From Jim VE1JBL Dec.27th:

I received a notice yesterday from Cory VE1DFZ informing me that the Shelburne County ARC has a website. I have added it to the Homepage under Maritime Amateur Radio Clubs. I went in and looked around and it is a very nice website. They have about 40 members, a daily 2 Meter Net, 3 Repeaters open for all amateurs to use, a nice club station VE1SLC with at least 3 radios on the go and a tube bank with over 2000 tubes. Check out the site and help support amateur radio here in the Maritimes. http://www.shelburnearc.ca/

From Yvon VE1VON Dec.15th:

From Jim VE1JBL Dec.12th:

I would like to welcome the following Maritime Amateurs who have recently joined the Radio Amateurs of Canada:
Phyllis Amero VA1PR Auburn NS, Derek Billingsley VE9IS Saint John NB, Jason Carter VE9JLC Northampton NB, Dan Gillis VE1DAN Windsor NS, Shama Jacob VE9SLJ Northampton NB, Guy LeBlanc VE9GLB Clairville NB, Lise Lorrain VE9LIZ Clairville NB, Angus McDonald VE9MCD Grand Barachois NB, Rick Williams VE9HF Fredericton NB.
Thank you for supporting your National Voice in Amateur Radio.

From John VE1AVK Dec.5th:

Parks Canada Ed Kennedy presents a certificate of appreciation to Jim Charlong VE1ALZ (right) of the Sydney Amateur Radio Club for his work as Senior Amateur Radio Operator at the Parks Canada Marconi Historic Site , Table Head Glace Bay NS Congratulations Jim. 

From Jim VE1JBL Nov.25th:

At the regular monthly meeting of the County of Cumberland, Lloyd Smith VA1MAB (Center) was presented with a Cumberland County EMO jacket for all his hard work and many hours spent at the County office getting all the radios working and keeping the radio room in top shape. Making the presentation is (Left) Jim Hannon VE1AFH Cumberland County EMO Coordinator and on the right is Warden Keith Hunter.
The picture on the right is Jim Langille VE1JBL (Right) presenting Bob Perry VE1EDP with his EMO jacket at the exercise last night. Every member of the Westcumb ARC who takes part in 10 Exercise Handshakes will recive a Cumberland EMO jacket.

From Danny VE9DKS Nov.22nd:

I have an Echolink Link up and running VE9DKS-L now at my QTH. The node number is 288457. I am using 146.490 simplex for the time being. For more information, go to http://www.ve9dks.ca/

Fron Donald Courcy VE1CY/VE3ECW Nov.21st:

From RAC Nov.17th:

RAC Bulletin 2009-036E: RAC target of phishing attempt

Several messages have been received from users of the @rac.ca e-mail alias system who have received e-mails purporting to be from RAC claiming that maintenance was to be performed on the e-mail system and that certain information was requested to be  sent to the sender of the message.
Please note that this message was not originated by anyone at RAC.  We would not ask for such information as usernames and passwords in an e-mail.  It can safely be ignored.  E-mails relating to the @rac.ca e-mail alias system would come from alias-help@aliases.rac.ca or vptas@rac.ca or other identifiable RAC e-mail address.

From Lorne VE1BXK Nov.17th:

Here is a site most amateurs would like to have a look at. It is the Hammond Museum of Radio in Guelph Ontario. It has lots of information from the early years, the war years and Hammond Manufacturing History.
http://www.hammondmuseumofradio.org/

From Brad VE1ZX Nov.15th:

From Mona VE9MR Nov.12th:

The International Repeater Group (IRG) Weather Net will begin next Monday November 16th at 7:30am with Mona Rideout VE9MR as Net Control. This net is open to all with weather information and road conditions in the Maritimes. The net will run weekdays and will continue until spring.

From Doug VO1DTM Nov.5th:

Many thanks to those of you who have registered for GlobalSET 2009. We are just a week away! Remember the event takes place on Saturday, November 14 from 1800 - 2200 UTC. Frequencies are the IARU Center of Activity frequencies which are:

15M - 21,360
17M - 18,160
20M - 14,300
40M - 7,060
80M - 3,760
all +/- QRM

As a general comment, 14.300 will likely be used by the Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) during the SET, so stations in Region 2 who are unable to contact Region 1 stations may be able to relay formal traffic through this net.
For more information on GlogalSET, click on ARES News at the top of the page.

Doug Mercer VO1DTM (RAC CEC)
Vice President Field Services
IARU Emergency Communications Coordinator Region 2

From RAC Nov.4th:

RAC Bulletin 2009-035E -  New Executive Announced.
2009-11-03

During a RAC Board of Directors' teleconference meeting  held by the Nomination Committee Chair Bj Madsen, VE5FX,  on
October 29th, 2009, the following new members of the Executive were elected:

      Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW - President
      Paul Burggraaf, VO1PRB - Secretary
      Margaret Tidman, VA3VXN - Treasurer

These individuals will assume their respective responsibilities on January 1, 2010.
Subsequent to the October 29th meeting, the following Directors and Officers submitted their resignations:

      Bob Cooke, VE3DBD (former President) - effective October 31, 2009

      Geoff Smith, VA3GS (former Ontario South Director) - effective  November 1, 2009

      Noel Marcil, VE2BR (former Quebec Director) - effective November 1st, 2009

   The remaining positions on the executive will be unchanged as the current officers were acclaimed.

