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KEY
KLIX
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CALGARY AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION
December 2003
Incorporated
Calgary Amateur Radio Association
P.O. Box 592, Station “M”
Calgary, Alberta. Canada, T2P 2J2
Telephone (403) 253-3092
www.cara.amporg.org
VE6SL MAX at Cara’s
VE6ATV Repeater Site
After Some Site Work
$ 2.00
Per Issue
December 21st, 2003 to January 31st, 2004
Sunday
Dec.21
Dec.28
Monday
Dec.22
Tuesday
Dec.23
NEXT GENERAL
MEETING
JAN.26,2004
Dec.29
Wednesday
Dec.24
Thursday
Dec.25
Friday
Dec.26
Saturday
Dec.27
NEXT ARES
CHRISTMAS
BOXING
CARA COFFEE
MEETING
DAY
DAY
JAN.27,2004
ARES NET
KLATCH
CHINOOK
*****
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
CENTRE
RAGCHEW
SWAP & SHOP
(FOOD COURT)
SESSION
VE6RYC 8:45 PM
10:00 AM
VE6RYC 1:00 PM
IF ANNOUNCED
Dec.30
Dec.31
*****
Jan.1
Jan.2
Jan.3
CARA COFFEE
NEW YEARS
RAGCHEW
DAY
KLATCH
SESSION
ARES NET
CHINOOK
VE6RYC 1:00 PM
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
CENTRE
SWAP & SHOP
(FOOD COURT)
VE6RYC 8:45 PM
10:00 AM
IF ANNOUNCED
Jan.4
Jan.5
Jan.6
Jan.7
Jan.8
KEY KLIX
DX MEETING
*****
CARATELS
ARES NET
DEADLINE
DEVRY 7:30 PM
RAGCHEW
MEETING
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
KLATCH
SESSION
GOLDEN AGE
*****
CHINOOK
VE6RYC 1:00 PM LUNCH 11:30 AM
MTG. 12:30 PM
Jan.9
Jan..10
CARA COFFEE
SWAP & SHOP
CENTRE
VE6RYC 8:45 PM
(FOOD COURT)
WHEN
10:00 AM
ANNOUNCED
Jan.11
Jan.12
Jan.13
DIGITAL MEETING
*****
Jan.14
ARES NET
DEVRY 7:30 PM
RAGCHEW
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
KLATCH
SESSION
*****
CHINOOK
VE6RYC 1:00PM
Jan.15
Jan.16
Jan.17
CARA COFFEE
SWAP & SHOP
CENTRE
VE6RYC 8:45PM
(FOOD COURT)
WHEN
10:00 AM
ANNOUNCED
Jan.18
Jan.25
Jan.19
Jan.20
VHF/ATV
EXECUTIVE
Jan.21
ARES NET
Jan.22
Jan.23
Jan.24
MEETING
MEETING
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
KLATCH
DEVRY 7:30 PM
DEVRY 7:00 PM
*****
CHINOOK
CARA COFFEE
*****
SWAP & SHOP
CENTRE
RAGCHEW
VE6RYC 8:45 PM
(FOOD COURT)
SESSION
WHEN
10:00 AM
VE6RYC 1:00 PM
ANNOUNCED
Jan..26
Jan.27
GENERAL
ARES MEETING
Jan.28
ARES NET
Jan.29
Jan.30
Jan.31
CARA
MEETING
FIRE TRAINING
VE6GLR 8:30 PM
COFFEE
GOLDEN AGE
7:30 PM
*****
KLATCH
CLUB 7:30 PM
*****
SWAP & SHOP
CHINOOK
RAGCHEW
VE6RYC 8:45PM
CENTRE
SESSION
WHEN
(FOOD COURT)
VE6RYC 1:00 PM
ANNOUNCED
10:00 AM
Opinions expressed in KEY-KLIX are those of the author or contributor and are not necessarily shared by the editor(s) of the
Calgary Amateur Radio Association. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit for clarity, brevity and content and is the sole
judge of suitability for publication.
Permission is given for the reprint of articles herein by any NOT-FOR PROFIT GROUP or publication. Full credit to the author
and our newsletter must appear in your publication.
DECEMBER 2003
My work computer was just changed from Window NT to Windows XP Professional. In the process it seems that they have lost
all of my previous files. Hopefully, they will find their way back in the next few days. In the meantime I need to rewrite this
update. December is always an eventful month.
The CARA Christmas party was well attended. If you couldn’t make it you missed a nice meal and a great evening with friends.
Thank you again to Mamie (MMN) and Sheila (NOW) for organizing the event. We all had fun.
On a negative note we received a complaint about foul and profane language being used by some amateurs on our repeaters.
The Executive discussed the issue and possible solutions. The regulations are clear that profane language is an offense. In
most cases the offending amateurs were not members of our organization. We do not want to have closed repeaters so we
need to self-police. We want to remind the membership that the Executive does not condone the use of offensive or profane
language on the air. Our promotion of amateur radio in schools and amongst other youth groups demands a high standard of
professionalism. Most amateurs are very good but sometimes people slip up. Please watch your language and politely remind
others that profanity is not permitted.
The Sections were quite busy. You can find their detailed reports later on in Key Klix. The VHF/ATV team was able to fix a
number of repeaters. It seems that cold weather always creates problems at our mountain sites. VHF/ATV and DIGITAL
assembled test gear for APRS at our Rockyview location. The radio and TNC should be installed in December for a one month
test. We are aiming for APRS at RYC before March, 2004. The DIGITAL group made great progress on the IRLP equipment.
The computer motherboard had died. Lloyd Miller (LFM) rebuilt the hardware. Ray Bourne (LG) has the radio ready to go.
Tino Sarrov (SRV) is helping with the IRLP software and the board. We think we can get the old board to work. The computer
crash wiped out the old IRLP software. Computers are such fun <smile>. The Club Station was busy with several successful
contests. It was nice to see a bunch of new faces at the Club Station. A number of people are helping Mike Ross (TC) with the
160m vertical tower phasing. With a bit of luck we may be able to play with a directional 160m vertical in the 160M contest in
early December. The RAC Winter contest is coming on December 27 so we hope that CARA HF capable hams give the
VE6AO contesters much needed contacts. Barry Middlebrook (TN) has been providing excellent support for DXers with his
packet site (VE6TN-7 and VE6DXC). A number of rare DX sites are on the air in December so warm up your rigs. Overall we
had good activity in the past few months.
The CASINO fund raisers is coming up on Feb 20/21st, 2004. We need your help for this event. See any Section Chairperson
for a casino form. We need to get them submitted to the government in the next few weeks. Please make this a priority.
Best Wishes to All. Have a safe and fun Christmas holiday. Get on the Air – 2m, 70cm, 2.4 GHz – HF it doesn’t matter. We
need to charge that Ionosphere!
73
Bill Ingles
VE6WSI
President
PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS
Date
Event
Usual
location
mid Feb. Great
Kananaskis
Canadian
Country.
Cookie Race
Usual radio coordinator
Tony Mountjoy VE6MX, 2556254 [email protected]
early
Mar.
Calgary
Winter Car
Rally
Northwest of Larry Chapple VE6KC,
Calgary in the [email protected]
mountains.
early
May
Theatre
Calgary
BanffCalgary
Relay Race
From Banff to Dave Swanson VE6SWN,
Calgary along 279-5626 [email protected]
Highway 1.
Victoria Golden
Day
Triangle
weekend bicycle ride
late May
mid
June
early
July
Nov.09
Banff
National
Park, from
Radium to
Golden to
Castle.
OPEN to a new coordinator
VE6TC
VE6LG
VE6MX
VE6ZQ
DX Chair
acting Digital Chair
VHF/ATV Chair
Caratels Chair
Meeting started at 19:00.
Additions to Agenda:
Add Christmas party.
Minutes of previous meeting:
Motion #1 Moved: Frank Devitte Second: Mike Ross “To
adopt the minutes of the 21OCT2003 CARA executive meeting
as corrected”.
Discussion: Correction to VHF SECTION REPORT; “VHF
section would like to use this money to create a memorial
repeater station with c/s VE6RQK”
Carried with no objections.
Correspondence:
-AMSAT launching a new satellite and needs to raise $110,000
for launch. We were asked to assist with ad in Key Klix with
mailing address to send donations to.
Rocky
Mountain
car rally
Porcupine
Hills, about
100 km south
of Calgary.
K-100 relay
race
Longview to
Kananaskis
Village in
Kananaskis
Country.
Henry Schreiber VE6HAS,
Rocky
Mountain
Challenge
Somewhere
in the
mountains,
changes
every year.
Fred Van Driel VE6FVD, 6409575 [email protected]
Kananaskis
Car Rally
Kananaskis
Country.
Nicholas Janzen” <[email protected]>
-Emm of Calgary Zoo ? Diane Fossey Foundation, asked Bill
Ingles for help with a future road race (October). May also
provide a future general meeting presentation on the Lowland
Gorilla’s.
Presidents Report:
-Bill requested that any section reports, equipment lists, etc be
sent to the secretary in advance (email OK).
Secretary’s Report:
Nil
CARA EXECUTIVE MEETING
November 18, 2003
HELD AT DEVRY COLLEGE
In Attendance:
Bill Ingles
Dave Currie
Aty Bourne
Al McNeil
Don Lloyd
Frank Devitte
Sheila Devitte
Mike Ross
Ray Bourne
Tony Mountjoy
Frank Jones
VE6WSI President
VE6RTL Past President
VE6ACB Treasurer
VA7QQ Secretary
VE3DD Director
VE6ANL Director
VE6NOW Membership Director
Treasurers Report:
Aty reported she is having problems with the PC and has no
financial statement to hand out. Will provide hard copies at the
General Meeting.
Tony Mountjoy reported he was unable to identify a new
auditor.
Membership Directors Report:
Christmas Party is on track. The carving fee issue has been
resolved. 47 tickets have been sold, we need 50 to get the
room for free. It was suggested we make the number 50 with
the club covering any difference.
Directors Report:
Don Lloyd suggested in light of the water / sewer problems etc
at the car club, perhaps we should be looking at purchasing our
own facility instead of the current arrangement with the car club
or perhaps even purchase the car club building. After much
discussion on the price of land etc it was decided perhaps we
should continue to develop the basement of the car club site for
now.
Constitution & Bylaw Committee:
Al McNeil reported that the committee has met once and has
started the review. Al asked if the club has submitted an annual
filing with Alberta Registries for this year ? since it appears there
hasn’t Al will submit this years filing. The Registered office of the
Club has not changed, although it should be attention Tim Ellam.
There does not seem to have been an Annual General Meeting
of the club this year (should be held in Oct according to our
current bylaws). The Committee will be reviewing these bylaws
sometime in the future. Al stated the entire bylaw document will
be submitted for approval by the Executive and if approved will
be displayed on Key Klix with a notice of special resolution at a
General Meeting for Ratification by the members.
