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 [9].
-- via RAC Blog
3. Introduction to CW NTS Operations
The web page www.temples.com/node/2675 [10] 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 [11]. 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 [14]
-- 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 [17]. 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 [18]
-- 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 [21].
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 [22]
-- 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 [25]
-- 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 [26].
-- 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 [27]
-- 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 [30]
-- 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 [33].
-- 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 [34].
-- 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 [39]
-- 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 [40]
-- 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 [43]
-- 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 [44] 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 [47].
-- 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 [48]. 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 [51]. 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 [54]
-- 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 [55].
-- 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 [56]; for more about ARISSat-1
visit www.arissat1.org [34].
-- 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 [57]
-- 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 [58]
-- 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 [63]
-- 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 [66]
-- 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 [67]
-- 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 [68]
-- 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 [71]
-- 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 [72], 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 [75]
-- 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 [76] 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 [81]
-- Radio World Online
4. Grounding Information
Here are two web pages with information about effective antenna
grounding. www.maplenet-inc.com/grounding [82] 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 [83]
-- 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 [86]
-- 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 [87]
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 [94]
-- 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 [95]
-- 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 [98]
-- 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 [99] 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 [102], 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 [30].
-- 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 [105] 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 [106]. 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 [107].
-- 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 [112] 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 [113].
-- 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 [116] 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 [117]
-- 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 [118]
-- 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 [119]
-- 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 [34]
-- 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 [122].
-- 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 [123]. 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 [126]
-- 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 [118].
-- 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 [127]
-- 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 [130].
-- 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 [133].
-- 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 [134]. This
includes all logs submitted via the www.b4h.net [135] 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 [136], 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 [139]
-- 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 [140]
-- 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 [141]
-- 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 [144], for new listings. The
old web page, www.ontarioswapshop.com [130], 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 [145]
-- 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 [146] . 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 [149]
-- 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 [150].
-- 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 [151].
-- 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 [149] 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 [158]
-- 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 [159]
-- 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 [162]
-- 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 [165]
-- 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 [168]
-- 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 [169]
-- 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 [172]
-- 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 [173].
-- 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 [174].
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 [174]
-- 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 [185].
-- 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 [188]. 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 [193], 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 [194].
-- 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 [195]
-- 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 [198]
-- 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
Links
[1] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/571%23comment-form
[2] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/571%23comment-form
[3] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/nbarc
[4] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/radio-heritage
[5] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/rac-bulletins
[6] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/category/info/radio-hf-bulletin
[7] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/577%23comment-form
[8] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/577%23comment-form
[9] http://www.spar-hams.org
[10] http://www.temples.com/node/2675
[11] http://www.naqcc.info/newsletter_current.html
[12] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/594%23comment-form
[13] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/594%23comment-form
[14] http://www.lara.hamgate.net
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[17] http://www.radio-1.ca
[18] http://www.nparc.on.ca/bigevent
[19] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/592%23comment-form
[20] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/592%23comment-form
[21] http://www.farweb.org
[22] http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/winter_rules.htm
[23] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/591%23comment-form
[24] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/591%23comment-form
[25] http://www.rac.ca/en/members/myprofile
[26] http://www.qrz.com/db/VA3ZFQ
[27] http://www.icom.co.jp/world/notice
[28] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/602%23comment-form
[29] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/602%23comment-form
[30] http://www.barc.ca
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[32] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/601%23comment-form
[33] http://www.yara.ca
[34] http://www.arissat1.org
[35] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/600%23comment-form
[36] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/600%23comment-form
[37] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/613%23comment-form
[38] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/613%23comment-form
[39] http://www.whitestarballoon.com
[40] http://www.carlfretwell.com/satellites
[41] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/614%23comment-form
[42] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/614%23comment-form
[43] http://www.ham-ex.ca
[44] http://www.google.com/events/sciencefair
[45] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/619%23comment-form
[46] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/619%23comment-form
[47] http://www.commacademy.org
