My apologies for not sending out a bulletin since December 18th 2005. The last notice sent out mentioned my daughter Teresa had lost her home to fire just before Christmas, fortunately no one was harmed in the blaze but she did lost all household contents and personal belongings. I was a difficult road getting her re-established but everything seems to be on track for her now.In late December while this was going on I had slipped on an iced front porch, falling to the sidewalk, the end result was a broken hand which was in a cast for five weeks. This left me with only one hand to type with which made it almost impossible to post the bulletin. Added to all this was extra responsibilities I had taken on within the Amateur Radio Emergency Services in Ontario.
The end result simply means I do not have the same amount of time to devote to the CARB but will try to publish Canadian content on a regular weekly basis, as it comes in.
Any ham related articles submitted will be posted in the "Feature Article Section" on "HFRadio.Net" and notifcation posted in the bulletin.
International news can be found on the ARRL website, a great source Amateur radio news.
Best Regards,
Jim Taylor, VA3KU
www.hfradio.net
National
Industry Canada posts responses to BPL Gazette NoticeIndustry Canada (IC), has posted the responses to Canada Gazette Notice SMSE-005-05 dated 19 July 2005 on the Strategis web site. A preliminary analysis by RAC Director Ed Frazer VE7EF shows that of the 134 responses on the web site, 95 are from individuals; 19 from Ham Clubs and Associations; 2 are from national associations (RAC & Radio Advisory Board Canada); 4 from EMO organizations; and 14 are from industry. All of the individual responses are from Amateurs. What a great response from our community and a heartfelt
thanks to all who took the time to respond to this very important consultation. Visit the Strategis web site to read the responses at:http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/en/sf08488e.html
For the French version the URL is:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/fr/sf08488f.htmlRAC News Service
Report of the RAC Election Committee January, 2006On Tuesday, January 17th, 2006, an Election Committee was convened in Orillia, Ontario. The Committee members were
Mr. Gord Burnie VE3MQP, Mr. Rick Francis VE3OXX and Mr. Ray Williamson VA3RPW, under the direction of the RAC
Corporate Secretary, Mrs. Susan Cooke VE3SUH.The Committee opened and reviewed the nominations received for the vacant Director positions for the Ontario South and
Alberta/NWT/NU Regions.Ontario South Region Director:
No nominations were submitted for this position, consequently this position remains vacant. As two separate Calls for Nominations have been issued for this region with no results, Committee recommends that the RAC Board of Directors make an appointment to fill the vacancy, as provided for in the RAC Bylaws.Alberta/NWT/NU Region Director:
One nomination was received for this position. Following a review of the documentation submitted and taking into account the constitutional and election process requirements, the Committee determined that the nomination was complete and in order. As there were no other nominees, the Committee declared Mr. Brian Nilsson, VE6RNR, elected by acclamation as the RAC Director for Alberta/NWT/NU Region effective immediately to complete balance of the 2006- 2007 term.RAC News Service
Radio Amateurs of Canada, Youth Education Program Newsletter #20 January 31 2006 posted.
Edmonton radio operators receive CANWARN trainingOn Saturday February 4th Edmonton and area Amateur Radio Operators received CANWARN training hosted by Dan Kulak (Meteorological Service of Canada Warning Preparedness Meteorologist). The training was arranged by Blaine Osepchuk VE6BKO.
The Canadian Weather Amateur Radio Network (CANWARN) is a voluntary organization of amateur radio operators who report severe weather to Environment Canada when they see it.
Reports from trained CANWARN members are used by severe weather meteorologists to refine forecasts and issue severe weather watches and warnings. This one day course was attending by over 20 people including Amateur Radio Operators and even someone from the local media.This event was very successful and is a great first step in creating a relationship between CANWARN, ARES, local clubs and Environment Canada.
