Message from CARB Editor (Dec.17 2005)

Many have noted that there has been no bulletin for the past two weeks and we apologize for the inconvenience. On November 30th my daughter Teresa and two granddaughters, two year old Anna and three week old Natilie lost their home to fire caused by the second floor tenants. Fortunately no one was harmed in the blaze but all contents were destroyed. 

The young family had no household content insurance and had to start over again. While staying at my home until another apartment was found the call was put out for help to re-establish the family and help indeed did come.

The Toronto Fire Fighters Association donated $500 and a large bag of toys, the Red Cross donated food and blankets. 

The Toronto ARES Group really came through for the family with donations of money, furniture, children's clothing, kitchen utensils, bedding, towels, children's toys and household necessities. With all this help we were able to aquire a two bedroom apartment above the local food store, freshly painted. The family is now living in the apartment while we gather together the balance of needed items.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to all those who helped to make this christmas a happy one for a young family.

Jim Taylor VA3KU
CARB Editor

Thanks to all for providing the student participation counts. I have sent the information off to ICOM Canada, and hopefully, they will be able to put together some merchandise packages for the students and staff in the program. This is the count, as I sent it to ICOM:

Ralph McCall School in Airdrie, AB.
- actively uses Amateur Radio with 25 students plus special guests drop in for various events.

R. Tait McKenzie Public School – Almonte, ON
- have 24 students active in an after-school SWL and Amateur Radio Club

Holy Family School – Grimshaw, AB
- nine students are involved in two schools along with three adults.

Lester B. Pearson High School – Burlington, ON
- has 20 students plus three adults involved in their program

Sir James Dunn Collegiate and Vocational School – Sault St. Marie, ON
- have seven students plus two teachers who want to do HF and VHF in their program.

Msgr. Doyle Catholic Secondary School – Cambridge, ON
- have seven students and a teacher in their program.

Walter Murray Collegiate Institute – Saskatoon, SK
- a classroom of 25 students and two adults are going to begin in January.

Central Middle School – Victoria, BC
- 25 students plus two adults are involved in their program

Drinkwater Elementary School – Duncan, BC
- has eight very interested students with more to come.

YEP T-SHIRTS
The YEP t-shirts have been produced and are on their way to me. As soon as they arrive, I will send out information on them, so that they can be ordered and shipped to the schools as quickly as possible.

IRLP4Kids NET
This just arrived, courtesy of Ben Price and Ken Pulfer, and should be of considerable interest to students involved in the Program. Please follow up on it:
My name is Michael, KCŘPQJ and I, along with a few other hams, run the IRLP4Kids net. This net, as its name suggests, is for any younger ham who is looking for others that share his/her interests. The only problem so far has been with getting word out about the net. The members would really appreciate it, and it would be a great way to get youth into the hobby. Please let me know if this can be done.

Currently, the net is running on Reflector node 9206 on Saturdays at 0100 Zulu and their WEBsite is at http://geocities.com/irlp4kids
Thanks so much,
Michael - KCŘPQJ

AUSTRALIAN FOUNDATION LICENSE:
This information comes courtesy of my Assistant Director, Derek Hay (VE4HAY) in Winnipeg: In response to a serious decline in Amateur Radio in Australia for the past 15 years, they have instituted a Foundation License somewhat similar to what has been so successful in Great Britain for the past few years. Evidently, 450 people are already queued up for this new license with an anticipation of 1000 new hams over the next 12 months. Their Foundation License requires the candidate to study basic electronics, radio theory, safety and regulations from a published 90 page study guide, provided by the Wireless Institute of Australia.Licensees will be easily identified by their distinctive four-letter suffixes. A SlideShow is available (in HTML format) on the VK Foundation License at: http://home.iprimus.com.au/chip_57_/foundation.htm It is made up of 113 slides, so will take a while to download.

