Ottawa Amateur Radio Club

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, May 11, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – John Portune/W6NBC will explain how to build the popular Moxon Antenna

2022-04-28T00:41:36+00:00

John Portune/W6NBC returns to the OARC to help us build a 10-metre Moxon antenna. John is an amateur with over 25 articles published in his name. Following his presentation to the OARC in March of this year on foil antennas, there were so many requests to have John return that we reached out to him, and he has kindly agreed to speak to us again. Thanks, John.

As John explains, this is a great project for a new ham wanting to experience the coming peak of Sunspot Cycle 25. Also, the design of the Moxon is flexible enough that experienced builders can easily extend its capabilities to the lower HF bands. John considers it as an excellent antenna for portable and field day operation.

For those of us not in the know, the Moxon antenna or 'Moxon Rectangle' is a simple and mechanically robust two-element parasitic array, single-frequency antenna. The design is rectangular, with slightly less than half of the rectangle being the driven element (radiator) and the other part (slightly more than half) being the reflector. It is electrically equivalent to a two-element Yagi antenna with bent elements and without directors.

Come out and join us for John’s presentation and learn about building a Moxon antenna on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 7:30 PM (Eastern) (4:30 PM Pacific).

In advance of the May 11, 2022 meeting, OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

The Moxon Antenna for 10 metres.

April is Zoom Homebrew Show and Tell Night (April 13 @ 7:30 PM)

2022-03-27T03:02:24+00:00

This is to remind the OARC membership that April is Homebrew Night (April 13 at 7:30 PM).

As usual, we will not have a speaker in April, but members are encouraged to show and tell their homebrew projects. There is still time to cobble something together. It doesn't have to be complex, fancy, or elaborate, it is just something that you have done and want others to know about. It can be anything, as long as it is hobby-related. You can help explain by the use of PowerPoint or not, your choice. This can't be any easier.

There will be prizes drawn for those who show and tell, so don't miss out!!!!!! There is no judging this year. Fire up that soldering iron and get off the couch!

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the Zoom meeting. Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, March 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – John Portune/W6NBC will tell us about using foil tape for antenna building

2022-02-26T03:18:05+00:00

When it comes to building antennas, amateurs tend to think only in terms of aluminum tubing, copper pipe and stainless rod while overlooking other suitable materials. For example, did you know that copper and aluminum foil tape is especially useful for making loading coils and short continuously-helically-loaded verticals? John Portune/W6NBC will provide us with the basic principles for using self-adhesive metal foil tape for antenna building, along with practical examples. With our club's Homebrew Night coming up in April, John's talk comes just in time.

John is a regular speaker at ham radio events, and several of his articles have been published in QST, most recently in February 2021 when he provided information on how to build an "ugly" coax choke balun. Come out and join us for John’s presentation and learn about foil tape antennas on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, February 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – Bob Grubic/NC6Q Answers the Eternal Question "What Is Ham Radio Contesting All About?"

2022-02-01T04:15:41+00:00

Bob Grubic NC6Q has been licensed for over 40 years and holds an Amateur Extra Class license. Though inactive for many years raising a family, he’s been very busy with amateur radio in the last 15 years.

He has served in many ham radio positions, including:

ASSOCIATED RADIO AMATEURS OF LONG BEACH (ARALB),

Board Member, Membership Chairman, W6RO Assistant Manager, W6RO Wireless Room Operator, Field Day Chairman, Ham of the Year, Instructor for: 2 CW Classes and Radio Propagation Lessons for a General Class Course, The Milliwatt newsletter editor

Los Angeles ARES:

Assistant South District Emergency Coordinator, Net Manager, Net Control Operator, Baker-to-Vegas radio operator

Organizer and Net Control Operator for a Slow Speed CW Net

NC6Q often operates portable from the Republic of Panama.

Bob is a member of the ARALB, FISTS, Chiltern DX Club (The UK DX Foundation), Southern California Contest Club and a Life Member of the ARRL. He is a retired English teacher and enjoys HF CW contesting, Field Day, and portable operations.

Come out and join us for Bob’s presentation and learn about ham radio contesting on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, January 12, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – Adrian Stimpson/VE7NZ and Scott Leaf /VA7SL introduce us to the Canada Hub Network

2021-12-31T17:19:48+00:00

Licensed since 1982, Adrian VE7NZ has been involved in networking both professionally and in ham radio since the late 1980s. He co-founded the Inter-Provincial Amateur Radio Network (IPARN) using a geostationary satellite to connect repeaters across Canada - before there was IRLP or EchoLink. More recently, with Scott VA7SL, he launched The Canada Hub in May 2020 based on AllStar.

