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

YRARC Hamfest in the News

Another hamfest is behind us. With over 500 guests and rooms full of vendors, it was a busy event. Pictures will be forthcoming shortly but meanwhile here's some coverage from our local media - snapd Markham.

Volunteer at the Hamfest - Top 10 Reasons

From the September 2005 Splatter

1. Be part of the team of the #1 Hamfest in Ontario
2. Get into the Hamfest for free
3. It's a fun day for a few hours work
4. A chance to meet fellow Hams
5. Opportunity to pick up the odd Christmas present
6. A chance to participate in another aspect of the hobby
7. Variety of volunteer "activities" to choose from
8. Be involved in the "behind-the-scenes" aspects of a Hamfest
9. Jan (ed: now Geoff) will stop petering you to sign up
10. It's the Club's (your Club's) primary source of money. The success of the Hamfest ensures a sound financial basis for the Club.

I'll add to this that for high school students it may also count for community service hours. Contact Geoff for more information.

YRARC Board of Directors - Minutes April 21, 2015

Meeting held in the Newmarket Community Centre. Called to order at 19:00. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, Steve VE3UT, David VA3DCY, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS. Guests attending; Robert VA3BXG

1. Agenda
   
   • Motion 2015-04-21-01 by John VA3JI to adopt agenda, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried Adoption of Mar 17, 2015 board meeting minutes
     
2. Adoption of Mar 17, 2015 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2015-04-21-02 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt Mar 17, 2015 board meeting minutes as published in the Splatter Blog, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
     
3. Governance
   
   • Treasurer’s report (John VA3JI)
     
     • Current balance is [available to members upon request to Secretary]
       
     • Motion 2015-04-21-03 by John VA3JI to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
       
   • Insurance Status (John VA3JI)
     
     • John will forward a copy of the property policy to the secretary
       
   • Destruction of old accounting records (John VA3JI)
     
     • Motion 2015-04-21-04 by John VA3JI, that the Treasurer be allowed to destroy documents 7 years following the date on which they were audited, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
       
   • Web site access (Chris VE3NRT)
     
     • There have been requests to update the site. Chris VE3NRT can post documents in word format if that is of assistance to content owners.
       
4. Property
   
   • Bales road formal trailer parking agreement with York EMS
     
     • Robert VA3BXG advised the board that this was on hold until it is confirmed that he is the ARES Emergency Coordinator (EC) for York Region. Once this is confirmed he will approach Greg Stasyna of York Region Emergency Management and work with him to identify the correct people for YRARC to work with to secure a formal agreement.
       
     • Motion 2015-04-21-05 by Eric VE3EB, that Chris VE3NRT contact EMS at Bales Road, to determine who we should contact or notify to access our trailers, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried
       
     • The board will prepare a short list of individuals authorized by the club to access / remove the trailers
       
   • Revised trailer use policy
     
     • Chris VE3NRT has revised the policy and will distribute to the board for review and comment
       
5. Repeaters (Steve VE3UT)
   
   • 6m Repeater: Geoff VA3GS to send WNYSORC forms to Steve VE3UT to fill out info for 6m repeater
     
   • Bob VE3WY will supply the 6m antenna for $99.00. Mounting bracket and connectors will also need to be purchased. The repeater maintenance float will be used to purchase the antenna and installation materials.
     
   • Steve VE3UT to provide the repeater site contacts to the secretary for filing
     
6. Events (Eric VE3EB)
   
   • Eric VE3EB provided a list of events (attached)
     
   • A volunteer is needed to lead the York Simcoe Riders, MADD event on May 31st
     
   • Eric VE3EB, Geoff VA3GS, and Robert VA3BXG advised the board that they are volunteering for the PAN AM games and will have limited availability
     
7. EMCOMM (Robert VA3BXG)
   
   • Red Cross SET went well. The report is attached to the agenda
     
   • The York Region Emergency Preparedness Fair will be held on May 2 and a volunteer is needed to tow the communications trailer to the event
     
   • Robert VA3BXG will send EMCOMM files to the club secretary for filing (EMCOMM agreements, LOU’s, site contact info, EOC access procedures, etc…)
     
   • Motion 2015-04-21-06 by Geoff VA3GS, that Robert VA3BXG be appointed EMCOMM/ARES chair for YRARC, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.
     