Bj. Madsen - VE5FX
RAC MidWest Regional Director
Chairman - RAC Youth Education Program
Box 2860 - Tisdale, SK - S0E 1T0
306-873-4346
E-mail: ve5fx@rac.ca

Niagara Peninsula Amateur Radio Club Big Event 28 (Feb. 4 2006)

Location: CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) Hall 124 Bunting Rd St.Catharines 
Opens: Public 09:00 AM Dealers 07:00 AM 
Cost: Public $6.00 Cdn $5.00 US Tables $20.00 (Includes one addmission) 
Talkin: VE3NRS 147.240 + T107.2 
Notes: Grandprize Draw: $1000 Gift Certificate from Radioworld, VE Testing On-Site, Free Coffee, Door Prizes, Exhibits and demonstrations, QSL Bureau Information, RAC Information, New Food menu 

For more information visit:http://nparc.on.ca/www/index.jsp/event28

Burnaby ARC Amateur Radio Flea Market (Feb. 12 2006) 

Location: Cameron Recreation Centre 9523 Cameron Street Burnaby, B.C. ( behind Lougheed Mall ) 
Opens: Sellers set up 9 AM Doors open to Public 10 AM to 2 PM 
Cost:  Admission: $5 per person. Vendors: $25 per table, includes admission. 
Talkin: VE7RBY 145.35 - 

Notes: Western Canada's Largest Amateur Radio Flea Market. Door prizes, major equipment raffles, commercial exhibits, QSL Bureau, 50/50 Draw, food and refreshments.More than 60 tables of amateur radio and electronic equipment bargains. Free parking in Cameron Rec. Centre Parking Lot 

For more information visit: www.ve7bar.org

Canadians look to their governments for protection from health risks. They expect their governments to be ready to deal with the possible health risks from:

• natural events and disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires and highly dangerous infectious diseases; and 
• accidents or criminal and terrorist acts involving explosives, chemicals, radioactive substances or biological threats. 

Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR).

• Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response 
• Office of Emergency Preparedness, Planning & Training 
• Office of Emergency Response Services 
• Office of Laboratory Security 
• Office of Public Health Security 
• Office of Management and Administrative Services

• develops and maintains national emergency response plans for the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada; 
• monitors outbreaks and global disease events; 
• assesses public health risks during emergencies; 
• contributes to keeping Canada's health and emergency policies in line with threats to public health security and general security for Canadians in collaboration with other federal and international health and security agencies; 
• is responsible for the important federal public health rules governing laboratory safety and security, quarantine and similar issues; and 
• is the health authority in the Government of Canada on bioterrorism, emergency health services and emergency response. 

The Centre's Office of the Director General leads and coordinates CEPR operations by providing:

• administrative and policy direction; 
• coordination within CEPR and its management team; 
• representation of CEPR to other groups within the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada; and 
• representation to central agencies in the Government of Canada. 

• Two scenarios offer examples of how the Centre delivers results for Canadians 
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Resource Links (CBRN Resource Links 
• Protecting the Health and Safety of Canadians: The Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response (176 KB, 8 pages) 

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Québec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Province thanks ARES Ontario (Dec. 5 2005)

Subject: Exercise 'Darlington 2005'

On behalf of the Ministry of Community Correctional Services and Emergency Management Ontario, I would like to thank you for your participation as a Player in the Exercise 'Darlington 2005'.

This exercise was a major undertaking that involved a great deal of your time and effort. All preliminary reports from participating ministries and organizations indicate that the exercise met its aims and objectives and was worthwhile. You played an important role , thereby contributing positively to the success of this exercise.

Once again, I would like to express my appreciation for your involvement in the exercise and look forward to your continued support for our future exercises.

Sincerely,
Julian Fantino
Commissioner of Emergency Management

The Alberta Emergency Public Warning System was created following the 1987 Edmonton Tornado as a joint public alerting initiative with CKUA funded by the Alberta Government. The EPWS gives warning to Albertans over the radio and the television to take action and protect themselves from disasters. This system is activated by trained users living throughout Alberta who, using their telephone, will deliver vital information regarding a threat to the safety of Albertans.

