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.

YRARC Members QSO Awards Program

This award was introduced on June 6th, 2006 at 9PM EDT by Bob Morton VE3BFM (now VE3WY).

Purpose: Work as many York Region Amateur Radio Club members on as many different amateur bands as possible.

Contacts: Once per amateur band regardless of mode. Repeater contacts can be counted (no cross-band contacts).

Exchange: Callsign and name.

Eligibility: Must be a licenced amateur radio operator

Classes:

1. Member - must be a member of the York Region Amateur Radio Club
2. Non-member - any amateur not a YRARC member

Points: 1 point for each contact with a club member. A club member is a member of YRARC at the time of the QSO, even if that person is not a member at the time of application for the award. Check the 2015 list for members at the time this was posted.

Amateur Bands: All Canadian amateur bands

Awards:

• Certificate for a minimum of 50 band-contacts
• Certificates for additional multiples of 50 band-contacts (e.g. 100, 150, 200, ...)
• Presentation of certificates at club meetings

Start Date: June 6, 2006 21:00 EDT

Submissions: Log books not required. A spread sheet record page is sufficient. Submit log pages to Bob Morton VE3WY by email or at club meetings.

Winners: So far, it seems that the first and only club member to win the QSO award is Neil Macklem, VE3SST, who was presented with the certificate by Bob VE3BFM (now VE3WY) at the October 3rd, 2006 Club Meeting (from the minutes of the November 2006 Splatter).

Harvey Bell's QSL from 1964

Part of the club archive that Bob VE3WY presented to the board was a QSL card from our own Harvey Bell, VE3AFK (SK) to Tony Loftus, VE3FRK (SK). The most important award that the club gives out (more or less) annually is named after him.

The date? Sunday, November 29, 1964. Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the USA, Lester B. Pearson was Prime Minister of Canada, and "Baby Love" by the Supremes was the #1 song in the US and the UK. Expectations of DX must have been low at the time as his card shows the time as EST. I didn't move to Ontario until 1967 but daylight savings time was certainly in place by then. It must have been confusing.

We also have a guest book for meetings of the York North Amateur Radio Club (our former name) from Wednesday, April 10, 1963 to Tuesday, October 14th, 1969. Both Harvey VE3AFK and Tony (no call at the time) were present at that first meeting held at the QTH of R. Cronk VE3EED SK. Harvey was not at at the January 22, 1964 meeting but it is the first meeting where Tony's call sign appears, although Doug VE3VS (formerly VE3CWO) was there. Tony must have got his call sign sometime after January 8th.



His transmitter is listed as a Johnson Viking, which came in several models. There is also a handwritten note on the left hand side written sideways which mentions a new (Hallicrafters) HT44 transmitter and a Drake 2B receiver.

This picture is of a Viking Ranger. According to the Hammond Museum web page the Ranger put out the 75 watts mentioned on the QSL.



His R 1155 receiver was manufactured for the larger British aircraft like the Lancaster Bomber and the Short Sunderland by several manufacturers. It is the top unit in the next picture.



The back of the card shows that VE3FRK lived very close to our current meeting hall and the postage at the time was a mere 5 cents, no postal code was needed, and the mail was delivered right to your door!

And the winner is...

The coveted YRARC Field Day "Melted Coffee Pot" award went to Roger, VE3ROG, for a small oversight regarding a vital antenna connection on the 80m phone station. Quickly resolved through the use of sophisticated analysis tools and several pairs of eyes, it still held up operations long enough to be noticed by Steve VE3UT, our Field Day Director. So after Field Day operations were closed for another year, the proud tradition of presenting the award to the ham who created adversity, then overcame it, lived on. Steve also had the honour of presenting Roger with the award.



The award, now made more elegant through the efforts of Doug VE3VS who built the fine wooden base, provides room for plaques to honour winners for many more Field Days to come. You can see Doug below looks fondly down on the award, no doubt thankful for missing the opportunity to win it this year, turning in a fine score on the 40m CW station.



This is the fourth time the award has been presented, having been conceived in adversity with an unfortunate application of too much force (of the electro-motive kind) to a Field Day coffee pot. It is a testament to the tenacity of past winners that all of them were active in the 2015 event.



Congratulations to Steve for organizing yet another successful Field Day for the York Region Amateur Radio Club in 2015!

Harvey Bell Award - Update

Below are the winners from the past. There may be more we don't know about.

