Today I left my APRS Station running for a while then decided to look at the map and just outside of Perth Ontario I noticed the Balloon icon with VE3REX-11. A look at the beacon text informs me that they have a launch scheduled for November 20th.
I have no other information at this time but I will be checking into the details and let you know once I know.
LASA PHOTO from an earlier launch
73bob
This Thursday night member of the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club will be having their monthly meeting at the Canada Museum of Science and Technology located at 1867 St Laurent Blvd in Ottawa although for the Museum parking lot you enter off Lancaster.
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The meetings usually start at 1930 hours but seeing that this is the first meeting of the season I recommend you get there early to take care of small details like getting your membership paid up for the new season. There should be a recap of the summers activities (Field Day and the Lighthouse/Lightship Event) along with the election of new club officers.
As always most of the people head over to “Timmies” across the street for coffee and donuts after the official meeting for the unofficial meeting…
Hope to see you there…
73bob
As some of my readers will remember I purchased a Yaesu VX8RG (dual band
Handheld 2m/70cm with built in GPS and TNC) and have been experimenting with some Portable APRS as VA3QV-7.
This radio has been loads of fun so both in my Portable Station Kit as well as just sitting in my chest pocket in my windbreaker so I beacon to my Hearts content (beacon rate set for 60 seconds) with a beacon of wide1-1,wide2-1) when I go out for my Neighborhood walks.
The only problem so far with this idea is that my neck of the woods seems to have a bit of a problem getting a signal in the the closest digipeters located either in Ottawa West which is distance of roughly 10 miles or the closest Gatineau QC Digi which is roughly 6 miles away using the VX8GR’s rubber duck antenna and the 5w output of the radio.
So given the problem the obivious answer would be for me to do something about it as its my weak signal that can’t get to the closest digi.
So far I have been looking at three different solutions and here they are:
The first solution is to run my home station VA3QV and configure it as an IGATE. What this means is that VA3QV will gate signals that it hears on 144.390 to an APRS Server via the Internet (hense the term IGATE). The big problem to this on is that if my internet gets a bit flacky the connection with the IGATE is dropped and until I notice this and get back into the shack to re boot my computer… Things will no longer be working. The other problem with this is as very few station gate from the internet to RF only stations who are getting their APRS Feed from an internet source (such as APRS.fi) will be able to track me in my walks.
As I normally go for walks in my neighborhood VA3QV would (should) hear the beacons from VA3QV-7 and gate them through to the internet for everyone to follow on aprs.fi
The second solution is to take the first solution one step further. The software program I have will also gate from the internet to RF and once I tweek the settings of the software it should do almost exactly what I ask. It would also allow my netbook and internet stick when they are operating as VA3QV-5 to get gated from the internet to where people with radios can track me. Once again the problem is that at home whenever the interner hiccups in the shack the server drops the connection and till I get back in the shack nothing will happen.
The third solution is just to set up a DIGI in the neighborhood. I currently have two location I am thinking of but want to get the gear together. The DIGI in its simplest terms is a controller connected to a radio. The audio (APRS Digital Signal) from the radio goes to the controller where it repeats it back to the radio world through the radio again. There is some software mumbo-jumbo involved but basically it follows pre determined instructions in the sending stations path (thats where the “WIDE” stuff comes into play and if asked to re transmits out the APRS Data.
The minor problem to this is that I have the expense of buying a TNC (Terminal Node Controller), getting an interface cable made to go between the TNC and the Radio, The cost of a 2m radio along with coax, antenna and a suitable power supply. This setup is bullet proof and not needing the internet to function. However it does need a good location that has AC Power and it will cost about $500.00 to get the show up and running.
So right now I have been experminting with the first and 2nd options and thats why you see VA3QV-7 on aprs.fi and also why you might see VA3QV-5 on your local (RF) aprs screens every now and again.
The losing internet thing shutting down the system was proven on Saturday’s walk when I lost the internet connection while I was out. The combination of the first and second options don’t really cost me anything as its all just playing with the configurations of my existing software but… I would like it to be more stable…
I wonder if I can find the TNC and Radio I need at the Kingston Hamfest coming up in November????
73bob
Today was one of those spur of the moment things…. Around noon I decided that it was not going to rain and I was going to walk over to Grasshopper Hill Park and play some radio.
This park is not within my usual walking distance but seeing that the Doctor is getting concerned about a few things… (weight, age and lack of activity) I thought I would take it a little further than I usually do. The plus side of this is that Grasshopper hill is one of the higher points of land in the area
Above map courtesy: http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca
Now with an approximate height of 90m its not exactly SOTA buts its in the neighborhood and I could walk the almost 4km there and back without serious exertion.
