapters are located
throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit
www.morsetelegraphclub.org [246]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
5. NTS Training Scripts
K.C. Richey, KD8LZB, has taken time to develop five brief training
scripts on the mysteries of NTS and traffic handling. They are short
enough to be incorporated into local VHF and HF net time periods.
You can find them online at at tinyurl.com/nts-scripts as well as on
the Radiograms Yahoo group page for members.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 15, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Club Liability Insurance
Affiliated Clubs are reminded that their current Liability Insurance
expires 31 Dec 2012 and it must be renewed BEFORE 31 Dec 2012. TIME
IS RUNNING OUT. It is the club's responsibility to complete the
necessary forms and have them processed to ensure continuation of
their Liability Insurance. With offices being closed during the
holiday season your immediate attention is required.
-- G Linda Friars, VE9GLF, RAC Insurance Program Administrator
2. RAC Canada Winter Contest
The 2012 RAC Canada Winter Contest will run from 0000 to 2359 UTC on
December 29, CW and phone, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6, and 2
metres. The object is to work as many Canadian stations as possible.
Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or territory. VE0s and
stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial number. For more
information download the PDF file at tinyurl.com/racwinter2012
-- RAC web page
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Straight Key Night on OSCAR
You are cordially invited to participate in Straight Key Night on
OSCAR 2013, conducted by AMSAT for all radio amateurs throughout the
world. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of John Thompson,
W1BIH/PJ9JT, who passed away in 2012.
SKN on OSCAR is simple and informal. Just operate CW through one or
more satellites on 1 January 2013 (0000 to 2400 UTC), using a
straight hand key. You need not send in a log, but all participants
are encouraged to nominate someone they worked for Best Fist.
-- AMSAT News
4. Logbook of the World Updates
The ARRL has created a new informational page to issue daily status
updates and information of interest to the Logbook of The World
(LoTW) user community. These updates will include planned downtime
and changes that will impact LoTW operations. In addition, LoTW's
processing queue is now updated hourly, telling how many logs and
QSOs have been uploaded to the LoTW system and are awaiting
processing. New hardware that will improve LoTW's throughput is on
order and is expected to be running in six to eight weeks.
-- ARRL Web
5. Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning
The web site www.arhab.org [612] is "the premier site for near space
explorers and enthusiasts dedicated to the education and study of
aerospace science via Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning." Click
the "missions" link for a listing of recent and upcoming balloon
flights.
- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 22, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Section Manager election results
Congratulations to Craig Seaboyer VE1DSS who was recently elected
Section Manager for the Maritimes for the balance of a two year term
that commenced March 1, 2012. He ran unopposed eliminating the need
for a balloted election.
-- Doug Mercer CEC VO1DTM/VO1DM, Chief Field Services Officer
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
2. Toronto D-Star Net Update
The Toronto ARES D-Star Net has moved from reflector XRF005A to
XRF005B, and has added a 1.2 GHz repeater.
This net meets every Tuesday night at 8:30pm EST, using the XRF005B
reflector on VE3RPT 145.250MHz (-), VA3PMO 444.250MHz (+), and VE3YYZ
1287.500Mhz (-) in Toronto, and linked to other repeaters across
Canada and the USA. The XRF005B reflector is located at the Grand
River Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario.
-- Ralph Muecke VE3VXY, via George Duffield VE3WKJ
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. FreeDV Ham Radio Digital Voice Software
FreeDV is an application for Windows and Linux that allows any HF SSB
radio to be used for digital voice mode with a bandwidth of just 1.1
kHz. Speech is compressed down to 1400 bit/s then modulated onto a
1100 Hz wide QPSK signal which is sent to the Mic input of a SSB
radio. On receive, the signal is received by the SSB radio, then
demodulated and decoded by FreeDV.
You can see a demonstration of FreeDV at tinyurl.com/freedv-video.
Download the free program at www.freedv.org [615]
-- AMSAT News
4. Maritime Amateur Website
The Maritime Amateur website was launched in March 2008 with the
purpose of sharing information among radio amateurs in Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Now in its fifth year, it
has had over 43 thousand hits and has a membership of over 110 hams.
Check it out at www.maritimeamateur.ca [604].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 29, 2012
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Distracted Driving Update
RAC is pleased to inform Ontario hams that Ontario Regulation 253/12
has amended the amateur radio exemption sections of former Ontario
Regulation 366/09. This extends the amateur radio exemption for
hand-held devices until January 1, 2018.
RAC will continue to pursue a permanent exemption for Amateur Radio
operators in Ontario, similar to those in many other provinces.
Meanwhile, we recommend that you carry a copy of your certificate and
a copy of the exemption in your vehicle. You can find it at
tinyurl.com/ont2013rac.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Changes in the Contraventions Regulations
There has been an announcement in the Canada Gazette as to changes
in the Contraventions Regulations concerning the enforcement of the
Radiocommunication Regulations.
These changes will allow peace officers including Municipal,
Provincial and RCMP police officers to issue tickets for certain
offences under the Radiocommunication Regulations.
The changes may be seen at: tinyurl.com/cz49jx5 (Charlie Zulu Four
Nine Juliet Xray Five)
-- Bill Gade, VE4WO, Regulatory Affairs
ONTARIO SECTIONS NEWS
3. NTS Routing to/from Ontario
For the past two years, due to de-activation of the Eastern Canadian
Regional Net (ECN), traffic to and from the Eastern Canadian
provinces has been routed through the Second Region Net. Effective
January 1, 2013 this will change.
Until Eastern Canada re-establishes a regional net, traffic to
Eastern Canada should be routed via the NTS Digital Network (NTSD).
Sections with digital liaisons should route this traffic through
their digital reps.
Any Canadian stations in the eastern provinces may check into any net
with their outgoing traffic.
-- Marcia Forde KW1U, Eastern Area NTS Chair
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. GLETN Time Change Update
Effective immediately, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is
holding its main net at 7:30 pm, Eastern Time. There is a "post-net"
afterwards, at 8 pm. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365 nights a year.
All amateurs are welcome.
-- Grant K8VFZ, via Shawn VE3PSV
5. VE3COLD Special Event
From 1700 UTC Saturday January 26, through 1700 UTC Sunday January
27, special event station VE3COLD will operate for the Society for
the Preservation of Amateur Radio Winter Field Day. The plan is to
operate indoors at an agricultural research farm, on all contest
bands 160m through 6m. QSL via VE3ZUP. For more information search
VE3COLD at qrz.com.
-- RAC Special Events Database and qrz.com
6. Contesting News Website to Shut Down
After five years, the contesting news website radio-sport.net is
closing. In a posting on the site, founder Jamie Dupree, NS3T, said
increasing demands at work and at home were keeping him from having
enough time to devote to running the web site.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 1, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Local Net Activity Reports Solicited
I encourage each local level net, whether conducted on VHF/UHF or HF,
to report the net activities to the Section Traffic Manager at the
end of each month. The report need not be long. Simply list the
number of sessions, the total of checkins, any traffic handled and
the total elapsed time for the month. This will enable us at Field
Services to have an idea of just what net activities are occurring
each month within Ontario. The report should be sent to me via the
Ontario Phone Net no later than the 3rd of the month following.
In addition I encourage any amateurs who regularly participate in
these nets to submit a Station Activity Report (SAR) and/or a Public
Service Honour Roll (PSHR) report to me each month. Samples of these
reports may be found on the RAC website. These reports give me, as
Section Traffic Manager, a better idea of which amateurs would be
available if needed for emergency communications.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA/VA3OPN, STM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. SPAR Winter Field Day
The Society for the Preservation of Amateur Radio invites amateurs to
participate in their Fifth Winter Field Day, from 1700 UTC Saturday
January 29, through 1700 UTC Sunday January 30. Like the June Field
Day, the object is to set up emergency-style communications and make
as many contacts as possible during the 24 hour period. See the
official rules at the SPAR web site, www.spar-hams.org [622].
-- via RAC Blog
3. Introduction to CW NTS Operations
The web page www.temples.com/node/2675 [623] gives an excellent indication
of the inner workings of an Area CW traffic net. The story is
fictional, but realistic. Those interested in traffic handling
beyond the local level should find it interesting.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. NAQCC Newsletter On-Line
The latest newsletter from the North American QRP CW Club is online
at www.naqcc.info/newsletter_current.html [624]. The newsletter is issued
twice a month, and archived issues back to Number 42 are available on
the web site.
-- NAQCC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 8, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Nova Scotia Special Prefixes
From February 1 through February 28, Nova Scotia amateurs are
authorized to use prefix CJ1 for VA1, and CK1 for VE1. This is to
commemorate the 2011 Canada Games in Nova Scotia.
-- RAC Special Events Database
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Lockport, NY Hamfest
The Lockport Amateur Radio Association will hold its 50th annual
hamfest on Saturday, January 29, at the South Lockport Fire Hall,
Route 78 and Ruhlman Rd. in Lockport NY, about 33 km east of Niagara
Falls. For more information visit www.lara.hamgate.net [627]
-- Ontario Swap Shop
3. 2010 Yasme Awards Announced
The Yasme Excellence Awards are given to individuals who through
their own service, creativity, effort and dedication, have made a
significant contribution to Amateur Radio. Among this year's winners
is Alex Shovkoplyas, VE3NEA, who developed DX Atlas, Morse Runner,
Ham-CAP, CW Skimmer, Rocky and other innovative software. For more
information visit tinyurl.com/yasme-2010
-- ARRL Web
4. Sunspot Forecast Reduced
The good news is that there were more sunspots observed in 2010.
The bad news is that experts continue to reduce their predictions for
the next solar cycle.
The latest forecast is for a peak average of 64 sunspots, now
expected in July of 2013. Three years ago those scientists predicted
a peak in the range of 130-140 sunspots. This means fewer and weaker
band openings on 15 and 10 metres.
-- Radio-Sport.net
5. CW Ringtones for your cell phone
Tom Hart, AD1B, has made "CQ" and "QRZ" ringtones for cell phones.
Download the free MP3 files at tinyurl.com/cw-ringtones
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 15, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Caribbean Emergency and Weather Net
The purpose of the Caribbean Emergency & Weather Net (CEWN) is to
handle all forms of Amateur Radio traffic, pass weather information,
and emergency traffic. Currently the CEWN meets twice daily, at 10:30
and 22:30 UTC on 3.815 MHz. During emergencies, sessions will be
extended, and may be conducted on 7.162 MHz if conditions require.
Thanks to the effort of webmaster Waine J73WA, the CEWN has a new web
page. Visit tinyurl.com/cewn-web for more information about the net.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Canadian Ski Marathon seeks operators
The 45th Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) will be held on February 12 and
13. The event runs between Lachute and Buckingham in western Quebec,
snow or shine, and once again ham radio volunteers are needed. The
CSM depends on ham radio to provide important and timely safety and
logistical communication for the benefit of the skiers. More
information is available at their web page, www.radio-1.ca [288]. If you
would like to volunteer, please email Harold VA3UNK, radio1 (at)
admin2 (dot) ca.
-- via RAC Blog
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Assistant Section Manager Appointed
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Hickey
VE3IPC, as Assistant Section Manager (ASM) for Ontario ARES. Michael
has been with ARES since the early 90's, in 1998 was appointed EC
for Prescott-Russell Counties, and in 2004 appointed as District EC
for Capital-Seaway District, where he originated the ARES District
Mutual Aid Program.
Michael's focus will be to put together a steering committee and
working groups to deal with pressing Field Organization issues,
starting with the Incorporation of ARES in Ontario. Michael will
also act as my adviser working with the ARES National level. Please
join me in welcoming Michael to the Ontario Section.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
4. ARES Videos Available
The Eastern Ontario ARES (Seaway-Capital) District is pleased to
make two videos available at our website: seawaycapital-ares.org.
Under the "Videos" link you will find a 7-minute ARES Promo Video,
and a 3-minute ARES News Clip. Higher quality copies are available
through the "Download" option.
The News Clip is intended for the general public, and the Promo Video
for municipal emergency officials. We thank TV Cogeco and TV Cogeco
News for the raw footage and the use of their production facilities.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Seaway-Capital ARES District EC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Niagara Hamfest
The Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will hold its "Big Event 33"
Flea Market and Hamfest on Saturday, February 5, at the Merriton
Community Centre, 7 Park Ave. in St. Catharines. Open to the public
at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3NRS repeater, 147.240 (+), 107.2 Hz tone.
For more information visit www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent [465]
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 22, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VA3DM appointed Special Advisor
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Mein VA3DM,
Special Advisor to the Radio Amateurs of Canada Field Organization.
Doug's focus will be with strategic matters that affect the Radio
Amateurs of Canada Field Organization nationally.
Doug has an extensive background and is retired from Transport
Canada after 33 years of service. During the Sept. 11 attacks on the
United States, Doug was Director of Transport Canada's Air Navigation
Services and Airspace Branch in Ottawa, playing a key role in
coordinating department operations and taking decisive action on
behalf of the Canadian Government. Doug was also the chief architect
behind the creation of NAV Canada. I know that you will all join me
in welcoming Doug.
-- Doug Mercer VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Applications Open for Amateur Radio Scholarships
The non-profit Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) is now accepting
applications for 48 scholarships for the academic year 2011-2012 to
assist radio amateurs pursuing higher education. Non-US residents are
eligible for some of the scholarships. More information and an
application form may be found at the FAR website, www.farweb.org [312].
Applications must be received by March 31, 2011.
-- ARRL Web
3. NASA Seeking Hams' Help
NASA is asking hams around the world to listen for the beacon from
the NanoSail-D nanosatellite, which was ejected January 19th from the
larger FASTSAT. Nanosail-D is supposed to deploy a solar sail after
three days in orbit. Hams who monitor the 437.270 MHz beacon are
asked to send reports to nanosaild.engr.scu.edu/dashboard.htm. For
more information visit tinyurl.com/5sarz53 (Five Sierra Alpha Romeo
Zulu Five Three)
-- CQ Bulletin Service
4. Winter QRP Fox Hunts
A QRP Fox Hunt is 90 minute event during which low-power (QRP)
stations, or "Hounds," attempt to make contact with specific QRP
stations designated as the "Foxes." This winter the fox hunts are
held every Tuesday evening on 80m CW, and every Thursday evening on
40m CW, from 9 pm to 10:29 pm Eastern time. For more information see
www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm [632]
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
5. Scientists Model Ionosphere F-Region
Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory have developed
SAMI3, a three-dimensional simulation model of the low- to mid-
latitude ionosphere, and are using it to study anomalies in the
equatorial F region. The F-region is home to the F-layer, which is
the layer of the ionosphere most important for HF DX propagation.
Better ionospheric models may lead to better propagation forecasts.
-- ScienceDaily.com, via Austin VE3NCQ
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for January 29, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Report
At the Directors meeting in October it was decided to begin an
e-newsletter, called "The RAC Report". It will come out in the months
between TCA, starting in February. To ensure you receive it, check
your email on the membership page: www.rac.ca/en/members/myprofile [635]
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. HMCS Ojibwa Restoration
HMCS Ojibwa is a cold war Canadian Oberon Class submarine which was
in service in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1965 to 1998. The
submarine has been acquired by the Elgin Military Museum of St.
Thomas, Ontario and will soon be towed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to
Port Burwell, Ontario where it will be preserved and operated as a
submarine museum.
Plans are being prepared to restore the radio room onboard the
submarine as an active ham radio club station, using call sign
VA3ZFQ, in memory of Ojibwa's former call sign CZFQ. Volunteers will
be needed to assist in the project. We will also be looking for old
naval radio equipment. Contact information, and details about the
radio room restoration, can be found at www.qrz.com/db/VA3ZFQ [636].
-- Donald Courcy, VE2CW, via the RAC Blog
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Wish a Happy 100th to a Ham Radio Legend
Leo Meyerson, W0GFQ, a longtime leader in the ham radio industry as
owner of World Radio Laboratories -- reacll the Globe radios from
the 1950s -- will turn 100 years old in February.
To celebrate, QCWA Chapter 154 will operate special event station
W0G on February 24. Look for W0G on or near 14.260 MHz between 1800
and 2400 UTC. QSL via the operator you contact. Leo is planning to
listen in, and may make some contacts himself.
QCWA national president Bob Roske, N0UF, suggests that you can also
write "Happy 100th Birthday, Leo" on a QSL card and mail it to: Leo
Meyerson, W0GFQ, 19 Park Lane, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
-- CQ News Service
4. Counterfeit IC-V8 Handhelds
Icom is asking amateurs' help in stopping fake IC-V8 transceivers and
accessories. The differences are small but noticeable.
The number 2 key on the real IC-V8 is for the "P Beep" function; on
the fake radio number 2 is "VOX". Also, on the back of the real Icom
product the serial number tag is black while it is white on the fake.
On the F21 Battery Pack, the real battery has part number BP209N;
the fake has part number BP-208 and also does not have the ICOM
logo. Lastly, the real factory remote microphone is designated
HM-133, while the counterfeit is marked HM-133V. Icom says that a
real HM-133V is for other radios in their product line.
For more information visit www.icom.co.jp/world/notice [637]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 5, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Affiliated Club Coordinator
RAC is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Critch, VE3QTH
as National Affiliated Club Coordinator. Robert is the current
President of Barrie Amateur Radio Club, and owner and president of a
small telecommunications company. He is active on VHF, UHF, and HF on
several Phone and Digital modes, and participates in CANWARN, ARES,
and club activities.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Eldorado Gold Cup Sled-Dog Race
On Saturday, January 22, 2011, twelve amateur radio operators,
including some from the Prince Edward County and Hastings County ARES
groups, assisted the annual Eldorado Gold Cup Sled-Dog Race south of
Bancroft, ON.
They used the Central Ontario Amateur Radio Club's new McCrea
repeater to provide communication from each road-crossing and race
check-point, to ensure the safety of race participants and
spectators, and to transmit race results to the start/finish line.
-- Loyalist District ARES Blog, via RAC Blog
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Burlington Flea Market
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Spring Flea Market on
Saturday, February 26, 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 visit
www.barc.ca [294]
-- RAC Events Database
4. VE5HP Wins QST Cover Award
The winner of the QST Cover Plaque Award for January is Jim Koehler,
VE5FP, for his article "Reflow Soldering for the Radio Amateur." The
QST Cover Plaque award is given to the author of the best article in
each issue, as determined by a web poll of ARRL members.
-- ARRL Web
5. 2011 Field Day Packet Now Available
Field Day packets are now available for download as a PDF file at
tinyurl.com/fieldday2011. The packet includes the complete rules,
plus forms, the ARRL Section list, entry submission instructions,
Frequently Asked Questions, guidelines for getting bonus points,
instructions for GOTA stations, and a publicity kit.
There is one rule change for 2011. Starting this year, all stations
operating in Class A may use a free VHF station without increasing
their operating category. This is designed to encourage more activity
on the VHF bands, especially 6 and 2 meters.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 12, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VPFS Council Appointments
In November 2010 a review of the RAC Field Organization was begun to
review and reform the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. I am pleased
to announce the following appointments:
Garry Jacobs VE6CIA, Alberta Section Manager, as Chairman of the
"Mission" working group, advised by Doug Mein VA3DM. Allan Boyd
VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager, as Chairman of the "Training
Specification" working group, advised by Ian Snow VA3QT. James King
VE3ETZ as Chairman of the "Census" working group. And, Peter Wetton
VA3PRW as Secretary.
My thanks to all for agreeing to assist with this important
project.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services
2. Teslin Special Event
Special Event Station VY1T will be on the air from June 29 to
July 1, for the Grand Opening of Aeradio Exhibit at the Teslin
Historical and Museum Society in Teslin, Yukon.
On June 29th VY1T will be operated by VY1EI from Whitehorse. On June
30th VY1T will be on the air from Teslin Yukon, at the George Johnson
Museum, from early morning to late afternoon, or 14.180 or 14.140
MHz. On July 1st VY1T will be on the air from Whitehorse as a club
station.
QSL via Hugh Henderson, VY1EEN at P.O. Box 33062, Whitehorse, YT,
Y1A 5Y5. For more information visit the Yukon Amateur Radio
Association website at www.yara.ca [642].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. ARISSat-1 Deployment February 16
The space walk to deploy ARISSat-1 from the International Space
Station is scheduled for February 16th. The satellite contains a
software defined transponder that will provide a 70cm up, 2m down
service plus a range of telemetry, FM, CW and BPSK transmissions. For
details, visit www.arissat1.org [643].
-- RSGB News
4. Codec 2
Codec 2 is an open source alternative to both D-Star and P25 that's
being developed by a group of volunteers all around the world. The
idea behind Codec 2 is to provide a single, free, software-based
digital voice encode and decode system that would not require any
proprietary firmware as is found in most other current digital voice
systems. More about Codec 2 is on-line at Codec2.org
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 19, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. New EC Appointments
Two new Emergency Coordinators have joined the Ontario ARES team. We
welcome Richard Upfield, VA3RMU, representing Brampton/Caledon in the
Greater Toronto Area. And also Alan Viitala, VA3AJV, in the Sudbury
region.
Both appointees have expressed a strong interest in community service
and the development of their local Emergency Communications
resources.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario SEC
2. Loyalist District Exercise
Following a the request of the CEMC for Greater Napanee, which lacks
an ARES group, the other groups of Loyalist District held a District
exercise in Napanee in November 2010. The report of that exercise
can now be viewed on the racaresontario.ca web site, under "Extended
Bulletin Articles".
-- Doug Monk VE3ZDG, via Glenn Killam VE3GNA
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. March Special Events
VE3IKV will use the special callsign VX3X to celebrate the 250th
World Anniversary of the Veterinary Profession, between March 4th and
April 4th. QSL direct to VE3IKV.
VA3RVK will activate speical callsign XL3A from March 11th to April
11th, to celebrate the Parks Canada Centennial . QSL XL3A via VE3AT,
direct (QRZ.com) or bureau.
Special event station VE3XR will be active from the Brampton Fall
Fairgrounds, from 1300Z to 1600Z on March 26th, for the Ham-Ex
Hamfest. They will be active on 3.750, 7.260 and 14.265 MHz SSB
(+/- QRM). QSL via VA3QSL, direct or bureau.
-- VA3RJ Web Page
4. ARISSat-1 Deployment Postponed
Because of changes in the space walk schedule, the deployment of the
ARISSat-1 satellite from the International Space Station, previously
scheduled for February 16, has been postponed. ARISSat-1 deployment
has been rescheduled to July 2011.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for February 26, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Request for Plasma TV Information
RAC is compiling information on possible interference to amateur HF
activities from plasma-screen television sets. Members that own a
plasma TV are invited to report their experiences.
Reports should name the make and model of TV, and describe the HF
station and antenna system and the exact nature of the interference
(what bands, what sound etc). Remedies such as ferrite chokes should
also be tried and reported. Amateurs with advanced instruments such
as spectrum analyzers and calibrated antennas should measure signal
intensity levels at given distances; these measurements will add
credibility to our investigation. We also want to hear from amateurs
whose plasma TVs are NOT interfering with their amateur radio
operations. Please mention if a label on the TV or notation in the
manual indicates that the TV complies with ICES 003 and/or BETS 7
standards. Send reports to Norm Rashleigh, VE3LC, VP Industrial
Liaison, ve3lc (at) rac (dot) ca
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. GLETN Time Change
Effective March 1st, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net will
hold its pre-net at 8:00 pm, and the main net at 8:30 pm, Eastern
Time. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365 nights a year.
