New format for Canadian Amateur Radio Bulletin (Jun. 23 2005)

It is always difficult to decide how to format the bulletin to address the needs of the majority of subscribers. After reading many comments and requests from our subscribers and doing some research it has been determined that the majority of computer users operate at screen resolutions of 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768 with a very small percentage using screen resolutions higher or lower than these two settings.

Since the ratio of users seems to be balanced between these two settings I have decided to optimize the bulletin for 800 x 600 while still maintaining a balanced layout for users at the 1024 x 768 mode. 800 x 600 users will observe that the page is slightly oversized in width but none of the text nor pictures will fall outside the viewing area. 1024 x 768 users will note that there is a light gray border on both sides of the screen.

The only other option was to produce two versions of the bulletin which would attempt to auto detect which screen resolution the visitor was using, this can be problematic and double the current work load. We hope that this change in format will make the bulletin more enjoyable for all .

The staff of the CARB want to provide the best in services for all our subscribers and have implemented one of the newer technologies, the CARB now has an RSS Feed .  With this service the latest content in Canadian Amateur radio news can be delivered to your desktop as it is posted on the website, no longer do you have to wait for weekly notifications or check the website daily for new content. If you already use rss feeds the url for the CARB feed is :http://www.bloglines.com/blog/HFRadio/rss , if not read the following article. 

What is RSS Feed?

RSS is a format for syndicating news and the content of news-like sites, including major news sites like Wired, news-oriented community sites like Slashdot, and personal weblogs. But it's not just for news. Pretty much anything that can be broken down into discrete items can be syndicated via RSS: the "recent changes" page of a wiki, a changelog of CVS checkins, even the revision history of a book. Once information about each item is in RSS format, an RSS-aware program can check the feed for changes and react to the changes in an appropriate way.

RSS-aware programs called news aggregators are popular in the weblogging community. Many weblogs make content available in RSS. A news aggregator can help you keep up with all your favorite weblogs by checking their RSS feeds and displaying new items from each of them.

There are a number of free programs available to read RSS Feeds my personal preference is Feed reader which is available for download at: www.feedreader.com

As always the CARB will continue to be be available on the HFRadio.Net website along with the weekly synopsis delivered via e-mail to subscribers.

73 Jim Taylor VA3KU
CARB Editor

Industry Canada reviewing its approach to spectrum management (Jun. 10 2005)

Many times each year, Industry Canada makes changes to the standards and procedures that govern the use of radio systems in Canada. Almost always, the proposed changes are discussed with spectrum users via the Radio Advisory Board of Canada (RABC), and occasionally the changes are also discussed with the general public, as was the case with their recent review of tower policies.

However, every few years an in-depth review is conducted, to look at the department’s policies and priorities, and decide if changes are needed to the way they make decisions, and how they manage the radio frequency spectrum. As with day-to-day rule changes, spectrum users are consulted, and their comments taken into account.

After a stable period of about 10 years, Industry Canada began a preliminary review in 2002 of its Spectrum Policy Framework, asking for comments on ideas for change. RAC participated, both through the RABC and through a direct letter to the department. Now, three years later, the full review is underway, and Industry Canada has published a draft set of changes on their web site. Over the summer, RAC and the RABC will be studying the proposals and preparing their comments and suggestions. RAC likely will respond both directly and through the RABC.

In general, the proposed changes would have most impact on commercial spectrum users. Most refer to how frequency assignments are made within the bands allocated to the fixed, broadcast and mobile services. However, there is also a continuing trend towards more license exempt devices, which share spectrum with authorized services at the discretion of the Minister, and towards a more “hands off” approach to spectrum management, both of which may be of concern to radio amateurs. Watch for further developments on the RAC web site, and in articles in TCA.

(RAC News Service)

Radio Amateurs of Canada Youth Education Program NEWSLETTER #13 June 12, 2005

The 2004-05 school year is rapidly drawing to a close and I suspect that neither students nor teachers will be sorry to get started on their the upcoming summer break. Don’t forget, the YEP Committee is looking forward to receiving a report from your school and your club about what you did and how you did it. Please let others benefit from your efforts and experiences. Last year, I sent out a questionnaire which generated some responses. I was hoping that it wouldn’t be necessary to go to that length this year.

The report, below, was just received from Ken Pulfer - VE3PU - and illustrates some extremely creative thinking on the part of those involved. Maybe next school year, your school will be able to monitor the signals sent down from a space suit in orbit!

I am proud to announce that today the ARISS-US team has delivered their portion of the Suitsat hardware to the NASA Johnson Space Center. NASA is in the process of shipping this hardware to Energia in Russia where it is expected to be certified and integrated with the Russian team's Suitsat equipment for eventual launch on the 19P Progress launch vehicle in the August/September 2005 timeframe.

The Suitsat amateur radio system, coupled with a school artwork DVD project that will be delivered later this month, is planned to be installed in an outdated Russian Orlon spacesuit in late September. It will then be deployed from the ISS during an Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA, or spacewalk). The Suitsat amateur radio system will beam down special messages and an SSTV image from within the Orlon space suit as it floats in space. Suitsat radio system will allow hams and students to track the suit and decode special international messages, space suit telemetry, and a pre-programmed Slow Scan TV image through its specially built digital voice messaging system and amateur radio transmitter. As built, Suitsat will be a transmit-only capability that will run on the space suit's battery power.