DX Section Report:
Mike Ross reported:
-160 meter antenna still in progress.
-DX contest coming up
-No response from the car club on internet and door access
system.
-Water problem; new water pump installed. Possible leak in tank
a camera shows a collapsed tank.
-Car club has no money to fix both the water problem and the
septic tank system. Bill Ingles wondered if we shouldn’t help
financially.
VHF/ATV Section Report:
Tony Mountjoy reported:
-Canmore controller problem. Equipment moved over to new
building. End of Dec for remaining work at Canmore.
-Fortress Mtn VE6AQA; road wasn’t accessible. Hope to take
equipment up by end of Dec.
-VE6AUY; road also not accessible, had to walk up. Controller
hanging up.
-Rockyview; UHF machine down. APRS can be done at this site
but new racking required.
-Equipment list; list is not complete but handed out to the
Treasurer and Secretary what was available.
Digital Section Report:
Motion #2: Moved: Frank Devitte Second: Mike Ross “
to recognize Ray Bourne as the Digital Chair for the remainder
of this meeting.”
Discussion: Nil
Carried with no objections.
Ray Bourne Reported:
-the computer at Shaw North required a new hard drive.
-IRLP repeater not workable at Shaw, recommend node works
into one of our existing repeaters. Perhaps node can be at the
DX club house.
-Would like to update the digital budget to show two additional
TNC’s at $280 each.
Motion # 3: Moved: Ray Bourne Second: Mike Ross
“Digital Section to purchase two TNC’s at a cost of $280 each.”
Discussion: nil
Carried with no objections.
-Ray suggested that we establish a committee of section techs
chaired by Bill Ingles to discuss site standards etc. as insurance
coverage could dictate installation standards.
-Bill Ingles suggested that the Digital Section apply for
membership in AMSAT to keep in touch and also to propose a
donation from CARA to AMSAT.
Caratels Section:
Frank Jones stated there wasn’t much to report this time
around.
Casino:
Frank Jones had two questions to present to the executive:
1. What restrictions are there on obtaining Casino funds for
transportation of members. ?
2. What happens to Casino fund surpluses ?
Bill Ingles stated the present Casino application has enough
leeway in wording to cover costs of renting buses etc for any
transportation requirements of the CARATEL section. Bill
suggested that transportation should be budgeted for and if
necessary to modify the current budget then pass a motion to
modify the current budget.
Bill Ingles stated there are no Casino surpluses at the end of a
given period as any Casino moneys are carried over from year to
year and budgeted project money could be spent in a different
year than earned.
Humanitarian:
Dave Currie reported that informal discussions were held by the
CARATELS regarding a policy for moneys donated to the club
and the suggestion was not to have a policy but deal with each
event on its own merit. Dave suggested we recognize a donation
in Key Klix with no statement of how it will be used.
In regards to the latest $5,000 donation it was suggested the
VHF group simply apply for a repeater call sign for future use.
Cantera building VE6PAX Repeater:
There is a repeater on the top floor of the Cantera building that is
not being used and it was suggested we purchase the repeater
equipment. Currently there is an access problem. There may also
be an insurance issue. It was suggested that we not purchase it
unless it comes with a site lease as well.
Profane language on CARA Repeaters:
Much discussion on reports of unknown persons using profane
language on CARA repeaters. To summarize; Its probably more
effort than its worth to identify the culprits, report to Industry
Canada who may or may not do anything about it. Bill Ingles
stated he would issue a message on this subject in one of his
presidents reports in Key Klix. It was suggested we file and
record written complaints of improper use of CARA repeaters for
future legal or investigative purposes.
Shaw vs Telus Internet:
Mike Ross reviewed the requirements for internet access at the
club DX site.
-to be used for satellite tracking, call sign checking, web cam
security ,etc.
-Could be used as the IRLP node site which requires HS internet
access.
-Telus and Shaw monthly costs about the same. $80 / month.
-Shaw would have to bill us for $1200 access, Telus no additional
access cost.
-Political issue involved, Shaw has good history of assisting the
club with donations etc. Telus does not.
Motion # 4 Moved: Mike Ross
Second: Dave Currie
“Approval to spend up to $1200 access and $80 per month
ongoing for installation of Shaw Internet at the club DX site.”
Discussion: Much discussion on the access cost for Shaw. It
was decided the access cost was really insignificant in light of
Shaw’s past track record of assisting amateur radio.
Carried with no objections.
Key Klix:
Tony Mountjoy reported that items are being missed for
inclusion into Key Klix because the deadline is not being met.
He emphasized the importance of getting submissions into Tom
Cullen, the editor, early. The deadline is the end of the month to
be included in the following months Key Klix publication.
NEXT CARA EXECUTIVE MEETING TO BE HELD:
ROOM 210 AT DEVRY 7:00PM TUE JAN 20, 2004
Minutes by: Al McNeil Secretary VA7QQ
CARA General Meeting Minutes
24NOV2003
Bill Ingles called the
meeting to order at
19:30. There are 29
members in attendance.
Guests:
There are two guests;
CARA members).
Brian Jackson & Peter ? (both future
Minutes of previous meeting:
M/S/C Zane Hennigar VE6ZEE / Jack Ambler VE6CAQ “To
adopt the minutes of the 27OCT2003 General meeting.”
Correspondence:
There is no correspondence.
Presidents Report:
-Bill mentioned there would be future technician meetings of all
sections to maintain consistency.
-APRS coverage being extended, there is APRS data collection
taking place so Bill requested to keep the APRS mobiles
running.
-Packet network problems, apparently the BBS is not working.
-VE6PAX repeater site available, investigating possibility of
taking it over.
-Bill mentioned that CARA is one of the largest Amateur Radio
clubs in Canada and we have the responsibility to assist other
clubs or doing joint projects with other clubs.
-Bill stated that membership in CARA is important and we
should encourage as many local amateurs as possible to join
our club.
-AMSAT, Bill described the Amateur Satellite program. The next
launch of echo will be in March, it is a LEO (Low Earth Orbit)
satellite and should be capable of working with hand helds. It
will cost $110K to launch and AMSAT is looking for donations
from all amateurs. Check out web site WWW.AMSAT.ORG.
-Bill mentioned there will be no General meeting in December,
next one in January 2004, there will be a presentation on Low
Land Gorillas (in Africa) the organizers would also like
assistance with a rally.
Treasurers Report:
Aty Bourne reported:
Cash
Current
Savings
Casino
Term Dep.
536.21
5247.21
7284.83
17,258.58
10,136.23
Total:
$ 40,463.06
Secretary’s Report:
Al McNeil reported there is a committee established to review
the current Constitution and By Laws of the club. This will be
presented to the Executive for approval and then printed in Key
Klix and voted on at a General Meeting sometime next year.
Membership Directors Report:
Sheila Devitte VE6NOW reported:
-There are now 237 members including the new class.
-212 renewals have been received to date.
-55 tickets have been sold for the Christmas dinner at
$16 each. There will be door prizes and raffle.
Education coordinators Report:
Dave Currie VE6RTL reported that 2 students have dropped out
of the current class since it started. Exams will be soon and 2
examiners have been identified. Tony Mountjoy will be providing
a demo on Repeaters.
Next Casino:
Cindy Bourne reported the next Casino will be on Feb 20 & 21
(Fri & Sat) and 25 volunteers are needed to have the Casino.
She has forms for the volunteers to fill out. She has only 14
volunteers. Forms can be mailed to the CARA post box. The
deadline is mid December. (by the end of the meeting there
were 2 vacancies to fill).
DX Section Report:
Mike Ross VE6TC reported:
-Sweepstakes contest, 1100 contacts.
-CW contest, 800 or 900 contacts.
-Next week is a CQ World Wide CW contest.
-160 meter phasing box has arrived, and would like to do the
160 meter contest 1st week of December.
-Next DX meeting 1st of Dec.
VHF Section:
Tony Mountjoy VE6MX reported:
-10 people attended last meeting.
-Next meeting Monday Dec 15 at Devry. Followed by a social at
Boston Pizza.
-Rptr VE6AUY, the controller problem now fixed.
-Rptr VE6RMT, Canmore, working on a new controller and UHF
linking system. There is a COS incompatibility. Moved to new 10
X 20 building.
-Rptr VE6HWY, the machine is down and not sure why.
-Fortress Mtn, upgrade Sinclair materials available but roads not
passable.
Digital Section:
Lloyd Miller reported:
-trying to install a digital repeater at Rockyview.
-experimenting with tracker equipment in Lloyds and VE6OBS ‘s
car.
-Possible Digital repeaters for VE6RYC and DX club Repeater.
-Bill gave a presentation on Satellite tracking.
-IRLP joint digital/VHF project ? Ray stated it would be a remote
base station configuration. The repeater is capable of 2 meter or
70 cm.
-The hard drive problem at Shaw turned out to be a computer
problem and may have to replace the computer.
CARATELS:
Frank Jones VE6ZQ reported:
-Last meeting was Nov 5 with good turn out. Program was video
on Satellite Communications courtesy of Grant Hiembeker.
-Next meeting is Dec 3 at Golden Age Club 11:30am. Kate
Savage of Calgary Police will do a safety presentation.
CLAN:
Doreen Hammand VE6GQ reported:
-CLAN bake sale at the flee market very successful. Thanks to all
for great support.
-There will be a meeting Nov 27 complete with turkey dinner.
FLEE Market:
Dave Swanson VE6SWN reported:
Saturday 1 November 2003, and its time for the fall Flea Market,
brought to you by: The Calgary Amateur Radio association, The
Calgary Communications Club and the Southern Alberta
Repeater Association. This year Mother Nature was more
merciful to us than in the spring, with only a skiff of snow this
time. We had twenty-four tables rented plus club tables. Two
hundred and eighty eight flea seekers passed into the flea market
looking for some good stuff. It was a good day to look for fleas
and to renew old acquaintances. Our 50/50 draw went over very
well with the winner taking home $113.00. After paying the rent
on the church, our profit was $323.00. I would like to thank all
those that helped with the set up, worked the door and cleaned
up afterwards. And also to thank all those that came out either as
a seller or buyer. I think every one had a great day. Please look
for us again next year.
Humanitarian Report:
Zane Hennigar VE6ZEE Reported:
-Gail Rivett is at home and doing well. Card being passed
around.
Program:
By Teacher Brian Jackson of Chestermere Lake Middle School.
An excellent presentation describing how Brian will be using
Amateur Radio in his school program. Brian and Chestermere
Lake Middle School is an applicant for the RAC Youth Education
Program of which the QCWA wild rose chapter 151 is the
sponsor.
Al McNeil stated that CARA should consider sponsoring another
school in the Calgary area to assist in furthering this program.
Ken Oelke stated that Calgary has a good reputation for young
amateurs being invited to the Johnson Space Center, as recent
as July VA6LIZ Liz Ferguson, attended the Space Center
program.
