General News

RAC Bulletin 2012-021E – Update on 60 Metres*
2012-04-04

RAC has been pursuing channelized access to 60M since early 2010. Our request was for an allocation identical to the US allocation, with one additional unique Canadian channel, and with fewer restrictions (the US allocations were restricted to USB voice only, with power and antenna restrictions). Amateurs will recall that one of the rationales for RAC requesting a 60M allocation was to enhance emergency communications including cross-border interoperability. IC responded by indicating that they were prepared to support access in synch with US amateur allocation and regulations. In late 2011, in response to an ARRL petition for change, the FCC issued a final Report and Order that, once it has been published in the Federal Register, will result in a change to the frequency of one of the channels and will enable the use of CW and data modes in addition to USB voice. These features had already been in the original RAC request. The FCC Report and Order has cleared the way for Canada to move ahead with finalizing its allocation to match the new US allocations, including the ability to use CW and data modes. This allocation, which will be on a secondary basis, requires a public consultation through the Canada Gazette, which RAC anticipates will occur in the second quarter of 2012.

It is important that Canadian Amateurs comment on the draft once released. RAC will continue to keep our members aware of the status of this important initiative.

An important offer has been made by IC with regards to 60M. Industry Canada is prepared to licence operators in channelized 60M operation pending the results of the consultation process. The licencing process will be managed out of ICs regional offices and is open to any Canadian amateur. The process requires a formal licence application, payment of a licence fee, and the use of a special call sign instead of the licensee’s amateur call sign. RAC regards this as an important interim step allowing amateurs to get on the air in the 60M band as soon as possible and thanks IC for this initiative. RAC`s objective, however, is to ensure that Canadian amateurs have the 60M allocation available to all amateurs as part of their amateur radio certification, i.e. without licence applications, licence fees or special call signs. RAC is cautiously optimistic that this will come about in the summer of 2012.

If you wish to obtain a temporary, paid license to operate on 60M, please contact your local Industry Canada Regional Office to complete the application form.The total fee depends upon the date of your application but in any case is less than $100.

Bill Gade, VE4WO
Regulatory Affairs Officer – Radio Amateurs of Canada

Neat video I came across again today.
http://www.wimp.com/explainscanada

It is with regret that Radio Amateurs of Canada has learned that Earle Smith, VE6NM, a RAC past President, passed away peacefully after an illness on Friday, February 24th.

Earle had served as President of RAC from late 2004 to the end of 2007 and was well respected by amateur radio operators both within Canada and Internationally. He was a gentleman and friend to all hams and a strong advocate for amateur radio and for the Radio Amateurs of Canada.

All who knew Earle respected him as a leader, a friend and a force for good in the amateur radio community. We will miss him. The amateur community can post condolences which will be forwarded to the family at http://earlesmith.rac.ca.

Geoff Bawden, VE4BAW
President and Chairman of Radio Amateurs of Canada
Service be held on Thursday March 1 at 11:00 Am
St. Paul’s United Church
10206 100 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 0V6

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Information for anyone who may be at the Red Deer Red Cross station VE6RCR.
The Canadian Red Cross Red Deer escape ladder is hanging in the middle window of the second level and can be used if anyone needs to escape the storage room/radio room and does not have access to the stairs. It is easy to move and the instructions are right on it.

Cheers,
Rob Rolston
Coordinator, Program and Support Services
Fund Development, Public Affairs, Community Engagement

Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne

#105, 5301 43rd Street
| Red Deer | Alberta | | T4N 1C8
Rob.Rolston@redcross.ca
T 403-346-1241 | | F 403-342-6373
www.redcross.ca | www.croixrouge.ca
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