Minutes - YRARC General Meeting - March 6, 2018

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:35 by Chris VE3NRT. Total members and guests attending: 28.

1. Welcome & Introductions: Chris VE3NRT
   
2. Adoption of minutes from 2018/02/06. Moved Brian VE3IBW, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried.
   
3. Treasurer's Report; Charles VA3TTB. Members may obtain the opening and closing balances from the club secretary. Receipts: Excess money from Winter Field Day $105.00; Expenditures: Serial port adapter $28.24, Scout Winter Camp Gas: $23.39.
   
4. Insurance: Charles VA3TTB. Our membership at RAC has expired, and membership in RAC could have benefits with the future purchase of insurance. MOTION: That YRARC join Radio Amateurs of Canada as an affiliate club for an annual cost of $27.95 plus GST. Moved Rick VA3VO, seconded John VA3JI. Carried.
   
5. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT: VE3YRA will be off the air on Wednesday March 7, at 09:00 for approximately one hour, to replace the power supply that had recently failed. The repeater has been on air using a temporary supply. Doug VE3ATP is waiting for better weather to replace the VE3YRK antenna. Don VE3IXJ mentioned there is a new DMR repeater north of Bradford.
   

Guest Speaker: Due to last minute circumstances, the scheduled guest was unavailable. Charles VA3TTB filled in with some of his thoughts on weather radar. Being an enthusiastic bird watcher, weather radar is of interest to him. Weather radar has an approximately 1 degree beam, which is elevated just above the horizon. At a given distance away from the radar station, the beam will be at a certain height above ground. The pulses can be reflected by small objects such as rain, snow, small insects such as bees and also birds. One of his pictures showed a ring of objects. They were birds, flying at their normal height above the ground. Another picture showed a concentration of migrating birds along the Niagara Peninsula. In conclusion, he wanted us to know that a doctor gave us a talk on the birds and the bees.

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

YRARC at the York Region Emergency Preparedness Fair

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

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2015-12-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1.
Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT

Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE.
Others attending: none

1. Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Agenda adopted without changes.
   
2. Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT to accept the minutes of the 2015/10/20 BoD meeting. Noted by Alf VA3BLE that item 7b Membership, should be changed to read “60 voting members and 64 paid members” (not 64 paid members). Amendment moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried
   
3. Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
   
   • Opening balance 2015/12/01
     
   • Income: Refund Markham Fair $502.51 (Hamfest overpayment)
     
   • Expenditures: Hamfest facilities $4,901.35
     
   • Food for Dec. meeting $209.82
     
   • Trailer maintenance: $28.28
     
   • Balance 2015/10/20 [Available to club members on request to secretary]
     
   • Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Eric VE3EB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
     
4. Web site: Chris VE3NRT reported that the club web site has been hacked due to a Joomla problem and has been temporarily shut down.
   
5. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT.
   
   • Note that VE3YRK has failed (today). Steve will investigate.
     
   • Steve proposed that we purchase two Low Loss PWRGates at $49.95 US each for the repeaters at Bloomington and Richmond Hill.
     
   • Motion 2015-12-15-5 moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that we allocate $200 for the purchase of two Low Loss PWRGates to include shipping, exchange, duty and cables. Carried.
     
6. Go Kits: Barry VA3LLT is trying to locate all of the D-STAR go kits and confirm the accuracy of the equipment list. Plans are to recall all kits for the January general meeting. Members will be asked to bring kits in their possession or arrange to have the kits bought to the January meeting.
   
7. EmComm:
   
   • Rob VE3RQB expressed concern that Russell VA3WTR is not a paid member and may be involved with EmComm activities.
     
   • Chris VE3NRT noted that the club bylaws do not allow non-members to operate club equipment.
     
   • Steve VE3UT enquired could non-Canadian amateurs be club members [Ed: Yes - but according to the club by-laws to be a voting member the member must hold a Canadian amateur radio licence]
     
8. Membership: Alf VA3BLE reported on paid memberships to date. We now have 63 voting members and 67 paid members.
   
9. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS proposed 2016-11-05 as the date for next year's hamfest at the Markham Fair grounds. This is the same date as the Markham Fair's banquet which will be in hall #1, avoiding the problems from this year with 2 events happening at the same time.
   
10. Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT asked how much interest there was in holding Winter Field Day this coming January – there was little board interest. It was noted that last year's site was noisy (RF, not acoustic) and we had very few contacts. The membership will be asked to comment at the January meeting. It was suggested that we not repeat Winter Field Day until we find a better site. We might possibly try to participate in the Canada Winter Contest in December 2016, perhaps at the Bales Rd location.
    

