PARC 2013 Summer Soiree!

Hi Folks,

It’s that time of year again!

I’m pleased to announce that our Summer Soiree for 2013 is being held at the
Spoonful Restaurant located at Brampton’s Shoppers World on Tuesday June 4th at
7.00pm.

A Google Map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/k5P0c

Spoonful is a new restaurant that is buffet style with an eclectic mix of East
and West.

The cost is $22.00 per person and is CASH ONLY. The cost includes the buffet,
tax, gratuities, soft drinks, coffee, and tea which are refillable.

If you haven’t done so, please RSVP with our online form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1g8q5dPCWFpU20F2U6XiPCBvyBCoTszseNq4Uv0LCMCQ/viewform

You’ll receive an email confirming your reservation.

If you have already manually signed up at the main meeting, no worries, your
names have already been entered into the online form and you should already have
your email confirmations.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to email me at
parc dot vp ( at ) gmail dot com

73,

Joe de VA3POR

Field Day 2013 Site Map

For a larger version, click on the map below:

ISS CONTACT

On April 6, 2013 several PARC members (Richard VA3RMU, Paul VA3PB, George VA3OG and Vic VE3FOX) were present for a contact with the International Space Station (ISS). Held at Country Heritage Park in Milton, the event was organized to permit several of the Air Cadet squadrons in Halton Region to pose questions to the first Canadian Commander of the ISS, Chris Hadfield VA3OOG. Coincidently, Hadfield was a member of the 820 Air Cadet Squadron in his younger days, so this was a special occasion for them.

 

Facilities for the event were arranged and set up by Steve McFarlane VE3TBD from ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Canada, along with his wife Lori. The purpose of ARISS is to teach about space exploration, inspire an interest in science and technology, and to provide an opportunity to learn about wireless technology through Amateur Radio.

After more than 100 Cadets from the various squadrons filled the room in anticipation of the contact, they were first shown some videos about life on the ISS as well as current and future explorations that are planned. Appropriately, one of the videos was of Hadfield and two other astronauts as they left earth in December 2012, aboard a Russian rocket, bound for the ISS.

 

Glenn VE3CEZ and Gord VE3OXP provided an Amateur Radio station setup and also projected a map of the earth on the wall, showing the trajectory of the ISS and where it was at any given time. Eagerly anticipating the contact, this allowed the cadets to better visualize where Hadfield was and how soon they could talk with him.

 

For this event, direct communication with the ISS was to be through Amateur Radio station LU8YY in Argentina. From there, all communications were patched into a telebridged network, allowing contact between the ISS and the Air Cadets in Milton.

 As the ISS came closer to LU8YY, Hadfield’s voice could be heard, scratchy at first but then clear for all to hear. Cadets from the 820 Squadron lined up at the microphone with their questions for Hadfield, which he answered in an encouraging manner. Ten minutes later, as signals began to fade, it was over.

 

For many of those present this had to be the thrill of a lifetime. Hopefully, some will be pursuing lofty goals, much like Hadfield, as a result of the contact with the ISS. Who knows, maybe some will take that first step by also becoming Amateur Radio operators.

Spring 2013 Build-A-Thon Registration is Open!

Hi Gang,

            The next PARC Buildathon will be held on April 27th 2013 at St. Bartholomews United Church, 22 Abbey Rd, Brampton.

            This spring we will be building the WSPRx -10 project. This is a WSPR receiver design to be a companion for the transmitter built last fall.

There will be 22 kits available at about $50.00 each. Registration will be by internet with a cut off date of March 30th or when all the kits have been committed. Only PARC members in good standing can order and register.

Click here to register and order your kit today!

73,

The Homebrew Group

Field Day Results 2012

While Peel ARC not only took the title of Top Canadian in the four transmitter (4A) category in the 2012 Field Day, ranking 11^th out of 168 entries, putting us in the top 7% of all North American stations in our category, we also moved up considerably in the overall standing, ranking first among all stations in Canada, regardless of the category. Our score was 9118 points based on 2539 contacts.

This is the highest score and ranking ever achieved by PARC in its history and is due, in no small part, to the great effort by many people, all of whom should feel very proud of their efforts. Congratulations to all and here’s hoping we do even better in 2013.

PARC FIELD DAY TOTALS
Year	Class	Participants	Points	Standing in Class
2012	4A	45	9118	Top Canadian
2011	4A	25	6834	Top Canadian
2010	4A	32	3766	3rd in Canada
2009	3A	20	2406	7th in Can. / 3rd in Ont.
2008				Score not submitted
2007		20	2694	2nd in Canada
2006	4A	25	2660	Top Canadian
2005				Score not submitted
2004	4A	25	5942	Top Canadian
2003	5A	40	4466	Top Canadian
2002	5A	76	6346	Top Canadian
2001	4A	50	7222	Top Canadian
2000	4A		7228	Top Canadian
1999	4A	54	7440	Top Canadian
1998	4A	45	7278	Top Canadian
1997	4A	25	5492
1996	3A	33	4444
1995	3A	37	3906
1994	3A	40	3272
1993	3A		1898

PARC RATs Inaugural Mini DX-pedition

August 10, 11, and 12 will be the first trip for the Peel Amateur Radio Club Radio Adventure Team. More affectionately known as, PARC RATs.

The team consists of 8 people, 6 hams and 2 young men who really know how to camp and fish. In no particular order here they are:

Gord, VE3GKN, Richard, VE3RHD, Kevin, VE3KHH, Nick Heise, Edmondo, VA3ITA, Dave, VE3DKX, Peter, VE3POA, and Kevin Ayearst.

