The Splatter is the on-line newsletter of the York Region Amateur Radio Club. First published as a printed newsletter in 1973, it contains club news, meeting minutes, announcements, and articles of interest to members and all Amateur Radio Operators.
York Region is situated immediately north of the City of Toronto and includes the municipalities of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville
The club participated in the York Region Emergency Preparedness Fair on May 4, 2016. This was held at York Region Headquarters in Newmarket. Nine club members participated this year. Although the "target audience" this year was regional staff, the general public was also welcomed. Quite a few people expressed interest in amateur radio and we pointed out how ham radio "is there" when other means of communications go down. Many asked if ham radio was on the ground in Fort McMurray, Alberta right now. We also mentioned the recent earthquakes in Ecuador and amateur radio activity there. All stations were activated in the trailer and some QSO's were made including DStar QSO's on VE3YRK with England and U.S.A. (a mobile in WV).
Participants this year: Geoff VA3GS, Cec VA3HE, Barry VA3LLT, Rick VA3VO, John VE3IPS, Rob VE3RQB, Terry VE3ODM, Bruce VE3BV, Steve VE3UT
YRARC Trailer in front of York Region HQ
CEC VA3HE and Steve VE3UT
John VE3IPS, Barry VA3LLT, Rick VA3VO and Rob VE3RQB
The first meeting of the new YRARC year is behind us. Even though the summer seemed all too short, it was great to see everyone again as well as see some new faces and especially some guests who were looking to get their ham licences.
Thanks to Dave VE3OOI for his informed and interesting presentation on model rockets and (fortunately!) static display. They were impressive home-built vehicles.
Next meeting will feature Paul Delaney. Don't miss it!
Members assemble for the Meeting
Pause for Refreshments - Steve VE3EZ and Nick VE3NJV
Geoff VA3GS looking for a lucky winner
Alex VA3ASE, Trevor VE3SLT & John VE3IPS
Chris VA3DXZ and Anthony VE3HIS
Alf VA3BLE signs up a member
Terry VE3ODM and Brian VE3IBW
The picture on the left of +Barry Byrom VA3LLT and +Bill Reid VA3QB clearly shows that we have diversity on the club's board and membership, while on the right Dave VE3OOI talks rockets with Doug VE3ATP.
This year's Junk in the Trunk seemed to have more selection than usual. Maybe it was just that I didn't wait until it was almost over to show up this time. Geoff VA3GS knew I was looking for a way to put a wire antenna in the trees and noticed a tennis ball slingshot with an attached fishing reel that I tried out almost as soon as I got it home and had a successful launch on the first attempt.
It was good to get see some of the club members who we haven't seen since Field Day or the AGM. Here's a quick video of the merchandise.
The smooth fast motion was, as you might have guessed if you watched all the way to the end, courtesy of Microsoft Hyperlapse, which is available as a no-cost trial until October 1, 2015. Click on the picture below to see some more photos of the event.
It was a beautiful day to get together, find some of those items we were looking for, and to talk about ham radio.
