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July 2003, Volume 5, Number 07
Edited and distributed by Sheldon Harvey
Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada
Copyright © 2003 Radio H.F. Publications
e-mail: hfnewsletter@yahoo.com
Additional contact information and addresses below.
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Disclaimer: The content and comments included in the websites featured in this newsletter are those of the individuals, groups or organizations responsible for each website. They do not necessarily represent those of the editor, unless specifically noted.
All subscribers' e-mail addresses are kept private and confidential, and will never be given or sold to any other organization. To have yourself added or removed from the distribution list of this newsletter, or to submit contributions, contact Sheldon by e-mail at hfnewsletter@yahoo.com. Remember that all contributors are entitled to a 2% discount on their next purchase from Radio H.F.
The Radio H.F. Internet Newsletter is brought to you, free of charge, by Radio H.F., Canada's specialist in shortwave, scanning, amateur radio, antennas, accessories & publications, since 1995.
Radio H.F.
P.O. Box 67063-Lemoyne
St. Lambert, Quebec
CANADA J4R 2T8
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00 Eastern Time (1400-2100 UTC Apr.-Oct.; 1500-2200 UTC Nov.-Mar.)
Sunday: CLOSED
Telephone and Facsimile: +1 (450) 671-3773
Telephone, toll free, in Canada only: 1 800 463-3773
Facsimile: +1 (450) 671-3773
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Radio H.F.:
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Website: www.anarc.org/cidx/radiohf/
Welcome to the July 2003 edition. Here in Montreal, the summer season is in full swing. The world-class Montreal International Jazz Festival has just wrapped up. We're now getting ready for the Montreal Comedy Festival starting up next. That will be followed by the International Film Festival later on in the year. If you've never had the chance to visit Montreal, summer is certainly one of the best times to do it.
I just got back from a few days vacation in the Eastern Townships area of the province of Quebec. We are marking our 25th wedding anniversary on July 8th and were presented with a surprise anniversary party last week where we received a certificate for an all expenses paid weekend in the Townships. It was great to get away for a few days and enjoy the Quebec countryside.
One important note before we go on. In the past two months, some of you may have received the monthly e-mail from me, but it was missing the body of the Newsletter. There seems to have been some hang-ups with Yahoo's e-mail delivery system. If you receive this month's Newsletter and the body of it is missing, simply drop me a note and ask me to resend it, or you could simply go to the archive site of past newsletters and pick up the ones you missed from there. Sorry for the inconvenience.
On to this month's Newsletter. We have a special feature on Bastille Day, plus we mark the 34th anniversary of the first lunar landing.
Last month's survey question generated 32 responses including a lot of interesting answers, showing the diversity in interests and priorities among our readers. The question was: If you could have one famous person, living or dead, over to your home, for a one-on-one, sit-down dinner, who would it be?
The number one choice, with 6 votes, was Sir Winston Churchill. Albert Einstein placed second with 3 votes, followed by Benjamin Franklin, Carl Sagan and Jesus Christ tied for third with 2 votes each. A few odd ones showed up in the votes, including Steve McQueen, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton and Martha Stewart each getting one vote!
Let's go back to travel as our subject for this month's survey. There are many internationally known tourist attractions around the world, such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef; France's Eiffel Tower; The Tower of London, Big Ben or Stonehenge in England; the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore or the Statue of Liberty in the USA; or the Great Wall of China. There are hundreds more that you can probably think of as well. This month our survey question is: If you could travel to any single major world attraction tomorrow, which one would you choose? Tell us which one it is and where it is located. Feel free to tell us why also. Please send your response by e-mail to hfnewsletter@yahoo.com.
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No comments this month!
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We're back down to just 6 contributors (not including myself). We have had a number of new subscribers coming on-board this month. Let's hope some of them decide to become participants in this exercise. I'd like to challenge all subscribers to make the effort over the next 3 months to send in just one website which they feel would be of interest to other subscribers.
Thanks to those who made the effort and took the time to contribute this month.