Meeting Adjourned: 20:50
NEXT CARA GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD:
GOLDEN AGE CLUB
7:30 PM January 26, 2004
by: Al McNeil Secretary
VA7QQ
CARATEL REPORT:
December 3, 2003, Golden Age Club
Chairman Frank Jones, VE6ZQ,
brought the meeting to order at 12:34
MST with 9 VE6's, CAQ, CGO, MX, XF, AQY, CCM, JT, GH and
ZQ present.
(1) Bill Elliott, VE6AQY, moved and Russ Down, VE6CGO,
seconded, that the minutes of the November 5th, 2003,meeting
be adopted as printed in the November Key Klix----- carried.
Old Business
The telephone tree is working alright. Nobody indicated that they
were not phoned.
The Tuesday Ragchew Net went well in November. Grant
Heimbecker, VE6GH, got five volunteers for the December 9th,
16th, 23rd, 30th and January 6th controllers. Controllers in order
are Tony Mountjoy, VE6MX, Jack Ambler, VE6CAQ, Frank
Jones, VE6ZQ, Zane Hennigar, VE6ZEE and Jack
Ambler,VE6CAQ.
Jack Tivy, VE6JT, indicated that he was hospitalized for one
week since attending the last meeting having tests. He could not
drive for a month. No diagnosis was indicated and he is fine and
drove to this meeting.
Norm Hutter, VE6KG, is on the 10th floor of the Foothills Hospital
after a serious cancer operation. Visitors were restricted at first.
Frank Jones, VE6ZQ, checked with the CARA executive as to
the use of casino funds. The November CARATELS minutes
indicated that the equipment bought had to be installed in 60
days or the money lost. This is not true and money can be used
for different purposes including travel ( e.g. trip to the emergency
radio station in Edmonton or Tony Mountjoy, VE6MX to repeater
sites). Tony Mountjoy, VE6MX, proposed that CARA propose
specific trips. Any travel expenses have to be approved by the
CARA executive. Any surplus money remains in the Casino pool.
(3) New Business
Reports on Public Service Events
November 29th, 2003, Christmas Party at Best Western Village
Park Inn had a good turnout and the location is ideal with
underground parking.
Great Canadian Cookie Race in Kananaskis Country. MidFebruary (may clash with the casino) and contact Tony Mountjoy,
VE6MX, 255-6254.
Casino-February 20th and 21st. Volunteers contact Aty Bourne,
VE6ACB, 686-4556 or Cyndi Bourne, VA6XXS, 374-0119. The
25 volunteer point has been reached but more volunteers are
needed in case of drop outs and to spread the work.
Frank Jones, VE6ZQ, has revised the outline of the CARATELS
section of CARA. This was discussed at this meeting with some
more revisions and has to be approved by CARATELS members
at the January meeting. These were originally called bylaws but
Gordon Jepson, VE6CCM, advised that only the CARA club
outline can be called bylaws and only these have to be submitted
to Edmonton. Most clubs have no subgroups.
The next meeting of CARATELS will be on January 7th, 2004.
Gordon Jepson, VE6CCM, moved that the business portion of
the meeting be adjourned at 2:13 MST.
Program
Constable Kate Savage of the Calgary Police Service, who was
to present a program on Senior Scams arrived about !:30 MST
due to duties and slow travel on snowy roads due to a storm.
Since only 9 were present due to the snow storm it was decided
to move her program to February 4th, 2004.
The January 7th meeting program will be a video by Tony
Hancock on Radio Hams courtesy of Tony Mountjoy,VE6MX.
CONTEST: ARRL NOVEMBER
SWEEPSTAKES
CATEGORY: MULTI-ONE ALL HIGH
MODE: SSB
CALLSIGN: VE6AO
CLAIMED-SCORE: 159422
OPERATORS: VE6KC, VE6TC, VE6RRB, VE6JAZ, VE6TN,
VE6VPD, VE6WSI, VE6OBS
SCORE SUMMARY
SCORE = 159422
POINTS = 2018
MULTIPLIERS = 79
BAND QSO’S DUPS POINTS SCORE
---- ----- ---- ------ --------160 0 0 0
0
80 95 0 190
190
40 239 1 478
478
20 622 2 1238 1238
15 56 0 112
112
10 0 0 0
0
---- ------ ----- ------ --------TOT: 1012 3 2018 159422
HISTORIAN REPORT
JIM SMALLEY AND SMALLEY'S RADIO
RECALLED BY STEVE HUNKA,VE6BO
JANUARY 1997
Time Frame
My best estimate of the period which I worked for Smalley's
Radio is from 1950 to 1956. This time period covers the store's
operation on 8th avenue as well as the "new" store on 7th
avenue. I worked mainly during May to August while attending
the University of Alberta and for a couple of months after my first
year of teaching public school in Edmonton. Prior to leaving
Crescent Heights High School to attend university, I established
the radio club there with the call VE6VZ. As the youngest of the
group and being with Smalley's mainly in the summer, I was not
always aware of all the dynamics of the business. Thus, my
perceptions could be incomplete as well as being distorted by
time. Because I started about five years after the war, I cannot
provide any clues to Jim's involvement in the RCAF.
Smalley's Radio
My recollections of the staff in the 8th avenue store include Jim
Smalley, Mart Ward, George Sargenia, Ken James and Bill
Stunden. I found a copy of the "Spring Bulletin" to which you
made reference in your letter and noticed that John Phillips and
Liz Adair are also listed. My guess is that they joined the staff just
prior to the move to the new store. During first summer at the 8th
avenue store I also recall an elderly gentleman came in to do
clerical work once or twice a week. I think that this was Jim's
father because it was not the accountant. I was not quite sure
whether Mart Ward was an employee or a partner in the business
because Mart also ran "Marton Ward Distributors" which was the
war surplus component located in the basement (dungeon).
Reference is made to Marton Ward Distributors in the Spring
Bulletin and the 1948 Hamfest program. I am pretty sure Bill
Stunden worked for Marton Ward as his primary concern was in
selling the war surplus material. When things were busy,
however, Bill would help out in the store. Ken James was the
shipper--he could package just about anything for safe shipment
by mail or express. Mart and George Sargenia appeared to be
the main sales staff, although everyone knew enough about the
components being sold to help out when necessary. My job was
never clearly defined by Jim, but it was not difficult to find things
to do and I helped anyone of the staff who asked for assistance
whether it was using my bike to deliver "rush" components to
radio service shops, pick up tubes at places like GE, help Bill
Stunden strip down surplus equipment and keep the "dungeon"
reasonably well organized or ship components when Ken James
was on vacation. The basement was referred to as
the dungeon because although there was one main area well lit,
other side "rooms" had been used many years earlier to store
coal for heating ...pretty dirty with little lighting. Although the
personalities of the staff varied considerably, the common thread
of friendship and excitement was "hamming". Jim, Mart, George
and I used CW mainly, Mart and Bill were more into mobile work.
I am quite sure that Jim could copy code at a much faster rate
than 35 wpm.
Jack Ambler VE6CAQ-CARA Historian from letter to John
Jarvis, VE6CNG
Digital Section
Sept 8, 2003
DeVry Institute
The meeting was unofficially called to order at 19:35 with 6
members; VE6LFM, WSI, WTD, QLT, 6TC, 6LG, and 1 guest
Graeme attending.
OLD BUSINESS
- Still trying to recruit a Chairperson
- Existing Projects
Third tracker – components installed, debugging underway.
IRLP – Ray – configuring TX audio summer for two inputs.
Cross Band Digi – Just designing, start after Portable repeater
project completed.
APRS – Lloyd to pull computer out of Shaw site – check hard
drive
NEW BUSINESS
New Projects
New digi’s – Lake Louise, and one in Calgary
PSK31 contest – DX spotting
Sharing trackers – try to get them into members hands to use
and become familiar with.
Common tracker model for future trackers if we build more.
Digital section to license a copy of WinAPRS for VE6NQ.
Submitted by
Ray Bourne VE6LG
October 20, 2003
RM 208 DeVry Institute
The meeting was unofficially called to order at 19:35 with
members; VE6LFM, WSI, QLT, 6TC, 6LG, and others.
OLD BUSINESS
Existing Projects
Third tracker – Gerry will endeavor to complete the tracker.
IRLP – Ray – configuring TX audio summer for two inputs.
Cross Band Digi – Just designing, start after Portable repeater
project completed.
APRS – Lloyd will get computer from Ray and change hard
drive
NEW BUSINESS
New Projects
New digi’s – Lake Louise, and one in Calgary, Ray will ask
Exec to approve 2 more TNCs for Digi-Peaters.
It was discussed to conduct a workshop for APRS trackers at
the Club station.
Lloyd showed a map of digipeater coverage for Calgary
and one for Alberta.
- Ray showed maps of Digipeater locations for Calgary
area.
Submitted by
Ray Bourne VE6LG
November 10, 2003
DeVry Institute
The meeting was officially called to order by BillVE6WSI at
19:35 with members; VE6LFM, WSI, QLT, 6TC, 6LG,
UUG, KCH, MSP & BSD.
OLD BUSINESS
Existing Projects
Third tracker – Gerry will endeavor to complete the tracker.
IRLP – change plan to use a base station working into an
existing repeater.
Cross Band Digi – Just designing, start after Portable
repeater project completed.
APRS – Lloyd will get computer from Ray and change hard
drive
APRS at recent Car Rally, worked from Ambulance.
NEW BUSINESS
Bill gave a short presentation on Digital Amateur satellites,
and how we support the aspect of the hobby by working on
the VHF/UHF station at the club station.
Mike TC, presented his research of installing high speed
internet service at the club station. It was followed by a
discussion the merits of our choices.
Submitted by
Ray Bourne VE6LG
EED
DIITTO
OR
RSS R
REEM
MIIN
ND
DEER
R
Please have your articles, photos or any documents for KEY KLIX submitted no
later than the end of the month PLEASE. It would be preferred that documents
are not formatted.
Next moth will have a technical articles on the Digital section, Please submit
photos and technical articles
DX Corner by Vitaly VE6JO
UPCOMING & OPERATING DX's
(From ARRL and OPDX Bulletins)
5X, UGANDA. Milton, W6QE,
informs OPDX that his dear friend
Dr. Terry Wassell, K3JT, is now
on the air from Uganda licensed
and operating as 5X1X. Terry
works for the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and is doing statistical research on African Viruses. Terry will be
there for approximately 6 weeks and is active on the low bands,
particularly on CW. Check 40 meters in particular (after 0300z
and again after 1930z).
9M2, WEST MALAYSIA. Masaru, JI1ETU, who has been active
as 9M2/JI1ETU, will be going QRT at the end of December. He
can usually be found on 40 meters CW after 1400z (or later after
2200z). Masaru has also been active on 20/17/15 meters CW.