Goals of EPWS

1. Protection of Life
2. Protect Personal Safety
3. Provide Critical Public Information

What Should EPWS Be Activating For?

1. Severe Weather
2. Flood
3. Wildfire
4. Hazardous Material Release
5. Terrorist Threat
6. Water Contamination
7. Other Threats to Life, Property and Safety

Tips for a fire-safe holiday (Dec.17 2005)

Candles

• Never leave candles unattended. 
• Do not buy or use novelty candles that pose a potential fire hazard. Candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers or a breakable container are not safe. 
• Cut the candlewick short to prevent a high flame. Put the candle out if the flame becomes unusually large. 
• Snuff candles out before going to sleep and when festivities are over. 
• Never use lit candles to decorate a Christmas tree. 
• Keep lit candles away from decorations, curtains, clothing and spray from aerosol cans. 
• Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles. 
• Never let candles burn down to the bottom.

• Ensure your artificial tree is "fire resistant." 
• Ensure your live tree is fresh and moist at all times. Cut the stalk at an angle and keep the tree well watered. Falling needles indicate a dry, highly flammable tree. 
• Set up live and artificial trees away from fireplaces, heaters and other heat sources and ensure the tree is not blocking an exit.

• Indoors or outdoors, use only lights that have been tested and labeled by a recognized testing agency such as the ULC or CSA. 
• Inspect holiday lights yearly for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections and throw out damaged sets. 
• If using extension cords, make sure they are rated for the intended use and in good condition. 
• Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords. 
• Never place furniture or other objects, such as rugs, over electrical cords. If electrical cords are covered, any damage they sustain can go unnoticed.

• Never leave your cooking unattended. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. 
• Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays and check the ashtrays frequently. Douse butts completely in water before discarding. 
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of the sight and reach of children. 
• Test your smoke alarms and explain your fire escape plan to your guests. 
• Do not smoke in bed, especially when tired, or under the influence of alcohol or medication. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires.

Brrr-ache Out The Shovel (Dec.17 2005)
 

Winter is here; crisp cold air with snow aplenty. While most people recognize that shoveling snow is very hard work, and can put severe stress on your heart, fewer people recognize the stress and strain that it places on the lower back. Most people don’t realize that snow shoveling, especially if the snow is wet, is like picking up heavy weights. One full shovel load of wet snow can weigh as much as 25 pounds (11 kg). Shovelers sustain injuries every year from repetitive twisting, improper lifting, over-exertion, or simply by trying to shovel too much snow. Many of these injuries can be prevented by taking the time to prepare and consciously think about how to move properly.

Shoveling can be made even more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body. There also is the risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions.

Cold tight muscles are more likely to strain than warm, relaxed muscles. Take time to stretch and prepare your body for activity with a simple warm up of marching on the spot and a few shoulder circles to help tackle the snow. 

The Canadian Physiotherapy Association offers the following tips to help get a handle on safe shoveling: 

• Choose a shovel that’s right for you – A shovel with an appropriate length handle is correct when you can slightly bend your knees, bend forward 10 degrees or less, and hold the shovel comfortably in your hands at the start of the shovel stroke. A plastic shovel blade will be lighter than a metal one, putting less strain on your spine; and sometimes, a smaller blade is better than a larger one. This avoids the risk of trying to pick up a pile of snow that is too heavy for your body to carry. Ergonomic shovels with a bent shaft are very good and have been tested by The Liberty Mutual Research Centre for Safety and Health in Hopkinton, MA. Researches found that when people use a bent shaft snow shovel they bend forward 16 percent less than they do with a straight shaft shovel, and your heart doesn’t need to work as hard.

• When you grip the shovel, make sure your hands are at least 12 inches apart. This will increase your leverage and reduce strain on your body. Always keep one hand close to the base of the shovel to balance weight of the lift and lessen the lower back strain.

• Lift the snow properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovel of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Also, spray your shovel with a lubricant or silicon spray so the snow does not cling.