The idea for Suitsat was first conceived by the ARISS-Russia team, led by Sergey Samburov, RV3DR, and was extensively discussed at the joint AMSAT Symposium/ARISS International Partner meeting in October 2004. The project, also called Radioskaf or Radio Sputnik in Russia, is being led by project manager A. P. Alexandrov and Deputy Project Manager A. Poleshuk from RSC Energia, located in Korolev (Moscow area)

Russia. On the US side, the hardware project development was led by Lou McFadin, W5DID. Since October the Suitsat design concept matured and evolved due to the challenging development time constraints. A joint NASA letter, allowing the ARISS team to proceed forward with the Suitsat project was signed on May 10, 2005. In the four short weeks since that letter was signed, the US project team, has designed, built and tested a simple, yet fully featured system that we hope will inspire hams and students around the world.

On behalf of the ARISS International team, I want to congratulate the Suitsat hardware development team for their "Can Do" spirit and ability to deliver the Suitsat hardware on such a very challenging schedule.

Congratulations!!!!!
Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO
ARISS International Chairman
AMSAT V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs

I would like to sincerely thank Brian Jackson - VE6JBJ - of Chestermere Lake Middle School for this very thorough report, below. Unfortunately, Brian will be leaving this school to move to Airdrie next year. Hopefully, the program at Chestermere will be able to continue while Brian moves toward getting a program started in his new school.

It is hard to imagine that only a little over one year ago, we started using amateur radio in our classroom. It has become so woven into the fabric of my classroom that I truly can’t imagine what it was like without radio. Nor could I ever go back and not use it.

Here are the highlights of our year:
Eco-pals- In conjunction with Neil Carleton (VE3NCE), our classes participated in a program called Eco- Pals. This program randomly links schools across the country in a variety of different projects. However our initial proposal came in with a special request that we be partnered together and be allowed to introduce an amateur radio component. This opened up the whole world to us as we took the Eco-Pals project into a variety of directions. We started off with a project called “Class-to-Class” in which we exchanged artefacts that described our areas. At the same time, kids were matched up with a student in the other class and had the opportunity to introduce themselves to their partner on the radio. We followed this up with regular letters and a variety of other written projects. We started offering a Question of the Week, a project that had one class ask a question on Monday that could be surveyed in both schools and then shared the results on Friday. The next week, a group from the other school would send the question and then meet again on Friday to exchange results. We exchanged approximately 16 weeks worth of questions between the classes. Most recently, we have started Audio Book Reviews- a chance to share your favourite book and assorted details with your Ecopal. We have thoroughly entrenched amateur radio into this existing program to a point that I could not do the Eco-Pal program again without the radio component.

Antarctica- In September, we had the opportunity to research life in the Antarctic and ask any questions of Bill Hance, KD7CWA, a satellite operator and amateur radio operator at Palmer Station in the Antarctic. It was an amazing opportunity to find out about an area that we knew virtually nothing about.

Mount Everest- as many other students across the country did, we too joined in with R. Tait McKenzie Public School in Almonte, Ontario and contacted Professor Sean Egan, the University of Ottawa professor who was attempting to become the oldest Canadian to summit Mount Everest. Four students from the group of approximately 100 people who joined us for the event had a chance to ask Sean Egan questions about his experiences on Mount Everest. We had followed the expedition quite closely up until its tragic end.

Tasmania- Twice during the year, we researched and sent questions to amateur radio operators in Tasmania. We then followed them up with a contact that allowed them to ask their questions live over radio. Where I would normally have used two primary classes for most radio contacts, these two contacts were using a crosssection of other Grade Six students. These contacts went a long way to promote amateur radio in our community.

Australia- Where the Internet can answer a wide variety of questions, we proved it is not the only way to find answers. We proved that the answers can come more quickly if you put in a CQ to the area you would like to know more about and ask them directly. Such was the case when we wanted to know about the constellations that could be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. Hank, an amateur radio operator in Sydney, Australia, answered our call and our questions, despite the fact that it was 2:45 am in Australia. This left a very strong impression on the kids in my classroom.

Scotland, England- In order to introduce the entire program at the beginning of the year, we placed a large number of CQ calls to various IRLP nodes around the United Kingdom. It was amazing for both the students and me to hear so many pleasant, encouraging radio operators who were thrilled to be speaking to school kids. Their messages of support for amateur radio projects in schools were wonderful.

Mount St. Helens- During the eruptions of Mount St. Helens at the beginning of the year, we had the opportunity to speak to an operator who was only 90 miles away from the active volcano and who could vividly describe the atmosphere around his area. Through his descriptions, we could better understand the news that was being sent to us via the media.

