At the request of Radio Amateurs of Canada, Industry Canada has authorized all Canadian radio amateurs to use special event prefixes for the month of May, 2005, to mark the opening of the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on 8 May, 2005 coincident with the  60th Anniversary of VE Day.

The year 2005 has been declared The Year of the Veteran by the Canadian government in recognition and commemoration of the determination, service and sacrifice of Canada's WW II veterans.

Canadian radio amateurs are authorized to use the following special event prefixes during the period 1 May to 31 May, 2005 inclusive:

CF for VA stations 
CG for VE stations
CH for VO stations 
CI0 for VY0 stations 
CI1for   VY1 stations 
CI2 for VY2 stations.

(Jim Dean, VE3IQ Vice President Regulatory Affairs Radio Amateurs of Canada)

Industry Canada gives approval to more Canadian amateurs to use special callsigns  (Apr. 14 2005)

Mr. Ken Whalen, Mount Pearl, NL, on behalf of the Admiralty House Museum and Archives, has been granted Special Event Callsigns to commemorate Alcock and Brown’s Transatlantic flight as well as the broadcast station VONF.

The call signs will be VO1VIMY and VO1VONF respectively. The authority is valid for the following dates: VO1VIMY commencing June 10th - July 10th and VO1VONF commencing November 11th - December 11th .

Mr. William Metcalf Beaumont, AB has been granted authority to use the special call sign VC6X to commemorate the Alberta Centennial Year. This authority is valid from May 15th until June 15th, 
2005.

Mr. Gordon R. Kosmenko, Sherwood Park, AB has been granted authority to use the special call sign VC6R to commemorate the Alberta Centennial Year. This authority is valid from May 27th until June 27th, 2005.

Mr. Douglas Pichette, Penticton, BC has been granted authority to use the special call sign VA7YVET to commemorate the “Year of the Vet.” This authority is valid from June 4th 2005, until July 4th , 2005.

Mr. Igor Slakva, Etobicoke, On has been granted a Special Event Callsign VB3M to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Great Lakes Commission. The authority is valid from July 1st 2005, until July 31st, 2005.

(RAC News Service)

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind officially launches The CNIB Centre at Doors Open Toronto this spring and we want you to join us! Dates: Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29, 2005  Time: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Place: CNIB at 1929 Bayview Avenue (two blocks north of Eglinton). Doors Open at CNIB is part of the official launch of CNIB's new building and we are very excited at the opportunity to open our doors to the community.

Doors Open is a popular annual event that gives the public access to some of Toronto's most unique and talked about buildings in a celebration of architecture and design. CNIB's new centre has been selected by the City of Toronto as a Doors Open feature site for accessibility. 

We hope that you can join us to take a guided tour, meet the architect, take in a chamber concert by the renowned Tallis Choir or check out our many interactive activities. There's something for everyone at CNIB!

Look for the Doors Open guide in the May 19, 2005 edition of the Toronto Star. 

In the early 1950s, CNIB consolidated its activities, which were operating from several separate locations within the city, and relocated to a 16-acre site just south of what was then the Sunnybrook Military Hospital on Bayview Avenue.

In 1954, Colonel Edwin Albert Baker tapped in the cornerstone of what became known as BakerWood. Officially opening its doors on April 16, 1956, the building was a reflection of Baker's determination and courage to help other blind and visually impaired Canadians.

Over five decades, while under the BakerWood roof, the number of CNIB clients grew steadily, leading to several additions to the original building. 

The nature of the CNIB's services also evolved significantly over the years, from housing blind clients in an institutional setting and providing sheltered work programs, to integrating clients into the community and fostering independent learning and life skills training. 

By 2000, BakerWood's institutional design began to seem rigid and inflexible and proved incapable of supporting modern programs.

And with a constant flow of costly repairs, it was evident that the building was rapidly deteriorating after a half-century of use. 

The CNIB concluded that a new facility was essential for providing service to the growing population of Canadians who are blind or visually impaired. 

Throughout the concept, design and construction process, the CNIB consulted with local city council and community and environmental groups to ensure that every aspect of the new facility was developed in a responsible manner. 

Equally diligent were the building's designers and architects, who worked with CNIB staff and imagined how the 140,000 square-foot space could be experienced with all of the senses. 

The end result - a building where texture, colour and acoustics are as important as concrete, bricks and mortar. 

Every accessibility feature has been incorporated to help visitors immediately feel comfortable, so that they can quickly benefit from CNIB's many services and programs. 

We hope you will enjoy visiting our new facility and learning about who we are, how we help Canadians with vision loss, and how modern design techniques can make a building more welcoming for everyone. 
 
 

11:30 a.m., 12:30 & 1:30 p.m.:  Tallis Choir
This chamber ensemble of 30 voices has earned a reputation for innovative programming, and is known as one of the few Canadian ensembles specializing in the music of the English and Italian Renaissance. Peter Mahon, Director.

1 - 3 p.m.:  Meet the Architect 
Q&A with Mary Jane Finlayson of Architects in Joint Venture - Sterling Finalyson Architects and Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners.

Guided Tours
Learn how natural light, varying floor surfaces and contrasting materials help visitors navigate their surroundings. Tour CNIB's library to see how talking books are made in our recording studios and how braille materials are produced.  Offered continually throughout the day.

Braille Face Painting 
Have your initials painted in braille on your arm or face with body-safe paint. Great for kids! 

Braille Your Name
Type your name in braille and take it home as a souvenir.

Sighted Guide
Learn the proper etiquette for offering assistance to someone who is blind and find out how a white cane helps people travel with confidence and independence. 

Guide Dogs 101
Learn how guide dogs are trained, the do's and don'ts of guide dog etiquette and how they help their handlers maintain independence. 

High-Tech Demos
See demonstrations of the latest computer technology used by blind and visually impaired Canadians - braille keyboards, screen-readers and text-enlarging software. 