I was set up on the bleachers for the eastern ball diamond. I got the gear up and running around 2pm and spotted myself on QRPSPOTS using my cellphone. I started out on 20m 14.342.5 and was hearing the end of the Submarine Net. Once the net ended I was hoping to work a few HF Pack’ers and have some fun…
It started to rain… I quickly took the radio and the battery (leaving the buddistick antenna) and moved everything to the baseball diamond dugout which had a roof… and waited for the rain shower to pass. Well after about 5 minutes it had let up so I headed back to the bleachers and re connected everthing again and again with the rain….
I ended back in the dugout and waited a few more minutes and then once again my plans were rained out so …. I gave up…. Packed up and after about 5 minutes of walking the sun came out…
So it was a 4km walk there with a 3km walk back as Doug VE3DLJ met me on the return trip and we went for coffee… The score was 0 contacts…. Yes a shutout but I did have a nice walk.
73bob
Taking you back about a month in time I believe I made two posts about the call for nominations for RAC Directors for 4 of the 7 positions on the board of directors.
I had stressed that I felt with all that was going on that it would be a necessity that the 4 directors going into their positions on January 1 2011 would be able to say to the other 3 directors that they had been elected by the amateurs in their sections to lead RAC out of their troubles and lets get to work.
Instead they will be coming into the RAC Directors meeting in January stating that they are the only ones who wanted the job…
This is much better than being introduced at the March meeting as the appointed directors which would make them the only people who would take the job…
I offer you the email sent to me by the RAC Bulletin Service which I got in my inbox Thursday night:
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RAC Bulletin 2010-016E – Director Elections
2010-09-22
Congratulations are extended to Mr. William (Bill) Gipps, VE7ISV / VE7XS who was recently re-elected as the RAC Director for British Columbia / Yukon, for another two year term which starts January 1, 2011 ending December 31, 2012. Mr Gipps ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election.
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Derek Hay, VE4HAY who was recently re-elected as the RAC Director for Midwest, for another two year term which starts January 1, 2011 ending December 31, 2012. Mr. Hay ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election.
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Bill Unger, VE3XT who was recently re-elected as the RAC Director for Ontario North / East, for another two year term which starts January 1, 2011 ending December 31, 2012. Mr. Unger ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election.
Congratulations are extended to Mr. Everett (Ev) Price, VO1DK who was recently elected as the new RAC Director for Atlantic, for a two year term which starts January 1, 2011 ending December 31, 2012. Mr. Price ran unopposed, eliminating the need for a balloted election. Ev is an avid sailor, an officer and instructor with the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, has a distinguished history with Scouts Canada and over thirty years amateur radio experience.
The RAC Executive and Directors wish to extend a sincere “Thank You” to Mr. Len Morgan VE9MY, Director for Atlantic, for his service to the RAC and dedication to amateur radio as he heads off at the end of December to find even more “islands” to work his radio from.
Paul Burggraaf VO1PRB
RAC Corporate Secretary
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* * * *
Vernon Erle Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ
Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec
RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor
<racnews@rac.ca>
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I chose to differ with the RAC Secretary on his choice of terms. They ran unopposed… Their was no election… They were not elected… They were acclaimed into the postiton… The term elections usually infer ballots and a vote and I do not remember voting…
However I do thank the 4 amateurs who cared enough for their hobby to let their names stand for nomination…
The posting I wanted to make would be the announcement that we were having elections for the Directors Positions… OH well… next time???
You wanted the job lads….. Lets get it done and please do it right…
73bob
I found a link to this picture on a twitter page and then they were nice enough to include the html code to embed it here… Kinda like the way googlemaps and youtube does…
Therefore its easy enough for me to do it…
But first I take you back in time to my old webpage. (Way before I started blogging…)
I wrote this article many years ago and with the I concider it still to be relevant today…
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Many years ago when I first got my callsign (I was VE3YBC back then) I attended a presentation that was given to civic officials on Emergency Planning. One of the first things stressed is that they should make friends with the local amateur radio clubs in their areas as the “hams” could do it all!!!
Now in reality we know that Hams can’t walk on water, but we do know where the rocks are hidden just under the water, so it seems like we can.
Now many callsigns have passed (VE3YBC,VE3UAX,VA3RCS and now VA3QV) since I heard those comments and technology now brings new toys. And most of these new toys mean that don’t need us as much as they used to. In most of the urban centers we have been delegated to passing routine traffic between shelters if needed.
Cell Phones, Blackberrys, Text Messaging, WI FI and the internet itself have pushed Amateur Radio back a few steps in the communications ranking.
However when it really hits the fan….They are going to want us to step in and do everything for them. Cell Phone sites batteries do fail, Internet lines can fail, most of the modern phone systems need power to operate. Even those fancy 900Mhz Digital Trucking systems have repeater sites that rely on power.
I’m not saying they will fail… Chances are they probally won’t…. But if they do…Be ready for it!!!