England- most recently, we have connected up with David Mackinder , G4DWP, in Lincolnshire, England. David has an amateur radio club in his school and wrote looking for students with which he could connect his classes. After receiving permission from Industry Canada, we tried a series of “Greeting Messages”- short introductions between students that do not violate our lack of a Third Party Agreement. David’s students are currently working under a Foundation License and working towards their Basic License equivalents.

Teacher Professional Development- Virtually every morning for the past year, Neil Carleton VE3NCE and I have chatted together via IRLP. Where this started off as an opportunity to plan ways we could connect our classrooms and students together, it has become much more than that. Our conversations still seek for interesting new plans, but they have become philosophical, discussing the concepts behind education in two provinces. They have started looking forward to ways we can link classes in the school I will be in next year. They have become a very important source of professional development for me.

Related local events:
CARA Field Day - Our school has helped arrange a place for the Calgary Amateur Radio Association to hold a Field Day in late June. This will help promote amateur radio with the community as the students will be invited to visit the field station at the High School east of the town of Chestermere and participate in a field day. They will have the opportunity to witness and join in worldwide QSO’s.

UPCOMING:
Summits of Canada - In 2005-06, an expedition of climbers from across Canada will challenge the highest peaks across Canada. Amateur radio will travel along with them as they plan to use radio to communicate with the kids across the country who participate in the RAC YEP. This will be an exciting chance to follow a unique climbing experience and share in the experiences. More to come from this.

And, all the very best for an excellent summer break!

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

Industry Canada gives approval for Alberta Hams to use special callsign (May 6 2005)
 

The Calgary Amateur Radio Association (CARA), through Jeff Wilson, CARA DX Club Chair, has received permit from Industry Canada for All Alberta Amateurs to us special prefixes to celebrate Alberta's Centennial. VE6's can use VX6 and VA6's can use VG6 for the period from May 27 to June 25, 2005.  For more information about the CARA visit our website: www.cara.ampr.org (Jeff Wilson VE6GJ)

Special Call Sign 'VA7YVET' to commemorate the "YEAR OF THE VETERAN" (Jun. 4 2005)

Authority has been granted Doug Pichette VA7DP to use the special call sign VA7YVET to commemorate the "YEAR OF THE VETERAN". Valid from 4 June 2005 to 4 July 2005.

(RAC News Service)

MARCAN APRS NEWS - Summer 2005 (Jun. 22 2005)

Here are some quick notes on APRS happening of late:

1. I have added a NEWS section to my APRS web page. http://aprs.ve1aic.net

2. We have changed parameters on most of the APRS UIDIGI nodes to reflect "The New n-N Paradigm ".  This coincides with the change of our standard path setting for ALL stations becoming "WIDE3-3".

I doubt that we ever had that many home stations setup for RELAY digipeating so we can probably ignore the WIDE1-1 thing. Anyone using WIDE1-1,WIDE2-2 will of course be propagated by the nodes no problem.

This link gives the details of Bob's new plan. http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/aprs/fix14439.html

3. The Cape Breton nodes VE1QRZ and VE1GPS have been QRT for over a month now and I have been unable to contact VE1APE to see what’s wrong.Nelson, VE1GO has been filling in from Sydney with his Igate but we still have a loss of coverage in central cape Breton.

4. Rob's APRS node VY2EKR (and the 147.165 repeater) were removed from Souris due to severe QRM. It is hoped they will return either to that site or another in that area before fall.

5. We have added APRSs node to the Yarmouth area and Greg is working on another node for the St. John area to help make a reliable connection to them.

6. Since its officially summer. at least by the calendar. we should expect to see a lot of traveling callsigns on APRS and it appears our network is ready for them for the most part. Thanks to all for your cooperation.

(73, Ron VE1AIC)

The year 2005 marks the Centennial Celebration for Saskatchewan and as such, the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club and the Meewasin Amateur Radio Society of Saskatoon are hosting the Saskatchewan Amateur Radio League annual Hamfest for 2005.

Join us at the Travelodge Saskatoon for our Centennial Celebrations July 22-24, 2005. The theme of the hamfest 2005 will be the last century of amateur radio, a look at the role of amateur radio in Saskatchewan and discussions about the future of ham radio operations in Western Canada.

Any profit raised will be contributed to the Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Saskatoon. 
 

Radio Amateurs of Canada - For the first time in RAC's history, an Annual General Meeting will be held in Saskatchewan!  RAC Chairman, Earle Smith VE6NM will be attending the hamfest along with other directors and RAC staff to conduct the 2005 AGM.  Make sure you come to the meeting to help us ensure we have other RAC meetings in our part of the country in the future!

SCHF 2005 Radio Raffle - The hamfest committee has created a raffle to raise funds for ARES Saskatoon.  Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.  The draw will be made at the Saturday night banquet and awards dinner.  Winners need not be in attendance.  The grand prize is a handheld radio valued at $440, or cash equivalent.  See any member of the hamfest committee for tickets!!  Lottery License #R05-0602. 

SCHF 2005 - Your hamfest committee is working hard to ensure that this is the best hamfest the Province has ever seen.  Make sure you help us and send your input and when registration is ready, please register early! 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop us a line at saskhamfest2005@sarl.ca. 