Tactile Test 
Put your hands in a shadow box with a three-dimensional "tactile" and guess what the image represents. Tactiles are raised diagrams that provide people who are blind or visually impaired with a way to envision the shapes of objects in the world around them.

Mini-Store
Check out some of the most popular low vision devices available for purchase at the CNIB, such as hand-held magnifiers, needle threaders, cheque writing guides, talking clocks, and large-print playing cards.

Fragrant Garden
Stroll through this unique garden where the plants and flowers were chosen based on the smell of their blossoms, their soft touch, and the sounds their leaves make in the wind. Take in our garden art installation, brought in specifically for Doors Open visitors.

Ask Us! Station
Learn about our services and how you can get involved with CNIB as a client, donor, or volunteer. 

For more info: www.cnib.ca/doorsopen

Camp X On the Air Again! (May 28-29, 2005)

The North Shore Amateur Radio Club and the South Pickering Amateur Radio Club in conjunction with the Camp X Historical Society extend an invitation to all Radio Amateurs to join them in celebrating the contribution that Camp X made to the Allied victory in Europe. Amateur Radio operators will be telling the story of Camp X to the world by way of radio from Camp X, Intrepid Park, Whitby, ON on: Saturday, May 28 from 10:00 to 17:00EST Sunday, May 29 from 10:00 to 15:00EST. This event will include displays of vintage World War II radio equipment as well as Militaria displays and Camp X artifacts.

Camp-X tours

  We will be touring Camp-X one day per month starting in April and I can tell you that based on last year's comments, it's a real treat.  No charge as this is a public service venture designed to teach our youth about the rich contribution made by our Canadian heroes of World War II. Children under the age of 16 will either require written consent from their parents, or be accompanied by an adult. I'm looking at Saturday, April 23rd at 12:00 noon and Sunday May 8th at 12:00 noon.  May 8th is particularly important as it is the sixtieth anniversary of VE Day.  We'll take a walking tour of Camp-X and I'll point out where the buildings were, what they were used for, where certain historical events took place, where the deaths occurred, where the agents trained, etc. I hope to see you at Intrepid Park at 12:00 noon. 

Additional dates: 
Saturday, June 18th, 12:00 noon 
Saturday, July  16th, 12:00 noon 
Saturday, Aug  20th, 12:00 noon 
Saturday, Sept 24th, 12:00 noon 

Please sign up now for this year's Camp-X tours: http://webhome.idirect.com/~lhodgson/camp-x.htm

Feature article: Forgotten Truths About Camp X

Website links to Camp X info: http://www.campxhistoricalsociety.ca/

http://www.osha.igs.net/~lsolomon/nsarc/campx_main.htm

The TARC was formed in 1947, and like most other radio clubs it has endured fluctuations in its membership over the years, but it continues to provide services to the communities surrounding the Town of Truro.
 

The TARC maintains two voice repeaters; VE1TRO on 147.210 MHz and VE1XK on 146.790 MHz. All amateurs passing by Truro are encouraged to use the repeaters. Although the VE1XK repeater is linked to the provincial Mavcom linking system that feature is not presently available due to site access difficulties. Hopefully that will soon be overcome.  The TARC maintains a packet LAN on 145.070 MHz and we have a steadily growing number of amateurs in the area that are using APRS.

Linda - VE1BEW - at the TARC Field Day site.

The TARC voice repeaters, the packet LAN and nodes, as well as our APRS node are all situated north of Truro on Nuttby Mountain. The TARC has been offering its services during several of the events held yearly in the area. The MS Walkathon and the Central Nova Horse Trials are two events that Club members have participated in recently.  The Club is also active weekly in the Red Cross Radio Test Trials.

We meet on the second Monday evening of each month at the Red Cross Service Center in Truro and there is a net on Sunday evenings at 9:00 on the VE1TRO repeater. The Club participates in the ARRL Field Day exercise and last year our Field Day activities were expanded to include Geocaching events. Geocachers from across the Maritime Provinces, dropped in to see what amateur radio was all about and to participate in our geocaching activities. The event was quite successful.

VE1BEW Linda - VE1LVW Elizabeth - VE1ESE Debora

One of the current activities for Club members is building simple equipment for hidden transmitter hunting. We hope to expand on the building of projects during the remainder of the Club year in an attempt to make the Club meetings more activity oriented.  The present Executive of the TARC consists of: President - Bruce Harvey, VE1II Vice-President - Martin Fisher, VE1LXD Secretary - Paul Rodd, VE1DGS Treasurer - Jerry Watson,  VE1GLW

VE1DG Shane  - VE1II Bruce - VE1GLW Jerry at TARC

On April 17 2005 the Scarborough Amateur Radio Club and the Toronto ARES Group provided communications for the Scarborough MS Walk 2005. The following is a report from Bob Chrysler VE3IEL, coordinator for this year's MS Walk communications

I would like to thank all the volunteers who assisted with the MS Walk communications, Sunday 17th April. 
 

It was a fine day when many could be enjoying time with their families;  but, chose to help out in a worthwhile cause.  As radio amateurs we always learn something from these kinds of exercises.  We learn how to deal with the unexpected.  We learn more about our own equipment.  We get input from the officials we work with.  We learn also how to work with each other.  As for thanks, let me begin with the non-ham volunteers, IE: Cindy, Jim Taylor's daughter who worked the entire exercise with FRS equipment, and, Drew, my son who led the walkers with his bicycle, to Birkdale Centre and back.

MS Walk Command Post

Christine & Lauri...White Cane MS Walkers

Also part of our group were Christine, Randy Nelson's wife, and Lauri's friend, whose name I believe is also Christine.   Next let me thank the lady amateurs who participated, IE: Lauri Schmucker VA3SLA, Julie Qui VE3QMU, & Elizabeth Mackenzie VE3XGM, Elizabeth was our at home liaison for telephone calls that might have been required, in, or out of our group.  Special thanks goes to our mobile trouble shooters Paul Mercer VA3PAU, and Robert Titus VA3CSE.  This year, we seemed to require this aid even more than previous years.  The gas use, the vehicle use, the personal assistance of these amateurs cannot be over appreciated.

