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I have received the following from Ellen at the MS society. 

“I am writing to ask the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club to consider helping us again with our 2-day MS Bike Tour this coming June 8 and 9.

 The Start-Finish location will be Festival Hall again, the same set-up as last year.

Also, regarding our Volunteer Appreciation Night, it is this coming Tuesday, April 23 at the Sheraton Hotel– 7:00PM to 9:00PM.   Can you attend?  I sure do hope so…..and if some of your radio experts could come too that would be wonderful!  You all have helped us SO MUCH! 

I do require an RSVP very quickly….like tomorrow    The Sheraton needs numbers.”

Please note the Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday April 23.  Ellen needs a reply today for the caterer.  

George Forsyth AA7GS
212 Skyline Drive N.E. (Home)
Great Falls, Montana 59404 aa7gs@arrl.net

George Forsyth (work)
207 2nd Ave So. (shipping)
Great Falls, Montana 59405
george@securemontana.com

FEMA training: http://training.fema.gov/IS/crslist.asp
Montana’s Ham Radio Forum: www.w7eca.net/forum

Director: Glacier Waterton International Hamfest
Member: North Central Montana Auxiliary Communications Group

ICS 100-200-230-250-288-700-702-800-802-813-907-ARECC-CERT-FEMA AUX COMM-FEMA COML-

North Central Montana Auxiliary Communications Group Net:
AE7OC 7PM Thursdays 146.740 (N7YO) Echolink 37656 IRLP NODE #7908 (147.300)

Rx on 145.800 and Tx on 144.490

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Russell Storry, emergency radio coordinator, recently participated in a practice session during which an email was sent and received using ham radios and netbook computers.
Equipment allows emails to be sent using ham radios and battery-powered computers
by Laura Walz | editor@prpeak.com
Published: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 11:21 AM PST
Ham radio operators in Powell River are a key part of the region’s emergency response system. Members of Powell River Amateur Repeater Society and Powell River Amateur Radio Club volunteer to be part of the emergency radio communication unit, which comes under the umbrella of Powell River Regional Emergency Program (PRREP).

A major disaster on the West Coast would have the potential to knock out communications, including telephone and Internet service. The unit would activate equipment kept in an emergency communications trailer, which can be set up wherever an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) would be established. Both the Powell River Regional District and City of Powell River have contributed funds for equipment, as well as a grant from BC Gaming.

The emergency radio communications group, which has 10 regular members, is part of Emergency Management BC (EMBC), said Russell Storry, emergency radio coordinator. “We have identify cards and coverage through WorkSafeBC for a tasked event,” he explained. “We complement Emergency Social Services [ESS] and ground search and rescue.”

The trailer is equipped with generators and fuel, Storry explained. “Our task is to pass messages. We provide backup communications in the event that telephones and Internet are not available.”

The group recently added a system which enables them to send digital messages within the region and also to Victoria, using a combination of amateur radios and other equipment. The system allows an EOC in Powell River to have outside communications and both send and receive messages.

Digital messages can be sent between two ham radios connected to netbooks or laptop computers that can run off batteries, explained Derek Poole, a radio operator with the unit. “With the software we’re using and that hardware, we can send text messages, emails back and forth,” he said.

Without the system, communications would be voice-to-voice over the radio, Poole said, or actually picking the message up physically and delivering it. “The problem with a real large-scale event can sometimes be the radios can really get tied up with the urgency of the communications,” he said. “This uses a different system, a different set of frequencies and it’s very fast. When you send a message with this method, once it’s all set up and you push the go button, it’s a matter of a few seconds and it passes the whole message. It doesn’t tie up the airways to any extent at all.”

Currently, the system works radio-to-radio directly, so it is restricted by distance. The plan is to install a digital repeater on Texada Island, which would allow the group to work in more isolated areas, Poole said.

While the system is somewhat slower than normal Internet service, it is possible to send small attachments, Poole said. “For example, if you had specific, written instructions that you had to pass on, the commander or whoever was in charge could sign that off and send it off signed to another location,” he said. “They could receive it and it could be an official document as part of whatever exercise you are involved in.”

Poole said he was excited about the new capabilities, which he said has applications for search and rescue as well. “If we were in the backcountry and there were poor communications back into the front, we could do equipment requests or resource requests using this system.”

The group is looking for more members, said Storry. “The issue for us would be if we had an event, to provide volunteers on a continuous basis around the clock for a number of locations takes a lot of people.”

People interested in volunteering don’t have to have their own ham radios, but most do. People do need an amateur radio licence to use amateur radio bands, Storry explained, and computer skills are helpful.

Members of the society assist newcomers with learning how to become an EMBC registered radio communications volunteer. The society meets on the first Saturday of the month from September to June at the Cranberry Training Centre.

Interested readers can find more information by following the PRREP links on the regional district’s website.

Records live every Wednesday at 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET.  Also see drop down menu under ARTICLES.

http://twit.tv/show/ham-nation

We are looking for stations who are interested in weather to take part. If you have a weather station, you can report your findings at your QTH or if you have any local severe weather going on, you can report on that.