For more information visit: www.saskhamfest.com
 
 

An invitation. The Halifax Amateur Radio Club (HARC) is pleased to invite all contesters, DXers and HF enthusiasts to the second Maritime DX Forum. It will be held on Saturday, 6 August 2005 in Hackett’s Cove, Nova Scotia, just outside Halifax on St. Margaret’s Bay. From humble beginnings at the home of Scott, VE1QD, in 2004, the DX Forum is moving up both in terms of the venue, program and corporate sponsorship.

The venue. This year’s meeting will be held in the manufacturing facilities of Nautel Ltd., a world-class producer of very high quality, AM and FM (analogue and digital) commercial radio transmitters, airport beacons and other electronic products. They will provide a tour of their facilities for those attending.

In addition to Nautel, we have two other corporate sponsorships. The Cushcraft Corporation will provide both an outstanding speaker, Ed Hammond, Manager of Ham Radio Antenna Sales, and a great door prize. Elecraft Inc, the producer of innovative HF radio kits, will provide an opportunity for someone to purchase one of their tranceivers at an excellent discount. Examples of two of their units will be on display.

The purposes of the Maritime DX Forum are to: 1) share our excitement for all facets of contesting, DXing and HF operating; 2) encourage greater HF activity among hams currently operating only on VHF and UHF; and 3) enjoy ham radio friendships. Spouses are welcome too. If they are not interested in the presentations, they will find many things to do in this delightful tourist area. The evening BBQ is a social event for everyone. 

Program. A copy of the program is attached. There are two outstanding keynote speakers, including James Latham, TI2DU, from Costa Rica and Ed Hammond, WN1I from New Hampshire. They will bring a wealth of ham radio experience and a fascinating international perspective to the program. A wide-ranging panel discussion, a tour of Nautel’s facilities and an evening BBQ will round out the day.

Accommodations, Restaurants and Tourist Attractions. For those attending from outside the Halifax metro area and needing tourist facilities, a list of local bed and breakfast establishments, campgrounds and local restaurants will be provided when you register. For family members who are not participating in the DX Forum meetings, and those who wish to extend their holiday in the area, suggestions about tourist activities will be provided.

Registration and Cost. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, 3 August 2005. A registration form can be downloaded from the HARC website: www.halifax-arc.org

You can also contact Scott Wood, VE1QD, by e-mail if you have any questions: ve1qd@rac.ca The cost of attending the DX Forum is $25.00 and covers coffee and refreshments during the day of the meeting, lunch and a BBQ dinner at Scott’s home, only 5 minutes from Nautel. Your registration also gives you a chance to win a new Cushcraft MA6V – a six band vertical antenna that is an "out-of-the-box" wonder, i.e. you pull it from the box and hook it up to your HF radio and enjoy spectacular radio contacts!

Saturday, 6 August 2005

0900 Registration and Coffee begin at Nautel Ltd.

0930 – 1045 Keynote Presentation: From Ham Radio to International Broadcaster: Lessons Learned Along the Way 

Mr. James Latham, TI2DU, and General Manager and Chief Engineer for Radio For Peace International, Ciudad Colon, Costa Rica

1045 - 1100 Coffee Break

1100 – 1215 Keynote Presentation: DXing and HF: Current Status and Ideas for the Future

Mr. Edward V. Hammond, WN1I, Manager for Ham Antenna Sales, Cushcraft Corporation, Manchester, New Hampshire

1230 – 1330 Lunch at Nautel

1330 – 1445 Tour of Nautel’s manufacturing and R & D facilities

1445 – 1630 Panel Presentation: The Challenges and Joys of Award Chasing, Contesting and Dxpeditions

Dick Grantham, VE1AI Fred Archibald, VE1FA 

Scott Nichols, VE1OP Scott Wood, VE1QD (Moderator) 

1630 Closing Words

1700 DX Forum BBQ at the home of Scott Wood, VE1QD

Directions to the meeting venue and to the home of Scott Wood will be included in registration packages, or can be downloaded from the HARC website – www.halifax-arc.org - or by contacting Scott by email ve1qd@rac.ca On the day of the event we can talk you in on the local repeater – 146.685.

PEI Amateur Radio Flea Market  (July 9 2005)
Sponsored by: The Summerside Amateur Radio Club

Location: PEI Flying Association Bldg. "Old" Airport Terminal Bldg. 250 Brackley Point Road Charlottetown, PE
Opens: Vendor Setup 8:00 AM,  Buyers 10:00 AM
Cost: Tables for sellers, both private and commercial are $5.00 each, Price at the door is $3 per person
Talkin: VY2PEI on 145.150 (-)

Notes: Restaurant Services will be available on site. Please contact Rodney, VY2CGA, by email to reserve table space.

