Quarter Century Amateur Radio Club

Box 473, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2K1 Email: mail@qcarc.net  website: www.qcarc.net    QCARC Membership Form

Check out the Quarter Century Amateur Radio Club Facebook page.

Membership dues and donations support these QCARC owned repeaters:

         VE6QCR 146.640 Stony Plain--VE6BOX146.730 Athabasca--VE6PP 146.820 Whitecourt--VE6SS 146.880 Pigeon Lake--VA6RJK 146.790 Eagle Hill / Willingdon

All have 100Hz tone and offsets are all -600 kHz


CLUB INFORMATION

Weekly Newsletter and Swap & Shop Listing


January 21, 2024



 

 



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  


CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS




Jack Cairns, VE6JAC, Silent Key

We are saddened to report the passing of Jack Cairns, VE6JAC, on January 16, 2025.

His obituary is here.



Kelly Weist, VE6KSW, Silent Key

We are saddened to report the passing of Kelly Weist, VE6KSW, on January 8, 2025.

His obituary is here.



Coffee get together: Saturday, January 18

It it seems that the consensus among responding club members is to meet at the A&W at 10823 Kingsway Ave. The idea of moving the meeting place around may cause more confusion than it was worth so the central location will be the place to meet, at least for the time being.

I plan to be there this Saturday at about 8:30 and I will be accepting payment for the Ukrainian meal that will be the best part of the QCARC February 15th Flea Market! The caterer has held the cost of the meal to $25.00 and we have sold 10 of the 50 available meals. Please stop by or you can mail payment to us via post:

QCARC
Box 473
Edmonton AB
T5J2K1

We are not able to accept e-transfers for payment at this time.

It's always good to get together for an eyeball QSO, swap stories, parts and pieces or in my case get a second opinion on why the smoke escaped from my latest project!

As always we can discuss the WX which based on forecasts will be cooling off a great deal. These melt freeze cycles are making driving and walking a challenge at times. Hope to see many of you on Saturday.

73 Neil VE6TCK


QCARC Winter Flea Market and Ukrainian meal

SAVE THE DATE: FEB 15, 2025

AMATEUR RADIO FLEA MARKET TO TAKE PLACE IN EDMONTON

DATE: FEB 15, 2025

PLACE: CANORA COMMUNITY HALL 10425-152 STREET EDMONTON, AB

FLEA MARKET TABLES ARE FREE BUT MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE via MAIL@QCARC.NET

MEAL: 25.00 PER PLATE MUST BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE ONLY 50 MEALS AVAILABLE

UKRAINIAN MEAL CONSISTING OF PEROGIES, CABBAGE ROLLS, NALYSHNYKA, KOBASSA AND DESSERT

Payment to Executive at local coffee meet-ups before the event to reserve your meal. Or mail payment via post to QCARC Box 473 Edmonton AB T5J 2K1

VENDOR SET UP STARTS AT 8:00

FLEA MARKET RUNS FROM 9:00 TO 11:30 FOLLOWED BY 50/50 DRAW AND THEN DINNER


Amateur Radio Volunteer Opportunities this year

To: Edmonton and Area Amateur Radio Operators

Happy New Year!

First, thank you to everyone that helped in 2024 making us look so good to the organizations we volunteer with.

I've started putting together the list of events that we have volunteered with in the past and/or will be volunteering at in 2025. Most of these are simply placeholders at this time. You can see the list in the linked spreadsheet (below) or here on the NARC website. I will update the spreadsheet as things gel.

Here's the volunteer document

The first event is the Hypothermic Half Marathon on February 02 and 16. Volunteer twice, get two lunches! The volunteer form is ready for you to fill out.

--- 73, Lloyd, VA6CLR


It's Coffee Time!

I've had requests from members to have coffee meetings more often. It seems like COVID really put a damper on them, as it did so many other social events.

The club has for many years met informally Saturday mornings at the A&W on 109 street and Princess Elizabeth avenue. As well there are several other formal and informal coffee gatherings held by other clubs and groups around the city and local area.

The A&W mentioned above is a central location that works for some but perhaps there are additional locations to consider? It has been suggested that having the location change weekly to different quadrants of the city may be an idea. And rather than a fast food outlet perhaps a family restaurant might be a better place?

Several club members met at Albert's on 91 street and 51 avenue last week and it was surprisingly quiet at 8:30 AM. That suggests the next question, which is what time to meet? Typically people come and go from 8:00 thru until 10:00 so it's safe to call it breakfast or brunch I guess... HIHI.

Venues could include places Denny's, Smitty's, Ricky's and other similar restaurants. The thought was that large round tables, one or more, would work best for socializing. This can be discussed further on the Wednesday night net. There will be several choices and decisions to be made. Summer vacation season and winter road conditions play a big part in attendance at these events, too.

One thought was to maybe start an email list of coffee invitees to update those that may want to attend or perhaps have a static location based on the week of the month. Maybe the first Saturday could always be the same location? There are several things to consider for this idea so please feel free to offer your suggestions on net night. If we think an email list is a good way to manage this please consider volunteering to maintain the email list.

And now it would appear that it is time for me to have a coffee.

73
Neil
VE6TCK


New Year's update, December 31, 2024

Well it's here... the end of 2024 and the start of 2025. I will celebrate with family as we often do. It's time to look back on 2024 and forward to 2025. It seems the aging process for me is more logarithmic than linear and retirement is more work than I thought it would be... hihi.

Looking back on the year SK's in the hobby and outside the hobby come to mind. Sadly many were too young. Looking forward it's hard not to wonder about the state of world affairs on so many levels. We can be very thankful of where we live.