John Bigony, Arlington, Texas
Raymond Faguy, Pierrefonds, Quebec
Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
Ricky Leong, Brossard, Quebec
Shaun Merrigan, Edmonton, Alberta
Richard Sim, Goose Bay, Labrador & Newfoundland
Elmer Standish, Courtenay, British Columbia
Yahoo Weekly Picks
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www.hightowertrail.com/Bastil.htm
Bastille Day, on the Fourteenth of July, is the French symbol of the end of the Monarchy and the beginning of the First Republic. The national holiday is a time when all citizens can feel themselves to be members of a republican nation. It is because this national holiday is rooted in the history of the birth of the Republic that it has great significance.
www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/ap11ann/FirstLunarLanding/cover.html
This site features the story of the first lunar landing, as told by the three astronauts who participated in the mission in 1969.
Coming Soon From Icom: Icom IC-7800
At this year's Dayton Hamvention, Icom unveiled the highly anticipated replacement to the popular IC-781. Although the unit probably won't be commercially available until 2004, there is a lot of talk about the unit already. For the official Icom announcement and initial specifications on this new unit, please check out www.icomamerica.com/amateur/hf/ic7800release.html. There is no pricing information on this unit at this time, but stay in touch with Radio HF for details as soon as they become available.
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www.wantokent.com
Via: Ricky Leong, Brossard, Quebec
This Manitoba based firm states that its mission is to make it feasible for every group/organization in the world to own, operate and maintain their own community broadcast station regardless of their socio-economic conditions. Check out their unique products but, beware, be sure of the broadcasting laws in your neck of the woods!
www.chace-ortiz.org/umc/
Via: Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
This is the World Wide Web's premier information source for listeners of non-broadcast "utility" radio communications using digital transmission systems rather than voice to send messages. The Information section features stations operated by the world's military, diplomatic, commercial, government, humanitarian, intelligence and other organizations, monitored from the UK and USA between the frequencies of 10 kHz and 1 GHz.
longwave.bei.t-online.de
Via: Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
This is a collection of radio related material, most of it below 30 MHz, including frequencies, station schedules, antenna installations with photos, sounds and links.
www.vlf.it
Via: Shaun Merrigan, Edmonton, Alberta
As one of my primary listening interests is VLF/LF, I think the following site is useful. This site is a clearinghouse for ELF/SLF/ULF/VLF enthusiasts. You will find everything from a message board to construction projects.
www.qsl.net/dl4yhf/vlf_rcvr.htm
Via: Shaun Merrigan, Edmonton, Alberta
A free DSP program called Spectrum Lab which turns your soundcard into a VLF receiver. Spectrum Lab is also a very sophisticated audio DSP program.
www.radiomarine.org
Via: Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
This Society is dedicated to the goal of documenting, preserving and restoring the remaining artefacts of marine radio history.
zippy.cso.uiuc.edu/~roma/rr-freqs/
Via: Ricky Leong, Brossard, Quebec
Compiled by Jon Roma, this site includes two separate lists. One lists frequencies sorted alphabetically by company, while the second list is in numerical order by frequency.
www.lastres.com/ajhuddle/hamband.html
Via: Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
You're not going to believe this one! These people have put together a CD of songs all about ham radio. This has to be some of the corniest stuff I've heard in years. You can actually listen to these things right through the site, using Real Player. Guess they won't sell many CDs that way!
Yaesu VR-5000 Communications Receiver
If you are looking for a full-coverage table top receiver covering 100 kHz through to 2.6 GHz, one option may be this unit from Yaesu. The VR-5000 is an all-mode receiver, with all the latest features and high-end specifications. For complete details on this receiver, including an on-line brochure and specification sheet, please check www.yaesu.com/amateur/vr5000.html.
Contact Radio HF for pricing and availability on this model and all other Yaesu products. See Radio H.F. contact information for mailing address, telephone or fax numbers, or e-mail address.
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www.ifj.org
Via: Sheldon Harvey, Greenfield Park, Quebec
The Federation represents around 500.000 members in more than 100 countries. The IFJ promotes international action to defend press freedom and social justice through strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists.
www.msfc.nasa.gov/news/index.html
Via: Raymond Faguy, Pierrefonds, Quebec
Get all the latest news about space, space flight and other related subjects in regular news releases from this centre.
flytecomm.com
Via: Richard Sim, Goose Bay, Labrador & Newfoundland
This a great site to track most flights, giving lots of information like speed, altitude, etc. It shows a map of where the plane is. I find it useful for the commercial flights.
earthobservatory.nasa.gov
Via: Elmer Standish, Courtenay, British Columbia
NASA's Earth Observatory provides satellite imagery and scientific information about Earth. The goal is to promote awareness of Earth's climate and environmental change. It's a great resource for educators or for anyone who likes to look at spectacular pictures. There is also a great collection of articles, glossaries, etc.
www.robgendlerastropics.com
Via: John Bigony, Arlington, Texas
A collection of colour pictures of the universe. There are lots of astronomical links as well.
amasci.com
Via: Elmer Standish, Courtenay, British Columbia
William J. Beaty, Electrical Engineer, Science Exhibit Designer, Textbook Consultant, Lecturer, and Amateur Scientist has put together this web reference dealing with various aspects of science.