For more info visit: www.summersidearc.com

ONTARIO HAMFEST  (July 9, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Burlington Amateur Radio Club 

Location:  Milton Agricultural Fairgrounds...SAME as Last Year   Milton  ON 
Opens: Inside Vendors: 7AM Tailgater Vendors: 8 AM General Admission: 9 AM 
Cost:  Inside Vendors: $10 per table PLUS $6 Admission Tailgater Vendors: $6 Admission PLUS $5 per single width vehicle space GENERAL ADMISSION: $6.00 each..Children under 12 are FREE with Adult Accompaniment 

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)
Sponsored by: The Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club/Meewasin Amateur Radio Society 

Location: Travelodge Saskatoon 106 Circle Drive West, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada 
Opens: TBA 
Cost: TBA 
Talkin:  Local 146.640- , Regional 146.970- 
Notes: 

For more info visit: http://www.saskhamfest.com

26th Annual Northwestern Ontario Hamfest (July 29-31 2005)
Sponsored by: The Rainy Lake Amateur Radio Club

RLARC will be the host for CAMP 807 2005, and they would like to extend an invitation to all Amateur Radio operators, their families, and other interested persons to participate in this annual family event. It's shaping up to be a great weekend! The Camp 807 committee hopes that you can include our region's annual Ham Radio gathering in your summer plans.

CAMP 807 2005 will take place the weekend of July 29th, 30th, and 31st at the Holiday Village Trailer Park and Campground, 1101 Mill Road by the overpass in East Fort Frances. 

There will be no RV camping at this site (new owners of property, no town licence to use as an RV campground) - but the activities will take place at this site. Across the road is the park, with space for about 20 RV's, on a first-come, first-served basis, and tenting area. There is also a sandy beach for swimming. 

Additional details will be posted as they become available. A final meeting before the onset of Camp 807 will be held on July 4th (tentative date). 

The VE3RLC repeater on 146.820 (-600) in Fort Frances will be used as the talk-in frequency. Club members will be monitoring the repeater in order to provide directions and assistance to those travelling to the event. 

More info: http://camp807.tripod.com/2005
 

VHARA Hamfest 2005  (August 27, 2005) 
Sponsor by: The Victoria - Haliburton Amateur Radio Association 

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 
Talkin: VE3LNZ 147.195 + 

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) 
Sponsor by: TheOttawa Amateur Radio Club, Inc 

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 
Cost:  $5 general admission $10/table (plus admission) $5/tailgate (plus admission) 
Talkin:  VE2CRA, 146.94 -

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) 
Sponsored by: The Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association 

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.
Please see map and directions on our web site. 

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) 
Sponsored by: The Barrie Amateur Radio Club 

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.
Cost:  General admission $5 , 8' tables $15 plus general admissions, Taigaters $5 plus general admissions. 
Talkin:  VE3RAG 147.000 + 

Notes:  Our second year at the new bigger location. Wheelchair accessable and handicap parking available.
Registration form and map on website. 

For more info visit: http://www.barriearc.com

Kingston Amateur Radio Club Annual Flea Market (Sept. 17 2005)

The KARC will hold its annual flea market on Saturday Sept. 17, 2005 The event will be held at Drill Hall "A", CFB Kingston. Doors will open to vendors at 0730 and the public at 0900

Admission is $ 3.00. Tables are $ 10.00 including one admission. Commercial tables are $ 20.00 but will be given free with a door prize.

Talk in: will be on the VE3KAR repeater, 146.940 ( -600)
Canteen will be available.

We will have a 50/50 draw to support the museum, many door prizes and possibly a major prize raffle. Door prizes include magazine subscriptions, dinner vouchers, sightseeing air flights, movie tickets, computer material, emergency radio etc.

The Canadian Forces Communications and Electronics Museum will be open for all to visit as well.   Free admission and only 5 minutes from the fleamarket)

Tables are available by contacting:

VE3TMT Max at mdonoghue@sympatico.ca
VE3GO Ron at ve3go@sympatico.ca or ( 613 634-4085)

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
54 Hammond Cres. London, ON  N5X 1A4

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! 

Amateur Radio Operators assist during severe flooding conditions in Alberta (Jun.23 2005)
 

Dozens of Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta amateurs are providing assistance to various organizations during major floods in Alberta, Canada. While several cities (especially Calgary, Sundre, Okotoks and High River) were severely hit, others dodged a bullet when debris blocked smaller rivers lowering the high water level on both the Red Deer and North Saskatchewan rivers. Southern Alberta: Amateurs in Calgary provided hundreds of hours of volunteer service,

especially SATERN members in support of the Salvation Army operations. Teams were out doing everything from supplying food and water to emergency personnel and volunteers on the front lines to getting mattresses and supplies to various evacuation centres.

Calgary was severely hit with a flood size estimated to come once every 200 years and operations continued for days. Norm Coleman VE6NJC, led the Salvation Army response as the Calgary Emergency & Disaster Services Coordinator, with Emergency Coordinators John McEwen VA7JCM coming from British Columbia and Nathan Reeves VE6NGR coming from Edmonton to assist. Special note should be made of Ralph Garnett VE6REG, who provided net control for most of the time Calgary was operating.
 

Drumheller saw the evacuation of thousands of people out of a population of only 8,000. Amateurs with the Salvation Army SATERN group and supporting ARES members helped feed hundreds of sandbaggers, emergency personnel and evacuees with help coming from Manitoba and British Columbia. Major Rick Shirran VE4RS, Territorial SATERN Coordinator for Canada, was there firsthand to provide assistance with communications, food distribution and anything else asked of him.