I hope that the new year is a time for renewal and activity with family and friends. Stay engaged with both and stay active physically and mentally. And be active on the radio!
73
Neil, VE6TCK


Christmas update: December 25, 2024

Well the big day is here and I hope you are all ready with gifts, food and plans for family and friends over christmas. For many it's a time away from work and school, perhaps travel is involved to see family that don't live close by. All my family is very close by but that was not always the case and I have memories of years past and having to travel halfway across the province and some of those trips were not in the greatest of weather. Once the gifts are open and the meal is a memory it may be time to spend some time in the shack perhaps with a new radio? Don't forget the RAC winter contest, hopefully the band's co-operate details can be found here: RAC Winter Contest

It's been quite a year when we look back but as always we have to look forward and be prepared for what might be coming. Merry Xmas to all and I always remind people the toys are for the kids so don't break them and make sure you have batteries. If you get a lump of coal save it as I am sure it will get colder in January and February.

73
Neil, VE6TCK


President's update: December 17, 2024

Our editor is now back from a well-deserved vacation and thank goodness for that, someone has to make my ramblings seem logical!

VE6EM, VA6JC and myself are off to the QTH of VE6EMF tomorrow to install the VE6OG WSPR transmitter. The forecast is for 5-10 cm of snow and -21C. With the windchill it will be -32C. So perfect weather for antenna work... HIHI!! Thanks very much to Lyle for hosting the transmitter for the club and for all members of the hobby. It is the support of members that ensure that our club stays viable and meaningful.

There seems to be a lot of activity on the VE6QCR and VE6PP repeaters and that's very good to hear. Perhaps it's the WX or free time going into the holiday season.

A reminder: save the date of February 15 for the winter flea market and Ukranian meal at Canora hall. More details will be provided in the new year. I am happy to report the caterer can provide the same meal for 25.00 a plate.

73,
Neil, VE6TCK



Jack Strangman, VE6BSJ, Silent Key

We recently learned that Jack Strangman, VE6BSJ, passed away on November 20, 2024. No further details are available at this time.



NCAARC Hotspot Workshop

(Please note: as your editor has been away for a couple of weeks this notice is being posted later than intended.

This is an invitation to attend a workshop on Hotspots that the North Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club (NCAARC) is holding on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 9:30 AM - a scheduled event at Fire Hall #3 in St Albert.

Chris Bone VA6CMB has agreed to attend and provide a presentation about Hotspots and their use in amateur radio.

Dave Hughes VE6SKI has agreed to add his expertise and offer Hotspots that he is building for sale at a very reasonable price of around $80 (he will establish a firm price once he learns what his cost is for each unit). The pre-ordered Hotspots, if given enough notice, Dave plans to have be available at the Workshop.

So, the question is:

(1) Do you wish to attend? There is limited space for another 13 hams of 20 spots (7 spots are already spoken for); and

(2) If you plan to attend, are you interested in purchasing a pre-built Hotspot from Dave? He needs to know the number because he plans to order the parts and build them.

If you are interested in attending, email me back before Friday, December 13, 2024 end of day. This allows the NCAARC to do it's planning.

This is a first-come-first-served event, so get back to me as soon as possible to ensure you have a spot. My email contact is Ernest Clintberg, VE6EC. If you want to contact Dave Hughes, his email is Dave Hughes, VE6SKI.
73
Ernest Clintberg VE6EC
Secretary for NCAARC




President's update: November 26, 2024

Well it would appear that the cats didn't even miss me while I was gone on vacation. Many thanks to Terry, VE6EM, for running the net while I was away. From all reports he did so well he may be doing it full time, hihi!

It was quite a shock coming back to winter but once the streets were cleared and after a couple days I seem to be adapting to the WX quite nicely. My latest theory for dealing with winter is what I call plan "Ursus" which is to stay inside for the balance of the winter like an old bear. It's a good theory but there is some antenna work to do and I suspect on the colder days I may be called on by family and friends for frozen cars and dead furnaces. I have enough projects in the shack and a double order of parts recently means I should have enough capacitors for the collection of old boat anchors I have.

We are in the planning stages for the next winter flea market and all that goes with the Ukrainian meal. We have three openings on the executive to be filled so please submit your name or that of a close friend, hihi. The elections will be in the spring at the Annual General Meeting so you have time to talk to existing executive about how you can be involved in supporting the QCARC. We have lost some good people and need your help in an official or unofficial position ASAP.

73, Neil, VE6TCK




Leduc ham coffee: change of venue

The Leduc ham coffee meet-up has moved. It is no longer at Ricky's All Day Grill.

It is now at the Leduc Coffee Shop which is located at 4728 50th Ave in Leduc.




NARC repeater survey

Our friends at the Northern Alberta Radio Club are asking users of their repeaters to provide them with some feedback.

They've created a survey which you can find here.

Please take a few minutes to fill it out and let them know what you think.




Willy Korchinski, VE6WZK/VA6WZ, Silent Key


From Neil Brown, VE6TCK:

We received the very sad news last week that Willy Korchinski, VE6WZK/VA6WZ, had passed away at age 84 on October 30th.

Willy served for many years on the QCARC executive. He was the voice of experience that the youngsters on the board needed at times HIHI!. He was active on HF and over the years established quite a station on the west shores of Sandy Lake with antennas from 160m thru 70cm. In recent years he was most active on 80m and 160m rag chewing with hams in western Canada.

With a background in the trades he was active in building as well as repairing his antennas and equipment. During his years as a ham he saw changes from the vacuum tube era thru to present day equipment.

He built his retirement house and garage at the lake as well as his furnace cleaning truck. There was not much that Willy couldn't do. He was a regular at club flea markets and will be missed by all that knew him.

Paul, VE6UFO, related a story and Willy later confirmed it: before Willy was a licensed ham, in the 60's and 70's during the 11m CB craze, he acquired a Yaesu FT-101 which in the day came with 11m capabilities. It was not long before there were TVI complaints from neighbors, back when lots of people still had antennas for over the air reception of TV. The Department Of Communications showed up in person with the necessary paperwork completed and talked to Willy about shutting down his 11m operation immediately, under threat of seizure of his transceiver, Or he could get his ham radio license... he chose to get his license and the rest, as they say, is history.


