Since our modern rigs usually require DC power, there is always the risk that we'll connect positive to negative, maybe releasing some of that magic smoke.  Anderson Powerpoles are popular, but are not polarized and will happily connect red to black if you make a mistake.  There is a standard Powerpole arrangement, e.g.

https://newhams.info/2016/10/17/powerpole-connectors/

but this can't completely prevent human error.  One major transceiver manufacturer deliberately installs Powerpoles in reverse of the standard arrangement, to influence buyers to use their supplied power cable.

I found an article on how you can prevent reverse polarity damage by adding circuit component(s).  Both simple and not-so-simple designs are given.  The article was written by John KC9ON who also has a small online store: 3rd Planet Solar/KC9ON, https://kc9on.com/ 

I attached his article.  Good reading.

73
Dave, VE3WI

Attached Files

  Reverse Polarity Protection.pdf (Size: 105.6 KB / Downloads: 7)

1 March 2023
Net Controller — VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake

Topic for discussion -

1. Do you use Windows 11, thoughts pro or con
2. Open Mic is always an option.


VHF/Echolink

VE3DGY Doug - Annan
KO4DXQ Bob - Soddy Daisy, TN
VE3BQM Bernie - Georgian Bluffs
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke
VA3DNY Dan - Owen Sound
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VE3OZW Richard - Otter Creek
VE3MIO Maureen - Wiarton

HF – 3.786 MHz

VE3BQM Bernie - Georgian Bluffs
VE3DGY Doug - Annan
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VA3DNY Dan - Owen Sound


Consider being a GBARC Net Controller.

Net Controller — VE3OZW Richard - Otter Creek

Topic for discussion -

1. In less than 5 weeks, our first Ontario hamfest is scheduled.  Are you planning to attend a hamfest in 2023?
2. Do you think March will come in like a lion or a lamb?  Do you believe in the folklore?
3. Open Mic is always an option.


VHF/Echolink

KO4DXQ Bob - Soddy Daisy, TN
VE3MIO Maureen - Wiarton
VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake
VE3RWY Rob - Owen Sound
VE3BQM Bernie - Georgian Bluffs
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin

HF – 3.777 MHz

VE3MIO Maureen - Wiarton
VE3FJN Colin - Hamilton
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3BQM Bernie - Georgian Bluffs
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke
VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VE3DDU Ray - Nottawasaga

We need your help by submitting ideas for topics via this forum.  This is a net for all of us.  Help out your fellow club members and net controllers by submitting topics for future nets.  Reply to this thread with any suggestions.

Consider being a GBARC Net Controller.  It is a positive learning experience and great fun.  The only scary part is if your pen runs out of ink while the calls are coming in!

Thanks to all, 73

The next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will run Sat-Sun, 25-26 March.

So far they have 41 presentations lined up, list attached.  You can watch the talks, make comments, ask questions, all without leaving your chair

Registration is $15.00 US.

Details & registration:  https://www.qsotodayhamexpo.com/

73
Dave, VE3WI

Attached Files

  ham_expo_list.pdf (Size: 21 KB / Downloads: 1)

Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club
Net Report February 8th 2023


Net Controller Marvin VE3VCG
Note: The scheduled net controller was Bernie VE3BQM. Marvin mistakenly took the net control position by mistake. Apologies to all for the error. 

Topic: Open Mic topic or, optionally “what was your first radio”?
Trivial Question: What major weather event happened in the Great Lakes Region in 1913?
Answer: The White Hurricane (Witch of November).

Participants:
Echolink:
KO4DXQ Bob in Tennessee

2 Meters:
VA3TS Tom
VE3RQY Greg
VA3DNY Dan
VE3MFO Jim
VA3EAC Jan
VE3PCP Rob
VE3JMD
VE3OZW Richard
VE3WI David
VE3PAV Bobby

80 Meters:
VE3BQM Bernie
VE3OZW Richard
VA3TS Tom
VE3PCP Rob
VA3MFO Jim
VA3DNY Dan
VE3WI David
VE3JMS James
VE3FJN Colin

Does anybody else see the resemblance to our president in this picture?

If you like chasing POTA, IOTA and other casual QSOs and want to add another activity. VOTA (Volunteers On The Air). Only active till the end of 2023, a celebration that recognizes volunteer support and contributions. Each contact is worth specific number of points corresponding to the QSO points table. https://vota.arrl.org/index.php 
All you need to is make a simple QSO with any W1AW/x station. 
This could be a GBARC challenge for the year. 
     eg: highest score, most states, countries or just highest point contact. 

Just have fun !!! 

NCS
VA3TS Tom - Shallow Lake

VHF/Echolink

KO4DXQ Bob - Soddy Daisy, TN
VE3BQM Bernie - Owen Sound
VE3RQY Greg - Brooke
VE3VCG Marvin - Paisley
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VA3EAC Janet - Paisley
VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3PCP Rob - Inverhuron
VE3FP Adam - West Grey
VE3DNY Dan - Owen Sound
VE3DGY Doug - Annan
VE3OZW Richard - Otter Creek

HF – 3.795 MHz

VA3MFO Jim - Mount Forest
VE3BQM Bernie - Owen Sound
VE3VCG Marvin - Paisley
VE3WI Dave - Port Elgin
VE3DGY Doug - Annan
VE3OZW Richard - Otter Creek
VE3DNY Dan - Owen Sound
VE3PCP Rob - Inverhuron

Topic was:

What Club Social Events would you like to see
- fox hunt and foxhunt prep
- canwarn
- power points for meeting topics
- ssd drive installation
- lighthouse and lightship operating events
- Canadian Islands on the air
- Hammond museum
- family picnics
- hamfest
- tinkering/project building

Note - Galapagos Island DXpedition to take place 1 - 11 of March 2023. Look for HD8M