• Howard Morton VE3AQL 1973
• Maurice Challenger VE3GBN 1974
  
• John Epworth VE3GQF 1975
  
• Doug Holmes VE3CWO 1976
  
• Bob Knowles VE3DLJ 1977
  
• John Cutts VE3INP 1978
  
• Ted Dubois VE3HOI 1979
  
• Heather Holmes VE3HQH 1979
  
• Eileen Madden VE3KQQ 1980
  
• Geoff Smith VE3KCE 1981
  
• Elman Campbell VE3IET 1982
  
• John Ellison VE3WHY 1989
  
• Bruce Clements VE3AAY 1989
  
• Murray Powell VE3ATO 1989-90
  
• Rick Simpson VE3LSZ 1991
  
• David Adams VE3HBF 1992
  
• Al Dike VE3AFW 1994
  
• Chris Dean VE3TBP 1996
  
• Dave Marzetti VE3SLM 1997
  
• Ron Gibson VE3CGR 1998
  
• Jan Gibson VE3ZYL 1999
  
• Tom Bygnes VE3JPN 2000-1
  
• Roger Miller VE3ROG 2002
  
• Dave Oman VE3HCR 2004
  
• Judy Yanocko VE3JYF 2006
  
• Neil Macklem VE3SST 2007
  
• Doug Holmes VE3CWO 2009
  
• Bob Morton VE3BFM 2010
  
• John Meskes VE3POJ 2011/12
  
• Steve Brady VA3SRV 2013/14
  
• Steve Holland VE3UT & Eric Brown VE3EB 2014/15
• Rob Barnett VE3RQB 2015/2016
• TBA 2016/2017
• Peter Burgess VE3PBT 2017/18
• Brian Waterworth VE3IBW 2018/19
• Alex Sutherland VA3ASE 2019/20
• David Craig VA3DCY 2020/21
• Barry Byrom VA3LLT 2021/22
• Steve Holland VE3UT 2022/23
• Benny Muus VE3MUU 2023/24

Update (2015-08-13). I discovered in a list I made a couple of years back the name of Howard Morton, VE3AQL as the 1973 winner. Based on club history I believe there may have been one or two earlier winners, as the award was established at the January 27th, 1971 meeting. (2024-07-13) I'm also missing 2016. I will have to dig through the records. I'm sure it must be somewhere.

Call for Nominations for the 2015 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 to be honoured with this award. Your nominations should be made in writing or by email, and should include your description, explanation or citation related to the nominee, and be presented to the club secretary no later than May 8, 2015. Nominations may be presented by individuals, or may be co-signed by several members.

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 would normally be considered by the Executive Committee, or alternatively, the selection of a recipient could be voted on by the members present at a regular meeting.

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 of General Meeting, December 2nd, 2014

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:33. Chaired by Rob VE3RQB. 34 members in attendance

1. The agenda for the meeting was presented by Rob VE3RQB (attachment #1)
   
2. Financial Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Bank balance is presently [balance available to members upon request to the club Secretary]
3. Public Service – Eric VE3EB
   
   • Certificates have been prepared and are being distributed to recognize all those who have volunteered their time in 2014 to support public service events on behalf of the YRARC
4. EMCOMM – Russell VA3WTR
   
   • The communications trailer is now being stored at the York Region EMS parking lot
     
   • The EMCOMM group is in discussions with the region concerning the potential for the region to donate a retired ambulance to the YRARC to be re-purposed to support EMCOMM emergency communications
     
   • EMCOMM meetings will be held every two weeks this coming year
     
   • In addition to the regular face to face meeting, a second meeting held over the air will occur each month. The first over the air meeting will be held Thursday Dec 4
     
   • Site updates:
     
     • York Region headquarters – New EMCOMM channel listing programmed
       
     • Southlake – Request is in to re-locate antenna closer to EOC
       
     • EMCOMM will be looking for a new director in 2015 as Russell begins to focus to Pan Am games
       
5. Repeaters – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Backup power is being installed at VE3YRC VHF. Settings will be changed to preserve power when on backup.
     
   • Emergency power is in place at VE3YRA
     
   • The D-Star gateway has been fixed and new PA has been installed increasing power output on UHF to 73w (up from 23w).
     
6. Winter Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • The board has approved a budget of $200.00 to cover fuel and miscellaneous expenses
     
   • Meal tickets will be sold ahead of time for $10.00 each providing a lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Please contact David VE3DCY to purchase meal tickets. Meal tickets must be purchased in advance of the event so that organizers know how many meals are needed.
     
   • Operating bands: While all bands are available for use, many club members advised the team to not use 17m as a courtesy to other operators not involved in Winter Field Day. [note from VE3NRT - the Winter Field Day rules prohibit operation on the 60, 30, 17 and 12 metre bands].
     