Please send QSL to the JARL Bureau via JI1ETU or send direct
to: Masaru Funakubo, 2-10-11 Tsujidou-Motomachi, Fujiwara,
Kanagawa, 251-0043 JAPAN.
BQ9P STORY. Yuki, JI6KVR, informs OPDX that the release of
the BQ9P Pratas Island DXpedition Story is now updated on the
BQ9P Web site at:
http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~iota/newpage64.htm
C56, THE GAMBIA. Andy, G0VUH, will be active as
C56/G0VUH from January 16-30th. He is expected to be on
every day and during the nights on all bands. He will have a big
beam from 20-10 meters and two verticals that are combined for
80 meters. QSL via the home call sign G0VUH.
KG4, GUANTANAMO BAY. Tip, N4SIA, informs OPDX that he
will be making a trip after the first of the year to here and will
provide all the details very soon. He does have the call sign
KG4AS. Stay tuned!
R1, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS. By the time you read this,
Oleg, UA1PBA, should have arrived at the research base
Bellingshausen on King George Island. Oleg is expected ti be
here for about 1 1/2 years. He will be active as R1ANF.
SPECIAL EVENT (Meet the real Santa before December
24th!). Juha, OH9MM, reports: "As we all know the real Santa
Claus comes from Finland! Santa Claus Land (OH9SCL) will be
again active during this December from the Artic circle." This
year there will be a special activity period between 17th of
December and the 21st of December. Operation will be on 80-10
meters CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK31/SSTV. The main focus of digital
modes will be during the weekend. The persons willing to help
Santa this year are:
OH2BH, OH2NWG, OH3BHL, OH9KL, OH9MDV, OH9MM,
OH9RJ and OH9VC. QSL is via OH9UV.
VK9L & VK9N, LORD HOWE AND NORFOLK ISLANDS.
Babs/DL7AFS and Lot/DJ7ZG will be active from Lord Howe
Island, February 16-27th, and from Norfolk
Island, February 29th through March 13th. The call signs will be
announced later. Activity will be on 80-6 meters on SSB, RTTY
and PSK. QSL via DL7AFS (direct to: Baerbel Linge,
Eichwaldstrasse 86, D-34123 Kassel, Germany) or via the
DARC Bureau. For more details, please visit the Web page at:
http:\\www.qsl.net\dl7afs
YV0, AVES ISLAND. "The Daily DX" reports that the tenth
most wanted DXCC entity will be activated in late January or
sometime in February by Radio Club Venezolano (RCV). This
operation will coincide with the RCV's (YV5AJ) celebrating their
70th anniversary in 2004. Activity is expected to be on all bands
and modes, including operations on 6 meters, SAT, digital
modes (RTTY, PSK, SSTV) and possibly EME. They also plan
to have a YL operator for the YL chasers. The call sign will be
announced at a later date. More details are forthcoming.
ZF, CAYMAN ISLAND. Pete, N2LM, will be active as ZF2PD
on Grand Cayman Island (NA-016) from December 28th
through January 8th. Activity will be 80-6 meters CW/SSB.
Requests for QSL cards can be sent to his home call sign,
N2LM.
Contest Calendar
(Last updated October 30, 2003)
January, 2004
SARTG New Year RTTY Contest
0800Z-1100Z, Jan 1
ARRL RTTY Roundup
1800Z, Jan 3-2400Z, Jan 4
Kid's Day Contest
1800Z-2400Z, Jan 3
Midwinter Contest, CW
1400Z-2000Z, Jan 10
North American QSO Party, CW
1800Z, Jan 10-0600Z, Jan 11
Midwinter Contest, Phone
0800Z-1400Z, Jan 11
DARC 10-Meter Contest
0900Z-1059Z, Jan 11
LZ Open Contest, CW
1200Z-2000Z, Jan 17
Hungarian DX Contest
1200Z, Jan 17-1200Z, Jan 18
North American QSO Party, SSB
1800Z, Jan 17-0600Z, Jan 18
ARRL January VHF Sweepstakes
1900Z, Jan 17-0400Z, Jan 19
CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW
0000Z, Jan 24-2359Z, Jan 25
REF Contest, CW
0600Z, Jan 24-1800Z, Jan 25
BARTG RTTY Sprint
1200Z, Jan 24-1200Z, Jan 25
Helvetia Contest
1300Z, Apr 24-1300Z, Apr 25
February, 2004
May, 2004
10-10 Inter. Winter Contest, SSB
0001Z, Feb 7-2400Z, Feb 8
North American Sprint, Phone
0000Z-0400Z, Feb 8
CQ/RJ WW RTTY WPX Contest
0000Z, Feb 14-2400Z, Feb 15
Asia-Pacific Sprint, CW
1100Z-1300Z, Feb 14
Dutch PACC Contest
1200Z, Feb 14-1200Z, Feb 15
RSGB 1.8 MHz Contest, CW
2100Z, Feb 14-0100Z, Feb 15
North American Sprint, CW
0000Z-0400Z, Feb 15
ARRL School Club Roundup
1300Z, Feb 16-0100Z, Feb 21
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW
0000Z, Feb 21-2400Z, Feb 22
CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB
0000Z, Feb 28-2359Z, Feb 29
REF Contest, SSB
0600Z, Feb 28-1800Z, Feb 29
North American QSO Party, RTTY
1800Z, Feb 28-0600Z, Feb 29
10-10 Int. Spring Contest, CW
0001Z, May 1-2400Z, May 2
ARI International DX Contest
2000Z, May 1-1959Z, May 2
VOLTA WW RTTY Contest
1200Z, May 8-1200Z, May 9
CQ-M International DX Contest
2100Z, May 8-2100Z, May 9
His Maj. King of Spain Contest, CW
1800Z, May 15-1800Z, May 16
CQ WW WPX Contest, CW
0000Z, May 29-2400Z, May 30
March, 2004
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, Phone
0000Z, Mar 6-2400Z, Mar 7
RSGB Commonwealth Contest, CW
1000Z, Mar 13-1000Z, Mar 14
North American Sprint, RTTY
0000Z-0400Z, Mar 14
Russian DX Contest
1200Z, Mar 20-1200Z, Mar 21
CQ WW WPX Contest, SSB
0000Z, Mar 27-2400Z, Mar 28
April, 2004
SP DX Contest
1500Z, Apr 3-1500Z, Apr 4
JIDX CW Contest
0700Z, Apr 10-1300Z, Apr 11
Holyland DX Contest
0000Z-2359Z, Apr 17
YU DX Contest
1200Z, Apr 17-1200Z, Apr 18
Low Power Spring Sprint
1400Z-2000Z, Apr 19
SP DX RTTY Contest
1200Z, Apr 24-1200Z, Apr 25
Submitted by Vitaly (VE6JO)
Calgary Amateur Radio Association
New Membership
Membership Renewal
Change of Information
Date:_______________________________________
Name:_______________________________________ Call Sign:_____________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________
City:________________ Prov:_________________ Postal Code:___________________
Name of Spouse:____________________________________ Phone (day):____________
Phone (night):_____________________________________ Cell:___________________
Email:______________________________________________________________________
Date first licensed:__________________ Class of License:____________________
Date Joined Cara:_____________________
Schedule of Fees
New member initiation Fee (one time fee)
$8.00 _______________
Full membership fee (with mailed key klix)
$35.00 _______________
Full membership fee (electronic key klix)
$25.00 _______________
Retired full membership (retired or over 65 mailed key klix)
$30.00 _______________
Retired full membership (retired or over 65 electronic key klix)
$20.00 _______________
Family Membership (one key klix) Call sign of family member $10.00 _______________
Associate Membership (unlicensed) mailed key klix
Associate Membership (unlicensed) electronic key klix
$30.00 _______________
$20.00 _______________
Student Member (18 or under & in school) mailed key klix
$25.00 _______________
Student Member (18 or under & in school) electronic key klix $15.00 _______________
Registered CNIB Members
Donations:
VHF
$ 0.00 _______________
Would be greatly appreciated to help develop, maintain and upgrade facilities.
DIGITAL
Voice Repeaters
DX
ATV
Other - Specify
Autodial & mailbox (VE6RYC/VE6RY)
Autodial (only)
CARATELS
$15.00 _______________
$6.00 _______________
Total Remittance
$________________
All membership fees are due September 1st of each year Please make all cheques payable to:
Calgary Amateur radio Association
Box 592 Station "M"
Calgary, Alberta T2P 2J2
VHF / ATV SECTION
Fall Flea Market
November 17th, 2003
Saturday 1 November 2003, and its time for the fall Flea Market,
brought to you by: The Calgary Amateur Radio Association, The
Calgary Communications Club and the Southern Alberta
Repeater Association.
The VHF meeting was called to
order by Tony Mountjoy
VE6MX, with 10 members
present. The October 20th VHF
meeting minutes were adopted
by Nicholas VE6OBS and
seconded by Gerry VE6QLT
with two corrections. Carried.
This year Mother Nature was more merciful to us than in the
spring, with only a skiff of snow this time.
We had twenty-four tables rented plus club tables. Two hundred
and eighty eight flea seekers passed into the flea market looking
for some good stuff.
It was a good day to look for fleas and to renew old
acquaintances. Our 50/50 draw went over very well, with the
winner taking home $113.00.
Minute corrections: 1/. – Omitted was the VHF Section
proposed secured discussion ‘e’ mail address by Dann
VE6BSD as, [email protected] with a subscribed
address of [email protected] .
After paying the rent on the church, our profit was $ 323.00.
I would like to thank all those that helped with the set up, worked
the door and cleaned up afterwards. And also to thank all those
that came out either as a seller or buyer.
I think every one had a great day. Please look for us again next
year.
This donation address is from Dann VE6BSD. Originally moved
by Vince VE6VDP and Seconded by Gerry VE6QLT. Rather
than use the present Yahoo groups. 2/. – The proposal from
Gerry VE6QLT for a winter Repeater hands on training
program. “ This may become a reality when equipment
becomes available.”
Dave Swanson
VE6SWN
Should read ‘will’ become .
The VE6RYC Voting site needs 2 more Sinclair or equivalent
parallel clamps 3” x 1 ¾” to properly mount the site antennas.
The voting controller has been received.
FOR SALE
VE6QK recognition: This motion was approved by the CARA
executive, but the executive said that the money donated to the
club was not to a section in particular.
FT-757GX II transceiver and a MFJ-949D versa tuner II
$5oo for both.
Kenwood TM-231A 144 MHz transceiver. $ 250.
John Hansen
RR 5 Calgary
936 5601
[email protected]
Thank you
John Hansen VE6CFO
VE6AUY: A trip November 13th by Tony VE6MX and Tom
VE6SHB found that the controller had hung up. A power reset
put everything in good working order. Tom VE6SHB will build a
watch dog timer to automatically reset the controller once a day.