• Step in the direction in which you are throwing the snow. This will help prevent the low back from twisting and “next-day back fatigue” experienced by many shovellers.

• Tackle heavy snow in two stages. Begin by skimming off the snow from the top and then remove the bottom layer. Avoid overloading the shovel. You are working too hard if you cannot say a long sentence in one breath. If this is the case, take a short rest or decrease the intensity of effort slightly.

• Take frequent breaks when shoveling. Stand up straight and walk around periodically to extend the low back. Do standing extension exercises by placing your hands on the back of your hips and bend backwards slightly for several seconds. Because you bend forward so much when shoveling, you need to reverse this by straightening up and bending backwards slightly.

• Dress warmly to conserve your body temperature. For example, wear mittens (not gloves); wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing that will wick perspiration away from your body; two pairs of socks (cotton next to skin, then wool); and a scarf and a hat that cover the ears to avoid heat loss through the scalp.

• Wear proper footwear with good tread to help avoid slipping or falling.

• If you have a health problem or are not in good shape, do not even consider snow shoveling. Find someone ahead of time to help. Don’t wait until there is a lot of snow on the ground before you figure out how to remove it.

L.E.D. Christmas lights safety recall

MONTREAL, Dec. 2 /CNW Telbec/ - Universal Lights has announced a voluntary safety recall of exterior L.E.D. type white and blue Christmas lights, manufactured by Bortex.

Although no personal injuries have been reported, the recall aims at ensuring consumer safety against any risks arising from an electrical problem with these products.

The products involved were sold between August and December 2005 at Costco Wholesale warehouse locations in Canada (product nos. 501701 or 501702), in packs of 3 boxes. Costco members who may have purchased these lights should immediately cease using them and should return them for a full refund.

No other lights sold at Costco Wholesale are affected by this recall.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact Costco member service at 1 800 463-3783.

For further information: David Weiss, (215) 694-3600

Lightweight Studded Tires Now Legal In Northern Ontario (Dec.16 2005)

The Ontario government has legalized the use of studded tires in Northern Ontario to improve road safety in icy conditions, Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar announced today.

"This government has kept its commitment to allow residents in Northern Ontario the option of using studded tires," Takhar said. "When used properly, studded tires improve mobility and safety for drivers on icy roads."

There are approximately 250,000 motor vehicle collisions on Ontario roads per year, about 20,000 of them in Northern Ontario. Of these, about 14 per cent occur in icy conditions.

The Transportation Statute Law Amendment act (Bill 169) was passed in November 2005. As part of this Act, a regulation was proclaimed earlier this month allowing owners of vehicles registered in Northern Ontario to use lightweight Scandinavian studs in tires anywhere in Ontario from October 1 to
April 30. Studded tires are now available and can be ordered by your local supplier in Northern Ontario.

Northern residents living north of and including Parry Sound and Nipissing Districts can now use studded tires on their vehicles.

The Ministry of Transportation provides tips on how to drive on snow and ice. This information is available at Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices, through Publications Ontario, Government Information Centres and on the ministry's website: www.mto.gov.on.ca.

"Ontario has the safest roads in North America. I want to make sure we maintain that record," added Takhar. "Now that winter is here, we want drivers
to slow down and give themselves plenty of room to stop and drive safely."

For the most recent road conditions across Ontario, please call the Ministry of Transportation's information line, toll-free at 1-800-268-4686, or dial 416-235-4686 if calling within the Greater Toronto Area.

TRANSPORT CANADA STRENGTHENS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED ON CN

VANCOUVER - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced that Transport Canada has issued a new Notice and Order to the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) imposing more specific safety requirements for its northbound trains in the Squamish area for a 60-day trial period.

“During this trial period CN will have to abide by a strict set of safety requirements to help ensure they can operate safely in the Squamish area,” said Mr. Lapierre. “If these requirements are not respected, Transport Canada will impose further restrictions and may take legal action pursuant to the Railway Safety Act.” 