Minutes, YRARC General Meeting - 2016-01-05

Meeting held in the Sharon Temperance Hall. Called to Order at 19:35 by Steve VE3UT. Total members and guests attending: 39. Guests attending: 4

1. Welcome & Introductions – Steve VE3UT
   
2. Adoption of Minutes from 2015/11/03 and 2015/12/01. Moved by John VE3IPS, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried.
   
3. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI. Presented by Geoff VA3GS
   
   • Opening Balance 2015/12/01 [Available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Income
     
     • Facilities refund Markham Fairgrounds $502.51
       
     • Dues $150.00
       
   • Expenditures
     
     • December meeting food (Barry) $158.20
       
     • December meeting food (Geoff) $51.62
       
     • Hamfest reimbursement (Geoff) $4,901.35
       
     • Trailer maintenance $28.28
       
   • Closing Balance 2016/01/01 [Available to members upon request to secretary]
     
   • Motion that the treasurer's report be adopted, moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Garrett VA3PYP. Carried.
     
4. Property – Rob VE3RQB requested a go kit inventory check for tonight, after the break. Missing items will be replaced at a later date. Eric VE3EB will reprogram the radios tonight.
   
5. EmComm Report: none
   
6. Public Service Report: none
   
7. Membership Report – Alf VA3BLE: We now have a total of 73 members with an additional $80.00 collected in membership dues.
   
8. Repeaters – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Motion by Steve VE3UT that the board be authorized to spend up to $200.00 for the purchase of two LowLossPWRGates and necessary connecting cables, for the link radios at Richmond Hill and Bloomington Rd. These units would be inserted between the power supplies, batteries and link radios to keep the radios running during a power failure, and allow the batteries to recharge when power returns. Moved Charlie VE3SYK, seconded Benny VE3MUU. Carried.
     
   • VE3YRK (D-STAR) has malfunctioned recently, however after a reset and no fault found, it is still working. The repeaters will now default to 'local' when not in use (ie not connected to reflectors). This was done to keep the transmitters from running almost continuously, in an effort to reduce the hydro costs for the site owner. It will be necessary to establish a link when required, and the links should be shut down when finished (code 73).
     
9. Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT: The conditions were poor (RF noise) at last year's Winter Field Day, with often few contacts being made. The organization that ran last year's event is no longer running WFD. It was decided to nor repeat the event this year.
   
   • 2015 Winter Field Day results for VE3YRA:
     
   • QSO's – 143, Multiplier – 11, Bonus – 2000 (away from home on emergency power)
     
   • Total score – 3577, Top score was – 15,145 by W8MAI, VE3YRA placed 26th out of 75 participating stations
     
   • We might consider the RAC Canada Winter Contest (held in December) and possibly use the Bales Rd location.
     
10. HF Report:
    
    • The ARRL National Parks on the Air event in 2016, a year long event is similar to the ARRL Centennial event in 2014. Report P5 (North Korea) activity. North Korea (P5): Dom, 3Z9DX (from Poland) operated unexpectedly from P5 on Dec 20th on 10, 15, 20 meters with 100 watts into a vertical tied to a 7' tall fencepost (surrounded by high rise buildings) with 100 watts. Noise level was high and prop was poor due to geomagnetic storm. The equipment was left in Pyongyang when he flew out on Dec 22. Plans are to return in February and possibly operate from a different location.
      
    • Jack VA3UU has worked all Africa (with cards to prove it).
      
    • Doug VE3VS mentioned that CY0 on Sable island will be going on air soon.
      
    • 6m has open recently, and there is a new 6m repeater in Parry Sound.
      

After the break the annual January Mini Hamfest & Go Kit Inspection was held. Meeting adjourned at 20:10. Moved by Brian VE3IBW, seconded Jack VA3UU. Carried.

Field Day 2015: Score Not Dampened by Weather

Steve VE3UT delivered his Field Day Report at the September 1st club meeting. He noted that this was the best club score in 3 years, despite the miserable weather, which we are blaming for the decline in attendance. We're looking forward to bigger and better in 2016.

