YRARC Fox Hunt on November 19th!

Hunt Logistics

Date:	November 19, 2016
Start Time:	09:00 am
Duration:	2.0 hours
Fox transmit power:	5 Watts
Hound start location:	Wimpys Diner, 12916 Yonge St, Richmond Hill

Frequency 146.565 MHz

Boundaries

North	Davis Drive
East	Highway 404
South	19th Avenue
West	Dufferin Street

Rules

1. DURATION - The exercise ends after two (2) hours or when all hounds have either found the fox or conceded, whichever is the earlier.
   
2. FOX’S OPERATION - The fox will transmit on one of the above FM frequency signals from a fixed location, on unrestricted public property, and within the above declared boundaries.
   The fox will use an Omni directional, vertically polarized signal. The fox’s effective radiated power will be such that any hounds starting towards the centre of the area in a reasonably high and clear location shall be assured of receiving the fox’s transmission. The fox’s transmitted power will remain constant throughout the hunt. The fox may issue clues to his location. The fox will transmit the location at the end of the exercise.
   
3. HOUND’S OPERATION - The hound is a person or team in one vehicle using one set of equipment. The hounds may start from any location. Taking bearings from home is not permitted. Hounds without transmission capability should make their participation known in advance.
   
4. RESTRICTIONS - The YRARC is a responsible club with an enviable reputation. Hounds will adhere to the terms of their transmitting license, all driving laws, the Highway Code, and local Bylaws. YRARC members must satisfy themselves on relevant matters of law and insurance. They participate in these foxhunt exercises at their own risk and on the strict understanding that all participants agree to indemnify YRARC Officials, the Fox Hunt Committee and the YRARC Inc. for any accident or other damage arising from the event.
   

Check the following for home brew direction antennas for 2m: NT1K Blog OR WB2HOL RDF Optimized tape measure beam

YRARC General Meeting Minutes - 2016-10-04

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance HallMeeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:30 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members and guests attending: 39 including 5 guests and 2 new members.

1. Welcome & Introductions – Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Coax Connector Tips – Doug VE3VS. Doug passed on preparation tips to make perfect connections with RG8 or RG213 type cables and PL259 connectors.
   
3. Adoption of Minutes from 2016/09/06 general meeting. Moved by Bill VA3QB, seconded by Jack VA3UU. Carried
   
4. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/09/01 [Available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Income: Hamfest vendor fees: $325.00
     
   • Membership dues: $610.00
     
   • Expenditures: Name plates for awards: $10.00
     
   • Repeater link antenna: $75.00
     
   • Post Office box rental: $240.69
     
   • Liability and Directors insurance: $1112.48
     
   • Bank charges for PayPal: $4.56
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/10/04 [Available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Additional income to be deposited: Hamfest vendor fees $42.00; Membership dues (tonight) $185.00
     
   • Moved the treasurer's report be adopted, by John VA3JI, seconded Jack VA3UU. Carried
     
5. Public Service Report – Eric VE3EB. Past public service events include: Sunday Sept 18, 2016 Sharon Temple wedding (parking), Saturday Oct 01, 2016 Sharon Temple 2 weddings (parking), Sunday Oct 02, 2016 Run for the Cure
   
6. Hamfest Report – Geoff VA3GS. We need MANY volunteers, for setup on Friday, the event on Saturday morning and for teardown after the event is over. Bob Heil's attendance should be confirmed 2 weeks before the Hamfest. Community service hours for high school students are available when helping with this event.
   
7. EmComm Report – Don VE3IXJ. There is an EmComm meeting the second Thursday of each month in the Newmarket Community Centre, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. The meeting will look at transmitting data digitally for IMS213 (ICS213) forms with DMR radios.
   
8. Repeater Report – Steve VE3UT
   
   • The new link antenna was installed at the hospital site, aimed at the VE3YRA site, and the power of the link radio has been reduced, to reduce propagation toward a repeater in Western Pennsylvania. In addition the time-out timer has been removed in the link radio.
     
   • On the same visit, the 6m antenna was raised.
     
   • At the VE3YRC-V site the 100w PA was installed, and it failed shortly after installation. A second 100w PA was then installed and is stable.
     
   • Recently a cross-band radio at the EOC was causing interference with VE3YRC-V, resulting in the YRC-V repeater being shut down overnight. The cross-band radio, normally on EmComm “Channel 90”, was for some unknown reason, transmitting on the input to VE3YRC-V.
     
9. Winter Field Day – Steve VE3UT. It has been proposed that we participate in Winter Field Day this year, held on January 28 and 29, 2017. We participated in 2015, however the noise floor at the site (Sharon Temple) was extremely high, but did disappear later in the evening. We will try to determine the noise source before returning to the Sharron Temple. Steve would welcome suggestions for an alternate site. As in past winter and summer field days, those wishing to be fed will need to purchase a $10 meal ticket, which will include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
   
10. YRLAB – “RJ” from YRLAB noted that after the first amateur class last year, the antennae have been re-installed at the David Dunlap Observatory, and a second class is now underway.
    
11. Membership Report – Barry VA3LLT, John VA3JI. 36 members have paid or renewed their membership to date. John is looking for missing information for 3 life members VE3SLM, VE3WHY and VE3ATO to be included in the new membership database.
    
12. Fox Hunt – John VE3IPS. John is interested in holding a fox hunt on October 22.
    

Guest Speaker – Grant VE3XTV / VA3XTV / ZL1WTT

Grant spoke on developments in Amateur TV, and the use of DATV repeaters. The key points in operating a DATV repeater are achieving maximum gain, minimum losses, keep to broadcast standards, use horizontal polarization, employ cross-band, Rx high, Tx low, always use Rx and Tx filters to eliminate interference to and from other users, and operate amplifiers extremely linearly to avoid splatter and interference.

ATV broadcasts real-time video and audio, and uses bands above 70cm. Both analogue and digital signals can be used and adhere to NTSC, PAL for SD, 480i 576i for MD and 1080i for HD broadcasts.

October ARES/EmComm Meeting - Change of Location

Due to a scheduling conflict the Town of Newmarket has advised us that our usual meeting place is not available for the EmComm meeting on Thursday, October 13th. They have provided an alternate location at the Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket. The November meeting will return to the Newmarket Community Centre at 200 Doug Duncan Drive.

Chris VE3NRT

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2016-09-20

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT

Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT Pres, John VA3JI Treasurer, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, David VA3DCY Secty, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO. Absent: John VE3IPS V. Pres. Others attending: None

On-Line motion 2016-08-30-1, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that we approve the purchase of a yagi antenna from Maple Leaf Communications (Bob WY) in the amount of $75.00. On 2016/08/30 the following had voted 'yes' to the motion: Steve VE3UT, Geoff VA3GS, David VA3DCY, John VA3JI and Rick VA3VO. On 2016/09/02 Barry VA3LLT voted 'yes' to the motion. 6 of 9 directors voted in favour of the motion. The following were not heard from: John VE3IPS, Eric VE3EB, Doug VA3ATP and Chris VE3NRT who could only cast a deciding vote.

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Additions: Audit report discussions and membership. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the agenda. Carried.
   
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt minutes of Board Meetings dates 2016/07/19 and 2016/08/16. Carried.
   
3. Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. Motion 2016-09-20-3 to approve $200.00 for trailer maintenance for the EmComm and tower trailers. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
   
4. Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Steve proposed we participate in WFD this Year (January 28 & 29). If held at the Sharon Temple site, we should investigate the source of the noise, enquire if there is interest at the next general meeting, and book the building with Caitlin Wagg. Other sites mentioned were the summer FD site and Bales Rd.
   
5. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. The date is Saturday November 05. Information has been sent to the vendors and publicity has been arranged. Club members will be asked to sign-up for jobs at the next general meeting. There is no information yet to whether or not Bob Heil will be attending or his requirements. Chris will prepare posters.
   
6. Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. Grant VE3XTV will talk about ATV in October and John Corby will be the speaker in November talking about QRP. Paul Delaney may be the speaker in May.
   
7. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016-09-01 [available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Income: Hamfest – 4 tables $168.00
     
   • Dues - 20 regular, 1 family $530.00
     
   • Expenditures: Name plates for awards $10.00
     
   • Repeater link antenna $75.00
     
   • PO Box rental $240.69
     
   • Bank fees (PayPal) $3.04
     
   • Closing Balance 2016-09-20 [available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Eric VE3EB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
     
8. Repeaters
   
   • Steve VE3UT. Motion 2016-09-20-5d to approve $200.00 for repeater maintenance. Moved Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Amendment by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that fuel expenses for repeater service trips over 100km be considered as repeater expenses. Amendment and motion carried.
     