It was thought that tone bashing caused the problem rather that
a power line spike. The UHF link antenna west installation is
possible late November.
The VE6RTV – ATV repeater needs to rack mount the modules
to sort out how the upgrade will be installed. This will make a
much neater installation.
Advertising Rates
Full Page
$210.00
Half Page
$110.00
Quarter Page
$60.00
Business Card $25.00
Back Cover $300.00 All Rates are for 1 year (10 issues)
Contact any of the Key Klix personnel for more information.
Key Klix Staff
Editor
Thomas Cullen VE6SHB 242-1205 [email protected]
Assistant Editor and Adv Manager Tony Mountjoy VE6MX
255-6254 [email protected]
Distribution Manager
293-7462
Don Lloyd
VE3DD
The IRLP and portable repeater are still being worked on by Ray
VE6LG.
Caltronics Communication is checking into a modification kit for
the multi frequency back up repeater.
There is nothing new on the Plateau and Moose mountain
repeaters as of this meeting.
VE6RYC lost power during the October 20th storm. The VHF
repeater went down Halloween night when the battery back up
failed. Thanks to Tom VE6SHB who was able to repair the one
side of the 220 volt AC line by 8pm. The VE6RYC VHF was back
on the air shortly afterwards.
VE6RCB Carbon project is next after the Canmore project. The
Carbon controller needs to be upgraded to be compatible with
the CARA RCL4 standard.
Tony VE6MX repaired the VE6NOV UHF repeater Wednesday
November 12th. A Tripler capacitor was intermittent and repaired.
A trip to Canmore VE6RMT is slated for tomorrow November
18th.
The VHF Section decided to have a meeting on December 15th. It
will be a short business meeting with a get together afterwards at
Boston Pizza . Motion by Nicholas VE6OBS and seconded by
Casey VE6KCH. Carried.
A Polynesian travel video was presented by Tony VE6MX.
Nicholas Janzen VE6OBS, VHF secretary.
CARA VHF SECTION
TECHNICIAN
S REPORT
TONY MOUNTJOY
VE6MX
NOV. 17th, 2003
VE6RYC
The remaining batteries are being evaluated.
VE6MX, VE6SHB and VE6GAV made a trip
October 18th to install the inside door
stiffening steel frame. The door is very
secure now and needs two oak fillers top and
bottom.
The major snowstorm of October 28/29th took
½ of the 220 volt feed. This caused the
backup batteries to go down and the VHF
repeater failed approx. 6pm October 31st.
Tom VE6SHB found the broken wire on the
ground at a pole on 14th street. Tom was able
to repair the outage by 8pm and the VHF
repeater was back in service. Many thanks
for his efforts in this regard.
The VE6MX UHF repeater is working well.
The UHF batteries check ok at 12.6 volts. A
replacement battery charger will be obtained for the UHF
batteries.
VE6RYC-VOTING SITE:
VE6MX and VE6GAV visited the
site this morning. The antenna mounting locations were
selected. The mounting clamps will be obtained so that the 210C2 and UHF beam antennas and masts can be installed.
VE6AUY
The VE6MX repeater is working well. Steve
Curzon advised October 10th that Custom Riggers are booked
into late November before the UHF link antenna could be
installed. Sometime during the time of the major snowstorm
October 28/29th the repeater went down. VE6MX and VE6SHB
made a trip to the site November 13th. A quick checked
revealed that the RLC-4 controller was hung up. After resetting
the controller the system worked fine. Conditions at the site
were such that 4 x 4 access was not possible.
Telus October 13th gave us permission to
install the UHF antenna below the climbing guard for test
purposes.
VE6RCB
The repeater continues to work well.
October 19th the UHF Link radios under test will require a RX
audio amp due to an audio reduction. To standardize our
system a RLC-4 controller will be purchased prior to
installation.
VE6RY
The VE6MX repeater continues to work
well. The 210-C2 antenna will be upgraded to a 210-C4.
VE6NOV
The VHF unit continues to work well.
VE6MX serviced the UHF repeater November 12th. A problem
was found in the TX tripler stage and corrected. Another
problem came up when the unit was re-installed. The UHF unit
was removed November 17th for a complete bench check.
VE6HWY
The 3rd trip to Protection Mountain Sept.
30th was successful. There was a slight delay due to fog in
Golden. The existing Solar panel was checked and VE6CID
and I found all terminals were jumpered. The panel was tied
into the system successfully. This gives us a total of 115 watts
of Solar power. The UHF link was turned up and worked fine.
Also found a loose RX coax connection on the VHF radio which
may have created noise on the repeater. The UHF signal was
checked on the way back and is about S2 in a mobile at
Canmore.
VE6AQA
The repeater is working very well. The 2003
upgrade order from Sinclair was received November 10th. The
New Fortress Mountain manager advised that it would a while
before the twin T bar road could be accessed.
VE6EHX
The VE6MX Uniden UHF repeater
continues to work well. I have noticed during longer repeater
use that the power is dropping off.
VE6RMT
The repeater continues to work well.
VE6MX, VE6SHB and VE6GAV will make the trip November
CARA IRLP
VE6RTV
18th to install the up-grade.
Ray VE6LG and Tino VE6SZR should have
the UHF repeater audio and computer
problems resolved soon.
The ATV upgrade equipment has been
received. Max Farmer VE6SL has moved the
existing equipment into a new rack location at
CFCN. The repeater is putting out a P4
picture.
VHF TECH REPORT NOV. .2003
CQ WORLD WIDE DX CW CONTEST
RESULTS-- 2003
Call: VE6AO
Category: Multi Single
Power: High Power
Band: All Band
Mode: CW
Operators: VE6KC, VE6RCI, VE6EPK, VE6TC, 4F2IR,
VA6MJT, VE6JAZ
BAND QSO QSO PTS PTS/QSO ZONES
COUNTRIES
160
1
0
0.00 1
1
80 193 385 1.99 8
8
40 452 950 2.10 22 50
20 551 1247 2.26 32 85
15 541 1196 2.21 27 83
10 608 1342 2.21 27 66
---------------------------------------------------
KANANASKIS 100 MILE RELAY
RACE
Totals 2346
5120
2.18 117
293 => 2,099,200
JJuunnee 1199,, 22000044
In support of Hostelling International
– Canada – Southern Alberta
Requires several licensed HAM radio
operators for the Communications on
race day. The time commitment Varies
from 4 hours to all day.
We are in particular need of individuals
with Dual Band radios for all shifts with
race officials.
If you would like to help out with this
premier road Race Please contact:
Henry Schreiber VE6HAS at :
(403) 248-0706
Or
Cheryl Lowery, K-100 Race Director at :
(403) 283-7064 ext. 26
Tony VE6MX at ATV Repeater Site.
DX Club Minutes
December 2003
The December meeting opened
by Mike VE6TC, Chairman, at
1930MST. There were
10 members and 1 guest present.
After a round of introductions,
Mike introduced our guest, Keith
Morrison,
from the Calgary Sports Car Club. Keith, accompanied by
Shawn Bishop, VE6RMR,
made a presentation of a trophy to Larry Chapple, VE6KC, in
recognition of his
numerous years of participation in and organization of radio
communications
for car Rallies in the Calgary Area. A brief discussion followed
regarding
future use of APRS equipment in rally cars so that their position
would be
known at all times. This could also be used to summon
assistance in the event
of a mishap.
The minutes of the November meeting were approved as
published in Key Klix on
a motion by Terry VA6MAC and seconded by Jeff VE6RCI, and
carried.
We have participated in several contests in the past month, and
results show
some improvement over previous years' efforts. This is due to
upgrades at
VE6AO, and to our operators gaining experience. Some score
comparisons were
made with past years in the CQ World Wide CW contest:
YEAR
SCORE
CONTACTS
ZONES
COUNTRIES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------2003
2,099,200
2346
112
293
2002
755,042
1352
89
170
2000
1,145,354
1520
98
224
1999
837,694
1272
105
181
Results from Field Day 2003 have been published in QST.
VE6AO placed 16th in
a field of 192 entries in class 1D, and second in Canada in that
class.
VE2GB beat us by 21 points! (11 CW contacts)
Several problems were noted by operators during the recent CQ
WW contest.
The CT logging program has several known bugs when used in a
network with one
or more other computers, and we noticed the peculiar behavior.
Gerry VE6LB
has tricks and work-around on his web site. The tuning knob on
one of the
FT1000s seized due to lack of lubrication, and this was fixed.
The other
FT1000 had seized during a previous contest so we knew what
to do. The rise
time problem that we saw before was still there despite adding
a delay to the
computer transmissions. Use of the built-in antenna tuner
seems to help.
Other complaints were of noisy cooling fans and the draughts
they caused, and
of cold feet! A change will be made to allow easy use of the
AL88 amplifier
on 160 meters. This simply connects it in series with the Henry
amp, and has
a switch in the PTT line to prevent both amplifiers from being
turned on at
the same time.
There are several more contests during December that we may
participate in if
there is sufficient interest. They are the ARRL 160 meter
contest on December
5 and 6, the ARRL 10 meter contest on December 13 and 14,
and the RAC Winter
Contest on December 27.
Thanks to Barry VE6TN, a Shaw internet connection will be
installed in our
shack.
We may investigate the N1MM contesting software which is
free, and seems to
be well accepted by contesters. Gerry and Mike have tried it. It
is Windows
based and will be easy to network via Ethernet, and is designed
by contesters.
We adjourned at 2121 MST
Sectary Larry VE6KC
The equipment room where the VE6RTV
ATV repeater is located and other
amateur radio voice repeaters are
operational.
ATV Quick
Start
Quick And
Easy Way To
Receive ATV
by Neil
WA3ZQI)
W3ZQI
(ex-
In strong signal areas
(Northeast Baltimore), it is
possible to receive the
BRATS ATV repeater by
using
a
cable-ready
television. To do so, tune
to cable channel 60 (i.e. Cable mode not Network mode). Then
disconnect the cable from the back of the television and connect
the TV to a UHF antenna. If you don't have a UHF antenna, use
any VHF antenna or at the worst, use a 5 to 10 foot length of
wire. When you are using an antenna but set to CABLE
CHANNEL 60 you pick up the 439.250 Mhz. repeater output.
(This is because cable channels are not bound by other services
and simply transmit their signals on the wire one channel after
another.) The cable converter picks off the specified numbered
channel and outputs the signal to channel 3 or 4. If you live in
Northeast Baltimore, and have not tried this yet, shame on you! It
is a real treat to watch the ATV net on Thursday nights at 9:00
pm. or the Answer Men net on Saturday at 1:20 pm. where Heru
W3WVV and Bob W3WCQ can answer questions using a white
board and some times provide live show-and-tell of some new
antenna or other interesting device.