Our site operators at Thomson Park, Jim Taylor VA3KU, at Birkdale Center, Earnie Eason VE3EJE, & at Cedarbrae Collegiate, Arpad Vadasz VA3VAD, did a tremendous job helping out the MS Walk officials, the walkers, and at times, directing traffic. 

Our trail blazer volunteers were Peter Prasad VE3FJI, Hugh Gillon VE3HAG, Robert Campbell VE3VAJ, Joe Cusimano VE3OV, and Nick Blacklock VE3EBC.  These operators guided walkers along the trail;  and, called in incidences such as straggly walkers, crosswalk avoiders, kids playing in the creek, young fishermen at work, sick or tired walkers, or worrisome pets that required some special attention. 

This year we had amateur radio operators with the walking group.  I mentioned before Lauri VA3SLA, and her friend Christine.  At the end of the walking group, Randy Nelson VE3WRN and his wife Christine kept us informed of the tail end stragglers;  and, other situations that they noted along the way. 
 

Paul (VA3PAU) Robert (VA3CSE) Drew, Steve (VA3DUN)

Our net control station was ably manned by Steve Schmucker VA3DUN, and Rudi Toroian VE3OUA.  Steve handled the 2 metre traffic, while Rudi handled the FRS/GMRS traffic. During our exercise Joe Ditta VA3JDX arrived to lend support.  Joe has helped out in many previous exercises;  but, until his arrival, this time, he had not been added to the volunteer list.  I am sure many others would have added their names to the volunteer list if they had been asked.  As much as possible, for this event, I relied on free will volunteers;   and, only asked two individuals who had volunteered previous years for this event.

Please listen to, or check in our daily ARES nets, the main one being the 6:00 PM daily net on 145.13 (-) VE3GTU repeater (linked system) for the local ARES happenings. I can not thank all of our committed volunteers enough. Finally thanks goes to Bernie Penna VE3AOU, and the East Toronto Repeater Group, for allowing our ARES group to use repeater VE3TOR for the Scarborough MS Walk communications. 

A full report, including pictures can be found on the Scaborough Club website: www.ve3we.ca

Toronto ARES Group website: http://ares.meskes.ca

Yours sincerely, 
Bob Chrysler VE3IEL, coordinator for this year's MS Walk communications

Ham & Computer Electronic Swapmeet (May 8, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club 

Location: 12460 Harris road Pitt meadows In the old Rec Center Upper Floor. Pitt Meadows BC 

Opens: Vendors 7:30AM Open for public 9:am
Cost: Tables $20.00 Includes one addmission Admission $3.00 Talkin: 146.800 - 600 Tone 156.7 

Notes:  A Pancake breakfast will be held between 8AM & 9AM. Coffee & Donut will be available throughout the event.
The Door prize will be An IC-V8 2MTR Handheld. Lots of parking available 

For more info visit: http://www.qsl.net/ve7rmr

Annual Spring Hamfest and Fleamarket (May 14, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Skywide Amateur Radio Club 

Location: The Westway United Church, 8 Templar Dr.,Etobicoke Ont. (Free Parking Available) Toronto ON
Opens: 9:00 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. (Vendor setup ar 8:00a.m.) 
Cost: General Admission $5.00 Tables $12.00 (Includes one Admission) 
Talkin: 146.985 MHz or Simplex: 146.520 MHz 

Notes: Templar Drive is the first east of Kipling running north off The Westway. (The Church backs onto Kipling Avenue). Or turn east off Kipling Avenue at Holywell Drive four blocks south of Dixon Road. If you are drivig East on 401, exit at Eglinton Avenue, go east to Kipling Avenue and then north (left) to The Westway, then east (right) on The Westway one block to Templar Drive. If you are driving West on 401, take the Belfield Road exit to Kipling Avenue, then go south (left) on Kipling to Holywell Drive (four blocks south of Dixon Road) then east (left) one block to Templar Drive. If you are driving on the QEW or the Gardner, take the Kipling Avenue exit north to The Westway, then east (right) on The Westway one block to Templar Drive then north (left) to the Church. 

Door Prizes --- Buy --- Sell --- Trade --- Browse Chat with your friends in the Eyeball Room where you can get Coffee -- Doughnuts -- Hotdogs __ Etc.

For more info visit: http://www.webhome.idirect.com/~jproc/sarc

21st Annual Smiths Falls Amateur Radio Fleamarket  (May 14, 2005) 
Sponsored by:  The Rideau Lakes Amateur Radio Club inc. 

Location: Smiths Falls Youth Arena (behind the Community Centre) Corner of Cornelia St. (county road #43)and Elmsley St.Across from the Smiths Falls Hospital. Smiths Falls, Ontario.

Opens: Vendors: 7:00 am Public: 9:00 am 
Cost: Admission is $3.00 per person. Tables cost $10.00 each. (price includes one admission) 
Talkin:  VE3RLR 147.21 MHz 

Notes:  Last year we sold 96 tables for amateur radio equipment sales. A food canteen operates on the site. 