Terry Whitson, VE6EM, offered the following about Willy:


Willy's passion for radio communications began with CB radio and grew significantly starting around 1975 when he developed an interest in ham radio. His love for this hobby was evident, as there wasn't a room in his house you could walk into without finding a ham radio in it.

Throughout his life Willy pursued various occupations. He worked as a paramedic, then transitioned into the role of a commercial sheet metal worker and partnered the business Duncan Sheet Metal. Eventually he moved on to own and operated Air Vac, a successful ventilation cleaning company until his retirement.

Willy will be remembered for his dedication to his family, work and his passion for radio communications.



President's update: October 29


We had a very enjoyable time at the SARA flea market in Calgary. Many thanks to Ken, VE6AFO, and the SARA group for hosting it. The QCARC club had two tables of gear. That was from one estate and three station de-commissionings as well as a couple of club items. The sale seemed to have a slower start than previous years. But while attendance and fleas may have been down a little bit a good time was had by all.

Of the equipment we brought we sold about 90% by value and 75% based on volume. Perhaps more noteworthy was that Jim, VA6JC, Doug, VE6BC and myself really didn't buy much at all! HIHI! The weather was a pleasant surprise and made the travel quite enjoyable.

On another note I completed my last antenna project for the year, since I was doing gutter cleaning anyway. I won't do the Xmas lights until there is now on the ground or until after Remembrance Day. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween and please watch out for the pedestrians.

73, Neil, VE6TCK



Guy Lamoreux, VE6BGH, Silent Key


We are saddened to report the passing of Guy Lamoreux, VE6BGH, on October 17.

His obituary can be viewed here:

Guy Lamoreux obituary

Our condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.



Hugh Kroetsch, VE6AN, Silent Key


In August we reported that Hugh Kroetsch, VE6AN, had passed away.

His obituary has now been published in the Edmonton Journal and can be viewed here:

Hugh Kroetsch obituary



President's update: October 22

Well there's still no snow on the ground and for that I am happy, I still have antenna work to do, HIHI! Off to the SARA flea market in Calgary this weekend with two other members of the executive. We will have two tables with donated and consignment equipment and hopefully won't bring any of it back! There is also the hope we don't buy anything as most of us should be downsizing and not adding... or so I am told! It's been a busy week checking the integrity of some of the donations before they are offered for sale but I think we are just about ready to hit the road southwards.


73, Neil VE6TCK



SARA flea market: Saturday, October 26

The SARA fall flea market is almost here! We really hope you can make it.

-->   See the details here!    <--



Fall Social and Flea Market update

Well it's over for another couple of weeks. Next it's off to the SARA flea market in Calgary with some of the other executive. I hope everyone enjoyed the QCARC fall social and flea market. It's always great to get together for an eyeball QSO with everyone. We sold out of tables, added one and had a cancellation. We had a bit of a slow start but things did pick up as it progressed. Perhaps the timing will be slightly different for the next one. I suspect everyone is happy with their purchases. The revenue from the sales of donated items will help to keep membership costs down. We hope to see some of you in Caglary in two weeks.

73, Neil, VE6TCK


Here are a few pictures of the event:

Hams looking for deals and finding them!


President Neil, VE6TCK, addresses the crowd with a message of vital importance.


Terry, VE6EM, and Tess, VA6TAY prepare to draw the winning 50/50 ticket.



President's update: October 7

The on-site sale of some of Sig VE6SP's restorable old AM BCB radios went well and some units will also make it to Saturday's QCARC Fall Social. It was a great day WX-wise but attendance could have been better. I guess there is not as much interest in old radios wood cabinets dating back to the 1920s... hihi!

Thanks to Doug VE6BC, his XYL Donna, and Ron VE6VJ for helping out. There will be more sales of premium pieces after the local museums decide on what they do and do not want. I suspect I will list more on hamshack.ca and take some items to the upcoming SARA flea market in Calgary.

I am looking forward to seeing lots of you Saturday and hope to socialize a bit between sales of items donated to the club.

73, Neil, VE6TCK


Get yourself a table at the QCARC fall social and flea market!

There are still some tables left for our flea market. Contact us at mail@qcarc.net to reserve yours.

Event details are directly below.



QCARC fall social and flea market: Saturday, October 12

Be sure to not miss the Quarter Century Amateur Radio Club's annual fall social and flea market! It's coming up - soon - on Saturday, October 12th at the Canora Community League. That's at 10425 152 street NW in Edmonton. Vendor set up starts at 9:00 and the flea market will run from 10:00 to noon at which time there will be a 50/50 draw.


There is no charge for admission nor for flea market tables nor for refreshments. Who could pass that up? Come and scour the tables for those must-have items for your shack.


More info on the main page of our website.



SARA flea market: Saturday, October 26

We are very pleased to announce that the SARA fall flea market is coming up! We really hope you can make it.

--> See the details here! <--




VE6SP Estate Sale

A big thank you to everyone who showed up at Sig Preuss' estate sale this past weekend. That goes out to both the volunteers who did the organizing, set-up and tear-down for the event and the to folks who showed up to get things they wanted for their stations.

It was a lovely late-summer morning in the country and it was great to see everyone there. This was more than just buy-and-sell event. It was also a very nice social event that offered an opportunity for in-person visiting and catching up between folks who maybe hadn't been face-to-face for a while. People that knew Sig could be heard reminiscing about shared experiences and telling stories of days gone by, just as it should be.



President's update, September 10

I and others have been getting ready for this coming Saturday the 14th and the amateur radio equipment estate sale of Sig Preuss. See the front page of the QCARC website for a partial list of the equipment that will be for sale. There will be much more than listed including items from two other estates, some of which are listed on hamshack.ca. Further price reductions are likely as it would appear I have priced these items a bit high... HIIHI! If the WX cooperates we will have a very nice day in the country!

