New 60M band

RAC Bulletin 2012-021E – Update on 60 Metres*
2012-04-04

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

Google does it again!!!

Check out the gmail tap
https://mail.google.com/mail/help/promos/tap/index.html

Canada – US

Neat video I came across again today.
http://www.wimp.com/explainscanada

Special Event Station – VO1AA

Special Event Station – VO1AA – April, 25, 2012
2012-02-26

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.

VE6NM silent key

It is with regret that Radio Amateurs of Canada has learned that Earle Smith, VE6NM, a RAC past President, passed away peacefully after an illness on Friday, February 24th.

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/

Another video test

Another video test

[jwplayer mediaid=”932″]

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

Bob VE6BLD and Skip VE6BGT

Movie plugin test

[jwplayer mediaid=”929″]

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

VE6RCR escape ladder

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

#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

Christmas Pot luck Supper

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.