-- via Shawn, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Transatlantic 500 KHz ROS Contact
At 2134GMT on 13 February, Joe, VO1NA managed a full beacon decode
from Graham, G0NBD on 502kHz using the new digital mode ROS It is
believed this was the first live data mode decoded over the Atlantic
on this band. The transmission was sent with an estimated ERP of 1
watt from a 35ft top loaded vertical.
At just over a year old the ROS data mode is relatively new and uses
an adaptation of multiple frequency shift keying and forward error
correction to help make successful contacts under very difficult band
conditions. For more information visit rosmodem.wordpress.com
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Transatlantic Ham Radio Balloon
The new LVL1 Makerspace in Louisville, Kentucky is preparing to
launch Speedball-1, which may be the first amateur radio balloon to
cross the Atlantic. The balloon will transmit RTTY and DominoEX on
upper sideband with dial frequency of 7.102 MHz. The actual signal
will be on 7.1035 MHz and the transmitter will alternate between
110bps RTTY and the DominoEX digital mode. Free dl-fldigi decoder
software to follow the balloon's progress is at tinyurl.com/4lplegv
The launch date has not been announced, but it will be soon, as they
are racing against Cornell University's Project Blue Horizon. For
more information visit www.whitestarballoon.com [648]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Satellite Tracker Web Page
Carl Fretwell's web page offers satellite tracking -- including
amateur satellites -- and orbital predictions in real-time. Just
select a satellite from the drop down list and click the Track
button, to track up to 5 satellites. Find it at
www.carlfretwell.com/satellites [649]
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 5, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Will Be At Dayton
After a long absence, Radio Amateurs of Canada will have a booth at
the 2011 Dayton Hamvention, May 20-22 in Dayton, Ohio. RAC is
looking for volunteers to help run the booth at the hamfest, and for
a Team Leader to organize the event. If you are interested in
helping, please call the RAC office at 877-273-8304.
-- RAC Blog
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Ontario Network Merger
Effective Sunday, March 6th, the Ontario IRLP net will combine with
the ProCom net to become the new Ontario Provincial Communications
Network. The net will operate Sunday and Thursday evenings at 8 pm
Eastern Time, and a new format using the EMO District names will be
introduced to expedite checkins.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario SEC
3. Sudbury ARES Meeting
An meeting of the Sudbury ARES group is scheduled for March 16, 7 pm,
at the EOC in Azilda. Everyone is welcome.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Ham-Ex 2011 Hamfest
The Peel and Mississauga Amateur Radio Clubs will hold Ham-Ex 2011 on
Saturday, March 26, at the Brampton Fall Fairgrounds, Heart Lake Road
and Old School Road, in Brampton. Exhibits open at 8 a.m., flea
market at 9 a.m. Talk-in on VE3PRC 146.880 (-) no tone, or VE3MIS
145.430 (-) 103.5 Hz tone. For more information visit www.ham-ex.ca [310]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Google Science Fair
Hams bewteen the ages of 13 and 18 may want to enter Google's Global
Science Fair. The science project is submitted on-line and will be
judged by a panel of teachers. The deadline for submissions is
April 4. See www.google.com/events/sciencefair [652] for details.
-- ARRL Contest Update
6. Working ARISSat-1
David Jordan AA4KN's excellent article on working ARISSat-1,
originally published in the February 2011 issue of QST magazine, is
now available for download at tinyurl.com/work-arissat1. It's a 1.1
MB PDF file. ARISSat-1 will operate from the ISS on April 12, and is
scheduled to be deployed in July.
-- AMSAT News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 12, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Japan Earthquake Response Frequencies
Japan Amateur Radio League Regional HQ station JA7RL is now involved
in emergency communication to support rescue and disaster relief,
using 40 metres, 2 metres, and 70 cm. HF frequencies in use include
7.030, 7.043, and 7.075 MHz. Please also keep clear the IARU Region
III Emergency Center of Activity frequencies of 3.600, 7.110, 14.300,
18.160 and 21.360 MHz. Other frequencies reported in use are 7.130,
14.230 and 21.230 MHz.
-- Southgate ARC News and ARRL Web
2. Communications Academy 2011
Registration is now open for Communications Academy 2011 to be held
on April 16-17 at South Seattle Community College, in Seattle,
Washington. The theme this year is "Bringing Professionalism to
Amateur Emergency Communications". All interested hams are welcome.
For more information go to the Communications Academy web site,
www.commacademy.org [655].
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. OPN Time Change
Effective Sunday March 13th, the Ontario Phone Net will start at 7
p.m. Eastern time. This follows the change to Daylight Savings Time,
to keep the net at 2300 UTC.
-- Ian Cope VE3HMS, OPN Net Manager
4. NTS Discussion March 19
On Saturday, March 19th, Shawn VE3PSV will lead an on-air discussion
immediately following the 6:45 pm Laurentian Net on 3.755 MHz.
Topics will include an introduction to NTS traffic handling, and a
new Silent Key reporting procedure. All are welcome to participate.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Iroquois Fleamarket
The Iroquois Amateur Radio Club will hold its 15th annual fleamarket
on Saturday, April 2, at the Iroquois Civic Center. Take exit 738
from the 401. Admission for buyers is free. Open to the public at 9
am; talk-in on 145.29 (-) or if problems 146.97 (-), 100 Hz tone.
-- RAC Events Database
6. Canada Winter Contest Logs Received
A summary of the RAC Canada Winter Contest logs received is now
posted at www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests [134]. Please contact
contest chairman Sam, VE5SF, email canadawinter (at) rac (dot) ca, if
you have questions, concerns, or feel there have been errors in the
category assigned to your contest entry.
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 19, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Ontario South Director's Election
Two nominations have been received and are in order for the position
of RAC Ontario South Director, to complete the 2010-2011 term:
Jeffrey Stewart, VA3WXM, and Nelson D.H. Jenking, VA3NDJ. The
election will be conducted by mail. Ballots will be mailed to the
applicable postal codes from the RAC Office in the near future.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. HF World Championship Results
The results of the 2010 IARU HF World Championship are availlable at
www.iaru.org/contest.html [658]. Thanks to Dave Sumner, K1ZZ for the
information.
-- Daniel Lamoureux, VE2KA, RAC VP International Affairs
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Sudbury ARES Activity
Alan, VA3AJV, Sudbury's new EC, reports that Sudbury's IRLP repeater
is back on line. Thanks to VE3's BEK, MND, KBU, HZQ, WVA, AJB for
their many hours spent installing a replacement machine, and to VA3RQ
for his insight and assistance.
Alan was also invited to give a presentation about ARES to the
Greater Sudbury Emergency Management Advisory Panel. It was a great
opportunity to educate community leaders about ARES, and generated
more interest about emergency communications.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. ISS offers APRS Support for Japan
Following the earthquake in Japan, the International Space Station
Amateur Radio Station Digipeater has been operational on 145.825 MHz
to handle APRS traffic in the disaster area. A widespread power
outage has disabled many land-based APRS nodes in northeast Japan.
The ISS is coming over Japan about six times a day. Bob Bruninga,
WB4APR hopes that "stations NOT in the disaster area monitor the ISS
downlink for emergency traffic and can IGATE the downlink into the
APRS Internet System."
-- CQ News Service
5. Glory Launch Failure
The March 4 launch carrying the Glory Satellite Mission and three
student cubesats -- the University of Kentucky's KySat-1, the
University of Montana's Explorer-1, and University of Colorado's
Hermes -- failed to reach orbit. Telemetry indicated the fairing,
the protective shell atop the Taurus XL rocket, did not separate as
expected about three minutes after launch.
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for March 26, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Tsunami and the Pacific Coast of the Americas
After the Tsunami which originated by the Japan Earthquake on
Friday, March 11, 2011, several American countries began to issue
warnings to their populations located near the Pacific Coast. A
report of the amateur radio response can be found on the RAC Blog,
http://blog.rac.ca [661]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. New EC for Peterborough
William Carew,VE3MEW has become the new EC for the Peterborough City
and County Region in the Severn District. Bill has recently
completed the RAC CEC examination and is an active member of the
Peterborough ARC. Two new Assitant EC's, VE3BLM and VE3IQZ, will
assist Bill with Municipal planning and coordination in this newly
appointed role.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario SEC
3. CANWARN Training, April 12-13
The 2011 schedule of CANWARN training will begin with the following
locations:
Sarnia, April 12th, 7 PM, at the Kinsmen Centre, Oakroom Room, 656
Lakeshore Road.
London, April 13th, 7 PM, at the 4 Points Sheraton Hotel, 1150
Wellington Road.
If you are planning to attend a CANWARN training session, please
send an email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can plan
each session accordingly. The unofficial list of 2011 sessions can
be seen at www.oscarc.com/?p=814 [662].
-- Environment Canada, and Ontario Science Centre ARC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. ARISSat-1 active on April 12
ARISSat-1, still inside the International Space Station, will be
activated using an external antenna on April 12, to celebrate the
50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first manned space flight. AMSAT
will support this event and issue certificates to those stations
reporting reception of the ARISSat-1 signals. For more information
on Yuri's Night visit www.yurisnight.net [663]; for more about ARISSat-1
visit www.arissat1.org [643].
-- AMSAT News
5. Ontario QSO Party April 16-17
The Ontario QSO Party will be held from 1800Z April 16 to 0500Z April
17, and 1200Z to 1800Z April 17. Stations outside Ontario make as
many contacts with Ontario stations as possible. Ontario stations
contact as many stations as possible both in Ontario and world-wide.
Each Ontario county is a multiplier. For more information visit
www.va3cco.com/oqp [167]
-- Contest Club Ontario
6. WWV Survey
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Time and
Frequency Division, is conducting an online survey to learn more
about its users. Their services include WWV, WWVH, WWVB, and the
Internet Time Service. Canadians are welcome to complete the survey,
which you will find at www.tf.nist.gov/survey [664]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 2, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, April 16-18
CANWARN training will be offered at these locations:
Hamilton, April 16th, 9 AM, in the Nash Auditorium, Wilcox Building,
Chedoke Hospital, on Sanatorium Road. Free parking is available
across from the Wilcox building.
Leamington, April 18th, 7 PM, at the Kinsmen Recreational Complex,
249 Sherk St. Parking lot access off of Ellison St.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Durham Region Hamfest
The North Shore ARC and South Pickering ARC will hold their 2011
hamfest Saturday, April 16, at a new location: the Pickering
Recreation Complex, 1867 Valley Farm Rd.; just one block east of
Pickering Town Centre. Open to the public at 9 am; talk-in on VE3SPA
repeater, 147.375 (+) tone 103.5 Hz. For more information visit
drhamfest.tripod.com
-- RAC Events Database
3. World Amateur Radio Day
Monday, April 18 is World Amateur Radio Day. The International
Amateur Radio Union has announced the theme this year to be "Amateur
Radio: The first technology-based social network"
-- ARRL Web
4. Canadian School Contacts ISS
On Wednesday, March 30th, students from the Canterbury High School in
Ottawa made a scheduled ham radio contact with the International
Space Station as it passed overhead. Read the Ottawa Citizen
coverage at tinyurl.com/5uq5h63 (Five Uniform Quebec Five Hotel Six
Three).
-- via RSGB News
5. Ham-Ex in the News
The organizers of the Ham-Ex Hamfest were able to get coverage of the
event in the Brampton Guardian newspaper. You can see it on-line at
tinyurl.com/6dcbhr6 (Six Delta Charlie Bravo Hotel Romeo Six).
-- via Ian Cope, VE3HMS
6. New VLF Website
Roger, G3XBM, has launched a new website, "Sub 9kHz Amateur Radio,"
to promote sharing of information among hams interested in VLF (Very
Low Frequency) communication. The site will include distance
records, information on earth-mode communications, transmit setups,
and a kit to receive signals on this very long wavelength band.
Visit it at tinyurl.com/sub9khz
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 9, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Development of a Canadian Field Organization
At its second meeting held on 13 January, the RAC Field Services
Council approved in principle an ARES Training Management System.
The Council's working groups are developing an updated mission
statement for ARES, and a training Specification. While the focus is
initially on modernizing the ARES, ultimately this will be expanded
to all roles within the RAC Field Organization. For more details
read the full announcement at www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2011/8 [669]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Kitchener CANWARN Training, April 27
CANWARN training will be offered in Kitchener on April 27, at
Bingemans Conference Centre, Ballroom E, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
3. Eastern Ontario Mutual Aid Exercise
The Eastern Ontario (Seaway/Capital) ARES District will hold an ARES
Mutual Aid exercise on April 16th in Ottawa. This will be similar to
last year's exercise, but with a focus on the staging area with
receiving relief operators.
This will be the last exercise conducted by District officials.
Henceforth, ARES groups will be expected to conduct their own
exercises, locally or with neighboring ARES groups. We hope that all
ARES groups will become proficient with the District Mutual Aid
Program, to invoke or respond to a call for support.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Seaway/Capital District EC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. AMSAT Now Accepting Credit from RAC CANADAWARD
AMSAT Director Contests and Awards, Bruce Paige, KK5DO has announced,
"In keeping up with technology and limiting duplication of work,
AMSAT Awards will now accept a scanned copy the Radio Amateurs of
Canada (RAC) CANADAWARD for satellites as proof of working the 13
valid Canadian Provinces."
-- AMSAT News Service
5. Bell System Technical Journal Online
Alcatel-Lucent, the owner of Bell Labs, has made the entire Bell
System Technical Journal archive, from 1922 to 1983, available
on-line. Some of the most fundamental work in modern electronics,
communications, and computers was originally published there. The web
site is bstj.bell-labs.com
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 16, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. CANWARN Training, April 30 - May 5
CANWARN training will be offered near Orillia on April 30th, at 9 AM,
at the Rama Community Hall, 5950 Rama Road, in Rama (across the
street from CasinoRama).
Also on May 5th in Peterborough, at 7 PM, in the lower level
boardroom of the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. North.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. International Marconi Day
International Marconi Day is a 24-hour amateur radio event held each
year to celebrate the Marconi's birthday, 25 April 1874. For this
year only, the event is on a different date, April 30, from 0000 to
2359 UTC. This is because the usual date would have fallen on Easter
weekend. For more information visit www.gb4imd.org.uk [672]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. Royal Wedding Special Prefixes
At the request of the Radio Society of Great Britain, Ofcom will
issue special temporary call signs that British amateurs may use from
April 29 through May 9, commemorating the marriage of HRH Prince
William of Wales and Miss Catherine Middleton. UK hams who apply for
these special call signs will be using prefixes GR, MR and 2R.
-- ARRL Web
4. CRAQ Special Event
From May 1st to 31st, special event station VC2CQ85 will be
celebrating the 85th Anniversary of Club Radio Amateur de Québec
(CRAQ). Operation will be by scheduled volunteers with their personal
stations. QSL via VE2CQ. For more information visit www.craq.qc.ca [673]
-- RAC Events Database
5. ARRL Video Contest Winners
Congratulations to Stan Leschinsky, VE3TW, and Bert Almemo, VE3OUB,
both of Scarborough, who took third place in the ARRL Video Contest.
You can see their video about operating VE3CCO in the 2010 CQ WW 160
Contest, and the other winners, at www.arrl.org/winners [674]
-- The ARRL Letter
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 23, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. GB0BON Special Event
The Welland Valley Amateur Radio Society will operate special event
station GB0BON in June 2011, to commemorate the 366th anniversary of
the Battle of Naseby, the decisive battle of the English civil war
on 14th June 1645. Our main day of operation will be the 19th June
from 0800 UTC until the petrol in our generator runs out. The
station will be located at Rupert's Viewpoint just south of Market
Harborough in Leicestershire. QSL via G4XEX.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training, May 7 - May 12
CANWARN training will be offered in Toronto on May 7th, at 9 AM,
at Environment Canada Headquarters, 4905 Dufferin St.
Also on May 12th in Dufferin County, at 7 PM, at the Dufferin County
Museum, at the corner of Highway 89 and Airport Road.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
3. Inter-County CANWARN Network
During severe weather events that generate watches and warnings the
Inter-County CANWARN Network will be activated on the Ontario public
service reflector #9030, to co-ordinate severe weather information
between adjacent counties and to provide a direct link with the
Ontario storm prediction centre using the online meta page.
-- ARES Ontario
4. New Provincial Association
The newly Incorporated ECOA, Emergency Communications Ontario
Association, an integrated partnership with the ARES Field Service
has now been established to provide and enhance EmComm support at
Provincial and Municipal levels throughout Ontario.
Additional membership details with news features and updated topics
of interest is now available on the new Toronto based website found
at: www.emergencycom.ca [677]
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Transatlantic Amateur Radio Balloon
The "Project Blue Horizon 5" high-altitude transatlantic balloon
flight, originally scheduled for April 22, has been postponed to
April 27 - 29. The team is attempting to break current Amateur Radio
high-altitude balloon records for distance and duration. The payload
will be carried beneath a 54,000 cubic foot capacity helium-filled
balloon cruising between 85,000 and 100,000 feet.
During the flight amateurs worldwide are encouraged to monitor the
N2XE CW telemetry beacons at 7.1023 and 10.1466 MHz. The balloon is
also equipped with an APRS beacon at 144.39 MHz using the call sign
KC2ZJH. For more information visit the project web site,
www.projectbluehorizon.com [678], or follow PBH5 on Twitter.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for April 30, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New RAC Honorary Legal Counsel
Marcel Mongeon, VA3DDD, has been appointed as RAC's Honorary Legal
Counsel, starting on March 31, 2011. Marcel replaces Steve Pengelly,
VE3STV, our HLC since 2004, who has chosen to pass the mantle to a
new volunteer. We thank Steve for his years of hard work, and
welcome Marcel on board.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. CANWARN Training, May 14 - May 18
CANWARN training will be offered near Ottawa on May 14th, at 9 AM, at
the Nepean Sailing Club, 3259 Carling Ave., Nepean.
On May 18th, at 7 PM, in Toronto, at Environment Canada Headquarters,
4905 Dufferin St.
Also on May 18th, at 7 PM, in Renfrew, at the Best Western, 760
Gibbons Road.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Smiths Falls Flea Market
The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club will hold their 27th annual flea
market on Saturday, May 14, at the Smiths Falls Youth Arena, at the
corner of Cornelia Street (highway #43) and Elmsley Street, in Smiths
Falls. Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3RLR repeater,
147.21 (+) MHz. For more information visit ve3rlr.dyndns.org
-- RAC Events Database
4. Ottawa School ISS Contact
On Wednesday, April 13, Hopewell Ave. Public School in Ottawa took
part in an ARISS contact via telebridge station WH6PN in Hawaii. Six
hundred students gathered for the event and listened to astronaut
Paolo Nespoli answer 16 questions posed by the youth. Talk Radio
CFRA ran a story about the contact, which can be read at
www.cfra.com/?nid=78953 [681]
-- AMSAT News
5. Field Day Station Locator
The ARRL provides an interactive map that helps amateurs, or those
interested in amateur radio, find a nearby Field Day site. You can
also read a list by state or province. The service is available to
ARRL members in the U.S. and Canada. To add your group, just go to
www.arrl.org/field-day-locator [508] and follow the instructions.
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 7, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. NARED now ready for applicants
The National Amateur Radio Emergency Database (NARED) is ready to
receive applicants. If you would like to be considered, have a high
level of Emcomm training or are willing to update, please contact RAC
VPFS Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, email vo1dtm (at) hotmail.com, to receive
an information package, release of liability form and application.
Your application will be reviewed by our National Emergency
Coordinator VE6AFO, and NARED Manager VA3TSA.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. New Field Organization IT Advisor
The Field Organization National Secretariat welcomes A.J.(Andrew)
Bryan, VE7KSN, as IT Advisor. A.J. has experience as a Business
Analyst and IT Support Specialist with the British Columbia
Provincial Emergency Program, is staff representative to the Radio
Advisory Committee, and is currently Emergency Management Technology
Specialist with the PEP, Emergency Management British Columbia. His
knowledge and experience will contribute to the successful
implementation of a new Field Organization.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. Field Organization Seeks PR Specialist
Our National Secretariat has an opening for a Public Relations
specialist. Candidates should have a degree in administration with
five years PR experience; extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office;
good decision making and problem solving skills; solid communication
skills; fluency in both official languages; and knowledge of all
social network modes. The applicant should be creative, outgoing,
enthusiastic, confident, and an effective team player. If you would
like to be considered for this National volunteer position, please
forward your CV to VPFS Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, email vo1dtm (at)
hotmail.com
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Space Weather to leave WWV
Beginning Tuesday, September 6, the Space Weather Prediction Center
(SWPC) will cease broadcasting its geophysical alert message on WWV
and WWVH. These messages inform listeners of the solar flux, the
mid-latitude A and K indices and space weather storms, both current
and predicted. Currently, the message is heard on minute 18 from WWV
and minute 45 from WWVH. The information will still be available on
the SWPC website, at tinyurl.com/wwv-swpc. If you care to comment
on this, or if you have any questions, the SWPC's email address is
swpc.wwv (at) noaa.gov
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 14, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. NTS is not ARES
Recently there has been some confusion that the National Traffic
System (NTS) is part of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).
This is not the case. NTS and ARES are separate branches of the RAC
Field Organization. They report, respectively, to the Section
Traffic Manager and the Section Emergency Coordinator. Overseeing
both are the Section Manager and the Vice President for Field
Services. Though many amateurs serve both NTS and ARES, and NTS
supports ARES during exercises and emergencies, NTS is a completely
independent service of Radio Amateurs of Canada.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
2. CANWARN Training, May 28 - June 3
Upcoming CANWARN training will be held at the following locations:
May 28th, 9 AM, in Sudbury, at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre, 239
Montee Principale in Azilda (15 km west of Sudbury).
May 29th, 1 PM, in Espanola, at the Pinewood Inn, 378 Centre St.
May 30th, 7 PM, in Sault Ste. Marie, at the Waterfront Inn, 208 St.
Mary's Drive.
May 31st, 7 PM, in Timmins, at the Timmins Inn and Suites, 1800
Riverside Drive.
June 1st, 6:30 PM, in Temiskaming Shores, at the Temiskaming Shores
Sailing School on Farr Drive, New Liskeard.
June 2nd, 7 PM, in North Bay, at the OPP Communications Centre, 877
Gormanville Road.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. HamNation netcast
Netcasting network TWiT.tv -- This Week in Technology -- is adding a
new show called HamNation, hosted by microphone maker and ham radio
enthusiast Bob Heil. It will launch on Tuesday May 24. The first
guest will be rock star and fellow amateur Joe Walsh.
It's a "netcast", not a "podcast", because you don't need an iPod to
hear the show. You can listen or watch on a computer too. See it at
www.twit.tv [686]
-- Radio World Online
4. Grounding Information
Here are two web pages with information about effective antenna
grounding. www.maplenet-inc.com/grounding [687] is from Jim W7RY,
describing professional grounding guidelines following the Motorola
R56 Site Ground Standards. Tom W8JI's reference page on grounding is
www.w8ji.com/ground_systems.htm [688]
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Soldering is Easy
Mitch WB9IQQ, Jeff "Mightyohm" KF6PBP, and Andie Nordgren have
released a "Soldering Is Easy!" comic book. It's fun, and funny, easy
to read, and Mitch hopes it will make it really easy for anyone and
everyone to learn to solder, even if they've never built anything
before. Download the PDF file at tinyurl.com/6fu5jlz (Six Foxtrot
Uniform Five Juliet Lima Zulu)
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 21, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Slave Lake Emergency Frequencies
The Alberta ARES groups responding to the Slave Lake fire request
that 3.675 MHz, the primary frequency, and 7.135 MHz, the backup, be
kept clear for disaster-related traffic.
