June 2010 Edition 54 Page 1 Rambler Newsletter of the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club Incorporated Lawrence (Larry) James Wilcox, VE3WEH 1940-2010 Those of us who knew Larry were overwhelmed with a deep sense of sadness at the news of his sudden death on the morning of Friday May 28. Larry was an enthusiastic ambassador for amateur radio. He had a smile and personality that was impossible to resist. He was outgoing, gregarious and made friends easily. Now that he has become a silent key, we will miss him immensely. Larry grew up on a farm near Chatham, Ontario. He went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a vehicle specialist, in both Canada and Europe. Later, he served as a records management specialist at what is now Natural Resources Canada. After his retirement, Larry taught Canada Safety Council defensive driving courses. Larry was a communicator. Initially, he was involved in radio through the General Service band (CB). Subsequently, he became interested in amateur radio and, in 1992, graduated from the course offered by the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club (OVMRC) and obtained his ubiquitous call sign VE3WEH. He later became a lecturer on VHF- UHF communications for that course. Larry was a leader. Shortly after obtaining his license, he was elected to the executive of the Club and, over the years, he served in many positions. Nonetheless, the position that was dearest to his heart was that of Chair of the Historical Committee and curator of the Club archives, a role for which he was extremely well suited because of his many varied interests, his experience and his expertise. Larry was a recruiter. Many served on the executive of the Club and on its committees because they found it impossible to say no to him. Larry had many passions. He was interested in space and astronomy. He was also an accomplished and avid photographer. As a result, he accumulated a vast collection of pictures related to the history of the Club and to the development of amateur radio in the Ottawa area. He was most generous in sharing his prints and files with everyone. From the early 1990s, Larry contributed the majority of the pictures that appeared in the Club newsletter, the Rambler. Larry loved to communicate using amateur radio. He brought his radios with him everywhere. He was constantly on the air. He = Page 1 = Page 2 Rambler June 2010 OVMRC Executive 2009-2010 President: Michel Barbeau, VE3EMB michel.barbeau@sympatico.ca, Vice-President: Beth Webster, VA3CEW cemwebster@canada.com, Treasurer: Robert Plante, VA3SHO plantrj@rogers.com, 613-231-6044 Assistant Treasurer: Arthur Smith, VA3BIT Arthur.smith@rogers.com, 613-795-1154 Secretary: Joe Lemieux, VE3EUS ve3eus@rac.ca, 613-745-5074 Standing Committee Chairpersons Amateur Radio Exhibit: Maurice André Vigneault, VE3VIG vig@mondenet.com, 613-749-9010 Amateur Radio Training & Accredited Examiner: Ernie Jury, VE3EJJ es282@freenet.carleton.ca, 613-728-3666 Historical: Vacant Membership: Joe Lemieux, VE3EUS ve3eus@rac.ca, 613-745-5074 Publicity & Programs: Vacant Radio Operations: Vacant Technical: Cam Milne, VA3FO cmilne@nortel.com, 613-763-8068 Emergency Preparedness: Paul Labbé, VE3NJS paul.labbe@usa.net Special Events Vacant Newsletter Editor: Robert Cherry, VE2AGE robert_cherry@hotmail.com Webmaster: Chris Wiesner, VA3SM va3sm@rac.ca, 613-837-2997 For information about the duties and responsibilities about all Executive and Chair positions, please visit the OVMRC forums, Member section or ontact any member of the Executive. Sponsors The OVMRC acknowledges the following organizations for their support of our activities: A e, Ottawa, ON Bytown Marine, Ottawa, ON E L ., Trois-Riviéres, QC K E Canada Inc., Mississauga, ON C Ltd., Ottawa, ON Travel-Mor Trailer Sales, Ottawa, ON The cb eb ie i hed by: Magma Communications Ltd. www.ovmrc.on.ca OVMRC Life Members Maurice-André Vigneault, VE3VIG Ralph Cameron, VE3BBM Doug Carswell, VE3ATY Doreen Morgan, VE3CGO Ed Morgan, VE3GX Bill Wilson, VE3NR (SK) OVMRC Repeaters 147.300 MHz(+) 444.200 MHZ(+) Amateur Radio Exhibit VE3JW Web site: ovmrc.on.ca/ve3jw.htm Canada Science & Technology Museum The Rambler is the official newsletter of the Ottawa Valley Mobile Radio Club Incorporated and is published 11 times a year (monthly, except for July). Opinions expressed in the Rambler are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the OVMRC, its officers or its members. Permission is