Radio H.F. Nature Division — A new product line from Radio H.F.
Radio HF has opened up a new division featuring books and publications for the nature lover. The Radio H.F. Nature Division stocks books on birding, animals, insects, flowers, trees, and other nature-related subjects. Our catalog will include some of the most popular titles in the field, including:
National Audubon Society Field Guides
National Audubon Society Picket Guides
Sibley Field Guides to Birds
Willow Creek Press books and calendars
Willow Creed Press Pet Owners' Guides
Peterson Field Guides (birds, plants, mammals, insects, reptiles, fish)
Peterson Audio Cassettes and CDs
Storey Books (birds, cats, dogs, butterflies)These, plus many other nature related publications are now available through Radio H.F. If you are interested in any of these subjects, please contact Radio H.F. Nature Division for a complete catalog. See Radio H.F. contact information for mailing address, telephone or fax numbers, or e-mail address.
The Radio H.F. website will soon be expanded to include the listing of publications available through our Nature Division.
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home.hccnet.nl/e.ley/software.html
Via: Elmer Standish, Courtenay, British Columbia
If you are looking for links to anything to do with the world of computers and software, you'll probably find it on this site.
www.devonlmc.org/ITs-win.htm
Via: Elmer Standish, Courtenay, British Columbia
This page is a multitude of useful links to computer information of all sorts.
www.fscwv.edu/users/rheffner/ydkd/
Via: Yahoo Weekly Picks
Have some fun with this one. You may find out that you actually know quite a bit about "Dick"!
New Publications from the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB).
QRP Basics by Rev. George Dobbs, G3RJV
Do you want a new challenge? Have you ever wanted to try QRP (using 5 watts and less)? Do you want to improve your QRP station? Do you want to build a working transmitter or receiver? This book will help you do all of these things.
QRP Basics tells of the fun to be had by operating with low power, both from home and in the great outdoors. Advice is given on how to get the best results from a QRP station, and how to try out QRP if you haven't before. A large range of commercial QRP equipment and kits are described. Much of the book explains how to construct your own station, including complete transmitters and receivers, and accessories. Even the experienced constructor will appreciate the sections on toroidal coils, construction techniques and equipping a workshop. Finally, there are lists of contests, awards, books and organizations of interest to the QRP operator.
This book will enrich your enjoyment of Amateur Radio. It will inspire you to start building. It may even get you out in the open air. Explore the fun!
208 pages, published in 2003 by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). (ISBN: 1-872309-91-7) #9031 — $39 Canadian
Microwave Projects Edited by Andy Barter, G8ATD
Aimed at those who are interested in building equipment for the Amateur Radio microwave bands. Packed full of ideas from around the world, this book covers the subject with a variety of projects. The book has many contributors who have a wealth of experience in this area and they have produced many projects, design ideas, complete designs and modifications of commercial equipment. This title provides much useful information as to what can be achieved effectively and economically. Covers useful theory of designing microwave circuits and test equipment for the projects. The book includes chapters covering:
Signal Sources
Transverters
Power Amplifiers
Test Equipment
DesignThis is a must-have-book for all those who are already active on the microwave bands and those looking for interesting projects to embark on.
200 pages, published in 2003 by Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) (ISBN: 1-872309-90-9) #9022 — $39 Canadian
RSGB Prefix Guide (6th edition) by Fred Handscombe, G4BWP
The complete guide to prefix identification and information. Ever wondered what that "unusual" call sign was? The fully updated RSGB Prefix Guide answers the question.
This comprehensive list of prefixes is revised and improved. Not just a listing of prefixes and their entities, the guide provides a host of useful additional material. References include a prefix's continent, CQ Zone, ITU Zone, Latitude and Longitude and many other details.