Parking may be an issue as it's limited to the sides of the range road. Car-pooling is therefore recommended. Think of it as a mobile coffee meet-up, grab a java and head west with a co-pilot. Talk-in will be on VE6QCR. See you there! See the notice for this event on the main page of our website, along with a partial list of items for sale.

73, Neil, VE6TCK



President's update, September 3

September.... yes it's here already. A big deal for ones with young families as it's back to school or perhaps even off to school for the very first time. The weather is changing and we are getting a taste of what fall is all about. Luckily I have no serious schedules and can hide in the shack if the wind, rain and sunlight are not to my liking. There will be some potentially record breaking hot days this week and again I will be underground.

Tables are starting to book up for the fall flea market and social and many of us are looking forward to that get-together. The sale of Sig Preuss' ham gear on September 14th will be a good reason to get together, see familiar faces and buy some things you may or may not need.

It's good to hear all the activity on VE6QCR and it's great to hear a new call or one I don't recognize on our repeaters.

I will close by reminding everyone about increased traffic with the return to school of the little ones.

73, Neil VE6TCK



President's update, August 27

Normally I would start by saying another week has come and gone but it's been two weeks. Holidays and time away are important even for volunteers.

It has been busy with tower work this week and the photo below shows the worst of it, a tower in the trees... HIHI! It's not obvious but we limbed several of the trees close to the tower but could only reach up about 25 feet on 45 feet trees. Thanks to some planning and a very skilled tower crew they managed to sneak the Mosley tri-bander through the maze of limbs.

This one will be posted on Hamshack.ca soon and I will lower the price on the existing listing to get people motivated before winter. As always a big thank you go out to the volunteer tower crew Jim, Ed and Wayne. I just supervised. Later this week the backup crew will be on another site planning and perhaps removing yet another tower. I sure wish more were going up than down.

We are in the planning stages of an estate sale on an SK's site which will be a bit different than having it all at a flea market. There will be a listing of available equipment soon. It will be all amateur radio gear with some military surplus for amateur use as well as vintage amateur receivers and transmitters. We will need volunteers to do table set up and moving the gear from the storage area. So imagine picking up a 50 lb piece of gear and carrying it 100 ft or more, a wheeler may be useful but not a perfect solution in some cases. If you are able bodied and interested please send me an email, phone or call me on 2M.

I hope the weather holds it appears to be later in the summer than I thought....where did it go?

73, Neil, VE6TCK




Hugh Kroetsch, VE6AN, Silent Key

We have learned of the passing of Hugh Kroetsch, VE6AN, on August 13.

We understand that an obituary will be published in the Edmonton Journal soon.

Our condolences to Hugh's family, loved ones and friends.



President's update, August 13

Well it's been yet another busy week. It's a good thing I am retired, as I was just explaining to friends over a cold 807. Early in my day there is an expectation to sleep in and later in the day an afternoon nap is pretty much a given. One doesn't want to over-exert one's self!

I was recently doing some work for a club member and the subject of volunteering came up. They had experience outside our hobby with non-profit societies and as is often the case some people need a little encouragement to get involved. Some are unsure of the demands or skill-sets involved and then there is the time commitment. Some people can find it intimidating. I always encourage people to just show up and support the cause in whatever ways they can. For example, we are always short of able-bodied tower climbers. And for those that don't want to or can't go up a tower there are always plenty of things to do on the ground. More hands make for lighter work! The club will have several more opportunities before the snow flies to help out with tower removal and station disbursements. Some lifting is involved but it's not a contest or a race, you can do like I do and involve harmonics and call it "bonding" time, HIHI. If you have questions or just want to stop by and watch any tower rork please contact anyone on the executive.

Also, there will be no newsletter update next week due to vacation plans.

73, Neil, VE6TCK


Gordon Skutle, VE6DG, Silent Key

I was saddened to report another Silent Key tonight on the Alberta Public Service Net. Gordon Skutle, VE6DG, passed away on August 4th at the age of 104 years. He was a licensed ham for 84 years. Please see the story on QCARC.net where Star Convington, VA6SSC, interviewed him not too long ago. I had a chance to meet Gordon and have coffee with him a while ago. We discussed early AM broadcast radio and amateur radio in Edmonton. I had planned a return trip to continue those discussion and to learn more about his life's work. I wanted to bring one of his favorite receivers, a Hammarlund, for him to sit in front of again and tune around the bands. Sadly, that did come to pass. You can read more about Gordon's fascinating life and the significant contributions he made to AM radio here at the Edmonton Broadcasters Club website: https://edmontonbroadcasters.com/bios/skutle-gordon

73 to all, Neil, VE6TCK


From the Top of the Tower

It would appear there is an expectation for a few words for the week and subsequent weeks. So here goes! The Jasper fires have been on everyone's mind and the start of the fire season always raises concerns for what is coming. At first we seemed to be in reasonable shape provincially but a hot windy, drying period and a lightning storm can change everything in a heartbeat. We can only hope for the best for the rest of the year. Jasper will never be the same as so much went up in smoke including a lot of memories.

Planning has started for the fall social and flea market. Several tables have already been reserved. A few more towers have come down, thanks to volunteers helping out SK's families. Watch hamshack.ca for details! Club-wise I hear lots of activity on QCR/PP which is what Paul always wanted. Just a few words or a signal report. Take a quick break from what you are doing to let that mobile station know someone is listening. I always try to answer mobile stations that are not residents of Alberta as well as calls I dont recognize. You may hear some newer stations on the repeater as well as stations getting reactivated after being inactive for a time, which is great. Make them feel at home. Summer can be a time when people are busy with, well... summer... and that is good.

73, Neil, VE6TCK

What has summer brought us?

Summer typically invites us hams to spend less time cloistered in our ham shacks and more time out of doors enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Until the heat becomes oppressive and the air well less fresh than it ought to be, that is. Such has been the case in recent days with record-breaking heat around our province and far beyond. Couple the heat with smoke from wildfires and it becomes downright disruptive to folks' enjoyment of the great outdoors. This naturally varies somewhat based on QTH but it's true to some degree for just about everyone. The result was that more than a few of us have taken refuge in our basement ham shacks. What else is a ham to do? Every cloud has a silver lining!