Item	2015	2014	2013
Total attendance	53	61	69
Total QSO's	1,200	1,177	1,240
160 phone	2	16	3
160 CW	-	4	4
80 phone	62	16	163
80 CW	10	-	-
40 phone	271	-	103
40 CW	522	306	255
40 digital	120	264	38
20 phone	100	276	298
20 CW	-	-	-
20 digital	23	20	114
15 phone	21	60	6
15 CW	-	-	-
15 digital	1	25	90
10 phone	10	2	-
10 CW	-	-	-
10 digital	-	-	-
6 phone	23	46	78
6 CW	-	2	7
Satellite	13	4	24
GOTA	22	24	57
Total bonus points	1,010	990	1,190
Emergency power	yes	yes	yes
Media publicity	yes	yes	yes
Copy W1AW message	yes	yes	yes
Satellite bonus	yes	yes	yes
Natural power QSO	no	yes	yes
Visit by served agency	yes	no	yes
Visit by elected official	no	no	no
Youth participation	yes	no	yes
GOTA bonus	yes	yes	yes
Educational display	no	no	no
Submitted online	yes	yes	yes
Information booth	no	no	no
Set up in public place	no	no	no
Power multiplier	< 150W	< 150W	< 150W
TOTAL CLAIMED SCORE	3,752	3,598	3,496

Steve VE3UT - Field Day Director

Minutes - YRARC General Meeting March 3, 2015

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:31. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT with 31 members and 1 guest in attendance

1. Adoption of the minutes
   
   • Motion 2015-03-03-01 by Eric VE3EB to adopt the minutes of the February 3rd and January 6th general meeting minutes, seconded by Kerry VA3KTS. Motion carried.
2. Harvey Bell Award: Call for nominations – Chris VE3NRT
   
   • 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.
     
   • Please send your nominations including why you think the member is deserving of the award to Chris VA3DXZ.
     
3. Treasurer’s Report – John VA3JI
   
   • The treasurer's report is available to members upon request to the club secretary.
     
   • Motion 2015-03-03-02 by John VA3JI to accept the treasurer’s report seconded by Glen VA3AU. Motion carried.
     
4. Club Insurance – John VA3JI
   
   • The club presently has a general liability policy and a liability policy on the communications trailer, which provides coverage while the trailer is being towed.
     
   • The club has not purchased a directors and officers liability policy, property insurance covering club owned equipment, or a liability policy on the tower trailer similar to the communications trailer.
     
   • Directors and Officers Liability Policy:
     
     • In the January 21st board of directors meeting, the board discussed the need for a directors and officers liability policy. It was highlighted that the responsibilities of individuals serving on a non-profit board of directors are similar to those of directors of for-profit companies. However, non-profit organizations have limited resources to indemnify directors and officers or respond to expensive litigation, settlements or damage awards. Where no indemnification or only partial indemnification is available, the personal assets of directors and officers are at risk, as well as those of the entity itself. Directors’ and officers’ liability coverage is a critical component of the overall insurance protection package that no non-profit organization should forego, particularly if it wants to attract and retain qualified and motivated directors and officers and the discussion ended in a motion to bring the quote for this insurance to the club for further discussion.
       
     • Motion 2015-01-21-02 was carried on January 21st, to allocate $601.00 for the purchase of directors’ and officers’ [liability] insurance, subject to approval by the club.
       
     • The directors’ and officers’ insurance would be in addition to the liability policy currently in place on the communications trailer, and the club's general liability policy.
       
     • John VA3JI reported that per the quotation received by the board, the annual cost of the policy would be $601.00 +8% Provincial Sales Tax for $1M in liability coverage for the period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016
       
     • Motion 2015-03-03-03 by John VE3POJ to allocate $650.00 for the purchase of the directors and officers liability policy, seconded by Charlie VE3SYK.
       
     • Chris VE3NRT advised that insurance is a growing expense for the club and that the club will need to look at how to increase revenues.
       
     • Motion carried.
       
   • Property Insurance
     
     • John VA3JI advised that the club owns approximately $50,000.00 in property that is not insured. The approximate cost to add insurance coverage for this property to our current general liability policy is $270.00 for the period from April 1st 2015 to the expiry of the general liability policy on Oct 15th 2015
       
     • Motion 2015-03-03-04 by John VA3JI that the club allocate $270.00 to purchase insurance coverage for club property for the period from April 1st 2015 to the expiry of the general liability policy on Oct 15th 2015, seconded by Rick VA3VO.
       
     • The question of whether or not this would provide replacement coverage was raised as was a question concerning the value of the deductible.
       
     • Motion 2015-03-03-05 by Barry VA3LLT to table Motion 2015-03-03-04 at the next general meeting, seconded by Charlie VE3SYK. Motion carried
       
5. Repeaters – Steve VE3UT
   
   • VE3YRC-UHF
     
     • In the YRARC repeater design, VE3YRC-UHF is an important hub for linking VE3YRC-VHF and VE3YRA to provide region wide coverage.
       