First Vice-President Ian MacFarquhar, VE9IM, pursuant to the RAC By-laws, will assume the duties of President until December
31st, 2009.
The Board and Executive extend their most sincere thanks to Geoff and Noel for their past service to RAC and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.
The Board also extends its thanks to Bob Cooke for the time he has devoted to RAC as a past Director, Past Vice-President of Field Services and as President during rather challenging times. Bob's involvement with RAC began in the early 1990s as an Assistant Director.  He was elected as Ontario South Director in 2001 and served in that capacity until January 2005. Bob was subsequently elected as Vice President, Field Services in January 2006 and served in that role until February 2009 when he was asked by the Board to assume the responsibilities of President of RAC.
The dedication and commitment of volunteers like Bob, Geoff, Noel, and many others, result in Canadian Amateurs having a voice which is heard locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, and they are to be congratulated for their outstanding contributions.

G. Linda Friars, VE9GLF
Corporate Secretary - Radio Amateurs of Canada

From Jim VE1JBL Nov.1st:

After a short meeting on October 31st. Jim Hannon VE1AFH has stepped down as chairman for Exercise Handshake. Jim has many projects on the go as Cumberland County EMO Coordinator and has found he cannot put all the energy into the exercise as he would like. Jim has asked Jim Langille VE1JBL to take the reigns for this exercise. A message will be sent out to all the participates of the change, and the exercises will continue as usual. 

From Garth VE1JAX Oct.26th:

The Yarmouth Amateur Radio Club has a new Website up and running. The old website is now retired. All amateurs are invited to check out the new site. Garth Wyman VE1JAX is the website administrator and also designed the site.  http://www.ve1yar.com/

From Danny VE9DDK Oct.25th:

The VE1RPT repeater is back up and running in Moncton NB. The frequency is 146.880-. Everyone is welcomed to use this repeater.

From RAC:

RAC Bulletin 2009-032E - Military radiolocation system to operate on 70 cm.
2009-10-07

Military radiolocation system to operate on 70 cm.

As described in Schedule I of RBR-4, amateur usage of the 430-450 MHz (70 cm) band is on a no-protection, non-interference basis. Amateurs may not cause interference to nor be protected from interference from stations licensed in other services operating in that band. The same is true in the United States, and amateur operations on this band in a number of areas of the United States have power limits imposed on them in order to avoid interference to radiolocation services operated by the US military.

Industry Canada has informed RAC that it has authorized the Department of National Defence to use a digital system called Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) on these frequencies. The EPLRS system consists of mobile, fixed, transportable and airborne stations that use 5 MHz-wide spread spectrum channels to provide strategic telemetry information for military platforms. This authorization is on a no-protection, non-interference basis, which means that no new restrictions will be imposed on Canadian amateur operations in this band as a result.

Industry Canada has informed RAC that there is a slight potential for interference to amateur radio systems, typically in the form of a minor audible clicking noise. If Canadian amateurs encounter such interference, they are requested to report it to RAC at <regulatory @ rac.ca>. The information reported should include the geographical location, date, time, frequency and mode being used by the amateur station, and a description of the interference.

Questions or concerns regarding the planned implementation of EPLRS may be sent to <regulatory @ rac.ca>.

Richard Ferch, VE3KI
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs - Radio Amateurs of Canada

From Claude VE9JCT Sep.28th:

Here is the website on Youtube of Norm Richard VY2NR who was on television tonight. It is in French only. Nice article.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90dYfoxViJY

From Lorne VE1BXK Sep.21st:

VE1NET VHF repeater (Kirkhill – Parrsboro) is now accessible from MAVCOM. Code is 134* ON / 135* OFF. Link radio installed today.
VHF Repeater: Motorola  MTR2000 40 Watt VHF Repeater.  Sinclair Q2330E VHF duplexer multi-coupled into Sinclair 210C4 (lower antenna on tower) UHF Link Radio: Vertex  FTL-7011 UHF radio (TX power set at 10 W).
Controller: Arcom Controllers  RC-210 Ver. 4.7.4 (Programming by Bill VE1MR)

From Burt VE1PIN Sep.13th:

The Club de Radio Amateur du Madawaska meets every second Tuesday of the month except July & August 1900 Hrs.at 8, 44th Ave. Edmundston NB. We have started a basic course this year and have 15 students attending and a few others learning at home due to scheduling. The next activity for the club will be the Scout JOTA. There are two repeaters: VE9EDM 146.780- and VE9TMR 147.300-. We also have APRS running at VE9DGP-2.

From Lorne VE1BXK Aug.22nd:

Lorne VE1BXK & Brad VE1ZX visited the VE1PAR Solar Repeater site to change out a UHF link antenna, verify the VHF/UHF/220 radios performance and test the Solar Charging System. A Sinclair SY307-SF2SNM Yagi directional antenna, 10 dB gain, black anodized, 430-450 MHz (http://www.sinclairtechnologies.com/catalog/product.aspx?id=89) was installed for the UHF Link to VE1BHS. Measured SWR on the new antenna was excellent. From 430-350 MHz it measured not greater than 1.2:1, typical 1.1:1 SWR. On air path tests were 100 % full quieting as to compare with the old UHF Yagi antenna. A significant improvement from the previous uhf yagi antenna!
This particular antenna has proven itself at VE1ZX IRLP/ECHOLINK and also at the VE1WRC Repeater / ED Fullerton Centre ILRP Link.
I highly recommend this antenna model for any Amateur Radio linking because of its excellent tailored performance, high quality construction and durability.
In the near future, another Sinclair SY307-SF2SNM Yagi directional antenna will be incorporated at the VE1BHS Repeater site for the VE1CDN Airport Link.
All tests on the Motorola MSR2000 VHF repeater, Vertex FTL-7011 UHF and Icom IC-38A radios tested all ok. There were no issues with the Solar Charging System as well.
The one and only problem we had to contend with was the BLACK FLIES and MOSQUITOES !!!