(Thanks to Lloyd Hofmann, VE6XL)
RAC News Service
Canadian Amateurs to Lose 220 - 222 MHz.Effective 25 January, 2006, despite the protests and the efforts of Radio Amateurs of Canada, the Canadian Amateur Service lost the 220 - 222 MHz portion of the 220 - 225 MHz band. Details are contained in Canada Gazette Notice DGTP-004-05, "Proposals and Changes to the Spectrum in Certain Bands Below 1.7 GHz" available on the Industry Canada web site at:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insmt-gst.nsf/en/sf08494e.html .The background and further information will be published in The Canadian Amateur.
Thanks to Jim Dean, VE3IQ
RAC News Service
Hams and SWL plagued by RFI / EMI TO their stations.Power line noise and neighbours with hash generating unlicensed equipment seems to be getting worse every day. I wonder how many Hams and SWLs have left the hobby, do to the frustration of S-9 buzzing, clicking and wide band hash, wiping-out any chance of receiving LF, HF or even VHF signals.
I have not yet found any database of RFI "hotspot" locations posted on the Internet. I believe such a database would be very helpful by both identifying possible sources of RFI and giving all those affected by the same offender some "strength in numbers". This may be especially helpful when making formal complaints to those responsible for generating the RFI, and to the authorities. Also, once a suspected source of RFI is uncovered, confusion can often be created due to other nearby RFI sources continued noise contribution. Someone may have already identified those other RFI sources and, if this were published, a better understanding of the complete nature of the local interference could be pursued.
A second database of RFI generating equipment, especially unlicensed devices, could also be an excellent aid to those affected by reception problems. Details such as manufacturer, serial number and RFI symptoms caused by the device, as well as repair solutions for the equipment, would be of interest. Such a database may certainly help identify problem products you or your neighbours may be running. It would also be worth checking before making a purchasing decision.
Unfortunately, I lack the computer savvy to construct such a Web accessible database. I would imagine a web page dedicated to easy insertion of information by users directly, would be the most useful. Until someone takes me up on my challenge, I have set up a very modest Yahoo Group to serve as a temporary registry of RFI locations and devices. It is located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RFI_Registry/ It is only now being made know to Hams at large.
It is my and others hope that such a database can be created and RFI I can be more effectively traced and reduced, so that we may never lose another Ham or SWL to the needless and preventable bane of RF noise. Unfortunately, RFI is an often ignored subject until you personally lose your capability to hear all but the strongest signals, thereby rendering your beloved hobby useless. But remember, all these sources combine to raise the noise floor, so we are all victims to RFI in some way.
Thank you for any reference you can make to this topic in the Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin. I would be happy to answer to or comment on my suggestion, by e-mail at: my call sign at rac dot ca.
73 Greg White
VA3VFO
The QCWA National Convention-2006 Web Site is now up for everyone to discover. Please take a few moments to check out what we have planned for you and your friends. You can find it at: http://www.qsl.net/ve6afoClick onto "Hosts For QCWA National Convention 2006", on the home page, which brings you to the convention information.
Remember - this is a convention for everyone - not just QCWA members.
We plan to provide a great venue for all to enjoy and make socializing a good habit!While surfing the web site, if you can suggest any ideas for improvement, clarity, etc. - please let me know at ve6afo@rac.ca
Thank you and enjoy!
73,
Ken Oelke - VE6AFO
Chair
QCWA National Convention - 2006
For more info - visit http://www.qsl.net/ve6afo
Maritime
Another Transatlantic QSO -- on 2200 metres, 22 January 2006The Atlantic has been spanned by amateur long waves again as Jim Moritz M0BMU and Joe Craig VO1NA transmitted on 136.317 and 137.777 kHz espectively. Jim was running a 1.2 kW Decca amp into a 40m wire while Joe was running 70 watts to a 100 metre wire. The contact used slow speed CW and lasted for almost 5 hours with solid reception at both ends. Jim used was a home brew sound card receiver described in the latest RSGB Handbook. The details of Joe's home brew LF station were published last July in QST. Strong signals were also received from Dave Pick G3YXM, but the QSO was cut short by fading.