granted to republish the contents in whole or in part, providing the source is acknowledged. Commercial use of the contents is expressly prohibited. Submit articles to the editor or by e-mail to: Robert Cherry, VE2AGE robert_cherry@hotmail.com = Page 2 = June 2010 Rambler Page 3 was one of the founding members of the Welcome Mat Net and one of its main net controllers. He was the main net controller for the News and History Net (formerly the Military Net). He was a frequent controller for the Wise Owl Net and for the Pot Hole Net. His dedication to nets was a major factor in their longevity. Larry loved to talk about amateur radio. He was a dependable volunteer at the Club station, VE3JW,located at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. There, he spent many hours spreading his infectious enthusiasm for amateur radio to the visiting public and mentoring other amateurs. Over the years, Larry contributed more than 1,600 hours of his personal time volunteering at VE3JW. Larry was a member of Radio Amateurs of Canada for which he was a strong advocate. He was a member of the Ottawa Vintage Radio Club and had accumulated a respectable personal collection of vintage radios. He had also served as Vice- President of the Pioneer Amateur Radio Club. Larry was one of the main organizers of Club special events such as the Intercontinental Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend and of the OVMRC Hamfest. He was also one of the main organizers of Field Day, most notably of Field Day 2000, where 35 stations participated on the air, and where he assisted in the food trailer flipping burgers and cooking chicken. He contributed to the success of the Trans-Canada Relay in 2000 and to the Champlain Trail in 2008. He founded the Capital Area Region Bunny Hunters Association (CARBHA) which attracted radio transmitter hunters from outside the immediate area. Larry was active in many of the events where amateur radio operators support the not-for-profit sector such as at ski marathons and road races. He was a frequent visitor to amateur radio flea markets in the region. Larry was in large part responsible for the Clubs success in raising substantial funds through the sale of technical manuals. Larry was an entertainer. He had a large collection of costumes which he would wear with great pride on occasions such as radio transmitter hunts and the Talk to Santa Over Amateur Radio events. Larry was a friend and mentor to a number of blind amateur radio operators. He was a sponsor with respect to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind amateur radio program. Larry was also a member of the executive of High Horizons, a one-day-a week social program for the physically challenged. Larry persuaded several amateur radio operators to join him in serving that community. Larrs compassion enriched his life. Larry loved the company of his fellow amateur radio operators. Those of us who hung out with him could not help but notice his constant devotion as a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Serving the amateur radio community and the broader community was an immensely important part of Larrs life. He as recognized for his dedication on a number of occasions over the years. In 1998, Larry received the Jerry Wells OVMRC Amateur of the Year Award. Recently, we learned that he would receive a Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat. Larry passed away preparing for his shift as a volunteer amateur radio operator at VE3JW. Unquestionably, Larry left the world in a much better shape than he found it. Larry, 73. Joe, VE3EUS, May 31, 2010 = Page 3 = Page 4 Rambler June 2010 MINUTES, OVMRC GENERAL MEETING, May 20, 2010 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was held in the main parking lot of the Canada Science and Technology Museum. There were 24 people in attendance. 