For more information about the net, go to The Maritime Amateur website http://www.maritimeamateur.ca/ and click on CANWARN. Once there, click on CANWARN news where you will find articles on this net. Here is the direct link: http://www.freewebs.com/ve1jbl/canwarnnews.htm

Karen  VA6LDY

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Hi, this is Dennis King (Bob VE6BLD’s son)…

If you’ve been meaning to create a website or if you’re frustrated with your current website, then this may be exactly the help you need.

I’ve put together a Free Website Starter Kit and you can get more details here:
Website Starter Kit for CAARC Visitors

Why the Wrong Tools Make You Miserable

It’s getting easier to create and publish websites BUT ONLY IF you start with the right tools.

If you’re not a web techie,  you’ll stumble into problems and confusion pretty fast.

You’re smart, but even today  all the choices and details are overwhelming – even for a web techie!

The story goes something like this…

Should you use a free blogging tool?  What about a web builder tool that was “tossed in” with your internet service provider?

Maybe you should get your own hosting or buy a domain name?

But how do you choose and register a domain name?  Should you?

What about configuring new email permanent accounts at you domain?
Even if you get this far, you’ll still have no website.

If you buy a separate hosting package then maybe you have high hopes for the “all include 1-2-3-you’re-done website builder tool”.

After countless wasted hours going in circles, you’ll realize that the hyped-up freebie website building tools offered at most web hosts are a total joke.

Now what?

Why be a sweaty trail blazing explorer fighting for every yard?

It’s easier and faster to follow a clear step by step path – a ready-made trail to the destination.

Leave the trail blazing or blind wandering to someone else.

I created the Website Starter Kit to help people escape the “bush-whacking frustration” of starting a proper website that they actually enjoy updating.

I created a page just for CAARC visitors that gives you some more details about the Website Starter Kit.

Just click the link below:
Website Starter Kit for CAARC Visitors

These days you can start a proper website without programming or internet-techie stuff of the past.

Just a few years ago it was hard to build a basic website.  You had to be a web techie.

You had to know how HTML code, CSS, and how to transfer files with FTP.  Plus you had to buy software for your computer.

That’s all changed.

Now you can easily build your own website BUT ONLY IF you start with the right tools.

Proper Websites Made Easy with WordPress

The CAARC website is a good example.  This site uses software called WordPress.

WordPress is FREE and Website Starter Kit give you more details about what it can do for you.

WordPress is high-quality open-source software that is completely FREE to use for a personal or business website.
Anyone can use it and all you need is hosting and a web browser.  It works on Windows computers and it works for Mac too.

You just need an internet browser, so it doesn’t matter what kind of computer you use.

I’ve talked with many people who have struggled with websites and web designers.

They were frustrated – either because they couldn’t get started or they were stuck using some old program that they hated!   Some of them had wasted a lot of money too.

I created the Website Starter Kit to help beginners start a proper website with WordPress.

It is designed to show you exactly what to do.  Every detail of every step is included.

You can start your website with this kit even if you’ve never created a website before and you feel like a total beginner.  If you know a bit about websites – then you’ll do fine too.

It shows you exactly what to do.  You won’t stumble around without a map.

It includes PDF guides, Audio, and Video.

If you’d like to start a proper website for your business or a personal interest then check out the Website Starter Kit.  The kit is free and packed with helpful information.

You’ll also get the 16 Reasons to Love WordPress audio report and PDF guide to help you decide if the Website Starter Kit is right for you.

To get your free Website Starter Kit click the link below.
http://localwebformula.com/hamradio

You’ll land at a webpage I created just for CAARC visitors.  You’ll see a form asking for your email address, but don’t worry – your email is completely safe and you can easily unsubscribe anytime.

Dennis King

P.S. WordPress is free software that runs millions of websites.  It is fast becoming the tool of choice for creating websites.  The Starter Kit explains all the details, so go and grab it and judge for yourself.

News Desk

THIS IS AN EXTENDEND NEWSCAST RUNNING 35 MIN. 41 SEC 

• Ham radio responds as a severe weather hits the Mid-West and Mid-Atlantic US
• A a new D-X record is set using the ageing Amsat Oscar 7 satellite
• A big tower victory in Nevada – Ham wins right to install 8 towers
• Erin King, AK4JG named the 2012 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year.

Click the  link below to listen to the podcast.

http://arnewsline.squarespace.com/storage/audio/Report1821.mp3

4CX35000C-8349 Datasheet

Characteristics
Plate Dissipation (Max.) 35,000 Watts
Screen Dissipation (Max.) 1,750 Watts
Grid Dissipation (Max.) 500 Watts
Frequency for Max. rating (CW) 30 MHz
Amplification Factor 4.5
Filament/Cathode Thoriated Tungsten
Voltage 10.0 Volts
Current 295 Amps

Click image below to enlarge for the tube specs table.