Several other stations on both sides of the Atlantic were also active. RAC were successful in adding a 2200m amateur allocation to the agenda of next year's World Radio Conference. For more information on the long wave experiments in Newfoundland, please visit the Marconi Radio Club of Newfoundland web page by searching for VO1MRC on the internet.
RAC News Service
Quebec
St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 19, 2006.This is to announce that the St. Patrick's Day Parade is on Sunday, March 19, 2006 and that we are looking for volunteers for this event. The briefing is at approximately 10h00 or so at the control centre, the exact time and location to be determined in the near future. This is a portable event so handi-talkies and spare batteries are a must.
This event goes on rain, snow, cold or sunshine, so plan on bringing proper attire along too.
Please contact me if you are interested in participating in this event. I can be contacted at the club address at: ve2arc@rac.ca if
you want more information or want to volunteer.James R. Hay, VE2VE - President, Montreal Amateur Radio Club
Webmasters Note: Keep up to date on the News page at: http://www.marc.qc.ca/news2006.html
Ontario
Ron Purdy VE3GAN passed away last monday unexpectadly.He was a very active member of NPARC and will be sadly missed.
PURDY, Ronald C., - Passed from this life on Monday, February 13th, 2006. “He touched many people but he held my hand“. Held in loving arms and surrounded by family and friends. Ron will be sorely missed by the love of his life Melvina, sister Viola Jenner, extended family and friends. The family will receive friends at the HAMMOND FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 26 Ormond Street South, Thorold on Thursday from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (24 Clairmont St., ThoroldDave VA3UL President NPARC
The Kingston Amateur Radio Club is proud to announce that it will be hosting the
Trans Provincial Net on February 25, 2006.The club will operate the entire day from the Military Communications Museum in CFB Kingston using local ham radio operators to ‘control’ the net. If you are not a ham you can still participate! Come out and we will let you operate the station and guide you through the process. A totally friendly environment.
If you are a local amateur radio operator or if you have ever thought that you might like to be one. Come and join us at the Military Communications Museum in Kingston on February 25, 2006 from 8 am to 5 pm .The Communications Museum is located on CFB Kingston and celebrates over a 100 years of military communications.
The Trans Provincial Net Operates from 8 am to 5 pm daily on 7.055 Mhz
They are a friendly net whose main purpose is to serve the amateur radio community. Amateurs from all areas are invited to check in on phone or CW. Meet your friends from Newfoundland to Victoria, the United States & beyond.
The Trans Provincial Net operates in co-operation with the Ontario Emergency Communications Organization and Local Amateur Radio Emergency Service Groups.
In the event of a declared emergency all operators are asked to follow the instructions of the Emergency Net Control Station and assist in any way possible.
Ontario Emergency Communications Organization (OECO)
OECO provides a list of active HF Hams to Provincial and Municipal authorities.
Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) sponsored by Radio Amateurs of Canada.If you want more information about us or amateur radio please visit:
The Kingston Amateur Radio Club (http://www.ve3kbr.com/)
The Military Communications Museum (http://www.c-and-e-museum.org/ve3rcs_e.htm)
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) (http://www.rac.ca/)Contact at the Kingston Amateur Radio Club:
Bill Rumball, VA3OL
Secretary, 384-4245
In early June there will be a vintage air show in the Niagara area: www.airic.ca
Although highly successful last year it promises to be even bigger this year with bombers such as the Liberator and Lancaster in attendance.Hamfest Information
Our club NPARC last year played a large part and this year we are required to play an even bigger role. We will amongst other things be putting up a special events station and would like to operate 7055kc over that weekend as the transprovincial net also listening on 7155kc for our American friends. We will be producing a special commerative QSL card to commerate the occasion with your approval. We will also be doing a write up for TCA.