Red Deer amateurs from the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club were active for days as water levels came dangerously close to causing severe flooding. As well, amateurs provided support to both the County of Red Deer and the Red Cross. A major dam was threatened by the flooding and the risk of a massive evacuation of thousands of people was quite real.
 

Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan:  ARES amateurs provided assistance in monitoring the water levels and preparing to take on further roles. Amateurs from Edmonton’s Northern Alberta Radio Club beamed Amateur Television pictures right into the City of Edmonton Emergency Operations Centre so emergency officials had an exact look at the situation in real time. As well, Edmonton amateurs were directly involved in the rescue of a pedestrian who fell into the swollen North Saskatchewan river.

For those who believe that amateur radio is archaic and public service is no longer one of Amateur Radio’s strengths, the flooding in Alberta proved once again how valuable amateur radio can be in providing emergency communications. Yes, cell phones and fire radios worked just fine, but the amateurs assisted in providing additional communications in a variety of ways.

Congratulations to all the amateurs who contributed their time, equipment and energy to supporting their communities. 

 (Thanks to Robert Cox VA6EEE)

ARES EOC Field Day 2005 Activities (Jun. 25-26 2005)

Amateur Radio Station (VE3EMO) at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (Emergency Management Ontario) will be activated for Field Day 2005 on June 25th between the hours of  7-11pm. Look for EMO between 3.740 and 3.775 on the 80 metre band or 7.055 and up on 40 Metres if conditions are poor on 80.

The following Emergency Operations Centres have reported being active on Field Day 2005; 

• Amateur Radio Station (VA3EOT) at the Toronto Emergency Operations Centre will be activated for Field Day 2005 on June 25th between the hours of  7-11pm. Toronto EOC will be active on all bands including PSK31.

• I had posted earlier in the week that (VE3SOO) would be on the air for Field Day, this is an error. The Algoma Club will be operating from an outdoor Field Day location.

• Amateur Radio Station (VA3OSE) at Owen Sound Fire & Emergency Services will be activated for Field Day 2005. Reported by Rod Pears VA3RP DEC Saugeen ARES.

As time is short please let us know as soon as possible. Please respond to the e-mail address listed below or phone.

73 Jim Taylor VA3KU
PEOC Chief Station Operator
'Emergency Management Ontario'
EMOARES@jus.gov.on.ca
416-466-9361

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
VE3WIK 443.675 (131.8) Carlisle 
VA3WAJ  442.425 (107.2) Niagara Falls 
VE3SED  442.200 (131.8) Baden 
VE3MBR  147.105 (131.8) Goring 
ARES Simplex 146.460 linked to VE3WIK 

For more information visit:oeco.hfradio.net/procom.html

Introducing the Escarpment Repeater Association (Jun. 17 2005)
 

The ERA is a group of independent repeater owners providing wide area communications services to most all of Southern Ontario. It is made available to amateur organizations for nets, and emergency communications services. For more information about the Escarpment Repeater Association visit thier website at: www.eraradio.ca

Each year on July 1, the anniversary of Canada’s Confederation, Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) sponsors the Canada Day Contest. Amateurs all over the world are invited to Canada’s Birthday Party on the air.

Contest Period: 0000 UTC to 2359 UTC July 1, 2005.

Bands and Modes: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, 6 and 2 metres, CW and phone (SSB, FM, AM, etc.)

Suggested frequencies: CW - 25 kHz up from the band edge and for SSB - 1850, 3775, 7075, 7225, 14175, 21250, 28500 kHz. Check for CW activity on the half-hour.

Exchange: Stations in Canada send RS(T) and province or territory. VEØs and stations outside Canada send RS(T) and a serial number.

QSOs: Contacts with stations in Canada or VEØs are worth 10 points. Contacts with stations outside Canada are worth 2 points. Contacts with RAC official stations are worth 20 points. RAC official stations are: VA2RAC, VA3RAC, VE1RAC, VE4RAC, VE5RAC, VE6RAC, VE7RAC, VE8RAC, VE9RAC, VO1RAC, VO2RAC, VY0RAC, VY1RAC and VY2RAC. You may work any station once on each of the two modes, on each of the eight contest bands. It is prohibited to make CW contacts in the conventional phone sub-bands, phone contacts in the conventional CW sub-bands, or to make or solicit QSOs through a repeater during the contest period.

Multipliers: Thirteen in total, Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories. Each multiplier may be counted once on each mode on each of the eight contest bands. The multipliers, with their postal abbreviations and prefixes are: Nova Scotia [NS] (VE1, VA1, CY9, CYØ); Quebec [QC] (VE2, VA2); Ontario [ON] (VE3, VA3); Manitoba [MB] (VE4, VA4); Saskatchewan [SK] (VE5, VA5); Alberta [AB] (VE6, VA6); British Columbia [BC] (VE7, VA7); Northwest Territories [NT] (VE8); New Brunswick [NB] (VE9); Newfoundland and Labrador [NL] (VO1, VO2); Nunavut [NU] (VY0); Yukon [YT] (VY1); and Prince Edward Island [PE] (VY2).