     • Unfortunately VE3YRC-UHF repeater controller is out of service and presently at Steve’s home for repair. The repeater controller is an RC85 which is obsolete and malfunctioning
       
     • Steve has investigated the cost to send the RC85 unit for repair and determined that the club would be better served by the purchase of an S-COM 7330 (same controller in use at VE3YRA and VE3YRC-VHF). By doing so the club would be able to standardize hardware and software configurations across repeaters allowing greater flexibility for field repair or re-deployment in an emergency.
       
     • The cost of the repeater controller purchased new is $499.99 USD plus taxes and shipping.
       
     • Steve VE3UT has agreed to donate funds to cover any costs above $600.00 thereby capping the cost to the club at $600.00 Canadian. Steve VE3UT suggested that anyone willing to donate should approach David VA3DCY
       
     • Motion 2015-03-03-06 by Glen VA3AU to allocate up to $600.00 towards the purchase of the S-COM 7330, seconded by Charlie VE3SYK.
       
     • Eric VE3EB commented that the club was very fortunate to receive over $39,000.00 from Ontario’s Trillium program and felt that by purchasing the new controller, the club would gain more benefit out of these relatively new club assets, as well as benefit from the plug and play aspect of standardizing hardware across repeaters.
       
     • Motion carried.
       
   • 6m Repeater
     
     • Steve VE3UT reported that a 6m repeater has been donated to the club. Steve VE3UT is looking for help in transporting the cans to Bob VE3WY who has volunteered to tune them
       
     • Steve VE3UT will be calling for a work party when the weather is better to install the repeater.
       
   • VE3YRK – Chris VE3NRT
     
     • Chris VE3NRT reported on the status of the transition to Freestar. The following items have been completed:
       
     • The Icom standard software and all its add-ons have been shut down.
       
     • Users & radios have been re-registered on VE3LSR
       
     • New software, ircDDB and g2_link software have been installed and are working properly.
       
     • D-APRS reporting is working. The link from the status page to aprs.fi now works properly for the first time.
       
     • https://www.dstargateway.org/ security restored.
       
     • Still outstanding
       
       • The registrations on LSR are in some disarray. We are waiting for the US Trust administrators to fix the problem (and waiting and waiting). This may result in difficulty when trying to use “REF” type reflectors.
         
       • DV-Dongles cannot connect to VE3YRK. A workaround is available (Dvtool is a closed-source product by AA4RC)
         
6. Public Service – Eric VE3EB provided a copy of the article appearing in the Newmarket snapd covering our Winter Field Day (Attachment #2)
   
7. EMCOMM – Don VE3IXJ
   
   • The REOC drill at the York Region Headquarters building went well and the EMCOMM team was able to test the range of VE3PO (Don VE3IXJ’s portable low power repeater). VE3PO worked beyond expectation
     
8. Summer Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • The event is held on the 4th weekend in June.
     
   • Steve VE3UT has seen lots of interest expressed by club members.
     
   • To assist in the funding of the event and to help plan for food, Steve will be presenting a proposal to the board to sell food tickets at this summer’s event.
     
9. Bob VE3WY presented an analysis of dipole antenna performance
   
10. Meeting adjourned at 21:37
    

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors, February 17, 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. Board members absent; Geoff VA3GS. Guests attending; Russell VA3WTR

1. Adoption of Jan 21, 2015 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2015-02-17-01 by Barry VA3LLT to adopt Jan 21, 2015 board meeting minutes as published in the splatter blog at http://yrarc-splatter.blogspot.ca/, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
     
2. Agenda
   
   • Motion 2015-02-17-02 by John VA3JI to adopt agenda, seconded by David VA3DCY. Motion carried
     
3. Governance
   
   • Treasurer’s report – John VA3JI
     
     • Bank balance at January month end is [available to club members on request to club secretary]
       
     • No transaction activity in February
       
4. Property – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Hilomast– Rob VE3RQB and Barry VA3LLT to discuss a plan to deal with the frozen mast
     
5. Property Insurance – John VA3JI
   
   John VA3JI will report back to the board on the additional cost to cover club property
6. Repeaters
   
   • VE3YRK – Chris VE3NRT
     
     • Move of the registrations from VE3YRK to VE3LSR is under process. An issue has been found which Chris is talking to US Trust about.
       
     • DTMF linking is in place
       
     • Chris VE3NRT is looking into talk groups
       
   • 6m Repeater – Steve VE3UT
     
     • The club has received a donation of a 6m repeater which is targeted to be installed at the Mackenzie Health (Formerly York Central ) hospital with the antenna to be installed on the existing mast.
       
   • VE3YRC-UHF – Steve VE3UT
     
     • Still off the air on the bench at Steve VE3UT’s home. RC-85 controller is malfunctioning. The cost to repair the unit is expensive and it must be shipped to and from the USA for repair.
       
