CAARC

CAARC Spring Social

VE6BLD — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:14:39 +0000

The annual spring social will be held on Saturday March 17 at the Black Knight Inn on the south side of Red Deer. We will meet at 12.00 noon. Please wear your best “green outfit” to qualify for a St Patrick’s Day prize.

2012 Cochrane Winter Rally – First Call for Radio Operators

VE6CIA — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:05:14 +0000

Hi Everyone:
The 2012 Cochrane Winter Rally is just one month away. This first round of the Western Canadian Rally Championship is being held on Sunday March 11th in the traditional location 45 km north of Cochrane on the Harold Creek and Hunter Valley roads.
We will need quite a few radio operators so please respond to this message if you will be able to come out and help make the rally a safe and successful event. For the regular volunteers you know the drill so just let me know what positions you are interested in. If you are a new operator worry not; you will receive the guidance you need at the orientation session on March 9th (19:00- 20:00) at the Calgary Sports Car Club (4215 80 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T3J 4B9).
For more detailed information on the event please see the official website: http://cscc.ab.ca/cochrane/

If you have questions about participation just send me an email or call me at 403-815-3675.
Thank you for your support!
Mark Lunn (VE6MXL) mlunn@shaw.ca

Create Your Website with WordPress

VE6BLD — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:37:17 +0000

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.

Another video test

VE6BLD — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:39:37 +0000

Another video test

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

Bob VE6BLD and Skip VE6BGT

Movie plugin test

VE6BLD — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:35:13 +0000

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

NEW ARES INFO

VE6BLD — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:29:58 +0000

Check out the new updated info under the ARES drop down tab. Thanks for the info Jeff,

Bob

VE6RCR escape ladder

VE6CIA — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:45:51 +0000

Information for anyone who may be at the Red Deer Red Cross station VE6RCR.
The Canadian Red Cross Red Deer escape ladder is hanging in the middle window of the second level and can be used if anyone needs to escape the storage room/radio room and does not have access to the stairs. It is easy to move and the instructions are right on it.

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

Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne

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

Christmas Pot luck Supper

VE6BLD — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 04:34:00 +0000

Everyone who attended the CAARC Christmas Pot Luck Supper had a good time. There was lots of great food and we had a good turnout.

VA6VAN Vance showed us his flying skills with his new AR Drone flyer.

VE6CIA Garry was voted as Amateur of the Year for 2011, congratulations to Garry

VE6QEN Sarina displayed the GIZMO with her addition of the Death Star Ray Gun.

. VA6VAN Vance was the lucky draw winner for the GIZMO so we will have to wait a year to see what he adds to it.

Sad News

VE6CIA — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:33:27 +0000

It is with the deepest regrets and sorrow that I have to announce the passing of our dear friend Tom VE6TRS. Service to be held on Thursday Dec.15, 2011 at 13:00 at the Sonrise Christian Reform Church in Ponoka.

New CAARC Executive For 2011 – 2012

VE6BLD — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:38:53 +0000

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

Funeral Service

VE6BLD — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:15:32 +0000

I am very sad to announce the passing of Melody Margaret (Fair) Lins. Melody is the XYL of Rod VE6XY of Lacombe. The memorial service will be held at the Lacombe Memorial Center on Saturday November 19 at 10:00 AM. The LMC is between 52nd and 53rd street on the north side of Highway 12 across from the police station and fire hall.

Have you paid your dues?

VE6BLD — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:00:32 +0000

CAARC Membership

We have noticed that there are a lot of members who have not paid their annual membership dues over the last couple of years. Please help keep your repeaters and club active by submitting your membership dues at this January meeting. You can also download the CAARC membership and renewal form under the “Site tools” tab and send your dues by snail mail to the listed address on the bottom of the form or bring it to the meeting. Your support helps keep your repeaters operating and your club active.