Check out all the picture of the site in the Photo Gallery.

From Art VE9BP Aug.13th:

This is the annual International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend.

Fredericton ARC will be participating for the third year in this field day style weekend as VE9ND. This year Sterling VE9SK and Art VE9BP are activating the Swallow Tail Light on Grand Manan.
We have received a great welcome from the local group of people who maintain & promote this lighthouse site. This is one of the most photographed lights in NB.
The organization responsible for this event is the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland and they provide a list of participants and other information at http://illw.net/
You can still participate by enjoying a lighthouse location nearby & setting up a portable HF station to enjoy as much of the day or
weekend as you like. This in NOT a contest, yet has many of the features of the way the FARC operates in the ARRL Field Day.

From Jean-Guy VE9BUF Aug.4th.

 ( Updated ) There is a new APRS digi on line, VE9BER-3 at KOUCHIBOUGUAC. This was needed to fill in the coverage from Moncton to Miramichi. Thanks to Ed VE9REB who is running it at his QTH, and the use of his Paccom TNC, to Reed Park VE1NU donation of radio, to Jeff VE9JJS for the technical work on radio and tnc , Ron VE1AIC for his help, and Jean-Guy VE9BUF for his support .

From Al VE1AKT July 29th:

On Saturday July  25th, members of the Fredericton ARC participated in the Cross Canada Century Flight by communicating with the last stopover at Brampton Ontario before arriving in Fredericton. At Brampton, Ernie, VE3VBJ contacted Fredericton on IRLP. Participating were Al, VE1AKT and Sterling, VE9SK.  Numbers of aircraft leaving Brampton were forwarded to Fredericton so at Fredericton would have a heads-up on arrivals. Throught the day, there were 40 aircraft arrivals from Brampton and other locations in Ontario.
The CCCF crews spent two nights in Fredericton and their departure for Sydney was scheduled for Monday morning, depending on weather conditions. The forecast was not good for departures on Monday morning but at 9AM aircraft began to depart for Sydney utilising IFR and special VFR rules to 'get away'. Later in the day and before 3:15pm all aircraft had departed for Sydney.
During that time frame, VE9ND from Fredericton was in communication with VE1CR in Sydney NS on echolink. As aircraft departed Fredericton for Sydney, the aircraft registrations were passed on so they were able to have a heads-up on arrivals from Fredericton. During the day some 40 aircraft departed Fredericton and safely arrived at Sydney. Present at Sydney was John, VE1AVK and Bill, VE1DM on the echolink repeater, VE1CR.
This was a great communications exercise and was duly noted by all the pilots and Fredericton and Sydney airport officials.
Photo L to R - John VE9JVA and Sterling VE9SK.
For more pictures, go to Photo Gallery.

From Mona VE9MR July 29th:

The fall meeting of the International Repeater Group (IRG) will be held September 19th 2009 at the Louis J. Robichaud High School in Shediac NB following the annual MAARC fleamarket.

From Jim VE1JBL July 28th:

The 6th annual Maritime DX Forum will be held August 7th and 8th 2009 at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. For more information on this event go to the Halifax ARC website at http://www.halifax-arc.org/   

From RAC July 26th:

We wish to welcome the following Maritime amateurs who have become new members of RAC: Ejnar Larsen VE1TD  Wallace NS, Eric Atkinson VE1CAQ  Antigonish NS, Roger Porter VE1VCE  Antigonish NS, Brian Whitehouse VE1OEA  Seabright NS, Graham Oldreive VE1GCO  Dartmouth NS, Frank Smith VE1FIS  Timberlea NS, Robert Kiteley VE1ROK  Halifax NS, and Claude Bourque VE1DCB  Tusket NS.   

From John VE1AVK July 23rd: 

Neighborhood Family Picnic day held at VE1VAS , Marconi  Historic Site, Table Head, Glace Bay “

Table Head Economic Development Society in cooperation with Parks Canada and the C.B.R.M. held a family picnic day early in July at VE1VAS, The Park’s Canada Marconi Historic Site at Table Head, Glace Bay. Hot dog’s ,face painting ,games,music and kite flying was the order of the day. The Amateur Radio Operator’s on duty for the day were Jim VE1ALZ and Bill VE1DM as his relief operator from the Sydney Amateur Radio Club. Click on Photo Gallery to see the pictures.

