GUYWIRE
DECEMBER 2008
Editor VE5SC sewert@sasktel.net
The online publication of the REGINA AMATEUR RADIO
ASSOCIATION is published monthly except July and August
and is distributed free of charge as a service of RARA
to all licensed hams in the Regina Area who have e-mail
addresses. Anyone NOT wishing to receive future copies
should send an e-mail to the editor and your name will
be removed from the mailing list.
The RARA WEBSITE can be found at:
www.ve5nn.ca
The website contains RARA news, repeater lists, net
listings as well as links to other amateur resources.
Club meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month,
with the exception of July and August, at the Science Center.
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THERE WILL BE NO REGULAR MEETING IN DECEMBER
IN ITS PLACE THE ANNUAL RARA CHRISTMAS GET-TOGETHER
WILL BE HELD AT THE CLASSIC BUFFET, 100 ALBERT STREET
ON DECEMBER 10TH 6:00 PM ALL HAMS, SPOUSES AND
FAMILIES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING WILL BE ON JANUARY 14TH
7:30 PM IMAX BOARD ROOM Saskatchewan Science Center.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
THE IMAX ENTRANCE DOOR MAY BE LOCKED. IF SO SOMEONE WILL
BE AT THE DOOR WITH DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO GET TO THE IMAX
BOARDROOM.
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HAM CLASSES
If you know of anyone interested in taking the classes,
direct them to VE5EE, who is co-ordinating the classes.
They will begin in the new year and if there is a demand,
Advanced classes may also be given.
SILENT KEY
Sadly we report the passing of Ken Stuart, VE5KF. Ken
was a long-time member of the Regina and Wolsley clubs.
He was known as being one of first heart transplant
recipients from this area when the technique was first
perfected. Our sympathies go out to Jean and the family.
A memorial celebration of his life was held at the Living
Spirit Centre at 2:00 pm Dec. 6th.
TECHNICAL REPORT
The new operating positions at the Emergency
Operations Center at the T. C. Douglas building are
almost complete. There is now a HF and VHF operating
position. Pictures of the installation will be posted
on the RARA website www.rara.ca in the near future.
Possibly as a result of the move, a problem has developed
in the IRLP node, which means that it is temporarily down
but should be rectified shortly.
AFRAID OF HEIGHTS?
You're probably not alone in feeling uneasy about climbing
towers. Most of us like to leave the job to those who
enjoy that sort of thing, but how would you like the job
of maintaining the antennas on top of the Empire State
Building? Go to the following site for a graphic picture
(looking down) from the antennas. I get vertigo just looking
at the picture.
http://www.laforetvisuals.com/content/photos/0LaforetP009.jpg
1937 RADIO
In 1937 radio was relatively new and mysterious to many
people so the Columbia Broadcasting System produced a film
to explain radio to the masses. You will get a kick
out of this blast from the past.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VHtZr_xsT8
RED CROSS - IARU SIGN MOU
To: - All Canadian Radio Amateurs
Re: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The
International Amateur Radio Union, IARU and
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies, IFRC
As you know, the prime reason why we are able to justify keeping
our frequencies and previledges around the world is because of
our ability to provide communications in cases of disaster. When
situations arise that communications are either destroyed or
inadequate, authorities know that they can call on Amateurs to
support them at no cost and that they will be providing their
own equipments. The same help is also offered to the World's
major Non Governamental Organisations (NGOs) providing
humanitarian aid to populations in need.
This willingnes and ability to help by the Amateur Service and
the Amateur Satellite Service has also been recognized by the
ratification of the ITU (International Telecommunications Union)
Tempere (Finland) Convention.
Another step towards general global recognition of our offered
abilities to serve came with the recent signing of a MOU between
the IARU and the IFRC. On June 27th, 2008, Mr Markku Niskala, the
IFRC Secretary General and Mr Thimothy St. J. Ellam, VE6SH, Vice
President of the International Amateur Radio Union, signed this
very important document.
Thank you to the IARU international team of negotiators for this
success.
73,
Daniel A. Lamoureux, VE2KA
- Vice President International Affairs,
Radio Amateurs of Canada
- Director Area A,
IARU Region
-credit TCA
THE HISTORY OF WD-40
The product began from a search for a rust preventative
solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created
in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical
Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water
displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth
formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk
to protect their Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased
with the product, they began smuggling (also known as "shrinkage"
or "stealing") it out to use at home. The executives decided there
might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The
rest, as they say, is history. It is a carefully guarded recipe
known only to four people. Only one of them is the "brew master."
There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff manufactured
each year. It gets it's distinctive smell from a fragrance that
is added to the brew. Ken East (one of the original founders) says
there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.
-HF Radio
OF DEMOGRAPHICS AND HAMFESTS
Why is it that Hamfests of the 1950/60s drew
crowds of hundreds of hams, but now, with double the
number of hams we have half the attendance, if indeed
we have an annual Hamfest at all. What has happened?
Back then the majority of hams came from the rural areas.
They were isolated from each other, except by radio
and welcomed the opportunity to get together once a
year to exchange information. It wasn't easy for them.
The economy wasn't good, having just come through the
depresssion and years of crop failures and roads were
not what they are now, but they always found a way to come.
Fast forward to today. Most of the hams are
located in the cities, travel is easier and they have
the opportunity to see each other often. Because of
the decline in the rural population the ham population
there has declined.
As an example, one rail line in southwestern Saskatchewan
that ran from Cabri to Leader had at least one ham in
each of the towns. Now not only are there no hams in
the area, but the villages themselves have disappeared
from the map.
Hamfests were a major social event. There were usually
three days of music, dancing and entertainment as well
as contests, seminars and a wind-up banquet. The only
replacement we have for it is the Flea Market, one
small part of what Hamfests used to be.
It looks like Hamfests are going to be another
casualty of our modern culture. At least oldtimers have
fond memories of the cameraderie of Hamfests past.
SASKATCHEWAN REPEATER DIRECTORY
For a complete up-to-date listing of Saskatchewan repeaters
go to this web site:
http://nwham.com/index.php?module=PostWrap&page=http://nwham.com
/repeaters/keyword.php (note the wraparound)
For Sask. repeaters click on Quick -> Canada -> Saskatchewan
For other areas just follow directions on the website.
There are 71 repeater listings for Saskatchewan.
WEBSITES OF THE MONTH
For a riotous look at the digital TV conversion plan go to:
www.collegehumor.com/video:1832247
Everything you wanted to know about Bruce VE5RC
www.qsl.net/ve5qrp
LAST MONTHS PUZZLER
Can you use a language other than English or French when
communicating on amateur radio in Canada?
Answer: You may use any language providing you identify
your station in either English or French.
THIS MONTHS PUZZLER
Older transceivers used relays to switch the antenna
between the transmitter and the receiver. What do
modern transceivers use?
Answer next month.
R.A.R.A. Membership Application 2008 2009
(Please write clearly and enter Y or N in boxes as required)
Name: _____________________________________________
Call Sign: ______________ Current RAC membership
Mailing Address: _____________________________________
_____________________________________
e-mail Address: _____________________________________
Renewal or New Membership
Single Membership ($30) ____ Family membership ($35) ____
I have enclosed $____ for ____membership(s) indicated above.
Please include this application with your fee to club treasurer
Allan Tidball or mail cheque to Regina Amateur Radio Assoc.
(VE5LAT) Box 153 Station Main
Regina, Sask. S4P 2Z6