   • The input frequency 147.825 MHz for VE3YRC-V repeater has a cycling on/off with an unknown carrier being received. Steve has disabled the repeater. Barry noted that the cross-band radio at YREOC had also been 'kerchunking' as noted previously by Don VE3IXJ.
     
   • The PA replacement at VE3YRC-V is on hold until a better power supply is installed.
     
   • The link antenna at Richmond Hill, VE3YRC-U for VE3YRA will be installed on Thursday.
     
   • D-Star coverage (VE3YRK-V) has shrunk. A site visit will be required to investigate the problem. Reception seems to be the problem, transmission appears to be good. (Note: After the meeting, Eric VE3EB traced the 147.825 MHz carrier to be originating at or near the YREOC.)
     
   • YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The gateway is OK
     
   • IRLP: Chris VE3NRT. The Raspberry Pi is now running solidly with a new SD card. The next requirement is to build a case.
     
9. Public Service: Eric VE3EB. The last event was at the Sharon Temple. The next event is Run for the Cure, Sunday October 2. We need a minimum of 12 volunteers for this event.
   
10. YRLAB: Geoff VA3GS. The new amateur licensing class is now running.
    
11. PO Box. Motion 2016-09-20-7 to approve payment of 240.69 for rental of the PO Box, moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
    
12. Audit Report Discussion: John VA3JI. It was agreed that the use of personal credit cards for large purchases or expenses, incurred on behalf of the club, has been resolved.
    
13. Membership Tracking: John VA3JI. John has been creating a data base to track club membership, which will include members' names, call signs, address, email addresses, phone numbers and payment of dues. The information will be available to board members, however only the names and call signs of members will be available to the public. It was agreed that John should proceed with the project.
    

Meeting adjourned at 20:35. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2016-08-16

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, John VE3IPS, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY. Absent: Doug VE3ATP.
Others attending: None

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt the agenda. Carried.
   
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Minutes of Board Meeting date 2016/07/19 deferred until September.
   
3. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI. John was only able to attend briefly, and left the following information.
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/08/01 [Available to members upon request to Secreatary]
     
   • Income: $0.00
     
   • Expenditures: $0.00
     
   • There is an outstanding cheque #1084 from Steve VE3UT
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/08/16 $13,751.71
     
4. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. The door prizes have been purchased, and Geoff is are currently negotiating with the Markham Fair about table and chair prices (we get old wooden tables). Bob Heil will be attending with Radio World, and will be making a presentation at 10:30. The Aurora Lions Club will be serving breakfast again this year.
   
5. Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. In September, Don VE3IXJ will be talking about DMR, in October Grant VA3XTV will talk about Amateur TV, and in November the presentation will be about outdoor QRP. Possible future meetings could include a presentation about a DXpedition, a visit from Dr. Delaney and 10 minute show and tells.
   
6. Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Field day was good this year. Our submission has been received by the ARRL. This year attendance was 63 (69 was the record) and we operated as 5A (generator and solar). We had 537 CW contacts (1074 points), 103 digital contacts (206 points) and 903 phone contacts totalling 2183 points, doubled to 4366 contact points. We had 1290 bonus points for a total score of 5656.
   
7. Repeaters:
   
   • Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. We now have two 100w Pas, both have been repaired and are OK. One is to be returned to the YRC site at Aurora, and the second will be a spare in the container. They were repaired by Bruce VE3BV and picked-up from him in Parry Sound. From the 7330 Users Group, Steve is exploring the use of a script for an inactivity timer.
     
   • YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The gateway software has been replaced with G4LKX IRC DB Gateway, by Keith VA3YC. There are still some issues, which may possibly be caused by a firewall which is maintained by Gord Hewit VE3GIH.
     
8. Public Service: Eric VE3EB. The Newmarket Jazz Fest was the last event, and again more volunteers are needed. A future event in the fall is Run for the Cure with not other confirmed events.
   
9. YRLAB: Chris VE3NRT. A new Ham Class begins September 15, with the final exam scheduled for November 3.
   
10. Other business:
    
    • Barry VA3LLT has purchased a new lock for the container, and distributed keys to: Rick VA3VO, Steve VE3UT, Barry VA3LLT, Peter VE3PBT and David VA3DCY (secty).
      
    • Steve VE3UT requested money to purchase plaques for the Harvey Bell Award and the Melted Coffee Pot Award. Motion 2016-07-19-5b, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that we allocate a maximum of $25 to purchase name tags (plaques) for the Harvey Bell Award and the Melted Coffee Pot Award. Carried.
      

Minutes YRARC Board of Directors 2016-07-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY. Absent: Steve VE3UT, John VE3IPS.
Others attending: Peter VE3PBT

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the agenda. Carried.
   
2. Election of President. Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that Chris VE3NRT be nominated for the office of president. There were no other nominations. Chris VE3NRT becomes the new president. Carried.
   
3. Election of Officers
   
   • Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rick VA3VO that David VA3DCY be nominated for the office of secretary. There were no other nominations. David VA3DCY becomes the new secretary. Carried.
     
   • Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB that John VA3JI be nominated for the office of treasurer. There were no other nominations. John VA3JI becomes the new treasurer. Carried.
     
   • Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Eric VE3EB that John VE3IPS be nominated for the office of vice president. There were no other nominations. John VE3IPS becomes the new vice president. Carried.
     
   • Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt minutes of Board Meeting dated 2016/06/21. Carried.
     
4. Other appointments:
   
   • Repeater: Steve VE3UT and Doug VE3ATP
     
   • WYNSORC: Geoff VA3GS
     
   • Public Service: Eric VE3EB
     
   • EmComm/ARES: John VE3IPS
     
   • Membership: Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI
     
   • Property: Rick VA3VO
     
   • Trailer: Barry VA3LLT
     
   • Media & Communications: Eric VE3EB, VE3IPS and Chris VE3NRT
     
   • Field Day: Steve VE3UT
     
   • Meeting Programs: Geoff VA3GS and Chris VE3NRT
     
   • Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
     
   • Moved that the positions be filled by the directors listed above, by Doug VE3ATP, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
     
5. Membership: Chris VE3NRT. Chris has the current membership materials, and will turn them over to Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI. Rick VA3VO paid his $25 membership for the new year.
   
6. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
   
   • Geoff announced the prices for the coming event – Tables will be $28 each and admission will be $7 per person.
     
   • The door prizes have been purchased, and Geoff will visit the Markham Fair Grounds soon.
     
   • Flyers have been distributed at the Milton Hamfest, and 2 tables have been sold already.
     
7. Field Day: Steve VE3UT (Report next meeting). Motion 2016-07-19-6c to approve payment of $170.19 for Field Day gas. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried. (previous motion 2016-06-21-4c2 that $100.00 be allocated for gas for the generators)
   
8. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI Opening Balance 2016/06/01 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
   
   • Income: Field day food from members $370.00
     
   • Membership dues: $25.00
     
   • Surplus food sold at Field Day $40.00
     
   • Expenditures: Field day toilet $135.60
     
   • Repeater expenditures: $75.09
     
   • Trailer expenditures: $26.98
     
   • Trailer highway insurance: $811.00
     
   • Field Day gas and miscellaneous: $171.19
     
   • 1st deposit for Hamfest: $1,165.00
     
   • Door prizes, Hamfest $99.07
     
   • Closing Balance 2016-07-19 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
     
   • Field day food (preliminary)
     
     • Float issued for food: $1000.00
       
     • Collected June 7 meeting:$170.00
       
     • Collected at Field Day: $220.00
       
     • Surplus food sold to members: $40.00
       
     • Final total: $590.00
       
   • Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
     
9. Motion 2016-07-19-6d to approve payment of $811.00 for trailer insurance. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
   
10. Property: Motion 2016-07-19-6e to approve purchase of a lock for the container, not to exceed $50.00. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
    
11. Repeater
    
    • Repeaters: Steve VE3UT (Report next meeting)
      
    • YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The IRCDDB gateway software has been installed, and is now working for D-Star. It is open source with good support. Thanks to Keith VA3YC. CentOS 5 needs to be upgraded.
      
    • IRLP: Chris VE3NRT. IRLP is troublesome. The processor is hanging-up.
      
12. Public Service: Eric VE3EB
    
    • Past events have included the MADD poker run, the Mount Albert run, 2 events at the Sharon Temple, Aurora Street Fest.
      
    • Future events in the fall include the Newmarket Jazz Fest, the Sharon Temple, Run for the Cure and Animal Sanctuary.
      
