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SAARC Minutes, Saturday, April 26, 2025

Present: Larry VE6WL, Scott VA6JSR, David VE6DRL, Stan VE6SYS, Milt VE6MLD, David VA6SYS, Kalvin VE6KRO, David VA6IRE, Charlie VE6KM, Barry VE6BGR, Cory VE6CYT, Wayne VE6WEK, Tyler VA6TI, Peter VA6ARI

Call to Order by Cory at 10:05 am, seconded by Kalvin.

Reading of the minutes of the AGM, March 22, 2025, by Peter.

• Motion to approve minutes by Wayne, seconded by Milt. All in favour.

Treasurer’s Report by David VE6DRL

• Motion to approve treasurer’s report by Wayne, seconded by Cory. All in favour.
• Stan VE6SYS (2024 auditor) commended Barry on the clear treasurer documents.

Barry described some changes to the accounts at ATB. Issue with sending e-transfers that didn’t require a second signatory. ATB can set up “roles” so that 2 of the 3 signing authorities are required to send an e-transfer. Will also set up the bank account so that all three signatories can access the bank account.

Motion to dissolve the 2024 board by Charlie, seconded by Dave DRL. All in favour.

Motion to install the new 2025 board as per the AGM by Wayne, seconded by Larry. All in favour.

Repeater Committee Report by Cory

• Cory read a review of the antenna that describes someone with the same noise issue.
• Cory recommended an antenna replacement (sooner than later). Will be getting quotes.
• will recommend a 4-bay Sinclair.
• the new battery hasn’t arrived yet.
• Milt suggested Al-Can in Edmonton.
• Wayne mentioned that due to vandalism and theft at another repeater site, he has removed the location information from the CAM net re-amble.

Events Report by Barry (in Renze’s absence):

Spring flea market: door prize from radio world ICOM T10, suggests a second prize donated by the club. Eight tables booked, a community table, a sour dough bread table.

FIELD DAY, June 28 – 29

• at Ft. Maclead Lion’s Campground.
• Saturday Pizza on your own, Sunday breakfast provided by club.
• announce on Website.
• next meeting will nail down the details

OLD BUSINESS

Fund Raising update: Casino

• Barry will fill out the forms.
• Charlie also suggested helping staff other groups to run their casino.
• Kalvin also suggested a bingo.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Barry shared a thank you card from Allan and a short note.

Barry talked about needing support people to help older amateurs fix their antennas/towers. Insurance ramifications? Kalvin will consider taking on oversight.

Next meeting – May 24, 2025.

Motion to close the meeting by Stan SYS at 11:16 am.

 

Presentation by David Sweetnam on ROIP (Radio Over Internet Protocol).

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Coming up:

The SAARC Spring Flea Market will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 10 am until noon at the Moose Hall, 1401 – 5 Avenue North, Lethbridge. Vendor setup is at 9 am.

Admission: $2 per person, $5 includes a raffle ticket (additional raffle tickets are 3 for $5).

50/50 tickets will be $1 per ticket, $5 for three tickets.

Vendor tables are $10, payable the morning of the flea market. Please let Renze know if you want a table.

 

We will be needing volunteers to help set up and clean up after, as well as to manage the admission and raffle ticket sales and the 50/50 ticket sales. Please let Renze know if you are willing to help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Present: Gary VE6CV, Larry VE6WL, Renze VE6DC, Steven VE6SCL, Barry VE6BGR, Cory VE6CYT, Jim VE6JMB, Dave VA6SYS, Don (no call), David VE6DRL, Spencer VE6SXR, Kalvin VE6KRO, Stan VE6SYS, Scott VA6JSR, Wayne VE6WEK, Penny VA6PJK, Tyler VA6TI, Blair VE6AGH, Peter VA6ARI,

Call to Order by: David VE6DRL at 10:02 am, seconded by Steven

 

Reading of the Minutes: Dispensed with the reading of the minutes which are available on the website.