We plan to operate 40, 20, 6, and 2 meters. Frequencies subject to change, but here they are:

CW – 7.040 and 7.030. Please don’t go over 10wpm. I’m practicing and getting better.

SSB – 14.285, 50.130

We are planning to try and use IRLP linking through the Parry Sound repeater back to PRC. To that end, Kevin VE3KHH has been testing portable 2 meter Yagis.

Operating times are really subject to local conditions, such as rain, heat, the fish are biting, and bears, but here it goes:

Aug 10 – not before 18:00. Need to set up camp first and have a nap.

Aug 11 – Not before 10:00. We need to go catch some fish for our breakfast first.

Aug 12 – Maybe Edmondo on 6 first thing, I’ll be lucky to just be able to pack up and get back to the car by 2. When we get in range with PRC, look for us on 2.  RPT or LSR are possible in the early afternoon.

For those of you staying home that weekend, please look for us and join in the fun. Another idea would be to get together and take to a park somewhere and set up. Rod VE3WWP, is planning on a day trip Aug 11 to I believe Rattlesnake Point, and would enjoy some company. Anyone interested in joining Rod, please give him a call. If you can, let one of the RAT members know if you are planning to join in Friday or Saturday so we know for sure to look for you.

If anyone wants to give NVIS a try on 40, let me know. I will have a dipole with me that I can use to give it a go.

The canoe route is posted on the PARC Yahoo group site in the file section under the folder PARC Rat. Here’s the lat. long. of the campsite: 45°44’32.57″N 80°24’4.46″W.

For the team, looking forward to many qso’s, and hopefully lots with members of PARC,

73, Peter

VE3POA

Charles Palmer, VE3AZA (SK) 1919-2012

Charles John Palmer, VE3AZA (SK)
1919 – 2012

The Peel Amateur Radio Club has lost a treasure.  Charles Palmer, VE3AZA, passed away Thursday June 14th, 2012.  ’Chuck’ as he was known to most, was the club’s first president and a founding member in 1964, along with Dave Kerr and Lloyd Hustler (SK).

Chuck was a CW legend, who easily achieved a 45 word per minute transmission rate, and the seemingly effortless ability to copy CW at the same rate or greater.  Chuck was a mentor to many in the club, and his passion for amateur radio became infectious – helping to expand the club by introducing our amazing hobby to many over decades.

His story telling and his sense of humour will be missed at the clubbreakfasts, meetings, and on the Radio Nets.

While Chuck has become a silent key, his love for the hobby will continue to motivate others to take up CW and to keep the airwaves filled with steady ”dits” and “dahs”.  We won’t be able to hear his lively talk and gravel-like voice, but we can thank him for mentoring others to expand their knowledgeof the hobby and to participate in the many club activities.  We won’t be able to look forward to seeing him at our gatherings, but we can still enjoy the fellowship and friendship that he helped to build within this amazing club.  His love for amateur radio will continue to be a hallmark for all who knew him.

We mourn the passing of Chuck Palmer, but we celebrate his life as one well worth living.

Please spend a moment at looking at our picture gallery, recalling our moments with Chuck.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chuck and his family.

MS Walk 2012

Sunday April 22nd was a rather cool day but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the many walkers in the latest MS Walk-a-thon. In support of this effort, eleven members of PARC again provided communications assistance over the entire course, utilizing the local VHF repeater. No serious incidents were encountered but, as usual, we were there if anything had happened.

Those participating included: Paul VA3PB, Joe VA3POR, Kelly VE3VGP, Pam VA3PAM, Henry VE3LEM, Bernie VE3OTR, Gabe VE3BDE, Richard VA3RMU, Don VE3REO, Bob VE3UBM and Vic VE3FOX, some of whom are pictured below.

Organizers thanked the members for their assistance and presented them with a certificate to recognize their contribution.

2012-2013 Executive Election Results

After a successful Annual General Meeting, the Peel Amateur Radio Club, Inc. is pleased to announce the Officers, Directors and Executive members for the 2012-2013 season.  Click here to go to the Directors page. The Club is looking forward to another great year with lots of opportunities for all members to grow and expand their Amateur Radio horizons.

Spring Build-A-Thon Announcement

Hi All Homebrewers:

The next PARC Buildathon will be held on November 24th at St. Bartholomews United Church,22 Abbey Rd,Brampton.

Use the South West door which is on the left side at the back of the church.  The session is scheduled to start at 09:00 EDT and end around 16:00 EDT.   There is a fridge available if you would like to bring something for lunch.

The project selected for this fall is a WSPR (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter) mode Transmitter.

For further details please refer to the parchomebrew yahoo site with questions, or the 06:00.

For registration please sent your request for a kit to the parchomebrew yahoo site asap, as space is limited.  Closing date will be October 20th.

If you own a soldering station (or two), please bring it along as there will be over 30 builders to accommodate.  Here is a list of the other items you should bring to the session:

Tweezers

Hobby Knife (X-acto or OLFA style)

Wire strippers

Diagonal cutters

Needle nose pliers

Small slotted screwdriver

Small Philips screwdriver

De-soldering braid

Highlighter

Ruler (marked in inches)

Pencil

Partitioned container for small parts

Solder

1 – 9V battery for the L/C Meter

6 – AA batteries for the ‘Tenna Dipper

Optional Items

Magnifying Glass (recommended)

Multimeter

Solder Sucker

PCB holder (third hand)

73,