Thankyou from your executive

73 CAARC Executive

Disaster training in Texas

VA6RIC — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:52:56 +0000

Last week VA6RIC and 12 other members of Red Deer SAR USAR team headed to College Station Texas for a multinational disaster exercise. The exercise was held at Disaster City, a real life- but fake- town that has been created to simulate collapsed structures, train derailments, and real life rescue scenarios. Over five days our team conducted rescues of five locations. Also at the exercise were teams from Britain, Belgium, Germany, and the U.S. What an experience to work with , learn from, and teach to these other teams!

follow this link to see a video on the exercise.

http://bit.ly/rxjutS

Ric VA6RIC

Adding your own links

VE6BLD — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:26:31 +0000

I just received a question regarding adding links to this web site. I’m afraid I have to add the links ..If I turn on the role to manage links then anyone who is a member user could add or delete any of the links already there. I’m sure no one would do it intentionally but all it takes is one mouse click on the delete button and the link would be gone. I may be able to find a widget that will only allow links to be added, not deleted so will search for one in the future. If you have a link to add please just send it to me and I will post it. You can also just add it to the shout box and I will try to watch for them.

73 Bob

Webmaster CAARC

New Callout Membership List available under Members Area

VE6BLD — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:14:32 +0000

New Callout Membership List available under Members Area

VA6RDC station

VE6CKC — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 02:29:33 +0000

Garry and Brian Spent about 5 hours finishing up several items at the County.
- Coax at the top of the tower re-rigged to allow south center operation of the beams
- South Center bezel installed on the rotator control
-Coax fittings installed on the heliax indoors
-Coaxes labelled
-80 meter Dipole with feedline installed
-General tidying of site
- oh yeah we managed a couple of 20m contacts as well

Mary Krogman

VE6CKC — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:36:11 +0000

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of Mary Krogman.
The funeral will be at Crossroads Church Friday September 9 at 11:00 AM

Distracted Driving Exemption

VE6CIA — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:57:26 +0000

Carry a copy of your operator certificate with you.

Exempt classes of individuals
3(1) Pursuant to section 115.1(1) of the Act, an individual who holds a radio operator certificate issued under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) may drive or operate a vehicle on a highway while holding, viewing or manipulating a 2‑way radio communication device.

B17G WWII Flying Fortress Bomber Airflight!

VE6BLD — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:22:54 +0000

I can still hardly believe it!! This morning at 8:00 AM, I found out that not only could we view a WWII bomber at the Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. airport, BUT they were offering rides and had two seats still available. An hour later Sarina and I were strapped in a WWII B17G flying fortress bomber and took off for an amazing 30 minute flight!!!

It is only one of a few still in existence today. I will be posting another blog with all the details when we get home.Here are a couple of pictures. What an absolutely unforgettable experience for both of us. It felt like we were going on a real bombing mission!!! We survived and the pictures to come will prove our ability to operate the machine guns from inside the plane while in flight. We were allowed to move around throughout the plane while we were flying up to 3000 feet.

Stay tuned for more to come!!!!

Bob VE6BLD and Sarina VE6QEN

Red Deer Picnic 2011

VE6BLD — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 02:42:35 +0000

Once again the Red Deer Picnic and Hamfest was a huge success. The rain tried very hard to put a damper on things but in the true spirit of Ham Radio everyone had a great time. (maybe a few had to cook in the rain!!) The flea market worked well under the canopy and the pig roast was a huge success as always. Thanks to Greg and Karen VA6GMC VA6LDY as well as Steve and Nancy VA6ASM and VA6HOT. I have been waiting for pictures from the 2011 picnic. These great pictures were sent to me by Sue. Thanks Sue!

MS Bike Ride Huge Success

VE6CKC — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:55:35 +0000

Once again we received accolades from the MS Society for our fine work support the MS Bike Ride this past weekend.

I would like to extend my thanks to the crew that volunteered.

Jeff VA6JL Steve VA6ASM Gerhard VE6HGR

Sandy VE6SND Karen VA6LDY Marvin VE6CJY

John VE6HPY Greg VA6GMC Brendan VA6BMC

Also thanks to VA6JL, VE6SND and VE6CIA for loan of equipment other than for their own task.

Good Job

Brian VE6CKC

VE6JEM Silent Key

VE6BLD — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 04:20:18 +0000

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Jim McCorkle.