From Bruce VE1II July 15th: 

We were up to Nuttby and installed the MSR2000 repeater. Lorne, VE1BXK and Brad, VE1ZX came down from Parsborro and helped Mike, VE1MBH and Raymond, VE1RVW and myself to remove the old equipment and install the MSR2000.
We had a lot of work to do in removing the old repeater as a lot of equipment has been installed up tight to our rack and the aluminum shrowd that we had built around our equipment was very difficult to remove.  :-)
While we were there a few tests were made on the APRS equipment as well as the TARC packet gear.
We discovered that the antenna being used on the APRS radio is not working well at all.  It will need attention soon.
If you are in a position to check out the VE1TRO repeater over the next few days it would be appreciated. After being unusable for the last few months most of you have no doubt stopped listening and it will take a bit of time to get back to listening on 147.210 MHz.
After the repeater appears to be working OK we will start to try out a few of the features that the new controller makes possible.
Go to Photo Gallery to see more pictures and names of the work party.

From Jim VE1JBL July 5th:

The Westcumb Amateur Radio Club ARES group took part in the 1st annual 10K Cross Border Race today from Mt. Waltly New Brunswick to Amherst Nova Scotia across the Tantramar marsh. This race is a 2009 Run Nova Scotia Road Race Series event AND a 2009 Run New Brunswick Super Series Event. This first time road race is especially unique. The only running race with a course that is situated in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. This is also the only event that is a point series race in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The race officals were hoping for 70 to 80 runners, but finished up with 181 runners from the Maritimes, Ontario, British Columbia and the USA with close to 100 volunteers.
Eight amateurs took part in the race with a base station set up at the finish line in front of the YMCA, amateurs joining each of the three race officals, amateurs at the three water stations and one amateur following at the end of the race.
Amateur radio operator Jim Langille VE1JBL also became a COW Wisperer as he had to talk about a dozen cows off the raceway back into their field on the marsh before the race began. All in a days work. Hi Hi.
Taking part in the race were: Bob Perry VE1EDP, Lloyd Smith VA1MAB, Mike Embree VE1MY, Ron Bickle VE1BIC, Mike Masters VE1XDT, Kevin Burke VE1KEV, Peter Hebb VE1SM and Jim Langille VE1JBL. 

From Jim VE1JBL Jun.20/09:
  I have added a Calendar to the website. I have put on fleamarkets, Field day, Exercise Handshake and club meeting dates. If anyone would like to add to the calendar, please send me the info and I will get it posted.

From Halifax Reflector:        NOTICE

The Halifax EMO net will not be held during the summer months. Check the September Reflector to determine when it will restart.

From Al VE1AKT Jun.12th: 
Here's the new executive of the Fredericton ARC elected tonight for 2009-2010. Only change and missing is a director Grady Briggs, VE9PBX. The attached picture from left to right is:
Vice President Heath Stillman VE9NHS, Jon Dueck VE9JTD director, Art Gunn VE9BP President, Dave Hilderbrand VE9AV secretary-treasurer and Gordon Boone VE9GB past President.

 From Donald  VE1CY Jun.11th:          Opening of Onondaga Submarine Museum
The new Onondaga submarine museum will officially open this weekend. The submarine will be on the air thanks to the Lower Saint-Lawrence Ham Radio Club VE2CSL.This event will take place on the 13^th and 14^th of June 2009 between 9:00 and 17:00 EDT (13:00 and 21:00 UTC). Lower Saint-Lawrence Ham Radio Club operators will operate from the radio room of the submarine using some of the original equipment.
   Frequencies :

2 m : 146.940 MHz (-) on the local repeater VE2CSL, FM mode (FM3),
20 m : 14.140 MHz, USB mode (A3J),
40 m : 7.140 MHz, LSB mode (A3J),
80 m : 3.740 MHz, LSB mode (A3J).

The submarine special call sign for this 2-day event will be VA2CGNQ. It should be noted that CGNQ was the Onondaga original call sign while in service.
QSL cards specially designed for the submarine will be available for any confirmed QSO with the ship, and for SWL’S.

Club de Radio Amateur du Saint-Laurent VE2CSL
CP 304, Rimouski, QC, G5L7C3 Canada

Pictures by Bert VE1PIN

  From Al VE1AKT Jun 7th: The Fredericton ARC supports emergency communications for the Village of New Maryland. In fact three of the FARC members are  members of their EMO committee; VE9SK, Sterling Carpenter is Director of the village's EMO, VE1AKT, Al Thurber and VE9BP, Art Gunn share the  communications officer appointment.
For the second year the Village has organized a New Maryland fun day. Many of the agencies in the Village gather and provide a showcase of support organizations in the Village. The Fredericton Amateur Radio Club is one of these agencies.
To display our capabilities, the FARC's mobile communications trailer is put on display. This is the first year we have had the 40 foot tower demonstrated as exhibited by the accompanying photos. The club's 6200 watt generator now completes the capability of the trailer. While there is not any permanently installed equipment in the trailer year round, various HF and VHF and UHF radios are available for use. For more pictures, go to the Photo Gallery under Fredericton ARC. 

