Special Prefixes to Celebrate Opening of the New Canadian War Museum and VE Day + 60 (Mar. 31 2005)
The year 2005 has been declared The Year of the Veteran by the Canadian government in recognition and commemoration of the determination, service and sacrifice of Canada's WW II veterans. Canadian radio amateurs are authorized to use the following special event prefixes during the period 1 May to 31 May, 2005 inclusive: CF for VA stations
(Jim Dean, VE3IQ Vice President Regulatory Affairs Radio Amateurs of Canada)
Industry Canada gives approval to more Canadian amateurs to use special callsigns (Apr. 14 2005) Mr. Ken Whalen, Mount Pearl, NL,
on behalf of the Admiralty House Museum and Archives, has been granted
Special Event Callsigns to commemorate Alcock and Brown’s Transatlantic
flight as well as the broadcast station VONF.
Mr. William Metcalf Beaumont, AB
has been granted authority to use the special call sign VC6X to commemorate
the Alberta Centennial Year. This authority is valid from May 15th
until June 15th,
Mr. Gordon R. Kosmenko, Sherwood Park, AB has been granted authority to use the special call sign VC6R to commemorate the Alberta Centennial Year. This authority is valid from May 27th until June 27th, 2005. Mr. Douglas Pichette, Penticton, BC has been granted authority to use the special call sign VA7YVET to commemorate the “Year of the Vet.” This authority is valid from June 4th 2005, until July 4th , 2005. Mr. Igor Slakva, Etobicoke, On has been granted a Special Event Callsign VB3M to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Commission. The authority is valid from July 1st 2005, until July 31st, 2005. (RAC News Service)
Camp X On the Air Again! (May 28-29, 2005)
Camp-X tours We will be touring Camp-X one day per month starting in April and I can tell you that based on last year's comments, it's a real treat. No charge as this is a public service venture designed to teach our youth about the rich contribution made by our Canadian heroes of World War II. Children under the age of 16 will either require written consent from their parents, or be accompanied by an adult. I'm looking at Saturday, April 23rd at 12:00 noon and Sunday May 8th at 12:00 noon. May 8th is particularly important as it is the sixtieth anniversary of VE Day. We'll take a walking tour of Camp-X and I'll point out where the buildings were, what they were used for, where certain historical events took place, where the deaths occurred, where the agents trained, etc. I hope to see you at Intrepid Park at 12:00 noon. Additional dates:
Please sign up now for this year's Camp-X tours: http://webhome.idirect.com/~lhodgson/camp-x.htm Feature article: Forgotten Truths About Camp X Website links to Camp X info: http://www.campxhistoricalsociety.ca/ http://www.osha.igs.net/~lsolomon/nsarc/campx_main.htm
With only a wireless receiver on board, they could hear other vessels calling for assistance but they could not send messages, for they had no transmitter. (Incidentally, there is similar story which affected another very competent sailor, the now world famous weather forecaster, Herb Hilgenberg.) In both cases the sailors had no means of communicating their situation to the various search and rescue facilities available. It was some time in 1990 that a telephone call by the now “safe and sound” crew was made to Charles. The caller advised him that he and his friends would never ever go to sea again without a single side band transceiver on their vessels. His question was simply “How do we go about getting our Amateur Radio Certification?” Charles met with them at the Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club to discuss their concerns. The discussion, along with a little support from a local brew, led Charles to accept the challenge to teach them. There were some eight or nine male and female sailors in that first class. They came to Charles and Dianne's home each Monday night for a period of some six months. All passed the Basic Exam and Morse Code Test to receive their Certification in Amateur Radio. Since then, over three hundred and fifty men and women, all sailors, have taken the vital and interesting step of gaining their certification. The teaching process has changed from the weekly, home program at 3 Baker to more of an open university system. The change came about to meet the needs of members of the sailing community who come from all over Ontario as far north as Blind River and from outside the province as far east as Newfoundland. The flow of students requesting the opportunity to get ham licenses continues at a steady pace. Herb Hilgenberg was once asked, “How many live do you think you have saved?” He answered, “I gave up counting at twenty five." To date, of the three hundred or more sailors that have taken the ham radio study course through M.A.R.C., NOT ONE has lost his or her life at sea. VE3CFL, is President and Founder of the Toronto Marine Amateur Radio Club (M.A.R.C.). He has his Basic, Morse and Advanced Certification with the Department of Communication, Government of Canada. He is also an Accredited Examiner for all stages of the Certificate of Proficiency in Amateur Radio. From 1941, he served with the Royal Corps of Signals in