For more info visit: http://www.falls.igs.net/~rlarc

Calgary and Area Flea Market (May 14 2005)

Sponsored by: Calgary Amateur Radio Association, Calgary Communications Club and The Southern Alberta Repeater Association 

Location:  EASTSIDE CITY CHURCH 1320 Abbeydale Dr SE, Calgary, AB (Take Memorial Drive East off of Deerfoot Trail and go all the way to the East end, then turn South)

Time:  Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 
Admission: $3.00 Tables $10.00
Talk In: VE6RYC 146.850 (-600)

Notes: 50/50 draw, lunch available and more.... Need more information and table rental?  CONTACT: Tim Thompson, VE6BZ 403-253-4893 or 403-829-4893 tlt46@telus.net

New Brunswick Spring Hamfest and Fleamarket - Quispamsis, New Brunswick (May 28 2005)

Location: Quispamsis Middle School, Quispamsis, NB - Exit 141 off of Highway 1 (about 10 km east of Saint John).
Vendors 08h00 - Public 09h30 to 13h00 - Admission $3.00, Tables $2.00
Talk-in: VE1EE 147.270 (+)
Web page: http://www.qsl.net/ve9lc
For table reservations contact Doug Steeves at ve9tnt@rac.ca

Hamfest 2005  (May 29, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Amherstburg Radio Club 

Location: At the corner of Victoria and Simcoe St. near the Amherstburg Arena at the Scout hall in Amherstburg ON
Opens: 9:00 AM. till 1:30 PM. 
Cost:  Free to the Public Tables for vendors $5.00 Talkin: 145.290 mhz - and 145.520 mhz. simplex 

For more info visit: http://amherstburg.hfradio.net

Call VE3CFQ Cary Collard at 1 (519)736-7694 
Email info va3trl@rac.ca

Hamfest du Québec - Tracy, Québec  (May 29 2005)

Location: Curling A. Racine et Centre Culturel, Place du Centre Civique, Tracy, QC
Exposants/Vendors 06h00 Public 09h00
RAQI Annual General Meeting at 14h00
Indoor Table - 15.00$ - Outdoor Table - 7.00$ General Admission 5.00$
Talk-in: VE2RBS 145,370 (-), tone 103.5 Hz
Information and Reservations: Luc Leblanc 450-743-8676 or  luclebla@sorel-tracy.qc.ca
Web Page: http://www.hamfest.qc.ca

32nd Streetsville Founders Bread & Honey Festival  (June 4, 2005) 
Sponsored by: The Mississauga Amateur Radio Club (VE3MIS) 

Location:  Special Event Station  Streetsville ON 

Opens: Operating Times 1400Z-200Z June4 and 5 

Notes: Frequencies (MHz): 7.227, 14.240, 21.315, 28.480 +/- QRM.  A certificate will be awarded to those who QSL. Please note that non-Canadians will need to send either 2 green stamps or 2 IRC's to cover cost of postage as we cannot use US postage in Canada. 

QSL Info:
MARC C/O Michael Brickell (VE3TKI)
2801 Bucklepost Crescent
Mississauga, ON L5N 1X6 
Email info: ve3mis@rac.ca

For more info visit: http://www.marc.on.ca

Little Bear Lake A.R.C.Open House  (June 10, 2005) 
Sponsored by: The Little Bear Lake A.R.C. 

Location:   3Km. off Highway 106 (Hanson Lake Road to Flin Flon, Mn.)
turn-off is 100Km. north of Smeaton . Keep going towards Little Bear Lake camp ground, SMEATON SK . Watch for sign on your right 

Opens:  9.00 AM to 10.00PM  Cost:  Donations  Talkin:  146.85_ repeater (VE5NLR) 

Notes: Camp ground reservations at Glen & Grace Raynor. See www.littlebearlake.ca OR Larks Inn - limited rooms, good food. Rooms are set-up for light house keeping. ph. (306) 426-2491.

The Ham station is on the Campground lease on a high hill with pine trees. HF beam, dipoles, verticals. Kenwood HF units, both AC & battery or bring your own rig.Noise level "0", good building wood stove, all the comforts of home. 

For more info:  Call Ken Bindle/VE5KRB (306) 373-3403 or ve5krb@rac.ca

Central Ontario Fleamarket & Hamfest  (June 11, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Guelph ARC & Kitchener Waterloo ARC 

Location: Newly renovated full-featured Fergus Community Centre. Large spacious indoor & outdoor facilities. Fergus, ON

Opens: Public 8 am to 12:30 pm 
Cost:  Admission for all $6 (includes prize entry) Inside 8' tables $12, outside Tailgater spaces $7 
Talkin:  VE3ZMG 145.210(-), VE3KSR 146.970(-)*tone 131.8, simplex in town 146.520 

Notes:  31st Annual! Famous for lots of space, much to see. Enjoyed by vendors and visitors. Clean, spacious, full-hookup camping on site. Free draws for many items, including Grand Prize Gift Certificates. 

For more info visit: http://www.hamfest.on.ca

DOWN-EAST FLEA MARKET  (Saturday, June 11, 2005)
Halifax, N.S.

The Down-East Flea Market is the largest Ham Fest in Atlantic Canada. Details on Commercial Suppliers and associated Flea Market events will be published over the next couple of months.

Location: Halifax Forum Complex at the corner of Young and Windsor Sts. in Halifax
Time: Doors open for sellers at 0630 and at 0900 for buyers
Entry Fee: $3.00 per person

Tables: free and can be reserved by contacting David Nimmo at ve1nn@rac.ca

Talk in Frequency: VE1PSR 147.270(+)

Associated Social Events:

Friday 10th Evening - 1900 at The Jolly Mug - for info contact Hugh ve1pq@rac.ca

Saturday 11th Breakfast - at the Steak and Stein - 6061 Young St, Halifax 

Talk by Wayne-VE1WPH on the ISS set up 

Hope to see you there
73's -- VE1EGG -- Ed Grace
ve1egg@rac.ca

Whitby Amateur Radio Club Hamfest  (June 18, 2005)
Sponsored by: The Whitby Amateur Radio Club 

Location:  Royal Canadian Legion Br. 43, 471 Simcoe St. South, Oshawa, ON. ( 401 Exit # 418 to Simcoe St.N.) 
3rd. Annual Hamfest. Lunch Counter available. Oshawa ON 

Opens: 7:00 A.M. Vendors, 9:00 A.M. General Public V.I.P. Admission paid by May16, 2005 will let you in 15 Min. ahead of general admission 

Cost: Vendors 8ft. table $10 plus $5 Admission per person General Public $5 per person. No tailgaters. 
Talkin: 147.150

Notes:  Vendors limited to Amateur, Scanner, Short Wave and Computer related equipment. All vendors prepaid and reserved by May 16, 2005 will be entered in a special draw for $50 ( 2 draws) No $50 or $100 bills accepted. 
For more info:  Contact Betty Huider VE3BLH 905-579-1800 or Lyle Sibbald VA3DXE 905-571-6776 

Website: http://www.whitbyarc.org/

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

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

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! 

