I have removed the requestor's identifiers, but found this interesting.  If you operate using digital voice modes - D-star, C4FM and/or DMR, this pertains to you.  Begin at the bottom and read up.

Richard 
VE3OZW


---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: spectrum_victoria / victoria_spectre (IC) <spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Sep 16, 2024, 1:27 PM
Subject: RE: Identifying using D-Star and C4FM and DMR
To:
Cc: spectrum_victoria / victoria_spectre (IC) <spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca>, Spectrum Amateur / Spectre Amateur (IC) <spectrumamateur-spectreamateur@ised-isde.gc.ca>
Good day Reg,
 
You are correct, automatic transmission of callsign is permitted in the amateur band. As you rightfully point out, per RBR-3 there is no indication that automatic transmission is prohibited, only that the callsign must be transmitted at least once in each transmission and at least once every 30 minutes of transmission. Since there is no specific prohibition on automatic transmission, the way the RBR reads it is permitted.
 
Best regards,
 
Erik Van Roosmalen
Spectrum Management Officer, STS-Western Region
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada / Government of Canada
spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca / Tel: 250-363-3803 / TTY: 1-866-694-8389
Agent de gestion du spectre, SST-Region de l'Ouest
Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca / Tél. : 250-363-3803  / ATS : 1-866-694-8389
 
 
From: Spectrum Amateur / Spectre Amateur (IC) <spectrumamateur-spectreamateur@ised-isde.gc.ca>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 8:08 AM
To: spectrum_victoria / victoria_spectre (IC) <spectrumvictoria-victoriaspectre@ised-isde.gc.ca>
Cc: reg@natarajan.ca
Subject: FW: Identifying using D-Star and C4FM and DMR
 
Good morning,
 
The ARSC has received a technical query from an amateur in your district.  Please assist the client and CC the ARSC on any correspondence, so it may be attached to his file.
 
Thank you,
 
Amy Shand
 
Program Administrator, Eastern and Northern Ontario District, Spectrum Management Operations Branch
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada / Government of Canada
spectrumamateur-spectreamateur@ised-isde.gc.ca / Tel: 1-888-780-3333 / TTY: 1-866-694-8389
Administrateur de programme, District de l'Est et du Nord de l'Ontario, Direction générale des opérations de la gestion du spectre
Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
spectrumamateur-spectreamateur@ised-isde.gc.ca / Tél: 1-888-780-3333 / TTY: 1-866-694-8389
 
 
 
From: 
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 3:03 AM
To: Spectrum Amateur / Spectre Amateur (IC) <spectrumamateur-spectreamateur@ised-isde.gc.ca>
Subject: Identifying using D-Star and C4FM and DMR
 
Hello,
 
As you are likely aware, three digital modes in common use in amateur radio (D-Star, C4FM, and DMR) all have the capability of transmitting call signs automatically without an operator verbally stating his call sign.  Very specifically, when an operator keys a D-Star or C4FM radio, the receiving party instantly sees the transmitting station's call sign on their radio without any verbal communications having been made.
 
My question is simply this: does the aforementioned automatic transmission of a call sign in digital voice modes constitute identification as specified in RBR-3 (Technical Requirements Respecting Identification of Radio Stations)?
 
RBR-3 states: The operator of each radio station communicating with other radio stations shall transmit the assigned call sign at least once in each transmission and at least once every 30 minutes of transmission.
 
I note that RBR-3 does not specify the exact manner in which the call sign is to be transmitted.
 
I further note that the call sign, when transmitted automatically by these digital voice modes, is easily decipherable by any receiving station (no secret code or cipher).
 
Additionally, CW does not require verbal transmission of a call sign.
 
My reading of the law is that a user of a C4FM, D-Star, or DMR radio does not need to verbally identify their station as long as their call sign is automatically transmitted by their radio within the mode they are using, and as long as that call sign is easily decipherable by any receiving station operating in the same mode.  Please confirm ISED's interpretation of the law in this case.
 
As always, I appreciate your helping amateur radio operators understand the laws and regulations that govern us.  I will share your response with interested members of our community.
 