The presentation will explain what the network is about, how AllStar works, and how repeaters and individuals can connect to it.

Come out and join us for Adrian’s and Scott's presentation on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, December 8, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - OARC Annual General Meeting

2021-12-05T22:35:13+00:00

While normally the December meeting would be devoted to holiday festivities and celebration of our good fortune with friends, this year we must share some of this time with our Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the Executive for the next year will be confirmed and our budget reviewed. In the recent past, the AGM was held in June, but the Executive, ever optimistic, hoped for the end of the pandemic and a resumption of normal meetings. Of course, this never occurred and under the Club’s constitution, we must hold the AGM by the end of this year.

The main order of business is to present a slate of candidates, seek new expressions of interest for positions (vacant and occupied) and have the members confirm the executive for 2021-22. The slate of candidates to be presented at the AGM would hold office through to and including the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

The slate, as of December 6, is as follows:

President: Dave Scobie/VE3BOW

Vice-President: Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ

Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Keith Dysart/VE3TQY

Membership Chair/Director: Vacant

Hamfest Manager/Director: Ed Sich/VE3WGO

Director: Vacant

Not up for election, the following persons also form the Executive:

Past President: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Technical and Repeater Chair: Harrie Jones/VE3HYS

Groundwave Editor: Vacant

Website Guru: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Industry Canada Delegated Examiner: Mike Kelly/VE3FFK

As is quite clear, we are in need of persons interested in the positions of Secretary, Membership Chair/Director and Groundwave Editor. Taking up one of these vacant positions would be a great way for you to make a contribution back into the hobby you love so much and keep the OARC strong and vibrant even in these difficult COVID times. If you are interested in one of these positions, please email to Executive at OARC.net. Of course, these are not sink or swim positions. You would have complete support from the other members of the executive as you acclimatize.

The balance of the AGM would include a financial report from our new Treasurer, Keith Dysart/VE3TQY.

We wish to thank Arthur Smith/VY2BIT Secretary, Ian Jeffery/VE3IGJ Groundwave Editor and Tyler Tidman/VA3DGN Director for their service as they are stepping down from the Executive. Wish them all the best in their future amateur radio endeavours.

After the hard work, it’s time to let loose a little and enjoy each other’s company as we turn to the holiday festivities portion of the evening. We will have 4 prizes of $50 gift certificates from Radioworld to spend as you see fit.

Come out and join us for the AGM followed by holiday festivities on December 8, 2021, at 7:30 pm.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

73 Greg/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, November 10, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Harrie Jones/VE3HYS will provide us with an overview of the OARC Repeater- VE2CRA and give us an introduction to the new DMR repeater

2021-10-28T01:17:50+00:00

Harrie Jones/VE3HYS, is the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club’s Technical Chair and the person who keeps OARC repeaters on the air. No one is more qualified to walk us through the details of the OARC’s amazing repeater, VE2CRA.

In November, Harrie will review what is currently on the CBC tower at Camp Fortune, and he will go on to describe the latest upgrade with the recent activation of the new DMR repeater. As the DMR repeater provides digital access to the world, Harrie will also introduce us to concepts unique to digital radio including time slots, talk groups, colour codes and some of the software that you need to program your DMR radio.

Come out and join us for Harrie’s presentation on Wednesday, November 10, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, October 13, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - SOTA in the Canadian Rockies, Paul Mower VA6MPM

2021-09-19T12:15:00+00:00

SOTA events in the Canadian Rockies are a challenging and rewarding endeavour, all year long. Paul will share his experiences, techniques, and awesome photos of his journeys to the top of one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

As Paul recently told the OARC:

My interest in radio began as a kid growing up in Kenya, listening to the BBC on a short-wave radio. The motivation to become a licensed HAM began from a need to communicate in the backcountry working with the Alpine Club of Canada and has evolved into a passion for SOTA (Summits On The Air). We are blessed to live in the most beautiful country in the world, making portable operations in our wonderful wild places one of the most rewarding radio activities.