2. PROGRAM 2.1 Mobile and Portable Radio Show and Tell Contest Eight amateurs entered the show and tell contest, namely Bob VA3QV, Chris VA3SM, Darin VE3OIJ, David VE3ZZU, Larry VE3WEH, Maurice- André VE3VIG, Richard VE3RNM, and Roger VE3NPO. For several hours, members had the opportunity to discuss the technical aspects of the portable and mobile equipment on display. Afterwards, a committee of three judges was appointed to determine the winning entries. This committee consisted of José VA3PCJ, Mathieu VA3ECM, and René VE3JKR. The committee met to determine the criteria by which the entries would be judged. The judges considered the number of bands and the number of modes on which the equipment could be operated, the neatness of the installation, as well as the degree to which homebrew equipment was incorporated. Exhibitors were allowed five minutes to explain the merits of their entry and to answer the many questions posed by the judges. The judges then retired to deliberate their findings and came to a unanimous verdict as follows: a) Portable Category: First Prize, Bob VA3QV; Second Prize, Roger VE3NPO. b) Mobile Category: First Prize, Richard VE3RNM; Second Prize, Larry VE3WEH. c) Mobile Advanced Category: First Prize, Maurice-André VE3VIG; Second Prize, Darin VE3OIJ. Prizes will be awarded at the next meeting of the Club. 3. STANDING COMMITTEES 3.1 Amateur Radio Exhibit a) Graduates of the Satellite Communications Course Maurice-André VE3VIG presented a certificate to Richard VE3RNM for successful completion of the satellite communications course offered by the Club. The satellite course is open to all amateurs. 4. UPCOMING CLUB MEETINGS The next meeting of the Club executive will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 19:00. The next general meeting of the Club will be held on Thursday, June 17 at 19:30. 5. ADJOURNMENT Darkness and a few small mosquitoes having appeared, the meeting was adjourned at which time many of the attendees proceeded, as is customary, to the local coffee shop to talk radio. 6. SIGNED Joe VE3EUS, Secretary Ramblings By Michel Barbeau, VE3EMB President, OVMRC All OVMRC mourns the death of Larry Wilcox VE3WEH on May 28, 2010. Larry was our current historical chair. Like for several of you, I knew Larry through our common interest for amateur radio. I met Larry for the first time when I visited the amateur radio station at museum with a group of students. Together with Maurice André, Larry was our host. I was immediately struck by his facility and his enthusiasm to communicate with young people. From Winter 2009, I have been working side by side with Larry as we were both serving as executives for the OVMRC. The evening before his death, we were at the museum meeting with other executives. Larry was sitting next to me, on my right, which symbolically means a lot. For me, Larry the person who knew everything. He always knew what we had to do. I will always remember him as a person of ideas, experience, wisdom, and = Page 4 = June 2010 Rambler Page 5 happiness. He was thoughtful and committed. From my point of view, Larry was a pillar of OVMRC and our hobby in general. The departure of Larry leaves a big gap. The world will not be the same without Larry. He will remain an inspiration for all of us. I would like to offer to Larry's family my sincere condolences. At this time, the plan is to postpone the elections of the new executives until September. The general meeting of June will be a special evening that will be devoted to honor the memory of Larry VE3WEH by the club members. I know this is not a time to celebrate or to talk about celebration, if not celebrate the 70 years that Larry spent with us. I wrote this before Larry's passing, and then, I did not want to submit it. But I thought that members would appreciate to know how Larry spent his last moments among us and enjoyed a last dinner with us. ANNUAL VOLUNTEER NIGHT AT CSTM How time flies! We hardly forgot about the succulent dishes served to us last year at this time during the Canada Science and Technology Museum Annual Volunteer Night that once again we were sitting at a another mouth watering "festin" professionally served at our table on this very warm May 26 evening. It started with greetings at the front door from gracious hostesses handing us our volunteer certificates and free draw tickets. A little further down the hall we were presented with a delicious cocktail made of exotic fruits next to a table bursting with an assortment of cheeses and fancy bread- like biscuits. At the entrance to the main dining area, the CEO and the DG were both there to greet us. Shortly after everyone sat down, Ms Denise Amyot, President and CEO, gave her welcoming speech and thanked everyone for their volunteering efforts. "This is your night!" was the signal- bell for the commencement of the table service. A savoury salad was served including many colourful, finely cut vegetables on a bed of short-leaves lettuce. Our group was spread out at three tables, making room for Museum staff who joined us and contributed to lively conversation. The