Posted November 13, 2004
Received another email from Ernie VE3ERN. Read it now.

Hi people, the Minden Amateur Radio Club is having a Guest speaker, Mr. Jim Robinson VE3JPR attend on Friday, November 19/2004 at 10:00 a.m.He will be demonstrating the completed amateur pager that was demonstrated about 1 year ago as a prototype. It is also suitable for the sight and hearing impaired. Come out have some fun, talk to old friends and have a coffee. We meet at the Minden Royal Canadian Legion on Hwy 35 at the North end of Minden. Talk in will be 147.345 +. Please pass the word to those without e-mail all are welcome.

Thanks for keeping us informed Ernie
VE3BLT
Posted November 11, 2004
Received an email from Ernie VE3ERN who passed along the new web address for ARES Ontario. It's been added to the Links Page.
VE3BLT
Posted November 2, 2004
Well it's been almost two months to the day since I had anything to post. And the time to post it!

Ron VE3ROH sent me a link that he thought we might be interested in. You can see what he's excited about by clicking here. I've added it to he links page as well under General Radio.

Some of you may be wondering if I'll ever update the Members Page. Wonder no longer.
VE3BLT
Posted September 1, 2004
Recieved an update regarding the Marathon. Please Note the Frequency Change.

The Eagle Lake Repeater VA3HAL - 147.345 + has been repaired and is back on the AIR. It will be the Working and Talk in Frequency. Simplex will not be used as previously thought.

Len, VA3LGF

I have updated the Marathon page as well with this information.
VE3BLT
Posted August 20, 2004
While surfing the net for interesting news for the site (something I haven't had time to do for a while) I came across this little tid bit of info on the RAC website:

"RAC President sends formal proposal on Morse Testing to Industry Canada 2004-7-20

Following informal discussions over a period of about one year, and decisions reached at the CARAB meeting last fall, RAC has prepared a formal proposal to Industry Canada, with detailed recommendations on issues related to Morse testing, and other aspects of certification. It is expected that Industry Canada will make every effort to consult with interested amateurs and other spectrum users in Canada, and reach a decision as soon as possible.

The covering letter from President Lamoureux to Mr. Jan Skora Director-General of the Radiocommunications and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch of Industry Canada is also available on the web site and can be found here:

Details of the proposal in MS Word format can be downloaded from the RAC web site here and the same proposal in pdf format can be found here:

A French language version of the proposal can be found here:"

This might get a few comments. Want to vent? Click the email link and I'll post your thoughts.
VE3BLT
Posted August 13, 2004
I received an email from VA3LGF Len with the schedule for the 2004 Ultra Marathon at Haliburton Forest. Just click the Marathon button on the left to see it. PLEASE NOTE - There is some confusion as to the station names; some are calling them Checkpoints, others Aid Stations. The race organizers call them AID STATIONS.

I'll see you at the race!
VE3BLT
Posted August 13, 2004
I'm Awake - Honest!

Got an email the other day from VA3WER Bill regarding the Kinmount Journey For Health. Read it now.

The 6th annual Kinmount Journey for Health in support of the Kinmount Medical Centre was held Sunday. Sixty plus walkers/bikers completed the course to collect over $9000 for the Centre. After the event everyone shared in the donated prizes, and enjoyed a giant sandwich from Subway in Fenelon Falls and Kawartha Dairy ice cream.

The M.A.R.C. provided communications over the 13km course which is an unused rail line. Great thanks go to VE3APL, Phil; VA3LGF, Len; VE3ERN, Ernie; VA3JFW, Jack and VE3RNT, Rick for donating their Sunday morning to this event.

This was my last year coordinating this event (we're moving to Port Perry) and we need a volunteer to take on this responsibility for the 2005 walk that will take place Sunday August 14, 2005. This is a fun and worthwhile event that I feel we should continue to support.

Cheers,

Bill, VA3WER

Sorry I couldn't be there myself and I'm glad all went well.