Emergency Management Ontario...Emergency Preparedness Week 2005 (May 1-7 2005)
Prepare Now! Learn How!
 

Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week 2005 is from May 1-7 and Emergency Management Ontario is again playing a leading role co-ordinating activities and events. The theme this year is PREPARE NOW! LEARN HOW! Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time. Utilities can be out, roads closed, and crucial supplies unavailable. While local, provincial and federal officials prepare for emergencies, individuals can plan to be prepared at home and at work.

With increased levels of fear and anxiety throughout Canada and the world, it makes sense to prepare for the unexpected. Everyone should be prepared to take care of themselves and their families for up to three days in the event of an emergency or disaster. For example, it could take that long to clear roads due to a severe winter storm.
 

The following are recommended guidelines to assist you in gathering items you should have on hand. Everyone in your family should know where these items are stored. Finally, if you are ever in an emergency situation, Don't Panic. People have survived three days without water and three weeks without food. Your home can take three hours or more to cool off completely in the winter.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week 2005 visit the EMO website

Emergency Preparedness Week  TORONTO  (May 2 2005)
 

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) presents an exhibition of the City's emergency response services at the Toronto Eaton Centre on Monday, May 2. Starting at 10 a.m., this display event will feature the official proclamation of Emergency Preparedness Week by Deputy Mayor Sandra Bussin, demonstrations on packing your own emergency kit, a trivia contest with prize giveaways and a presentation from Emergency Management Ontario (EMO).

The Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Julian Fantino, Commissioner of Emergency Management, will make a presentation to Deputy Mayor Bussin and the City's OEM Manager Warren Leonard, in recognition of Toronto having achieved the "Essential Level" of emergency preparedness.

"The City of Toronto is pleased to be recognized by the Province for our emergency preparedness accomplishments. Working with all of our emergency management partners, we will continue our efforts to create safe, prepared communities," said Leonard. "We encourage all residents to prepare their families for any situation. Our display at the Eaton Centre on Monday is the perfect opportunity to get started - information, planning and knowledgeable staff in one place. We hope to see a lot residents come out and begin their own emergency preparedness."

Emergency Preparedness Week, May 1 to 7, 2005, is an annual event designed to build public awareness of risks and how to plan and be prepared for any type of emergency. Participants at this year's display include:
 

For additional information on personal preparedness for a variety of emergency situations, and other emergency preparedness information, visit the OEM web site at www.toronto.ca/oem

10 a.m.   Mall open: displays and staff available to public and media for information, questions, etc...

10:15 a.m.   MEDIA EVENT: City of Toronto official proclamation of  Emergency Preparedness Week 2005

• Sandra Bussin, Deputy Mayor
• Warren Leonard, Manager, Office of Emergency Management
• Bill Blair, Chief, Toronto Police Service

• Honourable Monte Kwinter, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
• Julian Fantino, Commissioner, Emergency Management Ontario
• Warren Leonard, Manager, Office of Emergency Management
• Sandra Bussin, Deputy Mayor

11 a.m.  Personal emergency preparedness kit demonstration

11:15 a.m.  Announcement of first trivia contest winner

11:20 a.m.   Displays and staff continue to be available to public and media for information, questions, etc...

1 p.m.  Repeat of personal emergency preparedness kit demonstration

3 p.m.  Repeat of personal emergency preparedness kit demonstration

(*) Trivia contest draws will happen hourly from 11:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Visit our Web site at: www.toronto.ca

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) Bayden 
VE3MBR  147.105 (131.8) Goring 
ARES Simplex 146.460 linked to VE3WIK 

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

Announcement of the first QSOs via the moon on 47 GHz, April 16, 2005 

The team of RW3BP, AD6FP, W5LUA, and VE4MA would like to announce that the first 47 GHz contacts via the moon have been completed. As you may recall, RW3BP heard the first lunar echoes on 47 GHz back in August of 2004. At that time he was heard by AD6FP, W5LUA, VE4MA and VE7CLD. Since the receipt of the first 47 GHz echoes via the moon, numerous tests between RW3BP and AD6FP led to improvements by RW3BP allowing him to copy calls from the lower power signal of AD6FP in January of 2005.

As of April 16, 2005 the team of AD6FP, W5LUA and VE4MA have each completed a CW QSO via the moon with RW3BP.

The station at RW3BP consists of a 2.4M offset fed dish and 100 plus watts while the station at AD6FP consists of a 1.8M offset fed dish and 30 watts. 

At W5LUA and VE4MA 2.4M offset fed dishes and 30 watt TWTs were used. Noise  figures of all stations are in the 3.5 to 4.7 dB range.

Since the doppler shift can be as much as 100 + kHz at 47 GHz, one must continuously adjust the receive frequency to keep the station centered in the passband. Precision frequency control was obtained by using GPS controlled, Rubidium locked, or TV sync controlled phase locked local oscillators. Various techniques were in use to keep the Doppler shifted frequency in the passband of the receivers. (Thanks to RW3BP, AD6FP, W5LUA and VE4MA)

(RAC News Service)

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)

A group of Nova Scotian and Montreal Radio Amateurs are planning to activate Whitehead Island for six days this summer, centering around this year's annual 24-hour IOTA Contest in July.  Whitehead Island is located in the Bay of Fundy and lies off the coast of Grand Manan Island.  Whitehead is IOTA NA-014, Canadian Islands NB-010, N. lat. 44º 37', W. long. 66º 40', Grid Square FN-64

In 1805, the Franklin family were the first settlers on tiny (2.5 x 1.5 km) Whitehead Island.  The fishing was great then and 150 hospitable Islanders still harvest scallops, lobster, salmon and herring around its shores. 
 