ARES is supporting the Slave Lake EOC and the Provincial Operations
Centre until commercial power is restored to the EOC and
communication systems. As of May 18th fires are still out of control
and the risk still exists for communication outages.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Kitchener-Waterloo 2 Metre Net
On Wednesday, June 1st, the Kitchener-Waterloo 2 metre net will be
reactivated with a new format. The net will meet every Wednesday at
7 p.m. local time, on the VE3KSR repeater, 146.970 (-), 131.8 Hz
tone. All amateurs are welcome to check in. Please join us!
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
3. Big Bear ATV Rally
On April 30, Sudbury Amateur Radio Club members helped provide
emergency communications for the annual Big Bear ATV Rally in St.
Charles, Ontario. This was the club's first time providing support
to this event. Thanks to John, VE3VGI for bringing the club's
capabilities to the attention of the organizers, and to participants
Bill VE3BEK, Luc VE3AR, Vic VE3KBU, Glenn VE3GMI, Catharine VE3CYM,
Pat VE3HZQ, Marc VE3SNA, Ken VE3YYK, John VE3VGI, and Alan VA3AJV.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Central Ontario Hamfest
The Guelph ARC and Kitchener-Waterloo ARC will hold their 37th annual
Central Ontario Hamfest on Sunday, June 5, at the Waterloo Regional
Police Association Recreation Centre, 1128 Rife Rd., North Dumfries
Township, near Cambridge. Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on
VE3KSR 146.970 (-) tone 131.8, and 146.520 simplex. For more
information visit www.hamfest.on.ca [195]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Streetsville Special Event
On June 4th and 5th, the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will operate
special event station VE3MIS for the Streetsville Bread & Honey
Festival. Operation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time
(1400z to 2000z) both days. For more information visit www.marc.on.ca [198]
and click on 'Public Service' then 'Bread & Honey'.
-- RAC Events Database
6. Volunteer RF Designer Wanted
The SAFE Project is looking for an amateur with RF design skills to
help with the design, PCB layout, and prototyping of an HF amplifier
for the "QRP Warbler" PSK31 transceiver. This will be used for the
SAFE Emergency Messaging System, described at tinyurl.com/webpal.
Interested designers please contact Bruce VE3UAL via email,
language (at) webpal.org
-- Bruce Beach, VE3UAL
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for May 28, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Ontario Distracted Driving Appeal
Bill Unger, VE3XT, RAC Director Ontario North/East, is co-ordinating
the drive to exempt Amateurs in Ontario against the Distracted
Driving legislation (Bill 118). He needs letters of support from
third party groups and organizations. If you help with
communications for any group or are part of an emergency response
procedure for your community, please ask them for a letter.
The letter need not say that amateurs need to operate mobile, but
just a strong statement that Amateurs are important to the operation
of their event or emergency preparedness plan. The letters can be
addressed either to Kathleen Wynne MPP, Ontario Minister of
Transportation, or to your individual group.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Ontario South Director Elected
Congratulations are extended to Jeffrey Stewart, VA3WXM who was
recently elected as the RAC Director for Ontario South for the
remainder of a two year term which ends December 31, 2011. Mr.
Stewart emerged with the majority vote over Nelson Jenking, VA3NDJ
in a mail ballot closing May 13th.
Mr. Stewart has been a certified amateur operator since March 1999
and involved in many aspects of the hobby, including a recent term as
President of the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club.
-- Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB, RAC Corporate Secretary
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. CANWARN Training, June 13-16
The last CANWARN training of 2011 will be offered at these locations:
June 13th, 7 PM, Thunder Bay, at Confederation College, McIntyre
Building, Rm. 195, corner of William and Edward Streets.
June 14th, 7 PM, Fort Frances/Emo, at the Emo-Lavalle Community
Centre, 78 Colonization Road, Emo.
June 15th, 7 PM, Kenora, at the City of Kenora Fire and Emergency
Services Facility and Regional Training Centre, 100 14th Street North
June 16th, 7 PM, Dryden, at the Dryden Fire Services Training Room,
189 Colonization Avenue.
If you will be attending a CANWARN training session, please send an
email to Geoff.Coulson (at) ec.gc.ca, so that he can reserve space.
-- Environment Canada
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. London Vintage Radio Club Flea Market
The London Vintage Radio Club will hold its annual flea market on
Saturday, June 11, at Hammond Manufacturing, 394 Edinburgh Road
North, the corner of Speedvale and Edinburgh, in Guelph. Note: this
is NOT the Hammond Museum location. Open to public and vendors at 7
am. For more information visit lvrc.homestead.com/fleamarket.html
-- RAC Events Database
5. WX4NHC Station Test
The annual WX4NHC On-the-Air Station Test from the National Hurricane
Center (NHC) in Miami will take place Saturday, June 4, 1300-2100 UTC
(0900-1700 EDT). The purpose is to test all the radio equipment; this
is NOT a contest or simulated hurricane exercise.
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. WX4NHC also will be on the VoIP Hurricane Net
1700-1900 UTC (IRLP node 9219/EchoLink WX-TALK Conference).
Stations working WX4NHC exchange call sign, signal report, location
and name, plus a brief weather report, such as "sunny", "rain", or
"cloudy". QSL via WD4R and include a self-addressed, stamped
envelope. Do not send cards to the NHC.
-- ARRL Web
6. Experimental 70 MHz Beacon
A new 70 Mhz beacon, WE9XUP, is on the air from the United States
operating under a non-amateur experimental license. It operates on
70.005 MHz from its location atop Apple Orchard Mountain in Bedford,
Virginia, 4200 feet above sea level, Grid Square FMO7fm.
WE9XUP is currently scheduled to run 24 hours a day until September
1st transmitting in Morse. Its primary purpose is propagation study,
including trans-Atlantic E-skip. Send reception reports to Brian
Justin via e-mail at WA1ZMS (at) arrl (dot) net.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 4, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. OPN Interim Manager
James Davidson, VE3TPZ, has offered his services as a temporary Net
Manager for the Ontario Phone Net, effective June 1. James will
continue in this role until a permanent successor is appointed.
Please join me in welcoming James to this post.
-- Glenn Killam VE3GNA, Ontario Section Traffic Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. AMSAT Field Day
Field Day 2011 runs from 1800 UTC June 25 to 2100 UTC June 26. The
AMSAT Field Day competiton encourages the use of analog and digital
amateur satellites to make contacts. The exchange is the same as for
regular Field Day contacts. Note that only ONE contact is allowed on
each single channel FM satellite. This restriction includes the
International Space Station. A PDF of the complete rules, including
scoring information, is at tinyurl.com/amsatfd2011
-- AMSAT News Service
3. The Adventures of Zack and Max
Icom America has produced a series of comic books based on amateur
radio for youngsters. Titled "The Adventures of Zack and Max," they
follow the adventures of the two teen hams with stories designed to
provide the reader with some basic information about ham radio, its
history, its applications, and its relevance in the world today. So
far there are seven issues, along with matching coloring books for
the younger set. They can be downloaded in PDF format at
tinyurl.com/hamcomics
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. FEMA Administrator Calls Amateur Radio "The Last Line of Defense"
In an FCC forum on earthquake communications preparedness, U.S.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate
praised Amateur Radio, saying:
"During the initial communications out of Haiti, volunteers using
assigned frequencies that they are allocated, their own equipment,
their own money, nobody pays them, were the first ones oftentimes
getting word out in the critical first hours and first days as the
rest of the systems came back up ... I think that there is a tendency
because we have done so much to build infrastructure and resiliency
in all our other systems, we have tended to dismiss that role 'When
Everything Else Fails.' Amateur Radio oftentimes is our last line of
defense."
Fugate observed that despite all efforts, public service
communications will fail, and a strong Amateur Radio community is
essential. In his words, "most of the time they're going be bored
... But when you need Amateur Radio, you really need them."
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 11, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Killarney District ARES report
Manitoulin/North Shore ARES has added Pat Dopson VE3HZQ, as an
Assistant Emergency Coordinator, in charge of technical matters. The
group has been asked to assist the organizers of an Air Show that is
to be held on Manitoulin Island in September.
On May 29 some members of Sudbury ARES and the Sudbury radio club
provided emergency communications during the annual MS Walk. Thanks
go to VE3's VPD, SNA, and WMJ; VA3AJV; and to VE3's
TXO and DUW who provided bicycle rover coverage along the walk route.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
2. Eastern Ontario ARES Report
The Ottawa ARES / EMRG group was notified on May 19th of a city low
water advisory due to a failure of a major water pipe. As part of
their contingency planning, the City Office of Emergency Management
asked if Ottawa ARES / EMRG would be able to provide communications
between water distribution points. The group is prepared but has not
yet been activated.
-- Michael Hickey VE3IPC, DEC Eastern Ontario
3. Submitting Bulletin Items
Amateur Radio groups in Ontario that wish to announce upcoming
events, or report on their activities, are invited to send brief
items to the Official Bulletin Manager email address,
obm (at) ve3rhj.net.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. VC9M Special Event
From June 25 to July 25, including Field Day, special event station
VC9M will be active to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the
Moncton Area Amateur Radio Club, Inc. QSL via VE9EMM. For more
information visit www.maarc.ca [697]
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. NIST Time Widget
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, who operate
WWV, also have an on-line time widget, which displays both the
accurate time and your Internet delay. See it at
www.time.gov/widget.html [698]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 18, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. ARES ID Cards On The Way
To those who have been waiting for new or updated ARES ID cards: due
to an unexpected illness, our supplier had to briefly suspend
operations. Operations have resumed, the backlog has been cleared,
and cards have been shipped to RAC. Upon their arrival their
shipment to you will be expedited. Thanks for your understanding!
-- via Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
2. Canada Day Contest
RAC's annual Canada Day contest will take place July 1 from 0000 to
2359 UTC, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 metres, CW and phone.
Suggested frequencies for CW are 25 kHz up from the band edge. For
SSB, 1850, 3775, 7075, 7225, 14175, 21250, 28500 kHz. Check for CW
activity on the half-hour. Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province
or territory; VE0s and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a
serial number. For a PDF of the complete rules visit
tinyurl.com/rac2011canadaday
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. OPN Seeks Net Controller
The Ontario Phone Net has an immediate need for a Net Control station
for the Saturday evening net, which meets on 3.745 MHz at 19:00
Eastern Time. If you can help out, please contact James VE3TPZ, via
OPN, or via email at ve3tpz (at) rac.ca.
-- James Davidson, VE3TPZ, OPN Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Canada Day Radio-thon
In conjunction with the Canada Day Contest, members from the Niagara
Peninsula Amateur Radio Club will be holding their Fourth Annual
Canada Day Radio-thon for Charity. NPARC members will canvass
family, friends and the public for pledges. On July 1st, the more
contacts they make, the more they will raise for charity. For more
information, visit www.nparc.on.ca [123]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Special Event Stations
From July 1st to July 31st, special event station XM2I will
commemorate the Parks Canada Centennial (1911-2011). QSL via VE2EBK.
From July 29th to 31st, operation will be from Ile-aux-Grues,
Quebec, for the IOTA contest. Visit www.qsl.net/na128cg [701] for details.
From July 4th to July 10th, special event station CG3E will
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the sponsorship in Alberta by
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. QSL via VE6EVY.
-- RAC Special Event Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 25, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. ARES Mission Statement Adopted
After recommendation from the RAC Field Organization National
Secretariat and the Vice President Field Service Council, the Section
Managers have approved Mission and Vision statements for RAC ARES:
Mission - "The mission of the RAC/ARES is to be an effective partner
in emergency and disaster response by providing emergency managers
and responders with radio communications expertise, capability and
capacity, supplied by qualified and credentialed ARES volunteer
radio communicators."
Vision - "To be valued for our knowledge and expertise in radio
communication by the organizations that we serve."
I believe that these statements reflect who we are and who we aspire
to be. I thank each of you who gave freely of your personal time
and imagination in achieving this important milestone.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
2. VE3FFK Appointed
I am very pleased to announce that Mike Kelly VE3FFK has joined the
RAC National Field Organization Secretariat as EP Canada Advisor.
With a wealth of Emergency Preparedness knowledge and experiance, he
will be a much needed presence in the Ottawa area in dealing with
both the Federal and Provincial governments on matters relating to
Wireless Radio Interoperability.
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
3. Manitoba Declares "Amateur Radio Week"
The Province of Manitoba has declared June 20-24th as "Amateur Radio
Week." The Proclamation, posted at www.mts.net/~warc [704], was signed by
the Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization
(EMO), Steve Ashton. Credit for this goes to the Public Information
Officer for the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club, Jim Sutton, VE4SIG.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Milton Hamfest
The Burlington Amateur Radio Club will hold its Ontario Hamfest on
Saturday, July 9, at the Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds in Milton.
Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in on 146.52 simplex. For more in
formation visit www.barc.ca [294].
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 2, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Annual General Meeting
The RAC Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been scheduled for Saturday,
July 30 at 1:30 pm.
For the first time in RAC's history the AGM will be held in historic
St. John's, Newfoundland and will be held in conjunction with Hamfest
NL 2011 hosted by the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs. The
event will be at The Battery Hotel & Conference Center on historic
Signal Hill.
All RAC members are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting.
For more information visit www.sonra.ca [707] and click the Hamfest 2011
link.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Submit Your Field Day Logs!
The report submission deadline for 2011 ARRL Field Day is 11:59 PM
EDT on Tuesday, July 26. Participants are encouraged to submit their
required summary sheet using the online submission application found
at www.b4h.net/cabforms [708]. This web form allows you to submit the
summary sheet directly to the ARRL.
-- ARRL Web
3. The "Night of Nights," July 12
On July 12th every year, from 3 p.m. to midnight, the historic Morse
code radio station KPH returns to the air in commemoration of the
closing of commercial Morse operation in the USA.
Frequency and reception report information for KPH and other
participating stations can be found at the Maritime Radio Historical
Society web site, www.radiomarine.org [709].
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. New SATERN Director Named
Salvation Army Major Richard Shirran, VE3NUZ, has been appointed as
the new head of SATERN, the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio
Network. He succeeds Major Pat McPherson, WW9E, who retires with the
new appointment, 23 years and one day after the first SATERN net was
held.
-- CQ News Service
5. New Access Rules for QRZ.com
Users of the QRZ.com callsign database must now be registered and
sign in before getting access to any name or address data. Owner Fred
Lloyd, AA7BQ, explained that the system was being slowed down
automated systems trying to harvest massive amounts of data.
Registration is free.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 9, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Nominations Sought for RAC Executive
The two-year terms of all RAC Executive positions will expire on
December 31, 2011. This includes the President, Treasurer, Corporate
Secretary and all the Vice-Presidents. These positions are appointed
by the Board of Directors, and RAC is inviting nominations for all
positions.
If you are interested in any of these positions, please send a
500-word resume, in English or French, to RAC Corporate Secretary
Paul Burggraaf, vo1prb (at) rac.ca, by September 30.
-- The RAC Report
2. Hall of Fame and Amateur of the Year Call for Nominations
Any resident of Canada who holds a current Amateur Radio Operator
Certificate issued by the Government of Canada, or any Canadian
Amateur Radio organization, other than Radio Amateurs of Canada, may
submit a nomination for Member of the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of
Fame. Membership in RAC is not mandatory. A nomination form is on
the RAC Website at tinyurl.com/5vplc2h (Five Victor Papa Lima Charlie
Two Hotel). Nominations must be received by September 30.
Nominations are also open for RAC Amateur of the Year. To qualify,
an individual should have made an outstanding contribution to Amateur
Radio in the last year, or have contributed consistently to the
welfare of Amateur Radio over several years. Nominations with
supporting documentation are to be addressed to the Secretary, RAC,
and must be received by September 30. For more information see
tinyurl.com/racaoty (Romeo Alpha Charlie Alpha Oscar Tango Yankee).
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Alberta Hams Get Distracted Driving Exemption
Hams in Alberta have received a temporary exemption from a new
distracted driver law set to take effect on September 1st. Any
individual who holds a Canadian radio operator certificate issued
under the Radiocommunication Act will be allowed to operate a vehicle
on a highway while holding, viewing or manipulating a 2-way radio
communication device.
The exemption expires on June 1, 2016, at which time it might be
renewed or amended.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Ham Radio Hangs On
The Christian Science Monitor has an article about amateur radio in
its "Culture / Arts" section. Entitled "Ham Radio Hangs On," you can
see it at tinyurl.com/4yb82j4 (Four Yankee Bravo Eight Two Juliet
Four).
-- Ham Radio Daily
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 16, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. A New Public Information Officer
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jim Sutton, VE4SIG, has
successfully completed the ARRL Public Relations course and may be
the first Canadian to do so. The new field organization structure
recognizes the need for such officers in each region, to raise the
profile of Amateur Radio.
Any ARRL member can take the course, for free, by downloading it
from their website.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Killarney ARES Activities
The Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club operated four stations for the full
duration of this year's Field Day exercise. Thanks to those amateurs
who visited, and those who helped.
Twenty-two hams from Sudbury ARES and the Sudbury Amateur Radio Club
took part in Field Day 2011 held at the EOC in Azilda, Ontario.
Emergency Coordinator Alan, VA3AJV was interviewed on CBC Radio
Morning North. We also had media coverage from Easy Rock 103.5 FM
and Northern Life newspaper. Thanks to all who participated!
-- via Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Hurricane Watch Net Seeks New Members
The Hurricane Watch Net is looking for hams "who have above-average
stations, are capable of effectively conducting HF net operations,
and are willing to commit their time" during HWN activations.
Volunteers must be able to effectively communicate with Central
America, the Caribbean, Mexico and South Texas on the 20 meter
band. They particularly desire hams who are fluent in both Spanish
and English. If you can help, please visit www.hwn.org [714] for more
information.
-- ARRL Bulletin Service
4. Special Event Stations
From July 26 to August 2, special event station VX1D will commemorate
the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of the Cape Sable
Lighthouse in Shelburne County, NS. QSL via VE1FA.
From August 1 to August 31, special event station VX2O will
commemorate the Centennial of Parks Canada at the Mingan Archipelago
National Park Reserve of Canada. QSL via VE2XO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
5. ALE HFN Reaches 4 Continuous Years
The Global Automatic Link Establishment High Frequency Network has
set a new up-time record by operating continuously on all
international amateur bands 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for 4
years straight.
Relying on HF ionospheric communications, radio stations in this
worldwide system scan the ham bands every 10 seconds, maintaining
contact through short digital bursts using a system known as ALE
(Automatic Link Establishment). With about 2000 registered operators,
the HFN covers a vast area of the planet. For more information visit
www.hflink.net [715].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V__3____ returning the frequency to net control.
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 23, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC AGM Webinar
Radio Amateurs of Canada will hold its Eighteenth Annual General
Meeting (AGM) on July 30th in St. John's, Newfoundland. This year
RAC will offer an on-line "webinar" of the Annual General Meeting and
Question Period, for those RAC members that pre-register and
pre-submit questions by July 29th for the webinar service. Please
visit the SONRA website at www.sonra.ca/racagmwebinar.php [718] for
information on registering for the webinar.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Joins CITIG
Radio Amateurs of Canada is now a member of the Canadian
Interoperability Technology Interest Group. CITIG was started in
2007 and is led by Police Inspector Lance Valcour and supported by
the Canadian Police Chiefs Association. It provides funding to
groups across the country who have an interest in improving wireless
radio interoperability. The members of CITIG represent all branches
of first responder agencies and emergency managers from the private
sector and governments, including Industry Canada and Public Safety
Canada.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Islands on the Air July 30
The Islands on the Air contest runs 1200 UTC July 30 to 1200 UTC July
31, on 80 through 10 metres. Exchange RS(T), serial number, and IOTA
number if an island. For more information visit www.rsgbcc.org [719]
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. ARISSat-1 Test July 30
The ARISSat-1 satellite will be tested from the International Space
Station, from 1915 UTC 30 July to about 1200-1400 UTC 31 July. During
the test ARISSat-1 will be in LOW power mode, this means that it will
transmit a cycle of 40 seconds on, 2 minutes off. The standard
ARISSat-1/KEDR 2m downlink band plan should be transmitted, and the
FM signal will also be downlinked on 437.55 MHz.
The final deployment of ARISSat is tenatively scheduled for August
3rd. For more information visit www.amsat.org [192]
-- AMSAT News Service
5. Special Event Stations
From August 5th to August 8th, special event station CG3TEST will
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the speedboat Miss Supertest III
winning the Harmsworth Trophy three years in a row from 1959 to 1961.
All contacts will be uploaded to Logbook Of The World, and paper
QSL's will be sent to all stations via the QSL bureau.
From August 11th to August 20th, special event station CG100NS
(C-G-one hundred-N-S) will operate from the Heritage Explosion
Jamboree, celebrating 100 Years of Girl Guiding in Nova Scotia. QSL
via VE1CDD. For more information see www.halifax-arc.org [720]
-- RAC Special Events Database and QRZ.com
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for July 30, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC seeks Public Information Officer
The Radio Amateurs of Canada Field Organization National Secretariat
is seeking the services of a Public Information Officer (PIO), to
report to the Vice President Field Services.
Candidates will need the ability to plan an conduct a public
information program, to use and evaluate public relations media, to
write and edit promotional material, to discern and collect
newsworthy materials, to speak effectively in public, and to work
effectively with RAC Affiliated Clubs and the RAC Bulletin Service.
You will assist Section Managers in the recruiting and training of
PIO's for each RAC Section.
If you feel that you possess these abilities, and would like to be
considered for this important position, please contact Doug Mercer,
VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services, vo1dtm (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. ARISSat-1 Deployment
After a postponed deployment in February from the International
Space Station, the ARISSat-1/KEDR amateur radio satellite is
expected to begin its mission on August 3, 2011. After it is
deployed, ARISSat-1/KEDR is expected to be in orbit for up to six
months. For information on its transmission schedule, visit
www.arissat1.org [643]
-- AMSAT News Service
3. The CW Open
The CW Open contest will be held on August 20-21, as three
independent four-hour competitions: 1200-1559Z and 2000-2359Z on the
20th, and 0400-0759Z on the 21st. You can enter one, two, or all
three. The object is to work as many CW stations as possible, on
160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 metres. Exchange serial number and
name. For more information, visit www.cwops.org [723].
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
4. ARRL Online Forums
The ARRL has established three on-line discussion forums --
Contesting, Awards and Technology -- on the ARRL website, at
www.arrl.org/forums [724]. Anyone can read these forums, but you must ben
an ARRL member to post.
-- ARRL Web
5. Ottawa ARISS Contact
On July 14, the City of Ottawa Sports Recreation Camp took part in an
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact.
Telebridge station W6SRJ in California provided the connection. 125
students, twelve counselors and many parents watched as the youth
asked 16 questions of ISS crew member Ron Garan, KF5GPO. Global TV
aired the story nationally and Your Ottawa Region posted an article
on its site, at tinyurl.com/427tv88
-- AMSAT News Service
6. Young Ham of the Year
Eleven-year-old Kaitlyn Cole, KS3P, of Harvest, Alabama, has been
chosen as Amateur Radio Newsline's 2011 Young Ham of the Year. Among
other noteworthy achievements, Cole served as a Net Control Station
during two weeks of emergency nets following the southeast tornado
outbreak of April 27, 2011. Kaitlyn is the 26th Newsline Young Ham
of the Year, and the youngest to date.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 6, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Section Restructuring Commission
Pursuant to RAC's Field Organization Review Project, and the regional
model adopted in May 2011, Radio Amateurs of Canada has formed a
Section Restructuring Commission. To best serve our membership, the
Commission will determine the most effective number of Section
Managers and other positions, and any further regional such divisions
which may be required. The final report is expected by November 2011,
with implementation in 2012.