From Greg VE9GFI Jun 3rd:  The Loyalist City ARC has installed a temporary Icom D-Star repeater on 145.29- in the Saint John region.  The D-Star callsign is VE9SJN C, and a gateway to the internet is also configured and working.  ICOM Canada kindly provided the temporary D-Star repeater and the system was installed in under 4 hours – some configuration of the gateway server took place the next day to enable the pathway to the internet and all the other D-Star repeaters.
Our traditional repeaters use Frequency Modulation (FM) with a 25 kHz bandwidth, whereas D-Star uses Gaussian Mean Shift Keying (GMSK) with 6.25 kHz bandwidth.  Instead of passing audio to a FM modulator, D-Star passes audio to a vocoder which digitizes the analog audio into bits of zeros and ones.  These bits control the phase of the modulated signal, and this output signal sounds like white noise to an FM or AM receiver.  Other D-Star capable radios lock onto the digital bit stream, convert the data back to analog audio and hear the spoken words.
The D-Star system uses “Callsign routing”.  In its simplest form, you can call out on your local repeater as you normally do today, and anyone who hears you can respond to your call.  Similarly, you can put the callsign of a repeater of another city into your radio, keyup, and call out on that repeater.  This is like IRLP, except that you haven’t “connected” both repeaters together.  Instead, your instructions in your radio cause the data bits to be routed to the far end repeater and sent out on-air.   That having been said, the concept of reflectors and linking still holds true in D-Star.   The third type of use that I’ll explain is very interesting.  Suppose your buddy is the jet-set guy and is always on the road.  You never know which repeater he’s on.  To call him, you program your radio to call his callsign.  When you key up, the D-Star gateway will determine where he is, and your voice will be routed to the repeater that he’s standing-by on.
In addition to voice, you can send data, even while you talk.  You can send text messages, and your GPS coordinates are also sent into the APRS network.  This pure data is sent along with your voice, so that for an ARES type use, you can optimize how you work.

If you have any questions about D-Star repeaters, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email at ve9gfi@rac.ca 

From Wayne VE1RR June 2nd:  Bob Sherwood VE1XW operated VE9-VY2 QSL Bureau from Moncton for many years and attended his last fleamarket in Saint John in 2008 before coming an SK. In recognition, the Moncton Amateur Radio Club has dedicated the Bob Sherwood Memorial VE9-VY2 QSL Bureau and Wayne Gillcash VE1RR has become the Manager. (See pictures in Photo Gallery under Saint John fleamarket).
Each Wednesday, QSL cards are sorted and periodically mailed out to NB and PE amateurs who are members of the bureau. A minimum of five dollars is required for us to maintain your account for postage. Our greatest concern is the hundreds of amateurs who have failed to maintain up to date funds and addresses and their cards are here on file. If you think you mat have cards, please get in contact with me or come to the fleamarkets. We will be at the Summerside PEI in July, Shediac in September and Greenwood in October.

From Jim VE1JBL June 2nd:  The Saint John fleamarket is now history. I had a great time up there Saturday and got to meet many of the local amateurs. I do not have any information at this time about the day, but there are some pictures in the Photo Gallery.

From Al VE1AKT May 16th:   

Al Thurber VE1AKT presents Claude Bailey VE1HU  of Nasonworth NB with a plaque from the Quarter Century  Wireless Association for 75 years of amateur radio service.

Back in the 1960's Claude and his late XYL Marie lived at his work QTH in Maryland Hill. He was the Radio Communications Supervisor for the province of New Brunswick. Claude also established an AM repeater on Crabbe Mountain. Eventually FM radios came into service and Claude converted the VE1PD repeater to FM. In 1974 the International Repeater Group was born and Claude was the first president. He is the only Life member iof the IRG. In 1985 Claude retired after 35 years, and the Minister of Transportation for NB forwarded a letter to Claude as retiring Radio Communications Supervisor. It indicated that Claude had been intrumental in developing most of the radio systems in use around the province of New Brunswick including the Department of Transportation System, the radio systems of the NB Highway Patrol, the ambulance/hospital services radio systems, the Sheriff's and Veterinary Services radio system. Futher to this letter, Claude was commended on the high startanrds he had consistently maintained in his work.
Claude's daughter is Joan Powell VE3ZC, from the Ottawa area. Joan is one of the eight directors of the International QCWA.
I'll let you do the math. Claude has been an amateur radio operator for 75 years. He will be 95 this coming December 28th.
Congratulations Claude.  

From Jim VE1JBL May15th:  The Halifax Fleamarket is now history. I didn't get a chance to go to it this year because of work, but I did hear from hams around here that they had a great time down there. I have posted some pictures from Brad VE1ZX who went with his wife Abbie VE1BFB. They were at the get together Friday night at the Chubecto Inn, and the Fleamarket on Saturday. If anyone has some pictures of the weekend they would like to have on the gallery, send them along and I will try to add them in. Congratulations to Judy Sutherby VE1NAN from Lower Sackville who won the grand prize of a Kenwood 2 meter handheld.

From Shane VE1SMC May 8th: 

The Queens County A.R.C. recently (May 3) present an award to VE1GFL Gerry Lohnes, thanks him for his years of service as treasurer for the QCARC. This year VE1GFL stepped down from this position. Joking Gerry laughed “If you were to ask me how long I have had this position, I wouldn’t be able to tell you, I have lost count. Hi! Hi!” Showing presenting the award to VE1GFL (left) is the president of the QCARC Brian Hatt VE1BEH (right).

From Jim VE1JBL May 8th:  Members from the Westcumb ARC, Lunenburg ARC and Nova Scotia Public Safety & Field Communications meet in Brookfield NS to talk over amateur radio use in different senarios including Exercise Handshake, ARES and how we as amateurs can help out in emergency situations. Lots of information was traded between the groups and we are very hopeful we can get more clubs and groups to join in on these exercises to get us prepared for a real emergency.