[48] http://www.rac.ca/en/rac/programmes/contests
[49] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/628%23comment-form
[50] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/628%23comment-form
[51] http://www.iaru.org/contest.html
[52] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/629%23comment-form
[53] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/629%23comment-form
[54] http://blog.rac.ca
[55] http://www.oscarc.com/?p=814
[56] http://www.yurisnight.net
[57] http://www.va3cco.com/oqp
[58] http://www.tf.nist.gov/survey
[59] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/631%23comment-form
[60] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/631%23comment-form
[61] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/637%23comment-form
[62] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/637%23comment-form
[63] http://www.rac.ca/en/news/bulletins/2011/8
[64] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/641%23comment-form
[65] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/641%23comment-form
[66] http://www.gb4imd.org.uk
[67] http://www.craq.qc.ca
[68] http://www.arrl.org/winners
[69] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/647%23comment-form
[70] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/647%23comment-form
[71] http://www.emergencycom.ca
[72] http://www.projectbluehorizon.com
[73] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/648%23comment-form
[74] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/648%23comment-form
[75] http://www.cfra.com/?nid=78953
[76] http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator
[77] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/655%23comment-form
[78] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/655%23comment-form
[79] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/669%23comment-form
[80] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/669%23comment-form
[81] http://www.twit.tv
[82] http://www.maplenet-inc.com/grounding
[83] http://www.w8ji.com/ground_systems.htm
[84] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/668%23comment-form
[85] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/668%23comment-form
[86] http://www.hamfest.on.ca
[87] http://www.marc.on.ca
[88] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/671%23comment-form
[89] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/671%23comment-form
[90] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/670%23comment-form
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[94] http://www.maarc.ca
[95] http://www.time.gov/widget.html
[96] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/689%23comment-form
[97] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/689%23comment-form
[98] http://www.nparc.on.ca
[99] http://www.qsl.net/na128cg
[100] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/690%23comment-form
[101] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/690%23comment-form
[102] http://www.mts.net/~warc
[103] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/691%23comment-form
[104] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/691%23comment-form
[105] http://www.sonra.ca
[106] http://www.b4h.net/cabforms
[107] http://www.radiomarine.org
[108] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/692%23comment-form
[109] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/692%23comment-form
[110] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/701%23comment-form
[111] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/701%23comment-form
[112] http://www.hwn.org
[113] http://www.hflink.net
[114] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/702%23comment-form
[115] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/702%23comment-form
[116] http://www.sonra.ca/racagmwebinar.php
[117] http://www.rsgbcc.org
[118] http://www.amsat.org
[119] http://www.halifax-arc.org
[120] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/703%23comment-form
[121] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/703%23comment-form
[122] http://www.cwops.org
[123] http://www.arrl.org/forums
[124] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/704%23comment-form
[125] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/704%23comment-form
[126] http://www.ve3ba.com
[127] http://www.illw.net
[128] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/708%23comment-form
[129] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/708%23comment-form
[130] http://www.ontarioswapshop.com
[131] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/709%23comment-form
[132] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/709%23comment-form
[133] http://www.emcommeast.org
[134] http://www.arrl.org/logs-received
[135] http://www.b4h.net
[136] http://www.heathkit.com
[137] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/707%23comment-form
[138] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/707%23comment-form
[139] http://www.oarc.net
[140] http://www.orilliaarc.ca
[141] http://www.nf4l.com/dl/texter.htm
[142] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/713%23comment-form
[143] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/713%23comment-form
[144] http://www.kwarc.org/swapshop
[145] http://www.tfmcs.com
[146] http://www.handiham.org/node/1189
[147] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/714%23comment-form
[148] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/714%23comment-form
[149] http://www.emoares.org/set2011
[150] http://www.ve3srg.com
[151] http://www.larc.ca
[152] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/715%23comment-form
[153] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/715%23comment-form
[154] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/727%23comment-form
[155] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/727%23comment-form
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[157] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/728%23comment-form
[158] http://www.hamiltonarc.ca
[159] http://www.arrl.org/international-humanitarian-award
[160] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/729%23comment-form
[161] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/729%23comment-form
[162] http://www.rac.ca/insurance2012
[163] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/730%23comment-form
[164] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/730%23comment-form
[165] http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/rf-technology-design
[166] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/731%23comment-form
[167] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/731%23comment-form
[168] http://www.yrarc.on.ca
[169] http://www.qrz.com/db/va3xpr
[170] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/732%23comment-form
[171] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/732%23comment-form
[172] http://www.almontearclub.ca
[173] http://www.ve3kbr.com
[174] http://www.qsl.net/rast
[175] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/746%23comment-form
[176] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/746%23comment-form
[177] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/745%23comment-form
[178] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/745%23comment-form
[179] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/750%23comment-form
[180] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/750%23comment-form
[181] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/764%23comment-form
[182] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/764%23comment-form
[183] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/765%23comment-form
[184] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/765%23comment-form
[185] http://www.openqrp.org
[186] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/766%23comment-form
[187] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/766%23comment-form
[188] http://www.rac.ca
[189] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/767%23comment-form
[190] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/767%23comment-form
[191] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/785%23comment-form
[192] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/785%23comment-form
[193] http://www.machamradio.com
[194] http://www.nh6z.net
[195] http://www.archive.org/details/73-magazine
[196] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/login?destination=comment/reply/786%23comment-form
[197] http://www.ve3nbc.ca/user/register?destination=comment/reply/786%23comment-form
[198] http://www.arrl.org/diy