CN has provided Transport Canada with a safety action plan to test and demonstrate that distributed power operated trains can be operated safely on the Squamish route. Based on that action plan Transport Canada has ordered: restrictions on how empty cars are handled, tests throughout the route to verify distributed power is working properly, a CN supervisor on all trains to augment crews, additional training for crews on distributed power operations, directions to help reduce the number of stops on route and special stall and emergency stop instructions. The length of CN’s conventional trains and distributed power operated trains operating northbound in the Squamish area will be restricted to 80 cars and 99 cars, respectively.

As an added safety precaution, Transport Canada inspectors will be monitoring trains on the Squamish route to check CN’s corrective action plan and to ensure full compliance with the Railway Safety Act. The trial results and CN’s corrective action plan will be evaluated during the 60-day trial period. Any further changes to CN’s operations in the Squamish area will depend on Transport Canada’s assessment of the trial results.

A conventional train has locomotives at the front of the train pulling the rail cars. A distributed power operated train has locomotives at the front of the train as well as in the body of the train to push and pull the rail cars. This distributes power and traction more equally throughout the length of the train. 

Transport Canada has revoked the Notice and Order issued to CN on December 7, 2005.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is currently investigating the recent CN derailments to determine the causes. Transport Canada is closely following the TSB’s ongoing investigation through a Minister’s Observer who was appointed after the accidents. The Minister’s Observer will advise the department of any regulatory responsibilities the department may have, and identify areas where immediate improvements to safety can be made.

As the railway regulator, Transport Canada is responsible under the Railway Safety Act for promoting, monitoring and enforcing compliance with existing rules and regulations. A Notice and Order is issued under Section 31 of the Railway Safety Act, when in the opinion of a Transport Canada railway safety inspector, there is an immediate threat to safe railway operations.

Volunteers needed Operation Red Nose

Upper Fraser Valley Regional Det 
Chilliwack, BC 
OPERATION RED NOSE NEEDS DRIVER TEAMS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE! 

The Chilliwack Restorative Action is seeking volunteers to assist with providing safe rides home to people who may require them on December 31st. This campaign is supported by ICBC Road Sense, Autoplan Brokers, RCMP, BC Crime Prevention Assoc, City of Chilliwack and many other local businesses and organizations. 

Clients phone Operation Red Nose between 9pm and 3am to take them home in their own vehicles. Three people comprise a Driver Team - a driver of the client vehicle, a navigator to assist the driver, and an escort driver who follows in a second vehicle. You may volunteer as an indvidual or come with your own Team! Food and Fun provided! 

Applications are available at 45924 Airport Road (RCMP office). Further enquiries can be made by contacting Chilliwack Restorative Action at 604-702-4214 or crjyda@yahoo.com. 

Your participation not only supports Operation Red Nose but provided needed funds for Chilliwack Restorative Action programs. 

Cst. Steve Hiscoe 
Upper Fraser Valley Regional Det 
Media Liaison 
604-819 5553 

Winter is soon approaching and along with it many Hams will be sitting in front of their radios looking so some action on the ham bands. You don't have to wait for those contest weekends to have some fun, you can contest every day of the week! 

Every Saturday for the rest of the winter have some fun working on the 'Towns and Cities Award'. Key frequency every Saturday 7.065Mhz. , so drop by and give a call....log a Canuck and earn the beautiful Towns and Cities Award sponsored by 'The Trans Provincial Net'. 

Full details can be found online by visiting: www.tpn7055.ca/tpnaward.html

Eric VE3GGO
TPN Awards Chairman 

MARITIME CONTEST (Jan. 29 2006 + Feb. 12 2006)

The MARITIME CONTEST is on again, so get your old key hooked up,   dust off your mike...

Many Hams in the Maritimes will be glad to hear that the Maritime Contest (known in pre-VE9 days as the VE1 contest) is happening again this coming winter. The Fundy Club is sponsor, and here are the details.

