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Emergency Radio Operators (Dec. 8 2007)
In the spring of 2007 the EMO / Toronto ARES group was approached by the Commander of the 709th Communications Regiment based out of Fort York Armouries Toronto with an offer to supply volunteer emergency radio operators for the City of Toronto Emergency Operations Centre and the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. The ARES group was tasked with preparing
a basic amateur radio course to license these newly recruited radio operators
and set about preparing a series of Power Point presentations to train
the students. The deciding factor to use power point was strictly financial,
study guides would have set the EMO group back about $1300.00 which we
did not have and we did not want to attach a price to the course as that
may have been a deterrent to recruitment of volunteers. More..
New Six Metre Repeater GTA Area (VA3ECT) Toronto ARES is pleased to report the installation of a Six Metre repeater for wide area ARES coverage. The repeater VA3ECT 53.39- (NT) is located on the Scarborough bluffs, preliminary tests indicate promising results. All interested radio operators are invited to join us on the Toronto ARES Six Metre net every Saturday evening at 9:00 pm. Jim Taylor, VA3KU
Basic Amateur Radio Course The EMO ARES Group has undertaken the development of a series of Power Point Presentations to teach the basic amateur radio course to interested potential volunteers to the ARES program. These presentations are a work in progress, generic in nature and are offered free of charge to any group that wishes to conduct amateur radio training classes. The presentations and other useful
information has been posted on the EMO ARES website in the Training/Tools
area: www.emoares.org/course/
ARES HF NET TIME CHANGE Effective Sunday November 11th. the
Ontario ARES HF Net on 80 meters 3.742 Mhz. will change
Allan Boyd VE3AJB.
Effective Sunday, November 11, the Ontario Phone Net will be held at 4 p.m. Eastern time, daily, on the usual frequency, 3742 kHz. This brings the net fully into Cycle 3 of the National Traffic System. If any of the current Net Control Operators have difficulty with this time, please advise me and arrangements will be made to cover your assignments. We hope propagation conditions will allow the net to return to 6:00 pm at the beginning of the new year. Glenn Killam, VE3GNA,
 NATO
Cites Potential BPL Problems
In a new report, researchers from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have concluded that widespread adoption of Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) will increase HF background noise, and "The signal-to-noise ratio thus may be reduced for tactical and strategic HF radio as well as for fixed sensitive COMINT (Communications Intelligence) sites." The group recommended that, at a minimum, regulatory limits on BPL be harmonized throughout the NATO countries. PowerLine TeleCommunications (PLT,
PLC) and various forms of Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)
Exact calculations of HF radio noise
emissions from the new broadband wire-line telecommunications
These are described in a 176 page
report available for download: Nato
BPL Report.pdf
Loyalist Sector HF Net (Oct. 29 2007) A new HF net is being organized in the Loyalist District of Ontario ARES. The net will meet at 2030 local each Tuesday commencing October 23 on a frequency of 3.755 mhz. Checkins are encouraged from the four groups in the district -- Hastings, Prince Edward, Kingston and Frontenac. I am quite sure that other stations will be welcomed as well. Doug Monk, VE3ZDG
As announced by Radio Amateurs of Canada, this years Simulated Emergency Test was held October 6-7 2006. The Ontario Province-wide portion of the SET was conducted on Oct. 6th from 10:00 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 hrs ET, under the direction of Radio Amateurs of Canada and Emergency Management Ontario. ARES Groups and Amateur Radio Clubs throughout the province participated in SET activities passing simulated emergency traffic/messages to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre as well as other ARES Groups, RAC Officials and Government/Support Agencies. Modes of transmission utilized for this exercise included; HF, VHF/UHF linked repeaters, simplex, IRLP, PSK31 and packet. A total of 373 stations reported into this years SET generating 83 simulated messages, 108 stations reported using alternative emergency backup power. 43 ARES groups representing over 87 cities, towns and communities from all sectors of the province participated. A total of 26 emergency operations centre’s and support agencies stations were activated for the exercise. The Ontario Province-wide SET operated
a total of 11 hours, 5 hours in the morning/afternoon, 3
hours in the evening of October 6th and 3 hours on October 3rd.