13. Club Submission regarding Distracted Driving:Chris VE3NRT. We should get letters of support from served agencies, in support of Amateurs being exempted from Ontario's Distracted Driving laws (on a permanent basis).
    
14. YRLAB (York Region Maker Group). Maker day is September 10 (brochures?). A balloon launch is scheduled? We should support YRLAB with miscellaneous equipment and parts.
    
15. Programs and Classes: Geoff VA3GS. Geoff VA3GS is offering a Ham class in September. 2 meeting programs are covered for the fall.
    Should we continue with the “Junk meeting” in January, or should it be cancelled?
    
16. Harvey Bell Award Discussion; 2 nominations were made for the award; Following a discussion, it was moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that the award be presented to Rob VE3RQB. Carried. The announcement will be made at the September general meeting.
    
17. 2015/2016 Audit – Actions:
    
    • Membership and record keeping concerns will be addressed by Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI.
      
    • Property concerns will be addressed by Rick VA3VO, and will use a new lock on the container.
      
18. Other Business
    
    • For Canada's 150 birthday celebrations, all amateurs will be able to use alternate call signs. “VE” call signs will be able to use the prefix “CG” and “VA” call signs will be able to use the prefix “CF”.
      
    • Doug VE3ATP noted that since our trailers have dual axles and are 'commercial' vehicles, we may be subject to CVOR regulations.
      

Minutes - YRARC General Membership Meeting 2016-09-06

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall - Called to Order at 19:30 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members and guests attending: 37 including 4 guests attending.

1. Welcome & Introductions – Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Adoption of Minutes from 2016-06-07 general meeting (AGM). Moved by Jack VA3UU, seconded by Rick VA3VO. Carried
   
3. General Announcements – Chris VE3NRT. The club needs a new projector to replace the existing ageing projector. The estimated cost for a new projector is $1000. We welcome suggestions on where to purchase a new or good used projector. Please contact Chris VE3NRT.
   
4. New Board of Directors – Chris VE3NRT. Chris welcomed new directors John VE3IPS and Rick VA3VO to the board. Continuing directors are Chris VE3NRT (president), John VA3JI (treasurer), Geoff VA3GS (hamfest and meetings), Steve VE3UT (repeaters and field day), Barry VA3LLT (membership), Eric VE3EB (public service), Doug VE3ATP (repeaters) and David VA3DCY (secretary). John VE3IPS is the new vice president and Rick VA3VO is the new property manager. A new responsibility is media and communications, shared by Chris VE3NRT and John VE3IPS.
   
5. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/07/01 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
     
   • Income: Membership (2016) $25.00
     
   • Honorarium (Aurora street festival) $500.00
     
   • Hamfest vendor fees $111.00
     
   • Refund advance for AGM, Field day food $253.05
     
   • Expenditures: Trailer insurance $811.00
     
   • Field day (gas, etc.) $171.19
     
   • Hamfest – first deposit $1165.00
     
   • Hamfest door prizes $99.07
     
   • New lock for the storage container $37.58
     
   • Bank charges for PayPal $1.61
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/04/01 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
     
   • Moved the treasurer's report be adopted, by John VA3JI, seconded Doug VE3VS. Carried.
     
   • Additional treasurer's update. Tonight we have collected memberships for 16 members at $25 each ($400) and 1 family membership at $30 ($30) for a total of $430.
     
6. Public Service Report – Eric VE3EB
   
7. Upcoming public service events include:
   
   • Sunday, Sept 18, 2016 Sharon Temple needing 3-4 volunteers
     
   • Sunday Oct 02, 2016 needing 9 -14 volunteers.
     
8. Field Day Report – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Steve summarized the past field day results with the following highlights (comparing the results from the last 4 years, 2013 to 2016).
     
   • This year we had the highest number of QSOs 903. CW QSOs 5 better than last year and the highest ever 537. Digital QSOs lowest of the last 4 years 103 (unfortunate. Satellite QSOs highest ever 47. Second highest attendance in 4 years. First time in 4 years that we missed the W1AW bulletin.
     

   Year	CW	Phone	Digital	Points*	Bonus	Total#	Participants
   2013	266	732	242	1748	1190	3496	69
   2014	313	555	309	1799	990	3598	61
   2015	532	524	144	1876	1100	2976	53
   2016	537	903	103	2183	1290	5656	63

   • *Multiplier for power NOT included
   • #Includes Bonus points and QSOs x power multiplier
   • Brian VE3IBW and Ken VE3LRK were the joint recipients of the Melted Coffee Pot award for Field Day 2016. Brian accepted the award in Ken's absence.
     
9. EmComm Report – John VE3IPS/Chris VE3NRT. There is an EmComm meeting this Thursday September 8.
   


10. Repeater Report – Steve VE3UT
    
    • The 100w PA will be installed this week at the VE3YRC-V site to replace the temporary PA.
      
    • The link antenna for VE3YRA at the VE3YRC-U site will be replaced with a new yagi and the repeater power will be lowered.
      


11. Repeater Report – Chris VE3NRT
    
    • New gateway software for VE3YRK (D-Star) has been installed with help from Keith VA3YC.
      
    • The IRLP link has had a faulty SD card in the RaspberryPi. A new card and image has been installed and has been working for 1 week.
      


12. Meeting Report – Geoff VA3GS. Geoff needs suggestions for future meetings. Should the January 'junk in the trunk' continue (yes or no) or should it be replaced with a series of '10 minute show and tells'?
    


13. Hamfest Report – Geoff VA3GS. W. e need MANY volunteers, for setup on Friday, the event on Saturday morning and for teardown after the event is over. Community service hours for high school students are available when helping with this event.
    


14. Basic Course – Geoff VA3GSA new ham class is being offered in cooperation with the Maker's Lab at the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill, starting soon with the final exam on November 5.
    


15. Name Tags – Doug VE3VS. Anyone wanting to purchase new name tags, see Doug. The cost is $9 for tags with a pin and $12 for tags with a magnetic back.
    


16. The Harvey Bell Award for 2016 was presented to Rob VE3RQB.
    

• Break from 20:25 to 20:40
  
• Guest Speaker – Don VE3IXJ.
  

Don spoke about DMR basics. DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) originated with commercial radios built by Motorola, but it is an open system. Commercially available units are either VHF or UHF, since commercial users typically use only 1 band. Tier 1 radios are simplex only. Tier 2 radios are duplex and suitable for repeater use. The Tier 2 radios also have 2 time slots available, allow 2 separate conversations to be held allowing two simultaneous transmissions on the same frequency. Time slot 1 is 27.5 ms long followed by a 2.5ms space, and time slot 2 is 27.5 ms long followed by a 2.5ms space (60ms).

Time Groups could be selectable from Local or regional groups such as a provincial group, Canada-wide group, North America or World-Wide-English. DMR radio usage has been slow to catch on, because of the high price of commercial equipment, however the Tytera TYTMD-380 costs as little as $95 US including programming cable and software. To use the radio, a user number is required, which is programmed into the radio. The name and call sign information is transmitted and displayed on the receiving radio.

When programming a DMR radio, regardless of manufacturer, they each require a code plug that carries information about repeaters – analog and DMR – frequencies, Tx & Rx offset and for DMR the various talkgroup information, scanning functions, as well as simplex channel information, DMR and analog. A DMR zone is one of a number of parts of a code plug. The zone may identify various talk groups for a particular repeater, or several repeaters, and can be a mix of DMR repeater talkgroups, analog repeaters or a group of simplex channels analog and or DMR.

Rob VE3RQB accepts the 2016 Harvey Bell Award from Chris VE3NRT

Volunteers needed for Sharon Temple Event

The radio club is in need of volunteers for the following event.

