Monthly Archives: April 2012

2012 Walk So Kids Can Talk

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Kids Help Phone VA3XPR 2012 Walk So Kids Can Talk Toronto Amateur Radio ham

2012 Walk So Kids Can Talk

The VA3XPR repeater sponsor, Don, VA3XFT, is supporting the 2012 Walk so Kids Can Talk fundraiser for the Kids Help Phone, Canada’s only toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counseling, web counseling and referral service for children and youth. Walk so Kids Can Talk is Canada’s largest walk in support of child and youth mental health and well-being. Funds raised by Walk participants go to help kids in over 2,500 communities across Canada.

If you enjoy using the VA3XPR repeater, then please consider a pledge so that kids have a place to turn when they need someone. Pledges can be made here.

Global 360 Net Topics Survey

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Global 360 Net Topics Survey

Do you have a suggested topic for the Global 360 Net that you’d like to share or perhaps weigh in on a variety of other topics? Then please share it with us! We’re looking for interesting and engaging topics for the net and need your help.

Check out the VA3XPR Repeater Facebook page and complete the Global 360 Net Topics survey – it’s that easy! The VA3XPR Repeater Facebook page can be found here.

Global 360 Net Date and Time Change

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New Net Day & Time! Wednesday @ 7:30pm ET

 

The Global 360 Net will be changing to a new date and time with an updated format! Going forward, the Global 360 Net will be held on Wednesdays at 7:30pm Eastern Time and will feature a specific discussion topic that will be the theme for that net. Global participants are welcome to join in and and provide their perspective on this topic, as well provide news, information or events happening in their local area.

On the 2nd Wednesday of the month, a guest speaker will be featured with participants encouraged to join in and provide questions or comments after the presentation portion of the net.

For more information on the changes and the upcoming schedule, please refer to the Global 360 Net page

Emergency Communications and the International Repeater Group

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Crabbe Mountain IRG International Repeater Group New Brusnwick VE1PD VA3XPR amateur radio ham

The VE1PD Crabbe Mountain IRG Repeater Site

April 21, 2012 – VA3XPR Global 360 Net

Guest Speaker: Al Thurber, VE1AKT, President, International Repeater Group

Overview: Providing emergency communications using linked amateur radio repeaters can be a very effective method of communicating information between disparate areas during times of emergency or natural disaster. The International Repeater Group (IRG), in conjunction with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization (NBEMO), operates a network of 23 linked amateur radio repeaters across the province of New Brunswick, to provide a comprehensive back-up communications network to those used by public safety and emergency services.

Please join in to the VA3XPR Global 360 Net where our guest speaker Al Thurber, VE1AKT, President of the International Repeater Group, will provide an overview of this network and the IRG’s partnership with the NBEMO, plus provide an update on recent activities, such as the preparations for the recommissioning of NB Power’s Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station.

The net details are below:

Date: April 21, 2012
Time: 14:00 UTC
RF (Toronto Area): 441.950+ PL 100 Hz (VA3XPR)
IRLP Reflector: 9558
EchoLink Conference: *VK3JED* (42840)

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Portable & Mobile HF QRP Operation Made Easy

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Joe Verdirame VE3LNU QRP Operation HF Portable Toronto Amateur Radio ham

Joe Verdirame, VE3LNU

April 14, 2012 – VA3XPR Global 360 Net

Guest Speaker: Joe Verdirame, VE3LNU

Overview: Making contacts while operating HF QRP (low power) can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with the predominance of higher powered stations on the HF bands these days. Accomplishing this while portable or mobile can be even more challenging, as antenna constraints become more pronounced.

Please join in to the VA3XPR Global 360 Net where our guest speaker Joe Verdirame, VE3LNU, will share with us some tips on how to effectively operate HF QRP while on the go.

The net details are below:

Date: April 14, 2012
Time: 14:00 UTC
RF (Toronto Area): 441.950+ PL 100 Hz (VA3XPR)
IRLP Reflector: 9558
EchoLink Conference: *VK3JED* (42840)

Continue reading →