Come out and join us for Paul’s presentation on October 13, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Radio-in-the-Park / Fox Hunt on Saturday, September 18

2021-09-13T20:44:57+00:00

Open to all amateur radio operators, the OARC will be hosting its annual Radio-in-the-Park at Walter Baker Park in Kanata on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 9am to 5pm.

Participants are welcome to bring their portable radio, battery and antenna, and set up in the vicinity of the Picnic Shelter. Although there are some chairs and tables in the park available on a first-come, first-served basis, participants are advised to bring their own chairs, tables, as well as food & drink. A portapotty should be available onsite. At the same time, Roger VA3EGY and his ARDF group will be hosting a fox hunt based at the picnic shelter. Again, all are welcome. Receivers and antennas will be provided for those that don't have their own.

Even if you're not intending to operate or fox hunt, you're welcome to attend. It's a rare opportunity to chat with other hams you may not have seen in a while.

Covid precautions will be in effect. All participants are required to "sign in" at the picnic shelter to allow for contact tracing should the need arise. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant will be provided. Although the event is outside, participants are requested to maintain a 2m/6' distance between themselves and to wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained.

We hope that all participants are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Radio-in-the-Park and the Fox Hunt will be held rain or shine. There is no "rain date".

73
Arthur VY2BIT (in Ottawa)

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, September 8, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Harrie Jones/VE3HYS will lead a discussion about the health of ham radio in Canada

2021-08-28T17:03:20+00:00

Harrie Jones/VE3HYS, is the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club’s Technical Chair and the person who keeps OARC repeaters on the air. He also gives us incremental improvements, such as the recent activation of the DMR repeater at Camp Fortune. Harrie will introduce us to the new DMR Repeater at the November OARC Meeting.

However, in September, Harrie will lead a discussion related to the future of amateur radio in Canada. Harrie is involved in the Scouts Canada amateur radio program, and as such has an interest in welcoming young people to join the hobby. He also wishes to see amateur radio grow and prosper into the future. Leading a discussion, based on the recent Radio Amateurs of Canada’s survey of the interests of hams in Canada, Harrie is hoping for an interesting and lively exchange.

Come out and join us for Harrie’s presentation on September 8, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

The OARC Hamfest will return in 2022

2021-07-06T16:48:18+00:00

Ottawa Amateur Radio Club - Field Day 2021

2021-06-23T03:54:52+00:00

We have good news! We have emerged from the latest COVID-19 lockdown and have received permission from the City of Ottawa to operate Field Day (FD) from our usual site at the Corkery Community Centre (3447 Old Almonte Rd, Ottawa, ON). There is a link to a map. (https://goo.gl/maps/8LTzQtPAfqPYhe6JA). However, we will have to respect the COVID-19 social distancing rules and limit the numbers on the site at any one time.

Those of you who participated in the club’s June Zoom meeting would have heard that a small group has begun to coalesce around the cause. For those who are interested, we will be setting up antennas and feed lines this Friday morning at 10 am (June 25, 2021) and the balance of the set-up will occur Saturday morning starting about 10 am. The aim is to be up and running by 2 pm Saturday. We will operate 24 hours and then tear down beginning at 2 pm Sunday.

We are uncertain whether we will be operating as a 2A (our usual) or 1A, like last year. This will depend largely on the amount of interest shown by members. As this will be a slimmed-down version of our usual FD, we won’t be able to enjoy meals together, though we will have water, access to washrooms, outdoor shelter and picnic tables. Bring your own picnic meals.

If you are interested in helping with set-up, tear-down or operating (any mode), please email me to VE3YTZ at rac.ca.

Even if you are not comfortable coming out to the OARC site, you may wish to operate your own station, using your own call sign. This would most probably be a 1D (home station, commercial power). There are a variety of classes of operation, and you should check the ARRL Field Day Rules for 2021. However, please attribute your points to the “Ottawa ARC” when you submit your logs to the ARRL. For this, the second year only, a D station can work other D stations. Normally, this is not allowed. Power limitations on D stations have been imposed this year.

However you decide to spend your Field Day, enjoy the weekend!

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, June 9, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Michael Walker/VA3MW tells us about FlexRadio and their amazing SDR Radios

2021-05-30T17:12:41+00:00

The OARC is very fortunate to have Michael Walker/VA3MW provide us with an overview of the FlexRadio products and how they differ from other SDR and SuperHet radio designs. Mike will also tell us why a Flex may be the last HF radio you need to purchase regardless of your HF operating style.