Taking part in this meeting were:  Jim Hannon VE1AFH, Cumberland County EMO Coordinator & RAC EC for Cumberland County, Bob Perry VE1EDP, Communications Officer & RAC Assistant EC Cumberland County, Jim Langille VE1JBL, RAC Section Manager for the Maritimes, Frank Leslie VE1FWL, RAC Section Emergency Coordinator for the Maritimes. Representing  the province of Nova Scotia, Scott Hawkes VE1SFH Communications Equipment Trainer, Al Cyples VE1CYP, Communications and Equipment Support and Terry Canning, Emergency Communications Coordinator.

From Al VE1AKT May 7th: Reporting that Oromocto now has a new repeater atop the Oromocto public hospital  on a frequency of 145.310 minus feeding a 210A4 antenna. Thanks are to be extended to VE1BXK, VE1ZX for supporting our effort. Also thanks to VE9RWS for transporting the repeater to the IRG annual meeting in Doaktown for pickup. 

From Brad VE1ZX May 5th:  Go to Photo Gallery to see pictures of Bruce VE1II's  Repeater site at Harmoney Ridge near Truro. Replaced old repeater with new MSR-2000, power set @ 75W. Nice site. Give it a try at 147.135+.

Picture from L to R

Secretary - Helen MacCaferty  VE9HM

Treasurer - Mona Rideout VE9MR

President - Gordon Boone VE9GB

For more pictures on the IRG meeting, go to Photo Gallery and then click on IRG Meeting 2009.

Thanks to Denis Mallet VE9DEN for the pictures.

From John VE1AVK Apr.27th/09:  In celebration of International Marconi Day, members of the Sydney Amateur Radio Club operated from the Marconi National Historic Site in Glace Bay NS.

Go to Photo Gallery to see pictures of the local amateurs and the site itself. Double click on the Newspaper article to bring it up close enough to read.

From Paul VE9NC Apr.17/09:  The Loyalist City ARC is pleased to announce that we have four new amateurs in the Saint John region thanks to a course put on by the club. Go to NEW HAMS to see them, and if you hear them on the radio, welcome them to the bands.

From Jean-Guy VE9BUF Apr.17/09:  There is an audio file on the resurgence of Packet Radio for Emergency Communications. Go to the Packet Radio page and click on the audio link.

From Len VE9MY Apr.12th/09:  I wanted to take a minute to update you on some changes at RAC HQ that happened just this past week. Probably the most important development is that we now have Guy Charron at the office 5 hours per day. 10AM to 3PM Ottawa time to answer the telephone, answer e-mails and do some other things around the office. Guy was there before for a few years and knows the office operation pretty well. There will no longer be a Call Center answering any of our calls. Most of the complaints that we have received are over the poor service offered at HQ. I am confident that things will be much better now. The office manager will still oversee other office details for now.
We are addressing the RAC insurance issue and hope to have something by early June. It is being discussed at the Board meeting in May, so I expect shortly after that some news will be released.
The (new) RAC Study Guide and (new) Operating Manual will be available again within a short time directly from RAC HQ, as well as from some dealers in Ont and PQ.
Things are progressing very well with the RAC web site changes and things like renewal of membership and ordering of supplies are available on-line and other things are in the works.
Please let me know if there are any issues that you are aware of and in particular regarding services to RAC members.

Thanks
Len Morgan, VE9MY
Atlantic Region Director
Radio Amateurs of Canada.
Tel # (506) 696-5279   

   From Bruce VE1II Apr.6th/09: 

From Jim VE1CHI Apr.4th/09: Here is the new temporary link for the Westcumb ARC in Amherst.  http://www.westcumb.webs.com

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.4th/09:  The Halifax ARC took a tour of the Radio Canada International Transmitter Site in Sackville NB. A few members of Westcumb ARC went along for the tour. It was a beautiful spring day. Temperature got up to 18 C. Go to Photo Gallery and click on the tour. 

From Derek VE1WRG Apr.4th/09:  

Reporting that the ISS crews have been busy the last few months with voice, packet and again this week with SSTV. Space flight participant Charles Simonyi on board for a few more days has been sending pictures and making voice contacts using the 145.800 downlink and 144.490 uplink. You can use SSTV programs like MMSSTV to decode the images.

From Susan VE3SUH Apr.01st/09:  A renewed Memorandum of Understanding has now been signed between RAC and the Canadian Red Cross Society.  All Amateurs involved with the Amateur Radio Emergency Service should make themselves aware of the content of this document, as it spells out certain obligations by ARES volunteers and by the Red Cross. English and French versions may be seen online at http://www.rac.ca/fieldorg/redcrossmou2009.htm

From Danny VE9DKS Mar.29th/09:  Hello all, Just wanted to let you know that I have started another Flood watch this year on my website. I will try to keep it up to date as conditions in the river change. It seemed to get lots of hits last year so thought I would do it again this year. I will send out a message each time I make updates to the Flood watch page. CLICK HERE.

From Denis VE9DEN Mar.28th/09:  The Dalhousie ARC now has Echolink up and running on VE9DNB 145.490- Node # is 49791. All are welcomed to use the system.