main dish consisted of a deliciously stuffed young "volaille" covered with a light "chapelure" à la Cordon Bleu and accompanied with a bouquet of crispy vegetables along side sautéed wholesome potatoes. The service was "impeccable" throughout. At dessert time, the Museum staff got busy with the distribution of special awards, marking different levels of volunteer hours for our two groups of guests, that is the combined celebration for the Museum of Agriculture and the Museum of Science. Sandy, VE3HAZ, received his first- level pin, and Darin, VE3OIJ, received his second-level pin. The winners of the draws in our VE3JW group were Mike, VE3LTN, Larry, VE3WEH, and Darin, VE3OIJ. In addition, everyone got a souvenir carry-all bag dressed with the colours of the Aviation, Agriculture or Science Museum. During this special distribution of awards, we were served a very "decadent" chocolate- mousse cake enrobed in a heavenly coulis of strawberries. A perfect topping to a very enjoyable meal. The Museum presented light entertainment after the meal, consisting of a demonstration of the effects of different gases, burning in different colours, lighter than air, and heavier than air. The latter made many laugh when the presenter = Page 5 = Page 6 Rambler June 2010 inhaled some of it and tried to speak in a normal voice, which he could not do due to the effect of the gas on his vocal chords. Some of you may not know this, the Sci & Tech Museum is seen on television every week, Monday night, 8PM, on Rogers channel 23. The program is called "Auto2010" and they have added a five minute segment, going back in time and showing some of the antique automobiles stored away in the Museum warehouse. Serge Ouellette, one of the volunteers, presents a different model every week and tells of the particular history of each one of them. The program repeats through the week. Serge was at the Volunteer Night and when I met him with Larry and Graham, I congratulated him for his nice work on TV, making him somewhat of a star in this domain. I asked him if he would sign an autograph for me. That provoked a lot of laughter from Serge and our group, but he accepted saying that "It will be the first time that I ever signed an autograph!". We all laughed at that. All in all, a very successful evening and everyone I talked to after the event agreed that it was a very enjoyable time. Thank you to the Museum Administration, to the staff who put it all together, and to the Museum Corporation for honouring us in such a way. Maurice-André, Museum volunteer OVMRC-VE3JW AWARDS Thanks to all those who have participated in the OVMRC Show and Tell Portables and Mobiles event. It was a great evening with ideal weather that allowed us to continue the meeting in the front parking lot of the Canada Science and Technology Museum. And with no less than the new Chairman of the Board for the Museums Corporation, Dr. Gary Polonsky and company joining us at the end of their official meeting inside the Museum. Dr. Polansky was introduced to Amateur Radio and he took particular interest when I covered satellites and the International Space Station student contacts. He was going to take immediate steps to follow up on the ARISS programme. In closing the meeting, the VE3JW Group presented a certificate of accomplishment to Richard, VE3RNM, for having completed the Satellite Communications Training program at the JW station. A reminder that this course is free to anyone with an Amateur Radio certificate. I don't know who all the winners of the different categories were during our Show and Tell; you'll find them in this issue. I was glad to be awarded the "most advanced" category by the slate of judges for presenting my Kis-Kit, a foldable carryall box with the inscription "KIS" on it. I installed shelves in it and proceeded to fill it with all miniature equipment, interconnected to allow all- modes on all-bands. I even had D-Star, APRS and SSTV. Here are some pictures to tell the story. See the development of the shelving phase, the equipment to be installed in it, and the final product. The last picture was taken at the event display. Lots of fun for all, presenters and visitors, as there were some very interesting displays of mobile installations and portable units with all kinds of imaginable antennas. Thank you OVMRC for allowing us the opportunity to have such an enjoyable event. Enjoy the photos, Maurice-André Vigneault, VE3VIG = Page 6 = June 2010 Rambler Page 7 = Page 7 =