Approval of minutes of Feb. 22 by Larry, seconded by Cory.

 

Treasurer’s Report by Barry VE6BGR

• purchased 2 solar controllers from Mike at half price.
• land use payment.
• purchased a gift certificate for Alan in appreciation for use of his land.
• replaced a battery $205.

Wayne moved to approve treasurer’s report, Cory seconded, all in favour.

 

Repeater Committee Report by Cory

• still have the noise.
• something loose at top of antenna (demonstrated by a Smith chart reading on very windy day).
• still working on power issues.
• will swap the inverters.
• clean up grounds on guy wires.
• thanks to Dave VE6DRL for putting the messages on the repeater.
• will ask Yaesu if the repeater can run off DC.

 

Election of 2025 Board:

• President: Barry Rushford – VE6BGR
• Vice President: Kalvin Kroker – VE6KRO
• Secretary: Peter Pankonin – VA6ARI
• Treasurer: David Laming – VE6DRL
• Three Directors: Renze Dam – VE6DC (Events), Cory Rushford – VE6CYT (Operations), David Sweetnam – VA6SYS (Training).

Election of Two Auditors:

• Steven LaHay VE6SCL, Penny Kostelny VE6PJK

Additional Comments: The new board will be installed at next meeting.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Spring flea market will be May 3 at Moose Hall

• charge $10/table, $2 admission, $5 admission with door prize ticket.
• will do 50/50 draw.
• club will provide donuts and coffee.
• Gary will ask about a door prize.
• if you want a table let Renze know.

Corn Roast and Christmas Breakfast

• Renze is working on it.

Possible September family BBQ?

 

FIELD DAY, June 28

• at Ft. Maclead Lion’s Campground.
• Saturday Pizza on your own, Sunday breakfast provided by club.

 

NEW BUSINESS

• tower work, replace the tower?
• do an inspection first and at minimum replace the jumper, remove lightening hardware.
• will leave it for a couple of years.
• grant funding?
• Steve suggested doing a casino.
• Tyler will research the casino process.
• Peter mentioned 44 Net and ARDC grants.

Penny moved that we apply to have a casino, Cory seconded, all in favour.

 

Next meeting: April 26, 2025.

Motion to close the meeting: Tyler at 11:45 am.

 

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Present: Terry VA6TMA, Renze VE6DC, Gary VE6CV, Willie (AFFRRCS), Scott VA6JSR, Penny VA6PJK, Steve VE6SCL, Larry VE6WL, Jim VE6JMB, David VE6DRL, David VA6SYS, Wayne VE6WEK, Cory VE6CYT, Blair VE6AGH, Barry VE6BGR.

Meeting called to order – Motion by Dave VA6DRL and seconded by Steve.

Reading of the Minutes – Outstanding items:

• Corey and Barry getting others familiar with repeater.
• Noise issues still occurring.
• Selling excess items. Blair moved we sell excess equipment. Scott seconded.

Treasurer Report – Presented by Barry:

• Outstanding item – GST on repeater and antenna parts.
• expenditures included charge controllers, misc. items, and land payment.

CAM repeater project update – presented by Cory: “It’s broken!”

• Replaced battery on Thursday as it died overnight so back @ 50 watts.
• Charge controller replaced as well. Went with smaller battery and should be good for 5-6 days. Cost approx. $200 for commercial battery.
• Spring Tower work – guide wires need spraying, replace rusty clamps with brass connectors, clean up grass and straighten fencing around guide points.
• Noise on Repeater – on VHF antenna, not on tower. Expensive fix down the road. Jan. 10 and 29 logged excessive noise. Plan to continue to monitor it until it has to be fixed.
• Cost to replace antenna – $2,000, replace feed line – $3,000, tower guide – $1,500. Feed line is 175 feet long and costs approx. $68/ft for cheap line.