Final Score: The total QSO points from all bands multiplied by the total number of multipliers from all bands.

Categories: The following 7 categories are eligible for a certificate or award

• Single Operator All Bands High Power
• Single Operator All Bands Low Power (max. 100 W output)
• Single Operator QRP (max. 5 W output) All Bands & Single Band **
• Single Operator Single Band, no power classification ***
• Multi-Operator Single Transmitter High Power *
• Multi-Operator Single Transmitter Low Power *
• Multi-Operator Multi Transmitter, no power classification

In the Multi-Single category only one transmitter and one band permitted during the same time period (defined as 10 minutes.) Exception: One, and only one other band may be used during any 10-minute period, if and only if the station worked is a new multiplier. In other words the Multi-Single Transmitter class allows a second station to "hunt" and work multipliers only on a separate band. Multi-Multi category stations may operate on several bands simultaneously.

* Single operators who receive assistance from a DX spotting system or Packet Cluster network during the contest must classify themselves as Multi-ops.

** Although there is only one QRP category, which qualifies for a certificate or award, it is intended that the published results would show All Bands or the Single Band of operation. To facilitate this break out of the listings, your entry should indicate the power class you used.

*** Although there is only one Single Operator Single Band category that qualifies for a certificate or award, it is intended that the published results would show High Power or Low Power. To facilitate this break out of the listings, your entry should indicate the power class you used.

Awards:
Plaques will be awarded to the top-scoring entrants in each category. Thanks to the following for their sponsorship:

Single Operator All Bands High Power - Radioworld
Single Operator All Bands Low Power - Durham Radio Sales and Service
Single Operator QRP (all band or single band) - QRP Canada
Single Operator Single Band (no power classification) - Elkel Products
Multi-Operator Single Transmitter High Power - Alfa Radio
Multi-Operator Single Transmitter Low Power - Tony Allsop VE3FTA Memorial by the Mississauga ARC
Multi-Operator Multi Transmitter (no power classification) - Radioworld
Single Operator, no power classification, Foreign Entrant - Larry Kayser, VA3LK Memorial by Alan
Goodacre VE3HX for the Canada Day contest and Jorge Bozzo LU8DQ Memorial by Alan
Goodacre VE3HX for the Canada Winter contest.

Certificates will be awarded to the top-scoring entrant in each category in each province, territory; US call district, and DXCC country. *

* to facilitate the proper allocation of certificates all US stations should indicate their actual US call district if different than indicated by their call prefix. DX stations should indicate the actual country of operation if different than indicated by their call prefix.

Results: Will be published in The Canadian Amateur magazine published by the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC). The results will also be published on the RAC web site at www.rac.ca in the contest section.

Entries: All entries, electronic or paper logs, much be post marked or electronically submitted by July 31, 2005

Send paper entries to:
Radio Amateurs of Canada
720 Belfast Road, Suite 217
Ottawa Ontario Canada
K1G 0Z5
Canada

Paper mail entries must contain a summary sheet showing score calculation, a dupe sheet listing calls worked on each mode on each band, a multiplier check sheet and log sheets. Logs sheets must show time, band, mode, call of station worked, exchanges sent and received and points claimed for each QSO. New multipliers must be clearly marked in the log. Contest entry forms are also available on the RAC web site. Send e-mail entries to canadaday@rac.ca

Any entry with over 200 contacts should be submitted in digital form, either submitted by e-mail or mailed in via 3.5 MS-DOS/Windows formatted diskette. The preferred format is RAC Cabrillo in plain ASCII/TEXT format. For an interim period of time, while the commercial logging programs are updated, you may submit that logging programs log file for contest submission, but your file must be in ASCII/TEXT format. The RAC Cabrillo format is described and its detailed layout is shown on the RAC web at http://www.rac.ca/downloads/raccabrillo1.pdf. Please check to make sure your logging software is compliant with this format and layout.

Electronic logs should provide a summary sheet with the same information as shown for the paper log entries. The standard summary sheet provided by the typical logging program is generally acceptable, but you should confirm that it contains the same information as shown for paper log entries. A properly filled out Cabrillo header section will be sufficient for logs submitted in that format.

Ensure that you completely fill out the header information in the Cabrillo file. Name your file with your CALLSIGN and the file extension .LOG (e.g. yourcall.LOG). If you email your log, please send the file(s) as attachments. Do NOT paste the log file into the text of your message. This is often impossible to extract correctly.

Large files may be zipped if necessary. If you need help with preparing or emailing your log, please contact Bart Ritchie (VE5CPU) at ve5cpu@rac.ca

For the previous years contest results, visit the RAC Web site in the contesting sections. We will also be publishing a list of submitted logs and the categories enter on the RAC web site after the cut off date to assist in correcting any entry categorizations.

(RAC)

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.

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?