Members of the Commission are Bill Unger VE3XT, Director Ontario
Northeast (Chair), Jeffery Stewart VA3WXM, Director Ontario South,
Pat Barrett VE3RNH, Vic Henderson VE3FOX and a member yet to be
named. Questions or comments should be directed to Doug Mercer
VO1DTM, Vice President Field Services.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Brantford Hamfest
The Brantford Amateur Radio Club will hold its 2011 Hamfest on
Saturday, August 20, at the Burford Fairgrounds, 6 Park Avenue in
Burford. General admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3TCR repeater,
147.150 (+), 131.8 Hz tone. For more information visit www.ve3ba.com [727]
-- RAC Events Database
3. ARISSat-1 Deployed
ARISSat-1/KEDR has been deployed from the Internaional Space Station
on August 3. JR8LWY reports copying the telemetry beacon as the
satellite passed over Japan.
Full operation is still pending performance evaluation of the UHF
antenna. Please submit reception reports on amsat-bb and via the
mission's e-mail boxes at www.amsat.org [192].
-- AMSAT News Service
4. International Lighthouse Weekend
The 14th annual International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW)
will be August 20-21. Over 378 entrants worldwide will participate,
to promote public awareness of lighthouses and lightships and their
need for preservation and restoration, and to promote amateur radio
and foster international goodwill. For more information visit
www.illw.net [230]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Special Event Stations
From August 20-21, special event stations VC7L and VC3L will
commemorate International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend. VC7L will
operate from Pilot Point, British Columbia; QSL via VE7CRQ. VC3L
will operate from Oakville, Ontario; QSL via VE0BP.
-- RAC Special Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 13, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Industry Canada Responds to 60M Request
At the last Advisory Board meeting between RAC and Industry Canada,
RAC discussed its request for certain frequencies in the 60 metre (5
MHz) band to be assigned to the amateur service in Canada. Industry
Canada has now informed RAC that at this point it sees no reason not
to respond favourably to the RAC request for those frequencies on a
no protection, non-interference basis. Public consultation will
begin shortly; if all goes well, Canadian amateurs could gain access
to 60m frequencies some time this fall.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Deputy Director Appointed
At the recent RAC Annual General Meeting, Atlantic Director Everett
Price, VO1DK, announced the appointment of Len Morgan, VE9MY, to the
newly created position of Deputy Director for the Atlantic Region.
The position of Deputy Director was approved by the membership at
the Halifax AGM in 2010 and subsequently approved by the federal
government in February 2011. The Deputy differs from the position of
Assistant Director in that he fullfills the duties of Director when
the Director is not available, and serves as an observer at Board
meetings.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. RAC Task Force Seeks Driving Exemption
At its Annual General Meeting, RAC announced the formation of task
force to seek a permanent exemption for Ontario Amateurs from the ban
on operating mobile devices in a vehicle.
The Task Force has already obtained letters of support from groups
that we assist ranging from hospitals, communities, agencies and
NGO's. These letters will be presented to Kathleen Wynne, Ontario's
Minister of Transportation, as part of our case that Amateur Radio
operators in Ontario should be exempt from the Distracted Driving
regulation.
If you would like to submit a letter of support from an external
group to the RAC Task Force, please contact the chair Bill Unger,
VE3XT, at ve3xt (at) rac.ca.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Killarney District ARES Activities
In July, the Manitoulin Amateur Radio Club's "pot-luck" picnic was
attended by 68 amateurs from around the province. The club's ARES
members provided communications for the Annual Haweater's Parade. And
the Club ARES program has received an anonymous donation of a
complete portable VHF radio station including a 33` telescopic mast
and antenna plus other items.
Sudbury's recent Field Day, attended by CEMC Lynn Fortin, has
garnered more interest and support from Greater Sudbury's Emergency
Management section. She was impressed with our radio capabilities and
the enthusiasm of our members.
-- Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, Killarney DEC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. "Junk in the Trunk" Fleamarket
The 3rd annual Ontario Swap Shop "Giant Loonie/Twoonie Junk in the
Trunk Outdoor Ham Radio Fleamarket" will be held Saturday, August 27,
in the parking lot of the Newmarket Theatre, 505 Pickering Crescent,
in Newmarket. Open to all at 7:30 am; talk-in on 146.520 simplex.
For more information visit www.ontarioswapshop.com [555].
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 20, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Parks Canada Special Prefix
From September 1st to October 31st, Canadian amateurs are authorized
to use the following special event prefixes, to commemorate the
Centennial of Parks Canada, the world's first National Parks
Service: CF for VA, CG for VE, CH for VO, and CI for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Seaway-Capital ARES Activities
In July, the Ottawa ARES group tested all EMRG/Ottawa ARES Repeaters
plus the Winlink VHF node, VHF BBS and club-owned repeater VE2CRA.
On June 11th and 12th, the Lanark North Leeds ARES group supported,
the annual Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour organized by the Ottawa Bicycle
Club. On both days, the hams established a Net Control at Westport
Hill and co-ordinated with other amateur radio groups in the Ottawa
and Kingston areas to provide end-to-end support for over 2000
registered riders.
The Renfrew County West ARES group have installed a packet/voice
system in the Red Cross building in Pembroke. Packet and voice comms
have been tested through PTALEX/VA3RBW in Pt. Alexander, PEM/VE3NRR
in Pembroke and FOY/VE3UCR in Foymount. The radio and TNC have backup
power, and can be used as a PBBS for Pembroke-centered events.
-- Mike Hickey, VE3IPC, District EC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. EmComm East, September 25
The 2011 EmComm East Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Conference will be held Sunday, September 25th, at St. John Fisher
College in Rochester, New York. The featured speaker will be ARRL
Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Mike Corey, W5MPC.
EmComm East is an ARRL-sanctioned conference, sponsored by Monroe
County ARES. For more information visit www.emcommeast.org [732].
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Field Day Logs Posted
A record 2654 submissions have been received for Field Day 2011. The
list of logs is posted online at www.arrl.org/logs-received [243]. This
includes all logs submitted via the www.b4h.net [565] website, as well as
those submitted via e-mail and US Mail.
Please check that your log is present. If your listing is missing,
please contact ARRL Field Day Manager Dan Henderson by email, n1nd
(at) arrl.org. If your log is marked as a "Checklog", that means
some required information is missing, so please contact Kathy Allison
by email, ka1rwy (at) arrl.org. All problems must be resolved by
Wednesday, August 31.
-- ARRL Web
5. Heathkit Returns to the Kit Business
After 19 years' absence, Heathkit is re-entering the electronics kit
business. A notice on their web site, www.heathkit.com [733], says that
their first kit will be an ultrasonic Garage Parking Assistant. Next
on the market will be a Wireless Swimming Pool Monitor.
Although there's no indication that Heathkit Educational Systems is
planning to reenter the Amateur Radio market, their web site says
"Heathkit is interested in learning what types of products kit
builders would like to build."
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for August 27, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Call for Nominations, Ontario South Director
The Secretary of Radio Amateurs of Canada Inc. hereby solicits
nominations for the positions of Director for the Regions of
Alberta/NWT/NU, Ontario South (postal codes L, M and N) and Quebec.
Elections for these positions will be held in October 2011 to take
office on January 1, 2012 for a two-year term.
Candidates must be a Full Voting Member of RAC, of the legal age of
majority, and must reside in the Region for which he or she is
nominated. You may not nominate yourself.
The nomination form must be printed or typed, clearly indicate the
candidate's name, call sign, and RAC membership number, and clearly
indicate the names, call signs, and RAC membership numbers of ten or
more full voting members of RAC who are of the age of majority and
reside in the Region. The candidate must sign the nomination form
and include a brief biographical sketch, limited to 500 words,
setting out his/her background and qualifications.
Nominations must be received by 3 pm on Thursday, September 1st. Mail
them to Secretary, Radio Amateurs of Canada, 720 Belfast Road, Suite
217, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z5. Fax or email is not acceptable.
-- The RAC Report
2. Montreal Amateur Radio Club to Host 2012 AGM
The 2012 RAC Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Montreal
and will be hosted by the Montreal Amateur Radio Club. The exact
dates will be announced in September or October.
RAC is pleased to come to 'la belle province'. RAC members are urged
to come to the AGM and to consider arranging their schedules to add
a little vacation to take in the sights and sounds of the
cosmopolitan city of Montreal and visit other parts of Quebec.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Ottawa Hamfest
The Ottawa Amateur Radio Club will hold its 15th Annual Hamfest on
Saturday, September 10, at the Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3832
Carp Road, in Carp. Tailgaters open 8 am, indoor fleamarket opens 9
am. Talk-in on VE2CRA repeater, 146.940(-), 100 Hz tone. Following
the fleamarket, the OARC is proud to sponsor the RAC Forum and
Technology Update. For more information visit www.oarc.net [736]
-- RAC Events Database
5. Lake Simcoe Hamfest
The Lake Simcoe Ham Radio and Hobby Show will take place Saturday,
September 10, at the Oro-Medonte Fairgrounds, between Barrie and
Orillia. Go north on Hwy 11 to 7th line of Oro-Medonte (Airport
exit); go past the Airport and watch for the signs. General
admission 8 am; talk-in on VE3LSR repeater 146.850(-), 156.7 Hz
tone. For more information visit www.orilliaarc.ca [737]
-- RAC Events Database
6. K3 Texter
Mike Reublin, NF4L, has created an accessibility program for Elecraft
K3 transceivers. His program reads the responses returned by the K3,
and turns them into text that is displayed on screen, so a user's
screen reader program can speak them. Find it at
www.nf4l.com/dl/texter.htm [738]
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 3, 2011
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Kitchener-Waterloo 2 Metre Net
The Kitchener-Waterloo Wednesday night 2 metre net meets every
Wednesday at 7 p.m. local time, on the VE3KSR repeater, 146.970 (-),
131.8 Hz tone. All amateurs are welcome to check in. Please join
us!
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Ontario Swap Shop Changes
After 48 years, the Ontario Swap Shop has ceased its weekly 80m and
40m nets, and now appears exclusively on the Internet. To better
serve on-line users, the Ontario Swap Shop has merged with the
Kitchener-Waterloo Amatuer Radio Club interactive swap shop. Please
visit that web page, www.kwarc.org/swapshop [741], for new listings. The
old web page, www.ontarioswapshop.com [555], will not be updated, but will
be readable for several more weeks.
-- Ontario Swap Shop
3. TFMCS Annual Picnic
The Toronto FM Communications Society will hold its Annual General
Meeting and Family BBQ on Sunday, September 18, at the VE3RPT
repeater site at Skyloft Ski Resort in Uxbridge Meeting at 10 am, BBQ
at 12 noon. For more information visit www.tfmcs.com [742]
-- Ontario Swap Shop
4. Jamboree on the Air
The 2011 Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) will be held 15-16 October, and
this year's theme is "Peace, Environment and Natural Disasters".
This is an excellent opportunity to raise the awareness for the role
of the Amateur Radio Service in disaster situations. Information
about the event is available at tinyurl.com/jota2011
-- IARU Region 2 News
5. Handiham EMCOMM Exercise released for general use
The 2011 Handiham Radio Camp emergency communications exercise has
been published for anyone to use. Written by ARRL EMA Section
Manager Phil Temples, K9HI, it includes a master script for the
moderator, and a series of envelopes opened by the participants at
specified times. The exercise is designed to run in under two hours.
Download the documents in Word format from the Handiham website at
www.handiham.org/node/1189 [743] . And please give Phil, K9HI, and the
Handiham System credit.
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 10, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Ontario Simulated Emergency Test
The Ontario province-wide Simulated Emergency Test (SET) will be
conducted on October 15th from 10:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:00
Eastern Time. All ARES Groups are encouraged to participate in
Province-wide SET activities and pass traffic to the other ARES
Groups, RAC Officials and Government/Support Agencies throughout the
Province and the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre VE3EMO.
A special session is also scheduled for Wednesday October 12th, from
09:00 to 12:00 Eastern, to accommodate groups which only have
Emergency Operations Centre access during normal business hours. For
more information see www.emoares.org/set2011 [746]
-- via Allan Boyd, VE3AJB
2. Laurentian Net time change
Effective immediately, the Laurentian Net now starts at 18:45 Eastern
Time, seven days a week, on 3.755 MHz. The Sunday net no longer
starts at an earlier time.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net Manager
3. Ontario Phone Net Frequency
A reminder to all: the Ontario Phone Net, which meets daily at 19:00
Eastern Time, is now on 3745 kHz, up 3 kHz from the old frequency.
-- James Davidson, VE3TPZ, OPN Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Northern Ontario Hamfest
The Sudbury and Manitoulin Amateur Radio Clubs will hold their second
Northern Ontario Hamfest on Saturday, September 24, at the Garson
Arena, 100 Church St, in Garson (near Sudbury). General admission at
9 am; talk-in on VE3SRG repeater, 147.060 (-), 100 Hz tone. For more
information see www.ve3srg.com [747].
-- RAC Events Database
5. London Flea Market
The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 34th annual flea market
on Sunday, September 25, at the Western Fair Grounds, Special Events
Building, 900 King Street, in London. General admission at 9 am;
talk-in on VA3LON repeater, 147.060 (+), 114.8 Hz tone. For more
information see www.larc.ca [241].
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 17, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Nominations due for Hall of Fame
Nominations for the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame must be
received by the close of business on Friday, Sept. 30. This award
recognizes deserving Canadian amateur radio operators for outstanding
achievement and sustained service to Amateur Radio in Canada or to
Amateur Radio at large. Nomination forms and details of the procedure
are available from the RAC website, or tinyurl.com/rachof (Romeo
Alpha Charlie Hotel Oscar Foxtrot)
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Ontario South Director Re-elected.
Congratulations to Jeffrey Stewart, VA3WXM, who was re-elected,
unopposed, as the RAC Director for Ontario South. Mr. Stewart was
initially voted in as the Director in May 2011; his term will be
extended to December 31, 2013.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. U.S. Simulated Emergency Test
The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is set for October 1-2, 2011.
This is the nationwide Amateur Radio emergency exercise in the U.S.,
involving ARES, NTS, the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
(RACES) and members of the ARRL Field Organization. For more
information visit tinyurl.com/arrlset2011
-- ARRL Web
4. Special Event Stations
From October 1 to October 31, special event station VC3ARCI will
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the QRP Amateur Radio Club
International. QSL via VA3JFF; visit qrz.com for more information.
Also from October 1 to 31, special event station CJ3A will be active
on all HF bands for the Centennial of Parks Canada. QSL via VE3LA.
From October 21 to October 31, special event station VE2Z will
operate on all HF bands to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the
Founding of Lévis, PQ. QSL via VE2IDX.
-- RAC Events Database
5. CHIRP Radio Programming Software
CHIRP is a free cross-platform, cross-radio programming tool. It
works on Windows and Linux (and MacOSX with a little work). It
supports a growing list of radios across several manufacturers and
allows transferring of memory contents between them. Popular radios
like the TH-F6A, KG-UVD1P/UV2D/UV3D, TM-V71A, and many Alinco, Icom,
and Yaesu models are supported. Visit web site chirp.danplanet.com
for more information or to download it.
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 24, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Canadian Teen Radio Pirate Sentenced
A Canadian teen who set up an unlicenced radio station, and
threatened two Ottawa radio personalities and an Industry Canada
inspector, has been placed on 15 months probation. His equipment was
seized last year by Industry Canada.
Conditions of his probation are that the teen stay away from the
people he threatened, and not possess any radio transmitters or other
equipment that could allow him to broadcast on federally regulated
airwaves. The now 15-year-old teen was also ordered to perform 60
hours of community service. For more information visit
tinyurl.com/canada-teen
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
2. The Morse Crusade
Ian Fulton, G4XFC, has started the Morse Crusade, with the aim to
educate people about Morse Code and to reform learning methods.
According to Fulton, the old "slow Morse" method of teaching is
detrimental, and makes it frustrating for students to increase their
code speed. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/morsecrusade
-- Southgate ARC News
3. Antennas Web Site
In autumn, the amateur's thoughts turn to antennas. Martin Hedman,
SM0DTK, has published a large number of antenna designs on his web
site at hem.passagen.se/sm0dtk (click the "Antennas" link). There are
lots of HF antenna designs, and also the "Mini Horse" beam with
dimensions for 40 through 2 meters.
-- ARRL Contest Update
4. 5 MHz Newsletter now online
Pual Gaskell, G4MWO, has launched a newsletter to support the
growing number of 5 MHz operators worldwide. You can download the
free 5 MHz Newsletter at tinyurl.com/6fkhcmf (Six Foxtrot Kilo Hotel
Charlie Mike Foxtrot). Although originating in the U.K., readers and
contributors are invited from around the world. The plan is to
publish the newsletter quarterly.
You can also subscribe to the 5 MHz Yahoo email group at
groups.yahoo.com/group/ukfivemegs.
-- Southgate ARC News
5. Astronaut's Photography Manual
Although the astronauts now use digital cameras, the Hasselblad film
camera was the standard for much of the space program's history.
Hasselblad provided a photography manual for astronauts, and is now
making it freely available at tinyurl.com/4dupx8s (Four Delta Uniform
Papa Xray Eight Sierra). It's a 40-page PDF with with information
on lenses, exposure settings, and camera technique useful to any
photographer.
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 1, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Reminder: Simulated Emergency Test
The Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is a North America-wide exercise
in emergency communications, involving both the Amateur Radio
Emergency Service (ARES) and the National Traffic System (NTS).
Canada's SET is Saturday, October 15. In Ontario an additional
session will be held on Wednesday, October 12.
A successful SET will get as many involved as possible, especially
new hams. For the rules and guidelines, visit the RAC website at
tinyurl.com/canadaset. See also www.emoares.org/set2011 [746] for
Ontario-specific information.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. "Foodstock" needs radio operators
On Sunday, October 16th, the "Foodstock" gathering to support
Ontario farmland is expected to draw a crowd of 20,000 north of
Shelburne. Dufferin County ARES has been asked to provide
communications, and needs more amateur radio volunteers.
The event will run from 11 am to 5 pm, and operators are needed from
9:30 to 6:30. If you can help for all or part of that period, please
contact Alex Giger, VE3LFJ, via email, ve3lfj (at) gmail.com. For
more information about the event visit tinyurl.com/foodstock-2011
-- Alex Giger, VE3LFJ, EC Dufferin County
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Hamilton Hamfest
The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its annual hamfest on
Saturday, October 15, at the Ancaster Fair Grounds, 630 Trinity Road,
in Ancaster. That's the south-west corner of highways #52 and #53.
General admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3NCF repeater, 146.760(-)
131.8 Hz tone. For more information see www.hamiltonarc.ca [405]
-- RAC Events Database
4. Reminder: Jamboree On The Air
A reminder: the 2011 Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) will be held 15-16
October. If you haven't made contact with your local Scouting group,
there's still time to offer help. For more information about this
year's event visit tinyurl.com/2011jota
-- ARRL Web
5. Nominations Open for Humanitarian Award
Nominations are open for the 2011 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. This award is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs, anywhere
in the world, who demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and
international understanding through Amateur Radio.
Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted in writing,
in English, by December 31st, to ARRL International Humanitarian
Award, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 USA. For more information
see www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award [409]
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 8, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. CFARS Activation for Nunavut
RCMP National Operations Centre Ottawa has requested the activation
of the CFARS network in support of a loss of communications in
Iqaluit, Nunavut and elsewhere in Northern Canada.
Amateurs who are not CFARS members are asked to monitor 14.140 MHz
and 7.080 MHz. Please keep those frequencies clear for possible
health and welfare traffic.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Insurance Program for 2012
Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased to announce that the RAC
Insurance Program will be available again in 2012, with increased
coverages at no increase in rates. The Program provides several
types of coverage including liability insurance for Club activities,
and equipment loss/damage coverage for Affiliated Clubs and their
RAC members. Complete details of the 2012 RAC Insurance Program and
how to apply for or renew coverage can be found on the RAC website
at www.rac.ca/insurance2012 [756]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
3. New RAC Office Administrator
After an extensive search, Radio Amateurs of Canada has recruited
Frank Greene as Office Administrator. Frank comes to RAC with an
extensive management and business background. His mission is to
provide exemplary service to our members. Don't hesitate to contact
Frank when an issue arises.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. AO-51 for JOTA
The AO-51 Command Team is happy to announce support of the Scouting
Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) during the weekend Oct. 15-16. The
AO-51 satellite will remain in its current configuration, with an
understanding that contacts involving Scouts will be given first
priority during this period.
The current operating mode of AO-51 is as follows:
Uplink: 145.880 MHz FM (No PL tone)
Downlink: 435.150 MHz FM
-- AMSAT News Service
5. Special Event Station VA3IF
From November 5 to 11, the Guelph Amateur Radio Club will operate
special event station VA3IF at the birthplace of Lieutenant Colonel
John McCrae in Guelph. John McCrae was the author of the poem "In
Flanders Fields." The special event station, in honour of peace and
remembrance, will operate from the McCrae House Museum on 10m, 15m,
20m, 40m and 80 m, as well as IRLP, node 2260.
-- via RAC Bulletin Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 15, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Killarney District ARES activity
It was a busy September for ARES members from the Manitoulin Amateur
Radio Club. Members provided communications for the Snowbirds Air
Show in Gore Bay, at the annual Terry Fox Run in Little Current, and
during a 911 outage. Thank you all - well done.
-- Stiig VE3LBX, DEC, Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Special Event Stations
From October 28 to November 28, special event station CF3A will
commemorate the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011).
QSL via VA3RVK.
From November 1 to 30, special event station station VE3FRST
will commemorate the UN International Year of Forests.
QSL via VE3NOO.
-- RAC Special Events Database
3. RF Technology web pages
Radio-Electronics.com provides concise guides, information, tutorials
and data about radio frequency, RF, technology and RF design on their
web page at www.radio-electronics.com/info/rf-technology-design [759]
-- AMSAT News Service
4. Radiogram Videos
K.C.Richey KD8LZB has produced several "cheap and dirty" YouTube
videos on the various aspects of radiogram generation and handling.
They are not official or professionally produced, but they are quick
and simple, and suited for the rookie Radiogrammer. Find them on
YouTube at tinyurl.com/kd8lzb
For the diehard traffic handler, there is also a Yahoo email group.
Sign up at groups.yahoo.com/group/radiograms
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
5. The Six and Ten Reporting Club
The Six and Ten Reporting Club is an informal group of radio
amateurs, mostly from the UK, who are interested in propagation
studies at frequencies around the HF to VHF boundary -- the 6 and 10
meter amateur bands.
The club produces a monthly newsletter that includes analysis of
28MHz propagation based on beacon monitoring, analysis of 50MHz
activity reports broken down by propagation mode, and more.
Find it online at g7kse.co.uk/6and10
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 22, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. NTS Discussion
On Saturday, October 29th, Shawn VE3PSV will lead an on-air
discussion immediately following the 6:45 pm Laurentian Net on 3.755
MHz. Topics will include NTS traffic handling. All are welcome to
participate.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. York Region Hamfest
The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its 35th annual hamfest
on Saturday, November 5, at the Markham Fair Grounds, 10801 McGowan
Road in Markham. This is on the North East corner of McCowan Road
and Elgin Mills Road. General admission at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3YRA
repeater, 145.350 (-). For more information visit www.yrarc.on.ca [762]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Radio talk 2011
On Saturday, November 26, the West Island (Montreal) Amateur Radio
Club will sponsor a new event: Radio Talk 2011, at the Lakeside
Heights Baptist Church, 275 Braebrook, in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
Radio of all types is being reinvented in these modern times. It is
a tool for communications, a means of entertainment, and a source of
information. Radio Talk 2011 will be a day of presentations,
demonstrations, and discussions about radio. For this first edition
of the event, sessions will be held in English. Future events will
be augmented with French sessions depending on demand and interest.