Best regards,

RAC Basic and Advanced Courses: Fall 2024
https://www.rac.ca/rac-basic-and-advanced-courses-fall-2024/
For immediate release: September 17, 2024
Basic Qualification Course (see below for Advanced)
The Fall 2024 RAC Basic Qualification course began on September 15 but there is still space available. 
Radio Amateurs of Canada is once again offering an online Amateur Radio course so that individuals from all across Canada can obtain their Amateur Radio Operator Certificate with Basic Qualification.
Course information: 
The course will again be conducted with the assistance of the Annapolis Valley Amateur Radio Club (AVARC) of Nova Scotia.
This course prepares students for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Basic Qualification Level Operator Certificate exam to operate on allocated Amateur Radio frequencies.
It is open to everyone across Canada and even abroad.
Classes will be recorded, so occasional absences are not a problem.
Schedule and Cost:
Date: The course will be held on Thursdays and Sundays commencing on Sunday, September 15 and end in late November.
Time: Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm (1800 – 2100)  Eastern Time and Sunday afternoons 1 pm to 4 pm (1300 – 1600) Eastern Time. There may also be a handful of additional classes if necessary.
Cost: The registration fee for the course is $50 plus GST/HST. The cost of the Basic Study Guide is extra and an order link will be provided upon completion of payment.
Registration: Please visit our registration webpage.
Read more… 
-------
Advanced Qualification Course: starts September 22/23
The Fall 2024 RAC Advanced Qualification course is starting soon!Registration is now underway.
Radio Amateurs of Canada is once again offering an online Advanced Qualification Amateur Radio Course so that individuals can upgrade their qualifications.
With your Advanced Certificate, you can run higher power, operate a remotely-controlled station, obtain operating privileges when travelling overseas, set up repeaters, be the trustee for club stations and even become an Accredited Examiner (AE) if you have the Morse code qualification. 
Note: You need to be a RAC Maple Leaf Operator Member to register for this course. If you are not already a RAC Maple Leaf Operator Member, you can upgrade easily. A registration form will be provided but you will need to be a Maple Leaf Operator Member to be able to see it and to register. Please stay tuned for more information. 
Course information:
The course will be 10 sessions in length and each session will be two hours long.
In order to offer maximum flexibility, we will be running two Advanced courses so students will be able to choose one of the following two options:
Courses are offered on Sunday afternoons or Monday evenings and two hours in duration.
Sunday afternoons:
Sunday afternoons at 1 pm Eastern Time (10 am PT / 2:30 NT) starting on Sunday, September 22 and ending on Sunday, December 15
Monday evenings:
Monday evenings from 8:30 pm Eastern Time (5:30 pm PT / 10 pm NT) starting on Monday, September 23 and ending on Monday, December 16
Note: There will be no classes on these dates:

• Sunday, October 13 and Monday, October 14 due to Thanksgiving.
  
• Sunday, October 27 and Monday, October 28 due to the CQ WW SSB Contest.
  
• Sunday, November 24 and Monday, November 25 due to the CQ WW CW Contest.
  

RAC Auxiliary Communications (AUX-C) Communicator Course
https://www.rac.ca/rac-auxiliary-communications-communicator-course/
For immediate release: September 17, 2024
Jason Tremblay, VE3JXTRAC Community Services Officer
community@rac.ca
Update: We have added two new RAC Auxiliary Communications (Aux-C) Communicator Courses this September. The courses will be held in York Region and in the Niagara Region. The details are listed below and space is still available.
Radio Amateurs of Canada continues to actively engage in discussions with various Emergency Management agencies and non-governmental organizations to facilitate training programs in Canadian provinces and territories. These initiatives have the potential to significantly enhance our emergency communication capabilities.
As a result of these discussions, RAC is excited to introduce a new Auxiliary Communications (Aux-Comm) Training Program, designed to enhance our communication capabilities during emergencies.
As a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Radio Amateurs of Canada understands the importance of effective coordination and communication during crises. The training is based on the All-Hazards Risk Assessment methodology, ensuring we can effectively mitigate communication failures and collaborate with other organizations during a disaster.
In partnership with Emergency Management Ontario, Radio Amateurs of Canada initiated a successful pilot program in Sudbury, Ontario on September 7 and September 8 and has now added two new locations in York Region and in the Niagara Region. Please see the information below for dates and time.
 
Course Overview
 
Target Audience:
The course is designed for experienced Amateur Radio volunteers who provide communication support during planned events and incidents, as well as communication personnel from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government Emergency Management services.
Goal:
The Aux-Comm Training Program aims to improve interoperability among Non-Governmental Organizations and Emergency Management workforces, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective disaster response. 
The goal of this 20-hour course is to provide instruction to Auxiliary Communications volunteers so that their individual and organizational efforts/expertise are appropriately integrated into the public safety/service communications support environment.
Auxiliary Communicators provide alternate communications by supporting communications with other organizations:

• in cases where local services have failed:
  
• at emergency incidents/planned events/training exercises
  
• within the emergency management structure (Emergency Operations Centre (EOCs), etc.)
  