The warmer weather of spring is always welcome... or is it?

Everyone that lives this far north looks forward to the arrival of spring and summer. But we all know that the arrival of higher temperatures can bring stormy weather and that can give us hams grief. So it was for Hans, VE6TK, when a twister recently made an appearance on his property near Fort Saskatchewan. As you can see in his photo the 138 km/h wind did some real damage to his 2-element 80m beam. The 40m beam below it survived unscathed. We all share your pain, Hans!



Club Executive Changes

The club executive met on June 20th and made some appointments to get us through to the elections at the next Annual General Meeting. Doug, VE6BC, was appointed to the positions of Secretary/Treasurer for the interim and Terry, VE6EM, will be returning to the executive. Welcome back, Terry! To quote Michael Corleone in The Godfather: "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!"



Southern Alberta Repeater Association - Annual General Meeting, picnic and flea market

On Saturday, June 15 the Southern Alberta Repeater Association played host to all at their AGM (which always includes a flea market and SARA dogs!) in the scenic McKenzie Trails Recreation Area in Red Deer. People came from near and far to enjoy a nice day in the park, to buy and sell radio gear and to enjoy good company. The event was enjoyed by all and was a success by any measure. We thank our friends at SARA for putting this event on and we look forward to a repeat in 2025!




Paul Damion Sylvester Tyschuk Obituary


After several years of his fight with cancer we are profoundly saddened to announce the passing of Paul Tyschuk on May 21, 2024 at the age of 60. He will be forever remembered by his loving wife, Teresa, of 30 years, daughters Justine and Megan, and son-in-law, Robbie. He was predeceased by his father William, his mother Lillian, his brother Bill, and his cherished grandchildren, Aiden and Gavin.

There will be a service for family and friends of Paul, which will be held on Friday, June 7th at 2:00 PM at the Canora Community League, 10425 152 St NW, Edmonton. We encourage
you to wear bright colours or green to represent Paul's favourite CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and care staff at the Cross Cancer Institute, as well as anyone who cared for Paul throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Paul may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation.






Message from the president, Neil Brown, VE6TCK/VE6JW:

Paul was diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer that had spread to his liver in 2017. He had 28 radiation treatments and bi-weekly chemo for 6 months followed by surgery to remove the tumor and 3 sections of his liver. This got rid of the cancer for a while, but in 2019 some nodules started forming in his lungs, so he went back on chemo and had to continue bi-weekly treatments to keep it at bay. It was quite an aggressive cancer but he never stopped fighting. In total, he had over 100 rounds of chemotherapy and I never heard him complain. He was able to stay active and felt quite well most of the time with a positive attitude. His motto was "I have the cancer, the cancer doesn't have me." His last update was February 10, 2024 that indicated there was no new cancer and things were stable, but that all changed suddenly and we lost Paul May 21, 2024. When Paul called me and asked me to do the net on May 7th, I wasn't too worried, it had happened before. When he called on the 14th his breathing and lungs were the problem as well as the back pain and I knew things were changing rapidly. Sadly, on May 22nd I did his Silent Key announcement. He was such a huge part of the QCARC and the Amateur Radio Community at large. Many have asked what do we do now, we do what Paul would have done: keep moving. The best way to honor Paul is to keep active and support the QCARC. In time we will find a way to honor him with something specific and permanent. He will be so missed by so many.

 

 
 FREE ONLINE ADVANCED AMATEUR STUDY COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

The Free Advanced Amateur Radio Course from Hamshack.ca is designed to assist licensed amateurs in upgrading their certification from Basic or Basic with Honours. It incorporates a novel QSL (Question Specific Learning) method, enhancing mobile learning through a focus on understanding the reasons behind answers, which aids in faster learning and better memory retention. The course is tailored for mobile use and includes visual aids, extensive quizzes, and exams to deeply cover advanced amateur radio concepts. It's freely accessible to anyone with a Hamshack.ca account, providing an invaluable resource for improving advanced amateur radio skills. The course is also recognized for its ability to simplify complex technical topics, making it a valuable tool for individual learners and ham radio clubs alike. Clubs can include the QSL Advanced course in their educational offerings for a minimal per-user fee, making it an economical option for member training. To integrate this program into club training, contact VE7DXE drosberg@telus.net

Here's a link to the course page:
QSL Courses - Hamshack

Here's a link to the blurb listing on the Hamshack website with a review from a user: Hamshack.ca Advanced Amateur Radio CourseStudy on Your Schedule! - Hamshack



IT'S OFFICIAL - The Eagle Hill Repeater Group is now a part of the QCARC. There was a unanimous vote by the executive of both clubs in favour of the merger and all members were notified of the opportunity. There was no opposition from anyone. The new special interest group will be led by Neil VE6TCK, the former EHRG president.
 

 

 
 
ANNOUNCEMENT - THE NEXT QCARC EVENT WILL BE:

QCARC FALL SOCIAL & FLEA MARKET
   
 
    DATE: October 12, 2024. PLACE: Canora Community Hall 10425 -152 Street Edmonton, AB
 
   
 
Vendor set up starts at 9:00. Flea market runs from 10:00 - 12:00 followed by the 50/50 draw.
 
We hope to see you at this excellent event!
 

 Admission
$FREE          Flea Market Tables $FREE        Refreshments $FREE

ALFA RADIO & ICOM CANADA WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE
 
To book tables email mail@qcarc.net  
 


           

 
NEW REPEATER ALERT! 145.110 -600KHz 100Hz Tone
UPDATE
 
A new repeater, VE6IDK has been established in Spruce Grove, AB. Its primary intended use is for AllStarLink but feel free to use it for analog FM operations. The repeater is currently in testing mode and may have a few flaws. Current coverage is about 25km for mobiles.
For those who are in range of this repeater, listen often because there are daily nets around the world connected to it that you can check in to. There is a list of nets and details on how to use the repeater at https://www.ve6idk.com/ More information will be added as the owner, Sven VA6XL (also VE6IDK) makes progress.


