Archive for the 'RAC Bulletin' Category

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RAC Bulletin 2012-062E – Allan Boyd, VE3AJB

October 25, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-062E – Allan Boyd, VE3AJB

2012-10-25

It is with great pleasure that I forward this news item concerning our Ontario North Section Manager Al Boyd VE3AJB. Al has been a huge supporter of the RAC as Ontario Section Manager for the past number of years, and it is great to see him professionally recognized for his contribution to the citizens of Ontario. Congratulations Al!

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Oct 23, 2012- 12:23 PM

By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

Manitoulin Island Ontario Provincial Police"s longest-serving full-time member has been recognized with an OPP Accolade award for his dedication to the service, according to a news release.

Provincial Const. Al Boyd joined the OPP in 1981. He was assigned to the Manitoulin detachment where he has served ever since, "dedicating himself to his family, his policing career and his community," said the OPP in the news release

The Accolade award recognizes an individual whose actions and behaviours demonstrate and/or exceed commitment to the OPP and their communities; excellent and consistent performance; exceptional customer service over a sustained period; strong support for colleagues; team spirit; a commitment to professional or personal learning; sharing ideas to increase program efficiency and effectiveness; humanitarian actions that personify OPP values; exemplary efforts in assisting the public in unfortunate circumstances; and selfless personal investment off the job requiring time and effort in support of someone else that goes beyond the pursuit of personal success and recognition.

Boyd holds the position of community service officer for Manitoulin detachment, North East Region. His strong work performance and exceptional skill set, including a background in community services, media relations, crisis negotiation and amateur radio, makes him a valuable asset to the OPP and the communities he serves, said Staff Sgt. Kevin Webb, Manitoulin detachment commander.

"It was my pleasure to nominate Al for an Accolade Award" said Webb in a news release. "Since joining the OPP, he has developed his role through outstanding and significant support to his colleagues at all rank levels, both uniformed and civilian."

"Al brings an enthusiastic professionalism to the projects he is involved with and his ideas and opinions respected. On a day-to-day basis, he consistently contributes to the goals and objectives of the OPP in service to the people of Ontario"

Doug Mercer CEC VO1DTM/VO1DM

Chief Field Services Officer

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in ARES and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-061E – Tropical Storm Rafael predicted to effect Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

October 15, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-061E – Tropical Storm Rafael predicted to effect Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

2012-10-14

While it is too early to predict specific areas that may be effected, the Canadian Hurricane Centre will begin 6 hour updates beginning in the morning. Now north of Puerto Rico, Rafael is tracking on a course that will see a swath pattern from just east of Cape Breton to well out to sea in the Grand Banks south of Newfoundland with the centre over the Avalon Peninsula overnight Wednesday and into Thursday.

During this time operators in the effected area are encouraged to keep the IARU Centre of Activity (COA) frequencies clear and exercise a heightened level of awareness while monitoring VHF repeaters in the event your assistance is required. Your usual cooperation is anticipated and appreciated.

73,

Doug Mercer CEC VO1DTM/VO1DM

Chief Field Services Officer

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IARU Emergency Centre of Activity frequencies: 3750 khz, 3985 khz, 7060 khz, 7240 khz, 7275 khz, 14300 khz, 18160 khz, 21360 khz.

* Intercontinental traffic only

Canadian Hurricane Centre English < http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=en >

Canadian Hurricane Centre French < http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=fr >

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in ARES and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

Bulletin de RAC 2012-061F – La tempête tropicale Rafael prévue pour toucher la Nouvelle-Écosse et Terre-Neuve

October 15, 2012 by ve2qq

Bulletin de RAC 2012-061F – La tempête tropicale Rafael prévue pour toucher la Nouvelle-Écosse et Terre-Neuve

2012-10-14

Même s'il est trop tôt pour déterminer quelles régions spécifiques seront affectées, le Centre canadien de prévision des ouragans commencera d'émettre des mises à jour aux 6 heures débutant ce matin. Maintenant au nord de Porto Rico, Rafael se déplace sur une trajectoire qui amènera un patron en éventail de tout près de l'est du Cap Breton à bien en haute mer dans le Grand Banc au sud de Terre-Neuve avec le centre au-dessus de la péninsule d'Avalon dans la nuit de mercredi et la journée de jeudi.

Durant ce temps les radioamateurs dans la région touchée sont incités à garder les fréquences centrales d'activité (COA) de l'UIRA libres et à exercer un niveau accru d'attention en surveillant les répétitrices THF au cas où leur aide serait requise. Votre coopération habituelle est anticipée et appréciée.

73,

Doug Mercer VO1DTM/VO1DM CEC

Responsable en chef des services extérieurs

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Fréquences centrales d'activité d'urgence de l'UIRA: 3750 khz, 3985 khz, 7060 khz, 7240 khz, 7275 khz, 14300 khz*, 18160 khz*, 21360 khz*.