For more information visit radiotalk2011.wordpress.com
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. New Toronto Repeater
On September 25th, "local area" repeater VA3XPR was activated in
Toronto. Its objectives are to create a sense of community and
promote diversity within the St. James Town and adjacent
neighborhoods of Toronto; to act as a catalyst for education and
learning promoting the growth of amateur radio; and to provide an
alternate means of communications in the event of an emergency or
natural disaster in the downtown Toronto area.
VA3XPR is on 441.950 MHz, positive offset, PL tone 100.0 Hz. It also
has IRLP and Echolink connectivity. For more information, visit
www.qrz.com/db/va3xpr [763]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Asteroid-Bounce Attempt
On November 8 and 9, researchers at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto
Rico and the Goldstone Deep Space Network facility in California will
be transmitting continuous radar signals at asteroid 2005 YU55 on
2380 and 8560 MHz, respectively. Hams with small dish antennas (less
than one square meter) should be able to monitor the reflections,
which should sound like slowly drifting narrowband signals of
approximately 1 Hz bandwidth, within a few kilohertz of those
frequencies. More information is available online at
tinyurl.com/5vk58xa (Five Victor Kilo Five Eight X-ray Alpha).
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 29, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Ontario Section Reorganization Proposal
As many of you know, RAC has organized a committee to propose a new
structure for Field Services in Ontario. As Section Manager, one of
my concerns is that right now, the amateurs of Ontario cannot all
have personal contact with their RAC representative. The
restructuring proposes to have four Section Managers representing you
instead of one.
I ask all Ontario amateurs to read the proposal at
tinyurl.com/ontfsreview (PDF file), and to send your comments via
email to restructont (at) gmail.com, no later than November 27th.
-- Allan Boyd, VE3AJB, Ontario Section Manager
2. RAC meets with MTO Officials
On October 20th, members of the RAC Distracted Driving Committee met
with the Ontario Assistant Deputy Minister - Road User Safety
Division and the Director - Safety Policy and Education Branch.
The Ministry Officials raised several questions as to why we cannot
comply with the legislation, and we answered with solid technical and
operational explanations as to our difficulties, and to allay their
concerns regarding safety. Ontario has committed to consult with RAC
early next year so that a permanent solution can be found prior to
January 2013.
For more information see tinyurl.com/4yhfgcu (Four Yankee Hotel
Foxtrot Golf Charlie Uniform)
-- Bill Unger, VE3XT, Chair
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Special Event VA3AAR
On November 6, the Almonte Amateur Radio Club will operate special
event Station VA3AAR will operate to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the birth of Dr. James Naismith, Almonte native and
the inventor of basketball. Operation will be from from 0000 to 2359
UTC, on 14150 kHz +/- 5 kHz, 7250 kHz +/- 5 kHz, and near 3755 kHz,
subject to adjustment if the frequencies are already in use.
QSL direct to VE3NCE, P.O. Box 1644, Almonte, Ontario, K0A 1A0.
For more information, including VHF and D-STAR contact channels,
visit www.almontearclub.ca [766]
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. Kingston Hamfest
On Saturday, November 12, the Kingston Amateur Radio Club will hold
its 2011 hamfest at the Military Communications and Electronics
Museum, 95 Craftsman Blvd., in Kingston. General admission at 9 AM;
the museum will also be open. A breakfast buffet will be held at
7:30 AM at the Garrison Golf & Curling Club, on Red Patch Avenue.
Talk in on 146.940 (-), 151.4 Hz tone. For more information see
www.ve3kbr.com [393].
-- RAC Events Database
5. Hams Ask for Clear Frequencies
The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand (RAST) is asking amateurs
around the world in to keep clear frequencies 7.060 to 7.063 MHz,
being used for flood relief communications. For updates about the
emergency response, see the English-language RAST website at
www.qsl.net/rast [767].
On 23rd October a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Eastern Turkey.
Radio Amateurs from the Turkish national society TRAC are responding
to assist with communications in the area. Please keep their
emergency frequencies of 7.092 to 7.095 MHz clear.
-- CQ News Service and RSGB News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 5, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New Section Manager for BC/Yukon
Effective immediately, Paul Giffin, VA7MPG, has been appointed
Section Manager for British Columbia/Yukon. Thanks go to outgoing
Section Manager Drew Watson VA7DR who completed a two year term. His
service is very much appreciated.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Alberta/NWT/Nu Director Re-elected
Mr. J. T. (Mitch) Mitchell, VE6OH has been re-elected as the RAC
Director for Alberta / NWT / NU. This nomination was unopposed,
eliminating the need for a balloted election. Mr. Mitchell's term
will be extended to December 31, 2013.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. GlobalSET 2011
Headquarters Stations of all IARU R2 Member Societies and stations of
Emergency Communications Groups are invited by IARU Region 1 to
participate in the next Global Simulated Emergency Test. It is
scheduled on Saturday, November 12th, 11:00 to 15:00 Local Time.
Stations wishing to participate are requested to register through
their IARU Regional/National Emergency Communications Co-Ordinator.
For more information see tinyurl.com/6j6botx (Six Juliet Six Bravo
Oscar Tango Xray).
-- RAC Bulletin Service
4. CubeSats Launched
On Friday, October 28 at 0948 UTC, several Amateur Radio CubeSats
were launched. The satellites are:
AubieSat-1, downlink on 437.475 MHz, Morse code at 20 WPM.
RAX-2, downlink on 437.345 MHz, GMSK at 9600 baud.
M-Cubed, downlink on 437.485 MHz, AX.25 FSK at 9600 baud.
Explorer-1[PRIME], downlink on 437.505 MHz LSB, Non-Coherent FSK
using a custom protocol at 1200 baud.
Signals have been heard from Explorer-1[Prime], RAX-2 and AubieSat-1
with one report of a weak signal from M-Cubed. Reception reports for
AubieSat are solicited. For more information see tinyurl.com/3ssdo3s
(Three Sierra Sierra Delta Oscar Three Sierra)
-- AMSAT UK and RSGB News
5. No Link Between Cell Phones and Cancer
A Danish study of more than 350,000 cell phone users monitored over
17 years -- the largest study yet -- found there was no increase in
cancer risk compared with non-cell phone users. In the U.S., both the
Food and Drug Administration and the FCC have found no evidence of a
link, and cancer rates have not increased since cell phones were
introduced.
-- CQ News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 12, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. VE2CV appointed to Hall of Fame
The Board of Trustees of the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame has
appointed John S. (Jack) Belrose VE2CV / VE3CVV of Ottawa, ON to the
Hall of Fame. Jack will be presented with this award in early 2012,
at which time a summary of his contributions to amateur radio will be
published in The Canadian Amateur magazine.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. RAC Volunteer Appreciation Award
RAC would like to recognize George Roach, VE3BNO. George has been
been one of the key volunteers who supports RAC at its headquarters
every Wednesday since RAC moved to Ottawa in 1997.
His primary role is as the QSL Manager for the annual RAC Canada Day
Contest and the RAC Canada Winter Contest.
Radio Amateurs of Canada is indebted to George and all of its
countless volunteers across Canada. It is a pleasure to recognize
George Roach, VE3BNO, for his contribution to the Amateur Radio
Service. Thank you George!
-- The RAC Report
3. December Special Prefix
From December 1st to December 31st, special prefixes have been
authorized to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the CBC and Radio
Canada. Use VG for VA, VX for VE, XJ for VO, and XK for VY.
-- RAC Special Events Database
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
4. Killarney District Activities
Jim McLean VE3LJM, EC for Manitoulin and North Shore ARES group,
reported that all of the municipalities on Manitoulin Island were
able to check in the Provincial EOC in Toronto during this year's
Simulated Emergency Test.
Members of Sudbury ARES and the Sudbury Amateur Radio Club once again
participated in the Halloween Goblin Patrol to help ensure the safety
of our young trick-or-treaters.
-- via Stiig Larsen, VE3LBX, DEC Killarney District
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. Amateurs Save Lives During Thailand Flooding
The Radio Amateur Society of Thailand reports that the team working
with the Public Health Ministry and using the callsign HS0AC have
helped to save almost 1,000 lives by coordinating rescue
communications in medical emergencies.
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has
praised radio amateurs for their role in providing communications
support, especially in flooded areas where several mobile phone cell
sites have failed. For more details visit www.qsl.net/rast [767]
-- via RSGB News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 19, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. The RAC Affiliated Club Program
The RAC Affiliated Club Program was established to encourage support
of the Radio Amateurs of Canada by Canadian Amateur Radio Clubs
through the provision of valuable services and benefits which enhance
the Amateur Radio experience for the Club's members.
A list of the services and benefits provided, and the requirements
for club affiliation, is available on-line at tinyurl.com/rac-clubs.
There are links for the Affiliation Application/Renewal Form and for
email to the Affiliated Club Program Manager.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Laurentian Net time reminder
All amateurs are welcome to check into the Laurentian Net, an
information and traffic handling net. It starts at 18:45 Eastern
Time, seven days a week, on 3.755 MHz. Please note that the Sunday
net no longer starts at a different time.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Laurentian Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Alaska ARES Storm Response
Alaska Dispatch reports on the role amateur radio played during the
severe storms that recently hit the Alaska coast.
"They were providing critical observations. We don't have a lot of
meteorological observations in the west. We don't have the
instruments out there," said Carven Scott, a forecaster with the
National Weather Service in Anchorage. Small details from various
villages made a big difference for the weather service -- enough so,
Scott said, that a lead forecaster told him, "Whatever you do, don't
cut it off because this stuff is really helping us."
Read more at tinyurl.com/83ecy2o (Eight Three Echo Charlie Yankee Two
Oscar)
-- via RSGB News
4. The Iron Butt Hams
KC Richey, KD8LZB, moderator of the Radiograms Yahoo Group, has
written an enlightening piece on why traffic handlers do what they
do. He compares traffic operators to "Iron Butt" long-distance
motorcyclists...a difficult but rewarding pursuit. Read it online at
ve3gna.wordpress.com
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
5. The Contesting Wiki
Web site wiki.contesting.com is a compendium of information on all
aspects of ham radio contesting, for beginners and experienced
contesters. As a "wiki", the content is provided and checked by the
readers. It's a great resource for those learning about radiosport.
And if you're an experienced contester, please consider adding some
of your expertise to the site!
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 26, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Canada Winter Contest
This year's RAC Canada Winter Contest will run from 0000 UTC to 2359
UTC, Saturday, December 17. Bands and Modes are 160, 80, 40, 20, 15,
10, 6 and 2 metres, CW and phone; Stations in Canada send RS(T) and
province or territory. VEØs and stations outside Canada send RS(T)
and a serial number. Contacts with stations in Canada or VEØs are
worth 10 points, stations outside Canada are worth 2 points, and RAC
official stations are worth 20 points. For more information see
tinyurl.com/rac-contests
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Plasma Experiment Seeks Amateur Help
The Russian Central Research Institute of Machine Building is
conducting tests to see if plasma thrusters on spacecraft will
interfere with radio communication. The SpEx experiment asks radio
amateurs worldwide to listen for a packet downlink on 145.825 MHz
from the International Space Station. Spex will be on from 1650 UTC
November 25 to 0825 UTC November 28, and again from 1650 UTC December
2 to 0825 UTC December 5. For more information see
tinyurl.com/iss-spex
-- AMSAT News Service
3. Quebec School contacts ISS
An Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact
was successful for A.S.J. Memorial High School, Thetford Mines,
Québec,on Monday, November 14 at 15:41 UTC. The school formed a space
club and students were taught about the ISS, radio equipment and
radio protocol.
-- AMSAT News Service
4. Ham Radio on "Last Man Standing"
Amateur radio will become an ongoing part of the American television
comedy, "Last Man Standing." Star Tim Allen will have various pieces
of ham gear, and possibly some copies of CQ magazine, on his office
desk. His character will be identified as a licensed ham, with a
fictional call sign.
Producer John Amodeo, NN6JA, warns that, at least at first, ham
radio's presence will be only visual, and has not yet been worked
into any scripts.
-- CQ News Service
5. CQ WorldWide Submissions Increase
John K1AR reports that at least 7025 logs were received for the CQ
WorldWide SSB contest as the deadline passed -- an increase of more
than 1000 over the previous all-time total. The increase is
attributed to the combination of new ham populations around the
world, great high-band propagation, and the ease of submitting
electronic logs.
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 3, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Radio Amateurs of Canada Executive for 2012-2013
RAC's incoming Executive members for 2012-2013 are:
RAC President - Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW
First Vice President - Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM
Chief Field Services Officer - Doug Mercer, VO1DM
Chief Information and Technology Officer - James Hay, VE2VE
International Affairs Officer - George Gorsline, VE3YV
Regulatory Affairs Officer - Bill Gade, VE4WO
RABC Representative Officer - Norm Rashleigh, VE3LC
Honourary Legal Counsel - Marcel Mongeon, VA3DDD
Corporate Secretary - Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB
There were no candidates for the positions of Treasurer, Public
Information Officer or Member Services Officer.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Notice to TELUS e-mail users
Starting on November 23 there has been a significant increase in
junk e-mail arriving for @rac.ca e-mail addresses. Normally we
simply mark these as possible spam and forward them to our users.
However, TELUS chose to stop accepting messages after only a short
period each day, resulting in most @rac.ca aliases destined for TELUS
customers being significantly delayed.
Messages are again being accepted by TELUS. We now have our e-mail
server block any messages for TELUS customers which would normally be
marked as spam. It's possible that this will block some legitimate
messages. Those who are not TELUS customers will not be affected.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. New TPN Manager
Effective immediately, Shawn VE3PSV is the net manager of the
Trans-Provincial Net. TPN meets daily from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern Time
on 7.055 MHz. Amateurs from all areas are invited to check in.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. AO-51 End Of Mission
Amateur satellite AO-51 has ceased transmission and is not responding
to commands. The last telemetry data indicated that the third of six
batteries was approaching failure to short, and observations indicate
the voltage from three cells is insufficient to power the UHF
transmitters. The command team will regularly attempt communications
with the satellite over the coming months (and years), on the chance
that a shorted cell will open and transmissions resume.
-- AMSAT News Service
5. 70cm Packet Active from ISS
The amateur radio station located in the Columbus module of the
International Space Station is currently operational with the UHF
transceiver and packet system using the frequency of 437.550 MHz. For
digi relay, set the UNPROTO path to ARISS (the id is RS0ISS). To
connect to the BBS, use the callsign RS0ISS-1. The packet beacon is
set for 2 minute intervals so it may not appear to be active over
many parts of the world but keep listening and mind the Doppler shift
(+ or - 10 KHz).
-- AMSAT News Service
6. OpenQRP Project
The OpenQRP project is an attempt to design "open source" amateur
radio equipment. The first project, contributed by organizer Steve
Elliott, K1EL, is a microprocessor controlled QRP transceiver. For
more information, or to participate in the project, visit
www.openqrp.org [778].
-- OpenQRP Web Site
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 10, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Address Updates Needed
When RAC members move and do not send a us change of address notice,
Canada Post charges us for returned mail and members do not get their
renewal notices or their TCA magazine.
So please, when you move, send a change of address notice to RAC
Headquarters, or update your information online at www.rac.ca [210]. Please
include your phone number and email address. And if you know a ham
that has moved in the last year, remind them to make these changes.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Special Event Info Requested
If you held a special call sign over the past few years, could you
please send an email to the webmaster at rac.ca with the subject line
'Special callsign update' and provide the date(s), call sign(s), QSL
Via, and Event description. It would be a lot of help to our
volunteer QSL managers.
-- RAC Web Page
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. TPN Seeks Net Control Stations
The Trans-Provincial Net (TPN) meets daily from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern
Time on 7.055 MHz. The net currently needs more net control
stations. If you can help, please contact net manager Shawn, VE3PSV,
who can be reached Monday through Friday on TPN at 11 am, and again
at 3 pm.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. FASTRAC-1 Satellite Digipeater Active
The FASTRAC-1 satellite (FO-69) is now open for use as a packet radio
digipeater. Anyone with a 1200 baud packet TNC and a VHF/UHF FM
transceiver can try it. FASTRAC-1 receives at 145.825 MHz and
transmits at 437.345 MHz. The digipeater alias is FAST1. If you own
satellite tracking software, you'll find the latest orbital elements
on the FASTRAC Web site, at tinyurl.com/25sykwb (Two Five Sierra
Yankee Kilo Whiskey Bravo)
-- ARRL Web
5. Hamvention Award Nominations Open
Nominations are now open for the 2012 Dayton Hamvention Awards. As in
previous years, the Hamvention will honor three deserving individuals
with the Technical Excellence, Special Achievement, and Amateur of
the Year Awards. A fourth award has been added for Radio Club of the
Year. Nominations must be submitted no later than January 15, 2012.
Nomination forms and instructions are on-line at
hamvention.org/awards.php
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 17, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New NARED Manager
Effective immediately, Pat Barrett, VE3RNH, has been appointed
Manager of the National Amateur Radio Emergency Database (NARED). Pat
has an extensive management background and most recently sat on the
Ontario Restructuring Commission. She is active with ARES and the
Barrie Amateur Radio Club, and is looking forward to moving NARED
forward.
Our thanks to Merv Halvorsen, VA3TSA, the outgoing NARED Manager.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Straight Key Night on OSCAR
You are cordially invited to participate in Straight Key Night on
OSCAR 2012, conducted by AMSAT for all radio amateurs throughout the
world. SKN on OSCAR is simple and informal. Just operate CW through
one or more satellites on 1 January 2012 (0000 to 2400 UTC), using a
straight hand key. There is no need to send in a log.
-- AMSAT News Service
3. Amateur Radio Balloon Sets Record
Ron Meadows, K6RPT, and his son Lee, successfully launched an Amateur
Radio high altitude balloon from California on December 11 at 4:43 PM
PST. At an altitude between 105,000 and 115,000 feet, it travelled
across the United States, the Atlantic Ocean and Spain and into the
Mediterranean Sea. For most of its trip, the balloon traveled at
about 150 miles per hour and eventually covered 6236 great circle
miles in just 57 hours 2 minutes. According to the California Near
Space Project, this is a new Amateur Radio balloon flight record for
both distance and duration. European hams retuned their APRS
stations to the North American frequency of 144.39 MHz so they could
track K6RPT-11's flight.
-- ARRL Web
4. 50th Anniversary of OSCAR 1
On December 12, 1961 the first Amateur Radio satellite took to the
skies. Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio, or OSCAR 1, was
part of a payload launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard an
Agena rocket. The satellite was in orbit for 22 days and was heard
by more than 570 amateurs in 28 countries as it sent "HI" in high
speed Morse code on 2 meters.
-- ARRL Web
5. How To Use An Antenna Tuner
Tyler Pattison N7TFP has produced a 13-minute YouTube video about how
to use an antenna tuner, also called a Transmatch, to match your
antenna to your HF transceiver. See it at tinyurl.com/7hzntwz (Seven
Hotel Zulu November Tango Whiskey Zulu).
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 24, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Season's Greetings from RAC
We at the Radio Amateurs of Canada hope that your 2011 was healthy
and prosperous for you and yours. We wish you the most Wondrous
Holiday Season; full of family, friends and good cheer.
We wish that your 2012 will be healthy, prosperous, accompanied by
many friends and that your life will continue to be meaningful and
satisfying.
And we wish you many contacts.
-- Geoff Bawden VE4BAW, President and Chair, RAC
2. RAC Holiday Office Hours
The RAC office will be closed December 24, 25, 26, and 27th. We will
be open December 28, 29, and 30, from 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Eastern
Standard Time. We will be closed January 1 and 2, and return to our
regular hours on January 3rd.
-- Frank Greene, RAC Office Manager
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. GLETN Time Change
Effective immediately, the Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net will
hold its pre-net at 7:30 pm, and the main net at 8:00 pm, Eastern
Time, due to band conditions. GLETN meets on 3.932 MHz, 365 nights a
year.
-- via Shawn, VE3PSV
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Mac Ham Radio
Owners of Apple Macintosh computers may be interested in the
MacHamRadio web site, www.machamradio.com [785], with news, forums, and a
lengthy listing of software. Also of interest are DL2SDR's Software
Defined Radio for the Mac, at tinyurl.com/dl2sdr, and N6HZ's
Heterodyne SDR software, at www.nh6z.net [786].
-- ARRL Web
5. "73" Magazine Archive
The Internet Archive project has just published nearly every issue of
defunct "73" magazine, all the way back to January 1961. The
magazine was known for its strong emphasis on technical articles and
for the lengthy editorials in each issue by its founder and
publisher, Wayne Green. It ceased publication in 2003. You may read
the material online or download PDF files, at
www.archive.org/details/73-magazine [787]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 31, 2011
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Volunteer Appreciation Award
RAC would like to recognize Gary Hyatt, VE3MJT, one of the key
volunteers who provides important support to RAC Headquarters in
Ottawa.
Gary grew up in Ontario and was first licensed as VE3MJT in 1980. He
is a member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association. On behalf of
President Geoff Bawden, VE6BAW and the entire Board of Directors and
Executive, thank you for over a decade of volunteer service to the
Radio Amateurs of Canada.
-- The RAC Report
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Submitting Bulletin Items
For your New Year's resolution, why not let other amateurs in Ontario
know what your group is doing in 2012? The Ontario Bulletin is a
great place to announce upcoming events, or report on recent
activities. Just send a brief item -- six to ten lines of text is
ideal -- to the Official Bulletin Manager via email, obm (at)
ve3rhj.net.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Do-It-Yourself Ham Radio Video
ARRL's new video, "The DIY Magic of Amateur Radio," is an 8-minute
video that follows some of the innovative, imaginative and fun ways
hams use radio technology. The presentation is directed toward the
DIY (do it yourself) movement, which is inspiring a new generation of
creators, hackers and innovators. Download it at www.arrl.org/diy [790]
-- ARRL Web
4. Google Map Your Contacts
David, K2DSL, has created a web application that reads an ADIF file
generated from your logging program and creates a Google map of the
contacts. It requires either a latitude/longitude or grid square be
associated with each contact in order for it to show up. Most contest
loggers don't provide that, but you can import your contest contacts
into a general purpose logging program which can apply callbook data
to the records. Find it at tinyurl.com/adif2map
-- via Paul Caccamo, VA3PC, OBS
5. New book of interest to CW fans
Renowned maritime historian John Maxtone-Graham has completed a new
book entitled "TITANIC Tragedy." Of particular interest to many
radio history buffs and CW operators will be the first chapter, "The
Wireless Miracle", a great read on the early development of maritime
radiotelegraphy. The book will be available in March, 2012.
-- via Glenn Killam, VE3GNA
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 2011 ARRL Handbook offer.pdf [795] | 19.75 KB |
Paul, VA3PC has completed the Draft Constitution and Bylaws and posted them on the website. They are listed under Archive/Documentation. Please give them a quick read before the meeting this Wednesday Jan 13th.
73/Drew
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 [312]
-- 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 [800]
-- 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 [801]. 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 [804]
-- 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 [723] 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 [805] 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 [808] 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 [809] has links to many code practice
programs and other resources. For on-line practice, try AA9PW's
web page at www.aa9pw.com/morsecode [810].