several spheres through the '39-'45 War. Charles has an engineering background that is complemented by executive marketing experience. He is married to Dianne Leggatt, who is also a ham. His interest in sailing has covered many years. For the work in the field of "Safety at Sea through Wireless Communication", Charles was recognized as Sailor of the Year 2001 by The Spring Thaw Luncheon. That same year this work brought him recognition from Radio Amateurs of Canada; the group named him as Radio Amateur of the Year 2001. He received the Marconi Award from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for his work in organizing the communication for the 1997 Flotilla, a fleet of seventy-four vessels that sailed to Newfoundland from Toronto in commemoration of the arrival of John Cabot to the shores of Newfoundland five hundred years earlier in 1497. VA3DDL, is Vice President and Founder of Toronto Marine Amateur Radio Club. She has her Basic and Morse Certification. She has been intimately involved with and supported the organization of M.A.R.C. since it's inception in the early 1990's. She is the power behind the scenes with her skills in computer technology and photography. Over the years, Dianne and Charles have opened their home to the many sailors who have pursued their certification in ham radio. Dianne plans to get her Advanced Certification so that she, too, may become an Accredited Examiner. For more information visit:www.tormarc.com
Eleven New Hams Join the Radio Amateur Ranks The 2005 Basic Amateur Radio class conducted by the Halifax Amateur Radio Club has seen eleven of its members successfully pass the 2005 Basic Amateur Radio examination this year. Joining the Halifax Ham community are:
*** Terry makes twelve. Terry contacted the course organizers after the course was well underway and so was too late to register for the 2004/2005 course. However, eager to get his license this year, he bought the Study Guide and did the work on his own, successfully passing the Basic exam this winter. So, a special CONGRATULATIONS to Terry.
When you hear these folks on the air, please congratulates them and involve them in your on-air discussions. We hope that they will all now want to become full members of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club and that they will take an active role in all of our Club's upcoming activities, starting with the Down East Flea Market and Field Day this June. The following will give you a sense of the diverse backgrounds of these individuals and some of the reasons why they got interested in Ham radio. Lorne is a Spectrum Management Officer with Industry Canada, working out of both Sidney and Halifax. Lorne's interest in Amateur Radio was clearly driven by his new job with Industry Canada. Andrew is a computer programmer and he studied digital electronics in collage. Andrew is interested in CW and has written software to assist with learning Morse Code. Wes is an insulator mechanic and a member of the Halifax Ground Search and Rescue Group. Wes became interested in Amateur Radio because so many of the GS&R team members are Hams, and so much of their communication is carried out on the Amateur bands. Jason Humphrey is an electronics technologist working with a company at Shearwater. Jason is also in the military reserves. His interest in public service and communication in general brought him to the course this year. Jason also recently completed his CW exam. Nicole King is the youngest member of the 2005 class. Nicole is in grade eleven and took the course out of interest in Amateur Radio that she has had since childhood. Her dad is Wayne King - VE1NR. Jerry is a freelance journalist and editor. Jerry is also a sailor and was introduced to Amateur Radio when the Canadian Power Squadron Off-shore Sailing class visited the Halifax Amateur Radio Club Station last year to learn about operating marine mobile HF on the Amateur Radio bands. Frank is an avionics technician and was convinced by a friend to get involved in Amateur Radio. It is the communication aspect of the hobby that appeals to Frank. Khaleel works for a local company in the information technology field. Khaleel's interest in public service and making new friends brought him to Amateur Radio. Ken is a retired maintenance engineer, radio operator and radio navigator with thirteen years service in the R.C.N., Air Traffic Control and Marine Communications with the D.O.T. Ken is interested in using Amateur Radio in Search and Rescue and in general communication with other Hams around the world. Ken has also successfully completed his CW course and literally "blew the Examiner out of the water" with the speed that he could send with his 'straight key'. Ralph is an optometrist practising in Dartmouth. A dentist neighbour of Ralph's took the course recently and convinced him to sign up this year. Ralph has had a long-standing interest in Amateur Radio but had never made the time or commitment to get formally involved. Bob is a Canadian Forces Air Navigator and a sailor. Although his technical background is a natural for Amateur Radio, it was his desire to get his sailboat equipped with Amateur Radio HF gear that brought him into the course this year.