January 29th, 2006 - CW section (VE1BBL Memorial Contest) February 12th, 2006 - SSB section (VE1ALB Memorial Contest)

Both sections are on 80m, open to hams in the 3 Maritime provinces only. Times 7-11am and 2-6pm local time. Exchange is: call, name, RST, county, province, serial#. Scoring is 6 points/QSO (1 point per correct exchange item), and the counties are multipliers. Also, the Memorial Stations will be a multiplier.

A plaque will be awarded for first place in each section, and certificates will be awarded for 20+ CW contacts and 40+ SSB contacts.

Entries within 30 days to:
Avery Crowell VE1HS
PO Box 82
Digby, NS, B0V 1A0
ve1hs@rac.ca

Hi, fellow Ham Radio Operator,

I have created this alternative Smart Group, 'FOR THE LOVE OF HAM RADIO',  which I think you will also be interested in. Its purpose is not to be in 
competition with other smart groups, but to be open to any licensed Ham Operator and those coming into the ranks of this great hobby. Its purpose is to provide an open door of opportunity, for all group members to share their experiences in the hobby. It is also designed for the seasoned Ham to be able to answer any questions someone may be struggling with as they grow in this hobby. There are no dumb questions and as we keep this Smart geared to ham radio, I am confident all will prosper in their knowledge and friendships. From the world below 160 meters, to those experimenting in the UHF frequency ranges,,,whether it is digital modes or DXing...we will all learn form one another.If you believe another ham radio operator, or someone looking to become one, would benefit from joining this group, please tell them about it. They would be welcomed to join.

If you would like to join 'FOR THE LOVE OF HAM RADIO' send an e-mail to Eldon and he will send you an invitiation with instructions on how to join. or visit the website at: www.smartgroups.com/groups/FTLOHR

Regards
Eldon VE3HGO
va3ve3hgo@sympatico.ca

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 VE1JPS's new website: www.ve1pjs.com

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.

Looking for that special piece of radio gear to finish off your ham station? Do you have extra radio gear you'd like to turn into some cash?

Well the place to visit is the 'Ontario Swap Shop' held every Sunday at 12 noon on 7055 kHz and 7:00pm on 3755 kHz. Nick VE3NJG and Ken VE3YK host the hour long program and all amateurs are invited.

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

Introducing the "Ontario Swap Shop Club" a place where you can record your e-mail address or phone number where it will always be available even if you have nothing currently listed on the swap shop.

The Manitoba Repeater Society Swap & Shop
 

This is a bi-weekly net, and listings are posted for four weeks.  Only HAM radio gear & computers may be posted.  www.ve4sss.ca/swapnshop.html

It was amazing to watch over 720 kids who truly believed that 10 of their fellow schoolmates could and would talk with an astronaut on the International Space Station. Their 10 friends, ranging from kindergarten to grade 8, would be the first in Alberta to ask 18 questions of astronaut Bill McArthur, KC5ACR. 

To top all this off - we received tremendous media coverage, which was truly amazing! News coverage was provided by CBC Newsworld, carried live nationally, CBC Radio, CBC News local, Global TV local, City TV local, CTV local, Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, 3 local Airdrie newspapers, Chestermere Lake local newspaper, CHQR AM 770 radio interview, Breeze FM 103.1 interview, and interview with CKLJ radio in Olds, Alberta. As well, 13 IRLP Nodes were connected to the Discovery Reflector Node 9010 and 23 connections listening to the Shoutcast on the companion web site. 

Special guests included Member of Parliament Myron Thompson, the superintendent of schools and one associate superintendent, local trustee from RVSD Board of Trustees, the mayor from the City of Airdrie, 4 Airdrie aldermen, Emerging Technologies manager from Alberta Education, School Council chairperson, local principals, local sponsors and administration from Alberta's next school proposed for an ARISS contact. 