By splitting the exercise into three sessions we were able to test band
conditions as they may occur during an actual emergency and offer opportunity
for EOC’s to participate that are only available during normal business
hours. ....More.
Safe Crossing Week 2007 (October 22nd - 28th) Safe Kids Canada and CN launched the Safe Crossing Program in 2005 to raise awareness of safety at highway-railway crossings and to encourage teachers, parents and caregivers to teach elementary school children how to cross railway tracks safely. We invite you to "come on board" for Safe Crossing Week 2007 which will run from October 22nd to 28th, 2007. This program is geared to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and their parents. For more information visit: Safe
Kids Canada
Algoma Amateur Club Newsletter (September 2007) Thanks to Dave Hayes VE3JX (Albany
Sector DEC) for sharing the Algoma Amateur Club Newsletter September 2007.
Since the newsletter provides information about upcoming ARES events in
Ontario it has been posted on this site for everyone's benefit: www.emoares.org/AARC_Sep_07.pdf
Simulated Emergency Test (October 6 2007) As announced by Radio Amateurs of Canada, this years SET will be held October 6-7 2007. The Province-wide portion of the SET will be conducted on Oct. 6th from 10:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 hrs ET. All ARES Groups are encouraged to participate in Province-wide SET activities and pass traffic to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre as well as other ARES Groups, RAC Officials and Government/Support Agencies through-out the Province. SET 2007 will be an official test of the Ontario ARES under the direction of Emergency Management Ontario, all ARES Groups are requested to participate. If your ARES group is planning to conduct SET on a different date please have a representative available for the province-wide portion as this is an official test of the Ontario ARES by Emergency Management Ontario. Full Details..http://emoares.org/set2007.html Joint Canada-USA Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Preparedness Event (Sept. 29-30 2007) A demonstration of co-operation in emergency communications preparedness between Canadian Radio Amateurs and those in the United States is being planned for September 29 and 30, 2007, with the installation of a special event station at historic Signal Hill, St. John's, Newfoundland. Sponsors are Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) and Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC). Facilities provided by Parks Canada are being coordinated by the Society of Newfoundland Radio Amateurs (SONRA). The objectives are three-fold: a) to highlight the capabilities of Amateur Radio in providing emergency communications in times of crisis; b) to illustrate the cooperation between Canada and the United States on emergency preparedness, within the context of the Security and Prosperity Partnership signed by the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Canada in 2005; and c) to create a database of communications ‘first responders’ that the Government of Canada could contact for emergency communications assistance in times of crisis. The site is the Marconi memorial station on Signal Hill where reception of the first trans-Atlantic wireless transmission occurred in 1901. This is the first time an official activity of its type has been conducted and Radio Amateurs from all across Canada and the U.S. are being invited to participate. In particular, ARES units in both countries are encouraged to take part and to "talk up" the value of Amateur Radio as a community resource. Operations will feature virtually all transmission modes on most HF bands over a two-day period and officials from government and the ARRL have been invited to attend. Special event call sign VO1ARES has been approved by Industry Canada for use during the event and perhaps may be heard on the air before and after as approval extends from September 27 to October 1 inclusive. For the official inauguration of the event on Saturday, September 29, when dignitaries will be present, the following frequencies and modes are planned for use, plus or minus: 1430Z - 1830Z 29 Sep 07
For more information visit: www.rac.ca/fieldorg/aresjointevent.htm
New Ontario ARES Appointments (Aug. 20 2007) NEW DEC FOR ALBANY The Ontario ARES is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Hayes VE3JX of the City of Sault Ste. Marie as the new District Coordinator for the Albany Sector. Dave brings an impressive background of public service skills to this position and has the unanimous support and approval of many in the amateur radio community. The Ontario ARES extends a warm welcome to Dave and a desire for every success in his efforts to promote and develop a viable communications program in this gateway to northern Ontario. NEW EC FOR WOODSTOCK / OXFORD The progressive Tecumseh District has added another appointment as EC for Woodstock and Oxford County South. David Young VE3EAY has accepted the role of Emergency Coordinator for the Woodstock area in addition to his active position as EC for Middlesex County East. This expanding team of ARES officials is on a fast track to building the first tri-county ARES Group in Ontario and the ARES is pleased to welcome this new level of dedication. NEW EC FOR ST.THOMAS / ELGIN In addition to his recent appointment as EC for the London