Five New Fredericton Hams Get Callsigns Congratulations to the following members of the Fredericton Amateur Radio Club who have just received their callsigns: Tony Brayall VE9TB Charles Nickerson VE9CN David Nickerson VE9DCN Jim Ingraham VE9JI Colin Ingalls VE9CJI If you hear any of these fellows on the air please say "Hello" and welcome them into the Ham fraternity. Our Youngest New Ham Congratulations to Caleb Crain who successfully challenged the Basic Exam recently. At the ripe old age of 15, Caleb will be the youngest amateur in our Club. It's really great to see someone of this age taking an interest in our hobby. Caleb is the grandson of Phil Crain (VE9PC) who dutifully transported Caleb to the classes two nights each week for the duration of the course. We're not sure who is more proud - grandson or grandfather. This means that, with the exception of one student who we believe is out of the country and hasn't yet written, all of our students have now passed the Basic Exam. Thanks to all the instructors and examiners who contributed to another successful course. David Hildebrand (VE9AV)
Winnipeg A.R.C. Spring Fleamarket (Sunday, April 17 2005) Location: Heritage Victoria
Community Club, 950 Sturgeon Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Durham Region Amateur Radio Hamfest
(Saturday, April 23, 2005)
Location: This is the hamfest you always knew as "Pickering", the big one. It's still at the Iroquois Park Recreation Centre on Victoria Street at Henry Street. Get to the Brock STREET exit in Whitby on the 401 then turn south on Brock and west on Victoria (right) (first street south of 401). A couple of blocks and you'll see the site. Opens: Vendors 7:30 am, Public
9 am to 1 pm
Notes: Lots of parking for all. Vendors enter west entrance on Victoria Street. Public enters from Henry Street. If lot is full, use (approved) parking at GO station right across the road. ATM machine on site. 3 food outlets on site. For more info visit: http://drhamfest.tripod.com
Ham & Computer Electronic
Swapmeet (May 8, 2005)
Location: 12460 Harris road Pitt meadows In the old Rec Center Upper Floor. Pitt Meadows BC Opens: Vendors 7:30AM Open
for public 9:am
Notes: A Pancake breakfast
will be held between 8AM & 9AM. Coffee & Donut will be available
throughout the event.
For more info visit: http://www.qsl.net/ve7rmr
Annual Spring Hamfest and Fleamarket
(May 14, 2005)
Location: The Westway United
Church, 8 Templar Dr.,Etobicoke Ont. (Free Parking Available) Toronto ON
Notes: Templar Drive is the first east of Kipling running north off The Westway. (The Church backs onto Kipling Avenue). Or turn east off Kipling Avenue at Holywell Drive four blocks south of Dixon Road. If you are drivig East on 401, exit at Eglinton Avenue, go east to Kipling Avenue and then north (left) to The Westway, then east (right) on The Westway one block to Templar Drive. If you are driving West on 401, take the Belfield Road exit to Kipling Avenue, then go south (left) on Kipling to Holywell Drive (four blocks south of Dixon Road) then east (left) one block to Templar Drive. If you are driving on the QEW or the Gardner, take the Kipling Avenue exit north to The Westway, then east (right) on The Westway one block to Templar Drive then north (left) to the Church. Door Prizes --- Buy --- Sell --- Trade --- Browse Chat with your friends in the Eyeball Room where you can get Coffee -- Doughnuts -- Hotdogs __ Etc. For more info visit: http://www.webhome.idirect.com/~jproc/sarc
21st Annual Smiths Falls Amateur
Radio Fleamarket (May 14, 2005)
Location: Smiths Falls Youth Arena (behind the Community Centre) Corner of Cornelia St. (county road #43)and Elmsley St.Across from the Smiths Falls Hospital. Smiths Falls, Ontario. Opens: Vendors: 7:00 am Public:
9:00 am
Notes: Last year we sold 96 tables for amateur radio equipment sales. A food canteen operates on the site. For more info visit: http://www.falls.igs.net/~rlarc
Calgary and Area Flea Market (May 14 2005) Sponsored by: Calgary Amateur Radio Association, Calgary Communications Club and The Southern Alberta Repeater Association Location: EASTSIDE CITY CHURCH 1320 Abbeydale Dr SE, Calgary, AB (Take Memorial Drive East off of Deerfoot Trail and go all the way to the East end, then turn South) Time: Saturday, May
14, 2005 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Notes: 50/50 draw, lunch available and more.... Need more information and table rental? CONTACT: Tim Thompson, VE6BZ 403-253-4893 or 403-829-4893 tlt46@telus.net
Hamfest 2005 (May 29,
2005)
Location: At the corner of
Victoria and Simcoe St. near the Amherstburg Arena at the Scout hall in
Amherstburg ON
For more info visit: http://amherstburg.hfradio.net Call VE3CFQ Cary Collard at 1 (519)736-7694
32nd Streetsville Founders Bread
& Honey Festival (June 4, 2005)
Location: Special Event Station Streetsville ON Opens: Operating Times 1400Z-200Z June4 and 5 Notes: Frequencies (MHz): 7.227, 14.240, 21.315, 28.480 +/- QRM. A certificate will be awarded to those who QSL. Please note that non-Canadians will need to send either 2 green stamps or 2 IRC's to cover cost of postage as we cannot use US postage in Canada. QSL Info:
For more info visit: http://www.marc.on.ca
Little Bear Lake A.R.C.Open House
(June 10, 2005)
Location: 3Km.