Event: Wedding Show at the Sharon Temple Grounds
Date:  Sunday September 18th.
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Role: Communications and Vehicle Management
Support: 2-4 Volunteers

Please contact me at the following address if you are able to support this event.
Events.YRARC@Gmail.com

Thank you

Eric Brown VE3EB
Director, Public Service Events
York Region Amateur Radio Club

40th York Region Hamfest

Sponsor:	York Region ARC
Start date:	Saturday, November 5, 2016
End date:	Saturday, November 5, 2016
Closest town:	Markham Fairgrounds, 10801 McCowan Road, Markham, ON
Directions to location:	Go to the following site: http://www.markhamfair.ca/canadas-largest-4-day-agricultural-fair-6/greetings/how-to-get-here/
Opening times:	06:30 for vendors. Commencing at 07:30 the general public will be admitted to Hall 2, with free coffee and tea. A pancake breakfast will be available in Hall 2 commencing at 07:30. Doors open for the general public to the sales areas in Halls 3 and 4 at 09:00.
Cost:	General admission is $7:00. Children 12 and under admitted free. Cost of admission includes a door prize ticket. Draws for door prizes every 20 minutes at The Prizes Booth in Hall 2. Grand Prize tickets will be available at the Prizes Booth in Hall 2, $5.00 per ticket or three for $10.00. Draw for Grand Prizes at 12:00 at the Prizes Booth in Hall 2.
Talk-in frequency:	VE3YRA 145.350 MHz(-): T:103.5 Hz; VE3YRC(V) 147.225 MHZ (+): Tone 103.5Hz; VE3YRC(U)444.225 MHz(+): No tone Note: All repeaters are linked
Description:	Loads of Parking --- Vendors galore in two separate halls, plus a separate hall for admissions --- Pancake breakfast available onsite --- Free coffee and tea --- Lots of space to meet with your friends --- Wide aisles for scooters and wheelchairs --- Exhibits and Demonstrations --- Great door prizes --- Grand Prizes--- DXCC, WAS & VUCC Card Checking --- Licensing Examinations: Cost is $15. Please register with the Hamfest Co-ordinator prior to the Hamfest to ensure we have sufficient exams.
For more info:	Prospective vendors or those requiring further information should contact us at: yrarc.hamfest@gmail.com
Email contact:	yrarc.hamfest@gmail.com
Webpage:	http://yrarc.org/index.php/our-hamfest
Hamfest Director:	Geoffrey Smith VA3GS

Minutes - YRARC Annual General Meeting 2016-06-07

1. The AGM was called to Order at 20:00 by Ron McCracken KG4CVL (Chair for the AGM)
   
2. Voting proxies were received from John Leonardelli VE3IPS and Michael Suljak VE3WPV.
   
3. Moved by Chris VE3NRT, seconded by Anthony VE3HIS that Bob Rennie VA3BSJ be appointed as the Auditor for 2016/2017. Chris VE3NRT presented the Auditor's Report for 2015/2016. In general everything is in good order, however there were 4 recommendations for the board to deal with. Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Glen VA3AU that the auditor's report be accepted. Carried.
   
4. Chris VE3NRT presented the revised By-Laws #7 as reviewed by the board, with revised wording and new clarifications. The major changes were:
   
   • Rules and responsibilities were clarified
     
   • The term of the president was limited
     
   • Any motions passed in In-Camera meetings need to be posted to the membership
     
   • Electronic voting was clarified
     
   • Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Bill VA3QB, that the Draft By-Laws #7 be approved. Carried unanimously.
     
5. Moved by Garrett VA3PYP, seconded by Jack VA3AUU that the actions of the board be ratified. Carried.
   
6. Chris VE3NRT reported that the board meeting attendance was acceptable over the past year, and called for reports by the continuing directors.
   
7. Ron KG4CVL called for nominations for the new board of directors. There are 5 vacancies for a 2 year term and 1 vacancy for a 1 year term.
   
   • Barry VA3LLT, nominated by Steve VE3EZ, seconded by Bill VA3QB for a term of 1 year.
     
   • Rick VA3VO, nominated by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Bill VA3QB for a term of 2 years.
     
   • John VE3IPS, nominated by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Anthony VE3HIS for a term of 2 years.
     
   • Geoff VA3GS, nominated by Chris VE3NRT, seconded by Anthony VE3HIS for a term of 2 years.
     
   • Eric VE3EB, nominated by Chris VE3NRT, seconded by Bill VA3QB for a term of 2 years.
     
   • David VA3DCY, nominated by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Anthony VE3HIS for a term of 2 years.
     
   • Moved that nominations be closed by Roger VE3ROG, seconded by Glen VA3AU. Carried
     

Moved by Bill VA3QB, seconded by Garrett VA3PYP to adjourn the AGM at 20:35. Carried

Minutes of the York Region Amateur Radio Club General Meeting 2016-06-07

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:30 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members attending: 37. Guests attending: 4

1. Welcome & Introductions – Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Adoption of Minutes from 2016/05/03 general meeting, moved by Anthony VE3HIS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
   
3. General Announcements – Chris VE3NRT. Nominations for the Harvey Bell Award should be submitted to the secretary.
   
4. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/03/01 [Available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Income - Membership dues: $25.00
     
   • Expenditures - Shelter $499.39
     
   • Food for Field Day $1000.00
     
   • Trailer maintenance $28.70
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/04/01 [Available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Note: The trailer insurance invoice will be payable in August, estimated cost $875.
     
   • Motion that the treasurer's report be adopted, moved John VA3JI, seconded Eric VE3EB Carried.
     
5. Public Service Report – Eric VE3EB. Recent public service events included:
   
   • Saturday, May 14, Cancer Recovery Foundation 5K Run/Walk, Sutton
     
   • Thursday May 19, Sharon Temple
     
   • Saturday, May 28, MADD York-Simcoe Riders Poker Run
     
   • Saturday June 4, Mt. Albert 5K Run/Walk
     
   • Sunday, June 5, Aurora Street Festival.
     
   • Upcoming public service events include:
     
   • Friday, July 1, Canada Day – Sharon Temple
     
   • July 29 to August 1, Newmarket Jazz Fest Ray Twinney Recreation Complex
     
   • October, CIBC Run for the Cure.
     
6. Field Day and Repeaters – Steve VE3UT.Field day will be on the weekend of June 25/26 at Al's Tack Shop, same location as last year. Setup will be on Friday for the kitchen and shelter, and for non-radio items. Rick VA3VO will be on site to provide security beginning Friday night. Repeater VE3YRC-V (Aurora) is being repaired, and the controller is being upgraded while the repeater is off-site.
   
7. EmComm Report – Robert VA3BXG. Some of the tests from the May 28 SET were successful, but some were not. There will be an EmComm meeting on Thursday June 9, and a possible Fox Hunt in the future. John VE3IPS has assumed the role of AEC, Assistant Emergency Coordinator. General Meeting adjourned at 19:55 – moved by Bill VE3QB, seconded Garrett VA3PYP. Carried.
   
8. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Roger VE3ROG that Ron KG4CVL be appointed as Chair for the AGM. Carried.
   
9. Moved by Chris VA3DXZ, seconded by Benny VE3MUU that David VA3DCY be appointed as Secretary for the AGM. Carried.
   

Meeting adjourned

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2016-05-17

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY. Absent: Eric VE3EB, Alf VA3BLE. Others attending: Peter VE3PBT.

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT
   
   • Original item 5c (repeater messages and (ToT) changed to item 6b.
     
   • Moved by Geoff VA3GS , seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt the agenda. Carried.
     
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Geoff VA3GS , seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt minutes of Board Meeting dated 2016/04/19. Carried.
   
3. Membership: Alf VA3BLE. Not available. Note: Chris VE3NRT forwarded dues paid by Steve VE3SRV to John VA3JI.
   
4. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Geoff reported the hamfest is on schedule. Information has been sent to other clubs, is now posted on the RAC web site and will appear in the next 2 issues of the Canadian Amateur.
   
5. AGM Food: Peter VE3PBT. Peter reported the cost for food at the AGM should be approximately $230. $300 was approved for food at the last board meeting. The new BBQ has been assembled and is working.
   
6. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/04/30 [Balance available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Income: None
     
   • Expenditures: Shelter (partial cost) $182.72
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/04/19 [Balance available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Rob VE3RQB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
     
7. Barry VA3LLT will have expenses to submit. Steve VE3UT questioned when will the existing budgeted amounts expire, and John VA3JI answered at the end of the club year (June 30).
   
8. Auditor's Report: Chris VE3NRT
   Chris reviewed the auditor's report, which contained the following suggestions:
   
   • The need to coordinate documentation between the treasurer and membership director for
     better accounting of membership money received.
     
   • Regarding club inventory, the need to have an accurate inventory and value of items, for
     insurance and net value purposes, and designate the responsibility to someone.
     
   • The need to have better control of club property stored in the container.
     
   • The use of personal credit cards is unwise.
     
   • The board should agree on a standard method to record financial transactions and
     membership and adhere to those policies. Most suggestions were of a minor nature, however suggestion #4 which questioned the advisability of members using their personal credit cards to pay for large purchases. It was agreed the next board should deal with this suggestion.
     
   • It was agreed the report should be published on the YRARC blog.
     
   • Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the auditor's report. Carried.
     
