Quarter Century Amateur Radio Club

Box 473, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2K1 Email: mail@qcarc.net     QCARC Membership Form
Membership dues and donations support these QCARC owned repeaters:

         VE6QCR 146.640 Stony Plain--VE6BOX 146.730 Athabasca--VE6PP 146.820 Whitecourt--VE6SS 146.880 Pigeon Lake All have 100Hz tone and offsets are all -600 KHz 

Weekly Newsletter and Swap & Shop Listing 4/7/2021 by Paul, VE6UFO


NEWSLETTER FORMAT

NEWER CONTENT APPEARS DIRECTLY BELOW AND ITEMS AFTER THE SWAP & SHOP LISTINGS ARE OLDER. IF THIS NEWSLETTER IS NEW TO YOU PLEASE READ THE WHOLE THING.

Hope you all had a good Easter and maybe some fun April Fool's jokes. I had another cancer treatment last week and all is well. I also got more of the repairs done on my '69 GMC project truck as well as some antenna work and some testing for some future projects that I hope to complete in the next few months. It will be very busy bewtween now and the upcoming camping season.

IF YOU HAVE ANY ITEMS OF INTEREST THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THIS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER, EMAIL mail@qcarc.net 73, Stay well and be safe. Have a good week!!
Paul VE6UFO, QCARC Secretary Treasurer and Net Manager



                                                                                                                    


CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

The QCARC annual membership dues are still only 10.00 per year. QCARC Membership Form

Registration for the Spring 2021 RAC Basic Course is now underway https://www.rac.ca/rac-online-basic-amateur-radio-course-spring-2021/

NEW ONLINE STORE - HAMRADIOKITS.CA BY SVEN, VE6IDK IS A NEWLY ESTABLISHED SOURCE OF VARIOUS KITS AND COMPONENTS - CHECK IT OUT!!

JOIN LOCAL COVID COFFEE RAGCHEWS ON VE6QCR & VE6PP REPEATERS THURSDAYS AT 10 AM AND ON THE FT. SASK CLUB REPEATER 147.270 +600 SATURDAYS AT 9:30 AM

THE RED DEER PICNIC WILL NOT TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR DUE TO COVID 19

RAC IS NOW CONDUCTING AN ONLINE CANADIAN AMATEUR OPERATOR INTEREST SURVEY TO BETTER SERVE CANADIAN AMATEURS https://www.rac.ca/amateur-radio-surveys/

RAC WILL RUN A SPECIAL EVENT FOR WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY AGAIN THIS YEAR ON SUNDAY APRIL 18. DETAILS AT:  “Get on the Air on World Amateur Radio Day” special event (rac.ca)

CONTEST CALENDAR FOR THE COMING WEEK

JIDX Contest CW 0700Z, Apr 10 1300Z, Apr 11 http://www.jidx.org/jidxrule-e.html

Georgia QSO Party (Part 1) 1800Z, Apr 10 0359Z, Apr 11 https://gaqsoparty.com/default.html

Georgia QSO Party (Part 2) 1400Z, Apr 11 2359, Apr 11 https://gaqsoparty.com/default.html

NAQCC Sprint 0030Z, Apr 14 0230Z, Apr 14 http://naqcc.info/contests.html


Edmonton Area 5 day WX forecast:

Wednesday 4/7 mix of sun and cloud Low 0 High 12
Thursday 4/8 sunny Low -1 High 4
Friday 4/9 mix of sun and cloud Low -2 High  10
Saturday 4/10 showers Low -7 High 4
Sunday 4/11 mix of sun and cloud Low -6 High 6

APRIL BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, ETC.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          


If you or an amateur you know is celebrating something let me know and I will list it here….
Happy Birthday this month to:
George Rechner VE6ZMR



FUNNY OF THE WEEK

Why was the thermometer smarter than the graduated cylinder?
He had more degrees.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Distant Early Warning Line, or DEW Line, was a series of radar stations across the arctic, from Alaska through Canada over Greenland to Iceland. The Americans conceived that the DEW line could detect enemy bombers coming over the North Pole that could threaten North American cities.

TECH TIP
Lay down those radials the easy way!    Using a lawn edger for putting down radials!
    

Swap & Shop listings for this week - To list something here, please email Paul, VE6UFO at mail@qcarc.net or call 780-232-7012.