• The Communications Unit and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
  
• AuxCommRoles and Responsibilities
  
• Interoperable Communications
  
• Incident Communications
  
• Incident Radio Communications Plan
  
• Incident Communications Centre
  
• Team Management and Accountability
  
• Resources, Safety and Deployment
  
• Best Practices
  
• Interoperability and Radio Networks
  

• SOP Exercise
  
• Power Outage
  
• Train Derailment
  
• Wild Land Fire
  
• Severe Storm/Flood
  

This is V_3___, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada
with this week's bulletin.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1.  Scientists Revising Solar Storm Assessment

US scientists in the Space Weather Prediction Center of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are collaborating
with the National Weather Service to update the way solar storms
and other space weather is classified.
According to an article on the space.com website, the scientists
recognize that new knowledge about geomagnetic storms and recent
advances in technology require them to revisit ways they look at
space weather and its impact on the Earth and human space travel.
Some current scale categories for geomagnetic storms reflect impact
on power grids and spacecraft operations, for instance, and others
focus on the radio blackouts that have a serious impact on HF radio
and navigation systems.
-- read more at space.com (courtesy amateur radio newsline)

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS
ITEMS OF INTEREST

2.  B.C. Teens Licensed After Ham Coursework

In many parts of the world, school is back in session. Even before
regular classes began, 21 teenagers in British Columbia were
already entrenched in some pretty important homework - or
should we say hamwork?

Adam, VE7ZAL, and John, VE7TI, believe that their recent course
on radio frequencies and electronics may well be unprecedented
for secondary school students in Canada. John and Adam, a
robotics teacher in Surrey, British Columbia, teamed up to help
nearly two dozen 13- through 17-year-olds get a better grasp on
the principles behind amateur radio and pass the gift of radio
to a new generation. By the time the course concluded, the
students were able to sit the exam for the Canadian Amateur
Radio Certificate.

"Throughout the course, we witnessed students experiencing
significant revelations about the pervasive role of radio in our
daily lives." POTA, satellite communications and high-altitude
balloons were literally among the high points of the lessons.
When the sessions ended, the tradition of a Thursday night
"Get on the Air" net kept the momentum going for the students.
John and Adam hope to repeat the course next year.
-- The SARC Communicator

3.  National Traffic System Celebrates 75 Years

The National Traffic System (NTS) is celebrating 75 years of service
this October. As NTS 2.0 emerges to modernize the radiogram
system, ARRL takes a look back at the origin of NTS which began
in 1949.
-- read the NTS letter on arrl.org for more details.

4.  National Preparedness Month: Have a Go Kit Ready

September is National Preparedness Month, and ARRL is working
to help radio amateurs have a plan for family resilience. Many hams
enjoy public service as part of their operating. Being ready to activate
for a served agency involves not only being licensed and trained, but
also prepared and equipped.

ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV,
suggests that hams and their families have a “go-bag”. “You need to
be able to function while activated, so that means you need a kit for
your needs and a kit for your radio needs. If your family is impacted
by the situation, they also need to have some gear at the ready.”

On the ARRL website, there’s an Emergency Prep Kit Checklist. It
lists the common items such as food and water for several days, a
first aid kit, medications, chargers for your devices and other
useful items.
-- full article on the arrl website.

This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V_3___ returning the frequency to net control.

Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager VA3PC

This is V_3___, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada with
this week's bulletin.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1.  ARRL Systems Service Disruption Continues

Work is continuing to return the DXCC systems to service.
DXCC award processing, including the “Online DXCC” application system, is unavailable at this time. While all DXCC user data is secure and unaffected,
we have taken the precautionary measure of keeping the service offline until we can ensure the security and integrity of our networks.

As previously reported, Worked All States (WAS) applications are being processed. WAS certificates and endorsement stickers are being mailed.

VUCC applications are being processed, and VUCC certificates and endorsement stickers are being mailed.

The ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) Program continues to operate during the systems service disruption.

We are able to post new or revised exam session dates and details to the website, and ship out exam materials. International Amateur Radio Permits
and License Class Certificates are being created and shipped.

