Monthly Archives: January 2017

New HF Manager for IARU Region 2

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Congratulations Al!

Alphonse Penney, VO1NO, Appointed HF Manager for IARU Region 2

January 26, 2016

The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Executive Committee has appointed Al Penney, VO1NO, RAC’s Band Planning Committee Chair, as the HF Band Manager for IARU Region 2.

The official announcement from IARU R2 can be found at: http://wp.rac.ca/iaru-r2-ec-elects-three-new-coordinators/

In Region 2, Canada’s proximity to both of the other International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regions offers a unique perspective on how small the world is for radio propagation and the need to coordinate band usage to minimize interference and maximize the Amateur spectrum for all. Al is an excellent choice with his on-the-air experience and as the current Chair of the RAC Band Planning Committee. Please join me in congratulating Al on his new role.

73, George Gorsline, VE3YV
International Affairs Officer
Radio Amateurs of/du Canada

New Bi-Directional iGate

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I’ve set up a bi-directional APRS IGate in the Kingston area and it is now “live”. While there is an existing IGate, it is RF to IS only, limiting APRS usage in the area to just position reporting. Mine will give APRS users within RF range of the VE1ARC digipeater full two-way messaging capability. SMS or email to/from your radio. Query the IGate for local services/businesses (I will have to add many more than I have so far, that will be ongoing).

Winter Field Day 2017

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Hello everyone,

Winter Field Day will take place this upcoming weekend, and once again the Annapolis Valley Amateur Radio Club will participate!

As described on the WFD web page, the purpose of Winter Field Day is “to foster Ham camaraderie, field operation, emergency operating preparedness, and just plain on the air, outdoor fun in the midst of winter for American, Canadian and DX Amateurs”. Disasters don’t always happen in the summer, and as providers of emergency communications capabilities, Amateurs need to be ready.
Last year, AVARC was the top station in the world in its category, and we intend to defend that placement. Don’t worry about freezing in a tent however! We will operate in the “Home” category, using my station. In recognition of the emergency preparedness aspect of the event however, we will power the equipment with a generator.

Winter Field Day will start at 1500 (3 PM) Saturday 28 January, and will finish up at 1500 the next day. All modes are permissible, so we need voice, CW and digital operators. If you would like to take part in the event, or simply want to drop by to see how Amateur Radio works, please contact me and I’ll fit you into the operating schedule.

This is a low intensity, relaxed contest, so there is no need to feel intimidated. I’ll have snacks and refreshments for those who drop by.
73
Al
VO1NO / VA1AVR