9. Bylaws: Chris VE3NRT. Chris presented the submissions received regarding suggested changes to the bylaws.
   
   • Bob VE3WY: Limiting presidency to 4 consecutive years. Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add the following text as section 10.5 of the draft By-Laws: “Notwithstanding section 10.4, no person may stand for or be elected President after serving as President for the previous four consecutive years, unless no other Director is willing serve.”
     
   • Doug VE3VS: Cleanup of Section 14 (Duties of Treasurer) Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to delete the point in section 14.1 of the draft By-Laws beginning with “disburse the funds….” and add the following two points in its place. “disburse the funds of the Corporation under the direction of the Board, taking proper vouchers or receipts for each transaction.” “render to the Board whenever required an account of all transactions and a written account of the financial position of the Corporation.”
     
   • Doug VE3VS: Comments on the terms used in the By-Laws. This and several other similar instances were addressed in the draft By-Laws.
     
   • Doug VE3VS: Editorial Revision to Section 17.1. Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to replace section 17.1 of the draft By-Laws with the following.
     “The Directors shall ensure that all necessary books and records of the Corporation, required by the by-laws of the Corporation or by any applicable statute or law, are regularly and properly kept.”
     
   • Mark VE3CT: Various Editorial Revisions. All of the concerns expressed have been addressed elsewhere.
     
   • Chris VE3NRT: Revisions to clarify the section on officers of the board and to allow for election of replacement officers by the board. Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add a new section 10.6 of the draft By-Laws with the following text: Should any officer resign or become incapable of serving in their office prior to completing their term, the Directors will elect a replacement from the body of Directors at the next regular or special meeting of the Board.
     
   • Chris VE3NRT: Regarding conflicts of interest on the Board. Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add a new section 7.2 of the draft By-Laws with the following text: “Conflicts of interest on the part of a Director in attendance at a meeting of the Board shall be disclosed in advance of any discussion or motions regarding that interest. When such interest becomes a matter of Board action, such Director shall neither vote not use personal influence on the matter, and shall not be counted in the quorum for any voting on such interest. The Director may, however, briefly state a position on the matter, and answer pertinent questions of Board members. The minutes of all actions taken on such matters shall clearly reflect that these requirements have been met.”
     
   • Chris VE3NRT: Regarding the criteria and privileges of family membership Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add a new section 18.1 (d) of the draft By-Laws with the following text: “Family Member – For a fee which shall be determined from time-to-time by the Membership, other members of a Regular Member’s family may be added as a Family Member. To qualify, the Family Member must be related by blood or adoption to the Regular Member or spouse, and reside at the same address. Family Members are not required to pay additional annual dues.”
     
   • John VA3JI: Regarding the attendance of Members at YRARC Board meetings Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add a new section 5.2 of the draft By-Laws with the following text: Board Meetings shall be held in a place that is open to and can accommodate a reasonable number of Voting Members in addition to the Directors. Non-Directors may observe but not take part in the proceedings except in response to an invitation to comment by and under the direction of the Chair. Voting Members may also make representations to the Board at any meeting provided permission is obtained from the Secretary or Chair at least 24 hours in advance of the commencement of the meeting.
     
   • John VA3JI and Barry VA3LLT: On in-camera meetings Proposed: That the primary motion be amended to add a new section 5.3 of the draft By-Laws with the following text: Notwithstanding section 5.2, the Board may from time-to-time conduct in-camera meetings following the regular business of the Board Meeting. Any resolutions from such meetings shall be recorded in the regular meeting minutes, which shall be made available to the members within reasonable time after the adjournment of the meeting.
     
   • John VA3JI and Barry VA3LLT: On the method of selection of the Club Executive General agreement that the current system is a better system, with sufficient transparency in that members are allowed to attend Board Meetings. (No proposal to change)
     
   • Barry VA3LLT: On errors or omissions in the notice for meetings Proposed: That the following section 6.4 be added to the draft By-Laws: Notwithstanding section 6.3, any deliberate error or omission in notice of such a meeting, may, when supported by majority vote of the Directors or Voting Membership, be sufficient grounds to invalidate the proceedings and resolutions of such meeting, in whole or in part. AND that the following section 21.2 be added to the draft By-Laws: Notwithstanding section 21.1, any deliberate error or omission in notice of such a meeting, may, when supported by majority vote of the Directors or Voting Membership, be sufficient grounds to invalidate the proceedings and resolutions of such meeting, in whole or in part.
     
   • Barry VA3LLT: On the definition of electronic means for conducting club business. Proposed: That the following section 2(l) be added to the draft By-Laws: "Electronic Means” means the communication through the official YRARC Yahoo group or by email to all email addresses provided by Members or Directors as appropriate.
     Communications by additional means, such as the club web site, blog and voice announcements on Club Repeaters is also encouraged.
     
   • Barry VA3LLT: On the recording of votes of the Board of Directors by electronic means. Proposed: That the following section 7.2 be added to the draft By-Laws: All votes conducted by telephone or electronic means shall be recorded by the Secretary and included in the minutes of the next Board Meeting.
     
   • Barry VA3LLT: On giving notice for meeting. Proposed: That section 20.5 of the draft By-Laws be changed to the following: No public notice or advertisement of the AGM or any meeting of the Members shall be required, but an effort must be made to communicate notice of the time and place of every such meeting, at least twenty-one (21) days in advance. AND That section 20.5 of the draft By-Laws be changed to the following: Whenever, under the provisions of the by-laws of the Corporation, notice is required to be given, such notice may be given either personally or by Electronic Means or by depositing same in a post office or a public letter box in a prepaid, sealed wrapper addressed to the Director, Officer or Member at his or their address as the same appears in the books of the Corporation. A notice or other document sent by post shall be held to be sent at the time when the same was deposited in a post office or public letterbox as aforesaid, or sent by Electronic Means at the time sent. For the purpose of sending any notice, the address of the Members, Director or Officer shall be his latest address as recorded in the books of the Corporation.
     
   • Barry VA3LLT: Editorial change, move paragraph 20.3 to section 6 Proposed: That section 20.3 of the draft By-Laws be renumbered to 12.5.
     
   • Bylaws: Chris VE3NRT. Motion that the proposed changes to the By-Laws as presented by Chris VE3NRT, be presented for approval by the membership at the AGM. Moved John VA3JI seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
     
10. Property: Rob VE3RQB: The fittings from Cameron Canopies have been received, and there were no shipping charges, since they were picked-up from Tom at Cameron Canopies. We made our own wooden bases for the poles (conduit). The lock box codes for the trailers will be changed.
    
11. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. The 6m repeater has a weak transmitter – only 1/2 watt output. A new no-cost radio will be available soon. The VE3YRC-V repeater at Bloomington has had a weak signal, however a site visit showed that all was OK. For the upcoming events on May 28 (the EmComm SET and the Public Service MADD ride)
    VE3YRA (350) will be un-linked from the other repeaters, to allow the MADD event to use VE3YRA, and the SET to use the other repeaters. AGM messages have been added to the repeaters. Messages generated by the repeater controllers and audio received on the links are mixed together. Reprogramming would be necessary to mute the repeater message when audio is being received on a link. To adjust the timeout, a slow 286 computer would be needed to make a changes.
    
12. Events & Public Service: Eric VE3EB (no report)
    
13. EmComm and Other Business: A request for EmComm headsets in the trailer prompted the following options:
    
    • have the users supply their own headsets
      
    • get approval from the membership to purchase headsets, after knowing more specific detail
      about what model would be desired.
      
    • A request for EmComm digital interfaces in the trailer prompted the following questions:
      
      • what programming cables are needed?
        
      • what digital cables are needed?
        
    • Approval from the membership would also be needed.
      
14. Motion 2016-05-17-8c to approve $1,000 for field day food and propane, moved Steve VE3UT seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried. [Secretary note: Motion 2016-04-19-3c was already passed for $1,000 for field day food and propane, making Motion 2016-05-17-8c redundant.]. [Secretary note: No motion has been passed for fuel or toilets at field day]
    

Meeting adjourned

Map for Grid Square Chasers

Six metre enthusiasts, VHF/UHFers, Moonbouncers, Scatterers and the like often use maidenhead grid locators to track their contacts. In their simplest form, Maidenhead grids divided the Earth into 1x2 degree chunks. When working over shorter distances with microwaves, a more fine-grained grid is used. Maidenhead is hierarchical, with most using the 4 character form. For instance, I live in FN03, but the club meets in FN04, which is a couple of hundred metres to the North of me. Each pair of characters represents a grid "square" (they're not square. In fact they're not even rectangular, although they would be if the Earth were flat).