8. Membership (Geoff VA3GS)
   
   • Hamfest (Geoff VA3GS)
     
     • Short discussion / brainstorming on fund raising ideas
       
     • Discussed the idea to invite the Lions Club into the event to sell food. The Lions Club would be responsible for all costs and keep all proceeds. This would simplify planning and eliminate the potential for a monetary loss due to lower than expected food sales
       
     • Geoff presented his mailer to the board for review and feedback (attached)
       
   • Trillium Grant (Chris VE3NRT)
     
     • Chris VE3NRT reported on an earlier idea that a Trillium grant could possibly fund the launch of a cube sat. Upon further investigation, he concluded that putting a cube sat into orbit would be prohibitively expensive
       
     • Other ideas raised included; replace and upgrade equipment in the trailer, replace repeaters and equip with battery backup
       
     • Board members were asked to forward their ideas to Eric VE3EB
       
     • Chris VE3NRT suggested we identify needs based on past (documented) experiences
       
   • Next License Class (Geoff VA3GS)
     
     • There is presently insufficient demand to schedule a class but Geoff is open to hold a class in the fall if the demand is there
       
9. Field Day (Steve VE3UT)
   
   • Rob VE3RQB will repair the generator
     
   • Eric VE3EB has volunteered the use of his Butternut antenna for the digital station
     
   • Locations will be same as last year in the field behind Al’s Tack Shop
     
   • Food tickets will be sold
     
   • We might try networked logging
     
10. Motion 2015-04-21-07 by Barry VA3LLT to allocate $350.00 for food for the AGM, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
    

Meeting adjourned at 21:31

Minutes of General Meeting 2014-11-04

Meeting called to order 7:30 PM, Chris VE3NRT as chairman, John, VA3JI, taking minutes. Chris made introductory remarks.

1. Introduced guests and members, 25 people present.
   
2. Brian, VE3IBW, moved to accept the minutes of the October meeting, seconded by Bill, VA3QB, passed.
   
3. John, VA3JI, gave Treasurer's report and moved its acceptance. Seconded by Glenn, VA3AU, passed. We have approximately [balance available to members on request to Secretary] in the bank but some expenses for the Hamfest have not been paid. A closer estimate would be [estimate available to members on request to Secretary].
   
4. John, VA3JI, gave the financial portion of the Hamfest report. We had 565 admissions and 87 tables sold. Geoff, VA3GS, will have a fuller detailed report when he returns from Italy in December.
   
5. Steve, VE3UT, reported on Winter Field Day. Runs noon 24 Jan, 2015, to noon 25 Jan. We have arranged for use of the Sharon Temperance Hall (where we meet) but due to previous commitments for the hall, we must be cleaned up and gone by 12:45 PM on Sunday at the latest.
   
6. Eric, VE3EB, reported that 6 people wrote their exam at the Hamfest; 5 passed.
   
7. Eric, VE3EB, is arranging for the entry to the Newmarket Santa Claus parade. We will be entering the Communications Trailer in the parade. Rob will be towing it.
   
8. Don, VE3IXJ, gave the EMCOMM report.
   
9. Steve, VE3UT, provided the repeater report. We have poor coverage in Georgina and he is looking at having a secondary repeater there as a relay. He is looking at obtaining an Internet connection at the Richmond Hill Hospital site.
   
10. There is now a repeater in the Communications trailer for emergency use only. Callsign is VE3RCY and it requires a 100 Hz sub-audible tone to access it. This is on an uncoordinated frequency pair that can only be used intermittently.
    

Speaker was John, VE3IPS, who gave a presentation on the Elecraft KX3 QRP rig and its accessories. He also discussed Buddipole antennas.

Next meeting 2 December, 2014. This is the annual Christmas party. Please bring non-perishable food items for the food bank.

General Meeting Minutes - 2014-10-07

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:30. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. 41 members and 3 guests in attendance.

1. The agenda for the meeting was presented by Chris VE3NRT (attachment #1)
   
2. News – Chris VE3NRT reported that
   
   • Aurora is getting LED lighting
     
   • Aurora council adopted a new tower protocol
     
   • W1AW moving to Virginia, Missouri, and the Mariana Islands at 0000Z
     
3. Project Night – Brad VE3HII discussed / proposed a microcontroller project night. Please contact Brad if you are interested in participating.
   