area, Scott Carter VE3CGN in an expanded role becomes the new EC for the City of St.Thomas and Elgin County West. ARES Ontario welcomes Scott to this position of service for the planning and development of emergency communications for the tri county region of Middlesex, Oxford,and Elgin in the Tecumseh District. NEW EC FOR CHATHAM / KENT A new Emergency Coordinator for the Chatham/Kent area of the St. Clair District has been appointed to the Ontario ARES structure. Austin Wright VE3NCQ of Chatham will coordinate emergency communications planning and make available a network of auxiliary telecommunications assets for municipal and public service use. His technical abilities as a private pilot, CANWARN* spotter, and knowledge of aviation and meteorology make Austin well suited to this new role in southwestern Ontario. Bob Gammon VA3RX
Sadly, I have to relay the information to you that Lloyd Gibbs VE3LJG/VA3LJG passed away today. Lloyd was an active member of the Algoma Amateur Radio Club, as well as of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service. At present, he was holding the position of Activities Director with the AARC, and he was the ARES District Emergency Coordinator for Albany District (& the old Agawa District). As well, Lloyd was trained by the Red Cross to look after their emergency communications needs. Lloyd served with the Canadian Navy, in the 1950's and was active with the Canadian Legion here. Sincerely,
Today I attended the official opening of the new repeater site for the North Shore ARC. VA3SPH Steve Hellyer and I were the guests of NSARC, as ARES officials in Durham Region. NSARC has done a wonderful job installing this professional grade site, with a 4 KW propane powered generator, ready for a two week power outage. Their concrete buildings should be able to withstand anything that mother nature can throw at them. The site is atop the high point of Oak Ridges Moraine, directly north of Oshawa. Compared to the old repeater sites, it greatly improves the signal quality in all directions. NSARC would appreciate all reception reports to be passed on to them via: www.ve3osh.com/repeater.htm VE3GIH Gord Hewit
Ontario ARES Coordinators required (July 23 2007) There are currently several locations throughout Ontario that require district and local emergency coordinators. This is your opportunity to join the expanding ARES network and work with emergency service and government officials to plan and coordinate your communities communications resources during an emergency or disaster event. If you are an active radio amateur with an interest in public service and emergency communications please contact the Section Emergency Coordinator, Bob Gammon (VA3RX) va3rx@rac.ca District Emergency Coordinators
VE3EMO Radio Station Schedule update (July 19 2007) Commencing July 19 2007 a new operating schedule has been posted on the EMO ARES website. The Provincial Communications Network (Procom Net), Thursdays at 20:00 hrs will be conducted from the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. The station will also be on the conducting communications test on 3.742 MHz. immediately following the Ontario Phone Net at 19:00 hrs. Jim Taylor, VA3KU
Industry Canada has introduced new regulations regarding 'Radio Communications and Broadcasting Antenna Systems' (CPC-2-0-03 June 2007). These new regulations effect the Amateur Radio Service and are a MUST READ for all amateur radio operators. The official document release can
be found online by visiting the Industry
Canada Website.
Hi Jim
All of us use Airmail..some for both email and Winlink stuff. I am the amateur radio emergency radio coordinator for this area which is called the Sunshine Coast I made it portable for easy field use..have a similar set-up at the EOC except with the SCS modem...73...Bob VE7ALT" I've been busy setting up a winlink system in the St Charles area, so far I have a Telepac gateway, set up, that relays email messages, using packet to my local packet station, which relays, the messages to internet and automatically picks up emails from the internet, which can be downloaded from my station via packet to a distant station. I did some test, on this setup, from my truck, and ATV, I was able to send email messages,and download messages without a hitch. Winlink 2000 users ran a test, on field day, were they sent messages using standard message forms, to other users. I received about 25 messages, which I downloaded and answered from my truck, in Sudbury, using packet to my home station in St Charles, about 50 min driving distance. I,ve started, to set up a pactor I station, so I will have a permanent connection to the internet, even if the internet servers are down (like after last summers storm). The beauty of this system is agencies can send massive data files, medical reports etc. using their regular email programs even if the internet is down. This system is also good for hams, in boats,rv, campers, who might have need of email capability. The reason for this letter Jim is to try and get people interested in this new system, see page 3 of this months TCA. Bob VE7ALT and myself are not experts, but will gladly pass on any information, we have. 73 John VE3VGI
VE3EMO Field Day Report (June 23 - 24 2007) Radio Station VE3EMO (Provincial
Emergency Operations Centre) was activated for Field Day 2007 from 14:00
to 22:00 Saturday and 08:00 to 15:00 Sunday on the 80, 40 and 20 metre
bands.