7. Hamfest – Geoff VA3GS
   
   • The 2014 Hamfest generated a profit of approximately $3,000.00. The club would like to extend a special thank you to all those who volunteered their time to make this a success.
8. Property – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Rob VE3RQB extended a thank you on behalf of the entire club to Russell VA3WTR for working with the region to secure a storage location for the communications trailer
     
   • Rob VE3RQB extended a thank you on behalf of the club to Steve VE3EZ for storing the communications trailer on his property
     
9. Insurance – John VA3JI
   
   • General Liability
     
     • The club purchases an annual $2M general liability policy to cover club activities
   • Trailers
     
     • The club purchases an annual policy to cover liability for the communications trailer while it is under tow. For insurance purposes, the communications trailer is classified as an assigned risk and as such, is considered non-standard
       
     • A similar policy is needed to cover the tower trailer. The tower trailer cannot be towed without this policy
       
     • Rob VE3RQB suggested that considering the infrequent use of the tower trailer, the club could hire a commercial towing operator to move the tower trailer when needed. While this is not optimal for emergency response, it may be a more cost effective option for the club to consider
       
     • RAC was contacted to determine whether the club could secure similar coverage at lower cost, but it was reported by RAC that the RAC insurance does not cover moving vehicles or trailers
       
   • Loss of property
     
     • The club has historically not purchased coverage for loss of property but a quote is being requested to provide coverage for the more significantly valued assets held by the club
       
10. Special thank you – Don VE3IXJ
    
    • Done VE3IXJ extend a special thank you on behalf of the club to Doug Peckover for hosting the VE3YRK (D-Star) repeater
11. Motion 2014-12-02-01 by Barry VE3LLT to adjourn meeting, seconded by Doug VE3VS. Motion carried.
    

General Meeting Minutes, 2014.06.03

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:41. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Introductions completed. 36 members and 2 guests in attendance

1. Motion 2014-06-03-01 by John VA3JI to approve the minutes of the May 6th General Meeting as published in the Splatter Blog, seconded by Bill VA3QB. Motion carried.
   
2. Finance – John VA3JI
   
   • Opening balance [available to members from Secretary on request]
     
   • Receipts totaling $75.00 in dues plus proceeds from sale of old tower $200.00
     
   • Disbursements $529.15 go kits, $2,401.24 container including delivery
     
   • [available to members on request] closing balance
     
   • Upcoming expenses: $344.00 for food for AGM
     
3. Events – Eric VE3EB
   
   • MADD Poker Run – Eric thanked volunteers for MADD, repeater coverage was good
     
   • Girl Guide event went well, 5 volunteers
     
   • This weekend MT Albert Parade on Friday, run on Saturday
     
   • Canada Day at Sharon Temple
     
   • Need volunteers
     
   • Don VE3IXJ noted that August long weekend will be a big challenge with the Newmarket Jazz festival Aug 1-4th due to the expanded footprint. This is the same weekend as Al’s Ride.
     
4. Membership Drive – Steve VE3EZ
   
   • Steve has worked with the board to design a club QSL card with the intention to mail these out to 500 local amateurs, inviting them to join us at field day and our regular meetings
     
   • Motion 2014-06-03-02 by Anthony VE3HIS to allocate up to $800.00 to fund the production and distribution of the cards, seconded by Glen VA3AU. Bill VA3QB suggested we focus distribution on newer amateur licenses; for example the VA3’s. Don VE3IXJ could use 411 to cross check mailing list. Chris VE3NRT will send a request through Yahoo to look for volunteers to vet the list. Phil raised the concern that this did not address targeting people who may want to become licensed. Motion carried.
     
5. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Al’s ride is an important event to support because they provide the club with the use of their property for field day.
     
   • Steve thanked Rob VE3RQB for his work on the tower trailer and mentioned that the project is moving along very well and should be ready for field day
     
   • The military have contacted Steve and may not be able to join us at field day due to other commitments
     
   • Volunteer operators are needed as well as volunteers to help with setup will start on Friday Jun 27th. On the air at 2pm Saturday to 2pm Sunday.
     
   • Peter VE3PBT has received a donation from Tim Horton’s to support our event
     
6. EMCOMM – Russell VE3WTR
   
   • EMCOMM has grown over the year. Site owners are assigned to EOC’s in the region
     
   • D-Star training was completed
     
   • Russell recently completed a number of renovations to the trailer over a period of 9 days. New internal layout to improve workability and weight distribution, installation of a UPS, accommodations built for storage of chairs, spare tire, etc… plus reflective tape outside, improvements to the generator storage cage
     
   • Russell VE3WTR has personally invested just under $1,300.00 into this project (for which he has receipts) and estimates that $3000-$4000.00 in total was invested in cash and in kind. He requested the club reimburse ½ of his personal expenses; an amount equal to $633.00
     
   • Motion 2014-06-03-03A by Brian VE3IBW, to reimburse Russell $633.00 seconded by Mike VE3FGU.
     