Outside of the normal nets or other activity, you can also monitor
the evening ATV beacon at 7:45 pm to 8:00 pm.(EST) (8:45 pm
to 9:00 pm EDT)
More On ATV Receiving
VE6RTV Repeater
The low edge of UHF channel 14 is 470 Mhz. which is about 6
channels above the ATV repeater. If you could just twist the TV
tuning knob counter-clockwise hard enough, you would be
there! That's really not far fetched because in the 1970's we
used Blonder-Tongue tuners which were originally designed to
allow reception of UHF channels by VHF-only televsions. These
little units had enough overlap at the low end to even cover
down to the BRATS ATV repeater frequency of 439.250 MHZ.
The most sought after BHT-111 even had a pre-amplifier built in.
(Any Blonder-Tongue unit can be used if you are in a good
signal area.) You can still find comparable units at hamfest for a
couple of dollars. These use 300 twin lead from the output
terminal to the TV VHF antenna terminal. (75 ohm coax can be
used but you will need 75/300 ohm transformers on both ends
because coax was so infrequently used for that application.)
You should use a 75/300 ohm transformer and coax to the
antenna because of the weaker strength of ATV signals and the
fact that twin lead more easily picks up interference.
Later, Science Workshops out of Bethpage, NY marketed a
wallet-sized surplus varactor diode tuner that when voltagetuned made for a hotter down-converter. The output went into
the 45 MHZ. IF jack on any standard television. The downside
was that in order to provide precise tuning, a tight venire
potentiometer excluded all but the bottom-most UHF channels.
One also had to be careful to use an isolation transformer
between the TV and AC power to avoid making a hot
microphone or other shock hazard. One can imagine the
surprise when tongue or wet lips meet 117VAC from the metal
microphone screen during an ATV QSO. Some hams still have
these and have adapted them to other uses. According to
Science Workshops, the tuning range was 50 MHZ. to 1 GHZ.
(We didn't have 911 MHZ. ATV then to find out how high they
would really go for TV.) A back issue of the BRATS Milliwatt has
plans for a spectrum analyzer based on one. The cost for the
varacter diode tuner was $5.00 each. It could be packaged for
antenna mounting since the only controls were a power OFF/ON
switch and a potentiometer to control the tuning. A source for
the 3-18VDC tuning voltage up to the antenna and the new
necessity for an antenna-mounted transmit/receive relay would
be the only real complications to resolve.
Another technique is to use a thumb-wheel tuned VCR to tune
down to the ATV frequency at 70 cm. A unit like that would
probably be at least 5 years old. (Digital tuner VCRs don't
usually give this flexibility.) It is possible that the thumb-wheel
VCR's can also be tuned up to 911 MHZ. Remember that
sensitivity falls off on the high end, results might be poor. In
either direction, the tuning is not precise...there are easier ways
to do the job.
Yes, there are commercial ATV down converters available.
These are particularly popular because they have tight tuning
and a pre-amplifier. If you are purchasing an ATV down
converter, you might consider 911 MHZ. or whatever alternate
output frequency your ATV repeater supports. This gives the
advantage of seeing your ATV signal come back from the
repeater (assuming you transmit in another band) instead of
relying on a transmission line sampler.
ATV Antennas
The antenna is the most important part of an ATV system. ATV
veterans in Baltimore advise putting half of one's ATV investment
into the antenna system. Vertical polarization is used in the
BRATS ATV repeaters. One reason is that this gives some
automatic rejection of the horizontal broadcast UHF TV
transmissions in the area. Omni-directional antennas are rarely
used for ATV, except at the repeater site since the combination
of very high frequency and low strength signals make directional
antennas a necessity. As in other areas of amateur radio,
antenna quality and placement are among the most important
success factors. A rule of thumb is that 450 Mhz. antennas
should be up 40 feet or more, however, at a minimum, optimize
the ATV antenna over other antennas if you must make a choice.
If you can't do 40 feet, just do what you can. Fortunately, top
quality ATV antennas are available from commercial sources or
are described in adequate detail that they can be home-built.
The most popular commercial antenna in Baltimore for ATV is the
Rutland FO22-ATV antenna. The boom is 14 feet long yet the
antenna weighs about 5 pounds. At 15.8 dB gain, it handles the
maximum legal power and costs under $150. The 48 element JBeam Multi-beam imported by Spectrum International had been
very popular prior to the FO22. This short 6 foot boom yagi
claims 15.7 DB gain and allows vertical polarization mounting.
However the better gain 88 element version tends to droop when
mounted for vertical polarization unless some extra mounting
effort is expended. Ernie WB3DVL reported that in England, the
Multi-beam is used extensively for UHF broadcast reception.
Instead of omni-directional or broad patterned ones, those folks
often use separate multi-beams for each channel desired. Coax
must be soldered to a terminal on the antenna as opposed to
some of the other brands which include a female N-connector.
The antenna is harder to find now but still is popular.
Building antennas for 450, 900, and 1200 is actually rather
practical. A good source of information for a 902 Mhz. loop yagi
is the November 1985 QST magazine. The loop yagi has very
good gain, is forgiving in construction details, and allows boom
length flexibility. 6 feet of boom at 900 Mhz. is suggested while
shorter or longer boom lengths are acceptable to meet turning
radius requirements or additional gain requirements. The risks
are that too short a boom will result in lower gain while longer
booms will be more difficult to line up the elements. Thicker wire
or tubing for elements will result in a wider bandwidth for the
antenna which can also result in more weight. W3ZQI built his
out of a 4 foot piece of copper water pipe with #10 wire loops.
WA3DVL built a 6 foot version using aluminum siding loops that
was very lightweight for rotor requirements...watch out that too
thin loops might not be heavy-bird proof!
A dish antenna is not much value at 450 or 900 Mhz. unless 8
feet in diameter or more. On 1200 Mhz., use of a dish is more
promising. Regarding a dish, one might wonder if a dish is cut for
a specific frequency? Actually a dish is a usable dish if it is a
parabola (the way they are supposed to be made). Any
determination of frequency is done through placement of the horn
in the middle of the dish. Change of signal direction can be done
either by moving the entire dish structure or just moving the horn.
Some folks still use rotors for their ATV antennas but the trend
in Baltimore MD is been toward installing ATV antennas in fixed
position, aimed at the ATV repeater. (One less thing to buy and
have go wrong!)
Feed lines And Connectors
ATV is best treated as weak-signal work. ATV stations typically
have transmit power of 10 watts or less and a rather wide
(several megabytes) AM video bandwidth. The wide bandwidth
leaves plenty of room for extraneous signals to adversely affect
one's tranmitted signal or output from the ATV repeater.
It is recommended by many experts that only N connectors or
better be used for transmit and receive on ATV. N connectors
maintain a constant impedance across the connection. Perhaps
the most important reason is that N connectors are also
waterproof which would be particularly important on outside
installations. The difference in cost is not worth the amount of
time one would spend later to upgrade from PL-259s to N
connectors. Note, many of the ATV antennas and downconverters are shipped with female N connectors. (An
interesting side note, there have been a number of instances of
commercial equipment for close to 1 GHZ. yet using RCA phono
plugs and PL-259s...I'll stick with the N-connectors.)
For receive, where a long feedline run is expected, consider a
remote pre-amplifier or a remote down-converter. Receiving 45
MHZ. or channel 3 at the ham shack is less demanding of your
feedline than 450 MHZ. or 911 MHZ. I prefer the simplicity of
providing power to a remote pre-amplifier by a separate set of
wires while others say "what can be simpler than having the
necessary 12-24VDC share the feed line?". There are good
arguments for both approaches.
For transmit where a long feed line run is expected, consider a
remote exciter and power amplifier. You can then use
inexpensive 75 ohm RG59 for your video up to a remote
transmitter.
Old RG58 is one of the cheapest, and most convenient dummy
loads in an ATV station. A watt or so at 450 MHZ. into a good
run of old RG58 is almost undectable at the other end. At 420
MHZ., new RG58 has 10.4 DB attenuation per 100 feet. A 15
foot drop of not-new RG58 at 1289 MHZ. provided Bob W3WCQ
with the 6 DB (4 to 1) drop needed in a new application of his.
Remember too, the power handling capabilities of coax drops
sharply as frequency is increased. RG8 solid-dielectric coax is
capable of handling 2000 watts at 20 MHZ. but is only good for
680 at 20 MHZ. The point here is how important good quality,
new feed line is to the intended transmit or receive signal.
(Overall, ATV and RG58 don't play well together.)
While discussing feed line, here is the W3WCQ method for
testing coaxial cable. For the desired frequency (regardless of
the age of the coax), test the standing wave ration (SWR) at the
input end of an un-terminated run of coax. If the resulting SWR
is greater than 7 to 1, then the coax is okay. If the resulting
SWR is less than 7 to 1, then do not use it at that frequency. A
"do not use" result for a given frequency might allow use at a
lower frequency.
Start with 9913 coax or better and keep whatever you use as
short as possible. Note, by saying 9913 or better, the point is
"minimum loss quality equivalent to 9913 coax". In reality, 9913 is
okay for indoor or protected use but not for outdoor use because
it weathers poorly.
The above material is a summarization of articles written by Neil
W3ZQI (ex-WA3ZQI) for the BRATS Milliwatt--various Summer
1995 issues with technical credit by various folks especially Bob
W3WCQ and Heru W3WVV.
BRATS -- Baltimore Radio Amateur Television Society
The "P's" and "Q's"
of video signals
A brief explanation of the "P" ratings of
received signal quality.
Notes:
•
•
Each of the images
displayed have a
corresponding
higher-resolution
image that may be obtained by clicking on the small
image. The sizes of these larger images range from
about 50k to 130k each. (Sorry, but noise just doesn't
compress very well...)
For specific information about the Signal/Noise ratios
and signal strengths mentioned, refer to the notes at
the bottom of the page.
What is th”P” System ?
As in voice modes, there is a system of signal quality reporting
for amateur video modes. Akin to the "Q" (quality) levels (as in
"You are Q5 copy old man") the ratings go from P5 (perfect
signal) to P0 (barely detectable signal.)
Interestingly, the "P" system takes into account only the thermal
noise in the signal and not other types of signal degradation (i.e.
multipath or QRM, or video/transmitter deficiencies) but these
effects are often quantified as part of the signal quality expressed
by the "P" system.
As are the "Q" signals, the "P" signals are very subjective.
However, there is a descriptive basis for this reporting system. It
is difficult, with still pictures, to accurately portray how "noisy" a
picture actually is owing to the "averaging" effects of the eye and
the brain, but I believe these descriptions to be close.
P5 signal: "A P5 picture has no
discernible noise."
Signal/Noise ratio of >45 db, >1000
microvolt signal strength.
Working the the
broadcast industry,
I would consider a
P5 picture to be
one that has better
than a 50 db signalto-noise
ratio
(broadcasters often
consider the "noise
free" S/N ratio to be
60 db.) It is difficult
to discern when
noise in a picture is
lower than 45-50 db
without doing an
A/B
comparison
An example of a P5 picture.
and/or using test
A
P5 picture has no discernible
equipment.
noise.