Our special callsign - VC9W - has been allocated to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the island's first settlement.  We plan to operate from the island's small schoolhouse thanks to the courtesy of the Islanders and especially Dave - VE9AT. We will operate 80 through 6m, both SSB and CW, from 28 July to 2 August, 2005.  Those of us who previously activated Whitehead (photo left) for the IOTA contest in 1997 (XJ9GM) and 2002 (VE9W) are looking forward to our return to this beautiful island.  Listen for us around the usual island frequencies!  For further information contact Helen (VA1YL) or Fred (VE1FA) at: hfarchibald@ns.sympatico.ca

  There are DX'peditioners who plan their radio equipment down to the last roll of electrical tape. Then they set up in a remote location beyond easy access to restaurants, grocery stores and pizza delivery service and try to subsist on granola bars and Gatorade for a week.  Then there are those of us who feel that relaxing over a decent meal or two per day during the DX'pedition is worth the planning and the time it takes to prepare those meals. 

Having decided to aim for meals rather than just grazing on snack food, where do you start?  Probably the most satisfactory arrangement is to have one member of the DX'pedition volunteer to plan menus, purchase the food and be responsible for seeing it is prepared in sufficient quantities in time for meals.  Let's call that person the "chief cook" (Caution - Before accepting any volunteer as chief cook try to verify that this person has never given a dinner party that resulted in mass food poisoning.)

In the early stages of your planning find out what your DX'peditioners can/can't/will/won't eat/drink. If someone is a vegetarian or has a serious allergy you need to know about it.
Find out as much as you can about your DX'pedition site. What conveniences and appliances will be there for your use?  None? Then for cooking, take your trusty propane camp stove. If weight & space are not critical kitchen-grade pots & pans work better than the light gauge "camping" cook sets. Careful planning will allow you to manage without a refrigerator but if a DC powered cooler is available your meal options increase.  Don't forget its AC/DC adapter. I'm assuming AC power is available since the radios will need it.

The cooking area, no less than the operating position, rates a roof and, if not full walls, at least some side protection.  When you set up the food preparation area use a stable and sturdy table with enough room for both a work surface and the camp stove.  I've noticed that DXpedition radio equipment tends to get first choice of available tables & benches. The cook may have to be firm to prevent the food work surface from sprouting microphones & log sheets.  Admit up front that at your age (over 30) you are not willing to prepare meals on a surface that's lower than your knees. (Besides, the camp stove would be a safety hazard on the floor; someone might trip on it and drop the key into the soup, thus reducing the CW QSO rate.)

As an example, let's say the DX'pedition will consist of six people for five or six days, that the DX site is within a day's travel and that you have a propane camp stove and a DC powered cooler. Plan to use the cooler for fresh meat, eggs, butter, mayonnaise & milk. Root vegies can stand a least a couple of days in a box in the shade with air circulating. Take appropriate precautions against rain and wild life. If the DX'pedition is to be in bear country or in a part of the world with unfamiliar critters consult an expert. (This article is to encourage you to prepare & eat good food; not become it. Do not hand feed foxes.)

Breakfasts - as people emerge from their sleeping bags & tents, come off their operating shift or simply start looking for breakfast, have coffee, tea bags, hot water, bread or bagels, jam, marmalade, peanut butter, cereal, fruit, etc. easily accessible so each can fix their breakfast. Establish the rule that anyone who insists on cooking themselves pancakes gets to clean up after themselves at the end of their meal.

Before firming up the food plans circulate a suggested menu for constructive comments. 
Before setting out, schedule who works which cooking shift and who works which dish washing shift.  Plan on foods that you can cook using 1 or 2 burners on a camp stove.

Six days of lunch & dinner menus might look like the following
Day 1     Lunch       sandwiches (tomato, cucumber, cheese)
              Dinner       fish chowder 
Day 2     Lunch        soup, green salad, potato salad 
              Dinner       beef stew 
Day 3     Lunch       sandwiches (egg salad, deli meats)
              Dinner       vegetarian chili & bread
Day 4     Lunch       soup & sandwiches, (cheese, fish salad,) 
              Dinner       fried ham (canned or fresh), bean salad (canned), "baked" barley 
Day 5     Lunch        sandwiches (fish salad, deli meats)
              Dinner       spaghetti & bottled sauce
Day  6    Lunch        soup and sandwiches made with anything that's left
              Dinner       at a restaurant on the way home

(As fresh fish does not keep well, if you're bringing it from home, freeze it before you leave insulate it to keep it cold and eat it the first day)

For desert & snacks try apples, granola bars, oranges, pretzels, nuts ... I'm sure you have lots more ideas of your own.  Keep up your fluid intake especially if the weather is hot or dry.
Most people have their own "comfort food" without which they suffer withdrawal symptoms.  Suggest each bring their own supply of "comfort food".

When you get menu agreement, start figuring out portion sizes and planning the utensils you'll bring for cooking and for serving. And yes, you could use canned stew, canned fish chowder canned beans & wieners and purchased mayonnaise but when you make it yourself you have more control over the salt, fat & sugar content and of course, taste. 

Here are some recipes for items mentioned above

Nova Scotia Beef stew - I cook this in my pressure cooker but you can simmer in a good sized pot with a tight fitting lid, adding water as needed.
Ingredients to feed 6:    3 pounds stewing beef                   7 medium potatoes
                                   2 pounds parsnips                          5 or 6 onions
                                   2 pounds carrots                            1 or 2 stalks celery
                                   2 or 3 tablespoons of summer savory 
                                   water, about 3/4 cup if using pressure cooker; more in a regular pot 

Peel and wash the carrots, onions, parsnips & potatoes.  Cut carrots, parsnips & potatoes into quarters. Cut washed celery in 1 inch pieces. Put cut up stew beef, vegies & water in the pot.  Sprinkle in the summer savory. Cook until is tender.