Station operators: Jim Taylor
(VA3KU), Ted Cowie (VE3AAP), Dean Cassar (VA3SUG), Jay Ritchie (VE3EMP),
Gord Hewit (VE3GIH), Luis Lopez (VA3TCL), Audrey Little (VA3YD) and Rudie
Toroian (VE3OUA)
Contacts were established in Ontario,
Quebec and Nova Scotia,
USA Stations: Alabama, Connecticut,
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin
Station Classifications
Jim Taylor, VA3KU
The Town of Georgina has worked with ARES to install both Paclink and Telpac systems at their municipal offices. Paclink gives Georgina the capacity to reroute emergency email messages via amateur radio, while Telpac gives amateur the ability to send and receive email. This site will work with the recently announced Simcoe County initiatives, as part of a larger network of digital stations from Peterborough to Huntsville, and hopefully beyond. The complete list of sites (not end users) can be found at: www.winlink.org/positions/telpacpos.aspx The new Telpac location can be seen on the FindU website at: www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=va3cto-wl&terra=4 or on the Winlink website shown above. ARES hope is that this will be a demonstration site that can be used to interest other emergency management personnel about amateur radios ability to move email during an internet outage. Anyone interested in further information about Winlink should see: www.winlink.org/Presentations/ARESWinlink.pdf Thanks to;
VE3GIH Gord Hewit
On Sunday June 3 2007 members from the Toronto, EMO, Peel Region and Durham Region ARES groups provided communications service for the Becel Ride for Heart Event. This year over 12,000 riders participated in the bike-a-thon that stretched over a 75 km route that started at the CNE grounds in Toronto traveling along the Gardiner Expressway, up the Don Valley Parkway to York Mills Rd. then back to the CNE grounds. Amateur radio operators were posted
at strategic locations along the route, at rest stops, CNE starting point
and Toronto Transportation Camera Centre (Command Post) located
in the Toronto Emergency Operations Centre. The amateur radio station setup
in the command post worked directly with Police, EMS, Roads Department
staff and Event Organizers which followed the route of the bike-a-thon
with camera equipment (Eyes on Toronto)....More...
The Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities / Special Needs was launched on May 11, 2007 during Emergency Preparedness Week. The guide was developed jointly by Emergency Management Ontario (EMO), a branch of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO), part of the Ministry of Community and Social Services, with the participation of 20 stakeholder groups who provided subject matter expertise. It is the most comprehensive emergency preparedness resource for people with disabilities and special needs in Canada. It provides vital information to the over 1.5 million Ontarians with visible and/or non-visible disabilities and builds on important lessons learned during disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. Another unique feature of this guide is the valuable information on animal emergency preparedness to help owners of service animals and/or pets prepare items in advance to keep their animals comfortable during an emergency situation. Download
a copy of the guide.
On May 27th 2007 members of the Toronto,
EMO, Peel, Hart House and Scarborough Amateur Radio Groups provided communications
and public safety for walkers participating in the Walk of Hope Toronto.