4. Financial Report – John VA3JI presented the financial report (Attachment #2).
   
   • Closing Balance August 31st [available to members upon request to Secretary]
     
   • Income (Dues and Hamfest) $1,140.00
     
   • Disbursements (Field Day, Trailer, Misc) $745.36
     
   • Closing balance Sept 30th $15,608.19
     
   • Income (Dues and Hamfest) $837.00
     
   • Disbursements (Fees) $8.21
     
   • Balance as of Oct 7th [available to members upon request to Secretary]
     
   • Motion 2014-10-07-01 by John VA3JI to accept the report, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
     
5. Minutes of the last meeting:
   
   • Motion 2014-10-07-02 by Geoff VA3GS to accept the minutes of the last general meeting, seconded by Brad VE3HII. Motion carried.
     
6. Field Day Report – Steve VE3UT reported that
   
   • The field day trophy (broken coffee pot award), now has proper plaques installed to record the winners
     
   • Anyone interested in participating in the winter field day event contact him so that he can gauge interest among the club
     
7. Repeater report – Steve VE3UT reported that the repeater committee needs members who have the technical skills to support our repeaters. He provided an update (attachment #3) on the projects underway as follows:
   
   • Communications trailer – Work is underway to tune the duplexer previously installed in Richmond Hill to the new frequency pair. The repeater will also need to be programmed to the new frequency.
     
   • Tower trailer – repeater needs to be installed and tuned. There will need to be a budget approved to purchase materials required (antenna and feedline) and to cover any repairs necessary.
     
   • Tentatively planning to increase the power of the YRK/B D-Star UHF repeater to 75W in the next 2 or 3 weeks
     
   • Looking into the feasibility of a linked UHF repeater in Georgina to improve coverage
     
8. Public service – Eric VE3EB thanked those who volunteered to support the CIBC Run for the Cure and highlighted the concern that the club was short of a full complement of volunteers to support the event. Eric VE3EB asked if the club planned to enter the Newmarket Santa Clause parade. Chris VE3NRT confirmed that the club will support the event. Plans are also underway to support the Bradford Santa Clause parade.
   
9. EMCOMM – Russell VE3WTR reported that
   
   • YRARC served as emergency dispatch to EMS, St John Ambulance, and YRP again this year at the Markham fair. The communications trailer was deployed to the event
     
   • He is working to secure a parking space for the tower trailer at Bales Road site.
     
   • EMCOMM group is looking for more volunteers to act as site owners
     
   • Richmond Hill council has indicated they can fund an amateur radio equipment installation at their site. A volunteer is needed to take the EMCOMM lead with Richmond Hill.
     
10. Hamfest report – Geoff VA3GS reported that set up will start at 1pm on Friday Oct 31st. On Saturday vendors will arrive at 6:30am. Yaesu will be presenting Saturday morning. Volunteers are needed.
    

After the break at 8:06pm Doug VE3VS presented Fox Island Activation (Canadian Islands on the Air - CISA) and Steve VE3EZ presented Durham’s Next Gen Regional radio upgrade project. The meeting adjourned at approximately 21:41

Minutes of October 2014 Board Meeting, 2014-10-21

Meeting held in the lower room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:05. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, John VA3JI, Barry VA3LLT, Geoff VA3GS, David VA3DCY, Steve VE3UT. Board members absent; Eric VE3EB. Guests attending; Bob Rennie VA3BSJ

1. Review of the agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT (attachment #1).
   
   • Motion 2014-10-21-01 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt agenda, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.
     
   • Barry VE3LLT VA3LLT requested the addition of item 4c to provide an update on the communications trailer
     
2. Adoption of Sept 16 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-10-21-02 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt minutes as published in the splatter blog at http://yrarc-splatter.blogspot.ca/, seconded by David VA3DCY. Motion carried.
     
3. Governance
   
   • Insurance – John VA3JI
     
     • John VA3JI shared the list of assets to be insured. This is still a work in progress. Steve VE3UT offered a few corrections. John needs assistance getting serial numbers for some of the equipment in the communications trailer
       
     • John VA3JI confirmed that the existing insurance policies have been renewed and that these policies can be changed in accordance with the boards wishes once he finalizes his insurance proposal and it is approved by the board
       
     • Tower trailer towing and operating procedure is being worked by Rob VE3RQB
       
     • Rob VE3RQB confirmed that the communications trailer towing procedure is completed and located in the trailer.
       