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)

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

Konrad Byers (VE1EXE) was an innovative Canadian Radio Amateur who lived in  Parrsboro, NS and developed a very comprehensive Software approach to Digital Signal Processing (DSP) that works for both Hams and CB enthusiasts. Bill Galloway (VE1WWG) in Dartmouth Nova Scotia was a close personal friend and mentor to Konrad and has build a Memorial Website for Konrad at: www.bill.gallowaysystems.com/ve1exe/konrad.html

If you are interested in DSP you should visit this site.  The following is the introduction from Bill.  This software is share-ware so have a look and try it out.

Among other things, eSoftAnywhere DSP & More performs DSP (digital signal processing) on radio audio signals. It is primarily intended for use by Ham Radio / Amateur Radio, Short-wave listeners, and CB (Citizens Band) Radio operators.

In spite of many advanced features, having extensive context sensitive online help and a visual oriented interface, make learning and using eSoftAnywhere DSP & More come naturally.

Where other software and hardware DSP implementations fail to offer DSP that it is actually usable, eSoftAnywhere DSP & More's easily selectable and configurable presets, a point and click user interface for frequency selection, and several different user selectable visual representations of audio to choose from, make setting and configuring DSP filtering options easy and intuitive.

(Thanks to Bill Galloway VE1WWG)

There are many reasons why we get into Amateur Radio.  However I was surprised this year as co-ordinator of our Halifax Amateur Radio Club Basic Course to learn that several of the people who were attending the classes were doing so for the sole purpose of being able to operate SSB/HF in the Ham bands aboard their sailboats.  Coincidentally, I had been chatting recently with a friend and fellow Ham - Neil Hughes (VE1YZ) - about another individual who had been having problems with an HF installation on his sailboat.

For those of you who are contemplating, or who are in the process of installing SSB/HF on your boat, I am passing along a number of things that Neil reckons are critically important in this area.

1)   Assuming that you are using a backstay for an antenna, with an automatic antenna tuner, it is very important that the antenna tuner be mounted as close beneath the backstay as possible. The feedline from the antenna tuner must be an open piece of insulated wire (not coax - not even 1" of coax!), clear of other metal objects as much as possible. It should not be taped to the non-antenna part of the backstay, but rather held off on plastic standoffs. This is necessary to prevent arcing. Once an arc occurs, a pinhole develops in the feedlilne, which fills with salt water and shorts the antenna.

2)   Your antenna tuner must have a very heavy ground strap that runs directly to a good grounding point, such as a keelbolt or Dynaplate. The wire must be as short as possible. The best ground would be a wide copper strap (2" or more). If that is not available, a piece of #6 (automotive battery) cable would be a good choice. Copper tubing would also work. Flatten the ends and solder on connectors, or flatten and drill. The connections at each end must be perfect. If lugs are installed on the cable, they must be soldered. Connections at the keelbolt or Dynaplate must be clean, tight, and protected from moisture. 

NOTE: The piece of strap that runs from the ground connection on the tuner to the seawater ground is actually part of the antenna system. Making this strap as physically large (but short) as possible minimizes its effect.

3)   The radio should have a similar heavy ground directly to the same grounding point as the antenna tuner. A short (1'), smaller flexible piece of wire at the radio end would make the installation easier. Again connections must be soldered and perfect.

NOTE:  An engine bolt does not qualify as a ground for radio purposes. Other grounds such as lifelines are also not acceptable.  Unfortunately, many people install a very good radio, but pay little or no attention to the antenna and grounding system.

4)    The PTC-IIe Antenna Tuner must have it's own power source. In other words it can not be connected to the same circuit as the radio. It must have it's own circuit complete to the source of power. This is usually the culprit when RF gets into the PTC-IIe.  In some cases, to eliminate RF interference, I have found that putting the PTC-IIe on it's own battery cured it. Also, what works well is a 12V-inline filter for an automotive stereo radio. These are used to eliminate alternator whine in car radios. This filter should be mounted right at the PT-CIIe. In stubborn cases, mounting the 20-amp filter in the power line to the radio, right at the radio will help. These filters are usually available at automotive stores.

5)   Be sure that you have downloaded and installed the propagation predictor from the Airmail home page. It is a great tool. Each time you check into a WL2K, you will automatically download the current solar flux. This solar flux number is read by the propagation program, and the various WL2K PMBOs are assigned a probability of success, based on that number.

At this time in the solar cycle, HF communications will be difficult at best. There may be days with little or no propagation due to solar flares. Frequency selection and time of day will be critical.

Howard, Hi!

Just read issue 130 of the Bulletin and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your article on Grand Manan. I found it most interesting and as "professional" as any article I've ever seen in QST.

Well done!

John - VE2ZH / HK3AK  (May 29 2005)

Hi Howard,

I have got to tell you that the job you are doing as a correspondent from this region is just fantastic!  You are setting a standard that no other region has yet even begun to approach.

Your writing style is both entertaining and full of very useful information.  Moreover, you are making such effective use of digital photos, maps and other images.

I personal extend my thanks for your efforts!

I hope that we can get more people in this region subscribing to the bulletin, and reading and making use of the valuable information contained in the whole bulletin.

73,
Scott Wood VE1QD