off Highway 106 (Hanson Lake Road to Flin Flon, Mn.)
Opens: 9.00 AM to 10.00PM Cost: Donations Talkin: 146.85_ repeater (VE5NLR) Notes: Camp ground reservations at Glen & Grace Raynor. See www.littlebearlake.ca OR Larks Inn - limited rooms, good food. Rooms are set-up for light house keeping. ph. (306) 426-2491. The Ham station is on the Campground lease on a high hill with pine trees. HF beam, dipoles, verticals. Kenwood HF units, both AC & battery or bring your own rig.Noise level "0", good building wood stove, all the comforts of home. For more info: Call Ken Bindle/VE5KRB (306) 373-3403 or ve5krb@rac.ca
Central Ontario Fleamarket &
Hamfest (June 11, 2005)
Location: Newly renovated full-featured Fergus Community Centre. Large spacious indoor & outdoor facilities. Fergus, ON Opens: Public 8 am to 12:30
pm
Notes: 31st Annual! Famous for lots of space, much to see. Enjoyed by vendors and visitors. Clean, spacious, full-hookup camping on site. Free draws for many items, including Grand Prize Gift Certificates. For more info visit: http://www.hamfest.on.ca
DOWN-EAST FLEA MARKET (Saturday,
June 11, 2005)
The Down-East Flea Market is the largest Ham Fest in Atlantic Canada. Details on Commercial Suppliers and associated Flea Market events will be published over the next couple of months. Location: Halifax Forum Complex
at the corner of Young and Windsor Sts. in Halifax
Tables: free and can be reserved by contacting David Nimmo at ve1nn@rac.ca Talk in Frequency: VE1PSR 147.270(+) Associated Social Events: Friday 10th Evening - 1900 at The Jolly Mug - for info contact Hugh ve1pq@rac.ca Saturday 11th Breakfast - at the Steak and Stein - 6061 Young St, Halifax Talk by Wayne-VE1WPH on the ISS set up Hope to see you there
Whitby Amateur Radio Club Hamfest
(June 18, 2005)
Location: Royal Canadian
Legion Br. 43, 471 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa, ON. ( 401 Exit # 418 to Simcoe
St.N.)
Opens: 7:00 A.M. Vendors, 9:00 A.M. General Public V.I.P. Admission paid by May16, 2005 will let you in 15 Min. ahead of general admission Cost: Vendors 8ft. table $10
plus $5 Admission per person General Public $5 per person. No tailgaters.
Notes: Vendors limited
to Amateur, Scanner, Short Wave and Computer related equipment. All vendors
prepaid and reserved by May 16, 2005 will be entered in a special draw
for $50 ( 2 draws) No $50 or $100 bills accepted.
