From last nights meeting:– we carried on a short discussion of remote control HF stations. Were going to try to get a couple of demonstrations so everyone can see how it works and see if it’s something viable for DARS.
– VE7WLF gave a demonstration on the ARRL Radiogram for the upcoming Free Star DSTAR contest Sept 1 & 2. VA7QLT, VE7TJF and VA7BJC will be using the VA7DEP call sign for message handling during the contest. They will be active Sept 1 (10-2) at NDPSB. They are looking for more people to join the in fun with them.
– We bid a fond farewell to Roberto YS1RS who attended the meeting last night and will be returning to his home in El Salvador at the end of the month.
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Just wanted to invite you all to our Ham Happenings on 8th September 2012.
Please visit our website www.hamhappenings2012.ca for more information.
We would be interested in hearing back from your clubs regarding any events that are scheduled.
We hope to see you there,
Yvonne VA7YSF
Secretary
Nanaimo Amateur Radio Association
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Speaking of hamfests ComFest 2012 is coming up September 30. We only have 12 tables remaining, get your name in now if you desire a table. For those who have reserved a table and not paid yet, keep in mind the early bird special of $20 ends next Friday, August 31. Get your payment either to Tom or via PayPal now to get the reduced price.
Ken Clarke, due a prior commitment, will not be at ComFest this year with the QSL bureau. Ken has made arrangements, if you plan to attend ComFest, and let him know your going at: VE7BC he will sort any cards he may have for you and they will be available for pickup at the event.
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It seems a long way off till the start of our Basic Course on Nov 6, but were nearing 50% capacity. If you have had friends say there thinking of taking it, I would advise them to get their name(s) in now and avoid disappointment. We had to turn away people last time.
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Are you aware the news notes are available online in the news section? If you have something you would like to share with the members you can post in the news section. Compose and email and send to: Word Press <digo965hufo> It has to be in the To and not cc or bcc columns. It’s just that simple.
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Member in the Spotlight:
Dave VE7SP as most of you know is also a member of the Roberts Bank Lifeboat Society. He was recently featured in their newsletter which is reprinted below.
Introducing radio officer / society director David Acton.
My boating experience covers a period of almost 38 years, mainly on sailboats off the west coast of BC. Our family also
had a sailboat moored in Point Roberts, Wa. I have also cruised the Gulf and San Juan Islands, and sailed in the
Seychelles. I have been involved in marine search and rescue for approximately 6 years. I was a pilot flying in Kenya and I
first heard about RBLB when I came back from Kenya on a holiday and saw a recruitment ad in the local newspaper. I
knew at that time I had to get involved, so when my contract ended overseas, I returned to Delta and got in touch.
I have found the experience to be personally rewarding. It’s very gratifying
to know that I am helping my community, making new friends, and gaining
valuable experience along the way. The training is excellent and meets both
Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada standards. I have gained
several Transport Canada certifications along the way including Marine Basic
First aid, Small non pleasure vessel operator proficiency (SVOP), Marine
Emergency Duties-A3, RADAR SEN(L), Radio operators certificate marine
commercial – ROC(MC), and I am working on others. I also have my PCOC ,
helicopter underwater escape training (HUET), swift water rescue course
and I’m a qualified diver. Previous experience in the military and the police
force have proven valuable in the type of operations we conduct. My civil
aviation job also has many carryovers.
As our vessel is amateur radio equipped, I hold my advanced radio ticket
and as unit radio officer am responsible for all emergency exercises and
activities involving this radio, as well as the marine equipment we have on
board. This year I hope to conduct training for our new operators.
I donated the onboard amateur radio as this will allow us to not only contact some boaters
who have this, but also the Municipal Emergency Operations Centers and mobile command
vehicles which are likewise equipped. This makes us the only emergency vessel on this coast to
have this equipment. I have been involved with the Provincial Emergency Program
Communications side for over 15 years.
As a senior crewmember I am responsible for watching over new crew, assisting the training
officer and captain, as well as operational functions on the vessel which includes time at the
helm, operating various pieces of equipment we have onboard, etc. On the society side I am
the Facebook administrator, and deputy webmaster for our web page.
The Delta Marine Unit crew is a great bunch of dedicated people, and I enjoy spending my time
with them. We are always looking for new members – are you up for the adventure?
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Have a good weekend everybody.
