OSCARC Newsletter for May 2011
The regular monthly meeting was called to order on May/03 @ 19h31EDT
Members Present: Jeff VE3PRX (secretary), John VA3JE (chairman), Alex VA3XLO, Jean VE3WAD, David VE3RER/VE3SB, Neil VE3NGS (president), Jay VE3EMP, Tim VE3IXN, Dave VA3ETE, Bill VA3WTT, Ward VE3WGK, Peter VE3EYI, Clayton Wozney.
Regrets: Ori VA3XW
Visitors: Paul VA3PAW, Fai Fan, Cristo Risteski (guest of Peter EYI).
The Minutes of the April meeting were read by the Secretary. Paul VA3PAW noted that he was incorrectly listed as VE3PAW. A motion to accept minutes as amended was made by Bill WTT, seconded by Dave ETE. Carried.
President’s Report:
After welcoming the visitors Neil NGS requested that the usual business be deferred until after the break so he could update the Club on several significant developments in the relationship between OSCARC and the Science Centre (OSC).
Neil read a series of recent emails between him and OSC executives/managers over the past few days as well as a meeting with Paul Kortenaar, Director of Education, on April 27.
The key points are:
- OSCARC has asked OSCARC to find a new venue for meetings no later than Sept 1, 2011.
- OSC says it does not consider Field Day to be a suitable event for members of the public to observe, and that OSCARC might not be allowed to use the rear parking area, due to concerns about liability. A decision from OSC is awaited. In the meantime, Neil proposed that OSCARC continue Field Day planning, including looking for another venue. Agreed.
- OSC says no one is allowed to work on VE3OSC antennas unless they are approved by the company that has the contract to maintain the OSC building on behalf of the Govt of Ontario.
- OSCARC inquired as to the budget for maintenance of VE3OSC, and how the club could have input on prioritizing upgrades, repairs. OSC responded that it does not have a budget line for maintenance of VE3OSC.
- OSCARC offered to host electronics workshops or other events. OSC responded that it would like to meet with the club for a “brainstorming” session.
- OSC wants to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding with OSCARC, and would like to meet with OSCARC to discuss ways in which OSCARC can support the work of OSC.
Neil tabled a colour version of a logo for OSCARC which was passed around, but suggested that no discussion or decision be taken at this stage.
Break from 2038 – 2057. Thanks to Jean WAD for supplying the coffee and snacks and to Paul PAW for the homemade muffins. During the break all three visitors decided to join the Club. Welcome, Paul, Fai and Cristo.
Business arising from the Minutes:
-The TK790 in the Shack on loan from Jay EMP isn’t quite set up yet. John JE and Jay are working on this.
-QRZ.com access enabled! Neil NGS will update the listing.
-New satellite computer spec/purchase has not yet been forwarded to OSC.
-Fan dipole work by John JE is in progress, but may be held up due to OSC’s view that antenna can only be performed by the company that has the contract for building maintenance.
-No update from Ori XW (who was absent from meeting) re possible operation at the Railway Heritage Museum.
General Business:
-Peter reported about the Hammond trip. Fun and merriment had by all. Check out the photos.
-During our visit, Paul PAW got his first-ever HF contact, using the Hammond Memorial Station VE3HC.
-The Hammond Museum needs more operators during the week. Contact them if you’re interested.
-A Motion was made by Jeff PRX, seconded by Jay EMP that Neil NGS prepare a thank you note for Hammond and the club to donate $50 to the museum. Carried.
-David RER reported that he now has a two-letter call VE3SB.
-Discussion about offering licence courses was deferred until next meeting, due to the time taken by the President’s extensive update.
Secretary’s Report: -Once again overwhelmed by QRN from the Big Bang.
Treasury Report: -Bill WTT reported that, after fees were collected from the new members and the donation to the Hammond museum was accounted for, the Club still has a healthy cash balance. Details available to Members upon request.
Technical report: -n/a
Milestones
Jeff PRX has his birthday in May.
Door Prize draw:
Dave ETE: Radio shack power bar with surge protection donated by Neil NGS.
Peter EYI: Yaesu hat donated by Radioworld.
John JE: Yaesu call area world map donated by Radioworld.
-If you have any old/new treasures, which are looking for a good/different home and aching to be a door prize, contact Neil NGS.
Field Day June 25/26
A discussion of the Club’s participation covered the following topics:
-Purpose:
- To test Hams ability to set up and operate under emergency.
-Scope:
- It was thought that running 1 or 2 stations (no more than 2 due to size of club, possibly one HF and one on 6m and 2m, or both stations running all bands) would be workable.
-Logging:
- Manual or computer logging or both? Undecided.
-Power:
- Ward WGK will provide a generator and heavy-duty batteries.
-Modes:
- SSB and CW for sure with PRX and EMP expressing interest in digital modes.
-Antennas:
- WGK has two 102’ G5RVs, a 40m dipole, and a home-built 10-15-20m yagi.
- EMP has trap dipoles
- PRX and JE have TacTennas (80 and 40m, or all band when used with a tuner)
- WGK has a 30’ mast and hardware to erect.
- WGK has an auto-tuner.
-Rigs:
- 3x IC-706s (JE, WGK and EYI)
- IC-7000 and computer for digital modes (EMP)
- IC-735 backup rig (JE)
-Locations:
- Although it is a possibility, OSC has not committed to providing a venue for Field Day, citing the need for insurance. OSCARC does not have liability insurance through RAC because the club is unincorporated. Ward WGK noted that Emergency Communications Ontario Association (ECOA) is offering memberships including $2m liability insurance, and sent the info to Neil for follow-up.
- EMP investigating Aerospace Museum.
- Marc Garneau High School?
- All club members to think about this and notify Neil of any possibilities.
Show and Tell
-David SB displayed his KH6TY sound interface unit. Radio/Computer interfacing on the cheap! http://www.n4shd.net/WA4BDSDigitalDisk/Hardware/KH6TY-interface.pdf
Following the business meeting a Motion to adjourn was made by Peter EYI, seconded by Ward WGK. Carried at 2157EDT
The OSCARC meets at 1930 local on the first Tuesday of the month, unless it is a holiday, in which case the second Tuesday. Visitors are welcome.
Floobie Dust and interesting URLs:
Operation Pluto. Not really radio related but interesting nonetheless.
WW2 shortwave monitoring station in Rhode Island
KØIYE’s free, online book “Crystal Sets to Sideband”.
Ham radio comic books for kids (check out the Field Day one, especially)
-If you come across an interesting URL please forward to Peter VE3EYI for inclusion in a future Newsletter.
/p