   • Secondary Motion 2014-06-03-03B by Steve VE3UT to amend the primary motion 2014-06-03-03A requesting that the issue be put to the board for review and final approval. Seconded by Ron KG4CVL.
     
   • Motion 2014-06-03-03A was carried as amended by 2014-06-03-03B
     
   • John VA3JI clarified that the board did not approve this expenditure, and authorized funding repairs to weight distribution system
     
7. Ron KG4CVL was appointed chair AGM
   
8. Chris VA3DXZ was appointed secretary for AGM
   
9. General meeting is adjourned Motion 2014-06-03-04 by Terry VE3ODM to adjourn the general meeting, seconded by Garrett VA3PYP. Motion carried
   
10. Chris VE3NRT announced that Steve VA3SRV is the winner of the Harvey Bell Award
    

My Field Day 2014 - Digital Station

As band captain of the digital station once again, I had two important goals for 2014. The first was to beat last year's score (and targeted 500 contacts compared to 243 last year). The second and far more important goal was to lose the competition for the coffee pot award, which I won handily last year due to antenna and software problems. Fortunately this year things went better and there was more competition so I lost by a mile.

The antenna setup was much easier using the club's radial-free Cushcraft R8 instead of my 30 year-old Butternut HF6V. By Friday evening we had it up, tested and made a couple of DX contacts on 15 metres. We also strung up a home made 40m dipole which I'd built and tuned as an inverted V during my diving trip to Florida in April. True to theory, in the dipole configuration the antenna tuned a bit higher in the band but with about 2:1 VSWR on the digital subband of 40m and 3:1 on 15m it was well within the capabilities of my tuner. The club tri-bander was also available but we soon decided that it would need some repair work before it could be used again, so we set it aside for the event.

Another advantage over FD 2013 was a year's experience with my transceiver. My first contact on that transceiver was on Field Day 2013 and since that time it has logged another 5000 or so, probably about 1/2 of those in one digital mode or another.

Start-up was not without challenges, though. Digital operation requires an audio interface, rig control, PTT, etc. etc and the software didn't work quite right at the beginning causing a few minutes delay that was quickly resolved. I'd brought my docking station to provide extra USB ports and used every single one of them. The worst of the problems was that input monitor switch on the audio interface became set by accident and caused a sharp feedback sound on transmit that took a few minutes to locate, but we were shortly up and running RTTY on 15 metres.

Unfortunately Brian VE3IBW and I didn't get the QSO rate we were looking for, partly because of band conditions and partly because there was less RTTY activity than expected, so by about 6pm we were well short of the QSO rate we needed to be to hit our target. We had started on 15m but had trouble finding new RTTY stations to work so we went to 20m to work some more. After a while 20m became unproductive so I went over to the 40m CW station and talked to John VA3JI who was the operator at the time to let him know that I was going to try 40m and to let me know if he was getting any QRM. Fortunately there was no QRM even though we were operating at the maximum power for our class and the next 12 hours or so was entirely on 40 and the QSO rate started to pick up.

As night fell the tent filled up with mosquitoes and other annoying insects so Publius VE3XS commandeered the bug zapper from the (now closed) kitchen which made short work of them, and surprisingly didn't cause any QRM. On my list for next year is to bring my own zapper.

By 3AM however, the doldrums set in once again so in desperation I took a break to configure FLDIGI (software for digital modes) with N1MM. Having access to the Internet via my cell phone really helped get it up and running. Once configured, we went to PSK and spent most of the remaining time in that mode. There were many more PSK operators and we really started to make hay, even though the sunshine was still hours away. By the time Brian returned at 6:30 AM I was able to turn the station over to him with just 25 contacts to go to beat the previous years' high water mark.

The other change we made this year was to use a home-made dipole and an additional antenna. On 40m it seemed to work better than the Cushcraft so we turned the R8 over the GOTA station and ran the dipole for most of the remainder of the contest.