From Brian VE1RCF Mar.27th/09:  Here is the latest news from the Greenwood ARC. We have been participating in Exercise Handshake, both at Kentville and at Annapolis Royal. We have been an active club socially, and now we are trying to help the local communities by volunteering to act as backup communications when needed. Our aim is to suppliment the Kings County ARC, and to provide amateurs for Annapolis County. The club installed two VHF MSR2000 repeaters last year, and this year we are going to replace our controllers with two RC210 controllers. We also received a grant from Kings County and were able to purchase a good generator for use in emergency situations. For more infomation on the Greenwood ARC and for a great Photo Gallery, go to our website at http://greenwoodarc.org/

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.26th/09:  Here is the latest list of amateurs who have joined the Radio Amateurs of Canada. Stephen Albert VE1SK Wellington NS, Patricia Nickerson VE1BIP Barrington Passage NS, Andy Neimers VA1FJT Digby NS, Michael Woods VA1MAW ?, Robert Crawford VE1REC Dartmouth NS, Peter Bowers VE1BZI New Germany NS, Anne Wood VA1ANN Truro NS. Welcome aboard and thanks for supporting your national organization.

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.20th/09:  The Westcumb ARC recently presented lifetime memberships to Lorne Anderson VE1BXK and Ron MacKay VE1AIC for all the work they have done for the club, and the many hours spent keeping the repeaters up and running.

            L to R - Lorne Anderson VE1BXK / Jim Langille VE1JBL                                       Ron Bickle VE1BIC / Ron Mackay VE1AIC

From Al VE1AKT Mar.19th/09:  The Moncton Area Amateur Radio Club has a new website up and running at http://www.maarc.ca/index.html. Seems to be lots of infomation on there from history to the club fleamarket in September. Check out the site and help support Amateur radio in your section. You can also get to the website from the Homepage on this site and looking under Maritime ARC's. Nice site and good luck with it.

From Rodney VY2CGA Mar.14/09:  Summerside ARC will be hosting PEI Amateur Radio Fleamarket this year, Saturday July 11th 2009 at the Wilmot Community Centre 110 Gillespie Ave. Summerside PE. Doors will open at 9am and will cost $5.00 per person, and includes breakfast. Tables for sellers, both private and commercial are free. Talk in frequency will be VE1CFR on 146.850-.  Please contact Bill VY2FF by e-mail secretary@summersidearc.com to reserve table space.There will also be a social Friday evening July 10th 2009 at 8pm at the Wilmot Community Centre. For updates and special notices, click on http://www.summersidearc.com/index.php. Come out to the beautiful island and help support amateur radio on PEI.

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.14/09: Don Courcy VE2GG ex VE9CY and a host of others, has a very nice website up and running at http://www.radioman.ca/index.htm about himself and his life as a submariner in the Canadian Navy. He also has a very nice tribute to his father Luc Courcy who is 89 years old called My Father! My hero!  

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.8/09: The Westcumb Amateur Radio Station  at the E.D. Fullerton Building in Upper Nappan was activated during the Ice Storm on Mar.6-7 2009. VE1EMX came on the air at 6pm Friday night and continued through till Noon on Saturday. There were a number on checkins during the net offering weather updates and power outages. EMO Coordinator Jim Hannon VE1AFH would like to thank all who checkin during the net with their updates and to Brad Ross VE1ZX with the use of the VE1BHS Repeater. 

These are the gentlemen who took part at the Westcumb Amateur Radio Station during the Emergency Net . Missing from photo, Jim Langille VE1JBL RAC Section Manager: Maritimes (taking the photo).

L to R.

Murry Mills - Deputy Emergency Magagement Coordinator
Bob Perry VE1EDP - Communications Officer
Jim Hannon VE1AFH - Emergency Magagement Coordinator Cumberland County.
Lloyd Smith VA1MAB - Amateur Radio Station Officer
Dominic Fewer - EMO Nova Scotia Zone Planning Officer.

From Joan VE3ZC Mar.5/09: Did you obtain your Amateur Radio licence prior to 1984?

If the answer is “yes”, then you may be eligible to join QCWA!

The Quarter Century Wireless Association, which had its beginning in 1947and now listing members in over 50 countries, offers you an opportunity to mix with this elite group helping to further our hobby and enjoy the many aspects of Amateur Radio whether they be social or technical.  Discover more at http://www.qcwa.org/

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.4/09: I have started a Photo Gallery on my website. Go to the Home Page and click on Photo Gallery to see the pictures. Hope you enjoy them.

From NSARA Mar.3/09:  The NSARA Contest will be this Sunday March 8th. beginning at 8am on 80 meters. For the complete contest details CLICK HERE.  

From Brian VE9BC Mar.3/09:  Just want to let everyone know that the VE9SJW UHF Repeater is on the air at Spruce Lake, Saint John NB. (see news item dated Feb 9/09). The frequency is 443.600 (+) and is sending 42 watts to the antenna. For packet enthusiasts 145.01 node is also operating at the same site.

From Jim VE1JBL Mar.1/09: The Maritime Amateur website is one year old today March 1st. I would like to thank all of you who have checked out the site and have added input over the past year. Without your help, there would be nothing to put on the site. The numbers have been steady over the year with an average of 551 hits per month.
This is also my first anniversary as RAC Section Manager for the Maritimes. Thanks to all who have helped me out in the past year and for those who have sent me input for the Section news in the Canadian Amateur.