Old Business:

• Emergency Communications – Penny reported she had received no response from County of Lethbridge communities for use of our services. Gary shared that the AB First Responders system is so robust that they don’t want to use our services. Steve suggested a contact list among our own members. Barry says we’ve been down that route so there was no agreement to initiate a contact list.
• IRL Repeater – have a spare repeater for Taber area so left with Taber members to consider. Could be linked with other repeaters. Willy Williams donated a Motorola 2000 Repeater to us but not running yet.

 New Business:

• March 22 is the AGM and all executive board will be changing. Roles and responsibilities for all members to consider serving in are:
  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Special Events Director
  • Knowledge/Training Director
  • Operations Director
• Currently Barry is holding 3 positions by himself and encourages all members to consider volunteering to serve in these executive positions.
• Spring Flea Market Ideas – Send pictures to Peter of equipment to sell there. Need 3 Tables in Calgary. Last Flea Market was in LSCO and approx. 70 people came to it. Need to advertise on AORL. Barry proposes April 26 for Flea Market at Norbridge Sr. Centre. Discussion ensued re: providing a meal or BBQ at the market.
• Inventory – reviewed list on computer. Items are currently in Barry’s basement, all in working condition. Barry suggested we keep one of each system and sell the rest. Steve moved we sell all extra equipment and Terry seconded. Steve had donated an amplifier to the club. Thank you Steve. Apparently the equipment list is not on our Website and Barry will ensure it is put on there. Jim Gunther’s equipment is also still for sale.
• Delayed Item – Field Day Picnic Event at Fort McLeod campground. Some discussion ensued re: Family BBQ idea.

Steve made a motion to close the meeting at 11 am – all in favour.

 

Rest of time was spent with Guest Speaker: Willy Williams on AFFRRCS AB 1 st Responders Network. Initially their radio system launched April 1, 2016, with 338 towers.

Currently their system can hold 65,000 talk groups on it. Willy passed around several hand held radios from Motorola and other companies. Very impressive equipment and network system.

Thank you Willie.

 

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Present: Barry VE6BGR, Cory VE6CYT, Steve VE6SCL, Larry VE6WL, Wayne VE6WEK, Blair VE6AGH, Terry VA6TMA. David VA6SYS, David VE6DRL, Walter VE6XWG, Kalvin VE6KRO, Scott VA6JSR, Mike VA6PLC, Geoff VE6LSX, Tyler VA6TI

Meeting called to order – Motion by Tyler and seconded by Cory.

Treasurer Report – presented by Barry:

• 2024 financial summary:
  • Insurance continues to be the highest annual expense.
  • Land use payment is next.
  • Financial statement is ready for the audit committee.
  • Bulk of the 2024 expenses are related to the repeater upgrade.

CAM repeater project update – presented by Barry:

• Phase 1 – Grounding was upgraded as equipment grounds were floating. Everything has been grounded except the repeater rack. This will be added to the repeater ‘to-do’ list.
• Phase 2 – PV array was replaced with two 460W panels. Thanks to Ron VE6PAP for sourcing these at a good price. Thanks to Dave VE6DRL for fabricating the PV panel frames.
• Phase 3 – Addition of an additional battery bank. Thanks to Scott for donating the batteries and to Barry for fabricating the battery box.
• Phase 4 – Completion of DC upgrade and environmental work. The new Yaesu repeater requires an AC primary source so a 500W inverter was added to power the repeater. The repeater will fail over to the DC supply when the AC is not available but the power output is reduced to 20W. The Yaesu outputs approximately 42W after the duplexers (cans). A UHF Yagi antenna was installed and connected to the repeater’s ‘B’ receiver input for repeater control.
• Phase 5 – to be completed in the next few weeks. The solar charge controller connected to the battery bank that powers the repeater malfunctioned. The environmental battery bank and the equipment battery bank have been temporarily connected and are being charged by a single panel and charge controller. A new charge controller has been purchased and will replace the failed one. A wiring change will be performed that utilizes the ‘low voltage disconnect’ function of the charge controllers. Currently the equipment is wired directly to the batteries. The issue with this is that the batteries can be drawn flat which puts the batteries at risk of freezing and sulfating. Drawing batteries down this low also reduces the overall number of charge cycles. The low voltage disconnect will disconnect the equipment when the battery voltage is below 11.5V and will reconnect at 12.2V.
• Next steps – Barry discussed adding a repeater controller. The Yaesu performs many of the functions that a repeater controller would, and available repeater controllers are expensive, so a dedicated repeater controller will not be purchased at this time. A monitoring system would be useful, however, to monitor battery voltages, temperatures etc. Barry et al. will look for options to get a lower cost monitoring system in place (microcontroller, PI, Arduino, etc.).
• Project financials – The repeater project, once complete, is estimated to be $400 over the $3,000 budgeted.
  • Wayne made a motion that the $400 is acceptable given the unknowns when the estimate was made. Dave seconded the motion. All in favour.
• Attendees thanked those that were part of the repeater project with a round of applause. Many thanks on behalf of the club to Barry, Cory, Dave and others for the many hours they spent designing, installing and configuring the recent repeater upgrades.