 
 
 

 
    AIRCRAFT TRACKING ARTICLE UPDATE
  THERE HAVE BEEN RECENT AND SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE AIRCRAFT TRACKING WORLD
ARNIE VA3WDR HAS JUST UPDATED HIS ARTICLE WITH THE NEW INFORMATION.     CHECK IT OUT HERE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION YOU CAN CONTACT ARNIE BY EMAIL arnie@weisbrot.ca
  
 

  
 

 

 

 

 



   

   

QCARC'S EXPENSES ARE PAID FOR BY DUES, CASH DONATIONS AND THE SALE OF DONATED ITEMS

IF YOU HAVE ITEMS TO DONATE FOR THE CLUB TO SELL EMAIL mail@qcarc.net

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
  


 

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER WEEKLY, PLEASE EMAIL mail@qcarc.net


SHOW AND TELL!

 
SHARE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF YOUR HANDYWORK TO HELP INSPIRE OTHER HAMS TO DO SOME BUILDING. PLEASE COMPOSE YOUR ARTICLES TOGETHER WITH PICTURES IN PDF FORMAT AND EMAIL THEM TO mail@qcarc.net

    

    CLICK   HERE TO CHECK OUT ALL THE PREVIOUS ITEMS ON THE SHOW AND TELL PAGE AND WATCH FOR NOTIFICATONS WHEN THERE ARE NEW ITEMS POSTED

 




                         

                                                                         

 


  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                       

WHAT'S YOUR CLUB UP TO?

IF YOUR CLUB HAS EVENTS OR NEWS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE HERE,  EMAIL mail@qcarc.net


QCARC TOWER & TECHNICAL TEAM - HAMS HELPING HAMS! mail@qcarc.net

We are dedicated to helping out any ham or their family that needs assistance with station takedowns and dispersal or the setup of new stations.  We can also assist hams get back into the hobby after being away from it for a length of time. Also, in many cases we may be able to help track down the source of interferrence or perform minor equipment repairs.

 

 

SARA CLUB MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

PLEASE SUPPORT THE SOUTHERN ALBERTA REPEATER ASSOCIATION.

SARA IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE AMATEUR COMMUNITY IN ALBERTA WITH A RELIABLE NETWORK OF LINKED REPEATERS.  MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AT www.saralink.ca 

 


Surrey Amateur Radio Club

The current edition of the Surrey Amateur Radio Club Newsletter is available at The Communicator Digital Edition: The May-June 2024 SARC Communicator Journal (ve7sar.blogspot.com)


The Northern Alberta Radio Club (tnarc.ca)

Serving the Edmonton area and northern Alberta we operate the VE6HM repeater network which includes D-Star, DMR, and Yaesu Fusion digital repeaters, provides Winlink services on VHF and HF, supports our community by providing radio communications (and other support) at events, and builds our hobby though training, sharing, and social events.

Upcoming volunteer opportunities are always on our website at www.tnarc.ca/volunteer While NARC is the main point of contact for these volunteer events we welcome, make that encourage, both NARC members and non members to signup and support our community.


                                  

 



   SATURDAY MORNING COFFEE GATHERINGS STARTING AROUND 9AM
 
 
LEDUC COMMON RICKY'S ALL DAY GRILL
 
WEST END PAT & MIKE'S RESTAURANT
 
A&W 109 STREET & KINGSWAY AVE 
 
     FORT SASKATCHEWAN      USUALLY AT PIONEER HOUSE  BUT SOMETIMES AT FRESON BROTHERS    LOCATION UPDATES AT https://www.fsarc.com/meet.htm
WAINWRIGHT    BATTLE RIVER AMATEUR RADIO ASSN MEETS AT THE WAINWRIGHT A&W    FOR MORE INFO EMAIL BILL va6rq.ham@gmail.com
                             
THE WHITECOURT GROUP HAS LUNCH ON THE 2ND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT NOON AT THE A&W ON HIGHWAY 43 IN WHITECOURT

 



 


 

 


NEW! HF Propagation map in real time. HF Propagation Map (dxview.org)

 

  

 

 

 

THE QCARC 2M NET TAKES PLACE EACH WEDNESDAY AT 8:30 PM ON THE VE6QCR AND VE6PP REPEATERS
This net is a fun on - the - air get together where you can share with other hams what you have been up to and answer our question of the week.
  

     

 

      
CONTEST CALENDAR

WA7BNM Contest Calendar: 12-Month Calendar

 









                                                                                                                                     

                                                                         

 

   

IF YOU HAVE ANY ITEMS OF INTEREST LIKE PICTURES, A PERSONAL STORY OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO THIS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER, EMAIL mail@qcarc.net

73, Stay well and be safe. Have a good week!!

 



 



Swap & Shop
 

To list something here, please email the club at mail@qcarc.net

 

ANOTHER GREAT BUY AND SELL RESOURCE IS HAMSHACK.CA

     
 

   

FOR SALE BY Ken, VE6TX 

Diamond MX-72D HF/VHF/UHF Duplexer $30.

Drake RCS4 Remote Antenna Switch-control-end only $40.

Pakratt PK-232MBX w/software $ 80.

5KW Roller Inductor 22.5 uH $100.

5KW 252pf 4800v tuning capacitor $75.

2KW 12:1 Balun $90.

Comet CF-4160 Duplexer $40.

Ten-Tec KR-20 CW Keyer $70.

MFJ-1272 BYV TNC/Mic Interface $30.

Contact Ken VE6TX at fudgeman54@gmail.com



FOR SALE BY BARRY, VA6DX 

Icom IC-820H VHF/UHF All-mode Satellite radio. 45W output on VHF, 40W on UHF. $500 firm.