From Dave VE1GM Feb.28/09:     2009 Atlantic White Cane Contest 

Twenty one amateurs submitted entries in this year’s Atlantic White Cane Contest, sponsored by the Yarmouth Amateur Radio Club.  Here is a list of entrants and their scores.  The club wishes to thank Garth VE1JAX for pro-fessionally printing and also mailing the certificates.  Congratulations to Alex, VE1NA and to Ed, VE1EJC for winning first place in the White Caner and Non White Caner categories respectively.

 From Brian VE9BC Feb.09/09:  The VE9SJW repeater is now operational on Spruce Lake Communications tower west of the City of Saint John NB. The frequency is 146-895(-). This is a high tower overlooking the Bay of Fundy owned by Bell (Aliant).It is a repeater owned by the Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club. Soon a UHF repeater will be active on this site. More details when the repeater is installed. The club would like amateurs to try 146.895 to check coverage especially on the west coast of Nova Scotia. A repeater voting system is partially installed and will have more details as progress continues. Thanks to Greg VE9GFI and others who have spearheaded the installations.

From NSARA Feb.08/09: The NSARA Contest will be held on March 8th,2009. For complete details on the contest CLICK HERE.

From Vernon VE2MBS Feb.6th/09:  Bulletin 2009-003E  New First Vice-President elected. January 28, 2009
At the January 27, 2009 teleconference it has been announced that the RAC Board of Directors have elected Ian MacFarquhar VE9IM of Saint John NB as First Vice-President of RAC.  Ian will complete the term ending 31 December 2009.  Ian has previously been First VP.

From Scott VE1QD Feb.04th/09: Dear Friends,
It is a pleasure to announce on behalf of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club the date and program outline for the Sixth Annual Maritime DX Forum.  This year it will be held on Saturday, 8 August 2009 at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As usual a full day program will be followed by the DX Forum Banquet.  For those wishing low cost accommodation, the University will make available student residence rooms.
We have already engaged three very outstanding speakers

·       Our keynote speaker will be Martti Laine, OH2BH  who will talk about his recent experiences in helping develop amateur radio in various parts of the world under the title: Turning New Stones: Building Passion for Amateur Radio.

·       Taking us in a more technical direction, Joe Taylor, K1JT, a Nobel Laureate in Physics and life long contributor to technical advances in amateur radio, will talk about Advances in Weak Signal Communication: WSJT and More

·       George Nicholson, N4GRN will share with us the excitement and visual images of 2009’s first very significant DXpedition: The 2009 Desecheo Island DXpedition (February 12-26)

·       The Maritime Contest Club has made a commitment to fill the fourth spot from the ranks of serious contesters who operate well designed home stations. The details will be announced when available. 

The cost of the MDF program will be the same as last year, $45.  We will confirm the price of the DX Forum Banquet and the evening’s program in a subsequent announcement.
Please put the 2009 Maritime DX Forum on your Calendar. Also let all your friends know about this is a unique opportunity to hear from fellow hams who are among the most influential and accomplished contributors to our hobby.
A registration package will be sent out in late March, after I return from a trip to Mexico.  In the meantime, I will be very pleased to know about your intention to attend and to answer any questions. You can contact me by e-mail at: kswood@dal.ca . After my return to Halifax on 6 March, you also will be able to phone me at (902) 823- 2761.   

From Greg VE9GFI Jan.25th/09: I have written a RAC membership query tool to help our club in calculating the insurance dues. You can test it by creating a text file, and placing one callsign per line, and submitting the file. The script returns the same callsigns, along with a Y/N and the ratio of RAC members against the total of callsigns entered.

From Brad VE1ZX Jan.18th/09:  The Westcumb Amateur Radio Club has recently acquired nine used Motorola MSR-2000 Repeaters. They have all been checked out and ready to be sold. Anyone interested in one of these repeaters, please get in contact with Brad at ve1zx@eastlink.ca 

From Jim VE1JBL Jan.18th/09: I would like to thank all the Maritime amateurs who have joined RAC in the last couple of months. 
Jim Campbell VE1DXL, Ed (Bob) Perry VE1EDP, Richard Miller VY2RWM, A. David Cochrane VE9QED, Tobie Boutot VE9XAB, Michael Hopkins VE1MSH.

From Al VE1AKT Jan.17th/09: Norman Richard VY2NR has a new website up and running with help from Larry VE1LRW. Check into Norm's site and help support amateur radio here in the Maritimes. http://users.eastlink.ca/~normandrichard/index.htm 

From Ken VY2RU Jan.17th/09:      MISSING RADIO

From Brad VE1ZX Jan.10th/09: Here are a couple of pictures from the Yarmouth ARC which lost their tower in a wind storm.

From Dave VE1GM Jan.10th/09: During the winter storm that peaked on December 22, 2008, the 56 foot antenna tower at the Yarmouth EMO Building buckled and folded about half way up. The top half came down, destroying most of the antennas.  VE1LHG in Woods Harbour, not far from Yarmouth, recorded a wind gust of 104 MPH  (176 KM/H) on that day

Just to let you know that our APRS Internet gateway will be  down for a while as we lost the tower at the E.M.O. in the last big  storm we had. We also lost our 220 mhz antenna for the IRLP link as well. A new tower is coming but I don't have a date as to when it  will be installed. Here are a couple pictures of the mess. The 220 antenna went through the roof of that building HI. 

 Jim  VE1RB