Additional items that were discussed:

• Barry and Cory mentioned the importance of having others familiar with the current repeater design in the event that Barry and Cory are not available if/when the repeater needs troubleshooting. The repeater knowledge needs to be shared with a wider group. Barry asked for people to consider joining the repeater committee at the next AGM.
• The repeater still has a noise issue on windy days. Cory and Barry feel it is up-tower. The current plan is to accept the noise as it only occurs a few days a year. In the meantime, some work may be done on improving the grounding of the tower and guy cables. The club may need to hire a qualified tower climber some time in the future to climb the tower and inspect/replace bad connectors, coax, etc.
• Barry asked attendees about selling off some SAARC equipment that is not used. It is currently being stored in Barry’s basement. The club will keep one of each type of radio, antenna etc.
  • A motion to sell the excess equipment was made by Blair and seconded by Scott.
• Wayne (coordinator of the CAM net) is looking to add individuals to the casual net controller list. Renze has been operating in this capacity and will be stepping in to take the spot left open by the retirement of Bruce (VE6ATY). A huge thank you to Bruce for his many years as a competent, friendly, and reliable net controller.

Dave made the motion to close the meeting – all in favour.

 

 

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Basic Qualification Course (see below for the Advanced course)

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 Basic course will be held on Thursdays and Sundays commencing on Thursday, January 30 and ending on Sunday, April 6.

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: click here to register

Please click here to access the registration page.

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Advanced Qualification Course for RAC Maple Leaf Operator Members: Please register now!

Note: The Winter 2025 RAC Advanced Qualification course will be starting on January 19.

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.

Schedule and Cost:

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 are two hours in duration.

Sunday afternoons:

Sunday afternoons at 1 pm Eastern Time (10 am PT / 2:30 NT) starting on Sunday, January 19 and ending on Sunday, March 23

Or: 

Monday evenings:

Monday evenings from 8:30 pm Eastern Time (5:30 pm PT / 10 pm NT) starting on Monday, January 20 and ending on Monday, March 24

Registration now underway:

The RAC Advanced Qualification Amateur Radio course is being offered at no charge to RAC Maple Leaf Operator Members – both current and future. You can easily become a RAC Maple Leaf Operator Member to be able to take part in this course.

Please contact the course instructor Dave Goodwin, VE3KG, at regulatory@rac.ca for information on how to register for the Advanced course.