A good quality
consumer
grade
videotape recorder can just barely produce a 45-50 db S/N ratio
(that goes for the newer digital consumer equipment, too...) and
a consumer grade camera is typically in the 48-50 db S/N ratio
range - and that's only when you have good (i.e. bright) lighting.
(I might point out that the 45-48 db range corresponds with the
best S/N you can get with an 8 bit digital representation.) For
this reason, I would certainly be willing to give a 45 db S/N ratio
amateur signal a "P5" rating.
Finally, almost no currently produced ATV gear can even
approach the 45 db S/N range: Taking the PC Electronics
TXA5, for example, while this is a "good" amateur-grade
transmitter, its IMD alone is no better than the low 30 db region
at best: This is especially evident when the aural carrier is set
to a "normal" injection level. It is this "grunge" that takes such a
signal down to a P4 right out of the antenna spigot. Even if the
exciter produced "perfect" signals, the typical amateur grade
power amplifier's intermodulation would produce enough noise
to reduce the S/N to below "P5" range. It takes broadcast
quality equipment throughout the entire transmitter chain to
produce a transmitted P5 picture. (If you are using a PC
Electronics or other exciter on your ATV repeater or home
station look at The KD2BD ATV AM Video Modulator to see
how you can improve your signal!)
Now considering that we are amateur radio operators, we aren't
likely to have "broadcast quality" pictures emanating from our
antenna. On the other hand, being an amateur radio operator
does not provide an excuse for transmitting a rotten signal:
One of the challenges is to do the best we can with what we
have.
Therefore, in amateur service, I would be more than willing to
concede that a P5 picture is one that is "as good as it is going to
get." That is, you see the signal and it looks as good as it
possibly could even if it was much stronger (i.e. you aren't
picking up noise because it's weak.)
4 signal: "A P4 picture is very
slightly noisy."
Signal/Noise ratio of 35-45 db, 200-1000
microvolt signal strength.
In reality, most
of the best qu
ality images on
ATV are, in
reality, P4
pictures.
A P4 picture is
considered by
most who view
it as being
perfectly
An example of a P4 picture.
acceptable.
The noise in a P4 picture is just
(According to
discernible.
the Cable
Television and
Broadcast industries, a video S/N ratio of 40db is what the
"average" person considers to be "acceptably noise-free.") A
signal of this quality is what would be considered to be "good" by
the average viewer of broadcast television. It is a simple fact that
most amateurs will simply not have the resources to be able to
radiate a strong enough signal to attain that goal of a "visibly
noise-free picture." This is no fault of the amateur operator, but
rather one of the properties of Amplitude Modulation.
In a P4 picture one can see a bit of noise - most notably in the
chroma (color.) This amount of noise is not distracting and the
noise disappears, for the most part, when one retreats from the
television screen to the couch across the room.
When considering the quality of a picture, the size of the
television screen makes a lot of difference:
A picture that looks noisy on a large television screen may look
perfectly fine on a small one - particularly a small LCD screen.
This effect is largely a result of the fact that noise shows up most
prominently in the high frequency components of the video
(where the least amount of video energy is.) These same high
frequency components correspond to the amount of detail in a
picture. Since a small screen cannot represent as much detail
the noise is less visible. LCD displays have another property that
tends to mask noise: They are comparatively slow to respond to
picture changes and thus they tend to "average" out received
noise.
The moral of the story? Remember that the "P" signal report
that you give will vary with the size of picture you are looking at.
If you are giving or receiving a signal report that is based on the
quality observed on a small CRT or any LCD screen you can
safely assume that the display is making the received signal
look better than it really is.
P3 signal: "A P3 picture is
'somewhat' noisy."
Signal/Noise ratio of 20-35 db, 50-200
microvolt signal strength.
A P3 picture is
one
that
is
definitely noisy,
but
not
too
noisy.
A P3
picture is about
as noisy as it can
be without the
noise
being
annoying
or
obscuring some
of the finer detail.
(Does that make An example of a P3 picture.
sense?)
The noise in a P3 picture is obvious,
but not overly distracting.
First, a note
about the noise in the pictures:
Noise that appears in video is essentially random and changes
from frame to frame. This constantly changing noise is
somewhat "averaged" by the brain as the picture is viewed. To
demonstrate this to yourself, play a recording of some noisy
video back a frame-at-a-time using your VCR and you'll see that
the frozen frame looks much worse than the moving video.
(This is even true of video that you would not consider to be
noisy!)
If you want to capture a single image from an off-air source, the
trick is to capture several (nearly) consecutive frames (where
there is relatively little movement) and average them together to
reduce noise. For this reason, it is difficult to properly represent
the noise of a moving image by a representation in a still image.
P2 signal: "A P2 picture is
definitely noisy."
Signal/Noise ratio of 8-20 db, 15-50
microvolt signal strength.
A P2 signal is noisy enough to become tedious to watch and the
finer details of the image are lost.
The signal/noise
ratio of a P2
signal is low
enough that many
televisions and
monitors may not
reliably display
color and the
sound just starts
to get noisy, but
this will depend
on the receiver
and the amount
of aural carrier
energy in the
transmitted
signal.
An example of a P2 picture.
The noise in a P2 picture is severe
enough to make viewing somewhat
tedious and obscure finer details.
Notice that the smallest print is no
longer readable.
Additionally, the
overall
picture
usually starts to "lighten" as a result of the noise energy. This is
a result of the fact that AM transmitted NTSC video uses
downward modulation: That is, dark area are represented by
more transmitter power and lighter areas are represented by
less power. Thus, with weak signals, the lighter areas of the
picture (which are represented with less transmitter power)
appear to be more noisy. This noise can often upset (or confuse)
the DC restoration circuits in the monitor as well as confuse the
sync circuits. Sometimes this can result in a signal that appears
to be darker instead of lighter (on some monitors and with video
capture devices in particular) as well as some "jittering" in the
sync, causing horizontal or vertical instabilities in the received
picture.
Since the finer details of a video image are represented by higher
frequency, and since there is less high frequency energy in a
typical video image( as compared to low frequency energy) it is
these high frequency components that are the first to be
overcome by noise. Finally, since the color information
comprises a relatively low percentage of the total transmitted
energy of a video signal it is also one of the early casualties a
weak signal.
P1 signal: "I can barely see your
ID, OM..."
Signal/Noise ratio of 3-8 db, 5-15
microvolt signal strength.
The P1 signal is barely capable of yielding much useful
information.
You can hope that the other station is transmitting a VERY
LARGE ID for only the largest elements of the picture (those with
the lowest frequency components) are going to survive. If you
stare at the image long enough, you can usually use your "gray
cell integrator" (i.e. the brain) to "average" out some of the noise
and the larger features of the image may be discernible.
The sound is
often lost or
very noisy by
the time the
signal is as
weak as a P1.
A
signal
strength that
would yield a
perfectly
full
quieting
FM
An example of a P1 picture.
voice
signal
(and
then The noise in a P1 picture obscures all
some...) results but the largest features. The ID alone
in a barely is barely readable.
perceptible
image. This is a result of the wide bandwidth (6 MHz) of a video
receiver as compared with the relatively narrow bandwidth (15
KHz) of a narrowband FM receiver. This 400-fold difference in
bandwidth translates directly to an approximate 26 db signal
strength disadvantage for the TV signal.
Furthermore, the wide bandwidth of a video signal means that it
is at a thermal disadvantage to an FM signal: The 6 MHz video
bandwidth gathers enough signal to be be equal to an
approximate a microvolt or two from thermal noise alone. This
is true for any TV system in which the receiving antenna's
pattern includes the earth itself, as the earth comprises a
(nominal) 280-300 Kelvin noise source - a noise temperature that
far exceeds modern GaAsFET preamplifiers.
P0 signal: "Is there really a signal
there?"
Signal/Noise ratio of <3 db, <5 microvolt
signal strength.
A P0 signal is the weakest that you can detect (but that doesn't
mean that you can tell what it is...) What good is a P0 signal?
What can this tell us about anything? Can a useful signal have a
negative signal/noise ratio?
The answer to these three questions is "yes." Sort of.
The picture above shows what such a signal may look like.
Actually, it looks a bit better than a typical P0 picture for
demonstration purposes. For all practical purposes, all detail is
lost and only the sync bars (both horizontal and vertical) are
visible as the receiver struggles to lock onto them. While the
bandwidth of a video signal is 6 MHz, one of the characteristics
of an AM demodulator (such as that in a video receiver) allows
that if, post demodulation, a narrowband detector is used, one
can discern signal components within that 6 MHz bandwidth. As
it turns out, the sync signals (the horizontal, but especially the
vertical) carry the peaks of the energy of the video signal. Not
only this,
but since it known precisely
what baseband frequencies
the
sync signals comprise, and
the fact that the sync
circuits themselves have
fairly narrow bandwidths, it
is possible that a television
will lock onto sync without
recovering any discernible
video. It is this property
that allows sync detection
from a signal that has an
otherwise
negative
signal/noise ratio.
An example of a P0 to "P
one-half" picture.
None of the picture is really
visible and the receiver may
not be able to maintain sync
lock. Vertical and horizontal
sync bars are often visible as
they roll through the picture.
So, with a P0 signal you
can sometimes acquire
sync from a video signal,
or, more likely, you will see
very weak sync bars roll
through
the
picture
occasionally.
I
could
typically "detect" sync bars
on signals at about 1
microvolt on an "average" modern television set.
A P0 signal can be useful for determining the mere presence of a
video signal, or it can be used as a starting point for improving or
optimizing your receive system: It is much easier to discern
small improvements in a P0 or P1 signal than in a P3, or P4
signal. For example, if you are using a set of rabbit ear antennas
and you can detect a P0 or P1 signal, you can probably assure
yourself that if you were to install a decent outside antenna
system you would get at least a P3. Of course, your mileage
may vary.
Notes:
•
•
•
The above images are not off-air images. An attempt
was made to use off-air images, but the picture quality
(either by direct video capture or by using a camera to
capture on-screen images) left much to be desired.
Noise was digitally added to make them look like their
off-air counterparts. (Since it's digital, it's got to be
better, right?)
The signal strengths and S/N ratios stated above are
subject to individual tastes. These are my best
estimations based on existing published descriptions of
the "P" signals.
The signal strengths mentioned are those for 70cm AM
signals and are a rough average of several sampled
cable-ready television sets and VCRs of recent (1990+)
vintage. Typical "twinlead input" UHF tuners
•
•
•
•
modified for ATV use tend to be
at least 6-10 db
worse unless preceded with a
preamplifier.
The degradation curve of video
Signal/Noise ratio for FM signals
is vastly different, so the numbers
relating to signal strength (in
microvolts) do not apply. In
general, if the signal Signal/Noise
ratio is above 12-15 db, the
picture is P4-P5 on a properly
designed receiver. When it drops
below the limiting threshold on
the FM receiver (usually around
6-8 db S/N) the video degrades
much more rapidly than it does
with its AM counterpart.