-- 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 [465]
-- 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 [813] (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 [289]
-- 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 [818]
-- 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 [819]
-- 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 [294]
-- 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 [822] 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 [823]
-- 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 [826]
-- 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 [827] 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 [830]. Another good
resource is the CircuitsArchive Web site at www.circuitsarchive.org [831].
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 [836]. 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 [310]
-- 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 [839].
-- 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 [842], 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 [672]
-- 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 [851]
-- ARRL Web
4. Contest Calendar Upgraded
Bruce WA7BNM has upgraded his online Contest Calendar website,
www.hornucopia.com/contestcal [852]. 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 [855].
-- 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 [856].
-- 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 [859]
-- 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 [862].
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 [195]
-- 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 [198] 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 [867]. 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 [868]
-- 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 [871]. For more
information on special event station VE7TUB visit www.ve7tub.ca [872].
-- 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 [873]
-- 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 [874]
-- 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 [123]
-- 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 [508] 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 [877]
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 [880]
-- 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 [822] 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 [881]
-- 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 [294]
-- 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 [884].
-- 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 [885] .
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 [888]
-- 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 [889], 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 [892].
-- 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 [732]
-- 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 [727]
-- 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 [897] (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 [898]
-- 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 [230]
-- 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 [901]. 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 [555]
-- 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 [127] 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 [904] 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 [907] 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 [243]. 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 [910]. 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 [911]
-- 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 [235]
-- 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 [914]. 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 [198]
-- 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 [917]
-- 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 [241]
-- 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 [922]
-- 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 [925]
-- 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 [747]
-- 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 [405]
-- 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 [930] 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/ [933]
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 [934]
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/ [937]
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 [938]
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 [941]. 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 [393]
-- 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 [942]
-- 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 [945]
-- 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 [946]
-- 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 [949]
-- 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 [950]
-- 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 [953] 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 [210].
-- 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 [210] 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 [856].
-- 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 [958]
-- 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 [134]
-- 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 [961]; 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 [210] 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 [964]
-- 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 [965]
-- 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 [966]
-- 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 [967]
-- 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 [970], 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 [971]
-- 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
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| RadioHFChristmas2010flyer.pdf [977] | 828.63 KB |
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 [978]
Dear Canadian Radio Heritage Friends
_________________________________________
What do you know about Changing Stations?
_________________________________________
Enter our new competition to win a copy of 'Changing Stations' the
fascinating story of commercial radio in Australia.
This is a big thick book, full of inside stories, anecdotes and the
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Thanks to Bridget, we have a copy of her latest book to give away,
and it's a really easy question to answer:
Complete this sentence 'Long Lost - - Stars' and send an email with
'Changing Stations' in the title to info@radioheritage.net [979] to reach
us by midnight on Sunday, March 28 2010 your local time and date.
Judges decision is final.
There's a review of the book here at
www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp [980] and you'll enjoy learning about
the programs, personalities and radio stations from our Australian
radio heritage collections at www.radioheritage.net [981].
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_____________________________________________________
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your personal radio heritage research, exclusive newsletters and 10
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thank you! All for just a US$10 donation.
Easy upgrades to become a regular, contributing or other supporter
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Remember 'Changing Stations - The Story of Commercial Radio in
Australia' could be yours for free. Go to
www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp [980] and complete the sentence 'Long
Lost - - Stars' then email your answer to reach us by midnight on
March 28 2010 your local time and date.
____________________________________________________
Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit connecting
popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the Pacific.
Search our free online PAL Radio Guides for data on thousands of AM,
FM and SW radio stations across the region, and now download our free
new Borderless Radio Ranking reports. Our global website is
www.radioheritage.net [981]. Become an annual supporter from as low as
US$10, make instant savings and get 10 free Art of Radio Japan
postcards [whilst stocks last]as our thank you!
____________________________________________________
'Connecting popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the
Pacific'
_________________________________________________
It's our 5th birthday, and the holiday season....
It's time for another popular competition!!!!!!!!
_________________________________________________
Yes, we launched www.radioheritage.net [981] back on December 26 2004 and
it's now grown to rank almost in the top 1 million websites in the
world.......and we've only scratched the surface, giving some free
tastes of what connects popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage.
Thanks for trusting us with your memories, stories, photographs,
audio recordings, and memorabilia during this time....we have so much
more we'll share with you in 2010 as our resources allow.
Everything you find at www.radioheritage.net [981] is available for your
free personal use. Our philosophy has always been to bring
information and memories to you free of charge, unlike so many better
resourced archives, collections and organizations.....and we will
continue to do so in 2010..........
Before introducing our 5th birthday competition, I'd like to
personally thank everyone who has helped us on our journey so far.
There are business partners [Apex Car Rentals, 2day.com, ProCopy and
PCWIZ2U] and individuals all over the world who make this
possible....donating memorabilia, ideas, time, and even small amounts
of money towards our costs.
With tough economic times in 2009, our income will be struggling to
reach the US$6000 we achieved last year, and this only covers about
33% of just our operating costs.....so I have a special request this
holiday season, will you make a donation towards our operating costs
so we can bring you even more memories, information and free content
in 2010?
It's possible to make donations using your VISA, Mastercard, Amex or
Paypal account from the donation button at any page on
www.radioheritage.net [981]. It's also possible to use major currencies,
just change the drop down menu on the donate now button. Thanks so
much.
___________________
Our new COMPETITION
___________________
But let's move right along to our new competition........
Question: How many minutes walk from the Pacific Ocean is Tema Beach
Bungalow, the restored 1920's heritage beach bungalow that is
available for a South Pacific vacation in return for specific
donations to
the Radio Heritage Foundation?
Just look for the Tema Beach Bungalow photo on every page at
www.radioheritage.net [981] and click through to find out the answer.
Send your email entry to info@radioheritage.net [982] with 'Tema Beach
Bungalow' in the subject line to reach us no later than midnight
January 24 2010 your local time and date. The judges decision will be
final. The prize is a copy of the World Radio TV Handbook 2010.
____________________________
WRTH 2010 now just US$23.10
Worldwide Price + Shipping
____________________________
For those of you not familiar with the WRTH, it's 'The World's Most
Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Guide to Broadcasting' and the Radio
Heritage Foundation is proud of its association with this book which
is now in its 64th annual edition.
For 2010, we've supplied the feature article 'Samoan Radio Journey'
as well as our usual detailed country information files for some 25
separate Pacific countries including Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji,
French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea...details such as AM, FM and SW
stations, operating information, addresses, websites......
It's our free contribution to keep Pacific radio heritage accurately
recorded and another way of giving back to the radio community of
listeners and broadcasters that supports us. It takes many hours of
research, but we think the results are worth the effort.
You can help us today and make sure you enjoy the WRTH 2010 yourself
by buying a copy for just US$23.10 [shipping may even be free]
through our online Top 50 Radio Books pages at www.radioheritage.net [981].
A few clicks and the book will be on its way to you anywhere in the
world for the same price.
Thanks again for supporting us and trusting us in 2009 and over the
past five years, and we look forward to bringing you more news,
competitions and free information in 2010 and the years to come.
Enjoy a safe Christmas and New Year season, and warm Pacific wishes
for 2010.
Radio Heritage Foundation
www.radioheritage.net [981]
PS....entries close January 24 2010 for our new Tema Beach Bungalow
Competition..make sure you tell all your friends as well!
And remember, you can buy the WRTH 2010 for just US$23.10 worldwide
price plus shipping [in some cases this may even be free!] from our
Top 50 Radio Books pages at www.radioheritage.net [981]
___________________________________________________
Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit organization
connecting popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the
Pacific. Share us with your friends via Facebook, Twitter and many
other social networks. Enjoy our fresh Pacific content, radio guides,
news and much more at our global website www.radioheritage.net [981].
Email: info@radioheritage.net [982].
Hello Radio Heritage Friends
A brief reminder that you can still win a copy of the 2010 World
Radio TV Handbook in our Tema Beach Bungalow Competition...full
details are at our global website www.radioheritage.net [981].
Entries close at midnight your local time on Sunday, January 24.
We've got entries from many countries already, and hope to hear from
you soon....... we'll ship the book for free to the winner anywhere
in the world!
How would you like to save on radio books and CD's, get discounts for
our research, access to premium information and get an instant reward
of 10 Art of Radio Japan collectible postcards?
We'd like to invite you to become an annual or lifetime supporter of
our radio heritage activities. ........You'll be included on our Roll
of Honor as someone who recognizes the importance of saving radio
heritage. It's a great way to get involved in a practical way...and
full details are now online at www.radioheritage.net.....supporter [983]
rates start as low as just US$10.....
Our PAL Radio Guides continued to be very popular in 2009. The AM
Radio Guide and the New Zealand LPFM Radio Guide were highly used,
and our updated Shortwave Radio Guide also got many visits.
.....this information is always free, and you can search for stations
you want in different ways or simply download the AM and Shortwave
Radio Guides.
What would you like to see more of at www.radioheritage.net [981] in
2010?.......... We've got lots of new articles, guides, and images
and audio in the pipeline already, but we always welcome your ideas
as well.......send us an email at info@radioheritage.net [984] with your
suggestions.
You'll find some great holiday season reading with our new books
'Changing Stations' and 'Cold War Radio'...see the book reviews now
at www.radioheritage.net....one [985]'s about Australian commercial radio,
the other about Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty......
......and remember you can also get your copy of the 2010 World Radio
TV Handbook through us for just US$23.10 plus shipping....
......we also encourage you to support the Google Advertisers who
support us by their helpful and relevant advertising on any of our
hundreds of pages...
Wishing you all the very best for 2010.......
____________________________________________________
Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit organization
connecting popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the
Pacific. Visit our global website www.radioheritage.net [981] for fresh
news, information, articles and support our radio heritage projects
by becoming an annual or lifetime supporter this year.
____________________________________________________
Hello Radio Fans
Isn't it amazing to see how fast 2010 is rushing past....our second
competition for the year is already online at
www.radioheritage.net....and [986] it's to win a copy of 'Changing
Stations', a great story about commercial radio in Australia.
Read all about it on the home page today, and make sure you get your
entries into us by March 28 2010...entries welcome from anywhere.
You can read all about this book at
www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp [980], and if you're really keen you can
buy your own copy directly from our Amazon link on that page. It's a
worthwhile addition to any radio book collection.
Whilst on the subject of Australian radio...our latest radio heritage
documentary on Radio NZ International is broadcast tomorrow and it's
got some great interviews with early radio people, wonderful old
radio serials and some great music...check it out at www.rnzi.com [987]
from Monday....you can listen online easily by clicking on 'audio'
and 'Mailbox'......
Whilst you're at www.rnzi.com [987] have a listen to the earlier 'Mailbox'
documentary from February 22...this features rare audio from FM
stations in Vila [Vanuatu] and Honiara [Solomon Islands] and a great
overview of the radio history of these two Pacific islands.
The University of Queensland in Brisbane is hosting World Press
Freedom Day May 1-3 and the Radio Heritage Foundation is pleased to
support this conference....you can get more information here at
www.wpfd2010.org...media [988] freedom means a lot for broadcasters in the
Asia and Pacific region.
Have you seen our new Borderless Radio reports yet? Erika Engle at
the Honolulu Star Bulletin newspaper writes about them in 'The Buzz'
business column of February 24 at www.starbulletin.com [989] and you can go
directly to download these free reports at
www.radioheritage.net/BRR_intro.asp [990] ....they really are a fresh way
of looking at radio across the Pacific today....
If you're interested in Los Angeles radio news, we highly recommend
Don Barrett's LA Radio site www.laradio.com [991] which has now opened up
all its content for free access...there's an interesting story there
now about 94.7 KTWV The Wave and it's moves away from soft jazz to a
new kind of 'easy listening' format....since CBS pulled the plug on
online streaming for listeners outside the USA because of copyright
issues I'm not sure what the format is really........
Some things never change...a 1939 Australian radio business book
reports of a big battle between commercial radio and record companies
demanding royalties...it's the same battle that broke early
commercial radio attempts in New Zealand in the 1930's and continues
to drive radio stations to the wall in 2010........
More and more people are now appearing at
www.radioheritage.net/Roll.asp [992] our Roll of honor of supporters...and
if you'd like to add your name there, you can become an Introductory
Annual Supporter for just US$10 and upgrade before March 31 2010 to
full Regular Annual Supporter for just another US$10......saving
US$5.....
Instant 10% discounts on books and CD's [excluding affiliate
programs], 25% savings on private research rates, special merchandise
offers and much more....
......and that's on top of our already free content, Pacific Asian
Log Radio Guides, Borderless Radio Reports..hundreds of pages of
unique radio heritage articles and stories, wonderful images and much
more as well.....so please add your name to the roll of our
supporters today by going to www.radioheritage.net/Supporter.asp [993] and
signing up there...........
We've got a grant application in to allow us add even more great
articles and news in the coming months....unfortunately updating the
site does cost us NZ$25 an hour so we have to hold over lots of new
content until funding arrives....
In the meantime, keep the articles, stories, images and audio flowing
in to us here at info@radioheritage.net [994] or via mail to our new
address: Radio Heritage Foundation, PO Box 20024, Newtown, Wellington
6242, New Zealand. We'll be adding all this new content just as soon
as we can.
Thanks to all our supporters who've joined the Roll of Honor so far,
and we hope you'll enjoy the chance to win 'Changing Stations' in our
new competition ending March 28 2010.
____________________________________________________
Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit connecting
popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage across the Pacific. Our
online Amazon bookstore has many good radio books at very good prices
so do your shopping now at www.radioheritage.net [981] .....our global
online digital platform for free community access to radio heritage.
Unsubscribe by emailing 'wanna go' to info@radioheritage.net [994].
____________________________________________________
PS...Keith Richardson tells us his printer found two more boxes of
'Never a Dull Moment' his inside story on decades of radio in New
Zealand + a collectors CD of early Top 20 and other programs....so
we'll continue to offer this book as a thank you for donations....see
all the full details at www.radioheritage.net/story173.asp [995] and
request your copy today....
JUST A QUICK REMINDER ABOUT THE NBARC CHRISTMAS PARTY
THIS COMING THURSDAY DECEMBER 3RD at 1800ET at THE KINGS BUFFET CANADA PLACE ON SHERRIFF AVE.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE
73/Drew VE3MAF
Keeling VE3XKB has had to bow out of our trip to the York Regional Hamfest This Saturday October 24th. I have one seat available... first come basis. I leave my house at 0400ET (early and dark) and we are home around 1600ET. Let me know.
73/DREW VE3MAF
VHF NET - Monday Morning 0700L - 0800L. VE3ERX/VE3NFM. Net controller - DAVE VE3GTM
HF NET - Sunday Morning 0900L - ??. 3.768MHz LSB (+/- QRM). Net controller - Paul VA3PC
COFFEE - Saturdays at NorthGate Square. 1000L-1100L (+/-). In front of A & W
VE3ERX 147.030 (+) (PL 107.2) POWASSAN {N46 03.767 W079 26.133} (IRLP/2649 ECHOLINK/239683)
VE3NFM 147.300 (+) (PL 107.2) North Bay {N46 21.107 W079 22.197}
VE3NFM-15 144.390 APRS
VE3NBC@rac.ca [1071] or nbarc@ontera.net [1072]
http://ciinet.org/nbarc [1073]
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for June 20th 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC members at CITEL Ottawa meeting
From June 2nd to 5th, over 100 delegates from countries of the
Americas gathered for a CITEL PCC.II meeting, preparatory to the 2011
World Radio Conference. Almost every item on the WRC Agenda was
discussed, to find common ground that would be supported by the CITEL
countries. Amateurs were represented by Daniel Lamoureux VE2KA, and
Dario Jurado HP1DJ for the IARU Region 2. Jon Siverling WB2ERA was
on the USA delegation and Ken Pulfer VE3PU, Bryan Rawlings VE3QN
and Jim DEan, VE3IQ were on the Canadian delegation. for more
information see www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2009/21/ [1077]
RAC Bulletin Service
2. Manitoba hams win exemption on Bill 5
Manitoba amateurs have won a very important exemption and amendment
taht specifically excludes all two way radio use from Bill 5 of the
Highway Traffic Act in Manitoba. The exemption reads that the bill
does not apply to radio apparatus operated under the authority of a
Radio Operators Certificate issued under the Radio Communications Act.
This welcome news and information will be forwarded to the MTO and to
Hon. Transportation Minister Bradley for Ontario. It is expected that
similar legislation will be adopted by the Ontario Legislature to
protect the public service value of amateur radio operations while
driving in Ontario.
- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC
3. Canada Day Contest July 1
The annual RAC Canada Day Contest will run from 0000 to 2359 UTC on
July 1st 2009. Bands to be used are 160, 80, 40, 15, 10, 6 and 2
meters, 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. Complete rules, in English and French, are available as PDF
files at www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests/ [353]
- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. French Radio Amateurs' Handbook
The 2009 "French Handbook" written by F6BCU is now available for free
download, for the private use of individuals and radio clubs. The
four files total 455 Megabytes of information, including historical
and homebrew articles...all in French of course. Download it at
www.onlineradio.fr/handbook [1078]
Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 12, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Help Requested - ACORN Net
The Army Cadet League of Ontario is investigating the establishment
of a Royal Canadian Army Cadet radio network based on Amateur Radio
technology. Dubbed 'ACORN', for 'Army Cadet Ontario Radio Network',
the aim is to support optional training and certification of Army
Cadets as licenced Amateur Radio operators throughout Ontario.
Possible pilot sites for this initiative include Dryden, Thunder Bay,
Timmins, North Bay, Stratford or London, Oakville, Cobourg, 709
Communications Unit at Fort York in Toronto and 2332 Communications
Unit in Ottawa.
Radio Amateurs of Canada has been asked to facilitate this project by
identifying Radio Amateurs who live in the pilot areas and have the
interest, time and qualifications to mentor and provide instruction
to young would-be hams, as well as to assist in setting up and
managing Amateur Radio stations. Any interested Radio Amateur
residing in a pilot area is asked to contact Rod Hardman, VE3RHF,
email address rod.hardman (at) gmail.com. Military experience would
be helpful but is not a requirement.
-- Bob Cooke, VE3BDB, RAC President
2. Decision Expected Soon on Bill 118
A decision by Ontario's Ministry of Transportation in regards to
exemptions to Bill 118 (the Bill to limit cell phone use by drivers
in moving vehicles) is expected to be announced at any time.
All Ontario Radio Amateurs who are concerned about the possibility
that Bill 118 might curtail the operation of two-way radio equipment
while driving a vehicle in Ontario are encouraged to contact their
local MPP and Transport Minister Jim Bradley. For the latest
information on Bill 118 please visit the RAC Blog site at
www.racblog.wordpress.com [1081]
-- Peter West VE3HG, RAC VP Public Relations
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. VE3HCB Silent Key
Timothy Smith, VE3HCB, EC for Cornwall ARES group since 2004, passed
away at the age of 61 at his home in Cornwall on September 3. He was
a retired Electronics Communications Instructor with Nav Canada;
Chairman of CRAG, and President of the Saint-Lawrence Valley Amateur
Radio Club.
I know that Tim Smith will be greatly missed by the ARES in Cornwall,
and his presence will be missed at our future ARES District
meetings.
-- Michael Hickey, VE3IPC, Seaway/Capital ARES District EC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Win A Free DXpedition For A Young Ham
The 6Y1V contest team is sponsoring one young ham operator (age 21 or
under) to join our team and receive an all expense paid trip to
operate in the 2009 CQWW SSB or CW contest.
To qualify, you must send an email to contest (at) 6y1v.com,
containing an essay of 500 words or more, in English, describing how
you got started in ham radio, who guided you through the process, and
tell us why you should be selected for this DX/contest opportunity at
6Y1V. Please include your full name, call sign and home address. We
are looking for a young ham, with some DX/contest experience. You
can reside in any country in the world provided you hold a valid
amateur radio license in your country.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2009. For more
information see www.6y1v.com/youth.htm [1082]
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Ontario VHF Association meeting
The Ontario VHF Association will hold its annual meeting on
Saturday, September 26, in the Seventh Semester Room (downstairs
KB135) at Humber College (North Campus), 250 Humber College Blvd., in
Etobicoke. Talk-in on 146.52 simplex. There will be guest speakers, a
"show and tell," and a mini-flea market. For more information visit
tinyurl.com/mmmnr3 (Mike Mike Mike November Romeo Three)
-- RAC Events Database
6. London Flea Market
The London Amateur Radio Club will hold its 32nd annual flea market
on Sunday, September 27, at the Western Fair Grounds, Special Events
Building, located at 900 Kings Street, 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 [241].
-- RAC Events Database
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 19, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Geoff Smith, VA3GS, re-elected Ontario South Region Director.
Following the September 1st, 2009, close of nominations for the
Ontario South Region Director position, an Election Committee was
convened, chaired by RAC Corporate Secretary Linda Friars, VE9GLF.
The committee met to open and review the sole nomination received for
the position, as required by the By-laws. There being no other
nominees, and the nomination documents found to be in order, the
committee declared the incumbent, Mr. Geoff Smith, VA3GS, elected for
another two-year term which beings January 1, 2010.
The RAC President, Board and Executive congratulate Director Smith
and thank him for continuing to volunteer his services.
-- G. Linda Friars, VE9GLF, RAC Corporate Secretary
2. RAC LF, MF, and HF Band Planning Committee
It is now official, a while ago, the RAC Board of Directors has
approved a motion to change the HF Band Planning Committee name to
LF/MF/HFBPC. This new name better reflects the range of frequencies
that the committee is responsible for.
Jim Fisher, VE1JF, the Committee Chair indicates that the work the
committee members are doing will not change much as they were already
including those bands in their ongoing reviews.
-- Daniel A. Lamoureux, VE2KA, RAC VP International Affairs
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. Ontario Simulated Emergency Test
The annual SET (Simulated Emergency Test) for 2009 will be conducted
Saturday Oct. 3rd and also on Wednesday Oct. 7th to allow for
Provincial EOC locations to take part in this important event.
Confirmation has been received from EMO Emergency Management Ontario
that the Provincial Emergency Operations Center station VE3EMO will
be activated and operational for this Province Wide exercise.
Additional details and schedule of this year's SET activity has been
made available by EMO ARES at Toronto for inclusion in future
bulletins and online sites. See www.emoares.org/set2009.html [1085]
-- Jim Taylor, VA3KU, EMO EC, via Bob Gammon, VA3RX
4. VC3COPP Commemorates 100th Anniversary of OPP
From October 2 to October 31, 2009, Special Event Station VC3COPP
will be on the air at various times, on various bands and from
several locations around Ontario. Many OPP members are Radio
Amateurs and VC3COPP will be operated by current and retired members
to mark a century of policing by the third largest deployed police
service in North America.
A collector's QSL card has been designed and will be made available
to anyone, including Short Wave Listeners, who sends a QSL or
reception report. A stamped, self-addressed envelope is required in
every case.
QSLing and other information may be found online at
www.qsl.net/ve3bdb/vc3copp.htm [1086] .
-- via Bob Cooke, VE3BDB
5. New Bulletin Stations for Lanark and Grey/Bruce
I am pleased to announce the appointment of John Boyle, VE3PMA, as
Official Bulletin Station for Lanark County. John replaces Tony
Wilson VE3XNT who is moving to a new home. I also welcome Fred Lorch,
VA3STG, as Official Bulletin Station for Grey and Bruce Counties.
Fred replaces Bob Zapf VE3RWZ who is stepping down for personal
reasons.
