Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club
Jun 2nd
May 23rd
New VE6QE repeater package installed on May12, 2011
This is a 13 second fast video of VE6BGT Skip and VE6BLD Bob installing the new VE6QE repeater package built by Skip over the past many months.
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f0eRrxbZ1IvjoEpaS-62D9AAHgG5tvMXgEy_nVJXItk?feat=directlink
Click this link to watch a 4 minute video of the same video above
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qnu9wrhjdKgoBuJDb4MdONAAHgG5tvMXgEy_nVJXItk?feat=directlink
May 18th
I have produced a new Brochure for the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club.
To download a color printable PDF document of the Club Advertising brochure complete with hot links back
to the web site  click this link
or check the second Tab under Site Tools menu.
Bob VE6BLD. Webmaster
Mar 5th
Using just a mid-range digital camera and a 20 year old telescope astronomy enthusiast Rob Bullen, 40, was amazed to get the shot.
He said: “I have never been able to capture a space shuttle in this flying configuration. It is the Holy grail of International Space Station imaging.”
Mr Bullen, who has had a passion for the skies since the age of 10, said: “Some years ago I thought it would
be interesting to try and view the space station through my telescope and was shocked by the amount of detail you could see on it.”
The realisation inspired him to pick up his Canon Eos 40D DSLR and 8.5 inch Newton telescope as the station passed over the UK and the shuttle was in orbit last Saturday.
The IT manager rigged his 10 megapixel camera up to the telescope and had just three minutes to capture the event which raced across the sky at a similar pace to a jet plane.
He tracked the two craft across the skies but it was only when the cloud parted at the right time that he captured this rare gem.
He said: “I had no idea that night the shuttle would only be 45 minutes away from docking with the station. After a very cloudy day the skies cleared to allow a view of this stunning pass of the ISS and Discovery.
“I could not believe the timing was so fortuitous to show the shuttle closing in on the station. I captured this, what I guess could potentially be, a once in a lifetime image of these two spaceships traveling as separate craft.
Mr Bullen said: “Needless to say I was totally shocked and delighted to see the shuttle closing in on the ISS.
“Although over the years I have obtained clearer images of the station on its own to capture such a iconic image of mankind’s only permanently manned outpost in space and the most sophisticated flying machine ever built on its last flight before ending its days bound to Earth in a museum was a real privilege and something I will treasure.
“I am unlikely to capture such an image again with only two Shuttle flights left before they are decommissioned.”
Feb 17th
Could everyone please let me know who past recipients of the Ham of the year award have been? I would like to have name, call and year. I am trying to compile a complete list, and have many blanks right now. Thanks! Nancy VA6HOT
Jan 18th
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) becomes an integral part of Amateur Radio culture; when a new Ham obtains his/her certification, they rush to join RAC and enjoy the benefits of the organization which is recognized both nationally and internationally as the voice of Amateur Radio in Canada. If it is an Amateur Radio question, concern or issue. RAC is the organization that addresses those concerns and supplies the answers and guidance.
We attain high service levels; we meet the needs of our members and serve as an example to other international Amateur Radio organizations on how to service their constituents. Director, Executive and Assistant Director positions are coveted by RAC members, who are equitably represented by their elected officials. The annual convention is well attended and through technology, is made available to a wider range of members who cannot attend in person.
RAC pushes communications to their members, through a variety of methods. Ham nets, local club communications, face-to-face meetings, presentations, newsletters. The Canadian Amateur magazine, social networks and e-mail/web bulletins are among the devices employed. We achieve a level of communication with the public, and the various levels of government that truly reflects our capabilities and the extent to which we can contribute to both emergency communications and public awareness of the abilities of our hobby.
RAC promotes education and “elmering†to new Hams, and supports the training and coaching of RAC volunteers to achieve exemplary results, at the municipal, provincial and national levels. The new RAC Field Training program is the recognized tool leveraged by our ARES groups (emphasis added). Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization, and we develop an appreciation program that reflects our reliance on their abilities and commitment. All RAC members recognize and appreciate what the individual volunteers contribute, and the value that RAC, as an organization, brings to Amateur Radio in Canada.
RAC achieves a stable financial position, with a positive, growing membership which truly reflects the outstanding representation that RAC makes to Industry Canada and the world of Amateur Radio in Canada.
Jan 13th
The club has purchased a new controller from Link Communications to replace the aging and faltering controller we are using now.
The average user won’t hear much difference when you connect to the VE6QE repeater but in the background there are better improvements.  Things like the actual programming is easier and there are more radio ports to add more link radios. The pix shows the controller and the new UHF hub repeater mounted in a test rack in my shack for programming and testing. The radio at the bottom is going to be a new link that can connect the CAARC system into the SARA system for emergencies…It won’t be on full time like our other linked repeaters but can be connected by DTMF commands when needed… The only thing that is not shown here is the larger DVR (Digital Voice Recorder) that we are using presently on the existing system.  I hope to have it all ready to be installed at the repeater site in the spring. I will be bringing the controller to the next club meeting so if you want to see it you better show up. I will also be bringing some of the older home brew repeaters we have used in the past to compare old repeater building to the newer ones.
Skip, VE6BGT
Jan 11th
It is with sadness I report (VA6IX) Jack’s  wife Shirley passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer.  The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 15 at 1:30PM at the Church of the Latter Day Saints in Olds.  The church is located at  3802 57 Ave., across the street from the Hospital.  Viewing will be from 12:00 to 1:00PM. Our condolences to Jack and his family.  Shirley will certainly be missed.
Dec 5th
Welcome to the new and improved web site of the Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club.
This site will continue to be improved as the webmaster adds more items. Enjoy and have fun!