ULTRA MARATHON MAPS. The race is coming up soon and as some people don't know where the Haliburton Forest is I've posted links to the OUS website. Directions to the site are posted HERE and a course map is posted HERE.

I've received all the club minutes for the past 4 years from the secretary VE3UFL Tom. Unfortunately, I don't have time just now to code them into HTML. It strikes me that perhaps I should only post information that is topical and informative. Well I'm done then!

Of course your input about this website is valued. Let me know what you think. Just clicky the email link on the left. I'll do what I want to anyway, but at least you'll have the nice warm feeling that you had input into the site. Oh the power I wield.

Until later.
VE3BLT
Posted August 5, 2004
Hey There People! A bit of news and stuff.

First, despite assurances that I would receive a written note on this from someone, I am posting the results of the recent club elections.

President - VE3MRJ Bob MacBrien
Vice President and Secretary - VE3UFL Tom Nicholson
Treasurer - VE3APL Phil Graham
Congratulations to all.

Next, Len VA3LGF sent an email to let us know about the upcoming Muskoka Club picnic. Here it is:

Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 8:13 AM
Subject: ANNUAL PICNIC SUNDAY SEPT. 19TH

THE MUSKOKA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB WILL BE HOLDING THE ANNUAL PICNIC AT ANNIE WILLIAMS PARK BRACEBRIDGE ONTARIO ON SUNDAY SEPT THE 19TH STARTING AT 12.00 NOON .
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN DELAYED ONE (1) WEEK DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF THE PARK
HAMBURGERS , HOTDOGS AND COLD DRINKS WILL BE SUPPLIED .
YOU ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG YOUR FAVOURITE DISH eg. COLD SALAD ETC.
VISITORS ARE WELCOME .
PLEASE RSVP TO THIS EMAIL TO INDICATE IF YOU AND YOUR VISITORS "IF ANY" WILL BE ATTENDING OR CALL JACK 645 2268 .
SUFFICIENT SUPPLIES WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED TO ACCOMODATE THOSE RESPONDING POSITIVE TO THIS "E" Mail. NO LATER THAN SEPT 12TH 2004

REGARDS JACK VE3EYQ

Got that? Good.

Len needs some input from those who are volunteering to help at the Ultra Marathon. Read on ....

URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! URGENT!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I URGENTLY need your T shirt size and number, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Helen needs this information so she can order T shirts for all the Ham Radio Volunteers.
THIS INFORMATION IS REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY AND BY SATURDAY, AUGUST 7/04.
IN THE EVENT THAT YOU DO NOT SEND THIS INFORMATION BY THE ABOVE DATE. YOU WILL GET EITHER A (LARGE) OR (X LARGE) T SHIRT

Len Foster, VA3LGF.

You can reach Len at [email protected]

And last but not least, another update to the Marathon Volunteer list. If you want to help out and are not on the list, please either email me at [email protected] or Len at [email protected]
VE3BLT
Posted July 22, 2004
VA3LGF Len sent me an email reminding us that the Terry Fox Run is coming up. Check the Events Page. We will need operators for the event. If you can't make it to a coffee meeting to sign up, drop me a quick email and I'll forward it on. Please sign up as soon as possible.
VE3BLT
Posted July 8, 2004
Once again our outgoing President Len has sent me an email with an updated list of volunteers for the Ultra Marathon. At present we have 25 confirmed and four possibles. Not too shabby! Check out the list on the Marathon Page. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
VE3BLT
Posted June 28, 2004
I received this letter in an email from VA3LGF Len:

June 17, 2004

This is to inform the members of The Minden Amateur Radio Club. That I will not be seeking the office of President for the up coming year 2004/2005.

Thank you for all of your assistance in the past years making my term of office most enjoyable.

Yours truly,
Len Foster, President

Elections are coming up soon. Let's hope that someone will take the initiative and stand for president.
VE3BLT
June 18, 2004
Last night I received an Email from VE3CJJ Joel who, if you didn't already know, works at the County Library.