Recently I happened upon an excellent on-line map with a Maidenhead grid overlay on a Hungarian Web Site. Even better, by clicking the appropriate button on the top right, there's a DXCluster link that shows communications paths on the map. The map lets you zoom in from the 2 to the 4 to the 6 character locators.

On VHF and UHF, the ARRL VUCC award recognizes 100 confirmed contacts with different grid squares. The ARRL also has the Fred Fish award recognizing contacts with every grid square which contains a piece of the continental US. FN03 is one of those, and according to the rules a contact with me would count for that award even though I'm on the Canadian side.

73,
Chris

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2016-06-21

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Rob VE3RQB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY. Absent: Eric VE3EB, Doug VE3ATP. (Alf VA3BLE had resigned). Board members elect attending: John VE3IPS, Rick VA3VO. Others attending: none

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Geoff VA3GS , seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt the agenda. Carried.
   
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to adopt minutes of Board Meeting. Date 2016/05/17. Carried.
   
3. New board members: Chris VE3NRT. Chris welcomed the new directors John VE3IPS and Rick VA3VO.
   
4. Meeting Schedule: Chris VE3NRT. Chris announced the dates of the board of directors meetings for the coming year. They are: 2016 July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20 and 2017 January 17, February 21, March 15, April 19, May 17 and June 21.
   
5. Election of officers: Chris VE3NRT. Chris announced that the officers for the year 2016/2017 will be elected at the next meeting on July 19. To be elected are: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. A ballot will be required for the election of the president (if not declared by acclamation).
   
6. Board procedures: Chris VE3NRT. Chris outlined the basic procedures followed by the board. A quorum of 6 members is required. We follow a simplified version of Robert's Rules, typically a motion is presented, followed by a discussion and a vote. The chair does not normally introduce motions and only casts a deciding vote in the event of a tie. A simple majority is required to pass a motion.
   
7. Auditor's report: none
   
8. Explanation of committees: Chris VE3NRT. Chris mentioned the various board committees, including: repeaters, WYNSORC coordination, EmComm/ARES, hamfest, property, finance, media and communications, field day and membership activities such as project night and fox hunts.
   
9. Meeting schedule and programs: Chris VE3NRT. Chris mentioned the general meeting schedule and the programs throughout the year with guest speakers at most meetings, the Christmas party meeting and the AGM.
   
10. Bylaws: The new bylaws ByLaws #7 were signed by Chris VE3NRT President and David VA3DCY Secretary.
    
11. Membership: Chris VE3NRT. Chris is in receipt of the membership list from Alf VA3BLE who has resigned.
    
12. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Information is now on the RAC web site and will be passed out at the Milton hamfest and to other clubs. We will be at the same location as last year (Markham Fair Grounds), and the Aurora Lyon's Club will be serving breakfast again. Geoff is negotiating with the Markham Fair about the price.
    
13. Field Day: Steve VE3UT. We are ready for field day, June 25 and 26. Doug VE3ATP will tow the tower trailer to the site on Wednesday June 22, which is OK with Norma the site owner. Additional deliveries such as the club trailer will be made on Thursday. On Friday June 24 the kitchen shelter will be setup, and Brad VE3HII will start the installation of his satellite station. An estimated 50 people should show up over the weekend. EmComm will be involved, and dignitaries have been invited. Safety will be emphasized this year, with attention to grounding, safety markings for guys and tripping hazards, first aid, and a safety officer or designate will be on site for the duration ofthe event.
    
    • Motion 2016-06-21-4c1 to spend $135.60 for field day toilet rental, moved by Steve VE3UT seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
      
    • Motion 2016-06-21-4c2 that $100.00 be allocated for the purchase of gas for the generators, moved by Steve VE3UT seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
      
14. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
    
    • Opening Balance 2016/06/01 [Available to members on request to Club Secretary]
      
    • Income: Field day food from members $150.00
      
    • Membership dues $25.00
      
    • Expenditures: Field day toilet $135.60
      
    • Repeater expenditures $75.09
      
    • Trailer expenditures $26.98
      
    • Closing Balance 2016/04/19 [Available to members on request to Club Secretary]
      
    • Some AGM food money is to be returned, and the insurance bill payable in July has not been received.
      
    • Moved by Barry VA3LLT seconded by Rob VE3RQB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
      
15. Property: Rob VE3RQB: The shelter is complete. The roof conduits (peak to eaves) have been shortened to accommodate the tarp. It is recommended that the trailer pullers have a schedule. A new padlock will be needed for the container; Rob would like to remove his lock.
    
16. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. The VE3YRC-V (Aurora) exciter and PA problems have been remedied. There was a bad pot on the exciter and a spare PA was repaired. We now have 2 spare 100 watt PAs. At the moment, we are running on a temporary PA. While the repeater was out of service, the controller was updated. There are still some minor software issues. Future repeater projects could include internet access.
    
17. Other business:
    
    • Don VE3IXJ has noted that EmComm is interested in a digital network, (however the GTA is not interested). Greg Staznia from York Region, Chris VE3NRT and Mike VA3MCT will meet to discuss the region's needs. There may be some financial help from the region for a possible project. Any proposed network should be self testing and be able to report problems. Possible options might include Microtik and Ubiquity.
      
    • The board thanked Rob VE3RQB for his work on the board.
      

Meeting adjourned.

Basic Qualification Course coming in the Fall

A course leading to the Basic Qualification will be taught on Thursday evenings over eight  weeks, commencing 15 September 2016.  Classes will run from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.  Location will be in Richmond Hill or Markham.

Cost of the course is $60 for YRARC or YLab members, $70 for non-members. The fee includes the study guide and examination fee at the end of the course.  

Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested.  Have them send an email to: yrarc.hamcourse@gmail.com

Space is limited so the early bird gets the worm.

Geoff VA3GS

YRARC at the Newmarket Jazz Fest

This past weekend was the Newmarket Jazz Fest at The Ray Twinney Centre. The event was a huge success this year at the new location. 

The radio club provided communications and management of communication equipment, worked on the grounds as eyes and ears for the security and health safety teams and provided back stage support during the head liner act "Colin James" on Saturday night.

A great time was had by all of the radio volunteers.

None of the this could have been made possible without the dedication and support of the following;

• Don VE3IXJ
• Geoff VAGS
• Brian VE3IBW
• Ken VE3LRK
• Rob VE3RQB (on site and trailer pick up)
• Dave VA3DCY
• John VE3POJ
• Ron KB4CVL
• Steve VE3EZ
• Rob VA3BXG
• Barry VA3LLT
• Mike VA3MCT
• Henry VE3HJL
• John VA3KOT
• Steve VE3EZ (trailer drop)
• Colleen VE3PQP (trailer drop)

Thank you all for your support this past weekend it was very much appreciated!

Eric Brown
VE3EB/VE3OIC
Director of Public Service Events
York Region Amateur Radio Club

YRARC Hams Support Mount Albert Sports Day

Eric VE3EB passed on a message from Mount Albert organisers to the club in thanks for the communications support provided to the event. This is one of many events that the club supports.

In addition to Eric's event leadership, the following members generously donated their time to the event.

• Ron KB4CVL
• Benny VE3MUU
• Brian VE3IBW
• Barry VA3LLT
• David VA3DCY
• John VE3POJ

Hi Eric,

On behalf of the Mt. Albert Sports Day 5km Run/Walk Committee , I would like to thank you and all your fellow club members for volunteering your time for our community-based event. The race was an exciting and fun-filled affair enjoyed by families and sports enthusiasts alike, and we are proud to be promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging community involvement.

This year was our most successful year yet! The race raised close to $9,500.00 for community improvements and we had a record number of 418 registrations. We could not have had such great success without your support and generosity. Thank you once again for your time.
It is our sincere hope that you will consider supporting us again in 2017.

Thanks,
Peter

2016-2017 YRARC Board of Directors

With the AGM behind us, I'm pleased to report that we have a full complement of 10 directors for the coming operating year.

• Barry VA3LLT
• Chris VE3NRT
• David VA3DCY
• Doug VE3ATP
• Eric VE3EB
• Geoff VA3GS
• John VA3JI
• John VE3IPS
• Rick VA3VO
• Steve VE3UT

Chris VE3NRT

Field Day 2016 – 40m Phone

I don’t know why, but I always find set up for Field Day stressful. Maybe it’s the looming threat of the Melted Coffee Pot award that sends me into a tizzy, but more likely it’s just the worry about getting the antennas working early enough that I still have time to set up the station.

