Minutes - Meeting of February 6, 2007
The meeting was held in the Kanata Room at Sobey's in Kanata.
The following members and guests were present:
| Name | Call Sign | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Zinck | VA3NFA | President |
| Rick Bandla | VE3CVG | V.P. / Webmaster |
| Rene Kahle | VA3XK | |
| Barney Baker | VA3BGB | |
| Al Penney | VO1NO | |
| Steve Attfield | VA3SAX | |
| Andy Hart | VE3NVK | Guest |
| Manfred Kahle | VA3WK | Guest |
| Tim Evangelatos | VE3MY | |
| Dave Goodwin | VE3AAQ | Guest / RAC Regional Director |
| Dean Denter | VA3CDD | |
| Harold Hamilton | VA3UNK | |
| Doug Leach | VE3XK | |
| Graham Ide | VE3BYT | Secretary |
There was some discussion of web hosting of the WCARC web site other than on the RAC server. To simplify maintenance, RAC prefers to purge its server of material from other organizations. Tom, Rick and others will look at options and will share solutions with the SLVRC.
Field Day will be the 4th weekend in June. Al, VO1NO, will organize the club's effort as he did last year. We can consider the same site, or the Diefenbunker at Carp.
Rick, VE3CVG, gave a presentation on the OARDG and D-STAR. D-STAR permits digital voice and data. The mobile range tends to be less than with conventional FM communication. Rick outlined the various models of equipment available, currently only from ICOM. The OARDG was formed to implement D-STAR with the assistance of a New Horizons Grant. The development team consists of interested local amateurs.
D-STAR frequencies proposed are:
- 145.530, -600 in
- 433.050, +5MHz in
- 1282.0, -12MHz in: Voice and low speed data
- 1299.2 Simplex: High speed data
Proposed simplex calling frequencies
- 145.670
- 445.800
- 1298.0
Equipment has been ordered. A site is needed, and a technical writer.
Manfred, VA3WK, suggested that the WCARC take on work and financial support for the D-STAR project. This will be considered at the next meeting. Other area clubs may be interested in providing some support.
Dave Goodwin, VE3AAQ, Regional Director of RAC gave an outline of some current issues at RAC. Rac is looking at a foundation, entry level class license, with no age limit but with a three year time limit and a limit on permitted power levels. More details will be on the RAC web site soon.
Tom, VA3NFA, and Dave, VE3AAQ, gave a very successful demonstration of Laser communication, using units available from Ramsey Electronics.
The next meeting will be on March 6, 2007.
Graham Ide VE3BYT
Secretary.