This edition still includes all the elements that have made the book so popular over the years such as DXCC deleted entities, Russian & CIS entities, etc. New features! The popular DXCC checklist has been added along with details of various award programs: IOTA, CQ WAZ, DXCC, WAS and others.
Designed with a "lay flat" wire binding for ease of use. 48 pages. 6th edition published in 2003 by Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). (ISBN: 1-872309-85-2) #9046 — $24 Canadian
Contact Radio HF for pricing and availability on all publications. See Radio H.F. contact information for mailing address, telephone or fax numbers, or e-mail address.
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Note: all times given are in local time. Check with the local contact person for any last-minute changes or corrections. For obvious logistical reasons, only Canadian events, or those of particular interest to Canadians (e.g., Dayton Hamvention), are listed. Compiled by Vernon Ikeda, VE2MBS, Pierrefonds, Quebec.
Boissevain, Manitoba, 11–13 July
40th Annual International Hamfest. Location: International Peace Garden. Registration begins Friday, July 11 at 18:00. Admission: $13.00. Talk-in: 146.520 simplex. Information: Dave VE4XN, (204) 728-2463, e-mail: dsyndal@mb.sympatico.ca. Website: www.mts.net/~holderr/.
Thorold, Ontario, Saturday 12 July
NPARC Hamfest & Auction. Sponsored by the Niagara Peninsula ARC. Location: Basil Reid Park, 699 Allanburg Road. Times: Gates open at 07:00, auction at 10:00. Admission: $5.00 Talk-in: 147.240+. Information: Dave Wilson, (905) 262-5588, e-mail: ve3bbn@hotmail.com. Website: www.qsl.net/ve3vm/tailgate.htm.
Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan , 18–19 July
Saskhamfest 2003. Talk-in: 146.820 or 146.610. Information: e-mail: ve5qu@rac.ca. Website: saskhamfest.com.
Westport, Ontario, Saturday 02 August
Westport Fleamarket. Sponsored by the Lanark North Leeds ARES Group. Location: Westport Legion. Times: vendors 08:00, public 09:00–13:00. Admission: Free, tables: $10, tailgaters: $5. Talk-in: 146.520 simplex. Information: (613) 283-9488, e-mail: jac@falls.igs.net. Website: www.perth.igs.net/~lcares/lnlares3.htm.
St. Romuald, Québec, Saturday 02 August
Hamfest 2003. Sponsored by Assoc. Radio Experimentale du sud de Québec. Location: St. Romuald Arena. Times: 09:00–15:00. Talk-in: 145.450-. Information: Pierre Racine (418) 527-8680, e-mail: A HREF="mailto:ve2coh@sympatico.ca">ve2coh@sympatico.ca.
Burford, Ontario, Saturday 16 August
Hamfest 2003. Sponsored by the Brantford Amateur Radio Club. Location: Fairgrounds, Burford. Times: vendors 07:30, public 09:00–15:00. Admission: $5, tables $8, tailgaters $4. Talk-in: 147.150+. Information: Ken Dobson (519) 757-7291, e-mail: A HREF="mailto:Ken@Dobson.com">Ken@Dobson.com.
Lindsay, Ontario, Saturday 23 August
VHARA Hamfest 2003. Sponsored by the Victoria-Haliburton ARA. Location: Manvers Arena. Times: vendors 07:00, public 09:00. Admission: $5, tables $10, tailgaters $5. Talk-in: 147.195+. Information: Don Hutton (705) 374-4154, e-mail: A HREF="mailto:donray@netcom.ca">donray@netcom.ca. Website: yodeler.myftpsite.net/vhara/.
Carp, Ontario, Saturday 30 August
Ottawa Amateur Radio Club's 7th Annual Hamfest. Location: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3970 Carp Road, north of Highway 417. Times: vendors 08:00, public 10:00. Admission: $5, tables $10. Talk-in: 146.940-. Information: Greg Danylchenko (613) 236-9291, e-mail: A HREF="mailto:fleamarket@oarc.net">fleamarket@oarc.net. Website: www.oarc.net/fleamarket/.