I went home to get a few hours of sleep and when I got back to the site at around 1PM I found that Brian had had an outstanding morning on PSK and we were closing in on 300 contacts. By the end we'd reached 309 QSOs using two modes on 3 bands, a new high water mark to beat in Field Day 2015. Next year we are thinking about using a second receiver for spotting unworked stations and maybe setting up for 80 metres as well. The multi-band capability of the digital station really helped rack up the points. In the picture below, you'll see the Coffee Pot Award being presented to someone other than me.



With the great weather, great food (Thanks Peter!), great organization (Thanks Steve!) and great company (Thanks everyone!) it was all in all an excellent weekend.

Minutes of the May 2014 Board of Directors meeting

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:07. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT

• Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Publius VE3XS, John VA3JI, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3EZ, Barry VA3LLT, Geoff VA3GS
  
• Board members absent; Richard VE3NSD
  
• Guests attending; none
  

1. Agenda was approved as proposed by Chris VE3NRT with the addition of the two email motions;
   
   • 2014-04-24-01 Email Motion - Movement of trailer out of region
     
   • 2014-04-28-01 Email Motion - Trailer Renovations
     
2. Adoption of April 4th, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-05-20-01 by Chris VA3DXZ to adopt minutes, seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
   • Finance report John VA3JI –
     
     • Income; $200.00 for the sale of the old tower, $75.00 for 3 memberships
       
     • Disbursements; $529.15 for Go Kit Items, $2,401.25 for purchase of the storage container
       
     • Balance [Available to members from Secretary on request]
       
     • John VA3JI reported that an earlier Motion for $500.00 for Go Kit materials was recorded in the minutes with the incorrect motion number.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-02 by John VA3JI to amend the earlier motion numbered 2013-11-19-04 for allocation of $500.00 for Go Kit items to 2013-12-17-04 seconded by Chris VA3DXZ. Motion carried.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-03 moved by Geoff to increase funding allocated under motion 2013-12-17-04 for go kits by $29.15, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
   • Motion 2014-05-20 -04 by Chris VA3DXZ to recognize and confirm approval of 2014-04-24-01, an email motion approving the movement of the communications trailer out of region, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Motion carried.
     
   • Motion 2014-05-20 -05 by Chris VA3DXZ to recognize and confirm approval of 2014-04-28-01, an email motion approving certain renovations to the interior of the communications trailer, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
     
   • Trailer Weight Distribution System – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Rob VE3RQB reported that the weight distribution brackets on the tongue of the communications trailer were damaged during towing for the recent renovations and subsequently removed without prior approval of the board.
       
     • In response to a concern raised that the weight distribution kit was not compatible with the braking system on the trailer, Rob VE3RQB provided a report from D.D. Eagles & Sons (see attachment #2), (the installer of the weight distributor kit), noting the manufacturer of the kit; Reese Hitch, had confirmed that the weight distribution kit would present no issue. Problems arise when a sway control system is used. In the case of the club’s trailer, a sway control system has not been installed nor used.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20 -06 by Eric VE3EB to allocate up to $300.00 to repair the weight distribution system in accordance with the recommendation of the trailer committee, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion amended by John VA3JI to request a written validation by the installer that the system meets or exceeds the manufactures recommendations, seconded by Chris VA3DXZ. Motion carried.
       
     • Rob VE3RQB recommended that the generator be removed from the trailer during towing, until such time that the weight distribution system is repaired.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-07 moved by Barry that Steve VE3EZ, Chris VA3DXZ, Bill VE3QB, and Rob VE3RQB, be solely authorized to tow the trailer until the trailer committee has reviewed / amended the trailer policy to ensure the club's interests are protected. Seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-08 by John to request that the board seek cost recovery for the damage to the weight distribution system. Seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion defeated.
       
   • Tower Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Discussion concerning modifications of the new tower necessary to install it on the existing tower trailer
       
     • It was noted that the existing tower trailer was originally a Toronto Police tower trailer
       
     • The trailer committee suggested that only the 3 inner sections be used to reduce weight
       
     • Rob will call out for volunteers, to disassemble the new tower
       
   • Storage unit – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • The storage container was purchased (see attachment #3) and delivered to site. Rob VE3RQB will donate a lock. Property manager will hold one key and club secretary will hold second key.
       
     • Barry VA3LLT will begin work on interior shelving
       
   • Bylaws – Eric VE3EB
     
     • Bylaws have been distributed to the club secretary who will distribute to club members on request
       
     • The secretary reported that there have been no requests for a copy of the bylaws
       
   • Membership drive – Steve VE3EZ
     
     • The draft version of the post card was presented for feedback. Edits will continue for the following week at which time Steve VE3EZ expects to finalize the design
       
     • Steve VE3EZ provided a budgetary cost estimate totaling $762.00 including tax to produce and mail 500 cards. He will secure additional quotes prior to the next general meeting.
       