Website: http://www.whitbyarc.org/
ONTARIO HAMFEST (July
9, 2005)
Location: Milton Agricultural
Fairgrounds...SAME as Last Year Milton ON
Talkin: 146.520 Mhz Simplex within Milton Area. Notes: This is our 31st Annual "FUN" Day..Don't Miss it! Amateur Radio & Computer Electronics & MORE One of the "few" Fleamarkets that has OUTSIDE/Tailgating & Inside Vendors. For more info visit: http://home.cogeco.ca/~barc/Ontario%20Hamfest%202005.html
Saskatchewan Centennial Hamfest
2005 (July 22, 2005)
Location: Travelodge Saskatoon
106 Circle Drive West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
For more info visit: http://www.saskhamfest.com
VHARA Hamfest 2005 (August
27, 2005)
Location: Manvers Arena - Corner Of Hwy. 7A & 35 (North Of Bowmanville/South Of Lindsay) GPS: Lat. 44D 09M 40S, Long. 78D 39M 30S Opens: Indoor Vendor Set-Up 7:00AM Free Vendor Continental Breakfast 7:00AM - 8:30AM Outdoor Tailgate Set-Up 9:00AM General Admission 9:00AM Cost: General Admission $5.00
Indoor Tables (With 1 Vendor Admission + 1 Continental Breakfast) $10.00
Additional Vendor Pass (Working Helper) + Continental Breakfast $5.00 Outdoor
Tailgate Positions (With 1 General Admission) $5.00
Notes: Limited Indoor Vendor 120V AC Power Available (Please Specify When Registering) Door Prize & Super Draw Prizes Will Be Drawn Throughout The Hamfest For more info visit: http://www.va3kvd.ca/vhara/
Ottawa Amateur Radio Club 9th
Annual Hamfest (September 3, 2005)
Location: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds 3970 Carp Road (at Falldown Lane) Ottawa (Carp), Ontario. From Ottawa, take Highway 417 West to Carp Road exit, North to the fairgrounds. We are in the arena, so follow the signs on the site. Opens: Building Vendor setup:
8 am Tailgaters Open: 9 am Building Opens: 10 am until 1 pm
Notes: Immediately following the fleamarket will be the RAC Forum and Technology Update moderated by RAC Ontario North Director, Doug Leach (VE3XK). Topics of interest to the amateur radio community are planned and admission is free. For more info visit: http://www.oarc.net/fleamarket
Vancouver Island Ham Happenings
(September 10, 2005)
Location: Departure
Bay Activities Centre 1415 Wingrove Street Nanaimo BC ( Aka the old Departure
Bay Fire Hall ) Take Departure Bay road from either end down to the beach,
Wingrove st. is right across from the Departure Bay beach.
Opens: Sellers setup from 7am to 10 am, doors will be open to the Buyers and general public at 10am and close at 1pm Cost: Cost of tables are $15.00 ea. includes 1 admission. There will be no charge for the table for anyone reserving a table from the lower mainland. Helpers and general admission $5.00 each. Talkin: VE7ISC at 146.640 open repeater Notes: There will be a RAC table, equipment manufactures tables, local dealers tables, a collectors display table and many, many sellers tables. We will be holding the annual QLF (Left foot CW) CW contest. There will be hourly door prizes as well as a major door prize of an Icom IC-V82 Handheld radio. If you are coming the night before we have many hotels and motels close by, and for RVs we have three malls in the area that allow overnight parking for self contained RVs. For more info visit: http://www.nara.nisa.com
Barrie Hamfest (September
10, 2005)
Location: Oro Medonte Fairgrounds Just north of Barrie on Hwy #11 to Oro-Medonte Line 7. Watch for Airport sign at exit. Take Line 7 Northwest 2 Km to the 15/16th sideroad and you're at the Fairgrounds. Co-ordinates are 44 30 17 N 79 33 17 W Opens: Open for Inside Vendors
at 7 am, Taigaters at 8 am, General public at 9 am till 1 pm.
Notes: Our second year
at the new bigger location. Wheelchair accessable and handicap parking
available.
