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The Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club
Est. October 18th, 1973
P.O. Box 113, Owen Sound, Ontario Canada N4K5P1
P.O. Box 113, Owen Sound, Ontario Canada N4K5P1
2011-10-28
RAC Bulletin 2011-034E - RAC Distracted Driving Committee meets with MTO Officials
On October 20th the same day that the Honourable Bob Chiarelli was sworn in as the new Minister of Transportation, Steve Pengelly, VE3STV former RAC HLC, Jeff Stewart, VA3WXM Southern Ontario Director and Bill Unger, VE3XT North East Ontario Director met with the Assistant Deputy Minister Road User Safety Division and the Director Safety Policy and Education Branch.
One of the questions we were asked is why Amateurs believe we deserve an exemption to operate while mobile. We explained that in order to be proficient in the use of our radio systems including mobiles and repeaters, in order to ensure they are always in working order and in order to ensure we know where they work best and where they don't work well at all, we must continually test them. This is done by daily usage and by providing community service to many diverse groups across the Province. They were told that many communities rely on the Amateur Radio Operators in their areas as part of their emergency preparedness plans. They were also advised that Amateurs have installed, at no expense to the taxpayer, a communications infrastructure that provides a backup to existing telecommunications systems in which authorities can have confidence.
We demonstrated a 2 Metre radio to them and illustrated the difference between Simplex using PTT and Duplex with cell phones. We emphasized that to use our radios and communicate we did not have to remove our eyes from the road.
It was also brought to their attention that we are a relatively small group of private individuals and for us to continue our public service while having to comply with the new legislation, could be a financial hardship on some Amateurs.
The Ministry Officials raised several other questions as to why we cannot comply with the legislation. They were answered with solid technical and operational explanations as to the difficulties we would encounter in order to do this.
A reasoned set of arguments was presented to allay their concerns regarding safety and to explain why Amateurs should be treated differently than others and exempted on a permanent basis.
Ontario has committed to consult with RAC early in the New Year on this matter so a permanent solution can be found prior to January 2013.
Bill Unger VE3XT - North/East Ontario Regional Director
Chair - RAC Distracted Driving Committee
Radio Amateurs of Canada
RAC Bulletin 2011-034E - RAC Distracted Driving Committee meets with MTO Officials
On October 20th the same day that the Honourable Bob Chiarelli was sworn in as the new Minister of Transportation, Steve Pengelly, VE3STV former RAC HLC, Jeff Stewart, VA3WXM Southern Ontario Director and Bill Unger, VE3XT North East Ontario Director met with the Assistant Deputy Minister Road User Safety Division and the Director Safety Policy and Education Branch.
One of the questions we were asked is why Amateurs believe we deserve an exemption to operate while mobile. We explained that in order to be proficient in the use of our radio systems including mobiles and repeaters, in order to ensure they are always in working order and in order to ensure we know where they work best and where they don't work well at all, we must continually test them. This is done by daily usage and by providing community service to many diverse groups across the Province. They were told that many communities rely on the Amateur Radio Operators in their areas as part of their emergency preparedness plans. They were also advised that Amateurs have installed, at no expense to the taxpayer, a communications infrastructure that provides a backup to existing telecommunications systems in which authorities can have confidence.
We demonstrated a 2 Metre radio to them and illustrated the difference between Simplex using PTT and Duplex with cell phones. We emphasized that to use our radios and communicate we did not have to remove our eyes from the road.
It was also brought to their attention that we are a relatively small group of private individuals and for us to continue our public service while having to comply with the new legislation, could be a financial hardship on some Amateurs.
The Ministry Officials raised several other questions as to why we cannot comply with the legislation. They were answered with solid technical and operational explanations as to the difficulties we would encounter in order to do this.
A reasoned set of arguments was presented to allay their concerns regarding safety and to explain why Amateurs should be treated differently than others and exempted on a permanent basis.
Ontario has committed to consult with RAC early in the New Year on this matter so a permanent solution can be found prior to January 2013.
Bill Unger VE3XT - North/East Ontario Regional Director
Chair - RAC Distracted Driving Committee
Radio Amateurs of Canada
Bill 118 Distracted Driving Legislation Update
VE3TLK
Susan Webster This years recipient of the coveted GBARC Amateur of the Year Award.
Susan Webster This years recipient of the coveted GBARC Amateur of the Year Award.
This year we offer a hearty round of applause and thanks to Susan VE3TLK for her many efforts to promote and support the Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club. Susan has recently moved to the Brantford area to be closer to family so the best of luck in the future and hope to see you again. As always you are welcome here.
GBARC Amateur of the Year
The thoughtful Radio Amateur is:
Responsible -
using courteous operating practice, complying with regulations and accepted technical standards;
Progressive -
striving to develop and improve operating and technical skills;
Helpful -
offering assistance, support and encouragement to other Amateurs, especially beginners; and
Public Spirited -
offering use of station, knowledge and skills as a public service whenever possible.
Text by Bill Wilson, VE3NR (SK 2010)
Responsible -
using courteous operating practice, complying with regulations and accepted technical standards;
Progressive -
striving to develop and improve operating and technical skills;
Helpful -
offering assistance, support and encouragement to other Amateurs, especially beginners; and
Public Spirited -
offering use of station, knowledge and skills as a public service whenever possible.
Text by Bill Wilson, VE3NR (SK 2010)
This is Bob at the operating postion of VE3NX. Featured here is an FT1000, an IC756pro and other items which Bob enjoys with a special focus on 160m phone. Bob can be found many evenings on 1975khz.
This is a recently licensed ham Chris VA3OCT, in QSO with Shaun VE3PSV on the trans provincial net. Bob VE3NX and Tom VA3TS had just finished assisting Chris in getting his station on the air on 80/40/20/15 and 10 with a multi dipole with a single feedline. Three dipoles were installed for 80/40/20 with 15 and 10 being useable as a bonus. In addition Chris has a copper cactus for 2 metres. Chris uses an FT840 for HF and an FT2800 for VHF. Best of luck to Chris and welcome to the hobby.