Note: Summer savory is an herb used in the Atlantic provinces. I've been told that it's difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. Pity.

"Baked" Barley - The original recipe calls for an oven but I find it turns out just as well cooked in a pot on top of the stove.
In a large pot, brown 1 cup barley and 3 or 4 chopped onions in 2 or 3 tablespoons of oil or butter. Dissolve bullion cubes in hot water to make 6 cups of broth.  Add to barley. Simmer for 1 or 2 hours stirring occasionally until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is tender
Note: For best flavour use good bullion cubes. I prefer Dr. Oetker's chicken or vegetable.
Stir in some chopped red pepper (if you have some) just before serving.

Vegetarian Chili Mix is available at the Bulk Barn. It consists of "textured vegetable protein", dehydrated vegetables, corn meal, spices & salt and canola oil.  It needs no refrigeration and satisfactorily replaces hamburger meat in the chili.

Vegetarian Chili for 6 -  In a pot, cook 2 chopped onions in a little oil or water  until tender.  Add 2 cups water and bring to as boil.  Stir in 1 cup Vegetarian Chili mix. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes stirring frequently while you add 
               a can of diced tomatoes                a can of corn nibblets     (including juice)
               a can of kidney beans
(You can add a little more water if the chili is too dry or a little more mix if it's too sloppy.)

For extra tasty sandwiches and for potato salad make your own tangy mayonnaise before you leave home and bring it in the DC cooler.

Here's my mother-in-law's recipe as adapted for the microwave (less risk of it scorching when your attention wanders) 

Ethel's Mayonnaise - Mix together well (I use a blender at home)
                                  3/4 cup vinegar               2 eggs             1/2 cup sugar
                                  1 cup milk                        a dash of salt
                                  2 Tablespoons flour                         2 Tablespoons dry mustard

In a large glass bowl Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir. Microwave on high for 3 minutes or until rolling boil. Stir.  Microwave on high for 1 minute. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon butter.  Pour into jar. Refrigerate.  Or you can cook it in pot on the stove, stirring constantly. (Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly; add the butter after it sits 5 minutes.) 

Filling for fish salad sandwiches
In a small bowl mix    1 can fish (6 oz., salmon or tuna)    and    1 stick celery, finely chopped
Add equal parts Catalina dressing and Ethel's Mayonnaise - enough to make the mix "wet" but not too sloppy.  Add Lawry's Seasoned Salt to taste.  Makes filling for 3 sandwiches.
Note: You can use chopped chicken or turkey instead of fish. 

So now that I've rambled on about food let's backtrack to something more essential - water. Under the heading of finding out as much as you can about your DX'pedition site, where is the nearest source of safe drinking water?  Most of us are used to turning on our kitchen tap and having access to as much safe, reasonably good tasting water as we can use. You don't dare assume this will be the case at your DX'pedition site.  There may not even be a water tap.  But that can be a topic for another article.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a living museum featuring the aircraft used by Canadians or Canada's Military from the beginning of World War II up to the present. The Museum's collection includes aircraft that really fly and several that remain on static display and are interactive workshops.  The museum strives to allow the visitor to experience and interact with our displays.

One could climb into the cockpit of a real WWII trainer or a real jet fighter, our Avro CF-100. There are interactive flight combat simulators which will surely test the flight skills of any aspiring aviator. The Museum also offers the visitor an educational experience that will take them back through Canadian history. The Museum has interactive video displays, movies, photographs and memorabilia from Canadian History. 

The CWHM is a non-profit organization whose mandate is to acquire, document, preserve and maintain a complete collection of aircraft that were flown by Canadians and the Canadian military services from the beginning of World War II to the present. Our role is to preserve the artifacts, books, periodicals and manuals relating to this mandate.

Museum History

A collection of over fourty aircraft has grown through the friendship of Dennis J. Bradley and Alan Ness. Their love of aviation and their desire to maintain and preserve Canada's aviation history saw restoration projects that were not only great pieces of workmanship but airworthy examples. 
Bradley and Ness approached friends Peter Matthews and John Weir to become partners with them to acquire the first aircraft, a Fairey Firefly. This aircraft was to become the masthead of the museum's advertising and stationery and continues to this day to be incorporated into logos, crests and memorabilia. A tribute to the four flying founders is located in the museum's main entrance. 

In 1972, the group moved into part of a hangar at Hamilton Airport and started to seriously seek out other restoration projects or flying aircraft. A Harvard Mark IV was to be the next acquisition, followed over the years by Supermarine Spitfire, Corsair, Chipmunk and Tiger Moth. 

Hangar 4, followed years later by Hangar #3 for restoration, was purchased and the aircraft collection and the volunteers finally had a home. The group applied for foundation status, to be governed by its own volunteers, operating as the Canadian Warplane Heritage. Meanwhile, sufficient interest was being shown by those watching the aircraft being restored. More enthusiasts wanted to become part of the growing activities and the membership program began. 

1975 saw the collection move into another area in Hangar 4 and the acquisition and restoration began on the B-25 Mitchell. The story of the arrival of this aircraft suggests a strafing of the airfield and the bombing of the runway with watermelons. In the same year, the Westland Lysander and Cessna Crane joined the collection. 

Educational Programs

Educators can use the museum as an extension of the classroom. Students will learn about teamwork and leadership at our Lancaster Bomber Exhibit. Tours embark on a journey of learning at our living history museum, which features the aircraft used by Canadians or Canadian Military from the beginning of WW II to the present. 

Operate a Hawker Hurricane model aircraft: discover the function of rudder, aileron and elevator controls and more. Enjoy a movie in our Rolls-Royce Theatre. 

The museum's collection includes aircraft that fly and several that remain on static display for close-up viewing. A few of the museum's aircraft are interactive displays. See what it's like to sit at the controls of an actual jet aircraft. 