Over the winter I scaled back my dreams from a 9 verticals, each with 60 radials, arranged in a phased array, down to 5 relay-switched dipoles hanging from the tower, then down to a simple dipole. Then, just 5 days or so before the event, I decided to add a full wave loop sloping from the tower in a diamond shape, fed from the side. This, as Bob told me, would give me a mix of horizontal and vertical polarization to get me some of the all-important low-angle radiation to the West Coast.

Surprisingly, because I had no time for debugging, I found this worked quite well. Both antennas tuned reasonably well. The VSWR on the loop seemed a little high at first but then I realized that I had the analyzer set for 75-ohm impedance instead of 50 (left over from when I was confirming the electrical length of the RG6 matching section). It was more or less flat at about 1.5:1 across the 40m phone band. The dipole was slightly higher but still fine and none of it bothered my KAT-500 tuner at all.

The station came together pretty quickly and just before kick-off I started making some casual QSOs on 7.200 MHz to commandeer a calling frequency. That seemed to work, although about 15 minutes into the 24-hour marathon I was bullied off the frequency by high-powered stations encroaching from above and below, and went off searching and pouncing for the next couple of hours.

John, VE3IPS took a turn and went down to about 7.130 where less US amateurs are licenced to operate and found a clear frequency to run. His unique style attracted lots of attention and he made plenty of contacts.

We went back and forth between S&P and run mode several times through the 24 hours with Alex VE3ASE taking a few turns at the helm between satellite passes and doing really well.

After thoroughly enjoying the loop antenna’s pattern to the West and working Hawaii plus lots of stations in the Pacific time zone, I abandoned the station at 3:15 and went home to get some sleep, returning at about 8AM to have breakfast and go at it again. The last couple of hours were really productive as the big guns abandoned their frequencies to do some S&P themselves leaving a spot in the middle of the band for Alex and then me to get another 100+ contacts.

The result was that we blew away last year’s record of 272 to get a whopping 492 contacts in 24 hours.  Doug VE3VS, along with Jack VA3UU and Bert VE3NR still beat us with more than 520 on 40 CW, but I’m just glad we were in the same ballpark as those veteran operators this year. Besides, we have room to aspire to a 500+ next year!

Thanks to Steve VE3UT and Rick VA3VO for organizing this fine event, to Peter VE3PBT, grandson Robert and a host of family members for their fine work in the galley, the other band captains for their hard work and risking their equipment, John VE3IPS for the social media direction, Bonnie Stone for working the information table and everyone else who dropped in or stayed the duration for making the club’s 2016 such a fun and successful event.

Once I’m back to my normal sleeping pattern I’ll start looking forward to next year. The club should be proud of its efforts and ability to collaborate to bring about a fine result.

73 from Chris VE3NRT

YRARC Field Day 2016 - Almost half way

It's 20 past midnight and 40 is wide open, 20 is fading out and 80 is coming into its own. The cloudless night will be cool, but Saturday had perfect weather and it remains dry.

So far, everything's being going pretty well!

Field Day starts in 14 hours

Most of the shelter has been moved in, the food tent is set up and at least the GOTA antenna is ready to go. It's another Field Day and the weather looks good and we hope the band conditions are too. See you there!

Call for Nominations: 2016 Harvey Bell Award

NOTICE TO ALL YRARC MEMBERS

Each year about this time, the members of our radio club have the opportunity to nominate a member club secretary no later than June 20th, 2016. Nominations may be presented by individuals, or may be co-signed by several members, to be honoured with this award.

Your nominations should be made in writing or by email to the club secretary David Craig VA3DCY, and should include your description, explanation or citation related to the nominee, and be presented to the

At the January, 1971 meeting of the York North Radio Club, the membership established an award in memory of the late Harvey Bell, VE3AFK, of Aurora.

It was the wish of the members that this award be presented annually to a member in good standing with this club, in recognition of substantial achievement involving Amateur Radio, particularly in connection with the York North Radio Club.

The winner would hold the trophy for one year, and would also receive a certificate, or other citation outlining the achievement.

Any club member would be eligible to nominate any other club member for the award. Nominations will be considered by the 2016 Board of Directors.

Harvey Bell died unexpectedly in December of 1970. At that time he was in the process of making his third attempt at keeping the club together and active. He had been a club member for almost ten years, enjoyed the fellowship and the sharing of technical information regarding Amateur Radio. He was especially interested in the Morse Code, and CW operation, but was also very involved with the fairly new SSB technology that was growing with leaps and bounds. During the late 1960’s activity in the club seemed to wane, and Harvey Bell, along with a couple of other area hams kept up a steady contact with other hams in Newmarket and surroundings. Invitations were sent out on at least three occasions in a an attempt to keep the club active and growing. He had just succeeded, in the fall of 1970, to get the membership back together again, and had turned the leadership over to Frank Rusholme.

His influence and his leadership in club affairs will long be remembered by the Amateurs in this area who knew him personally. In addition to being an active 80 metre DX chaser, Harvey was also involved in RTTY (radio teletype), VHF, and had one of the outstanding stamp collections in the region.

The award, which honours his name, is consider the highest acclaim that the club can give to one of its members.

Minutes: YRARC General Meeting 2016-05-03

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:30 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members and guests attending: 37 Guests attending: 2

1. Welcome & Introductions – Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Adoption of Minutes from 2016/04/05 general meeting postponed until June.
   
3. General Announcements – Chris VE3NRT
   
   • The 6m net continues to operate on Mondays at 20:00 on 50.135 MHz
     
   • The recent VE3KCL balloon flight reached altitudes of 10,000m. Data was returned by (a) WSPR, low speed, low power transmission on 30m, (b) JT9 and (c) CW.
     
   • Upcoming hamfests include the Barrie, Smiths Falls and Dayton hamfests.
     
4. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Steve visited the Field day site at Al's Tack Shop, same location as last year, to plan a new station layout which will hopefully reduce or eliminate interference between stations.
     
   • Additional generators will be required. The date is the last weekend in June.
     
   • Peter VE3PBT reported on the cost of a new 20' x 30' shelter frame with fittings from Cameron Canopies and separately purchase conduit, would cost $492.68 plus shipping.
     
   • Motion by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Bill VA3QB that we allocate $500.00 plus shipping to purchase the new shelter frame. Carried. (Membership approval of Board motion 2016-04-19-5a).
     
   • Peter reported the results of the food survey were inconclusive, and the menu will be similar to last year's menu.
     
5. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/03/01 [Available to members from club secretary on request]
     
   • Income:
     
   • Membership dues:
     
   • received at last board meeting $75.00
     
   • PayPal dues received $25.00 Total: $100.00
     
   • Expenditures:
     
   • PowerGates for repeaters: $200.00
     
   • Food for the AGM: $330.00
     
   • Bank charges for PayPal: $0.05 Total -$530.05
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/04/01 [Available to members from club secretary on request]
     
   • Motion that the treasurer's report be adopted, moved John VA3JI, seconded Doug VE3VS Carried.
     
6. Public Service Report – Eric VE3EB
   
   • Upcoming public service events include:
     
     • Saturday, May 14, 2016 (New Event) Cancer Recovery Foundation 5K Run/Walk, Sutton
       
     • Thursday May 19, 2016 Sharon Temple
       
     • Saturday, May 28, 2016 (Rain date Sunday May 29)
       
     • MADD York-Simcoe Riders Poker Run, Newmarket Town Hall
       
     • Friday June 3, 2016 Mt. Albert Sports Parade
       
     • Saturday June 4, 2016 Mt. Albert 5K Run/Walk
       
     • Sunday, June 5, 2016 Aurora Street Festival, Yonge Street (Murray to Wellington)
       
     • July 29 to August 1, 2016 Newmarket Jazz Fest (New Location) Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, Eagle Street West
       
7. Trailer – Barry VA3LLT. Barry has checked the trailer - the radios, computer and tires are all OK, ready for the trip to the EOC in Newmarket on May 04.
   
8. AGM – Chris VE3NRT. Chris advised the AGM will be in 5 weeks (June 07). The By-laws are being updated and will be reviewed by the Board in 2 weeks. Comments on the By-laws should be sent to Chris by email, in advance of the AGM. Proxies are to be delivered to the secretary before the start of the meeting and BBQ, no later than 18:00.
   