ARES members were posted along the route providing reports to Net Control
of the walks progress. ARES members also participated in the walk providing
public safety making sure walkers did not wander into busy traffic lanes....More
As part of Emergency Preparedness week, St. John Ambulance has received two Motorola 25 watt radios from local amateur radio operators. Radios that were donated by the Region of York have been modified to St. John Ambulance frequencies. Amateur radio operators paid for the required upgrades, as well as supplying the labor to modify the radios. These radios will to support emergency and disaster response operations in Southern Ontario. VE3GIH Gord Hewit
Scouts and their families visited the Toronto Fire Academy/EMS Training Centre on May 12th for Scouts Emergency Preparedness Day. They seen the Toronto Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service in action, learned what is needed to build a 72 hour Emergency Kit and participated in a MedVent First Aid challenge, plus many more activities and displays. Members of
Dufferin County ARES and Toronto ARES and had opportunity to speak with
scouts and their families about the role Amateur Radio Emergency Service
plays in public safety....More
Ontario families will be safer thanks to a new Mobile Emergency Operations Centre, the newest and most advanced of its kind in Ontario, Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Monte Kwinter said today at the launch of Emergency Preparedness Week 2007. "The McGuinty government is committed to building safer, stronger, healthier communities and our investments in emergency preparedness are an important part of that commitment," Kwinter said. "The new mobile operations centre will help Emergency Management Ontario respond quicker and better in times of crisis." The operations centre, called Mobile1, is a state-of-the-art field coordination vehicle equipped with the latest communications and incident management systems. The province invested $965,000 in the vehicle. "Mobile1 will help Emergency Management Ontario officials better coordinate the provincial response to major emergencies and provide more effective support to communities when required to do so," said Commissioner of Community Safety Jay C. Hope. "It will help local officials ensure the safety of their citizens." CNW Group Note: Mobile1 will be equipped with an Amateur Radio Station (VA3EMO) in the near future. Photos of Mobile1 can be found here: www.emoares.org/meoc.html Jim Taylor, VA3KU
TORONTO, April 28 /CNW/ - The province of Ontario will create a new warning system to advise citizens in the event of an emergency. Jay Hope, Ontario's Commissioner of Emergency Management, outlined plans for the new alert system today in Toronto at a meeting of RTNDA Canada - The Association of Electronic Journalists. The new "Alert Ontario" system would
cover various levels of emergencies. A Red Alert would go out in life-threatening
situations...things like floods, tornados and even a pandemic. Amber Alerts
would continue in situations where a child is endangered. And a third alert
level would exist to provide less
It's anticipated the new system will employ some of the same transmission methods currently used for Amber Alerts: broadcasters, lottery terminals, electronic highway signs, text messages and email. The Ontario Association of Broadcasters currently updates the province-wide contact list for Amber Alerts in Ontario and will play a similar role with the new enhanced alert system. For more information visit:http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2007/28/c2547.html
Project Northern Ham (April 26 2007) Emergency Management Ontario operates an Amateur Radio Program in conjunction with Ontario ARES that provides an auxiliary communications network throughout the Province of Ontario. We are currently in need of Amateur Radio Operators in Northern Ontario to provide essential communications links in remote communities. If you live in an area listed on the map below we ask that you register with the EMO Radio Group. You do not have to be a member of RAC or involved with any ARES group, all that is required your willingness to participate and HF capabilities on the 80/40 and 20 metre bands. More.. VA3KU, Jim Taylor
EMO Tour for ARES Personnel (April 7 2007) On Saturday April 7th thirty five ARES personnel from Dufferin, Durham, Prince Edward County, Hamilton and Toronto attended a tour of the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. EMO staff provided a power point presentation on the role Emergency Management Ontario plays in the safety of Ontarians. During the presentation information was provided on the different Government ministries that work together at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre when an emergency is declared. A question/answer period followed in which many had opportunity to participate. Later in the day a tour of the Operations Centre and Amateur Radio Station (VE3EMO) was followed by a discussion period about the ARES program and the role we play in community safety. A very good turnout for the tour and much information was shared on the work ARES members are doing in their community. Future tours are in the planning in which your ARES group will have opportunity to attend. VA3KU, Jim Taylor