     • Steve VE3EZ will send the mailing list for review and comment.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-09 by Geoff GS to go to general membership with a motion to allocate up to $800.00 for membership drive seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
   • IRLP – John VA3JI
     
     • IRLP was brought on line 4 weeks ago but is presently down due to a lightning strike. System will be back online once the internet access is restored
   • Field Day
     
     • Chris VE3NRT & Steve VE3UT to meet to discuss details
   • Harvey Bell Award
     
     • The Harvey Bell award nominations were reviewed and a winner was selected by majority vote of the board. The winner will be announced at the AGM
   • Events update – Eric VE3EB
     
     • Eric noted the upcoming events, all of which are on the calendar on the club web site WWW.YRARC.org
   • AGM Food
     
     • Motion 2014-05-20-10 by Barry VA3LLT to allocate the $50 in addition to the amount allocated for food for the 2013 AGM.
     • Seconded by Rob VE3RQB
       
   • Motion 2014-05-20-11 by Eric VE3EB to adjourn meeting, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried at 21:10
     

Minutes: YRARC Board of Directors Meeting April 15th, 2014

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:00. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Richard VE3NSD, Geoff VA3GS, Publius VE3XS, John VA3JI, Eric VE3OIC, Steve VE3EZ. Board members absent; Barry VA3LLT. Guests attending; Carlos VA3CAZ, Russell VA3WTR

1. Agenda
   
   • Agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT (Attachment #2)
     
   • Motion 2014-04-15-01 by Rob VE3RQB to adopt agenda seconded by Richard VE3NSD . Motion carried.
     
2. Adoption of Feb 18, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-04-15-02 by John VA3JI to adopt the minutes of the Mar 18th board meeting seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer's report John VA3JI
   
   • Current balance [Available to members upon request to club secretary]
4. Richard VE3NSD
   
   • Announced that he is stepping down from Community Events / Public Service leadership
     
   • Eric VE3OIC volunteered to take over until the end of his term in June 2014 with assistance from Geoff VA3GS
     
5. Old Business
   
   • Tower Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Rob VE3RQB towed the tower trailer to Tricked Toys where the tower was removed from the trailer. Rob VE3RQB then returned the trailer to the York region yard
       
     • Contact at York Region yard is Scott Stover [phone numbers in secretary's minutes]
       
     • Tower is on Mark VE3SDF’s trailer at his home
       
     • Tower was weighed to estimate scrap value which is estimated to be $50-$75
       
     • Rob is in need of the key for the trailer storage boxes
       
     • Chris VE3NRT will coordinate with Steve VE3EZ load new tower on the tower trailer
       
   • Trailer Emcomm – Russell VA3WTR
     
     • Russell VA3WTR presented a letter (attachment #3) outlining proposed improvements / upgrades to the trailer to improve functionality and increase storage capacity at the front of the trailer
       
     • Recommendations were discussed and debated. Concerns were raised about the costs and discussion ensued about reducing the scope of work and associated costs
       
     • Decision made by the board to authorize Russell VA3WTR to undertake the improvements that can be done without added cost utilizing donations of the members
       
     • Work to be undertaken in region
       
   • Storage Container – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • The ground is too wet to place the container in the next 2-3 weeks
       
     • Bruce VE3BV needs to have the material in the garage moved out within the next two weeks
       
     • Rob proposed renting a storage unit for one month as an interim solution to allow us to move the material from Bruce VE3BV’s home while we wait for the proper ground conditions to move the container
       
   • By-laws – Eric VE3OIC
     
     • Eric and Geoff will be meeting to finalize the draft amendment
       
     • At the next general meeting, Eric and Geoff will announce the availability of the final draft and schedule for voting in the fall. Copies will be made available to paid up club members. Members requesting a copy will be asked to contact the club secretary Chris VA3DXZ at secretary@yrarc.org
       
   • Hamfest – Geoff VA3GS
     
     • Motion 2014-04-15-04 by Geoff VA3GS to relocate the Hamfest to Markham Fairgrounds, seconded by Eric VE3OIC.
       
     • Geoff VA3GS presented the rental agreement for discussion
       
     • Secondary Motion 2014-04-15-04b by Publius VE3XS to study the historical Hamfest financial statements, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion not carried.
       