On behalf of RAC Ontario Section, I thank Bob and Tony for their
years of service disseminating bulletins to the amateurs of Ontario,
and I thank John and Fred for volunteering for this important job.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, Ontario Official Bulletin Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
6. MULTIPSK 4.15 released
A new version of the popular data modes software MULTIPSK has been
released which features MIL-STD-188-110A also known as STANAG 4539 or
FED-STD-1052. Download the program from web site f6cte.free.fr
-- Southgate ARC News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for September 26, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Derek Hay, VE4HAY, elected Midwest Region Director
Following the September 16th close of nominations for the vacant
Midwest Region Director position, an Election Committee was
convened, chaired by RAC Corporate Secretary Linda Friars, VE9GLF.
The committee met to open and review the sole nomination received for
the position, as required by the By-laws. There being no other
nominees, and the nomination documents found to be in order, the
committee declared Mr. Derek Hay, VE4HAY, elected to complete the
two-year term which ends December 31, 2010.
The RAC President, Board and Executive congratulate Director Hay
and thank him for volunteering his services.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. South African Ham Satellite Orbited
On September 16th, South Africa's SumbandilaSat satellite was orbited
by a Soyuz rocket. Among other equipment, the satellite carries an
Amateur Radio repeater. After SumbandilaSat is fully commissioned,
the repeater will be activated with an uplink at 145.880 MHz and a
downlink at 435.350 MHz; there will also be a voice beacon at 435.300
MHz. The transponder mode will be controlled by a CTCSS tones yet to
be announced.
-- ARRL Bulletin Service
3. More CubeSats Orbited
On September 23rd, an Indian PSLV-C14 rocket carried the Oceansat-2
satellite to orbit, along with four CubeSats. CubeSats are very small
and inexpensive research satellites, and all four of these use
amateur radio to downlink telemetry. Early reports indicate that all
of the CubeSats are active. Here are their frequencies and modes:
BEESAT, from Germany, CW beacon 436.000 MHz, data downlink 436.000,
4800/9600 bps GMSK
UWE-2, from Germany, no beacon, data downlink 437.385, 1200/9600 bps
AFSK/FSK
ITUpSAT1, from Turkey, CW beacon 437.385, data downlink 437.325,
19200 bps GFSK
SwissCube, from Switzerland, CW beacon 437.505, data downlink
437.505, 1200 bps FSK
-- ARRL Web
4. 75th Anniversary Worked All Zones Award
CQ Magazine's Worked All Zones award was introduced in 1934. In
celebration of its 75th anniversary, a special "Diamond Jubilee"
certificate will be issued to amateurs who make contacts in all 40
CQ Zones of the World between November 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010.
Certificates will be numbered but there will be no endorsements.
Confirmations will not be required. For details see the October 2009
issue of CQ, or click on the October issue on the website
www.cq-amateur-radio.com [1089]
-- CQ News Service
5. No Evidence of Risk from Mobile Radios
Responding to a query from the ARRL, the President of the U.S.
National Safety Council (NSC) has replied that they "have no evidence
that using two-way radios while driving poses significant crash
risks. Until such time as compelling, peer-reviewed scientific
research is presented that denotes significant risks associated with
the use of Amateur Radios, two-way radios or other communication
devices, the NSC does not support legislative bans or prohibition on
their use." This is in contrast to cell phones, for which there is
evidence of increased crash risk. For the full story, see
tinyurl.com/qokajc (Quebec Oscar Kilo Alpha Juliet Charlie)
-- ARRL Web
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 3, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. Bill 118 In Effect Oct. 26
Ontario's Ministry of Transportation announced today that Bill 118
is coming into effect as of Oct. 26. The new law will make it illegal
for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell
phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices.
Following a three-month period that begins October 26, where the
focus will be on educating drivers, police will start issuing tickets
on February 1, 2010.
All two-way radios in all vehicles with the exception of emergency
responding vehicles must be hands-free in three years time. At the
end of the three-year exemption, all commercial, CB and amateur radio
equipment used in moving vehicles by the vehicle operator must be
hands-free in operation.
-- RAC Blog
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Hamilton Hamfest
The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club will hold its 2009 Hamfest on
Saturday, October 17, at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Rd.,
at the southwest corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 52, about 1 mile south from
the Hwy 52 exit from the 403. Open to the public at 9 a.m.; talk-in
on VE3NCF repeater, 146.76 (-), tone 131.8. For more information
visit www.hamiltonarc.ca [405]
-- RAC Events Database
3. Midway Island DXpedition
The 2009 Expedition to Midway Island, DXCC Entity KH4, will take
place from 9 October to 19 October 2009. For more information see
www.midway2009.com [1092]
-- K4M Expedition Team
4. ARISS Contact with Cedarview School
Students attending Cedarview Middle School in Ottawa experienced an
Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact on
Thursday, September 24. Astronaut Robert Thirsk, VA3CSA answered 20
questions put to him by the students. CTV Ottawa and other local
media provided news coverage.
-- ISS Fan Club
5. Old IRCs About to Expire
If you do a lot of QSLing and regularly use International Reply
Coupons (IRCs) you should be aware that the old-style IRC -- the
Michelangelo two fingers about to touch -- was recently replaced, as
of July 1st, by a new coupon -- the Nairobi model IRC.
The old style IRC will be accepted for redemption at post offices
around the world until December 31st 2009. Anyone with a stockpile of
this older IRC version should make plans to cash them in for stamps
as soon as possible.
-- Howard Dickson, VE1DHD, via RAC News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 10, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Military Radiolocation System to Operate on 70 cm
Industry Canada has authorized the Department of National Defence to
use a digital system called Enhanced Position Location Reporting
System (EPLRS) on the 430-450 MHz band. Canadian amateurs use this
band on a no-protection, non-interference basis. The EPLRS is
similarly authorized, which means that no new restrictions will be
imposed on Canadian amateur operations in this band.
There is a slight potential for interference to amateur radio
systems, typically in the form of a minor audible clicking noise. If
you encounter such interference, please report it to RAC via email,
regulatory (at) rac (dot) ca. Please report the geographical
location, date, time, frequency and mode being used by the amateur
station, and a description of the interference.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. Jamboree-on-the-Air
October 17 and 18 will mark the 52nd worldwide Scouting Jamboree on
the Air (JOTA). Held the third full weekend in October each year,
this is the premier operating event for Amateur Radio and Scouting
around the world.
Officially designated Scout frequencies for SSB are 3.690, 3.940,
7.090, 7.190, 14.290, 18.140, 21.360, 24.960, 28.390, and 50.160 MHz.
For more information visit www.scout.org/jota [583] or
www.arrl.org/scouts/jota [1095]
-- ARRL Web
3. York Region Hamfest
The York Region Amateur Radio Club will hold its 33rd hamfest on
Saturday, October 24, at the Markham Fair Grounds, 10801 McGowan
Road, just north of Elgin Mills Road, in Markham. Open to the public
at 9 a.m.; talk-in on VE3YRA repeater, 145.350 (-). For more
information visit www.yrarc.com [1096]
-- RAC Events Database
4. Toronto Open Source Week
Toronto has prolcaimed October 24-30 as "Toronto Open Source Week."
Several events are scheduled, beginning with the Ontario Linux Fest
on Saturday October 24. For a full list of events, visit
www.opensourceweek.ca [1097]
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, OBM
5. Lambton County Club offering US Ham Exams
The Lambton County Radio Club is sponsoring an ARRL-affiliated
Volunteer Examiner team, which will be authorized to administer exams
in Canada for all three classes of U.S. Amateur Radio licences.
This is offered to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who would
like to obtain a U.S. licence without traveling across the border.
You must have a mailing address somewhere in the United States where
you can receive US domestic mail.
Exam sessions are scheduled for Saturday, December 5th, 2009 as well
as Saturday, January 23rd, March 27th and May 22nd, 2010, at the
Sarnia Police Headquarters Training Room, 555 North Christina Street
North, in Sarnia. Pre-registration is REQUIRED and absolutely NO
"walk-ins" will be accommodated. All sessions will begin promptly at
2:00 PM. For more information contact Keith Baker via email, va3ksf
(at) rac (dot) ca.
-- Keith Baker, VA3KSF, President, Lambton County Radio Club
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 17, 2009
This is V__3____, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of
Canada, with this week's bulletin
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
1. New Time For OPN
Effective Sunday, October 25, the Ontario Phone Net will move its
start time up to 16:00 hrs local time. That means 16:00 Eastern
Daylight Time for the week of October 25th, and 16:00 Eastern
Standard Time starting November 1st.
The time change is due in part to the changes in propagation with the
80m band. When the conditions change in the spring the net will
revert to its 19:00 local start up time. For more OPN information
please visit the Ontario Phone Net Blog located at
ontariophonenet.wordpress.com
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager
2. New EC For Cornwall
The Seaway District in eastern Ontario has a new Emergency
Co-ordinator for the City of Cornwall. Earle DePass, VE3IMP of St.
Andrews becomes the latest addition to the ARES team and provides an
impressive background in community services and dedicated leadership
skills in the Cornwall area.
Several Assistant EC's have been selected to help build a viable
Emergency Communications program and the Ontario ARES welcomes Earle
to this new role and wishes every success in all his future efforts
to co-ordinate this expanded ARES group.
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. 4U1UN Special Event Station
To celebrate the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations, 4U1UN
-- the Amateur Radio station at the UN -- began operating as 4U64UN
on September 22. According to The Daily DX, 4U64UN will be on the air
for 64 days on all bands and modes. QSL via Logbook of The World
(LoTW) or direct to Herbert Aeby, HB9BOU. Logs will be uploaded to
LoTW once the event is over. QSL cards will be mailed out starting in
December 2009.
-- ARRL Web
4. Nominations Open for 2009 ARRL Humanitarian Award
Nominations are open for the 2009 ARRL International Humanitarian
Award. The award is conferred upon an amateur or amateurs world-wide
who demonstrate devotion to human welfare, peace and international
understanding through Amateur Radio. Nominations and supporting
materials for the 2009 Award must be submitted in writing, in
English, to the ARRL by December 31, 2009. For details see
www.arrl.org/FandES/field/awards/humanitarian.html [1100]
-- ARRL Web
5. New Canadian Callsign Lookup Database
Dave Allen, WB0TAQ, has released a new version of his CallWin
callsign lookup program, that will look up Canadian as well as US
callsigns. Go to Dave's website, wb0taq.home.att.net, look for the
file callwinplus.zip. Download the zip file, and unzip into an
appropriately named folder on your computer. You will get three
files, callwin+.exe, autoupdate+.exe and zlibl.dll. The dll file
goes to the IC website and downloads the latest Canadian update.
The new autoupdate program has two update buttons, one for US and
one for Canadian calls. The US updates are posted each Sunday by
Dave. The Canadian updates are posted daily Monday to Friday; you
can update CallWinPlus once a week if you prefer.
The main advantage of this database is that it is resident on your
computer, so you don't need to access either RAC or QRZ for address
information. Questions may be e-mailed to me at ve3gna (at) xplornet
(dot) ca.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario STM
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 24, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Quebec Section ARES
I am pleased to announce the formation of a new ARES Group for the
Quebec Section. Under the direction of EC Mike Lachaine VE2EXB, RAC
Certified Emergency Coordinator, the group will serve municipalities
in the St. Jean Sur Richelieu region of Quebec. With the assistance
of Quebec Section Manager Gilles Lariviere VA2SGL, Mike and his group
have already met with some municipal emergency coordinators in the
area and have run some training sessions. Congratulations folks and
welcome aboard!
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC Vice President Field Services
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. New EC For Renfrew County East
The region of Renfrew County in eastern Ontario now has a new leader
to help co-ordinate the ARES. Paul Dowdall, VA3COG has accepted a two
year service appointment as Emergency Coordinator for Renfrew County
East.
With a dedicated background in law enforcement and now as community
emergency communications provider Paul is certain to build an active
ARES program in Renfrew County East and extend his leadership role as
required in the Seaway/Capital District
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario ARES SEC
3. Bill 118 Precautions
Within the next few days police in Ontario will begin to pull over
drivers they see texting or talking on cellular telephones. It is
entirely likely that some amateur radio operators, who are legally
exempt from Bill 118, will be stopped if they are seen to be
operating their mobile radio equipment.
In order to prevent any unnecessary delay, amateurs in Ontario should
consider carrying a copy of their Certificate of Proficiency plus a
copy of the exemptions section of Bill 118, which you can find
on-line at tinyurl.com/yh8ocwa (Yankee Hotel Eight Oscar Charlie
Whiskey Alpha)
-- RAC Blog
4. Grey County Simulated Emergency Test
Grey County ARES completed its 2009 S.E.T. exercise on Saturday Oct.
17th. We activated stations at four municipal EOCs: Grey County,
Owen Sound, Hanover, and Durham.
The goal of this year's exercise was to establish a communications
network without using any of the VHF repeaters. Messages were
handled on two local 2m simplex nets and an 80m HF link from south to
north. Most of the messages had to be relayed. Some had to take
three hops. This exercise did not include any out-of-county messages
to provincial nets or to provincial EMO. While all of the EOCs do
have an emergency power source, we did not use them for this test.
This was our first exercise that included our new station VA3GCO in
the Grey County Building.
Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this event. For a
more detailed report see the "Extended Bulletin Articles" at the
racaresontario.ca web page.
-- Bob Droine VE3LKD, ARES EC for Grey County
ITEMS OF INTEREST
5. ARISS Contact with Boy Scouts of Canada
On Saturday, October 3, Scouts of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario
experienced an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station
(ARISS) contact. Three hundred scouts and parents were present as
Robert Thirsk VA3CSA answered questions about life and work in space.
Thirsk turned over a few questions to Mr. Guy Laliberté, Cirque De
Soleil president and spaceflight participant. Audio was fed into the
EchoLink AMSAT and JK1ZRW servers. The ARISS contact was held in
conjunction with the Scout Science Badge Award system.
-- AMSAT News Service
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for October 31, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. GlobalSET November 14
On Saturday November 14, from 1800 to 2200 UTC, the International
Amateur Radio Union will activate "GlobalSET 2009", a Global
Simulated Emergency Test that encourages Hams to pass simulated
emergency traffic using standard National Traffic System format.
The Radio Amateurs of Canada, a member society of IARU Region 2,
encourages all Canadian Radio Amateurs having an interest in
emergency communications to participate. Rules and a list of
participating stations may be found at www.iaru-r1.org [1105]. Search
under the heading, "Emergency Communications", working group.
This is great opportunity for RAC members to observe and practice
important traffic passing skills that are so important to the
fundamentals of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. Those Amateurs
planning to participate are requested to register with the RAC Vice
President for Field Services as soon as possible by emailing
vo1dtm (at) hotmail.com .
-- Doug Mercer, VO1DTM, RAC VP Field Services
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. OPN Needs Liaison Stations
The Ontario Phone Net (OPN) needs needs volunteers to carry traffic
to and from the Second Region Net (2RN). Stations are needed to
check into 2RN at 13:45 Eastern Time on 3.925 MHz, pick up any
traffic destined for Ontario, and then check in to OPN at 16:00
Eastern to pass that traffic to the net. Stations are also needed
to pick up OPN traffic at 16:00, and pass it to 2RN at 18:30 Eastern,
again on 3.925 MHz. These are all phone nets; no CW is required. If
you can help, please email me, opnreport (at) gmail.com
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager
3. U.S. and foreign hams not exempt from Bill 118
It seems the three-year exemption from Ontario's Bill 118 granted to
amateurs applies only to operators holding radio certificates issued
under the Radiocommunications Act (Canada). This means foreign
amateurs including hams from the U.S. are not exempt from immediate
prosecution under Ontario's distracted driving legislation.
-- RAC Blog
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Winter Olympics Special Event Stations
Members of the Vancouver Olympics Amateur Radio Group will be
activating three special event stations to promote and commemorate
the Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in
February and March of 2010.
The first station, VG7V, is on the air from October 1st through
November 30th. Then Then, VG7W will be active from December 1st
January 31st. Finally, VG7G will be active from February 1st and
continuing through March 31st, 2010. Operations will be on all bands
and modes. Contacts will be posted to ARRL's Logbook of the World.
Commemorative QSLs will be available in April 2010; see qrz.com for
details.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
5. Amateur Radio Newsline on Echolink and IRLP
Thanks to Skip Hansen, WB6YMH, the weekly audio newscast from Amateur
Radio Newsline can now be heard around the clock via Echolink and
IRLP.
On EchoLink just connect to the Newsline conference, node number
6397, or dial the word "news" on the DTMF pad. On IRLP connect to
experimental node 0016 providing that access to "experimental nodes"
have been enabled by the node operator. Once you do either, the
server will play the news in 2 minute chunks with 10 second pauses
between them to reset timeout timers and give you an opportunity to
disconnect simplex nodes. Audio is stopped during the pauses so no
content is lost.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 7, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. New RAC Executive
During a RAC Board of Directors' teleconference meeting on October
29th, the following new members of the Executive were elected: Geoff
Bawden, VE4BAW as President; Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB as Secretary; and
Margaret Tidman, VA3VXN as Treasurer. They will assume their
responsibilities on January 1, 2010.
Subsequent to the October 29th meeting, the following Directors and
Officers submitted their resignations: Bob Cooke, VE3DBD, former
President, effective October 31; and Geoff Smith, VA3GS, former
Ontario South Director, and Noel Marcil, VE2BR, former Quebec
Director, both effective November 1st.
The remaining positions on the executive will be unchanged as the
current officers were acclaimed. First Vice-President Ian
MacFarquhar, VE9IM, will assume the duties of President until
December 31st, 2009.
The Board and Executive extend their thanks to Bob, Geoff, and Noel
for their past service to RAC and wish them all the very best in
their future endeavours.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
2. Canadian Experiments at 500 kHz authorized
After months of negotiations between RAC and Industry Canada over the
details of the licence applications and reporting conditions, the
first two licences granted to Canadians for experiments at 504-509
kHz in preparation for WRC-12 have been issued by Industry Canada.
Jack Leahy, VE1ZZ, has been assigned call sign VX9PSO in the
Developmental Service for his experimental transmissions. Joe Craig,
VO1NA, has been assigned call sign VX9MRC. Both of these stations
have been on the air already, with VX9PSO having been reported at
504.6 kHz and VX9MRC at 507.77 kHz. Signal reports can be addressed
to the operators at their call book addresses.
Two more authorizations, in Ontario and British Columbia, are
expected soon.
-- Richard Ferch, VE3KI, RAC VP Regulatory Affairs
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
3. 2009 OPN SET Results
On October 3rd and October 7th, Emergency Management Ontario ARES
requested that the Ontario Phone Net (OPN) be activated to provide HF
Communications Support for the Simulated Emergency Test exercise.
Here are the stats from the HF Portion of the SET.
132 Individual Stations checking in, which represented
57 Ontario Municipalities, which in turn represented
30 Local ARES Groups, which included
10 Municipal Emergency Operations Centres.
35 pieces of NTS Traffic were handled.
From our perspective given the normal poor band conditons I am
pleased with the Net's Performance during this exercise. My thanks to
all who participated.
-- Bob Sharp, VA3QV, OPN Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
4. Hit and Bounce Nets
The Hit and Bounce Net (HBN) and Hit and Bounce Slow Speed (HBSN)
nets have been in operation since 1938 and 1976 respectively. HBN
meets daily on 7042 kHz (Mon to Fri) and 7114 kHz on weekends at
8:30 am ET. HBSN is daily at 7:30 am on 3576 kHz. I recently became
the manager of HBSN and would like to garner additional support of
the net on this side of the border.
Currently we have seven stalwarts in the role of NCS, but would like
to encourage increased participation. Both nets have a role as
independent wide-area nets outside the traditional NTS format, as
their timeslots take advantage of early morning propagation to
provide coverage for traffic purposes.
Average speed on HBSN is between 10 and 13 WPM, and HBN is conducted
between 22 and 30 WPM. All traffic handlers will QRS to accomodate
anyone who requires a slower speed.
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario Section Traffic Manager
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 14, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Newest Ham Satellite is SO-67
South Africa's SumbandilaSat, the most recent amateur satellite to be
successfully launched and activated, has been designated as
SumbandilaSat-OSCAR 67, or SO-67. Former AMSAT-NA President Bill
Tynan, W3XO, is the internationally-designated OSCAR Number
Coordinator and issues numbers to amateur satellites once they are
put into service, upon request by the sponsoring organization.
-- CQ News Service
2. Female Wireless Operators During WW II
Perhaps a little known fact is that over 2000 Canadian women served
during World War 2 on Norwegian ships and that at least 22 of these
were wireless operators. The following link takes you to a page
within the RAC website, where some of their stories and brief
biographies are chronicled. It bears checking out before the records
of these gallant women are lost forever. Visit tinyurl.com/ydmbawr
(Yankee Delta Mike Bravo Alpha Whiskey Romeo)
-- Glenn Killam, VE3GNA, Ontario Section Traffic Manager
3. Ireland to Canada on 500 kHz
Finbar O'Connor, EI0CF, in County Donegal, Ireland reports that he
has had a QSO with Joe Craig, VX9MRC. Craig was on 507.77 kHz while
O'Connor was on 507.056 kHz. Signal reports were 559 for EI0CF,
and 529 for VX9MRC. The mode was CW, using straight Morse keys.
This is the first Ireland to Canada contact on the 500 kHz band.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
4. Simple Sound Card Interface
Skip KH6TY has published a simple design for interfacing sound cards
and radios. PTT is derived from the output audio, and therefore does
not need a USB port or a serial port for operation. The design is at
tinyurl.com/ydoxnvo (Yankee Delta Oscar Xray November Victor Oscar)
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Battery Tool Kit
The Battery Tool Kit Web page by John AE5X includes projects such as
a Battery Booster, a Battery Voltage Monitor for 6 V & 12 V, Battery
Chargers based on the QRPme.com PTO kit, and a Self-Powered 12V
Battery Desulfator. Visit it at www.w5usj.com/batterytoolkit.html [1110]
-- ARRL Contest Update
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for November 21, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. Beware Phony RAC E-mails
Several users of the rac.ca e-mail alias system have received e-mails
purporting to be from RAC, claiming that maintenance was to be
performed on the e-mail system, and that certain information was
to be sent by reply to the e-mail message.
This message was NOT originated by anyone at RAC. RAC does not ask
for such information as usernames and passwords in an e-mail. It can
safely be ignored. E-mails relating to the rac.ca e-mail alias
system would come from alias-help (at) aliases.rac.ca, vptas (at)
rac.ca, or other identifiable RAC e-mail address.
-- RAC Bulletin Service
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. Laurentian Net Sunday Time Change
Effective November 1st, the Sunday evening Laurentian Net begins at
6:40 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The Ontario Swap Shop follows at
7:00 p.m. This earlier time will continue until band conditions
improve. This change does not affect the rest of the week. For
Monday through Saturday the Laurentian net will start at its usual
time of 6:45 p.m.
-- Shawn Gartley, VE3PSV, Net Manager
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. WRTC Teams Announced
44 teams, representing six continents, have been selected for the
2010 World Radiosport Team Championships. The contest will take
place about 35 kilometres south of Moscow, during the IARU HF World
Championships, July 10-11, 2010. It will be held outdoors, "Field
Day-style," with competitors located in clusters in a total area
encompassing about 40×30 kilometers.
Eastern Canada will be represented by Yuri Onipko, VE3DZ, and Yury
Romanov, VE3XB, and Western Canada by Lee Sawkins, VE7CC, and Dale
Green, VE7SV.