York Region ARES Seminar (April 3 2007) From March 27th to 29th, Fire dispatchers and their managers from Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Markham in York Region were given a seminar on how ARES fits into Ontario emergency management. In a one day session, dispatchers were introduced to emergency management principals, and how ARES can benefit municipal and regional governments in an emergency. Also presented was an introduction to amateur radio, including formal and informal voice messages, IRLP, Echolink, packet, Winlink 2000, and DStar. Commercial communications networks and their failure modes were also discussed. Two further sessions of the seminar will be presented on April 17 and 18, with additional attendance expected from Barrie Fire, York Region Police and York Region emergency management. Discussions are begining about the possibility of other ARES presentations at the National Emergency Number Association convention and the Ontario Fire College. VE3GIH Gord Hewit
Monday,
April 16th at 7 PM - Sarnia
Saturday,
April 21st at 9 AM - Hamilton
Tuesday,
April 24th at 6:30 PM - Leamington
Tuesday,
April 24th at 7 PM - Kitchener-Waterloo
Thursday,
April 26th at 7 PM - London
Saturday,
April 28th at 9 AM - Sudbury (Azilda)
Sunday,
April 29th at 9 AM - Orillia
Saturday,
May 5th at 9 AM - Toronto
ARES demonstration for DND (March 20 2007) The Toronto Office of Emergency Management played host to a bi-annual professional development conference which consisted of about 45 Senior Officers, Sgts and Warrant Officer ranks on March 17th 2007. During the conference Joe Cusimano, VE3OV the Toronto ARES DEC gave a talk on amateur radio communications. Later in the day a tour of the Toronto EOC ARES station gave opportunity to demonstrate the different modes of communications used by amateur radio. Jim Taylor, VA3KU (EMO ARES EC) and Ted Cowie, VE3AAP (EMO ARES AEC) manned the EOC station and had opportunity to answer questions and talk with DND staff, amateur radio classes are planned later in the year. A message from DND staff, Please accept this informal email as expression of my thanks for the support that I received from the ARES group on Saturday March 17 2007. My unit, 709 (Toronto) Communication Regiment hosted a bi-annual professional development conference on behalf 70 Communication Group which oversees the military communication reserve units of 763 (Ottawa) Communication Regiment, 700 (Borden), 705 (Hamilton) Communication Squadrons and 772 (Kingston) Electronic Warfare Squadron. The Office of Emergency Management played host to our conference that day which consisted of about 45 Senior Officers, Sgts and Warrant Officer ranks. I would like to thank you and your ARES volunteers for your support during the weekend. Many soldiers commented on your professional and informative session and demonstrations. Again, please extend my thanks to your volunteers for their assistance. G.J. Stasyna
A message from Joe Cusimano, VE3OV Thanks to Gary -VE3TI, Jim - VA3KU
and Ted - VE3AAP for your help during this event. We are looking forward
to seeing many of these soldiers in the Communications Group army reserve
as licenced Amateur Radio operators before the end of the year. They know
we are here, ready to help them become licenced.
I have now received all the completed surveys that was posted on the RAC web site due the 17th March 2007, about the proposed restructuring alignment of ARES with the new EMO Sectors. I have over 30 responses from all over the province and I thank each of you that took the time to complete the survey and respond. Over the next two weeks I will be reviewing each response and tabulating results. I will also be preparing a report with the results. I know many of you have called me and we have spoken about this proposal and most of you know that trying to explain some of the reasoning is much better over the phone than trying to figure it out through e-mails. Each of your responses are important and certainly your comments will help me come to hopefully a democratic and reasonable conclusion. I hope to have the report completed by the beginning of next month. Again I thank each of you for taking the time to respond with over 80 DEC's, EC's and AEC's in the province having close to half respond is fantastic when it comes to surveys. Again from Section Management in Ontario I commend all of you, for the support and hard work you do for the ARES organization making it one of the most productive and strongest Emergency Services to the public in all of Canada. On behalf of the Radio Amateurs of Canada you efforts are recognized and appreciated. Allan Boyd, VE3AJB