Best Regards as always
Dave VA3UL President NPARC
Saturday - February 25
Burlington Spring Fleamarket - Burlington, Ontario
Location: Royal Canadian Legion - 828 Legion
Road, Burlington, Ontario
Vendors 07:00, Public 09:00. Admission $6.00 Tables $10.00
Talk-in VE3RSB 147.210 (+) PL 131.8 Hz
Information: Chuck Wilson, VE3IUO at 905-667-8534. Reservations and
cheques to Norm at 2129 Larabee Court, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 3S3
E-Mail: barc@cogeco.ca
Web page: http://www.barc.caFebruary 25
Northern Vermont Winter Hamfest - ARRL Vermont State Convention
Milton Hamfest - Milton, Vermont
Location: Milton High School, Route 7, Milton, Vermont
Time: 08:00 until 13:00.
Vendors: Early Vendors Entrance (via rear door) 06:30 - Call or
write for more information.
Admission: 5.00$. Under 18 years, free. Canadian money accepted at
par from Canadian residents, exact change only. Cash only, no
checks.
Talk-in: 145.150 (-) WB1GQR. Prerecorded hamfest information and
announcements on 146.67 MHz on the day of the hamfest.
Information: Phone: (802)-879-6589, before hamfest day or via
at: w1sj@arrl.net
Web page: http://www.ranv.org/milton.htmlSaturday, March 4
UMS Annual Fleamarket - Montréal, Quebec
Location: Centre Roussin, 12125 Notre Dame Est (East), Montréal, QC
Time: Vendors 07:00 am - Public 09:00
Admission: 5.00$ Tables 10.00$ Talk-in VE2RXW 146.700 (-)
Reservations: 514-521-7765 or via e-mail at: hamfest@ve2ums.ca
E-mail: hamfest@ve2ums.ca
Web page: http://www.ve2ums.caSaturday, March 11
Langley Amateur Radio Association Radio and Computer Swapmeet -
Aldergrove, British Columbia
Location: Aldergrove Elks Hall, 27309 Fraser Highway (Corner of 273
Street and Fraser Highway), Aldergrove, BC
Vendors 09:00 - Public 10:00 - 13:00 Admission 4.00$ Tables $18.00
Talk-in: VE7RLY 147.380 (+)
Reservations: Mario Sergi at 604-514-3851 or msergi@shaw.ca
Web Page: http://www.langleyamateurradio.comSaturday, March 25
HAMEX 2006 - Brampton, Ontario
Location: Brampton Fall Fairgrounds, Heart Lake Road corner of Old
School Road, Brampton, Ontario
Time: Vendors at - Public at 09:00 to 13:00 - Seminars 1300-1800
Talk-in VE3PRC 146.880 (-) PL 103.5 Hz
Admission: 6.00$ - Tables TBA.
Information: ve3xr@rac.ca or 905-453-6096
Web page:http:://www.ham-ex.caSunday, March 26
Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club Electronic Flea Market - Pitt
Meadows, British Columbia
Location: 12460 Harris Road, corner of Lougheed Highway
Vendors 07:00, Public 09:00 to 13:00 Admission 3.00$ Tables 20.00 -
includes 1 admission.
Talk-in: VE7RMR 146.800 (-) Tone 156.7 Hz Information and Table
Reservations - Mike Rossner at 604-466-2957
E-mail: va7mr@telus.net
Web page: http://www.qsl.net/ve7rmrSaturday, April 1
Hamfest Laval-Laurentides 2006 - Laval, Québec
Location: Polyvalente Georges Vanier, 3995 boul. Lévesque Est,
Saint Vincent de Paul (Laval), QC.