We are unable to create Volunteer Examiner (VE) badges, certificates, and stickers. New ARRL VE applications and renewals are unable to be processed
at this time. Additionally, the VE session counts webpage data entry programming has been unavailable since May 12th. It will be updated with
new data as soon as we are able.

-- arrl news

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

2.  Ancaster Ontario Hamfest

Sponsor:    Hamilton Amateur Radio Club
Date:         Saturday, September 28, 2024
Location:    Ancaster Agricultural Fairgrounds  (Hwy #52)
Times:        Vendors...7:30 am, Public....9:00 am
Cost:           Public....$5.00
Talk-in:       VE3NCF 146.760 -600 TONE 131.8 VHF Simplex 146.520 MHZ
Discription: This is a traditional hamfest with ham radio/electronics
                   retailers in attendance.  There will be no tailgating.
Webpage:   https://hamiltonarc.com/Ancaster/2024/index.html
Email:         Barry   ve3isx @ gmail.com
--- rac events page

3.  Eastern Ontario Hamfest

Sponsor:    Prescott-Russell Amateur Radio Club & Seaway Valley Amateur Radio Club
Date:         Saturday, September 28, 2024
Location:    St-Albert Community Center, 201 Principale St, St-Albert, ON K0A 3C0
Times:        Vendor Setup: 7:30 am, Open to Public: 9 am - 12 pm
Cost:          $10, Children 12 and under are free.
Talk-in:       VE3OJE, 145.370-
Description: Back after some time, the renewed Eastern Ontario Hamfest from PRARC, in collaboration with SVARC, is now back in town.
                    A 10 minute walk from the St-Albert Cheese Factory, this year's hamfest would be a fun and delicious one.
Webpage:    https://prarc.tech/hamfest/
--- rac events page

ITEMS OF INTEREST

4.  The September – October SARC Communicator

With another big issue to start the fall season. The September-October 2024 Communicator, digital periodical of Surrey Amateur Radio Communications
is now available for viewing or download. Some great projects and articles in this issue including a CW decoder, an HF amplifier and a web server for
HamClock using an inexpensive Raspberry Pi Zero.
--  John VE7TI  (via Amateur Radio Newsletter)

This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V_3___ returning the frequency to net control.

Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager VA3PC

This is V_3___, Official Bulletin Station for Radio Amateurs of Canada with this week's bulletin.

NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1.  Sept-Oct 2024 issue of TCA is now available

The digital (eTCA) version of the September-October TCA
is now available for viewing or download.
The paper version is now at the printer.
To download your copy please visit:
https://www.rac.ca/digitaltca/
-- rac website

2.  Registration for Fall Amateur Courses is Underway

The Fall 2024 RAC Basic Qualification course will be starting on
September 15.  It is open to everyone across Canada and even abroad.
Classes will be recorded, so occasional absences are not a problem.
-also-
The Fall 2024 RAC Advanced Qualification course will start September
22nd.
For more info on either course - see the RAC website :
https://www.rac.ca/rac-basic-and-advanced-courses-fall-2024/
-- rac website

ONTARIO SECTION NEWS

3.      Kingston Amateur Radio Hamfest

Date:        Saturday, September 21, 2024
Location:    Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 560
        734 Montreal St, Kingston
Times:    Vendors - 7:30 Public - 8:30 - 12:00
Admission:    $5  (under 18 free)
Talk-in:    146.94- (Tone 151.4)
Webpage:    https://www.ve3kbr.com/
Info:        Tim ve3tic @ gmail.com
or        Greg.foster @ sympatico.ca

-- rac events

ITEMS OF INTEREST

4.  Estate Planning for Hams

August is National Make-a-Will month. Some estimates show that
nearly two-thirds of Americans don't have a plan. For some, it's
procrastination. “So many times we hear from the family of a
Silent Key who are overwhelmed with what to do with a lifetime
worth of amateur radio gear. Simply thinking through what
needs to be done ahead of time can prevent the stress on our
loved ones after we are gone.” said ARRL Director Kevin Beal, K8EAL

On the ARRLHQ YouTube channel, you can see a replay of a
52-minute presentation, along with the question-and-answer
section at the end.

-- arrl news

This concludes this week's bulletin. Does anyone require repeats or
clarifications?
Hearing none, This is V_3___ returning the frequency to net control.

Bulletin sent from Official Bulletin Manager VA3PC