Publications Available
The complete Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC, www.rac.ca), Radio amateur du Québec (RAQI, www.raqi.qc.ca), American Radio Relay League (ARRL, www.arrl.org), and Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB, www.rsgb.org) catalogues, and hundreds of other specialty radio communications publications, CD-ROMs and software are available from Radio H.F. The catalogue can be viewed by going to the Radio H.F. website at www.total.net/~radiohf/, under publications, or go directly to the catalogue at: www.anarc.org/cidx/radiohf/Cat2003Feb.html.
You can see details of the new releases from ARRL, plus other ARRL products such as RSGB publications, on the ARRL website (www.arrl.org/catalog/?category=What%27s+New).
Don't forget the new Radio H.F. Nature Division. Hundreds of books in the fields of birding, animals, plants, etc. Contact Radio H.F. Nature Division for a complete listing of the titles currently available (they are not yet in the on-line catalogue).
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Introduction |
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August 2003 issue
The Resources Zone:
Top of this section | Canadian International DX Club | International Radio Report | Radio Canada International
The following is a listing of clubs, groups, nets and radio broadcasts which I either operate, present, or am actively involved in.
CIDX is Canada's national radio monitoring club, serving radio hobbyists since 1962. This is CIDX's 41th year of serving its members. Our monthly newsletter, Messenger, covers all aspects of the radio monitoring hobby. Sample copies of recent issues are available for 42.00 each, in Canada or the U.S., or 43 elsewhere. Membership is open to radio hobbyists worldwide. Visit the CIDX website (www.anarc.org/cidx/) for complete information, as well as special features and website profiles, or to get a membership application.
The Resources Zone:
Top of this section | Canadian International DX Club | International Radio Report | Radio Canada International
The International Radio Report, on CKUT-FM Radio McGill, 90.3 MHz FM in Montreal, is available via the Internet at www.ckut.ca, Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM Eastern time (1430 UTC Apr.-Oct., 1530 UTC Nov.-Mar.). Now in its 15th year on the air, co-hosts Sheldon Harvey and Bill Westenhaver present this weekly half-hour of news, information and developments in radio broadcasting. Check out the CKUT website for the station's complete list of unique programmes.
You can also listen to recent International Radio Reports whenever you like. Thanks to one of our longtime listeners, Ricky Leong, archived editions of some of the programmes are available on demand at members.fortunecity.com/crazyaboutradio/. Also, you can send your comments to the International Radio Report by e-mail to radioreport@yahoo.com.
The Resources Zone:
Top of this section | Canadian International DX Club | International Radio Report | Radio Canada International
You can also hear Sheldon Harvey on his bi-weekly "CIDX Report" on Radio Canada International, Canada's international shortwave broadcaster, on the Maple Leaf Mailbag show, with host Ian Jones. Check out the Radio Canada International website (www.rcinet.ca) for complete details of times and frequencies. RCI also has a free e-mail news service available which issues daily bulletins of news and information from and about Canada. See the instructions on the RCI website if you wish to subscribe. When you travel abroad, take Canada with you, with Radio Canada International on shortwave.
That's all for this month. Radio H.F. operates as a mail-order, telephone, and on-line business, with the many products, great prices, and personalized service.
Your input is always welcome. Please feel free to send along your comments about the Newsletter, as well as any material you have to contribute, to me by e-mail at hfnewsletter@yahoo.com. Remember that you can find all previous issues of this newsletter at www.anarc.org/cidx/radiohf/index.html (right here! — Ed.).
Best wishes and 73 from Sheldon Harvey, VE2SHW
Owner, Radio H.F.
Canada's specialist in radio communications
www.total.net/~radiohf/
President, Canadian International DX Club
Canada's national radio monitoring club since 1962
www.anarc.org/cidx/
Radio H.F.
P.O. Box 67063-Lemoyne
St. Lambert, Quebec
CANADA J4R 2T8
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00 Eastern Time (1400-2100 UTC Apr.-Oct.; 1500-2200 UTC Nov.-Mar.)
Sunday: CLOSED
Telephone and Facsimile: +1 (450) 671-3773
Telephone, toll free, in Canada only: 1 800 463-3773
Facsimile: +1 (450) 671-3773
Visa & Mastercard accepted
Radio H.F.:
E-mail: radiohf@total.net
Website: www.total.net/~radiohf/
Radio H.F. Internet Newsletter:
E-mail: hfnewsletter@yahoo.com
Website: www.anarc.org/cidx/radiohf/
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Introduction |
June 2003 issue |
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Last modified, 1500 UTC, 16 September 2003.