(Back Row - Left to Right) Kevin McCoy, VE6KJM, Tyler McCoy, VE6TGM, Linda-Lou Oelke, VE6LGO, Bruce Reynolds, VE6BR, Jack Blair, VE6ARQ
(Front Row - Left to Right) Ray Lorganger, VA6FRA, Lindsay Gavel, VE6GAV, Ken Oelke, VE6AFO, Brian Jackson, VE6JBJ, Daniel Krysak, Andy Webb, VE6EN 

(ARISS Team Members missing in above picture - Gerry McDonald, VE6QLT, Richard Roadhouse, VE6AX & Mike Taddeo, VA6MJT) 
 

Many amateur transceivers use a Molex type 6 pin power connector in a 3 x 2 array of pins. These connectors are used on many Icom, Kenwood,  and Alinco radios, and possibly some other brands.  At least some proprietary AC power supplies for these transceivers use  pins 3 and 6 of the connector for control of the AC power supply and they may have AC line voltage present on one of those pins even when the power supply's power switch is off. An example is the Kenwood PS-30, where pin 3 is connected to unswitched AC line voltage.

Though these power connectors are polarised, the scheme used does not effectively prevent incorrect engagement of plug and socket. It is quite easy to incorrectly engage one row of pins of the plug and socket when the plug is rotated 180 degrees from the correct alignment. If this is done, the AC line voltage is applied to the +12VDC line of the transceiver, whilst the power supply  -12VDC lead is applied to the transceiver ground even if the power supply's switch is OFF.

Note that excessive force is not required to mate the plug and socket in this way, there is less physical resistance to this connection than when mating  the connector up properly.

The results of such a connection are high voltage and fault current, which are likely to be catastrophic to the transceiver, but of more importance, could result in a transceiver chassis that is at AC line potential if the ground connection is not made or fails before a protective device operates, giving rise to a serious risk of personal injury or death.

All amateurs should review their use of AC power supplies with these transceivers to determine if this hazard exists in their station, and if it does, to take action to prevent accidents. The work around is to never insert the DC power plug from  an AC power supply into one of these transceivers unless the AC line cord is removed from the mains power outlet.

In my own case, I modify the power supplies to disconnect the AC control wires from the transceiver cable. Of course, you should only attempt modification of  equipment if you are competent to do so, and such modifications may void any warranty. If you are not competent, you should seek the assistance of a competent person.

Use this information entirely at your own risk.

(VK1OD)

Who invented radio broadcasting? And who achieved the first two-way trans-Oceanic radio contact. No, it's not Marconi but the lesser known Reginald Aubrey Fessenden. This Canadian had to battle to prove his theories. For example, Marconi and others insisted that wireless transmission was the result of a `whiplash effect'. They believed the sound made by the spark in the spark-gap transmitter triggered a whiplash  medium enabling the signal to travel distances. However, Fessenden's theory was that wireless was the result of a continuous wave, similar to the wave circles that results from a pebble dropped into water. He was right, they were wrong.

Marconi used an intermittent spark-pulse radio wave generator in 1901 to communicate between England and Newfoundland. In that same year, Fessenden had  a  high-frequency alternator that produced a continuous radio wave. A far superior technology. 

Often ridiculed by newspaper journalists, businessmen and scientists alike, Fessenden  persisted with his dream that the human voice could be transmitted without wires.

On the 23rd of December 1900 the dream came true when he sent the world's first wireless voice message a short distance. 

After further development, Fessenden transmitted radio's first broadcast program on  Christmas Eve 1906. Amplitude Modulation would in a few years pave the way for radio broadcasting.

Next month is the centenary of the world's first 2-way radio communications across the Atlantic Ocean using Morse code signals between Brant Rock, Marshfield Massachusetts, and Macrihanish (Mac-re-hanish) Scotland.

The Reginald A. Fessenden - Amateur Radio Society W1FRV (First Radio Voice) is  urging CW operators to participate in an on air commemoration of this centenary during January. It will issue a special QSL card. 

The genius of Fessenden has been often overlooked. In his life-time he conceived over 500 inventions, and is truly the Father of Radio Broadcasting.