He ‘skedaddled’ out of here on Sunday May 29, 2011 after suffering a stroke on Saturday.

The funeral will be held on Friday June 3, 2011 at Fifth Avenue United Church in Medicine Hat at 1:00 pm

The family of Jim McCorkle (VE6JEM).

Picture from 2009 Red Deer Picnic June 21 2009

Having lunch with Jim & Darlene Woodbridge

IMG_0340res.jpg
16

VE6EB Silent Key

VE6BLD — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 04:16:13 +0000

MARTENS
MRS. REGINA MARTENS beloved wife of Mr. Tom Martens, of Raymond, AB,
passed away at home on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the age of 64 years.
Regina was an amateur radio operator (Ham) VE6EB for many years and a
familiar voice on the local radio repeater.
A Memorial Service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATER
DAY SAINTS, Taylor Street Chapel, Raymond, AB at a later date.
In memory of Regina, donations may be made to the Red Cross Relief Fund
for Slave Lake, 1120-7 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1K5.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778

NEW REPEATER VE6QE PACKAGE INSTALLATION TIME LAPSE VIDEO

VE6BLD — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:02:05 +0000

New VE6QE repeater package installed on May12, 2011

This is a 13 second fast video of VE6BGT Skip and VE6BLD Bob installing the new VE6QE repeater package built by Skip over the past many months.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f0eRrxbZ1IvjoEpaS-62D9AAHgG5tvMXgEy_nVJXItk?feat=directlink

Click this link to watch a 4 minute video of the same video above

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qnu9wrhjdKgoBuJDb4MdONAAHgG5tvMXgEy_nVJXItk?feat=directlink

New Brochure for the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club

VE6BLD — Thu, 19 May 2011 04:37:20 +0000

I have produced a new Brochure for the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club.

To download a color printable PDF document of the Club Advertising brochure complete with hot links back

to the web site click this link

or check the second Tab under Site Tools menu.

Bob VE6BLD. Webmaster

Explanation For Low Sunspots

VE6CIA — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:56:09 +0000

http://www.arrl.org/news/respected-journal-publishes-explanation-for-low-sunspots

An amateur photographer has completed an incredible feat of capturing the space shuttle approaching the International Space Station

VE6BLD — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:58:37 +0000

Amateur photographer captures space shuttle from back garden

Thank you to Earl 4Z4TJ for the link !! Incredible!

An amateur photographer has completed an incredible feat of capturing the space shuttle approaching the International Space Station – from his back garden in the Forest of Dean.

Astronomy enthusiast Rob Bullen used a mid-range digital camera and a 20 year old telescope to take the photo of the shuttle and the ISS Photo: ROB BULLEN/NATIONAL PICTURES

8:46AM GMT 02 Mar 2011

Using just a mid-range digital camera and a 20 year old telescope astronomy enthusiast Rob Bullen, 40, was amazed to get the shot.

He said: “I have never been able to capture a space shuttle in this flying configuration. It is the Holy grail of International Space Station imaging.”

Mr Bullen, who has had a passion for the skies since the age of 10, said: “Some years ago I thought it would

be interesting to try and view the space station through my telescope and was shocked by the amount of detail you could see on it.”

The realisation inspired him to pick up his Canon Eos 40D DSLR and 8.5 inch Newton telescope as the station passed over the UK and the shuttle was in orbit last Saturday.

The IT manager rigged his 10 megapixel camera up to the telescope and had just three minutes to capture the event which raced across the sky at a similar pace to a jet plane.

He tracked the two craft across the skies but it was only when the cloud parted at the right time that he captured this rare gem.

He said: “I had no idea that night the shuttle would only be 45 minutes away from docking with the station. After a very cloudy day the skies cleared to allow a view of this stunning pass of the ISS and Discovery.

“I could not believe the timing was so fortuitous to show the shuttle closing in on the station. I captured this, what I guess could potentially be, a once in a lifetime image of these two spaceships traveling as separate craft.

Mr Bullen said: “Needless to say I was totally shocked and delighted to see the shuttle closing in on the ISS.