Vendors: 07:00 Public 09:00 Admission: 5.00$ per person. Tables:
10.00$ Talk-in: VE2REL 147.315 Mhz (+)
Information and reservations: (514)-708-8033 or via e-mail at
hamfest@ve2crl.qc.ca
Web page: http://www.ve2crl.qc.ca/hamfest.htmSaturday, April 1
Iroquois A.R.C. 11th Annual Flea Market - Iroquois, Ontario
Location: Iroquois Civic Centre
Vendors: 08:00 Public: 09:00 - 12:00
Free Admission / Tables 10.00$
Talk-in VE3IRO 145.290 (-)
Table reservations/Information: Gordon Knights, VE3UGW
(613)-657-3640 or
E-mail ve3ugw@ripnet.com
Web Site: http://www.iarc.dyndns.org:8080/Saturday, April 22
Montreal Hamfest and Fleamarket LaSalle (Montreal), Québec
Location: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 212 (LaSalle), 7771 Bouvier
corner of Shevchenko. STM Bus 109 at the door.
Vendors 08:00 Public 09:00 to 12:00. Admission - 4.00$ Talk-in
VE2RED 147.270 (+) - Information: James R. Hay, VE2VE -
(514)-697-7205
E-mail: ve2arc@rac.ca
Web page: http://www.marc.qc.ca/fest/fest.htmlSunday, May 7
O.C.A.R.C. 2nd Annual Flea Market - Kelowna, British Columbia
Location: Ellison Heritage School Community Centre, 4411 Old Vernon
Road, (East of the Kelowna Airport), Kelowna, B.C.
Vendors 08:00, Public 09:00 Admission 2.00$ Tables 10.00.
Talk-in: 146.680 (-)
Information: Keith Manhard, VE7KNG, 250-766-2179 or Carl Bertholm,
VE7CLC 250-769-4184
E-mail: ve7kng@rac.ca
Web page: http://www.ocarc.ca/hamsaleSaturday, May 13
22nd Annual Smiths Falls Amateur Radio Fleamarket - Smiths
Fall, Ontario
Location: Smiths Falls Youth Arena (behind 150 Elmsly Street
North, Corner of Cornelia Street (County Road 43) and Elmsley
Street) Smiths Falls, ON.
Vendors 07:00 Public 09:00 to noon Tables 10.00$ General Admissio 3.00$
Talk-in: VE3RLR 147.210 (+) Table reservations/Information via The
Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club Inc., c/o John Aikman VA3JHA,
Secretary, RR 1, Portland, ON, K0G 1V0
E-mail: irmajohn@perth.igs.net
Web page: http://www.falls.igs.net/~rlarcSaturday, May 13
Down East Fleamarket - Halifax, Nova Scotia
Location: Halifax Forum Complex at the corner of Young and Windsor Streets
Time: Vendors at 06:30 and General Public at 09:00 - Tables: T.B.A.
Vendors must reserve tables in advance - General Public: T.B.A.
Talk-in: VE1PSR 147.270 (+)
E-mail:
Web Page: http://www.halifax-arc.org/harcweb/Events/Fleamarket.htmlSaturday, June 10
Central Ontario Fleamarket and Hamfest. - Fergus, Ontario
Location: Fergus & District Community Centre, 10 km north of Guelph
off Highway 6. See www.hamfest.on.ca for a map.
Vendors at 06:00, Tailgaters at 07:00 and the Public at 08:00 to
12:30. Admission $6.00 -- Vendors - $12.00 plus admission --
Tailgaters $7.00 plus admission.
Talk-in: 145.210 (-) VE3ZMG, switch to 146.520 simplex in the
Fergus.
E-mail: info@hamfest.on.ca
Web page: http://www.hamfest.on.caSaturday, June 17
Whitby Hamfest - Oshawa, Ontario
Location: Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 43, 471 Simcoe Street
South, Oshawa, ON
Vendors 07:00 Public 09:00 to 13:00. Admission - $5.00 Tables $10.00
+ $5.00 Admission - Talk-in - VE3WOM 147.150 (+)
Information/Reservations: Betty Huider, VE3BLH at 905-579-1800 or
Jim McCafferty at 905-839-8454
E-mail: ve3blh@rac.caSaturday, July 8
Ontario Hamfest 2006 - Milton Ontario
Location: Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds, Milton ON
Times Inside Vendors: 07h00 - Robert Street Gate only -
Tailgaters:08h00 - Robert Street gate only - General
Admission: 09h00 - Thomas St gate only.