     • Steve VE3UT proposed that the club would be far better served by the purchase of an S-COM 7330 repeater controller (the same unit in operation at VE3YRC-VHF and VE3YRA)
       
     • The S-COM 7330 is a 3 port controller which will support the linking to the VE3YRC-VHF, VE3YRA and the new 6m repeater.
       
     • The cost of the S-COM 7330 is $499.00 USD plus taxes and shipping.
       
     • Motion 2015-02-17-03 by Steve VE3UT that subject to approval by the club, the board allocate $600.00 for the purchase of the S-COM 7330 to replace the faulty RC85, seconded by Eric VE3EB.
       
     • John VA3JI asked if there was a computer based solution available that could be used rather than dedicated hardware. Chris VE3NRT is aware of asterisk based systems but these require internet access
       
     • Eric VE3EB indicated that he felt it was a good idea to purchase the same controller used at other YRARC repeater sites
       
     • Motion carried
       
7. Events and Public Service – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Winter Field Day
     
     • The summer field day generator would not start. The unit should be started periodically
       
     • Event came in under budget. A surplus of $52.80 has been returned to the club treasurer
       
   • Summer Field Day
     
     • Planning is in the preliminary stages
       
     • There was a short discussion concerning whether or not the club should stick with a similar approach as last year. Steve VE3UT is open to other ideas.
       
8. Membership
   
   • Motion 2015-02-17-04 by John VA3JI to enter into contract with the Markham Fairgrounds for the 2015 Hamfest Oct 31st seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.
     
   • Presentations for upcoming meetings
     
     • March: Antenna Patterns
       
     • April: Contest Club
       
     • May: Dr. Paul Delaney
       
   • Call for Harvey Bell Award nominations to take place at the next general meeting
     
9. Other Business
   
   • EMCOMM – Russell VA3WTR
     
     • Ambulance proposal is targeted to be ready for review by the board in April. Terry VE3ODM is running with this and is using operating data from Red Cross and to build a proposal that will be reviewed by EMCOMM and then sent to the board for review
       
     • YRP has amateur radio repeater in their command vehicle and would like assistance from the club in fitting their new trailer with an amateur repeater
       
     • The EMCOMM frequency list is being updated
       
     • The board requested a copy of the parking agreement that is sitting with York EMS. Russell VA3WTR will send a copy of the document to the board.
       
   • VE3YRC VHF and UHF repeater call signs – Steve VE3UT
     
     • Steve VE3UT has confirmed that the club does not need separate call signs for the VE3YRC-VHF and UHF repeaters
       
   • There was a short discussion on ideas for a future Trillium grant application
     
10. Motion 2015-02-17-05 by Chris VA3DXZ to adjourn meeting, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 21:01
    

YRARC General Meeting - February 3, 2015

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:30. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. 32 members and 2 guests in attendance

1. Adoption of the minutes. There was no motion to adopt the minutes of the last meeting due to the late publication
   
2. Winter Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Steve VE3UT reported that there was a surplus of $52.80 to be returned to the treasurer
     
   • Chris VE3NRT reported that he is working on the scoring and will make an announcement when completed
     
   • Steve VE3UT submitted a report summarizing what went well and what went wrong (Attachment #1)
     
   • John VE3POJ announced that the Polar Bear Car Rally will be held Saturday and Sunday Feb 21 and 22nd near Bancroft. Amateur radio operators are needed at each check point
     
3. Emcomm – Russell VA3WTR
   
   • Emcomm has asked the club to consider an offer available from Yaesu, which combines a Fusion Repeater and 6 HTs for $500.00 USD. The deadline for the offer is March 31
     
   • REOC Drill is coming up on Feb 9th at York Regional Headquarters in Newmarket. This drill involves setting up the EMC and testing / updating equipment.
     
   • Courses in emergency management will be offered again by the region to Emcomm members. Russell VA3WTR will post a schedule.
     
4. Repeaters – Steve VE3UT
   
   • VE3YRA is back on the air. The antenna position was changed which has resulted in better coverage to the north. Coverage in Georgina is improved.
     
   • VE3YRC-UHF is off the air. There are issues with the link radio and the controller. The controller is very old, and is malfunctioning. A new controller will cost $499.00 USD plus shipping. Purchase of a new controller will be discussed at the next board meeting.
     