For more info visit: http://www.barriearc.com
London Amateur Radio Club 28th Annual Fleamarket (Sept. 25 2005) Sunday, September 25, 2005, located at the Western Fair Grounds Special Events Building, London Ontario. 9:00am to 1:00pm Vendor setup at 7:30am. Admission: $6.00 , tables $ 10.00 Free parking, Air conditioned, commercial dealers, snack bar facilities, wheelchair accessible with handicap washrooms Inquiries: email: hamfest2005@hamster.foxhollow.ca
or phone / mail to Doug Tompkins, VE3IDT (519) 439-5113
Website: http://larc.ca/newsletter/LARC-HAMFEST-2005.pdf
SHF 2005 Committee...Hamfest Update The SHF 2005 committee has undertaken a centennial history project. Through the years, we have noticed a decline in the archiving of photographs and history of radio in our Province. We would like to restore our past and make it accessible for everyone. Do you have old photographs that you can part with for a while? Can you make us copies? How about writing up a few pages about what has happened over the last one hundred years in your home area. Anything you can help us with is much appreciated. Please contact the SHF 2005 Committee with any information you can share. Also, as this is the celebration of the province’s one hundredth birthday, we want to make this the biggest, best hamfest the province has ever seen! Do you have ideas that you would like us to explore? Let us know! The committee has also developed a survey for gathering input from the ham community. Visit the website, www.saskhamfest.com and fill it out online!
Emergency Management Ontario...Emergency
Preparedness Week 2005 (May 1-7 2005)
With increased levels of fear and
anxiety throughout Canada and the world, it makes sense to prepare for
the unexpected. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves
and their families for up to three days in the event of an emergency or
disaster. For example, it could take that long to clear roads due to a
severe winter storm.
For more information on Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week 2005 visit the EMO website
The Ontario Provincial Communications ARES (Procom) Net In an emergency situation, the Procom Net would be used to pass traffic between Agency Control Centres across Regional Zones. It would be used be such agencies as The Red Cross, Salvation Army, St. John Ambulance as well as other Social Service Departments, Emergency Operation Co-Ordinators and other Emergency Departments. The Net meets every Thursday evening at 8:30pm using four linked UHF repeaters, one linked VHF repeater and one simplex frequency. The repeater list is as follows: VE3SNM 442.850 (136.5) Toronto
For more information visit:oeco.hfradio.net/procom.html
Getting Environmental Canada Weather Updates by Email Were you aware that Environment Canada has a FREE service whereby they will send you weather warnings, forecasts, etc. by email. Sterling (VE9SK) tells me that various services are offered including bulletins only for specific locations, forecasts up to three times a day, everyday, selected days, etc If interested you can go to www.weatheroffice.pyr.ec.gc.ca/e-products and select the subscription(s) of your choice. David Hildebrand (VE9AV)
The 9th Annual Ontario QSO Party 2005 (April 16-17 2005)
The Ontario QSO Party is open to all amateur radio operators regardless of license class and shortwave listeners world-wide. Objective: For Ontario stations to contacts as many amateur radio stations as possible on as many bands as possible world-wide. For stations outside Ontario to make as many contacts with Ontario amateur radio stations as possible. Frequencies: (Phone/CW) All HF Bands 160-10 meters with the exception of the WARC bands. All VHF/UHF Bands. For full details about this fun event visit the ODXA website:http://www.odxa.on.ca/oqp/index.html
6-7am Est. 7.238mhz 7-8pm Est.
A several years ago, Donn WY5I got his drivers license after a 10 year injury. To celebrate the occasion, I made Donn a RAG Driver's Permit, then Leon, one of the other founders wanted one, then another and so on and so on, and the "Driver's Permit" came about. NOW, to qualify for a Rotten Apples Group "Driver's Permit" you must check in to the Rotten Apples Group between 6am-7am est. OR 7pm-8pm est. (these are the Official RAG Hours on the air) on a regular basis for a few months to indicate that you will be a faithful Rotten Apple participant. All "EARLY BIRD" check-ins will be accepted only if they stick around and check into the regular RAG sked hour. You will then receive a Driver's Permit and a special welcome and that's it. Everyone who checks in is already a member of the Rotten Apples Group but I give the Driver's Permit out as an Award to those stations who have become faithful Rotten Apple check-ins. It is really not like an Membership Certificate. This is no membership requirement, we are not a club and there is no dues. We are just a GROUP of guys and some gals that meet everyday on 7.238mhz. We have lots of visitors on the RAG morning and evening sessions, they come & they go never to be heard again. So, I'm sure all of you can understand that we can not list them all on the webpage. Myself with several other old timers keep a log of check-ins. So, when we're sure someone will become a good RA and most likely stick around, then they will get a "Driver's Permit". It may not be the best system but it's the only one we have - hihi. I think you will find the RAG to be a great bunch of Hams and some will become life long friends if you give them half a chance. So, keep checking in and it will surely happen... More History... In later years, another idea came up for an evening session. A couple of the "Original 43" guys, Abe VE3VTC (SK) and Leon W9OTZ (SK) consulted with other original's - Bill WD8IWQ, Bob K1JBS and Tony N5AQH who also thought it was a good idea. So, on April 26th 1994 they started the first evening session of the Rotten Apples Group... Some More History... at one time, Al W9QHN, one of the original Rotten Apples issued what he called "The Cheese Head" certificate. Leon W9OTZ did the art work for the certificate. Al would select one of the Rotten Apples, send him the Cheese Head certificate & 5-pounds of Wisconsin cheese. As you know, folks in Wisconsin are proud of their cheese and Al was one of them. Al was also proud of the Rotten Apples Group! It's not clear how he made his selections and only had issued 4 Cheese Head certificates before he unexpectedly passed away. Those who received these special certificates are listed below and thanks to Bob, K1JBS who found this info in a letter from Leon W9OTZ. We welcome your comments/suggestions and if you have any questions, let me know via email. Take care my friends and 73's... Jim, WD8NES For more information about the Rotten Apples Group visit their Website
The Sandbox Roundtable Net The Sandbox Net airs every evening
starting at 6:30pm EST on 7.0635 MHz and or 3.732.5 Mhz ..