Call Barry VA6DX at 780-446-8499 or email va6dx@telus.net



WANTED BY MITCH VE6OH 
mitch@andor.net

Mitch, VE6OH, is looking for a 4X4 pickup 3/4 ton truck. Please call 780 446 8958


WANTED BY AARON VA6ATC aaron.t.conner@gmail.com

Aaron is looking for a bolt kit for a Delhi DMX series tower


FOR SALE BY TIES VE6TG IN EDMONTON tnidek@shaw.ca

Ties is downsizing and has the following items for sale:

Delhi Medium duty 48 foot tower $300.00

Cushcraft A4 Triband HF Beam antenna $300.00

11 Element 2 meter Beam antenna $100.00

Alfa Spid rotator with controller and 6 button mouse and cable. $700.00 OBO

Note: The tower and antennas are currently still standing. Arrangements can be made with the QCARC tower crew to take the items down for the buyer.

ICOM IC-737A HF rig comes with ICOM PS15 20 amp power supply $850.00 OBO

Motorola Radius CR1225 VHF repeater package complete with Sinclair Reslok 6 can duplexer. Currently tuned for 147.015 +600 offset.  $500.00

GW Model CRG-450 Signal Generator $50.00

Heathkit HM2102 VHF SWR Meter $50.00

Heath programmable frequency counter $50.00


WANTED BY ARNOLD VE7IDK IN VERNON   ve7idk@telus.net

Arnold is looking for a pair of 9006 vaccuum tubes and he is also looking for tube type test equipment.


WANTED BY ANDY VE6KP IN WETASKIWIN canadianmarconi@gmail.com

Andy is looking for an STK2048 II  audio chip. If you have any of these that you can sell to Andy, please let him know.    

 

 

FOR SALE BY STEVE VE6SRL IN DEWBERRY      ICOM IC-735 with matching autotuner and power supply. Asking $695.00

 Will ship at buyer's expense or can drop off in the Vermillion or Lloydminster area. For further details srlamden@hotmail.com   call 780-847-3530  or text 780-808-9010


WANTED BY BLAIR VE6AGH IN LETHBRIDGE  - ve6agh@yahoo.ca403-327-8207

As usual Blair is looking for military radios of any kind but below is a list of some specific items.

19 SET- THIS IS NEEDED FOR THE VERMILLION LEGION

Military Sets:

Marconi CP-24 or CP-44 Aircraft Transmitter

Antenna for CP-34

WS-58

Command Set Racks

Let him know what you have.

 


 
 

WANTED BY MAURICE VA6MA 10 inch tubular tower sections, at least 5 or more. Contact Maurice at   780-288-9697

 


 FOR SALE BY QCARC ON BEHALF OF A CLUB MEMBER If you are interested contact the club at    mail@qcarc.net

Cushcraft 10m monoband yagi with a 30 foot tubular guyed tower - no rotator $200.00

Cushcraft 15m monoband yagi with a 40 foot tubular guyed tower - no rotator $200.00
 


FOR SALE BY BILL VA6RQ IN RIBSTONE  If you are interested in Bill's items email him at  va6rq@rac.ca

Used SCS Pactor Modem PTCII-EX with P3 licence. Comes with cables for the Yaesu FT857 (Computer to Radio for CAT control and Radio to TNC) $700.00 O.B.O.                                                     
 

 

 

New in Box Hygain VB-64DX 4 Element 6M Beam ant for $325.00 Radio World price - $411.00

 

 


 

 

  FOR SALE BY BILL REIMER 703-975-8212  bill.r2@aol.com

2  PRC74C military backpack HF rigs. HERE is a link to a full description.  Asking 500.00 OBO EACH plus shipping from Manitoba.



                         
 
  

 FOR SALE BY AL VA6ALE IN ARDROSSAN  If you are interested contact Al at va6ale@aol.com There are photos of the items available on request.
*************************************************************************************                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Barker & Williamson Broadband End-Fed Vee Antenna Model AC30.

Designed for operation from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, the antenna comes fully assembled and pre-tuned so no measuring or cutting is required. Depending upon its configuration, the AC 1.8-30 MHz  End-Fed Vee Series of antennas sell from $1595 USD to $2095 USD, plus taxes & shipping. This is your opportunity to get one at a fantastically discounted price! $1000 CAD obo
*************************************************************************************
Protective Circuit Test Unit AEM-TE-1424 complete with test leads.
Excerpt from Department of the Army Technical Manual TM 11-5830-240-15 Ä‚ƒÂƒĂ˘Â€ÂšĂƒÂ‚Š1964
This is special equipment for testing and adjusting the protective circuit of the DE-1492C Amplifier. It is normally supplied for depot use only. $25
 
*************************************************************************************
 
Rayovac AN / PRC-77 Magnesium Battery, non-rechargeable. New, still sealed in plastic bag. NSN 6135-00-926-8322. These batteries were packaged around 1990, so their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Sold for collectible value only. Have 20+ available. $5 each
 
*************************************************************************************
         

    

 
 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

       

  

 

 

   

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

     


 


 


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

 

 

THE U of A CUBESAT HAS BEEN DEPLOYED BY THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
 


THE ALBERTA SAT GROUP IS ASSISTED BY THE NORTHERN ALBERTA RADIO CLUB IN THIS PROJECT
 


HERE IS AN INTERESTING VIDEO ON THESE ACTIVITIES











VE6OG MEMORIAL WSPR BEACON

 

 

The new VE6OG WEAK SIGNAL PROPAGATION REPORTING beacon went into service on Saturday 11/26/2022. It is part of the HB9VQQ INTERNATIONAL WSPR BEACON PROJECTand it is located in DO23ts about 60km Northwest of Edmonton, AB. The screenshot below shows typical North American coverage in addition to signals travelling over the Arctic Circle into Europe. There have also been spots into Asia, Africa and Oceania. The 200mw ZachTek transmitter and Diamond CP6 vertical antenna (formerly used by Kathy VE6HI, SK) are sending signals 3 times per hour on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 metre bands. You can do a search for VE6OG here   and view the map of signal paths in real time or a table of spots. Thanks to the Abbott family and the QCARC for their assistance with this project. Les was an avid WSPR user and he would be proud of this legacy.



