VE7KAZ volunteers sitting down to lunch

A luncheon was held on December 7th to recognize Gina Charlesworth VA7AIR, Bill Foster VE7WWW, and Ken McEachern VE7EFL for the many volunteer hours they contribute to VE7KAZ, the amateur radio station supporting the Central Region Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre (PREOC).

When it comes to percentages Ken volunteered 20%, Gina volunteered 26% and Bill volunteered 43% of the total hours volunteered.

Gina VA7AIR

This was a big year for Gina. In March 2014 she passed the courses required to be Radio Station Manager and accepted the role of Radio Station Manager for VE7KAZ. In so doing, Gina became the only female radio station manager in PERCS (that we know of). In addition to her volunteer efforts at VE7KAZ she continues to be quite busy with university courses and her other volunteer position with Emergency Social Services (ESS). For your significant contribution Gina, we thank you.

Bill VE7WWW

On May 26th 2014 Bill was recognized as the PSLV (Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer) of the year in emergency radio communications at the legislature.  Bill is the backbone of VE7KAZ, faithfully checking into the EMBC net every Wednesday.  Bill is also heavily involved in other amateur radio groups and activities. For your expertise and dedication Bill, we all thank you.

Ken VE7EFL

Ken is by many years our longest serving volunteer. I have attached the 2002 newspaper article about Ken being recognized as the PSLV volunteer of the year in radio communications.  It is amazing the work with someone who has contributed so much over the years. Thank you Ken.

Bill, Brady, Gina and Ken

Recognition Awards

In recognition of the volunteer work we are giving Gina a gift certificate for $20 to Tim Hortons, and two 1968 CQ magazines.  The 1968 October issue about “Amateur Radio Station Design”will help Gina set up her own radio station. The 1968 November issue is on DXpeditions.

Bill will receive a set of headphones manufactured by Sidney George Brown Ltd. Victoria Rd, North Acton , London W3.

The SG Brown Ltd. DLR No5 “S” DS.3444   I.T.B.A5  JFB YA5000 LR (low resistance) headphones date back to the 1930’s and were used throughout WW2. This historic piece of radio equipment was shipped to me directly from England.

Ken will receive the book titled “FIRESTORM” The summer B.C. Burned in 2003.

73
Brady Conroy

Radiogram key for checking  Radiogram 2014-12-03 net night

On Saturday June 28th amateur radio volunteers from Emergency Management BC’s  (EMBC) Central Region facility located in Kamloops deployed for Field Day 2014.

Kamloops Amateur Radio Club trailer

EMBC volunteers travelled with members of the Kamloops Amateur Radio Club  to a remote location and established a joint station for participation in Field Day activities.

While EMBC volunteers operated VE7VIZ, their portable radio communications kit the Kamloops Amateur Radio Club setup for operation in their club owned trailer.

Setup of EMBC’s portable kit involved erecting a 32 ft fibreglass pole needed for the Buckmaster inverted “V” HF  dipole antenna. In lieu of a trailer the tailgate of a pickup truck provided an excellent base for operation of EMBC’s portable radio kit.

The tricky setup of the mast required the efforts of 6 volunteers to both stabilize the fibreglass mast while adding additional 4 ft. segments to the bottom of the pole. Once established, the Buckmaster dipole provides low SWR and a good signal on 80, 40 and 20 meters.

EMBC has three deployable radio kits currently located in Victoria, Kamloops and Terrace. Developed with funding allocated by EMBC to enhance volunteers programs the kits are equipped with:

• Medium/long range High Frequency radio;
• Commercial VHF radio;
• Dual-band amateur VHF/UHF;
• Laptop and printer with HF Pactor and VHF/UHF Packet digital communication;
• Commercial and amateur hand-held radios;
• 12 volt AGM deep-cycle marine battery.

The following EMBC volunteers took part in the 2014 Field Day deployment:

• Rodger Scoular, VA7ROD
• Gina Charlesworth,  VA7AIR
• Brady Conroy, VE7TAX
• Ken McEachern, VE7EFL
• Philip Conroy

A special thank you goes to Ken McEachern, VE7EFL  for coordinating this joint Field Day operation.

VE7VIZ ready for Field Day operation

On Saturday, 28 June amateur radio volunteers from Emergency Management BC’s (EMBC) Headquarters facility located near Victoria deployed for Field Day 2014.

The objectives of this event were as follows:

• Provide an opportunity to practice the setup of VE7POC, one of EMBC’s three deployable radio communications kits including a large HF dipole antenna;
• Provide operator familiarization with the compact but highly complex deployable radio kit;
• Develop operator skill and efficiency through participation in Field Day radio operations;
• Using both internal battery and generator practice operating the mobile radio kit from alternate power sources;
• Develop and practice operational routine essential to sustained operation.

The location chosen for this Field Day deployment was Mt. Tolmie in Saanich. The 120 meter summit providing good line of sight for 2 meter operation.

VE7POC in operation. Note the fibreglass pole in center of image for the Buckmaster inverted “V” offset dipole antenna

Neil Townsend, VE7NIL using Packet digital radio communication

EMBC has three deployable radio kits currently located in Victoria, Kamloops and Terrace. Developed with funding allocated by EMBC to enhance volunteers programs the kits are equipped with:

• Medium/long range High Frequency radio;
• Commercial VHF radio;
• Dual-band amateur VHF/UHF;
• Laptop and printer with HF Pactor and VHF/UHF Packet digital communication;
• Commercial and amateur hand-held radios;
• 12 volt AGM deep-cycle marine battery.

Tripod mounted antennas and generator

The base of operation for this deployment was a Chevy Tahoe vehicle provided by the Office of the Fire Commissioner. This vehicle provided plenty of room for the radio kit, generator and other gear used during Field Day, including a Coleman stove essential for sustained operations.

The Honda EU3000is generator from Western One rentals worked flawlessly. Quiet and efficient, this unit provided 6 hours of operation with the fuel gauge barely moving. Positioned in front of the vehicle, the generator could not be heard from the rear cargo area of the vehicle where the kit was positioned. Operating the radio kit from the rear cargo deck of the Tahoe proved very workable, while providing adequate protection from the elements.

The following EMBC volunteers took part in the 2014 Field Day deployment:

• Neil Townsend, VE7NIL
• Nelson Dewey,  VE7FTL
• Russell Gaudin, VA7RPG
• EMBC staff liaison AJ Bryan, VE7KSN

During Field Day activities the station received many visitors. Mt. Tolmie is a popular stop for tour buses and a steady stream of tourists arrived throughout the day.

At least one tour bus operator inquired about our activities on behalf of curious tourists.

A number of local HAM’s also visited the station while in operation.

Field Day 2014 provided VE7POC volunteers an opportunity to establish communication with stations in the Lower Mainland and a number of US states including Washington, Idaho, Minnesota and Santa Barbara in California. Farthest contact was located in Inuvik, Northwest Terrorities. A distance of almost 2,300 km.

Neil, VE7NIL and Nelson Dewey, VE7FTL working the radios during Field Day operations