Re: New Book: Amateur Radio for Dummies

You'll be pleased to know that the above title has been added to the collection.
You may wish to make it known to those assembled on Friday morning.
You might want to be careful how you refer to it, however ..........
It's American but not that bad, really.
Maybe Tim can work it into the website.

Joel VE3CJJ


Another "Dummie" book. And for Amature Radio no less. At this rate we'll soon have "Walking for Dummies" and my personal favorite "Salivating for Dummies". Ahh well.
Ed Note: Later on June 18: I have just received an email from someone who shall remain anonymous and I must now correct my previous statement. Apparently Joel does not work for but IS the County Library. My apologies to all for my error. Especially to any sheep ....
VE3BLT
June 3, 2004
Well, it's been a slow news month.

VA3LGF Len sent me an update on the volunteer list for the Ultra Marathon, and so it's posted - guess where.

Rehearsals are winding up and we move into the theatre this month. For those interested in what's coming up all you have to do is a click right here. The Perfect Rhyme looks pretty interesting (nudge nudge)
VE3BLT
May 8, 2004
Good morning campers.

I received an email from Ron VE3ROH who has some timely advice he'd like to pass along:

WARNING !!

As summer approaches, we will be getting involved with outdoor activities involving the use of handhelds & other types of radio equipment. With the high bug population in our area, we will certainly be applying lots of insect repellent on ourselves.

Please be aware that the ingredient DEET is the most widely used chemical in most repellents applied to the skin. In strong or diluted concentrations, DEET can soften or dissolve many types of plastics, such as those used in GPS units, handheld radios & battery containers, says the Consumer Specialty Products Association.

Be careful how you apply & use Deet containing repellents this summer, or you may end up with damaged equipment.

Ron VE3ROH


Excellent advice Ron.
VE3BLT
May 2, 2004
What is going on here? More updates and news, that's what. Hard to keep up. The old typing fingers are just about burned out here I'll tell you. Smoke is just pouring out of the keyboard.

There has been so much going on lately, that if you haven't checked the site in a while Please Check The News Archives! There is probably information there that you need to know about.

The latest info arrived via email from Len VA3LGF. The Quarter Century Wireless Association is holding a convention in Ottawa this October. For more info and links, see the events page.

News items off site:
So who can this article apply to?

While I'm entering this on the web page I got an email from Bill VA3WER:
Hi Tim,

The organizers of the Kinmount Journey for Health are requesting our assistance again this year. The walk/ride will be held Sunday, August 8 in the morning. I will act as the MARC's coordinator and provide staffing requirements and details as we get closer to the date.

Cheers, Bill (VA3WER)


It's entered on the Events Page. Prompt service or what?

That's all for now.
VE3BLT
May 1, 2004
It's May Day. Don't you miss the news photos of the parade in Red Square? There was something about those Pravda pics wasn't there?

As promised, Len sent me an update on the volunteers for the Marathon. Twenty of us so far have said we'd help. That's great. And with four months to go until the event, who knows how many we'll get. We may be able to cover the whole race!

Changes to the web site are coming (but to be honest, not for a couple of months). We need to know what you like and dislike about the site as it is, so we can make it better. What would you like to see on the site? What changes in format, colour, graphics or anything else would you like to see? You know how to reach me (just click the Email button on the left).
VE3BLT
April 25, 2004
A webmasters work is never done.

Updated the links page. Fixed various blind links and located lost sites.

Anyone have any links they want to share? Just send them to me in an email.
VE3BLT
April 24, 2004
Ch-ch-ch-changes to borrow a word from David Bowie (I wonder if he's an amateur or at least a webmaster?).

The Crazy River Raft Race organizers have again requested our assistance this Canada Day. If you'd like to help out, either phone Len (see the post below) or email me here.