There is a VARA FM WIDE Winlink RMS, VE6HM-11 on 145.090 MHz at the VE6HM repeater site in east Edmonton. There also is a digipeater, VE6MM-1 north of Edmonton available on that frequency that can be used to connect to VE6HM-11 if needed.

   

 


The results of the survey conducted by RAC on callsign policy are now available https://www.rac.ca/regulatory-advocacy/    

 

 


 

 

 

OTHER CLUBS  AROUND THE WESTERN PROVINCES

CENTRAL ALBERTA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (caarc.ca)

SOUTHERN ALBERTA REPEATER ASSOCIATION (saralink.ca)

SASK ALTA RADIO CLUB Sask Alta Radio Club (saskaltarc.ca)

NORTHERN ALBERTA RADIO CLUB The Northern Alberta Radio Club (tnarc.ca)

NORTH CENTRAL ALBERTA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB North Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club - (ncaarc.ca)

AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICES EDMONTON ARES Edmonton and Area  Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club

FORT SASKATCHEWAN AMATEUR RADIO CLUB www.fsarc.com

PEACE COUNTRY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Peace Country Amateur Radio Club | VE6ARC

CALGARY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION (caraham.org)

FOOTHILLS AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY Foothills Amateur Radio Society (fars.ca)

COLD LAKE AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY CLARS - HAM (clares.ca)

MEDICINE HAT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (mharc.ca)

SOUTHERN ALBERTA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB Southern Alberta Amateur Radio Club (saarc.ca)

CALGARY COMMUNICATIONS CLUB https://ccc.myrac.ca/

QUARTER CENTURY WIRELESS ASSOCIATION WILD ROSE CHAPTER 151    http://nicholasjanzen.ca/qcwa-chapter151/index.html

BATTLE RIVER AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION VA6RQ@RAC.CA

NORTH OKANAGAN RADIO AMATEUR CLUB Home - NORAC

ORCHARD CITY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB | The Orchard City Amateur Radio Club (ocarc.ca)

YUKON AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION YARA - Home Yukon Amateur Radio Association
 

  

 

   

 

 

 


A presentation about the new RAC Auxillary Communications Service is available at  https://www.rac.ca/auxiliary-communications-service-presentation/ 

 

 
 

    


THE ALBERTA PUBLIC SERVICE NET WEBSITE HAS A LOT OF GREAT INFORMATION INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:

 

  • General Net Information

  • Several Alberta KiwiSDRs - Direct links, just click and go.  These help when reception conditions are poor

  • Net Control Information

CHECK IT OUT AT http://www.apsn3700.net/


Winlink Wednesday UPDATE

Checkins to the Alberta and Eastern Canada Winlink Wednesday nets can be sent via Winlink to Bill VA6RQ and Bryan VY2OG together as one checkin.

Information on how to check in to the USA Winlink Wednesday is at Original Winlink Wednesday



The Alberta Weak Signal Net takes place every Sunday at 10:00AM and 8:00PM Mountain on 144.200 USB. Net control is Bob, VA6ZO in Red Deer.


The Okanagan SSB net is Tuesdays 7:30 PM Pacific on 144.200 USB. The Okanagan bunch also ragchews on Fridays at 7:00PM Pacific 144.200 USB


Silent Key - Les Abbott, VE6OG


We'll Miss you, Les!

 

Les Abbott, VE6OG of Edmonton passed away on October 9th, 2022 at the age of 78 years. He was a member of QCARC since the Club's formation in 1985 and he served in many capacities including President, Vice President, webmaster and repeater custodian and always stayed involved even after being made a Lifetime Member in 2017. Les was first licenced as VE3GMU in 1969 and has held VE6OG since moving to Edmonton in 1976. Les loved working on radio equipment and if he couldn't repair it, probably nobody could. After cominhg to Edmonton, Les spent many years working for AGT/Telus. Les was a great guy and he helped a lot of people in the community and in the amateur community as well. There is an obituary at Foster & McGarvey - Edmonton Funeral Homes (fostermcgarvey.com)Sincere sympathies to the Abbott family from the QCARC.


 

 

 

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 CONTINUE TO SUPPORT QCARC WITH MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS AND DONATIONS!!
 

 

 

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 the club at 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 THE CLUB AT mail@qcarc.net . 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

 

 

Stephen Lee VA6SGL is the RAC Director for AB NT NU.

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 movement of the International Space Station can be tracked in real time at Live Space Station Tracking Map | Spot The Station | NASA          

 

  

  Don VE7DXE in Victoria, BC has established www.hamshack.cawhich is a great 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.htmlfor Basic and Advanced.  RAC  also has  an Advanced course available at  no cost for  members  that  have a  Gold  Leaf  Membership.


MISC. TECH INFORMATION

 A garden hose reel works well for hanging up those rolls of spare coax. They can be found at garage sales for a buck or two.

 

 "QUICK DISCONNECT" mounts are available to easily change resonators for your HF mobile antennas. There are also some good multi-band mobile antennas out there.

  

 Rough running gas powered generator? This problem is often caused by gas with ethanol added. Small engines don't like it so run straight gas or add fuel stabilizer to the tank. 

  


When re-assembling a used yagi or vertical antenna made of aluminum make sure to remove any oxidation at the joints using a ScotchBrite pad or equivalent and use new stainless steel hardware.

 

Always keep your signal and audio cables as far away from the power cords as possible. If you have them all bunched together, you will have problems one day.

 

A way to check a long run of coax for loss is to use a dummy load and wattmeter at the radio and at the antenna end of the coax and compare the output readings. If the loss is very low the 2 readings will be very close to the same on either end.       

 

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

 

 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

The Alberta Week Signal 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

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