   • Chris VE3NRT reported an issue with the VE3YRK D-Star registration page and gateway. Similar issues have been reported in Vancouver. The solution requires a complete reload of the system software and configuration. However, the current system uses 10 year old software which is no longer supported, and prevents us from installing the latest patches in the operating system. To resolve the issue and get the system running current software, Chris VE3NRT will migrate VE3YRK away from the US Trust Registration system and run the g2_link software which is part of the free*star system . There will be limited impact to users and there is no cost to change.
     
5. Doug VE3VS presented a short summary of the DXpedition to Navassa Island which is presently underway and is planned to be in operation for another 8-10 days. The last time amateur operators were allowed on the island was 1993. It is not expected to be on the air again for 25-30 years.
   
6. Doug VE3VS presented the “YRARC Field Day Melted Pot Award” to Steve VE3UT. Steve VE3UT and Geoff VA3GS were awarded the Melted Pot Award at Field Day last year. Doug VE3VS volunteered his time to craft a wooden Trophy featuring the burnt element from the melted coffee pot. Special thanks were extended to Doug VE3VS for taking the time to build such a beautiful trophy for the Club.
   
7. Don VE3IXJ presented a new HT (TYT-DM-UVF10) that he has been experimenting with. This is an analogue and DPMR Digital radio that sells for $85.00 USD plus shipping. The radio supports individual calling, group call, all call, short message services (SMS) messaging, and GPS (although Don does not recommend purchasing the GPS option due to weak performance of the GPS receiver).
   
8. Meeting adjourned at 21:26pm
   

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors, January 20th, 2015

Meeting held in the Newmarket Community Centre. Called to order at 19:10. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, Steve VE3UT, Geoff VA3GS. Board members absent; David VA3DCY, John VA3JI. Guests attending; Russell VA3WTR, Doug VE3ATP

1. Adoption of Dec 16/14 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2015-01-21-01 by Chris VA3DXZ to adopt Dec 16/14 minutes as published in the splatter blog at http://yrarc-splatter.blogspot.ca/, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
2. Governance
   
   • Insurance
     
     • Report from Chris VE3NRT concerning PARC insurance discussion
       
       • Chris VE3NRT attended the Peel Amateur Radio Club meeting noting that they had planned to discuss insurance coverage
         
       • PARC subscribes to RAC insurance, but 2015 RAC insurance is not yet finalized
         
       • It was noted during the meeting that the GTA areas group has requested a copy of the RAC insurance policy from RAC but nothing has been received as yet
         
       • PARC will be involved in supporting the 2016 Canada 55+ Games to be hosted by the City of Brampton
         
       • PARC and the Mississauga Amateur Radio Club are working together on MESH and have successfully tested a 10km path
         
     • Directors and officers insurance
       
       • A quote was received by John VA3JI for directors and officers Insurance and was forwarded to the board via email ahead of the meeting
         
       • Motion 2015-01-21-02 by Geoff VA3GS to allocate $601.00 for the purchase of directors and officers insurance, subject to approval by the club, seconded by Rob VE3RQB.
         
       • Chris VE3NRT clarified that the directors and officers Insurance would be in addition to the liability policy currently in place on the communications trailer, and the club's general liability policy.
         
       • Motion carried
         
     • Property insurance
       
       • John VA3JI had reported via email prior to the board meeting that he had received a quote for loss and theft coverage of the clubs key assets (valued at $60,000.00). The quote amounts to $1,063.00 and it includes the existing liability coverage in addition to the new loss and theft coverage.
         
       • Further discussion was deferred to next board meeting
         
   • Property Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Russell VA3WTR will send a copy of the parking agreement (letter of understanding) to the board members. The agreement has not been executed. It is with the office of the Chief, York Paramedics Services for review and signature. Once signed it will be sent to the board for review and signature.
       
     • Russell VA3WTR reported that Terry VE3ODM is working on a proposal and operating budget for the acquisition of a retired ambulance which would be donated to YRARC by the region. The proposal is to be reviewed and approved by the board prior to any commitments being extended to York region or the regional municipalities.
       
     • Motion 2015-01-21-03 by Rob VE3RQB that Doug VE3ATP be added to the list of persons approved to tow club trailers, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
       
     • Russell VA3WTR requested that the list of persons approved to tow club trailers be added to the towing policy. Chris VA3DXZ agreed to update the policy and distribute to the board.
       
     • The policy will reflect the following list of persons approved to tow club trailers
       
       • Rob VE3RQB
         
       • Steve VE3EZ
         
       • Steve VE3UT
         
       • Chris VA3DXZ
         
       • Doug VE3ATP
         
     • Motion 2015-01-21-04 was carried to temporarily rescind motion 2014-07-15-04 ” That the tower trailer not be towed or deployed until further notice” to allow it to be re-located to York EMS site and then subsequently deployed in support of Winter Field Day, then transported back to the York EMS site for storage.
       