     • Secondary Motion 2014-04-15-04c by Steve VE3EZ to amend Motion 2014-04-15-04 to include a review of the historical Hamfest financial statements in order to do a better job in 2014. Seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
     • Discussion concerning the 2013 Hamfest profits. John VA3JI voiced his concern to the chair that the discussion was once again questioning if there were errors in the accounting. Geoff VA3GS addressed the chair to say that he accepts full responsibility for the Hamfest. John VA3JI noted that he had reviewed the figures at the request of the board more than once and confirmed the numbers were accurate. This point was accepted and the discussion then focused on how to do a better job this year. The following points were discussed:
       
       • More focus and resources needed on promotion and sale of the tickets for the grand prize draw
         
       • Need to improve security around ticket sales and cash boxes.
         
       • Eric VE3OIC proposed to dedicate a board meeting to discuss management of the 2014 Hamfest
         
       • John VA3JI suggested a leader for each function and that the float would be split among leaders and delivered by the treasurer
         
   • Membership Drive – Steve VE3EZ
     
     • Steve VE3EZ reported that the mailer is still on track for a final draft at next meeting
   • IRLP – John VA3JI
     
     • Eric VE3OIC will help John VA3JI to fabricate a new cable
6. Field day – No update
7. Harvey Bell Award – Chris NRT
   
   • Secretary will consolidate nominations and send to the board for review at the next board meeting
8. Upcoming Community Events – Eric VE3OIC
   
   • See attachment #1
9. Motion 2014-04-15-05 by Chris VA3DXZ to adjourn meeting, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried at 21:10
   

ATTACHMENT #1 – Community Events

1. MADD Poker Ride Event, May 25, 2014
   
   • Newmarket (City Hall) west to Tottenham road area (tentative route)
     
   • Call out is for 8-10 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
2. Girl Guide Event, May 31, 2014.
   
   • Call out is for 4-6 HAMs
     
   • Good opportunity to show off the trailer, provide demos and “sell” Amateur Radio.
     
   • The Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council are holding a huge Province wide rally on Saturday May 31. Anticipated attendance is 5-8 thousand. We already have 3000 + members registered and the deadline isn't until May 2.
     
   • We were wondering if the club would be interested in setting up a ham radio display and demonstration where the girls could come by and see things and perhaps even try and contact people.
     
   • The event is being held at Canada's Wonderland, in the Kingswood Theatre Section. This section is blocked off from the public for the day and only Girl Guide members will be allowed in this section. (except of course, the presenters, demonstrators, etc.). We have checked with the officials at Wonderland and though they have a 'no radio' policy they have told us that we can go ahead and set this up with no issues using the radios.
     
   • I know that 3 (or 4) years ago, when we held our last Rally Day at Ontario Place in Toronto, there was a HAM display set up where the girls could see and use equipment throughout the day (under the supervision of the licensed Hams).
     
   • The day starts for the girls at 9:00 am and ends at 4:00. The presenters would have to be there earlier of course, to set up. I can get those details later for you. Girl Guides event May 31 Wonderland
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
3. Aurora Street Festival Sunday June 1, 2014
   
   • (Opening and closing)
     
   • Call out is for 14-16 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
4. Mt Albert Sports Day, June 7 (Tentative)
   
   • 5K run and Parade
     
   • Call out is for 6-8 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
5. Remembering Renata - Walking Across Canada, Sunday August 24
   
   • This was a new event for our club last year and our first opportunity to extend our support to a deserving organization; Eating Disorders of York Region (EDOYR). Few people know that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses but sadly, our healthcare system does not adequately fund the needs of the community. We can & did help make a difference!
     
   • Chris VA3DXZ is coordinating. Call out is for 4-5 hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
6. Newmarket Jazz Festival, August 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2014
   
   • Newmarket Community Centre
     
   • Many HAMs for multiple shifts (details to follow)
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
7. AL's Ride August 3rd, 214
   
   • Al’s Tack Sop, Vandorf Side Road
     
   • Call out is for 10-12 Hams
     
   • Trailer requested but not Needed!
     
8. Coming soon…
   
   • Sharon Temple events (2-3)
     
   • CIBC Run for the Cure
     
   • Markham Santa Parade
     
   • Newmarket Santa (Freelance Hams via Don Matthews)
     

March 2014 General Meeting - Minutes

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to order at 19:32. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT

1. Introductions completed. 35 members and 1 guest in attendance
   
2. Minutes Feb 4th general meeting; motion by Richard VE3NSD to approve the minutes, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
   
3. Reports
   
   1. Treasury – John VA3JI
      
      • Balance is [Available to members on request]. Two memberships paid in February otherwise no other transactions in the month
   2. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
      
      • Peter VE3PBT has volunteered to run the kitchen this year. Peter VE3PBT has prepared a menu and Steve VE3UT will provide an estimate of the number to be accommodated for dinner.
        