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Other Amateur Radio Courses:

Amateur Radio Basic and Advanced Qualification courses are also now being provided both online and in person by Canadian Amateur Radio Clubs and organizations. Please visit the Amateur Radio Courses webpage for more information at the link provided below.

https://www.rac.ca/amateur-radio-courses/

 

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Ham radio got some attention last week in ZDNet:

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Present: Terry VA6TMA, Wayne VE6WEK, Blair VE6AGH, Larry VE6WL, Alan VA6AJM, Penny VA6PJK, Steve VE6SCL, Ron VE6PAP, Barry VE6BGR, Renze VE6DC, Scott VA6JSR, Darnley VA6DVG, David VE6DRL, Kalvin, VE6KRO, Mike VA6PLC, David VA6IRE, Gordon VE6VAL, Peter VA6ARI

Meeting called to order by Ron at 10:05 am, seconded by Terry, all in favour.

 

Reading of the minutes of October 26 by Peter, no corrections or omissions.

• motion to accept minutes as read by David, seconded by Steven, all in favour.

 

Treasurer’s Report by Barry.

• major expenditures this month: Solar panels, Mounting and installation, Yaesu repeater, Temp. controllers, fuse blocks, 1000w 12/110v inverter.
• items still required: Battery blankets, Radio heater, Mounting fusing wire, Battery boxes and insulation, Repeater controller.
• total budget was $3,000 and anticipated cost is $2,847.97.
• a replacement solar controller provided by Mike.
• old solar panels are sold.

 

Repeater Committee Report by Barry

• CAM work being planned for Nov. 23 weekend, weather permitting.
• Scott has donated two large 200 ah batteries.
• David, VE6DRL suggested using coolers for the battery boxes because they are insulated.
• Blair thinks that we are getting tower noise, esp. when it’s windy. We will check all the guy wire ground points.
• coax is spliced in the middle and has a jumper at the top to the antenna. In the future look at replacing coax and jumper.
• Gordon asked about insurance and mentioned an education clause the Medicine Hat club added to their insurance.

 

Old Business

• Penny reported that the emergency communications. Are ongoing.
• Gary suggested we make a tribute to past and present old-timer ham operators who were instrumental in the early days of the club. Also ongoing
• Future meetings: APRS, Alberta First Responder System.

 

New Business

• Barry provided a list of radio equipment for sale which will be emailed to the members. Contact him if you’re interested in anything.
• Blair discussed an honorarium for the Rowe family. Blair moved that the executive come up with something like a plaque or certificate and a gift certificate.
• Renze noted that people are using the ham frequencies. Cory has an active file with ISED and RAC.

 

Move to close the meeting by David at 11:12 am

 

No meeting on Dec 21. Instead join us at the Coaldale Inn for the Christmas brunch to be held at 10:30 am.

 

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Present: Ron VE6PAP, Tom VE6TRM, Steve VE6SCL, Cory VE6COR, Gary VE6CV, Tyler VA6TI, Kalvin, VE6KRO, Larry VE6WL, Jim VE6JMB, David VE6DRL, David VA6IRE, Cory VE6CYT, Barry VE6BGR, David VA6SYS, Dave VE6ETY, Spencer VE6SXR, Mike VA6PLC, Stan VE6SYS, Kevin VE6KVV, Penny VA6PJK, Josiah [no call], Austin VE6QBD, Peter VA6ARI

Call to Order by Tyler at 10:01 am, seconded by Ron, all in favour

Reading the Minutes of September 21 by Peter, no corrections.

• motion to accept minutes as read by Stan, seconded by Gary, all in favour.

Treasurer’s Report by Barry.

• some club assets were sold and the proceeds donated back to the club: $125 for VE6ARG’s antenna and $100 for a roll of RG8X.