For sale by Howard VE6FS an 80 meter AM transceiver that was a CFCW 790 kHz broadcast transmitter converted to 80 by the late great Lindy Olson VE6LO. Howard also has a dozen or so 1 inch diameter solid fibreglass sucker rods about 20 foot length each. Please contact Howard by texting him at780-222-2525

Wanted: two 900 Mhz Yagi antennas Contact Denis VE6Q at 780 218 3387  voice or text

Don VA6DBS is looking for a 1000 Watt or more automatic antenna tuner. Email donshaw@furnitureden.ca

Mitch, VE6OH is looking for a good used 4X4 truck preferably diesel with trailer towing package and an RV around 25 ft. Contact Mitch at 780-446-8958 or email ve6oh@rac.ca

For sale by Egon, VE6EGN ve6egn@gmail.com an Elecraft K2 for $800.00

Wanted by Blair, VE6AGH an RCAF WWII transmitter model AT-12. It's Air Force blue, about 18 inches high, 9 inches wide and 14 inches deep and has handles on the top and front. Blair can be contacted at 403-327-8207 or ve6agh@yahoo.ca

Wanted by Ric, VE7CUP 2 or 3 position remote antenna switches, working or not. Ric is also in search of any aluminum tubing, round or square 1/2" to 3" . Ric is also looking for a 2" stainless steel tube at least 8 feet long. If you can help Ric out with any of these items, please email ricmartin@telus.net

For Sale by Bill VA6RQ

New in Box AR270B 2M/70cm Ringo Vert Ant 5.5-7.5db for $275 Radio World price - $333

New in Box Hygain LJ-204BA 4Elm 20M monoband ant for  $675 Radio World price - $772

New in Box Hygain VB-64DX 4Elm 6M Beam ant for $195 Radio World price - $225

New in Boxes (2) Cushcraft A148-10S 2m 10El yagi ants $195 each Radio World price -$259  if you buy both it comes with a used co-phasing harness

USED CDE CD-45 light duty Rotator (good condition) $100

USED Hygain Ham III med duty rotator well used (new bearings) $100

If you are interested in Bill’s items please email him at   va6rq@rac.ca

WANTED BY PAUL VE6UFO – Remote Rig RRC-1258MKIIs control unit  PLEASE CONTACT PAUL AT 780-232-7012 or mail@qcarc.net

FOR SALE BY DAVID VA6DJ - ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP OR SHIPPED OUT OF LLOYDMINSTER AT BUYER'S EXPENSE.   PHONE/TEXT 306-304-1356 OR EMAIL djames2000@hotmail.com
Open to reasonable offers.

Astron RS-20M power supply – $140
Astron RS-7A – $80
Archer Video processor -$5
Connect Systems Inc CS-900 -$100
EICO Oscilloscope Model 460 – no probes – $40
HealthKit Speaker HS-24 -$10
HealthKit Model V7A w/test cables – originally purchased 1954 – $75
HealthKit 2M HW-2036A w/mic -$30
HealthKit HW-202 doesn’t turn on -$20
Heath HP-1144 Power Supply - no dc. $20
Heathkit Reflected PowerAM2  F/R SWR Meter w/manual -$10
Kenwood TK-710 w/desk mic $50
Magnavox 10” color tv – $5
Motorola Talk about T5625 2 handsets and charger – $25
MFJ-206 Antenna Current Probe – $25
Radio Shack PRO-137 Race 1000 Portable Scanner -$80
Realistic PRO-22 Scanner w/external antenna jack (BNC) includes Air/amateur/commercial -$60
Realistic PRO-57 Scanner – All works includes antenna/ ac power supply – $30
Realistic PRO-58 scanner – power cord works but only in special spot external antenna jack – $10
Stark Model 10A R.F. Signal Generator – $150
Yaesu FRG-7 Receiver – $300


    BELOW IS OLDER CONTENT THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY SEEN IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST TIME READING THIS NEWSLETTER

    GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

    Large ham radio friendly acreage for sale: 74 Acres 50 minutes NE of Edmonton on the North Saskatchewan River.  RF quiet area on a beautiful nature/outdoor lovers paradise adjacent to Redwater Natural Area.  3 towers incl 110 foot and 2 tilt overs; 48 and 64 feet, 12 Volt Battery Bus system, low loss cable runs, shack in metal building (RF quiet).  Newly renovated Shack in the heated shop with feed lines and grounds.  See listing for details:    https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/22729663/57223-rge-rd-203-rural-sturgeon-county-none     Call VE6TR - Rob if you have more interest and questions. 780-940-9826

    The Edmonton Area 2M SSB net is on 144.200 USB Sundays at 10:00am and 8:00 PM 

    Winlink Wednesday emails can be sent via Winlink to Alex, VA6MCP. Instructions on how to do this are on the website www.wcar.ca

    AR100 Hamfest - The celebration of 100 years of amateur radio in Alberta. THIS EVENT HAS BEEN DELAYED UNTIL AT LEAST 2022.  When there is a new date further information will follow.