The video S/N ratios are based
on subjective analysis using
television test equipment to
introduce noise into a test video
signal and then comparing that
"noised up" video with an off-air
signal.
What
is
"baseband"
signal?
a
A baseband signal
is the signal that is
modulated on the
carrier
for
transmitting. In the
case of video, this
would include not
only the entire video
signal but the aural
(audio) subcarrier
as well.
A typical video
receiver
demodulates
the
entire
television
signal (video and
sound) as just one
signal.
After
demodulation, the
video and audio are
treated separately.
Techniques to make bad signals
look better:
Take a look at the IF Bandpass Filtering of AM TV Signals
•
page for an example of just one technique to dig out
those weak and/or QRMed ATV signals.
•
Along similar lines, another article was
written for the benefit of those that use an
Icom R-7000 for "TV-DXing." The page
"A Narrowband ('DX') TV I.F. filter for the Icom R7000" describes a scheme similar to that
above as applied to this particular You have
•
probably noticed that the biggest "jump" in signal
quality is that between P2 and P3. This is just the
nature of AM detection: The noise becomes really
noticeable once it is above a certain threshold, but
changes in this noise above that threshold are harder
to quantify.
There are no warrantees expressed or implied. Again,
your mileage may vary.
•
receiver.
Tony Mountjoy at CFCN Broadcast hill repeater site
Max VE6SL adjusting the ATV repeater at Broadcast hill CFCN.
Standard operating procedures and guidelines
There are times when guidelines for doing various things in life must be
reviewed in order to keep things running smooth. Some still insist rules
are made to be broken, while others insist rule must be followed at all
times.
The mixing of these two combinations can have tempers flare out of
control, causing even worse language.
We are not perfect and do make occasional slips. Some newcomers to
the repeater systems want very much to do right in the eyes of their
peers, so much so that some don't even get on the air for fear of doing
something wrong. They sit back and listen to the more experienced
operator and try to establish in their own mind what the correct
procedures are. They know the regulations specify what is right and
wrong, but nothing is mentioned about correct operating procedures.
The theory classes of today are shortened to 12 weeks and rarely cover
proper procedures and protocols.
So, to help newcomers learn what classes don't teach, and to remind the
rest of us how it should be done, here are some comments on using the
amateur frequencies.
Setting an example
Yes, we all have slipped into some poor operating habits unknowingly.
Maybe it's time we all take a few moments to think of what we say and
how we say it. We've just become lazy and comfortable with our sloppy
procedures and don't even realize we're doing it. It becomes a
subconscious action and things like shortened callsigns, bad slang e.g.,
damn, hell, etc., are part of our vocabulary. Yes, these words are used
on the CBC but do we really need to express ourselves in this manner?
Non-hams who ride in our vehicles, or listen on scanners, are unlikely to
get excited about ham radio if they hear this unimpressive slang. Young
people already know these words and if they pursue this great hobby
why should we give them the impression that language of this nature is
commonly accepted? We reap what we sow. Therefore, the following
points will make amateur radio a better space to listen to.
The meaning of "break"
The word "Break" has four different and very specific meanings in
amateur radio. Break should never be used when you simply want to
join a conversation in progress. Use your callsign for that.
1. The first use of the word break is separate parts of one message,
such as separating the address from the text, during the same
transmission. E.g., "VE6XXX, this is VE6YYY, message from EOC to
Foothills. BREAK. Ambulance will arrive at 14:55. BREAK. Over."
2. The second use of the word break is to terminate a message with
one station and start a message to another during the same
transmission. E.g., "VE6XXX, message received. BREAK. VE6YYY, has
the helicopter arrived?"
3. The third use of break is to interupt an ongoing conversation with
traffic of a higher priority. The frequency should be released immediately
to the station calling break. E.g.,
"VE6YYY this is VE6XXX, what was the final score?"
"BREAK."
VE6YYY should then transmit "Station calling break go ahead," and wait
with the score until later. VE6YYY must not simply say "I acknowledge
the break," then finish his/her conversation before relinquishing the
frequency.
4. The fourth and most critical use of break is when someone calls
"break break" or "break emergency". This indicates emergency traffic. All
other stations must release the frequency immediately and stand by to
assist if necessary. E.g.,
"VE6YYY this is VE6XXX, go ahead with your results."
"BREAK BREAK."
VE6YYY should then transmit "Station calling break break go ahead,
VE6YYY standing by."
Using repeaters
Repeaters are meant to be used for communicating with two or more
stations that are not close enough to each other to be properly heard by
all stations on a simplex frequency. Peak repeater times in cities are
normally during rush hour. During this time more stations are on during a
very short time frame, so your transmissions should be kept shorter to
allow everyone a chance to speak.
Listen on the frequency for more than a few seconds before initiating a
call. The repeater may be busy with someone momentarily standing by.
If the repeater is not busy and you wish to establish a conversation use
the phrase "VE6ZYX monitoring." After releasing the PTT anyone
wishing to speak with you will come back with their callsign. If no one
comes back to your call you, do not continue repeating your callsign.
This is redundant and very annoying. There may be many people
monitoring who don't wish to speak with you at this time. You may try
your call again later in case someone else comes on to monitor that may
wish to speak with you.
Identify yourself at the beginning and end of a contact, and every 30
minutes during a contact. Remember to use full callsigns, partial
callsigns are illegal.
In general, give mobile stations priority over base stations, especially
during rush hour. The mobile station may be asking for directions or
reporting traffic congestion.
Wait for a "squelch-tail" or "go-ahead tone" after each transmission. This
allows time for another person to join in the conversation as well as
allowing for the repeater "time-out timer" to be reset.
If you want to join an established conversation don't use the word
"Break", which has specific meanings (see the meaning of "break"T
above). To enter a conversation insert your full callsign between
transmissions. This will then be acknowledged by those using the
repeater.
A repeater that is in use during a public service event or during an
emergency situation should not be accessed while this is in progress. If
necessary, contact net control or designate for permission to call for your
station and move them to another frequency. Keeping the repeater
frequency clear during these events can make the difference during life
threatening situations.
Profane or obscene language is not permitted, and will not be tolerated
by Industry Canada and other radio amateurs.
0n voice repeaters voice procedures should be used. This also applies
to all voice frequencies within our amateur bands. The use of "Q" codes
(e.g., QSL, QSO, QTH, QRT, etc.) should be reserved for CW
conversations and CW nets. It is much easier to say what you really
mean in the first place.
When checking into voice nets don't use the word "Break" unless you
have higher priority or emergency traffic. Also don't use check, recheck,
contact, etc. All that is required for getting the net controller's attention is
a simple transmission of your callsign. Net control now knows
immediately who you are.
Never check into a net and then leave without first notifying net control of
your intentions. Net control may have traffic for you at a later time. It is
most frustrating when net control calls you and you've left the frequency.
Repeaters with mail box facilities having subscribers should not have
priority over traffic to access their mailbox. Try to access your mailbox
when the repeater is not in use.
Last but not least, let us have fun on our amateur radio repeaters. They
can become very useful during emergencies, as well as bringing much
enjoyment to new amateurs traveling through our cities.
C
CA
AR
RA
AE
EX
XE
EC
CU
UTTIIV
VE
E 22000033 –– 22000044
Executive
PRESIDENT
Bill Ingles
PAST PRESIDENT
Dave Currie
VICE PRESIDENT
Open
SECRETARY
Al McNeil
TREASURER
Aty Bourne
DIRECTOR
Frank Devitte
DIRECTOR
Don Lloyd
MEMBERSHIP DIR. Sheila Devitte
BYLAWS & RULES of ORDER Open
CARATELS SECTION
CHAIRMAN
Frank Jones
VICE CCHAIRMAN
Les Card
SECRETARY
Jack Ambler
DIGITAL SECTION
CHAIRMAN
Open
VICE CHAIRMAN
Lloyd Miller
SECRETARY
SYSOPS
William Graham
DX SECTIONCHAIRMAN
Mike Ross
SECRETARY
Larry Chapple
VHF SECTION / ATV
CHAIRMAN
Tony Mountjoy
VICE CHAIRMAN
Ray Bourne
SECRETARY
Nicholas Janzen
TECHNICIANS
Tony Mountjoy
Tom Cullen
Ray Bourne
CARA REPRESENTATIVES
Education Coordinator
Dave Currie
QSL Manager
Barry Middlebrook
Equipment Manager
Tony Mountjoy
Historian
Jack Ambler
Tube Bank Custodian
Don Everton
Social Director
Mamie Woo
RF Susceptibility
OPEN
SACNIB Coordinator
Jack Ambler
Key Klix Audio Tapes
Jack Ambler
Humanitarian
Zane Hennigar
CARA/Scouting Liaison
Henry Schreiber
CARA/Calg. Sports Car
Bill Ingles
Legal Advisor
Tim Ellam
Club Jacket Agent
Dave Currie
Stampede City Award
- Booster Awards
Mike Ross
ARES
Calgary Emergency Coordinator Gerry Leach
Alberta section Manager
Alberta Section E.C.
Gerry Leach
Southern Alberta Repeater Association
Calgary Rep (President SARA) Pete Racicot
Radio Amateurs of Canada
President.
William J. Gillis
Alberta/NWT Director
Earle Smith
Assit Director, Calgary
Barry Middlebrook
V.P. Regulatory affairs
James G. Dean
VE6WSI 210-2173
VE6RTL 278-0848
VE7BJA 298-7951
VE6ACB 686-4556
VE6ANL 282-2171
VE3DD 293-7462
VE6NOW 282-2171
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
VE6ZQ 276-2131
VE6CA 288-7748
VE6CAQ 282-9855
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
VE6LFM 284-4498
-
VE6UUG.
VE6TC 948-5842
VE6KC 251-3899
[email protected]
[email protected]
VE6MX
VE6LG
VE6OBS
VE6MX
VE6SHB
VE6LG
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
255-6254
686-4556
809-5584
255-6254
242-1205
686-4556
VE6RTL 278-0848
VE6TN 257-0923
VE6MX 255-6254
VE6CAQ 282-9855
VA6DE 252-4131
VE6MMN 226-6105
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
VE6CAQ
VE6CAQ
VE6ZEE
VE6HAS
VE6WSI
VE6SH
VE6RTL
282-9855
282-9855
249-1206
248-0706
210-2173
260-3533
278-0848
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
VE6TC
948-5842
[email protected]
VE6BVZ 285-5547
VE6BVZ 285-5547
VE6NZ
280-0956
[email protected]
VE1WG
VE6NM
VE6TN
VE3JO
506-383-8016
780-532-4279
257-0923
613-733-5585
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
CARA EXEC 2003-2004 December,03: VE6SHB