Guest Speaker – Dan VE3DOF spoke about remote controlled models. Dan brought his realistic “kid” on a tricycle. The “kid” with a mannequin head, moulded hands and sneaker covered feet, rides his tricycle, steers with his hands via a drive shaft and differential axle in his shoulders, however his feet just follow the peddles as the rear wheels on the tricycle are driven by motors. The model is driven by a 12v battery made up of 1.2v cells. A 75 MHz antenna is run within the frame of the body. Next Dan demonstrated his helicopters and drones. He commented that the cheap helicopters are only good for entry level use and testing. For the serious user, buying quality is best. For location of his quality devices, he uses a Moteino transmitter, which is an Arduino compatible device, transmitting at 431.94 MHz.

Minutes: YRARC General Meeting - 2016-04-05

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:30 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members and guests attending: 37 Guests attending: 3

1. Welcome & Introductions – Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Adoption of Minutes from 2016/02/02 and 2016/03/01 general meetings, moved by Anthony VE3HIS, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried
   
3. General Announcements – Chris VE3NRT
   
   • The 6m net continues to operate on Mondays at 20:00 on 50.135 MHz
     
   • Upcoming contests include the Nebraska QSO party on April 16, and the Ontario QSO party on April 17.
     
   • Bernie VE3OTR (a former club member) is now a Silent Key.
     
4. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Rick VA3VO has offered to co-chair field day with Steve.
     
   • There will be a meeting (with EmComm) on April 14 at 19:30 at the Newmarket Community Centre, to discuss field day planning, including eliminating interference and station placement.
     
5. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening Balance 2016/03/01 [Balance available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Income:$0.00
     
   • Expenditures: Director and Officers Insurance $649.08
     
   • Flyer Printing: $8.36
     
   • BBQ purchase $281.37. Total Expenditures: -$938.81
     
   • Closing Balance 2016/04/01[Balance available to members on request to Secretary]
     
   • Motion that the treasurer's report be adopted, moved John VA3JI, seconded Rob VE3RQB Carried.
     
6. Public Service Report – Eric VE3EB
   
   • Eric handed out acknowledgement certificates for participation in events during the last year.
     
   • A list of upcoming events can be found at yrarc.org Under the main menu select Calendar
     
   • Current public service events include:
     
     • Saturday, May 14, 2016 (New Event) Cancer Recovery Foundation 5K Run/Walk, Sutton
       
     • Saturday, May 28, 2016 (Rain date Sunday May 29) MADD York-Simcoe Riders Poker Run, Newmarket Town Hall
       
     • Friday June 3, 2016 Mt. Albert Sports Parade
       
     • Saturday June 4, 2016 Mt. Albert 5K Run/Walk
       
     • Sunday, June 5, 2016 Aurora Street Festival, Yonge Street (Murray to Wellington)
       
     • July 29 to August 1, 2016
       
     • Newmarket Jazz Fest (New Location) Ray Twinney Recreation Complex, Eagle Street West
       
7. EmComm Report – Don VE3IXJ. Don will be making a presentation to a Regional Conference of Regional Managers on April 12.
   
8. Repeater Committee Report – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Steve has not been able to contact the operator of a nearby repeater, with regard to possible linking of his repeater with our repeaters.
     
   • There have been some reported APRS issues. The user is known, and the problem appears to be an issue with the radio being used.
     

Guest Speaker – Bob VE3WY: Bob's presentation was in two parts. The first part was a talk with pictures of many of his own antennae after the recent ice storm, which hit his area with more ice than the surrounding areas. The ice storm provided unintentional testing of his antennae, which survived with very little damage. Part two, was a talk of his visit to a VHF Super-station in Texas, owned by Marshall Williams K5OE. The site is located in a rural area, hidden from view by trees, and located on 30 Acres, filled with towers and antennae. There were six different 6m arrays, five 2m arrays, two 222 MHz arrays and four 432 MHz arrays. With this choice of arrays, Marshall does well in contests.

Pink 5K Walk/Run

Thank you to the radio club volunteers who came out this morning to support the Cancer  Recovery Foundation Pink 5K Walk/Run.

Despite the dampness there over 200 participants that came out to walk or run the course.
This year marked the first time the radio club provided communications and safety this event and we look forward to providing same next year. Thank you to the following in no particular  order.


David VA3DCY
Chris VE3NRT
Brian VE3IBW
Benny VE3MUU
Barry VA3LLT
Rob VE3RQB


Eric Brown ~ VE3EB
Director, Public Service Events
York Region Amateur Radio Club

Back Row L-R: Rob VE3RQB, David VA3DCY, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT
Front row L-R: Brian VE3IBW, Benny VE3MUU, Photo: Chris VE3NRT

2016 Board Election

At the AGM on June 7, 2016 an election for new Board Members will take place. There are 10 positions on the Board, and each year we elect 5 new Board Members for 2 year terms. The terms of the following Board Members expire on June 30th. Board Members are permitted to stand for reelection.

• Barry VA3LLT
• Eric VE3EB
• David VA3DCY
• Rob VA3RQB
• Geoff VA3GS

Nominations may be sent to the club secretary in advance of the AGM as well as at the meeting itself. Directors elected for 2 year terms in 2015 are:

• Doug VE3ATP
• Alf VA3BLE
• Chris VE3NRT
• Steve VE3UT
• John VA3JI

73,

Chris VE3NRT

Minutes - YRARC Board Meeting 2016-04-19

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Rob VE3RQB, Alf VA3BLE, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY. Absent: Doug VE3ATP. Others attending: Peter VE3PBT

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt the agenda. Carried
   
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by John VA3JI to adopt minutes of Board Meeting date 2016-03-15. Carried
   
3. Membership: Alf VA3BLE. We have 3 new members, with 80 members, with 77 voting members.
   
   • A motion to give the last 3 members a free food ticket at field day was moved by Barry VA3LLT and seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Following a discussion, it was moved by Barry VA3LLT and seconded by Rob VE3RQB to postpone the motion indefinitely. Carried
     
   • AGM Food: Motion 2016-04-19-3b, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to allocate $300.00 for food at the AGM. Carried.
     
   • Field Day Food. Peter VE3PBT reported that Chris VA3DXZ has offered to supply the beef for field day. Motion 2016-04-19-3c, moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Eric VE3EB that we budget $1000.00 for food (including the cost of propane) at field day. Carried.
     
   • Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by John VA3JI that we charge $10 per person for those wishing to eat at field day (to include all meals). Carried.
     
   • Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Geoff produced a preliminary information sheet for the Hamfest, scheduled for 2016/11/05, to be held at the Markham Fair grounds. The Aurora Lions Club would be willing to serve breakfast again.
     
   • Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. The speaker for the May general meeting will be Dan VE3DOF speaking on robotics.
     
4. Governance
   
   • Audit: No report
     
   • Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
     
     • Opening Balance 2016-04-01 [Available to members by request to secretary]
       
     • Income: None (in April before the meeting)
       
     • Expenditures: Power gates for repeaters $200.00
       
     • Closing Balance 2016/04/19 [Available to members by request to secretary]
       
     • Income: Received for memberships (at the meeting) $75.00
       
     • Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
       
5. Property: Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Rob and Peter proposed the purchase of fittings from Cameron Canopies, plus the necessary 1” conduit to build a frame 20' wide x 30' long, to be covered by tarps (not included in the price).
     
   • Motion 2016-04-19-5a moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to purchase the necessary conduit and fittings to build a 20'x30' frame. Motion amended by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that the cost should be $482.00 plus tax plus shipping. Carried.
     
6. Trailer: Barry VA3LLT
   
   • Barry proposed that Rick VA3VO be added to the list of trailer towers.
     
   • Moved by Rob VE3RQB seconded by Barry VA3LLT that Rick VA3VO be added to the list of trailer towers. Carried.
     
7. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. There has been no response from the owner of repeater VE3PIC. Steve suggested we drop the project of possibly linking VE3PIC with our repeaters. Steve suggested we attempt to sell our old RC85 controllers at the upcoming Smith's Falls hamfest.
   
8. Events & Public Service: Eric VE3EB. These are the upcoming public service events:
   
   • Cancer Recovery Ride (new event) in Sutton May 14
     
   • MADD (motor cycle ride) May 28
     
   • Mt. Albert parade June 4
     
   • Mt. Albert run June 5
     
   • Aurora Street Sale (trailer required) June 6
     
   • Newmarket Jazz Fest (new location) (trailer required) July 29 – Aug 1
     
9. Field Day: Steve VE3UT
   There was a field day meeting, held with EmComm on Thursday April held with EmComm on Thursday April 14. Food for field day was covered. For the May meeting as site plan and antenna placement to be decided.
   
10. Other Business: Rob VE3RQB knows of a Fusion owner looking for a site, and he has also identified the "belcher" on VE3YRC-V.