-- ARRL Web
4. Happy Birthday AO-7
Amateur satellite AMSAT-OSCAR 7 was launched on November 15, 1974,
and is still operational after 35 years. If you have a receiver with
CW/SSB capability on 2 metres, during a pass you can hear AO-7
activity between 145.940 and 145.960 MHz. For information visit
www.planetemily.com/ao7 [1113]
-- AMSAT News Service
5. Xlog for the Visually Impaired
Damian, SP9QLO, reports that Xlog is a ham-radio logging program
which is accessible to visually-impaired hams. It is free, controls
many modern transceivers, and can be configured to work with Logbook
of the World. Xlog runs on Linux, and particularly Vinux, which has
been customized for visually-impaired users. For Xlog information
visit www.nongnu.org/xlog [1114], and for Vinux information visit
www.vinux.org.uk [1115].
-- Handi-Ham News
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 5, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
1. RAC Canada Winter Contest
In December each year, Radio Amateurs of Canada sponsors the Canada
Winter Contest. Amateurs all over the world are invited to
participate. This year's contest runs from 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC on
Saturday, December 19, CW and phone, on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6,
and 2 metres. Canadian stations send RST and province or territory.
VE0's and stations outside Canada send RST and a serial number.
Complete rules and information are available in PDF format at
tinyurl.com/ykaa7xz (Yankee Kilo Alpha Alpha Seven Xray Zulu)
-- RAC web page
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
2. New Ontario Public Service Reflector
The Province of Ontario now has a new dedicated IRLP Reflector in
operation thanks to the efforts of Russ Hemphill VE3FI and fine
technical support from Klaus Rung VE3KR and other interested persons.
This Ontario Public Service Reflector is Node 9030 with 10 channel
and very wide bandwidth capabilities The system is located in
Haliburton County and at this time is fully operational in the
primary testing stage. When completed with channel assignments the
Reflector will offer and provide a dedicated network in Ontario for
Emergency Communications for ARES and CANWARN and linking Counties
and Districts for Mutual Aid purposes.
For details visit www.ontarioreflector.ca [1118]
-- Bob Gammon, VA3RX, Ontario SEC
ITEMS OF INTEREST
3. Are You Interested in Handling Traffic?
"Radiograms" -- written messages sent by amateur radio -- are still
an important part of amateur radio public service and emergency
response. If you're interested in learning to handle message
traffic, on either SSB or CW, the ARRL has made a guide available in
PDF format, at tinyurl.com/yg4b95k (Yankee Golf Four Bravo Nine Five
Kilo).
For practice, listen or check in to the Ontario Phone Net, daily on
3.742 MHz, at 16:00 Eastern Time.
-- via Peter West, RAC Blog; and Ontario Phone Net Blog
4. Antartica Active on HF and HamSats
Bill, K7MT, is going to work at the McMurdo base (AN-011) between
Nov 15 and Feb 20, 2010. He will sign KC4USV mostly on 20m during
Sundays. Listen for him in SSB on 14243 kHz, in CW on 14043 kHz or
in PSK-31 on 14070 kHz. He plans to bring his Arrow II antenna and a
Kenwood TH-7 which he can use on amateur radio satellites. QSL via
K1IED. Visit Bill's web page at www.mt.net/~k7mt [1119]
-- AMSAT News
5. Rig Reference
www.rigreference.com [1120] provides information about amateur radio
equipment and allows and encourages members to share their opinions
about these rigs. You can find specifications for many old and new
rigs, and reviews and ratings for some popular rigs.
-- Brad Rodriguez, VE3RHJ, Official Bulletin Manager
RAC Ontario Section Bulletin for December 12, 2009
NATIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Linux Journal launches virtual ham shack
As part of their amateur radio feature edition, Linux Journal has
launched a "virtual ham shack." In addition to an online forum,
there are links to ham-radio software and articles. Visit it at
www.linuxjournal.com/ham [1123]
-- RSGB News
2. Straight Key Night on OSCAR
AMSAT is inviting hams worldwide to participate in Straight Key Night
on OSCAR 2010. Taking part fun and easy. Just operate CW through any
OSCAR satellite between 0000 and 2400 UTC on January 1st 2010, using
a straight hand key. There are no other rules, no scoring and no need
to send in a log.
All participants are encouraged to nominate someone they worked for
"Best Fist." Please send your nomination to w2rs (at) amsat.org.
-- Amateur Radio Newsline
3. Elmer Shack
Elmer Shack is a web site where you can ask and answer questions
about ham radio. Like some other web sites, it relies on users to
answer questions that are posted. Got a question? Or an answer?
Visit ask.elmershack.com.
-- via Ham Radio Daily
4. CC Cluster Software
If you're being overwhelmed by the spots from your DX Cluster
software, give VE7CC's CC Cluster a try. The program has excellent
filtering capabilities and displays extra data with the spots.
Download it at www.bcdxc.org/ve7cc/ccc/cluster.htm [1124]
-- ARRL Contest Update
5. Adjusting Your Transmit Audio
Do you have clean transmit audio? Does your voice keyer sound like
your actual voice? Eric, K3NA has published "Can You Hear Me Now -
Adjusting the Transmit Audio Chain" on the Contesting Compendium, at
tinyurl.com/ykn6pg7 (Yankee Kilo November Six Papa Golf Seven). The
article walks you through the process of doing this right, offering
tips on how to make your live and recorded audio sound both good and
the same.
-- ARRL Contest Update
Links
[1] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/559%23comment-form
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[3] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/radio-heritage
[4] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/rac-bulletins
[5] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/radio-hf-bulletin
[6] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1510%23comment-form
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[27] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1393%23comment-form
[28] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1394%23comment-form
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[88] http://www.iarums-r1.org/iarums/news2015/news1508.pdf
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[114] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1175%23comment-form
[115] http://www.radioqrv.com
[116] http://www.cdxc.org.uk
[117] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1174%23comment-form
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[119] http://www.orcadxcc.org/bcqp.html
[120] http://www.pisto.it/wordpress
[121] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1173%23comment-form
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[124] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1172%23comment-form
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[126] http://www.arrl.org/repeaters
[127] http://www.ncjweb.com
[128] http://www.m0pzt.com/?ulog
[129] http://www.qrpclub.org
[130] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1197%23comment-form
[131] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1197%23comment-form
[132] http://www.nparc.on.ca/gwen
[133] http://www.barc.ca/
[134] http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests
[135] http://www.50dollarsat.info/
[136] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1198%23comment-form
[137] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1198%23comment-form
[138] http://www.arrl.org/field-day
[139] http://www.txfactor.co.uk/
[140] http://www.wwrof.org/category/webinar-archive
[141] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1199%23comment-form
[142] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1199%23comment-form
[143] http://www.qsomap.org/
[144] http://www.planetary.org/bennu
[145] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1200%23comment-form
[146] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1200%23comment-form
[147] http://www.hflink.com/
[148] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1201%23comment-form
[149] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1201%23comment-form
[150] http://www.ham-ex.ca/
[151] http://www.nasa.gov/station
[152] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1202%23comment-form
[153] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1202%23comment-form
[154] http://www.farweb.org/
[155] http://www.amsat.org/
[156] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1203%23comment-form
[157] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1203%23comment-form
[158] http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca/
[159] http://www.preparednesssummit.org/ham-radio
[160] http://www.facebook.com/Hamtvproject
[161] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1204%23comment-form
[162] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1204%23comment-form
[163] http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/k1ttt
[164] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1205%23comment-form
[165] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1205%23comment-form
[166] http://www.marc.qc.ca
[167] http://www.va3cco.com/oqp
[168] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1211%23comment-form
[169] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1211%23comment-form
[170] http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
[171] http://www.durhamregionhamfest.com
[172] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/nbarc
[173] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1212%23comment-form
[174] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1212%23comment-form
[175] http://www.va3cco.com/oqp/rules.htm
[176] http://www.gb4imd.com
[177] http://www.cq-datv.mobi
[178] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1213%23comment-form
[179] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1213%23comment-form
[180] http://www.arnewsline.org/yhoty
[181] http://www.radio-amateur-events.org
[182] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1214%23comment-form
[183] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1214%23comment-form
[184] http://tinyurl.com/plyx3ks
[185] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1219%23comment-form
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[187] http://www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/english/beprepared/beprepared.html
[188] http://www.edx.org
[189] http://bit.ly/lxfintro
[190] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1220%23comment-form
[191] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1220%23comment-form
[192] http://www.amsat.org
[193] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1221%23comment-form
[194] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1221%23comment-form
[195] http://www.hamfest.on.ca
[196] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1222%23comment-form
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[198] http://www.marc.on.ca
[199] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1232%23comment-form
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[201] http://www.spacecollege.org/isee3
[202] http://www.arrl.org/public-service-announcements
[203] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1233%23comment-form
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[207] http://www.brendanquest.org
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[210] http://www.rac.ca
[211] http://wp.rac.ca
[212] http://www.baofengradio.com
[213] http://www.reactintl.org
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[216] http://www.ontariohamfest.ca
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[221] http://www.naqcc.info
[222] http://www.amsat-uk.org
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[226] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1248%23comment-form
[227] http://www.futurelearn.com/courses/electrify
[228] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1249%23comment-form
[229] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1249%23comment-form
[230] http://www.illw.net
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[235] http://www.oarc.net/fleamarket
[236] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1253%23comment-form
[237] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1253%23comment-form
[238] http://www.vhara.ca
[239] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1254%23comment-form
[240] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1254%23comment-form
[241] http://www.larc.ca
[242] http://www.oo4clm.be
[243] http://www.arrl.org/logs-received
[244] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1255%23comment-form
[245] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1255%23comment-form
[246] http://www.morsetelegraphclub.org
[247] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1368%23comment-form
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[276] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1382%23comment-form
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[278] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1383%23comment-form
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[280] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1000%23comment-form
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[284] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1012%23comment-form
[285] http://www.nparc.on.ca/content/bigevent
[286] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1046%23comment-form
[287] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1046%23comment-form
[288] http://www.radio-1.ca
[289] http://www.hamvention.org/awards.php
[290] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1047%23comment-form
[291] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1047%23comment-form
[292] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1048%23comment-form
[293] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1048%23comment-form
[294] http://www.barc.ca
[295] http://www.garec2013.ch
[296] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1049%23comment-form
[297] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1049%23comment-form
[298] http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2012
[299] http://www.arrl.org/fieldday
[300] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1050%23comment-form
[301] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1050%23comment-form
[302] http://www.noiseblankers.com/hijinks
[303] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1051%23comment-form
[304] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1051%23comment-form
[305] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1052%23comment-form
[306] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1052%23comment-form
[307] http://www.Halifax-arc.org;
[308] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1053%23comment-form
[309] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1053%23comment-form
[310] http://www.ham-ex.ca
[311] http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca
[312] http://www.farweb.org
[313] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1054%23comment-form
[314] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1054%23comment-form
[315] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1056%23comment-form
[316] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1056%23comment-form
[317] mailto:va3nc@rac.ca
[318] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1061%23comment-form
[319] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1061%23comment-form
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[326] http://www.va3cta.net/get-a-licence
[327] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1068%23comment-form
[328] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1068%23comment-form
[329] http://www.3830scores.com
[330] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1069%23comment-form
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[332] http://www.opensat.cc
[333] http://www.foxtrot100.info
[334] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1070%23comment-form
[335] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1070%23comment-form
[336] http://www.Halifax-arc.org
[337] http://www.nj2bb.org/museum
[338] http://www.sskeewatin.com
[339] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1071%23comment-form
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[345] http://www.heathkit.com/survey
[346] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1113%23comment-form
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[348] http://www.iaru.org/news--events.html
[349] http://www.makerfairewaterloo.com/
[350] http://www.shortwavearchive.com/
[351] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1112%23comment-form
[352] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1112%23comment-form
[353] http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests/
[354] http://www.youtube.com
[355] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1111%23comment-form
[356] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1111%23comment-form
[357] http://www.voaradiogram.net
[358] http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world
[359] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1110%23comment-form
[360] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/1110%23comment-form
[361] mailto:va3wxa%40gmail.com
[362] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1109%23comment-form
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[373] http://www.illw.net/
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[375] http://www.k9ya.org/
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[383] http://www.mm-open.org
[384] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1103%23comment-form
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[386] http://www.wrtc2014.org
[387] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1102%23comment-form
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[390] http://www.miklor.com/
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[395] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1117%23comment-form
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[397] http://www.larc.ca/
[398] http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/hijuno
[399] http://www.w0cxx.org/
[400] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1139%23comment-form
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[409] http://www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award
[410] http://www.arrl.org/jamboree-on-the-air-jota
[411] http://www.spaceconcordia.ca/
[412] http://www.qscope.org/
[413] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1142%23comment-form
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[419] http://www.oq4clm.be
[420] http://www.arrl.org/centennial-qso-party
[421] http://www.dspguide.com
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[423] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1144%23comment-form
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[433] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1154%23comment-form
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[435] http://www.orcadxcc.org/vancouver2014/home.html
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[449] http://www.satmagazine.com/download.php
[450] http://www.eurobureauqsl.org/newsletter
[451] http://www.arrl.org/this-month-in-qst
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[465] http://www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent
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[469] mailto:vo1prb@rac.ca
[470] http://www.emcomm.org/thc/scoreboard.htm
[471] http://www.contestuniversity.com
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[481] http://www.lcarc.ca
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[494] http://www.2o12L.com
[495] http://www.2o12W.com
[496] http://www.lwca.org
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[498] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/825%23comment-form
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[500] http://www.gb100mgy-fortperchrock.co.uk
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[507] http://www.ve2cbs.qc.ca
[508] http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
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[512] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/846%23comment-form
[513] http://www.arrl.org/bailing-out-a-radio-club
[514] http://www.rsgb.org/posters
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[521] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2012/26
[522] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/862%23comment-form
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[524] http://www.kd2sl.com
[525] http://www.amsatnet.com/fd2012.pdf
[526] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/863%23comment-form
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[535] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/923%23comment-form
[536] http://www.arrl.org/iaru-hf-championship
[537] http://www.wrth.com
[538] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/924%23comment-form
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[543] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/926%23comment-form
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[545] http://www.repeaterbook.com
[546] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/927%23comment-form
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[555] http://www.ontarioswapshop.com
[556] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/939%23comment-form
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[558] http://www.cwops.org/cwopen.html
[559] http://www.va3cta.net
[560] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/938%23comment-form
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[564] http://www.tfmcs.org
[565] http://www.b4h.net
[566] http://www.arrl.org/lightning-protection
[567] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/956%23comment-form
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[570] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/957%23comment-form
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[573] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/958%23comment-form
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[575] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-170925462
[576] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/959%23comment-form
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[578] http://www.hamiltonarc.ca/activities/harc-hamfest/
[579] http://www.solarcycle24.org
[580] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/960%23comment-form
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[582] http://www.scouting.org/jota
[583] http://www.scout.org/jota
[584] http://www.ve2clm.ca
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[587] http://www.haminfobar.co.uk
[588] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/962%23comment-form
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[590] http://www.30mdg.net/news.html
[591] http://www.yrarc.ca
[592] http://www.accessibleemergencyinfo.com
[593] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/1001%23comment-form
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[615] http://www.freedv.org
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[922] http://www.echolink.org/support.htm
[923] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/466%23comment-form
[924] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/466%23comment-form
[925] http://www.bonaire2010.com
[926] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/468%23comment-form
[927] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/468%23comment-form
[928] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/473%23comment-form
[929] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/473%23comment-form
[930] http://www.g3cwv.co.uk/
[931] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/486%23comment-form
[932] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/486%23comment-form
[933] http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/strategic-future/survey/
[934] http://www.ve2clm.ca/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=120
[935] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/487%23comment-form
[936] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/487%23comment-form
[937] http://www.cy0dxpedition.com/
[938] http://www.yrarc.on.ca/hamfest.shtml
[939] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/488%23comment-form
[940] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/488%23comment-form
[941] http://www.iaru-r2.org
[942] http://www.arrl.org/sweepstakes
[943] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/558%23comment-form
[944] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/558%23comment-form
[945] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/27
[946] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/30
[947] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/557%23comment-form
[948] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/557%23comment-form
[949] http://www.emoares.org
[950] http://www.arlhs.com
[951] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/556%23comment-form
[952] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/556%23comment-form
[953] http://www.contestclubfinland.com
[954] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/555%23comment-form
[955] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/555%23comment-form
[956] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/554%23comment-form
[957] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/554%23comment-form
[958] http://www.sunjournal.com/city/story/948273
[959] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/573%23comment-form
[960] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/573%23comment-form
[961] http://www.rac.ca/tca/tca_authors_guide.htm
[962] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/574%23comment-form
[963] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/574%23comment-form
[964] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2010/39
[965] http://www.arrl.org/straight-key-night
[966] http://www.arrl.org/kids-day
[967] http://www.dx-code.org
[968] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/576%23comment-form
[969] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/576%23comment-form
[970] http://www.emcomm.org/em
[971] http://www.g0kya.blogspot.com
[972] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/351%23comment-form
[973] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/351%23comment-form
[974] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/radio/hf
[975] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/489%23comment-form
[976] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/489%23comment-form
[977] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/sites/default/files/RadioHFChristmas2010flyer.pdf
[978] http://www.radiohf.ca
[979] https://www.ciinet.org:83/horde/imp/message.php?mailbox=INBOX&index=71#
[980] http://www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp
[981] http://www.radioheritage.net
[982] mailto:info@radioheritage.net
[983] http://www.radioheritage.net.....supporter
[984] https://www.ciinet.org:83/horde/imp/message.php?mailbox=INBOX&index=47#
[985] http://www.radioheritage.net....one
[986] http://www.radioheritage.net....and
[987] http://www.rnzi.com
[988] http://www.wpfd2010.org...media
[989] http://www.starbulletin.com
[990] http://www.radioheritage.net/BRR_intro.asp
[991] http://www.laradio.com
[992] http://www.radioheritage.net/Roll.asp
[993] http://www.radioheritage.net/Supporter.asp
[994] https://www.ciinet.org:83/horde/imp/message.php?mailbox=INBOX&index=82#
[995] http://www.radioheritage.net/story173.asp
[996] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/448%23comment-form
[997] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/448%23comment-form
[998] mailto:info@radiohf.ca
[999] mailto:hfnewsletter@yahoo.com
[1000] http://www.anarc.org/cidx/radiohf/index.html
[1001] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hfnewsletter/
[1002] http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
[1003] http://www.vfw.org/index.cfm?fa=cmty.leveld&did=2486
[1004] http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=icc_about
[1005] http://onehitwondercentral.com/
[1006] http://graphics.stanford.edu/~dk/google_name_origin.html
[1007] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September
[1008] http://espanol.ucanr.org/Calendario/September_2010.htm
[1009] http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=106&encProdID=33C814E3D04C92310507ECDE68CC3C01&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
[1010] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/np.html
[1011] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal
[1012] http://www.nepalgov.gov.np/
[1013] http://welcomenepal.com/promotional/
[1014] http://radiostationworld.com/Locations/Nepal/
[1015] http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/nepal.htm
[1016] http://www.oldradios.co.nz/
[1017] http://www.aa5tb.com/recordings.html
[1018] http://handiham.org/
[1019] http://hfsurfing.blogspot.com/
[1020] http://i-cart.net/
[1021] http://www.gmdss.com.au/index.html
[1022] http://uvb-76.blogspot.com/
[1023] http://www.spokenword.org/program/1174008
[1024] http://www.handiham.org/node/883
[1025] http://www.berniejtaupin.com/arr.bt
[1026] http://www.ldgelectronics.com/
[1027] http://www.newsvine.com/
[1028] http://www.oddiooverplay.com/
[1029] http://expeditiontitanic.com/
[1030] http://jproc.ca/rrp/rrp3/cp140.html
[1031] http://www.pwsrcac.org/
[1032] http://www.circac.org/
[1033] http://www.naturenorth.com/spring/creature/garter/Narcisse_Snake_Dens.html
[1034] http://www.radiohf.ca/publications.htm
[1035] http://www.whalesinspace.com/
[1036] http://www.weirdnodd.com/
[1037] mailto:fleamarket@oarc.net
[1038] mailto:ve3odr@sympatico.ca
[1039] http://www.barriearc.com/Hamfest/hamfest.htm
[1040] mailto:va7aa@shaw.ca
[1041] http://www.ve7na.ca/
[1042] mailto:ve2cwi@rac.ca
[1043] mailto:ve2klf@rac.ca
[1044] http://www.wiarc.ca/
[1045] mailto:olaperle@dr.cgocable.ca
[1046] http://www.raqi.ca/ve2crd/hamfest/index.html
[1047] mailto:LARChamfest@gmail.com
[1048] http://www.larc.ca/flea_current.pdf
[1049] mailto:ve1cfy@rac.ca
[1050] mailto:ve1ama@rac.ca
[1051] mailto:ve1cfy@gmail.com
[1052] http://greenwoodarc.org/
[1053] mailto:ve6afo@cia.com
[1054] http://saralink.ca/
[1055] mailto:lboulard@persona.ca
[1056] http://www.ve3srg.com/
[1057] mailto:ve3qee@hamiltonarc.ca
[1058] http://www.hamiltonarc.ca/
[1059] mailto:dmaguire@mts.net
[1060] http://www.mts.net/~warc/
[1061] mailto:ve2edf@videotron.ca
[1062] mailto:cidxclub@yahoo.com
[1063] http://www.cidx.ca/
[1064] http://www.primetimeshortwave.com/
[1065] http://www.ckut.ca/
[1066] mailto:radioreport@yahoo.com
[1067] http://www.rcinet.ca/english/schedule/
[1068] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/203%23comment-form
[1069] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/203%23comment-form
[1070] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/newsletter/nbarc-community-events
[1071] mailto:VE3NBC@rac.ca
[1072] mailto:nbarc@ontera.net
[1073] http://ciinet.org/nbarc
[1074] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NBARC
[1075] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/208%23comment-form
[1076] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/208%23comment-form
[1077] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2009/21/
[1078] http://www.onlineradio.fr/handbook
[1079] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/209%23comment-form
[1080] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/209%23comment-form
[1081] http://www.racblog.wordpress.com
[1082] http://www.6y1v.com/youth.htm
[1083] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/213%23comment-form
[1084] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/213%23comment-form
[1085] http://www.emoares.org/set2009.html
[1086] http://www.qsl.net/ve3bdb/vc3copp.htm
[1087] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/214%23comment-form
[1088] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/214%23comment-form
[1089] http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com
[1090] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/216%23comment-form
[1091] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/216%23comment-form
[1092] http://www.midway2009.com
[1093] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/220%23comment-form
[1094] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/220%23comment-form
[1095] http://www.arrl.org/scouts/jota
[1096] http://www.yrarc.com
[1097] http://www.opensourceweek.ca
[1098] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/238%23comment-form
[1099] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/238%23comment-form
[1100] http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/awards/humanitarian.html
[1101] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/239%23comment-form
[1102] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/239%23comment-form
[1103] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/244%23comment-form
[1104] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/244%23comment-form
[1105] http://www.iaru-r1.org
[1106] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/248%23comment-form
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[1110] http://www.w5usj.com/batterytoolkit.html
[1111] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/260%23comment-form
[1112] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/260%23comment-form
[1113] http://www.planetemily.com/ao7
[1114] http://www.nongnu.org/xlog
[1115] http://www.vinux.org.uk
[1116] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/269%23comment-form
[1117] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/269%23comment-form
[1118] http://www.ontarioreflector.ca
[1119] http://www.mt.net/~k7mt
[1120] http://www.rigreference.com
[1121] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/277%23comment-form
[1122] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/277%23comment-form
[1123] http://www.linuxjournal.com/ham
[1124] http://www.bcdxc.org/ve7cc/ccc/cluster.htm