      • Location: Preference is to continue using the field behind Al’s Tack Shop
        
   3. By-law Committee – Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3OIC
      
      • Minor clean up and corrections completed. Member input has been consolidated. There is a concern that in its current form, there will be insufficient time at the AGM to discuss and vote on all the proposed changes. The by-la committee has proposed to hold a town hall meeting for interested members to review all changes with a goal to finalize the list of changes to be put to a vote at the AGM.
   4. Trailer – Barry VA3LLT
      
      • New RCMP tower, spoke with manufacturer of tower stripped down trailer $17K
        
      • Looking at old trailer, RCMP tower is 300lbs vs old tower is ~1,000 lbs.
        
      • Rob VE3RQB, Barry VA3LLT and welding contractor went to look at the old trailer. The Welder will supply an estimate. The trailer will not be moving until there is an okay from the BOD to do the work.
        
      • If estimate is approved, the target is to have the trailer fitted with new tower for field day.
        
4. Member QSO awards – Bob VE3WY
   
   • Started June 2006 9pm however, only one certificate issued to date. The goal is to work as many York region amateur club members on as many bands as possible. There was a strong show of interested hands at meeting. Club members are encouraged to review the rules and begin making QSO’s. Bob VE3WY will issue certificates at the general meetings. Bob’s presentation will be placed on the Splatter Blog.
5. Project Night – Brad VE3HII, Steve VASRV
   
   • Brad VE3HII presented an overview of his and Steve VA3SRV’s proposal to re-activate project night. The plan is to begin mid April. Project nights to be held at the Newmarket Girl Guides office or the Newmarket Community Centre on Wednesday evenings 7-9pm. Looking for a minimum of 6 participants. Initial project will be an introduction to micro controllers with the objective to build a simple proto typing system estimated to cost between $30 and $50. Presentation will be posted on the Splatter Blog.
6. EMCOMM project Plan – Russell VE3WTR
   
   • Russell VE3WTR presented an update on EMCOMM activities and structure. EMCOMM is looking for volunteers. No specialized training is required. Looking for people to fulfill core roles, EOC site owners, or general responders. Presentation will be posted on the Splatter Blog.
7. Digital voice communications – Chris VE3NRT
   
   • Chris presented an overview of Open Source Digital Voice Communications. Presentation will be posted on the Splatter Blog.

Meeting adjourned at 21:14

The Harvey Bell Award - Call for Nominations

At the January, 1971 meeting of the York North Radio Club, the membership established an award in memory of the late Harvey Bell, VE3AFK, or 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 owuld 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 would normally be considered by the Board, or alternatively, the selection of a recipient could be voted on by the members present at a regular meeting.

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 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 to leadership over to Frank Rusholme.

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

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

Notice to all YRARC members

Each year about this time, the members of our radio club have the opportunity to nominate a member to be honoured with this award.

Your nominations should be made in writing, and should include your description, explanation or citation related to the nominee, and be presented to the club secretary no later than April 2014 general meeting. Nominations may be presented by individuals, or may be co-signed by several members

YRARC Members QSO Awards Program

Thanks to Bob VE3WY for suggesting the resurrection of this program, introduced at 9pm on June 6, 2007. I've asked Publius to get a current membership list (first name and call) for each club member to keep track of their progress. Please join us on the 6 metre net Monday nights (and the D-RATS net immediately afterward) to get a head start.

The award is available to anyone. There are separate classes for members and non-members. Each group has the same objective, contacts with members on as many bands as possible.

• Purpose: Work as many different York Region Amateur Radio Club members on as many different amateur bands as possible.
  
• Contacts:Once per amateur band regardless of mode. Repeater contacts can be counted (no cross-band contacts)
  
• Exchange: Callsign and Name
  
• Eligibility: Must be a licensed amateur radio operator
  
• Two classes of award
  
  • Member: Must be current (at the time of log submission) paid up member or Life Member of the York Region Amateur Radio Club
    
  • Non-member: Any amateur who is not a member of YRARC
    
• Points: One point for each contact between club members
  
• Amateur Bands: 25 different amateur bands available
  
• Awards: Certificate for a minimum of 50 band-contacts. Endorsements available for additional multiples of 25 band contacts (e.g. 75, 100, 125, … )
  
• Presentation of certificates at club meetings
  
• Eligible contacts: From June 6, 2006 (9:00pm EDT)
  
• Submissions: log books not required – Honour System. Submit log pages to Bob Morton, VE3WY at meetings or by email.