Buffalo National Weather Service SKYWARN Training Report (12 March 2006) On March 12, I attended the US National Weather Service Skywarn training session in Buffalo New York sponsored by the Erie County ARES / RACES group. About 25 members were in attendance for the 2-hour session which covered convective weather basics and communication protocols similar in nature to the Environment Canada's Canwarn program. The NWS presenters had the audience of Amateur Radio Operators assist them in a study of the public's estimation of the hailstone sizes. A bag containing a representative "hailstone" was given to each attendee with instructions to estimate to the nearest eighth of an inch the diameter of the enclosed "hailstone". In addition, the hailstone size was to be paired with a descriptor such as Pea, dime, tennis ball, etc. The NWS staff said that they find the public tends to over estimate the size of small hailstones while under estimating the larger sizes. The practice of calling hail "marble" sized is erroneous due to the various sized of marbles that are available. The main topics of discussion during the Skywarn training were, Skywarn Activation, the role of the Amateur Radio Spotter, How and What to report, Spotter tips, Spotter Safety, Interpreting and Understanding radar images. A Skywarn manual was distributed to all attendees that contained the text of the presentations as well as a copy of the MOU between the NWS and the ARRL, and a list of Buffalo Skywarn frequencies. A pocket card was distributed which had a guide to estimating wind speeds, their "800" number and what to report to the NWS. A Basic Spotters' Field Guide was also distributed containing additional information with explanations and colour images to complement the presentation. On the whole I found it interesting to receive the American perspective to severe weather identification, spotting and reporting, the risks and hazards specific to Western New York and how much similar our CanWarn program is to the Skywarn. During April and May Environment Canada holds annual Canwarn training sessions around Ontario; I strongly suggest all amateurs make the time to get this invaluable free training. Lance VA3LDX
YYZ Network (Mar. 12 2007) The inclusion of the YYZ network provides excellent coverage for the greater Toronto and Niagara area and now the addition of VE3MXR in Cobourg. This network will normally operate stand alone and linked into the ERA Network for the Procom Net or when required for emergency operations. -VE3YYZ 443.050 (103.5 Hz) Toronto
Thanks to Eric Meth VE3EI
EMO Radio Station Upgrade (Mar. 5 2007) Emergency Management Ontario is a strong supporter of the Ontario A.R.E.S. program and has made a major investment in upgrading the EMO radio station (VE3EMO). The EMO radio station is located in the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre Duty Office which operates 24/7. Emergency Management Ontario has also equipped the station with computer/internet access, our email addresss is: emoares@ontario.ca . Pictures of the new station set-up can be viewed by visiting: www.emoares.org/station.html Jim Taylor, VA3KU
EMO Mobile Emergency Operations Centre (Mar. 1 2007) Emergency Management Ontario is taking delivery of a new Mobile Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC) which will be equipped with an Amateur Radio Station (VA3EMO). The station will have HF/VHF/UHF (Kenwood 450s & Yeasu 7800) coverage and I now have the task of programming the Yaesu 7800 dual band radio to cover all 14 sectors. Your help is requested with providing ARES operational frequencies for your area. The information should include HF/VHF/UHF frequencies along with pl tones. Each sector will be programmed into a separate bank with a road map posted in the mobile command centre. The VHF/UHF antenna will be mounted on the roof of the vehicle and HF antenna (wire dipole) would be installed on-site. The MEOC is also equipped with two telescopic towers, one located in the centre of the vehicle with a bank of flood lights, the other at the rear of the unit with cameras. The MEOC is also equipped with satellite feeds and radio transceivers for Police/Fire and EMS. The MEOC can be deployed to any community in Ontario should the need arise. Jim Taylor, VA3KU
ARES / EMO Proposed Restructuring Survey (Feb. 24 2007) Attn: All ARES DEC's & EC's With the assistance of Bob Cooke VPFS a survey has been drafted on the RAC web site at the following address: http://www.rac.ca/fieldorg/onaresstructure.htm As Section Manager for Ontario a proposed statement was issued this month into the proposed restructuring of ARES to align with EMO Sectors in the Province. In my statement I have listed the reasons why this new realignment is important for ARES on a provincial level to move ahead. I also realize that ARES serves local municipalities and that is the grass roots of the organization. As mentioned before nothing has been finalized as to what decision would be taken. I have received some replies for and a few against the new realignment so far. To help make an informed decision among the appointed officials within ARES I ask that each DEC and EC take a few minutes and complete the survey at the above link. Once all replies are returned and tabulated then a final decision will be made with the feedback from the majority. I need to hear your voice to make a sound decision on the future of ARES for Ontario. Again I thank you all for your continued hard work and support for ARES Ontario. On behalf of Section Management for RAC your efforts are acknowledged and appreciated. Al Boyd, VE3AJB
