As mentioned in the last post there were a couple of Radio events happening last night in Ottawa… My choices were either visiting with the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club or the VE3ORF/3730 Group. As both meetings were in the west end of Ottawa (and I live in the east end) the choice was made by who was going where and if I could get a ride….
After chatting with VE3DLJ via the landline… (can we call cell phones landline???)
I was able to catch a ride to Rockwells Restaurant and enjoy some time with the VE3ORF/3730 group. Doug and I got there around 630pm or so (just as everyone was finishing supper) and we got to chat with lots of old friends…
The meeting is more social than administrational as its not a club… no membership… no constitiution…. no BS… and also no dues… And using that format they manage to keep 3 repeaters (2m/70cm/1.25m) on the air and running…. The guys that like VHF keep the repeaters up and running…. The guys that like HF keep the 3730 up and running every night…. The guys that like the social side of the hobby just come out to special events…. No fuss… no muss… as they used to say….
At the meeting I did end up having a great conversation with Sean VE3HXP of Professional Radio Service. Sean mostly looks after commercial systems, but does handle the Alinco Line of Amateur equipment.
We were chatting about how in Ottawa we are forced to deal in mail order gear as Canada’s Capital City does not have a full time Amateur Equipment Dealer… There are a couple of places that handle CBs and Export Radios along with some accessories and as always the truckstops have antenna mounts but…. I am forced to order from the Toronto area or Trois Riverieres if I want to order most Amateur gear… I will order on line (what choice do I have) but I prefer to buy in person where I can see what I am getting as well as supporting the local economy in the process…
That, though is a blog posting for another day….
Right around 830 the people started to head home… Doug and I left as well and by 9pm I was walking in the front door and was able to watch NCIS LA with Liz…. A great way to finish off an evening….
73bob
Tags: Amateur Equipment Dealers, amateur radio, amateur radio equipment, Amateur Radio Meetings, Amateur Radio Sales, Professional Radio Service, VE3HXP, VE3ORF/3730 group, West Carleton Amateur Radio Club