Mike, a Toronto-area resident, has been an active Amateur since 1974 and like most of us, loving every minute of it. From repeaters, HF, HF contesting, and satellites, Mike is now in the process of discovering EME digital modes. He loves HF station integration, remote HF operation and currently represents FlexRadio Systems with their Marketing and Education team.

Come out and join us for Mike’s presentation on June 9, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

COSPAS-SARSAT Presentation Video

2021-05-20T18:53:08.010021+00:00

At the May 12 OARC talk we were fortunate to have Henrik Smith give us a presentation on the Cospas-Sarsat satellite rescue system.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Henrik Smith introduces us to the satellite-based search and rescue system known as COSPAS-SARSAT- A Lifeline to Survival

2021-05-02T17:34:37+00:00

We are very fortunate to have Henrik Smith, who is involved in the Cospas-Sarsat (Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking) project on behalf of Canada and who will provide members and guests of the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club with an “Introduction to the Satellite Based Search and Rescue System COSPAS-SARSAT”.

The International Cospas-Sarsat Program is a satellite-aided search and rescue initiative. It is dedicated to detecting and locating radio beacons activated by persons, aircraft, or vessels in distress, and forwarding this alert information to authorities that are in the best position to respond. The SARSAT Program protects life and property by providing accurate, timely, and reliable distress alert and location information to search and rescue authorities. It is organized as a treaty-based, non-profit, intergovernmental, humanitarian cooperative of 45 nations and agencies.

Henrik will give us a high-level overview of the Cospas-Sarsat system with an emphasis on the component parts: beacon types, satellite systems, LUTs (antenna-processor) and the mission control system. Henrik’s presentation will be followed by an opportunity for a Q and A.

Come out and join us for Henrik’s presentation on May 12, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, April 14, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - OARC Homebrew

2021-04-04T14:20:13+00:00

Come one, come all:

Since COVID-19 has affected all other parts of our life, we are going to see if we at the OARC can recapture that old spirit and at the same time adapt to the new reality by holding our annual Homebrew Night virtually on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 @ 7:30 PM. This is a new effort and will be an opportunity to celebrate the art and science of homebrew. I, for one, appreciate the efforts of our President, Dave Scobie/VE3BOW who is driving this virtual event.

To encourage participation, your homebrew submission will qualify you to receive one of the coveted Wayne Getchell/VE3CZO power pole kits. We will also invite Zoom meeting participants to help select the People's Choice Award, using an on-line Zoom poll. The winner will get a $50 Radioworld gift certificate in recognition of their talent.

If you intend to present your home brew project and to help us gauge interest, please advise the Home Brew Meeting organizer at executive@oarc.net. Any questions or comments are also welcome at this address.

I will send out an email reminder with the Zoom Meeting coordinates early next week.

See you on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 @ 7:30 PM!

73 Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, March 10, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Arthur Smith/VY2BIT/VA3BIT recounts his experiences installing a remote station on Prince Edward Island

2021-02-27T16:35:43+00:00

Arthur will describe the challenges he faced assembling his remote station over the past eight months on Prince Edward Island. After being inspired by a talk by Chris/VE3FU describing how he established his remote station in Labrador (VO2AC), Arthur realized he could do something similar at his parents' home. Despite COVID-19, Arthur managed to get to PEI last summer with a new GAP Titan vertical antenna, RemoteRig modems, and enough parts to add to his ICOM IC-7100 to turn it into a remote operation. After trial and error, his remote station finally came together in late January 2021.

Arthur has been a ham since he was an onboard radio operator in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1989. For most of his time in the hobby, he has been challenged by his QTH, first by living aboard ship and for the past several decades, while in an apartment. Arthur has lived in Ottawa since 1996. He has been active recently as portable QRP in Ottawa parks in order to get a decent antenna in the air. With his new remote station in PEI, he looks forward to getting back on HF in a more serious manner. Arthur is Secretary of the OARC and manages the annual Radio in the Park event in September.

Come out and join us for Arthur’s presentation on March 10, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, February 10, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Mike Kassay/VE3MKX talks about chasing and working DX

2021-02-01T02:35:48+00:00

Mike will provide us with information on how to work DX and participate in contests. He will also pass on some tips on how best to use your transceiver in order to log the rare ones.