Michigan/Ontario ARES MOU (Feb. 18 2007) The Ontario Section Manager Allan Boyd VE3AJB announces the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ontario and the State of Michigan. This event marks the first international agreement between Section Managers and ARES Officials of both the Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC)and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Dale Williams WA8EFK, the Michigan Section Manager has established the same MOU with Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and now Ontario. Due to our close proximity to Michigan this essential step represents an opportunity to promote good will and take ARES emergency communications planning to a new level. The Ontario ARES Field Services is proud to endorse this document and be an important player in this expanding communications relationship with our Michigan counterparts. Bob Gammon, VA3RX
Dave Hayes, VE3JX was kind enough to send in this months newsletter from the Algoma Amateur Radio Club. This newsletter should be of interest to all ARES groups as it covers a rather unique way the club is attempting to solicit operators into the ARES program. Also included in the newsletter is a report from RAC Northern Ontario Director Dave Goodwin, VE3AAQ that provides information on current RAC activities and membership status. A copy of the newsletter is posted
on the EMO ARES site (534K Twenty-one (21) WPG ARES members & affiliates provided volunteer Amateur communications 3, 4 FEB during the Rivers West/Festival du Voyageur Sled Dog Races in Winnipeg. Conditions were pretty extreme & organizers cancelled the event half way thru on Sunday. The 2007 Rivers West / Festival du Voyageur Sled Dog Races took place Saturday and Sunday February 3-4 2007. The event was based at The Forks in Winnipeg and ran from the Forks, south on the Red River. Members mainly worked outdoors through the event and assist in radio communications by being placed at key locations along the course, or by shadowing organizers. The event runs in most any weather, and due to the variable weather that we in Manitoba endure, in past years we have dealt with anything from -4C to around -40C. This year's event endured temperatures mostly around -40C, and on the Sunday afternoon, the races were actually cancelled by the organizers due to hazardous wind chill values. A brief write-up and photos can be found on the Winnipeg ARES website. Thanks to Jeff Dovyak VE4MBQ EC WPGARES
To all Ontario ARES DEC`S EC`S AEC`S MEMBERS. (Feb. 4 2007) As Section Manager(SM)for Ontario, I announce the proposed restructuring and realignment of the Ontario ARES Districts and Sectors. Due to an improved working relationship and a new level of support from Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) it is necessary to establish a mutual reference map for coordination purposes with municipal and provincial officials. I ask for your patience,understanding and cooperation during this transition as we work together to implement the changes with minimal disruption to the ARES planning and efforts on the part of all dedicated EC`s in your district. I welcome your input and suggestions on how to accomplish the task and build a stronger and more respected provider of Emergency Communications for officials and the public....More. Allan Boyd, VE3AJB.
EMO Sector Maps Update (Jan. 30 2007) The EMO Sectors information has been updated, below the main map is a list of sectors including a detailed map of each Sector. I still have to work on the Albany & Amethyst Sector maps and will have them uploaded soon. http://emoares.org/sectors.html Jim VA3KU
Lanark/North Leeds ARES (Jan. 23 2007) The Lanark/North Leeds ARES Group has added a new repeater to their network. VE3HTN, 146.865 located near Toledo, about 10k south of Smiths Falls is now connected to VA3TEL 145.030, Christie Lake, VE3KJG 146.640 and Tweed, 145.370. These repeaters provide coverage from Trenton to Ottawa and Pembroke to the St. Lawrence River area in the neighbourhood of Brockville. There are no PL tones, IRLP (2947) is available from any connected repeater and a phone patch is available in to the areas of Perth, Smiths Falls and Brockville. All repeaters are linked full time. Norm VE3VY
Power Outages, Safety & Emergencies (Jan. 18 2007) Hydro One has updated the power outages
maps and now display all current and planned outages including detailed
maps of communities and number of customers effected by outages. More information
can be found online by visiting: www.hydroonenetworks.com
Procom Net Repeaters (Jan.18 2007) The Southern Ontario Repeater Team
(SORT) Group has added 2 new repeaters to their network, VE3OBC 146.910
(123.0 Hz) Goderich and 443.075 (123.0 Hz) Whitechurch. The inclusion of
these two repeaters provides coverage into areas of Western Ontario previously
unavailable.
New EMO District Sectors (Jan. 10 2007) Due to restructuring within Emergency Management Ontario , a new District Sector map has been drafted for distribution. The major changes affecting the A.R.E.S. will be the renaming of all 14 Districts in Ontario for mutual reference.   |