    QCARC ANNOUNCEMENTS

    JOIN QCARC OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP BEFORE MARCH 31 AND TO BE ENTERED INTO THE DRAW FOR OUR 250.00  EARLY BIRD CASH PRIZE
    QCARC Membership Form    Membership dues and donations can be e-transferred to mail@qcarc.net

    THANKS VERY MUCH TO ALL THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SENT IN MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND DONATIONS!! SO FAR, THE RESPONSES TO RENEWAL REQUESTS HAVE BEEN GREAT!! IF YOU ARE A MEMBER AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RENEWAL REMINDER, THAT IS BECAUSE YOU ARE ALREADY PAID UP FOR THE COMING MEMBERSHIP YEAR.

    When needed, QCARC helps amateurs or the famly of silent keys with tower work and station dispersals. We can sell your items for you at the flea markets or swap and shop. If you would rather not be bothered trying to sell items you can donate them to QCARC. If you need this type of assistance contact VE6UFO at 780-232-7012 or mail@qcarc.net

    Another benefit of being a member is that you can purchase items at MRO Electronic Supply with your proof of QCARC membership. There is a 25.00  minimum.

    QCARC SELLS DONATED ITEMS AT FLEA MARKETS TO RAISE MONEY TO OPERATE OUR REPEATERS AND KEEP MEMBERSHIP DUES LOW.  IF YOU HAVE ITEMS TO DONATE PLEASE ARRANGE PICKUP WITH PAUL VE6UFO AT mail@qcarc.net OR 780-232-7012. THANKS VERY MUCH TO ANYONE WHO HAS RECENTLY DONATED ITEMS TO THE CLUB.

    QCARC has 2 ISED accredited examiners:
    Ernie VA6EJR     va6ejr@gmail.com 
    Mitch VE6OH ve6oh@rac.ca

    QCARC weekly 2 meter net Wednesday 8:30PM on VE6QCR and VE6PP repeaters. After the net, stations are encouraged to stick around for a fun round table ragchew QSO session.

    Do you know of a new ham or a ham getting back into radio after years away from the hobby that needs equipment and/or help getting a station set up? We can help!!! mail@qcarc.net

    RAC NEWS

    Ernest Clintberg VE6EC is the RAC Director for AB NT NU and Stephen Lee VA6SGL is the Alberta Deputy Director for RAC. 

    If you are not a RAC member, please consider joining as RAC helps protect and advance amateur radio in Canada and around the world. RAC members who are also members of RAC affiliated clubs such as QCARC get special insurance coverage. Details of this coverage are found at https://www.rac.ca/insurance/

    MISC. AMATEUR RADIO RESOURCES

    The Whitecourt group’s website www.wcar.ca is maintained by Alex VA6MCP. This website includes solar conditions, information on Winlink Wednesday and many other resources. The Whitecourt group has done a lot to promote amateur radio and QCARC commends them for that.

    Here is a link to a page WCAR website about understanding propogation: https://www.wcar.ca/education/up/

    Don VE7DXE in Victoria, BC has established www.hamshack.ca which is a great new site with a fully functional buy and sell feature and other new resources being added all the time. Check it out often!!

    The Surrey Amateur Radio Club has a great newsletter and the latest edition can be found at  www.ve7sar.net 

    If you are trying to learn Morse code or increase your speed, there is a great YouTube resource. Search for HamradioQRP which will get you to the site. These videos are a terrific help.


    Another good resource including solar conditions is https://www.wm7d.net

    Here is a link to the RAC Canadian Amateur Radio Band Plan chart Canadian Amateur Radio Band Plans (rac.ca)

    Know someone interested in becoming a radio amateur? Resources for home learning include Hamstudy Basic available through Amazon, and Coax Publications for Basic and Advanced study manuals https://www.coaxpublications.ca/ Further, Cold Lake Amateur Radio Society (CLARS) hosts a training website http://www.clares.ca/va6hal%20training.html for Basic and Advanced.  RAC  also has  an Advanced course available at  no cost for  members  that  have a  Gold  Leaf  Membership.