The Sandbox Net has been in operation since September 1990, never missing a day, no matter whether band conditions were good or bad. The dedication and the perseverance of Paul Uttaro, VE2QR and a core group of loyal supporters of The Sandbox Net have made it the number one International Round Table Net on 40 meters. The beginning of the Sandbox Net goes back to June 1990 when Paul's brother Dave VE1TY was transferred to Turo, Nova Scotia from Pointe Claire, Quebec. They set up on 40 meters to just talk and keep in contact every night, soon some friends would join in as well. One of the first was Don VE3ESE, then came John VE3JWS, Tommy VE3OIM, George VE3MMQ, Ed VE3FE, Roy VE3ALK and many others to follow. By September 1990 the numbers had grown substantially so the group decided to form a net and started kicking around suitable names for it. This went on for several weeks but most names that were suggested seemed to be too long or inappropriate. Since the group were in round table discussions on varied topics, people would break in and say they would be back shortly due to the call of nature. Tommy, for one would announce that he had to go to the "sandbox" and this became the regular phrase when someone had to leave the net for a short period. John VE3JWS, jokingly commented that since everyone on the net were always going to the sandbox, why not call it " The Sandbox Net ". Every one agreed and that is how The Sandbox Net got its' name ! The controllers are a varied lot, each bringing their own brand of humor, thought provoking comments, and by expressing opinions ( of others and their own ) to generate interest and further comments from the round table known as the Sandbox Net! The one thing they all have in common is their dedication to volunteer their time and efforts so that we may all enjoy this respite from the daily hassle of modern day living. For more information visit the Sandbox website: sandbox.hfradio.net
Maritime Swap Shop The Maritime Swap Shop is held every Monday at 7:30pm local time on 3.750 MHz. All station are invited to checkin and post their wants and items for sale. The Maritime Swap Shop list can be found on many places on the internet, here are just a few: The Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club , hfradio.net , VE1AIC's Home Page and Truro Amateur Radio Club Please Note: The Maritime (on-air) Swap Shop, which was formerly held on Tuesday evenings, will now take place on Monday evenings at 1930 local time on 3750.
The Swap Shop list is posted every Monday on the Trans Provincial Net website, Ontario Swap Shop Listings , the swap shop list can also be found on packet by calling up VE3DID (Nick VE3NJG)
Gary
Bartlett (VE1RGB) Receives Elecraft DX Chaser Award
Gary Bartlett (VE1RGB) is only the third person world-wide to receive the prestigious Elecraft "DX Chaser Award". He has also previously received the Elecraft "Century Club Award " and is one of four Canadians in the "Elecraft Award Winner's Hall of Fame" - go to the following web site and have a look at the achievements of these Canadian Hams. The others are VE5RC (Ian Rattray) and VE3XM (Bob Abell), both of whom have received the "Rag Chewer's Award", and VE4QZ (Doug Bowles) who has received the "Worked All States Award". The DX Chaser Award is granted to Elecrafters - Hams that have build their own Elecraft transceivers from Elecraft kits - who have used their Elecraft rigs to establish communications with at least 100 different DXCC entities. Gary is an active member of the Halifax
Amateur Radio Club and operates CW pretty much exclusively. He used
his Elecraft K2 and a simple wire antenna to accomplish this feat.