Come out and join us for Mike’s presentation on February 10, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

73 Greg/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, January 13, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - Colin Guillas/VA3CSG tells us about Working from Heights

2020-12-30T01:34:12+00:00

Amateur radio operators spend a lot of time both on the air and in it. Installing and adjusting equipment above the ground is part of our day to day hobby lives, but a single misstep can have deadly consequences. VA3CSG is a professional health and safety instructor and electrician by trade. His talk will help us apply lessons from the construction industry to our craft.

Come out and join us for Colin’s presentation on January 13, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

73 Greg/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 @ 7:30 pm – Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Seasonal Festivities

2020-12-03T23:43:43+00:00

While normally the December meeting would be devoted to holiday festivities and celebration of our good fortune with friends, this year we must share some of this time with our Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the Executive for the next year will be confirmed and our budget reviewed. In the recent past, the AGM was held in June, but the Executive, ever optimistic, hoped for the end of the pandemic and a resumption of normal meetings. Of course, this never occurred and under the Club’s constitution, we must hold the AGM by the end of this year.

The main order of business is to present a slate of candidates, seek new expressions of interest for positions (vacant and occupied) and have the members confirm the executive for 2020-21. The slate of candidates to be presented at the AGM would hold office through to and including August 2021.

The slate, as of December 3, is as follows:

President: Dave Scobie/VE3BOW

Vice-President: Vacant

Secretary: Arthur Smith/VA3BIT

Treasurer: Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ

Membership Chair/Director: Vacant

Director: Ed Sich/VE3WGO

Director: Tyler Tidman/VA3DGN

Not up for election, the following persons also form the Executive:

Past President: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Technical and Repeater Chair: Harrie Jones/VE3HYS

Groundwave Editor: Ian Jeffrey/VE3IGJ

Website Guru: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Industry Canada Delegated Examiner: Mike Kelly/VE3FFK

As is quite clear, we are in need of persons interested in the positions of Vice President and Membership Chair/Director. Neither position requires more than a small investment of time and it would be a great way for you to make a contribution back into the hobby you love so much and keep the OARC strong and vibrant even in these difficult COVID times. If you are interested in either position, please send an email to Executive at OARC.net. Of course, these are not sink or swim positions. You would have complete support from the other members of the executive as you acclimatize.

The balance of the AGM would include a financial report for the previous year from our now former Treasurer, Margaret Tidman/VA3VXN and (given the uncertainties) an abbreviated projection for the current year by the new Treasurer, Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ.

After the hard work, it’s time to let loose a little and enjoy each other’s company as we turn to the holiday festivities portion of the evening. We will have 4 prizes of $50 gift certificates from Radioworld to spend as you see fit.

Come out and join us for the AGM followed by holiday festivities on December 9, 2020, at 7:30 pm.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

73 Greg/VE3YTZ

Ottawa Amateur Radio Club

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, May 11, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – John Portune/W6NBC will explain how to build the popular Moxon Antenna

Come out and join us for John’s presentation and learn about building a Moxon antenna on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 7:30 PM (Eastern) (4:30 PM Pacific).

In advance of the May 11, 2022 meeting, OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

The Moxon Antenna for 10 metres.

April is Zoom Homebrew Show and Tell Night (April 13 @ 7:30 PM)

This is to remind the OARC membership that April is Homebrew Night (April 13 at 7:30 PM).

There will be prizes drawn for those who show and tell, so don't miss out!!!!!! There is no judging this year. Fire up that soldering iron and get off the couch!

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the Zoom meeting. Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, March 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – John Portune/W6NBC will tell us about using foil tape for antenna building

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, February 9, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – Bob Grubic/NC6Q Answers the Eternal Question "What Is Ham Radio Contesting All About?"

Bob Grubic NC6Q has been licensed for over 40 years and holds an Amateur Extra Class license. Though inactive for many years raising a family, he’s been very busy with amateur radio in the last 15 years.

He has served in many ham radio positions, including:

ASSOCIATED RADIO AMATEURS OF LONG BEACH (ARALB),

Board Member, Membership Chairman, W6RO Assistant Manager, W6RO Wireless Room Operator, Field Day Chairman, Ham of the Year, Instructor for: 2 CW Classes and Radio Propagation Lessons for a General Class Course, The Milliwatt newsletter editor

Los Angeles ARES:

Assistant South District Emergency Coordinator, Net Manager, Net Control Operator, Baker-to-Vegas radio operator

Organizer and Net Control Operator for a Slow Speed CW Net

NC6Q often operates portable from the Republic of Panama.