   • Finance Report (Attachment #2)
     
     • Closing balance Sept 30th 2014 [available from club Secretary on request]
       
     • Disbursements (PayPal fees, Plaques, Insurance, Trailer) $688.95
       
     • Income (Hamfest, sale of assets, memberships) $2,149.00
       
     • Balance as of Oct 21st 2014 [available from club Secretary on request]
       
4. Property – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Disposition of surplus equipment
     
     • Aluminum tower section has been sold to Bob VE3WY and is waiting to be picked up
       
     • Trailer ball will be posted for sale online
       
     • Tri-band antenna has been sold to Bob VE3WY
       
   • Painting of the tower trailer
     
     • Painting has been completed.
       
     • Motion 2014-10-21-03 by Geoff VA3GS to thank Rob VE3RQB, Steve VE3UT, and Barry VA3LLT for completing the work, seconded by David VA3DCY. Motion carried
       
     • Communications trailer – Barry VA3LLT reported that the repeater has been installed and equipment in the rack was re-organized.
       
5. Repeaters – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Transfer of the VE3YRA call from Bruce VE3BV. Chris VE3NRT confirmed that he will draft letters for Bruce VE3BV, Steve VE3UT, and himself to send to industry Canada to initiate the transfer of the call sign to Steve VE3UT
     
   • Repeater Committee update
     
     • VE3RCY is operational in the communications trailer on 145.250 Mhz with negative offset and 100 hz tone for TX only. This is an uncoordinated shared frequency pair.
       
     • The club owns 3 portable repeaters. One is not operational and is being kept for spare parts. The remaining two could be used in an emergency to replace YRC or YRA operating from the tower trailer. The suggestion is to house the repeater inside a weather tight container on the tower trailer so that it is ready for emergency deployment.
       
     • Steve VE3UT suggested that the board consider a maintenance budget for the repeaters
       
6. Events
   
   • Tracking of volunteer hours back to the AGM.
     
     • Eric VE3EB provided an email report prior to the meeting indicating that he was working on the spreadsheet and had requested input from those people that lead events that he had not participated in.
   • Recent and upcoming events
     
     • Newmarket Santa Claus parade Nov 15th – Eric VE3EB’s report identified a list of information he needed to complete the application which is due Nov 4th
       
     • Bradford Santa Claus parade (Evening) Nov 15th – Rob VE3RQB shared the application with the board. There is a requirement for 500 lights on each float. Rob will get a note out to club members looking for their support.
       
     • Aurora Santa Claus parade (Evening) Nov 22nd - The board discussed whether it was feasible to participate
       
     • Motion 2014-10-21-04 by Geoff VA3GS that the board approves the application to enter the Aurora, Bradford, and Newmarket parades, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
7. Membership – Geoff VA3GS
   
   • Hamfest Update
     
     • Geoff VA3GS reported that 85 tables have been sold. The club has also once again donated tables to CLARA (Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association), CNIB, and RAC.
       
     • There will be 4 admissions booths this year.
       
     • Food will be cut back compared to last year.
       
     • John VA3JI will be in charge of dispensing and reconciling the cash floats
       
   • Motion 2014-10-21-05 by John VA3JI to approve $20.00 to cover the cost of the trophy plaques, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
     
   • The board reviewed the speakers list for the upcoming general meetings
     
   • Toronto Rebellion Special Events Station – Chris VE3NRT reported that the event is on hold and will be revisited next year.
     
   • Winter Field Day – Steve VE3UT reported that the Sharon Temperance Hall is the preferred location. He will see if it is available to be used by the Club.
     
   • Christmas meeting – Chris VE3NRT reminded the board that he will be unable to attend the December general meeting and that Rob VE3RQB will chair the meeting in his absence
     

The YRARC Hamfest is 1 week away!

The York Region Amateur Radio Club is proud to present its annual Hamfest at the Markham Fairgrounds. Doors open at 0630 for vendors, 0730 for coffee and snacks, and doors open at 0900 for general admission. Chris Wilson, N0CSW, who is the national sales manager at Yaesu USA, will be making a special presentation at 1030 in Hall 2 on the Yaesu Fusion System.

More information, including directions and talk-in frequencies, is available here. We are having excellent participation from vendors this year so you won't want to miss this year's event!

Many thanks to Geoff VA3GS whose efforts have made this event possible. Please come and support your club by buying some stuff!

73,
Chris VE3NRT