Guided tours by one of the museum's knowledgeable volunteer visitor services personnel are available. 

For full details please visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum website:www.warplane.com

Gary Bartlett (VE1RGB) is only the third person world-wide to receive the prestigious Elecraft "DX Chaser Award".  He has also previously received the Elecraft "Century Club Award " and is one of four Canadians in the "Elecraft Award Winner's Hall of Fame" - go to the following web site and have a look at the achievements of these Canadian Hams.  The others are VE5RC (Ian Rattray) and VE3XM (Bob Abell), both of whom have received the "Rag Chewer's Award", and VE4QZ (Doug Bowles) who has received the "Worked All States Award".

The DX Chaser Award is granted to Elecrafters - Hams that have build their own Elecraft transceivers from Elecraft kits - who have used their Elecraft rigs to establish communications with at least 100 different DXCC entities.

Gary is an active member of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club and operates CW pretty much exclusively.  He used his Elecraft K2 and a simple wire antenna to accomplish this feat.
 

I talked with Gary about his award and he told me that "The Elecraft K2 (and their other rigs) has caused a huge number of semi-active hams to rekindle their kit building interests just for the sheer fun of putting it together and getting it aligned and, once the thing is built and one discovers how well it works, well -- what's to do but operate the damn thing! They have sold nearly 5,000 of the K2s and I have long since lost track of how many guys have learned CW for the first time, or awakened a dormant CW background, as the result of the K2. Interestingly enough, because of their great front ends, ease of operation, full range of features, and CW filters, they are very popular within the contesting community (frequently driving big PAs) and they have been featured as the only rigs on more than one DXpedition.

Gary (VE1RGB) at the key with Scott (VE1QD) and Fraser (VE1WO) looking on.  This photograph was taken at the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse Weekend site in August 2004 where Gary was our main CW operator.

Furthermore, in my 61 years I have never seen a company so focused on product/after sales support. Their unofficial motto is,  - We will not let you fail." With true passion for his K2, Gary likens the K2 to a first girl friend.  It is hard to keep your hands off that K2!

Phil tells me that it was during the late 60's and early 70's, when he taught school with two men, both of whom had their Ham licences. Watching them operate and talk to people all over the world got Phil interested in Ham Radio too. As a result of this exposure, Phil got his license in 1978. Now Phil's grandson Caleb is just fifteen but Phil tells me that he has shown an interest in Ham radio from an early age. In fact, when Caleb was young - four years and up - and travelling with Phil in the car, he would always want to hold the mike.

Caleb certainly showed a lot of drive in studying the material for his Basic license. He came very close on his first try at the exam. Phil was afraid that he would be discouraged and would give up as a result. But on the way home from that session one of the first things he wanted to know was how soon he could rewrite. Phil reassured him that even 'Grandfather' had to write the second time, so not to feel to bad. Phil's advice to anyone who has a young person that shows the slightest interested in Ham radio, is to encourage, encourage, and encourage them some more.

CF3VEDAY is the call sign of an Amateur Radio special event station operating under the authority of the Canadian Government from May 5 to May 12, 2005, inclusive.  Holder of the call is Robert Cooke, VE3BDB.  The call was kindly issued by the Amateur Radio Service Centre of Industry Canada and we extend sincere thanks to Jim Dean, VE3IQ, Vice President Regulatory Affairs Radio Amateurs of Canada for assisting in its issue. The purpose of the station is to mark the official opening of the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, the national capital of Canada, on May 8, 2005, and coincidentally, the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day -- VE Day -- which, on May 8, 1945, officially ended the Second World War in Europe.

     The station is operated by members of The Wireless Set No. 19 Group, a Canada-based world-wide group of Radio Amateurs who collect, restore and/or operate vintage military communications gear.

     This website [ www.qsl.net/vc3vday ] will compliment the CF3VEDAY station by providing information about station operation, including times, frequencies and names of operators. 

     The month of May will see the official opening of the new Canadian War Museum and this station will also conduct on-air activities from Ottawa to mark that event, using vintage military equipment.

       Amateur Radio operators are encouraged to invite a veteran into their shacks to allow contact with other veterans and to have contact with CF3VEDAY during its brief existence.  They may even hear the "chirp" of a WS#19, renewing old memories for some.

    Radio Amateurs could also consider inviting young people in to view and use their radio equipment, to learn more about the stellar contribution of Canada's war veterans and to demonstrate what Amateur Radio is all about.  This in itself could be a valuable history lesson to those persons under 65 who have no memory of, or appreciation for, the historic contributions of Canadians during a bitter fight against tyranny on the sea, on the land and in the air.

     We will be offering an original, colourful QSL card to all Amateur Radio stations that contact and send a QSL card to CF3VEDAY, as well as to SWLs who hear the station and who submit a full reception report.  Please read the QSL/SWL report information: www.qsl.net/vc3vday/

News Update ( Apr. 13 2005)

"Operating dates for historic Special Event Station CF3VEDAY have now been confirmed.  The station will operate from May 5 to May 12 inclusive to celebrate the opening of the new Canadian War Museum in Canada on May 8, a date which coincidentally is the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE-DAY).  In addition, 2005 has been declared Year of the Veteran. All Radio Amateurs are asked to observe these important events by working the Special Event station and inviting Veterans into their radio shacks.  This is the first time that a 5-letter suffix has been issued for Amateur Radio in Canada. 
 

Please visit the CF3VEDAY website for full details: www.qsl.net/vc3vday/

Bob Cooke VE3BDB

Well done Canada!

Jim, keep well and please keep the Bulletin coming.

Best,
John - VE2ZH / HK3AK (Apr. 25 2005)

Just a note to say what a wonderful  e-news letter. Great articles, human interest, a service like no other I have seen.
Keep up the good work.

Kenny Johns AB4EG  (Apr. 26 2005)