     • The tower trailer now has a lock box installed. Russell VA3WTR and Steve VE3UT have the combination.
       
     • Barry VA3LLT reported that he was at the communications trailers today to start the generator, test the heater, and perform a radio check.
       
   • Repeaters
     
     • VE3YRK: Chris VE3NRT reported that the VE3YRK gateway has malfunctioned. There are reports that people are unable to get the C module linking but that B module is working. Also the registration web page is malfunctioning. The existing gateway is using 10 year old software which is no longer supported, and prevents us from installing the latest patches in the operating system. Chris VE3NRT has proposed that we migrate away from the US Trust Registration system and just run the g2_link software which is part of the free*star system . There will be limited impact to users and there is no cost to change.
       
     • Motion 2015-01-21-05 by Steve VE3UT that the club move VE3YRK to the free*star system, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Motion carried.
       
     • Chris VE3NRT will advise the club at the next general meeting and communicate updates via the Yahoo group.
       
   • VE3YRC: Steve VE3UT reported that VE3YRC has been reprogrammed with the updated custom audio library. Steve VE3UT and Bruce VE3BV are working to resolve an issue which results in a long tail occasionally coming in on port 2.
     
   • VE3YRA: Steve VE3UT reported that VE3YRA is operating with improved coverage to the north. The link radio project to VE3YRC is still in progress.
     
   • Steve VE3UT asked the board if separate calls should be used for VE3YRC VHF and UHF. This will be investigated by board members.
     
   • Winter Field Day – Steve VE3UT
     
     • Russell VA3WTR has sent invitations to 30-40 emergency management personnel for a walk through at 1pm. 5-10 people have responded.
       
     • Steve VE3UT has notified SNAP as well.
       
3. Membership Geoff VA3GS
   
   • Geoff has secured the following presenters for the upcoming general meetings
     
     • February – Don VE3IXJ will present inexpensive handhelds
       
     • March – Bob VE3WY will present on antennas
       
     • April – Ontario contest club
       
     • May – Dr. Paul Delaney
       
   • Chris VE3NRT has done work on the web site
     
   • Geoff VA3GS is looking into holding a basic class in April
     

Motion 2015-01-21-06 by Geoff VA3GS to adjourn meeting, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.

VE3YRK Gateway Registration Problems

After the last round of maintenance a strange problem occurred with the gateway. Everything is normal except that the web form to register radios no longer works. The form actually doesn't show up at all. All currently registered radios are still there (although you can't see them on the web page) and continue to work.

The solution may be as drastic as rebuilding the gateway from scratch. While there's no hardware changes involved it would require a visit to the site and fairly long procedure. Another option is to drop the support for the US Trust network. This is not as drastic as it sounds and would not affect any of the things we currently do with the repeater.

Over the next two or three weeks I will do further research into our options and consult with the repeater committee before deciding on the appropriate course of action. Meanwhile the repeater is still completely usable.

73,
Chris

VE3YRK Gateway will be down for a while

Following some scheduled maintenance we need to do another site visit before the gateway will be back on line. This will be done as soon as it can be coordinated. Until then, the repeater is operational but its link to reflectors and other repeaters is out of service.

Thanks to Steve for all the hard work (past, present and future) for knocking our repeater systems into shape.

73,
Chris

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
     

Repeater Report - Steve VE3UT

In the past, I headed up our club's repeater committee and now, once again, the Board of Directors has given me this task. Our club has a very good collection of machines but we have a number of challenges ahead. The departure of Bruce VE3BV, who has moved North to the Parry Sound area, has left a void to fill. The club has relied on Bruce's technical expertise and “connections” for the past 30+ years and we need to assemble a team of people with various skills to fill that void and keep us on the air. The challenge of keeping our sites or gaining access to new sites will also be an issue in the coming years.

The VE3YRC (147.225+ PL 103.5) site is not likely to remain available and coming up with ideas to keep it on the air from another location is a priority. YRC is the club's flagship repeater. The relocation of VE3YRA (145.350- PL 103.5) to its current temporary home has kept it on the air but ultimately it would be good to see us back at the original site with its superb coverage.

An idea that is just starting to be discussed is the possibility of have YRA and YRC permanently linked with one machine in the West end of York Region (the original YRA site) and another in the East end (actually North East). This would provide seamless VHF coverage of York Region and beyond with some overlapping coverage in places. Gaining a site in Georgina for YRC would solve the problem of spotty coverage there and other eastern locations.