* Trafic intercontinental seulement

Centre canadien de prévision des ouragans Anglais < http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=en >

Centre canadien de prévision des ouragans Français < http://www.ec.gc.ca/ouragans-hurricanes/default.asp?lang=fr >

(Traduction par Serge Langlois, VE2AWR)

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

Rédacteur du blogue de RAC/rédacteur des nouvelles en ligne/bulletins de nouvelles web de RAC

Posted in ARES and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-060E – NARED database

October 9, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-060E – NARED database

2012-10-09

Work has begun on the development of a new database for ARES/EmmCom personnel. Particular attention is being placed on confidentially, in response to concerns of amateurs across the country.

In order, to ascertain the volume which we will be required to accommodate, we are requesting that Section Managers (SM’s) request their Emergency Co-ordinators (EC's) to provide a list of their ARES members . The only information required is a name and call sign. This information will not be placed on a database. In addition, we would like each group to provide an estimate of the net growth their organization anticipates annually.

I am requesting that responses be sent to racnared@gmail.com by November 15, 2012. Any questions can also be forwarded to the same address.

Pat Barrett – VE3RNH

NARED Manager

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Doug Mercer CEC VO1DTM/VO1DM

Chief Field Services Officer

**—-**

Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in ARES and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-059E – Mike Myers, VA3MPM

October 9, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-059E – Mike Myers, VA3MPM

2012-10-06

On August 28, 2012 , incorrect information about the status of a Volunteer Examiner was passed to Radio Amateurs of Canada and then further disseminated by means of a bulletin. As a result, an incorrect impression was provided to the amateur radio community of the qualification of the examiner concerned, Mr. Mike Myers, VA3MPM.

We apologize to Mr. Myers for any problems that we may have caused him and which detract from the work he and others continue to accomplish on behalf of the amateur radio community. Our volunteer examiners are an important part in administering Industry Canada's certification exams without personal gain.

Radio Amateurs of Canada has taken appropriate steps to ensure that similar information of interest to Canada's amateur radio community that it might receive in the future from any source is verified before publication.

Radio Amatuers of Canada HQ

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-055E – Tropical Storm Leslie lies 1079 kms south of Sydney Nova Scotia

September 10, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-055E – Tropical Storm Leslie lies 1079 kms south of Sydney Nova Scotia

2012-09-10

Advisories from the Canadian Hurricane Center place Leslie 1079 kms south of Sydney, Nova Scotia and it is travelling NNE at 30 kms per hour. Latest reports show it gaining speed and intensity, with landfall projected between the Burin and Avalon Peninsula’s around 1200Z Tuesday plus/minus 3 hours. More than 100 mm of rain has already fallen in Nova Scotia.

Predicted rainfall of 100-150mm is expected along with winds of 100 – 150 kms per hour. AS this storm approaches all operators are encouraged to ensure your own home and family are safe, and during the event your cooperation in keeping the IARU COA frequencies clear is appreciated. The COA (Center of Activity) frequencies are 21.360, 18.160, 14.300, 7.060 and 3.760. In addition, please monitor all local repeaters in the event that your assistance is required.

Thank you and please stay safe.

73,

Doug Mercer CEC VO1DTM/VO1DM

Chief Field Services Officer

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in ARES and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-054E – Two Commercial Operations Evicted from Two Meter Band

September 8, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-054E – Two Commercial Operations Evicted from Two Meter Band

2012-09-07

Following investigation into several member complaints, the Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased to announce that two cases of frequency incursion have been resolved.

In the first, a transportation company based in Reinfeld, Manitoba was observed to be operating illegally on 144.100 Mhz. In addition to operating inside the amateur radio two meter band, this operation posed a threat to low signal operations across a wide portion of North America. The company in question had purchased VHF radios from a US based supplier who failed to indicate correct licensing procedures. Upon contact from RAC, the company agreed to immediately cease operating in the two meter band and shifted their operation to a business band frequency. Industry Canada was notified of the incursion and continues to work with the company to secure a licensed channel.

In the second matter, a home moving company was observed to be operating on 144.940 Mhz. The company is based in Winkler, MB but the operation was observed in Alberta during the moving of a house. In this case, the company had already licensed frequencies with Industry Canada. They had requested 144.940 Mhz as a channel. Their request was denied by Industry Canada and a business band channel was issued. However, the company failed to check their license paperwork and assumed they had been approved for their requested channel.

The moving company was also contacted by RAC and agreed to move their operations to their correctly licensed frequencies. Given their wide geographic operations Industry Canada has licensed their operation on four separate channels including 140.730, 154.325, 158.940 and 151.730.

In both cases, it appears that channels in the two meter band were chosen by these businesses because their new vhf radios defaulted to that frequency range. As well, both businesses indicated they could simply dial a new frequency into the radio to move out of our band. This is strong cause for concern that the actual radios being used are modified Amateur Radio equipment. The use of equipment intended for Amateur Radio operation outside of the Amateur Bands or by persons who do not hold an Amateur Radio Certificate is illegal.