“Although over the years I have obtained clearer images of the station on its own to capture such a iconic image of mankind’s only permanently manned outpost in space and the most sophisticated flying machine ever built on its last flight before ending its days bound to Earth in a museum was a real privilege and something I will treasure.

“I am unlikely to capture such an image again with only two Shuttle flights left before they are decommissioned.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8356656/Amateur-photographer-captures-space-shuttle-from-back-garden.html

Fun with WSPR

VE6BLD — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:15:55 +0000

Fun with WSPR

I have sent out some emails reporting my success and the success of other hams in making DX contacts using unbelievably low transmit power levels. There was some interest in this so I thought I would briefly provide some background to jump start you.

What is it?

The Weak Signal Propagation Reporter Network is a group of amateur radio operators using K1JT’s MEPT_JT digital mode to probe radio frequency propagation conditions using very low power (QRP/QRPp) transmissions. The software is open source, and the data collected are available to the public through this site. http://wsprnet.org/drupal/ Go to the website, click on the map tab, select a band (below the map) and take a look at the action. Clicking on any call sign will show you who is receiving that station and who he is receiving.

Where do I get it?

Program and documentation downloads are available here http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wspr.html

If you have not done this before, read the documentation. J

When can I start having fun?

First of all, my experience has been that the set-up is really easy and, if you are already working digital modes you can start WSPRing (pronounced whispering) in just a few minutes.

A few tips:

Use a rig with a TCXO, good stability and calibration (i.e. check against WWV)
Use a rig with CAT control (sorry, that old FT-101 will just give you grief here …)
A simple antenna is all that is necessary, of course if you have a big, high antenna results will be better
Install an internet time program in your computer (as per documentation); or go into the Windows time and date and make the clock update once every 15 minutes, or use GPS timing (overkill, but what the heck)
If you have a multiband antenna (e.g. an all band vertical, 10-15-20m beam, etc.) you can have more fun.
Loop antennas, including magnetic loop antennas that don’t take up much space, work well. No excuse not to try this mode if you live in an apartment!
Please don’t use more than 5 W out. In this mode QRP starts at 500 mW.
I have two screens on my station computer, one showing the WSPR software and the other the map on wsprnet.org

What should I try WSPR?

This mode has given me a much better appreciation of how propagation works. I found it interesting to watch the signals on a given band change as the gray line approached and then passed overhead. I learned that a wire antenna and <1 watt can radiate a signal simultaneously heard (from the middle east) both in New Zealand and North America. I also found out that you can reduce power to ridiculously low levels — I am currently running on 125 mW on 20m and 250 mW on 40 m with good results. I have “spotted” (i.e. decoded signals from) hams in Europe using 10, 5 and even 1 mW. The current challenge is to see how far your signals get on 500 micro watts ! (0.5 mW you will need calibrated attenuators in your antenna line to do this).

The ability of the software to dig a narrow band signal out of 30 dB of noise is impressive. We are lucky to have a Nobel Prize winning physicist (K1JT) writing software for ham radio.

“…to explore strange, new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no ham has gone before.”

VA6TJ

Ham of the Year recipients

va6asm — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:51:46 +0000

Could everyone please let me know who past recipients of the Ham of the year award have been? I would like to have name, call and year. I am trying to compile a complete list, and have many blanks right now. Thanks! Nancy VA6HOT

ARISSat1 Will not deploy until July 2011

VE6BLD — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:43:21 +0000

I have been anxiously waiting for the next launch of ARISSat1 formerly know as SUIT Sat . After working every orbit of the first SUIT Sat in February of 2006 I now have to wait a little longer! The most exciting time of my life as an amateur radio operator was receiving all the transmissions from the badly disabled Suit Sat and decoding the secret words and SSTV picture from the spinning satellite. Hopefully when this new satelite is launched in July 2011 everyone will get the opportunity to receive the weak signals from it.

Please click this link to read and hear the many reports I received along with a few others of the first SUIT Sat

More information and an overview of the new satellite at this link.

For the latest information and news please see the link below.

73 VE6BLD

http://www.arissat1.org/v3/