Furthermore, in my 61 years I have never seen a company so focused on product/after sales support. Their unofficial motto is, - We will not let you fail." With true passion for his K2, Gary likens the K2 to a first girl friend. It is hard to keep your hands off that K2!
Phil
Crain (VE9PC) and Grandson Caleb Crian (VE9CDC)
Father and Daughter
Ham Team
With his deep passion for, and involvement in Amateur Radio, Wayne's children couldn't help but be exposed to the hobby all their lives. Wayne tells me that he is so very pleased to have his youngest daughter Nicole joins the Amateur Radio fraternity. And while Wayne's wife and Nicole's mom has always been understanding about the hobby he loves, she has never had the desire to become a Ham. I first met Nicole in September of last year when she arrived at the first of our Basic Ham classes, and I was impressed both by her keen desire to learn and by her dedication to the hobby. I think she only missed one or two of our weekly sessions and then because of school work. As a former teacher I can understand that! Nicole tells me that from a very young age she has been listening to the sounds of numerous voices coming across the airwaves, and crackling through the two-meter radio in the family car as the family drove to some destination or other. As Nicole tells it, it was always, "Ssshh.. daddy's going to talk on the radio now." In fact, as Nicole says, "All my life my father has been a radio amateur operator and now I have become one too." Nicole is an eleventh grade student in Halifax, and has been exposed to the vast world of amateur radio for all of her seventeen years. She tells me that it was about four years ago when she first started to get really serious about becoming a 'Ham'. However it took a few years of "bugging her father" before he realized that she was serious and he then eagerly arranged for Nicole to join our class. As I said, Nicole was a great student and she passed the Basic exam with flying colours, and is now so pleased to be able to "follow in my father's footsteps." As Nicole puts it, "I have always enjoyed the hobby as a passive listener - I'm just so used to listening to the sometimes awfully distorted noise of other people's voices, and the laughter when my dad spoke to them, and I really wanted to be part of his Amateur Radio world, making contact with different people around the world. Now I am getting that chance and I am so proud to say I am a Radio Amateur Operator. "
CF3VEDAY
The station is operated by members of The Wireless Set No. 19 Group, a Canada-based world-wide group of Radio Amateurs who collect, restore and/or operate vintage military communications gear. This website [ www.qsl.net/vc3vday ] will compliment the CF3VEDAY station by providing information about station operation, including times, frequencies and names of operators. The month of May will see the official opening of the new Canadian War Museum and this station will also conduct on-air activities from Ottawa to mark that event, using vintage military equipment. Amateur Radio operators are encouraged to invite a veteran into their shacks to allow contact with other veterans and to have contact with CF3VEDAY during its brief existence. They may even hear the "chirp" of a WS#19, renewing old memories for some. Radio Amateurs could also consider inviting young people in to view and use their radio equipment, to learn more about the stellar contribution of Canada's war veterans and to demonstrate what Amateur Radio is all about. This in itself could be a valuable history lesson to those persons under 65 who have no memory of, or appreciation for, the historic contributions of Canadians during a bitter fight against tyranny on the sea, on the land and in the air. We will be offering an original, colourful QSL card to all Amateur Radio stations that contact and send a QSL card to CF3VEDAY, as well as to SWLs who hear the station and who submit a full reception report. Please read the QSL/SWL report information: www.qsl.net/vc3vday/ News Update ( Apr. 13 2005) "Operating dates for historic Special
Event Station CF3VEDAY have now been confirmed. The station will
operate from May 5 to May 12 inclusive to celebrate the opening of the
new Canadian War Museum in Canada on May 8, a date which coincidentally
is the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE-DAY). In addition,
2005 has been declared Year of the Veteran. All Radio Amateurs are asked
to observe these important events by working the Special Event station
and inviting Veterans into their radio shacks. This is the first
time that a 5-letter suffix has been issued for Amateur Radio in Canada.
Please visit the CF3VEDAY website for full details: www.qsl.net/vc3vday/ Bob Cooke VE3BDB
Interesting web site for Nikola Tesla I just wanted to let you know that the March 2005 edition of Scientific American has a feature of Nikola Tesla, the inventor of much radio and alternating current technology. There's also some info on the web at: www.tesla-museum.org Laurie Mersereau
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