General Admission - 6.00$ Inside Vendors - 10.00$ per table plus
6.00$ per person Tailgaters - 5.00$ tailgate permit (per space) +
6.00$ per person.
Talk-in: 146.520 Simplex
E-mail: Registration: ve3czi@rac.ca or Norm Freidin at
(905)-335-8962 - Information:Chuck Wilson, VE3IUO
emailve3iuo@rac.ca
phone (905) 667-8534
Web Page: http://home.cogeco.ca/~barcSaturday, July 8
Saskatchewan Mini-Hamfest 2006. - Watrous, Saskatchewan
Location: Manitou Springs Hotel & Convention Centre, Watrous, SK
E-mail: Val Lemko, VE5AJC valve5acj@sasktel.net
Web page: http://www.sarl.ca/Saturday, August 5
Hamfest de ARES (St. Romuald Hamfest) - St. Romuald, Québec
Location: Arena St. Romuald, St. Romuald, QC
Vendors 06h00 - General Admission 09h00 - 15h00
Admission T.B.A. - Tables T.B.A. Talk-in: VE2RAG 145.450 (-)
Information/reservations: Théo Goulet, theogoulet@videotron.ca
Serge Berube, ve2bpu@sympatico.ca 418-839-4846
Fax: 418-839-3532
Web Page: http://www.aresqc.orgFriday, August 18 - Saturday, August 19
10th Annual MARMFEST (Manitoba Amateur Radio Museum Hamfest) -
Austin, Manitoba
Location: The Heritage Building on the grounds of The Manitoba
Agricultural Museum, 75 miles west of Winnipeg then south 1 mile on
highway #34 or 50 miles east of Brandon then south 1 mile on #34
Friday Registration: 16h00-18h00 - Saturday
Registration: 08h30-13h00
Flea Market - Vendors 10h30 - public at 11h30
Registration 7.00$ - Flea market tables 5.00$
Talk-in: VE4MTR 146.910 (-) - Free admission to the Manitoba
Agricultural Museum grounds when registered, food concession on
site, shuttle service to the grounds, Supper Saturday night $8.00
children 4.00, Saturday night dance/party Music man, ladies
activities, flea market and meetings.
Information: David Syndal, VE4XN at (204)-728-2463 or via e-mail
at: dsnydal@mb.sympatico.ca
Web page: http://www.mts.net/~dsnydal/austin.htmlSaturday, September 2
Ottawa Amateur Radio Club 10th Annual Hamfest. - Carp, Ontario
Location: Carp Agricultural Fair Grounds, 3970 Carp Rd (at Falldown
Lane), Carp, ON
Vendors - 08:00 Tailgaters - 08:00 General Public - 10:00 to 13:00
Forum T.B.A. - 13:00
General Admission 5.00$ Tables 10.00$ plus admission Tailgaters
5.00$ plus admission.
Talk-in: VE2CRA 146.940 (-)
Greg Danylchenko, VE3YTZ at (613) 236-9291 (H)
E-mail: fleamarket@oarc.net
Web Page: http://oarc.net/fleamarketSaturday, September 16
West Island Auction - Dollard des Ormeaux (Montreal), Quebec
Location: Karnak Shiners Hall, 3350 Boulevard des Sources, Dollard
des Ormeaux, QC
Vendors - T.B.A - General Public T.B.A. - Auction
General admission T.B.A. - Tables T.B.A.
Talk-in: VE2RWI 146.910 (-)
Information: e-mail to ve2cwi@rac.ca
Web page: http://shell.pubnix.net/~wiarcVernon Erle Ikeda
Pierrefonds, Quebec