Now sit down comfortably, as this may come as a shock. Ready? Monday April 26, which is two days from now is THE LAST MONDAY NIGHT NET OF THE MINDEN AMATEUR RADIO CLUB TO BE HELD ON VE3TBF. Effective Monday May 3, 2004 the net will be held on VA3HAL 147.345+.

The reasons for the change are basically twofold: First, the TBF repester has some issues with it - especially background noise that has been on going for some time. Secondly, the local coverage of the HAL repeater is far superior.

The Nets page has been changed to indicate this new information.

Also, because the local coverage of the HAL repeater is sooo good, most people who are out and about during the day will be using this frequency. And that includes yours truly.

As I'm talking about repeaters, has anyone noticed that the VA3MIN/VE3LNZ link has been up for about two weeks with NO INTERMOD?? This is as a result of a suggestion by Brendan VE3BWC. Tom VE3UFL (present host of the repeater much to his main squeeze Gail's regret) angled the link yagi antenna about 15 degrees off vertical. This results in the lobes of the two antennas not interferring with each other. So far so good. Well done guys.

By the way, if you have forgotten, the link codes are 391# On and 390# Off.

Geeze, with all this good stuff going on, what's there for me to rant about? I'll find something.
VE3BLT
April 23, 2004
More Updates.

MARC has been asked to help with Sneaker Day In Minden. Here's an email received from Len VA3LGF

The Minden Amateur Radio Club has been asked to provide communications for the Minden Sneaker Walk May 7, 2004 at 11:00 A.M.. All those interested contact Len Foster VA3LGF at 286-3794.
Thank you in advance
Len VA3LGF

Len will be sending me updates on the Ultra Marathon volunteer list weekly, so watch for updates here.
VE3BLT
April 22, 2004
Some updates.

Received an email from Tom VE3LT. He notified me that the link to WNYSORC is dated. I have changed the link and added the Niagara Regions web page to the Clubs listing.

Len VA3LGF sent me a list of the volunteers that have signed up for the 2004 Ultra Marathon in Halibrton Forest. See the Marathon Page for the current list. If you want to help, send an email to VE3MIN by clicking the button on the left.
VE3BLT
April 16, 2004
You thought you were up to date? Think again.

Microsoft has issued ANOTHER PATCH for IE 6 and Outlook Express. Better go get it folks. All you have to do is click HERE.

Fot those of you looking for signs of spring, the peepers are out and there is more water than ice on South Lake. Hoo Haa.

We (as in the Man and I) are thinking of changing servers for the web page. It shouldn't affect you as users, but it will give us more flexability. Of course, it'll be redesigned at the same time, so the change will probably take a while to implement.
VE3BLT
April 11, 2004
For those of you that have Internet Explorer on their computer, you may be interested to know that there is, yet again, another security fix being offered by Microsoft.

This one affects IE5 and IE6, even if you don't use IE as your browser. Cool eh?

For a link to Windows Update, click HERE. Unless you go there often, there may be quite a few updates to get.

Ohhh this could be such a good topic for a rant ....

Enjoy your long weekend folks.
VE3BLT
April 4, 2004
Aren't we amateur operators lucky up here in Haliburton County. We have three repeaters that we can choose to use. For those of you that forget what they are, here is the list:

VA3HAL 147.345+
VA3MIN 145.210-
VE3TBF 147.240+

For the past week I have been on the road quite a bit at various times of the day and I have put my call out on all three repeaters. I suppose that it won't surprise anyone reading this that if it hadn't been for the tail on the repeater, I wouldn't have even known that my radio was on. I did actually talk to Tom VE3UFL on Friday and Gord VE3IWY in Bancroft and Russ VE3FI yesterday morning, so there is life out there.

I suspect that the lack of people on the air is caused by the local conditions; boredom and apathy. OK so what can be done to remedy this? Or is this a even a problem? Do we need to motivate the club members with something other that coffee and a chat OFF AIR on Fridays (hell, no one even uses the repeaters on their way to or from the Friday meetings)? It seems that only some of us perceive that it's a problem. Everyone else is quite content, thank you very much.