Repeater Committee Report by Barry/Cory VE6CYT

• David DRL, and Ron purchased two industrial solar panels at cost. David built exceptionally sturdy frames and they installed them. The two panels overloaded the charge controller so had to disconnect one panel.
• A coax jumper failed due to poor crimps that needed to be replaced. Barry will build some new jumpers.
• Yaesu repeater is on order. May arrive in February.
• Arcom controller was not purchased and Barry and Cory are looking at other options.
• Cory VE6COR asked about RPi controllers.
• Environmental control system will have a separate solar panel and battery with distribution fuses. Will install battery boxes with battery blankets controlled by temperature probes in the battery boxes and in the radio.
• Plan is to mount a panel on the wall in the shack with an electrical side and an environmental side. Will rebuild the positive side of the DC system and add fuses for all distribution.
• Mike recommends adding DC to DC regulator as extra safety.
• Barry updated suspicions on the noise source due to weak signals breaking the squelch.
• Bird deterrent will also be installed on the solar panel frames.
• Old solar panels are for sale for $50. Contact Barry.

Old Business

• Renze has booked the Coaldale Inn for the Christmas brunch to be held December 21, at 10:30 am.
• Penny has contacted a number of municipalities and got zero response. Gary recommended other agencies like Red Cross.
• Future meetings: APRS, Alberta First Responder System.

New Business

• Gary suggested we make a tribute to past and present old-timer ham operators who were instrumental in the early days of the club.

Motion to close the meeting by Steven.

Next meeting is November 16.

 

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Present: Larry VE6WL, Penny VA6PJK, Cory VE6CYT, Milt VE6MLD, Kevin VE6KVV, Stan VE6SYS, David VE6DRL, Jim VE6JMB, Scott VA6JSR, Renze VE6DC, Ron VE6PAP, Alan VA6AJM, David VA6SYS, Barry VE6BGR, Peter VA6ARI

Call to Order by: Barry, seconded by David VE6DRL, all in favour.

Peter read the Minutes of May 25. No omissions or corrections. Motion to accept minutes as read by: Renze, Seconded by Stan, all in favour.

Treasurer’s Report provided by Barry.

• expenses over the summer were for food at Field Day, and material for grounding at CAM.
• $500 donation to the club to be used to modernize CAM, specifically a controller for making announcements.

Repeater Committee Report by Barry/Cory

• Work done at CAM: installed new ground rod, new ground bus bar, grounded and bonded everything. Went through all solar panel connections. Replaced the repeater with the spare.
• Barry has the primary repeater on his bench and was able to reproduce the noise issue but has not identified the source. Not reparable as Kenwood no longer makes this repeater.
• We are still experiencing some issues with the secondary repeater cutting out.
• Barry and Cory removed the primary ROT repeater which is the same one as the secondary CAM.
• solar panels are at or past file expectancy.

Solutions were discussed:

• Yeasu has the DR2X repeater on sale for $700 ($2500 regular). 50 w VHF and UHF. C4FM digital.
• temp specs not quite as good as the Kenwood so will need to regulate the temps in the shack.
• replace the two roof panels with a single 400 w or two 200 w to run the main batteries.
• replace the side panel to charge a separate battery to run the environmental controls.
• Total cost estimate is around $2,000.

Ron made a motion to set a budget of $3,000 to do all the work. Seconded by David VE6DRL. All in favour.

• Ron, David VE6DRL, and Scott will look at getting the panels and will report back. David will do the installation. Target for completion: Nov. 15.
• Barry and Cory will order the Yaesu DR2X repeater and control unit.
• Install separate battery supplies.

 

Old Business

1) Basic Classes: Barry was not able to find a volunteer coordinator. Barry thinks we don’t need to do classes since there is so much available online.

2) Update on discussions with the city on Emergency Communications.

• New city emergency admin is Eric Foster who met with Barry and Larry. He is in favor of getting the hams involved, but the city dispatch manager says SAARC is not required.
• Barry wrote and said that the club would remain ready to assist.
• Since the city isn’t interested, everyone is in favor of opening discussion with surrounding municipalities. We’ll start with the County of Lethbridge. Penny will do some research.

 

New Business

1. Renze is looking for a location for a Christmas brunch to be held the third Saturday in December.
2. Future meetings: APRS, Alberta First Responder System.

Move to close the meeting by: David VE6DRL

Next meeting is October 19. Blair AGH will talk about learning CW.

 

 

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