With a link permanently on, users in the southern, western, and central areas of York Region would be able to select YRA or YRC depending on the coverage at their respective locations. For example, Bob WY and Brynn VOD could operate on YRA and talk to me UT and Barry LLT in the East on YRC. I mention these names because we all live or travel through noisy locations.

The club owns four repeater controllers, two 7330 units (on YRC and YRA) and a ACC RC85 (on YRC UHF) and a ACC RC96 (in the club trailer). The 7330 controllers are newer than the obsolete ACC units. The first 7330 was programmed and installed on YRC by Bruce BV and one was installed a couple of years ago on YRA when its ACC unit malfunctioned. Bruce was the only expert in the club on programming these controllers with me having a limited knowledge. But with Bruce's move, I have stepped up to the plate and am getting fairly proficient at programming them.

At this time, YRC is doing a fair bit of chatting at us. Some of the messages are regular daily messages and some are temporary for special club activities. They all serve the same purpose, to keep membership informed of upcoming activities. Please support our club and volunteer to help out at some of the events. Message schedule on YRC:

• :00 Time and chimes
  
• :10 Hamfest message, last week of October only
  
• :15 Month long Hamfest message commencing October 1
  
• :17 Tuesday club meeting message, last week of the month only
  
• :20 Wildcard message – currently Run for the Cure event
  
• :25 Wildcard message – currently Emcomm event at Markham Fair
  
• :30 Time and ``this is VE3YRC repeater home of the YRARC``
  
• :40 Same as:10
  
• :45 same as :15
  
• :47 same as :17
  
• :50 same as :20
  
• :55 same as 25
  

Last but not least...VE3YRK B and VE3YRK C, our D Star repeaters, great coverage and connect to international gateways. Check them out! borrow a club radio and get on the air!! These radios have FM and can also be used with YRA and YRC. [Note from Chris VE3NRT: Some members have already requested club radios which will be fulfilled at the next meeting]

A New Canadian D-STAR Reflector

I recently received this email from Jeff VE6EFR in Alberta.

My name is Jeff Bishop and my call is VE6EFR.

I am contacting the various D-STAR repeater owners to let everyone know that we now have a DPlus reflector available Canada wide use. The reflector is on a high bandwidth server and is based out of BC. Services are being provided by the British Columbia Frequency Modulation Communications Association (BCFMCA).

The idea behind the reflector is to provide a place for Canadian hams to be able to talk with other Canadians. Granted we have XRF021 however not everyone has the ability or desire to install the needed software for use with their repeaters, DV Dongles, DVAP or hotspots. If you would like to link your repeater to the network, connect to REF026 module B.
The reflector is available for nets, ARES activity as well as general amateur use.

Let me know if you have any questions. I hope to see your repeater on the reflector.

73 - Jeff VE6EFR


The club's D-STAR repeater, VE3YRK, has access to the XRF reflectors, including XRF021, but this new reflector is accessible from all D-STAR repeaters so would provide broader coverage of Canadian D-STAR repeaters than an XRF reflector. The true value of the reflector will depend on how many Canadian repeaters choose to use it. YRARC D-STAR users may want to try connecting to it. If any interesting nets start up on the reflector then I will schedule the connection to happen automatically.

D-STAR / D-RATS Net

A short note to update you on the D-STAR / D-RATS tests conducted last night by Brad VE3HII and me. We chatted for approximately an hour using a combination of Simplex on 145.670 and the DStar repeater VE3YRK @ 147.180.

Brad and I were easily able to connect on simplex from his location in Richmond Hill to mine in Uxbridge and spent most of the time on that frequency.

We conducted several tests including chat - file transfers and broadcast messages and had great results.

Specifically, the broadcast message feature where we demonstrated the ability to transmit a message – that would be received by all on frequency – that was several paragraphs in length and contained a great deal of text and information. A larger three paragraph message was sent in 12 seconds.

Not only that BUT we did this on simplex AND on the repeater AND while transmitting voice at the same time. The D-STAR radios that the club have are of course easily and seamlessly able to toggle back and forth between voice and data with ease.

This broadcast feature in combination with voice is of course a great tool and easily established ad hoc network in the event of an EmComm – EMO situation…. When all the smartphones are dead…

In order to “exercise the muscle” as they say and have more folks try and get comfortable with this – Brad and I are going to meet on 145.670 and/or 147.180 each Monday night @ 8:30 pm – Following the 6M net for those that do both. Perhaps using the D-STAR broadcast to post the 6M results.

If you are interested in joining in – I would highly recommend this for EmComm members – Brad and I will meet you there. We have lots of other things that we would like to test try and get comfortable with such as linking through other repeaters like LSR.

BR and 73

Steve – Ve3eZ