CECA

Now that winter is over and the snow is looking for a new place to go the information provided at the site below may be of assistance to ARES units and their planning for future events.

http://ec.gc.ca/rhc-wsc/default.asp?Lang=En&xml=7F14B293-AA5F-4986-A781-28D505E789B9

Effective April 8th there will be changes in the wording of weather forecasts. For these changes go to

http://www.ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/default.asp?lang=En&n=D9553AB5-1&utm_source=hootsuite&utm_campaign=hootsuite

ARES  Coordinators, you may wish to note the changes

In the eastern US there was an accident on a cell tower. If you want to see the rescue go to the site noted.  JUST A REMINDER THAT THINGS CAN GO WRONG, EVEN IF THINGS ARE DONE CORRECTLY.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/man-injured-150-feet-high-cellphone-tower/nfXds/

I am sure when we moved to Daylight Saving Time everyone checked/changed the batteries in their smoke detectors, but did you check your emergency kit ?  Here are some ideas from North Shore Emergency Management.  Remember in the event of a crisis be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Be prepared

http://www.nsemo.org/preparedness/emergency-kits-supplies

A New Jersey town is looking at ways to ensure they have power after a large storm hits. This planning is interesting. For more information go to

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-keep-the-lights-on-after-a-superstorm/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+basic-science+(Topic:+More+Science)

Near Balboa Panama the resources of ham radio, the US Coast Guard and a foreign flag tanker saved three people after their vessel sank.  For the full story go to

http://www.nevadahamradio.com/

The following frequencies are in use by Chilean Amateurs following the earthquake, please ensure they are kept clear.   7.055, 14.255 and 21.315.  Your usual cooperation is appreciated.

After the recent event in Chile this may be some good reading for those on Vancouver Island and the coast of BC

https://www.crd.bc.ca/prepare-yourself/hazards-in-our-region/tsunamis

Both military and civilian communications were tested in a recent SET in Alaska.  For all the details go to

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/123175/disaster-takes-out-phone-and-internet-connections-military-and-local-groups-help-make-link#.Uzgb-vldXBd

A very large earthquake has it Chile.  Initial reports can be found at the site noted below

http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/events/PAAQ/2014/04/01/n3dm1y/4/WEAK53/WEAK53.txt

Who knows what will really end up happening, but here is the latest on Radio Moscow

http://www.arrl.org/news/voice-of-russia-to-go-dark-after-all

Radio Amateurs of Canada is pleased to announce that in 2014 we will again be offering scholarships to young Amateurs who are taking post-secondary schooling in Electrical, Electronic and Software Engineering. Students in other fields of study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You must be an Amateur and the deadline for applications is July 31, 2014.

In 2013, RAC gave out threeEducation Scholarships of $500 each to: Paulyn Mulles, VE3PJM, who is attending Carleton University; Jason Deglint, VE7TJD, who is attending University of Victoria; and Liam Bindle, VE5LRB, who is attending the University of Saskatchewan. Each of these young Amateurs received a $500 academic scholarship to assist their further studies in Electrical Engineering. In their application each one stated how being an Amateur is a good match to their schooling and provides hands-on ability to complement their academic studies.

Shaftesbury High School in Winnipeg also received a $500 community grant to assist them in becoming the only permanent Telebridge Station in Canada to communicate with the Amateur Radio Station on the International Space Station (ARISS) under the guidance of Robert Striemer, VE4SHS.

Details on all four categories of scholarships and applications can be found at Scholarships Canada:
http://www.scholarshipscanada.com

Further detailed information is also available on the RAC Website at:
https://www.rac.ca/en/rac/donations/foundation/grant-info.php

If you know an Amateur who is studying at the post-secondary level they should consider applying for one of these grants.

RAC would also like to thank all the Canadian Amateurs whose generous donations over the years enable RAC to assist the leaders of tomorrow.

Bill Unger, VE3XT
RAC North/East Ontario Regional Director

The Radio Amateurs of Canada meets on a regular basis with Industry Canada on issues of interest to amateur radio operators. Over the years issues such as requirements for operator certification, amateur 60M access, the need for a exam/question bank update, items for inclusion in World Radio Conferences, antenna management issues, spectrum intrusion and other matters have been raised with Industry Canada by RAC.

The Radio Amateurs of Canada is seeking input from amateur radio operators on developing an inventory of issues that should be raised with Industry Canada for resolution. The Radio Amateurs of Canada represents and advocates for all amateurs to our federal regulator but provides services to our members only.

You input can be by email or hardcopy. Items raised by amateurs may be published in RACReport with personal identifiers removed.

RAC is looking for your immediate input. Email and hardcopy to be sent to our office.

RAC
720 Belfast Road. Unit 217
Ottawa ON K1G 0Z5
rachq@rac.ca

Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW
President and Chair, Radio Amateurs of Canada.

Two amateur radio operators out on a hike had an unexpected event and used their radios to call in some assistance. For the entire story go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-credited-in-rescue-of-wayward-hikers

A test using ALE will be conducted at the end of March early April to test emergency communications.  The test will be a joint amateur FCC test.  For more information go to

http://www.arrl.org/news/amateur-radio-federal-government-engaged-in-joint-5-mhz-communication-exercise

THESE TEST MAY OCCUR ON THE NEW 5MHZ CHANNELS.  MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT CAUSE INTERFERENCE.  TESTS WILL OCCUR UNTIL APRIL 7TH 2014