Last year I thought that building a web site would be a start to reducing the apathy. I thought that perhaps we would start getting feedback from members (geeze, almost everyone has an internet connection now). Well, the feedback I received was from those of us that DO use the radio. Fat lot of good that did.

I know I'm preaching to the converted, but isn't there something we can do? What makes people go to all the effort of getting a license, spending the buck$ to get a radio and then never use the freaking thing? Should we try antenna workshops (J-Pole, colinnear J-Pole, Quad etc)? Maybe we could do a power supply workshop? Or an LED Voltmeter workshop?

Maybe I should stop banging my head against the wall.

*steps off soapbox, picks up rifle and goes looking for bunnies and other cute lifeforms*
VE3BLT
Posted March 26, 2004
Added the photos from Phil's 80th birthday. Also redid the photos page's backend. You probably won't see a difference unless you really try, but it's All New.

The MAN

Ed. Note: Photos were taken by VE3ROH. Thanks Ron.
VE3BLT
Posted March 26, 2004
As some of you folks know, I've been using the web browser Opera for years now. It's custmizable just about anyway you'd like. However, I found a new browser this week that I think may be even better. It's called Mozilla FireFox. Now before some of you freak out and say "Mozilla - that's Netscape and he hates Netscape" well you're right - sort of.

Netscape is based on the Mozilla engine (which is open source = free) but it has been made into bloatware and it is owned by AOL and and and. The last I heard was that the Netscape download was in the neighborhood of 28 Mb whereas Firefox is a mere 6.3 Mb.

So if you want a change from InternetExplorer, give FireFox or Opera a try.

*steps off soapbox, takes pills*

VE3BLT
Posted March 26, 2004
Len VA3LGF sent me a link to Gord Hewitt's VE3GIH web page on the Ultra Marathon. Check it out. You'll find the Link on the Marathon Page.

Gord could have sent it to me directly through the Email Button on the left, but he sent it to Len instead. I mean, it's not like the button is hidden or anything. It's right there isn't it?. And I check my email frequently too. So why didn't he send it direct to me? Is there something going on here I should know about?

*takes pills*

VE3BLT
Posted March 13, 2004
I found a very cool site on the web that has links to some excellent free software (I've downloaded half a dozen so far). Check out the Links page under Reference. Look for Priceless.

This week is the sites first anniversary. To date we've had 488 hits. Pretty cool. As always, suggestions are welcome. Just email me by clicking the button on the left menu.

VE3BLT
Posted March 5, 2004
We've been Googled! Type in "Minden Amateur Radio Club Home" and check it out.

VE3BLT
Posted February 20, 2004
Updated all the links to external pages so they use pure HTML instead of JavaScript. They should work on anyone's computer now.

The MAN
Posted January 24, 2004
It's been more than a while since I've done any updating. Various personal problems have kept me busy.

There's a car rally coming to the area at the end of the month. The following is a portion of the email I received from him. Contact him directly if you want to help out. NOTE his email address must be changed for it to work.

Season's greetings,
I am organizing a car rally in the Minden area overnight on January 31, February 1, 2004. One of the key safety and organizational features of rally is an effective communications network. We have many licenced HAM's in the rally community and would like to use your repeater (VE3TBF ed) to assist us in conducting the event. (We would even welcome members from your organization if they wished to get involved.)
The plans are for the rally to include an area centered on Minden, ranging from near Hall's lake in the north, Haliburton in the east, and to slightly south of Gooderham and the south-east.
Thanks for your time,
Cheers,
Peter Watt (VE3 WRX)

Peter Watt V (705) 749-0563
523 Bolivar St. F (705) 749-9879
Peterborough Ont.
K9J 4R5 pwatt at sympatico.ca


And last but not least for this update is the Haliburton Forest Ultra Marathon. The dates for the run are September 11 & 12. Imagine how nice it will be in Septmber when it isn't -29? Yes, I updated the events page.



VE3BLT