RAC has been pursuing channelized access to 60M since early 2010. Our request was for an allocation identical to the US allocation, with one additional unique Canadian channel, and with fewer restrictions (the US allocations were restricted to USB voice only, with power and antenna restrictions). Amateurs will recall that one of the rationales for RAC requesting a 60M allocation was to enhance emergency communications including cross-border interoperability. IC responded by indicating that they were prepared to support access in synch with US amateur allocation and regulations. In late 2011, in response to an ARRL petition for change, the FCC issued a final Report and Order that, once it has been published in the Federal Register, will result in a change to the frequency of one of the channels and will enable the use of CW and data modes in addition to USB voice. These features had already been in the original RAC request. The FCC Report and Order has cleared the way for Canada to move ahead with finalizing its allocation to match the new US allocations, including the ability to use CW and data modes. This allocation, which will be on a secondary basis, requires a public consultation through the Canada Gazette, which RAC anticipates will occur in the second quarter of 2012.

It is important that Canadian Amateurs comment on the draft once released. RAC will continue to keep our members aware of the status of this important initiative.

An important offer has been made by IC with regards to 60M. Industry Canada is prepared to licence operators in channelized 60M operation pending the results of the consultation process. The licencing process will be managed out of ICs regional offices and is open to any Canadian amateur. The process requires a formal licence application, payment of a licence fee, and the use of a special call sign instead of the licensee’s amateur call sign. RAC regards this as an important interim step allowing amateurs to get on the air in the 60M band as soon as possible and thanks IC for this initiative. RAC`s objective, however, is to ensure that Canadian amateurs have the 60M allocation available to all amateurs as part of their amateur radio certification, i.e. without licence applications, licence fees or special call signs. RAC is cautiously optimistic that this will come about in the summer of 2012.

If you wish to obtain a temporary, paid license to operate on 60M, please contact your local Industry Canada Regional Office to complete the application form.The total fee depends upon the date of your application but in any case is less than $100.

Bill Gade, VE4WO
Regulatory Affairs Officer – Radio Amateurs of Canada

https://mail.google.com/mail/help/promos/tap/index.html

http://www.wimp.com/explainscanada

The Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA) will make history on April 25, 2012

April 25th each year marks the birthday of Guglielmo Marconi, who received the first wireless signal at Signal Hill, Newfoundland on this date. This April 25th, SONRA will celebrate the event with making an Amateur Radio contact with Princess Elettra (Marconi) who will be in Bologna Italy to celebrate her father’s birthday. It is planned to have the Canadian Heritage Minister, the NL Premier , the City of St. John’s Mayor along with the NL Lieutenant Governor, exchange greetings with the Princess via Amateur Radio from VO1AA at Cabot Tower.

This is the first time that this event has been attempted, and it is anticipated that it will be a high level media exposure for Amateur Radio in Canada.

SONRA appreciates the wonderful relationship that it enjoys with Parks Canada, Signal Hill National Historic Site, and looks forward to many years of commemorating this important event.
73
Doug Mercer, VO1DTM/VO1DM
Chief Field Services Officer – Radio Amateurs of Canada Inc.

Earle had served as President of RAC from late 2004 to the end of 2007 and was well respected by amateur radio operators both within Canada and Internationally. He was a gentleman and friend to all hams and a strong advocate for amateur radio and for the Radio Amateurs of Canada.

All who knew Earle respected him as a leader, a friend and a force for good in the amateur radio community. We will miss him. The amateur community can post condolences which will be forwarded to the family at http://earlesmith.rac.ca.

Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW
President and Chairman of Radio Amateurs of Canada
Service be held on Thursday March 1 at 11:00 Am
St. Paul’s United Church
10206 100 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 0V6

http://www.stpaulsuc.ca/

This is a time lapse video I shot of the VE6QE repeater new package installation.

Bob VE6BLD and Skip VE6BGT

Here is  a  test  video of the video plugin installation I added to this web site today. I will have to wait a couple more months to get

back on my wind surfer!!

Bob VE6BLD

Bob

Cheers,
Rob Rolston
Coordinator, Program and Support Services
Fund Development, Public Affairs, Community Engagement

Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne

#105, 5301 43rd Street
| Red Deer | Alberta | | T4N 1C8
Rob.Rolston@redcross.ca
T 403-346-1241 | | F 403-342-6373
www.redcross.ca | www.croixrouge.ca

http://www.redcross.ca/crc2010/sig/logo_en_fr.gif

Congratulations to the newly elected executive elected at the Annual General Meeting

CAARC Executive for 2011 – 2012
Past President Steve Jeffery VA6ASM

President Sandy Jacobs VE6SND

Vice President  Bob King VE6BLD

Secretary Nancy Jeffery VA6HOT

Treasurer Karen McKinney VA6LDY

Directors.

Rick Koinberg VE6RAK

Garry Jacobs VE6CIA

Brian Davies VA6CKC

Mike Mailhiot VE6MIM

Brendan McKinney VA6BMC

Neil Rowe VA6AK

Volunteers and Appointments

Club Emergency Coordinator. Jeff Low VA6JL

Repeaters.  Skip MacAulay VE6BGT

Public Relations. Ric Henderson VA6RIC

Webmaster Bob King VE6BLD

Net Control Bob King VE6BLD