    MISC. TECH INFORMATION
    Do not set an external tuner directly on top of your HF rig or you could have distorted TX audio on some bands. Make a 2 inch separator out of non-conductive material.

    If the fan on your power supply or rig comes on a lot, add a small external fan on the back of the unit to help keep things cooler.

    Have you ever gotten into your vehicle to find that your battery was dead because you forgot to turn off your mobile radios? Modern rigs have a programmable Auto Power Off (APO) that you can use to make the radio turn itself off after a pre-set period of inactivity.

    On vehicles with roof racks, a tiltover mount for your HF mobile antenna can be easily made by attaching the L part of a mirror mount antenna bracket to the roof rack with a single bolt just tight enough that the mount will move by hand 90 degrees as required. For pickup trucks, you can mount the bracket to a pole in the box or on the bumper or trailer hitch. Ensure proper grounding.

    To make it easy to see what you are doing when trying to work with connections at the back of all the various pieces of gear on your operating desk, mount a mirror on the wall behind the equipment. I saw this years ago when visiting the station of Dave VE6KD. Great idea, Dave!!

    Here is a link to plans for an inexpensive and easy to build 5 band HF Vertical Antenna N5VEG 5 Band HF Vertical "Wonderstick" Antenna (hamuniverse.com)

    Directional Finding (Bunny Hunting) Techniques and plans for building a high gain cubical 2 meter quad antenna and sniffer
    http://www.qcarc.net/VE6OB%20Bunny%20Hunting%20Article.pdf 

    Here is a link to plans for an easy to build HF multi band fan dipole MULTI BAND HF FAN DIPOLE ANTENNA DESIGN (hamuniverse.com)

    When building a station, it is important to determine the correct coax to use. Transmission line losses must be kept at a minimum to achieve optimum performance.  

    Here is a link to some coax loss charts.  https://www.w4rp.com/ref/coax.html
    If you are re-using coax make sure there is good continuity and check it with a wattmeter and dummy load - MOST USED FLEA MARKET COAX IS GOOD FOR THE SELLER, NOT THE BUYER!!

    Here is a link to a handy dipole antenna length calculator and various other resources:
    Dipole Antenna Length Calculator (everythingrf.com)

    Need to find the grid square for your QTH? Try this: Amateur Radio Ham Radio Maidenhead Grid Square Locator Map (levinecentral.com)


    Here is a listing of some of the nets and other gatherings that take place regularly:

    Daily

    There is a lot of activity on the 2 meter simplex frequency 146.490 in Edmonton.

    Various 40 and 80 meter ragchew groups take place all morning long from about 7:00AM until 10 or later. Look around the bands for an opportunity to join in on an interesting QSO.

    Saskatchewan weather net 8:00AM Sask time 3.753 MHz

    Aurora Net 2300 UTC   7.100 MHz

    Saskatchewan Net 0100 UTC 3.735 MHz

    Alberta Public Service Net 0130 UTC 3.700 MHz

    BC Net 0130 UTC 3.729 MHz

    160 meter ragchews take place 9:00 PM or later usually on frequencies above 1.890 MHz.

    Weekly

    Alberta ARES Net Sunday 9:00AM mountain time 3.750 MHz

    Edmonton Area 2 meter SSB net Sunday 10:00AM and 8:00 PM 144.200 MHz USB

    Trans Canada Net Sunday 2:00PM 18:00 UTC 14.140 MHz

    Sunday 6PM VE6KM B linked to ref001C is the international DSTAR Net

    Sunday Evening Aurora Net 9:30PM Central time 7.100 MHz

    Monday 8:00PM on VE6KM B linked to reflector REF016B is the Alberta DSTAR Net

    Monday Amateur Radio Information Net 3.729 MHZ right after the BC net about 0230 UTC

    NARC weekly 2 meter net Tuesday 7:30PM on VE6HM repeater 147.060 -600

    IRLP Trans Canada net Wednesday 9:00AM on VE6HM repeater 147.060 -600

    Winlink Wednesday please check out www.wcar.ca  for information

    Friday 7:00PM on VE6KM B linked to ref001C Canadian Dstar Net