It goes without saying, but I'm saying it anyway, antenna's are at the centre of HAM radio. The well worn phrase, "a good radio with a poor antenna is a poor radio".  .  Start a discussion with a group of HAM's about antenna's and everyone has an opinion and generally a favorite antenna. One antenna that has stirred controversy is the "tactical Abbree antenna. It's a very large folding VHF/UHF antenna which is styled on folding military antenna's, hence their designation as it being a tactical antenna. The antenna will be of little interest to most, aside from those looking to get more range from their HT. The question to answer is, does this antenna actually work or is it a gimmick? This video should be of interest to anyone who might want to find out. Even if you never want to use one, it's an interesting bit of antenna testing if you like that kind of thing. But then again, it might inspire you to dust off your HT and have a little fun. Enjoy!

Excellent video featuring one of the software developers for Winlink and showing little known or used tips and tricks for using the program. I certainly learned some things watching it.

Julian, OH8STN has always been at the leading edge of portable operations. He has spent lots of time in the field operating using digital modes and QRP. His gear has been a combination of various radios and different versions of the Raspberry Pi. However, recently he's shifted to an ICOM 705 and is now using an MS surface tablet in the field. This is a much more streamlined and efficient man-portable station which seems ideal for Emergency Communications. Check out the video and see how very cool and functional this new field station really is.

Topic  What was your most memorable contact?

An excellent turnout tonight with 19 stations on the air, lots of great conversations.

NCS
VA3TS Tom

KO4DXQ Bob
VE3SUA Leonardo
VE3NX James
VE3BQM Bernie
VA3KOT John
VA3GUF Frank
VE3DGY Douglas
VE3VCG Marvin
VE3OZW Richard
VE3JMD James
VA3EAC Janet
VE3QVC Philip
VE3MIO Maureen
VE3FGG James
VE3FP Adam
VE3RQY Greg
VA3MFO James
VY2NX Bob

On 80m
Signals were good, most s9+15
NCS VA3TS
VA3KOT John
VE3FGG James
VE3BQM Bernie
VE3VCG Marvin
VE3RQY Greg
VE3OZW Richard
VA3MFO James
VE3FP Adam
VE3MIO Maureen

I had a little trouble on HF.  I was set up for 3.783mhz but due to activity we moved  down the band 3.761 My Als-600 saw that as too much of an swr change and shut off automatically. What I should have done is to get one of the stations on frequency, to hold the frequency while I retuned. The antenna, a double extended zepp, is cut for 40m, but using a tuner it works fine on 80. But a bit reactive. 10 or 15 kcs change will need a tweak.

If you're bored staying home and want to try something different, you can participate in community-based scientific investigation.  Check out:

https://muonpi.org/
https://forum.muonpi.org/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=18

73
Dave, VE3WI

Everyone interested in amateur radio support for emergency response should read the article titled "New RAC Auxiliary Communications Service" in the May-Jun TCA, by Jason Tremblay VE3JXT, RAC Community Services Officer.


73
Dave, VE3WI

I've done a lot of research on the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program. CERT was originally developed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) in the US after some well placed criticism of the agencies slow and disjointed response after the disaster created by Hurricane Katrina August 2005.

The intention of CERT is to create community based emergency response teams. These teams, trained by professionals in correct emergency response procedures, become the on the ground first responders after a disaster. CERT also includes EmComm radio operators as part of local emergency teams.

I like the CERT approach to emergency preparedness. It is not limited to simple support of served agencies, but also provides for a rapid civilian response to the immediate needs of the community they serve. Communications is an obvious part of that response.

I like the idea embodied by the slogan on web page "Neighbors helping Neighbors". For me this is what EmComm is really about.

You can learn more about CERT EmComm at the following page CERT EmComm group

A few months ago, I searched high and low locally (to me) to find some basic flat silver cable with 6P6C ends and 6P6C connectors to extend the remote head on a couple of radios.  I found this website, https://www.shopperplus.ca .  Now I have purchase other items including computer monitor arms, type F to RCA connectors, cat 5e cable and connectors, RJ12 connectors etc etc.  Prices are great, shipping is quick and reasonable out of Quebec.  I usually try to find local, but many things I am looking for are difficult to find around our area and even more difficult when trying to explain it over the phone to someone who doesn’t know.  I thought the website may be of benefit to some club members.

Light weight gear is important for man portable operations. Recently carbon fiber masts have become available. These are very light and stiff but are reported to generate losses. The amount of loss, if any seems to be somewhat controversial. I've seen several different videos on this subject and would be interested to get any feedback from someone with real field experience using a carbon fiber mast. I'm sharing a video from SOTA Beams demonstrating one of their carbon fiber masts both in the field and in the lab.

A set of Youtube presentations from the New England ARES Academy.  Obviously based on US regs and organizations, but much of the content is applicable to us.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsMzRyH...Q0j4CbXPVQ

From the 29 Apr ARRL Letter.

73
Dave, VE3WI