Action on these and other incursions has been made possible by quality reports from monitoring stations. RAC thanks those Amateurs who have provided assistance in these specific files. The strong national voice for Amateur Radio that the Radio Amateurs of Canada provides is made possible by members across our country and associate members beyond our borders. You can find out more about the benefits of membership for you and the benefits to Amateur Radio as a whole at www.rac.ca

Reports of confirmed or suspected illegal operation should be sent to regulatory@rac.ca

Bill Gade, VE4WO

Regulatory Affairs

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in Industry Canada and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-053E – The RAC office has some leftover books for sale

September 7, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-053E – The RAC office has some leftover books for sale

2012-00-07

Ham Study Basic 2010 – 2011 ($44.00)

RAC Operating Manual ($42.00)

Shipping is extra

Frank Greene

Office Manager – Radio Amateurs of Canada

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in RAC Administration Notice and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-052E – Ontario Section News – 2012-08-30

August 31, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-052E – Ontario Section News – 2012-08-30

2012-08-30

All Ontario Amateurs – MESSAGE TO ALL AMATEURS – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & WELCOME TO THE NEW ONTARIO RESTRUCTURING

As you are aware changes have been made and now are ready to launch September 01, 2012 here in Ontario on behalf of the Radio Amateurs of Canada in relation to the Ontario Field Services. In the past Ontario has been served by one elected official of Field Services that being the Ontario Section Manager. For the last 7 years I have had the honour and pleasure to be elected and serve as your Ontario representative for Field Services on behalf of RAC. This position brought responsibilities of overseeing the field services in Ontario including ARES, the NTS, Official Bulletin Service and the Official Observer Service. I have had the opportunity to work with many wonderful and knowledgeable amateurs in these services and the wealth of experience in the province is second to none. However I also have been around long enough to realize that one person and one person alone cannot do justice to the job it deserves.

I know that during my time I have spent relentless hours on e-mails and discussing issues with many amateurs over the phone. In reality these concerns should be addressed face to face. I am a firm believer that for RAC to flourish in the future you need to have personal, interaction with your RAC official. Living in Northern Ontario and working full time I did not have the luxury to visit many clubs or ARES groups. I have met many of you at flea markets and meetings but you need to have there ability to contact your RAC Official when you need him/her. This is why I am excited about the new restructuring proposal undertaking by RAC. With three more additional Section Managers in the province representing their section of the province there is the opportunity to get more interaction. Each Section having a coordinator for the field services will only work better and represent all of you and make RAC stronger as a national organization. One of my last duties as Ontario Section Manager is to welcome the three additional members to the Ontario Team.

  • Section Manager Ontario South Ian Snow VA3QT – Ontario South – ONS
  • Section Manager GTA George Duffield VE3WKJ – Greater Toronto Area – GTA
  • Section Manager Ontario East Michael Hickey VE3IPC – Ontario East – ONE

I know these three experienced amateurs will serve the amateur community well and I look forward to the new direction Ontario is taking and working with these fine gentlemen. Having served as Section Manager for all of Ontario for the past 7 years I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have supported me and my field services members over the years. Your commitment to the program has been proven many times over. I look forward to serving the members of Northern Ontario as your Section Manager for Ontario North – ONN. As always I am open to any questions or concerns that you may have. Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I look forward to this new process and the exciting times ahead for Field Services and RAC.

Yours Truly

Allan Boyd – VE3AJB

Section Manager – Ontario

Radio Amateurs of Canada

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Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in RAC Administration Notice and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments

RAC Bulletin 2012-051E – Re-in statement of Volunteer Examiner Qualifications

August 29, 2012 by ve2qq

RAC Bulletin 2012-051E – Re-in statement of Volunteer Examiner Qualifications

2012-08-29

Industry Canada has advised the Radio Amateurs of Canada that the Volunteer Examiner Qualifications of VA3MPM have been re-instated. Mr. Myers was the subject of a previous bulletin announcing his qualifications had been revoked.

The information regarding the revocation of the qualifications was provided to RAC by Alan McLean, a Spectrum Management Officer with the Amateur Radio Service Centre of Industry Canada.

Mr. McLean now indicates that he spoke in error yesterday regarding Mr. Myers. Mr. McLean now indicates that the qualifications were suspended but then were re-instated a couple of weeks ago. It appears that Mr. McLean relied on a database of examiners which incorrectly showed the qualifications as suspended. Mr. McLean further indicates that a task has been assigned inside of Industry Canada to update the database to show the qualifications are no longer suspended.

Understandably, Mr. McLean does not wish to further discuss the matter publicly at this time.

The Radio Amateurs of Canada shares the concerns of Mr. Myers that incorrect information regarding his work as a volunteer examiner was provided by Industry Canada to not only the Radio Amateurs of Canada but also to several members of the public.

Bill Gade, VE4WO

Regulatory Affairs

**—-**

Vernon Ikeda – VE2MBS/VE2QQ

Pointe-Claire, Québec

RAC Blog Editor/RAC E-News/Web News Bulletin Editor

Posted in Industry Canada, RAC Administration Notice and RAC Bulletin | 0 Comments