I’m not telling you what to do, but I am suggesting that in addition to making sure you can do the assignments that the local Emergency Plan asks for you should also plan for what they don’t ask for. That way when you do get asked the impossiable you will be ready to prove the comment that “Hams can walk on water”.
Make sure a few people in your ARES Group know how to operate portable HF and have the equipment to do so independant of commercial power. Have them check into nets like the Ontario Phone Net, the ARES Ontario Weekly HF Nets,the Comsont Net or the ONTARS or the Trans Provincal Net. Get them used to the equipment and the differences between operating from the safety of the shack to the insanity of portable operations.
The opinions stated above are mine alone…I personally hope we never get called out for real…If we ever do I hope that I am ready and I hope that you are ready.
73bob
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So those were my views so many years ago… They have not changed since…. but seeing the following picture brought a smile to my face so i thought I would share this with you….
…….. I wonder if anyone will think about it….
73bob
PS… Thanks to Eric VE3XEJ as I orignally saw a link from his tweet to the picture…
As mentioned previously in this blog I attended the Ottawa Amateur Radio Clubs Portable Station Demonstration on Saturday September 18.
As with any Amateur Radio event there were cameras there as we were playing.
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I even took a few before the door fell off the battery compartment on my camera.
Greg VE3YTZ from the OARC did take some pictures and posted them on the OARC Site and he generously gave me permission to show a few here.
If you click on the OARC Logo you will be taken to the OARC site where you can see all of Greg’s Pictures…
VA3QV Photo
Above is my complete portable station. Middle of the picture is my FT817 along with the LDG QRP Autotuner. To the left in the small cloth bag with the handles is my 12ah SLA Battery which can feed all 3 radios if needed. The handheld with the yellow stripe is my Yasesu FT60r which is a dual band handheld which I use for voice comms. The other handheld is my Yaesu VX8GR which I picked up at the Carp Hamfest and is used as an APRS Radio and for backup voice. The complete set fits in my backpack quite simular to the following picture. Antennas for the FT817 depend on the event. Ranges from the W3EDP to a Buddistick.
Picture courtesy VA3DB and was taken at this years CN Cycle event
“Old Phart in the Park”
Not sure who took the above picture but they used my camera for it…
Photo courtesy VE3YTZ and the OARC
While Greg was taking this picture I was checking into the ONTARS Net on 3.755. The NCS at the time was near Peterborough Ontario. I made the contact using 5W and a 80m Hustler mobile antenna on a small tripod with a single counterpoise (60 foot)
Picture courtesy VE3YTZ and the OARC
The following just arrived in my email inbox and as I share this news with you every month there is no point in changing things now…
The October 2010 edition of WorldRadio Online magazine is live and posted free at: http://www.worldradiomagazine.com/.
This edition is full of interesting features and columns including:
* An End-Fed Dipole That’s Easy to Build and Great for the Field
* Seeing What Others Are Hearing: A DX Cluster Primer
* $$$ Makes Those Satellites Go ‘Round
* MARS: Connecting All the EmComm Agencies
* Strategies for Updating Our “Promotional Toolkit”
* Radio & Relaxation = The Great Family Vacation
In addition, you’ll find regular columns including:
Kurt N. Sterba’s Aerials, Propagation, Station Appearance, Hams With Class, Rules and Regulations, Hamfests and Special Events, Contest Calendar, DX Predictions and more.
You’re also invited to join in a live online chat with WRO Editor Richard Fisher, KI6SN, on Sunday, October 3 at 8 p.m. Eastern time (0000 UTC Monday). It’s at: http://www.WorldRadioOnline.blogspot.com.
To access the latest edition of WRO . . .
DOWNLOADING: The entire edition can be downloaded by clicking on the photo of the cover (left) on the WRO Welcome page:
http://www.WorldRadiomagazine.com.
If you’d like to download the magazine in smaller sections, click on the Table of Contents page (on the right – recommended for users with slower Internet connections).
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader, simply scroll to the bottom-left of the WRO Welcome page and click for a free download.
As I have mentioned any time this is a FREE service provided to us and its worth paying for so that makes it definately worth looking at…
73bob
I found this one through my twitter account:
Interesting reading from an Ontario Amateur Radio Operator who also seems to be an ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) Supporter so in my mind that automatically rates a look see…
Welcome Bill
73bob
Am I ever impressed (no I’m not being sarcastic…)… Today I made two posts about the newly moved RAC Blog and both concerns were promply addressed by a member of the RAC Executive.
Jim Hay VE2VE’s prompt response and immediate fixing of the problem is the sign of good things to come.
We can’t expect anyone to fix a problem until we tell them about it… Once they know about it… The problem should be fixed quickly and today it was…
SOMEONE IS LISTENING….
It does not take much for the warm fuzzy feeling to start to return…
73bob