Bob is a member of the ARALB, FISTS, Chiltern DX Club (The UK DX Foundation), Southern California Contest Club and a Life Member of the ARRL. He is a retired English teacher and enjoys HF CW contesting, Field Day, and portable operations.

Come out and join us for Bob’s presentation and learn about ham radio contesting on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, January 12, 2022 @ 7:30 PM – Adrian Stimpson/VE7NZ and Scott Leaf /VA7SL introduce us to the Canada Hub Network

The presentation will explain what the network is about, how AllStar works, and how repeaters and individuals can connect to it.

Come out and join us for Adrian’s and Scott's presentation on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, December 8, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - OARC Annual General Meeting

The slate, as of December 6, is as follows:

President: Dave Scobie/VE3BOW

Vice-President: Greg Danylchenko/VE3YTZ

Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Keith Dysart/VE3TQY

Membership Chair/Director: Vacant

Hamfest Manager/Director: Ed Sich/VE3WGO

Director: Vacant

Not up for election, the following persons also form the Executive:

Past President: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Technical and Repeater Chair: Harrie Jones/VE3HYS

Groundwave Editor: Vacant

Website Guru: Diane Bruce/VA3DB

Industry Canada Delegated Examiner: Mike Kelly/VE3FFK

The balance of the AGM would include a financial report from our new Treasurer, Keith Dysart/VE3TQY.

We wish to thank Arthur Smith/VY2BIT Secretary, Ian Jeffery/VE3IGJ Groundwave Editor and Tyler Tidman/VA3DGN Director for their service as they are stepping down from the Executive. Wish them all the best in their future amateur radio endeavours.

After the hard work, it’s time to let loose a little and enjoy each other’s company as we turn to the holiday festivities portion of the evening. We will have 4 prizes of $50 gift certificates from Radioworld to spend as you see fit.

Come out and join us for the AGM followed by holiday festivities on December 8, 2021, at 7:30 pm.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome to join us. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

73 Greg/VE3YTZ

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, November 10, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Harrie Jones/VE3HYS will provide us with an overview of the OARC Repeater- VE2CRA and give us an introduction to the new DMR repeater

Harrie Jones/VE3HYS, is the Ottawa Amateur Radio Club’s Technical Chair and the person who keeps OARC repeaters on the air. No one is more qualified to walk us through the details of the OARC’s amazing repeater, VE2CRA.

Come out and join us for Harrie’s presentation on Wednesday, November 10, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, October 13, 2021 @ 7:30 PM - SOTA in the Canadian Rockies, Paul Mower VA6MPM

SOTA events in the Canadian Rockies are a challenging and rewarding endeavour, all year long. Paul will share his experiences, techniques, and awesome photos of his journeys to the top of one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

As Paul recently told the OARC:

Come out and join us for Paul’s presentation on October 13, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

Radio-in-the-Park / Fox Hunt on Saturday, September 18

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, September 8, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Harrie Jones/VE3HYS will lead a discussion about the health of ham radio in Canada

Come out and join us for Harrie’s presentation on September 8, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

The OARC Hamfest will return in 2022

Ottawa Amateur Radio Club - Field Day 2021

If you are interested in helping with set-up, tear-down or operating (any mode), please email me to VE3YTZ at rac.ca.

However you decide to spend your Field Day, enjoy the weekend!

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, June 9, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Michael Walker/VA3MW tells us about FlexRadio and their amazing SDR Radios

The OARC is very fortunate to have Michael Walker/VA3MW provide us with an overview of the FlexRadio products and how they differ from other SDR and SuperHet radio designs. Mike will also tell us why a Flex may be the last HF radio you need to purchase regardless of your HF operating style.

Come out and join us for Mike’s presentation on June 9, 2021, at 7:30 PM.

OARC members will receive an email with information on how to join the meeting.

Non-members are always welcome. Please send a request to EXECUTIVE at OARC.NET and ask for an invitation.

COSPAS-SARSAT Presentation Video

Zoom Meeting for Wednesday, May 12, 2021 @ 7:30 PM – Henrik Smith introduces us to the satellite-based search and rescue system known as COSPAS-SARSAT- A Lifeline to Survival