Category Archives: Uncategorised

Tom VE3BTR

- Regarding Tom VE3 BTR. This news from Rudie VE3 OUA.

- This I heard from a very reliable source. From Cathy, Tom’s girlfriend.

- Tom has been in hospital in Richmond Hill. It has been called the Mackenzie Centre, since August of 2014.

- They are giving him only five to ten days of life. He is suffering very much.

- If you have any further questions, you may have to call Cathy, his Girlfriend on her cell at:

- I may go and see him with my pastor, who said he would take me to see him.

- We are all going through the sadness of losing Tom, but the great physician is still in performing miracles and
- we only pray for his healing, if it is His will.

- Thanks so much. Rudie VE3 OUA.

New Changes on the VE3TWR

NEW Changes on the VE3TWR

 

The TFMCS is moving forward with the new technology that is presented to us in today’s new Ham radio market

 

The VE3TWR repeater on 444.400 part of the TFMCS system.  In the past, this frequency and 145.41 have been linked together on a full time basis but now, those repeaters are unlinked and operating on their own.  While 145.41 is still linkable to the rest of the TFMCS system, 444.400 is part of a new Yaesu technology called System Fusion, is running in a dual mode configuration.  

 

1st mode is the traditional FM that you use today, you will require a 103.5Hz tone on transmit and receive of your radio to use the UHF side.  

2nd mode is C4FM digital voice that we are currently experimenting with and works with new Yaesu radios.  We hope you enjoy the new technology and look forward to your feedback via the TFMCS web site.

The TFMCS would like to thank Radioworld and Yaesu for sponsoring this new repeater system.

In support of this new technology from Radioworld, if you purchase a new radio please let them know that you are a member of TFMCS

MS 2013 walk

MS 2013 walk

I would like to say thank you to everyone that participated in this year’s event, John VE3POJ, Robert VE3VAJ, Benita VA3VAJ, Peter VE3FJI, Ray VE3ZXC, and Joe VE3OV. Special thanks go to Peter VA3PRW for helping and also doing the walk with Rudi VE3OUA who did very well. Just to let everyone know that I had a very great time and the walk was very successful this year and I’m looking forward to next year.

Thanks Ralph VE3VXY net control.

2013 MS Walk – Call for Volunteers

The Scarborough MS Walk will take place on Sunday, May 5. Once again, SARC is providing communication support and we need licensed radio amateurs who can spare a few hours to help. You do not need to be a member of SARC to participate.

This year we are at a new location: Willow Park Junior Public School, 45 Windover Dr, Scarborough. Please plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 AM.

The route has also changed: see MS Walk route map.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Ralph at ve3vxy at arrl.net.

Highway Traffic Act Ontario Regulation 366/09

Here is a copy you can carry with you;

 

Highway Traffic Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 366/09

DISPLAY SCREENS AND HAND-HELD DEVICES

Consolidation Period: From January 1, 2013 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: O. Reg. 253/12.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

Definitions

Definitions

1.  In this Regulation,

“hand microphone or portable radio” means a wireless communication device, consisting of a hand-held unit that is both receiver and microphone, that is operated by a push-to-talk function on a set frequency and that allows for voice communication but not for the transmission and receipt of voice communication at the same time; (“microphone à main ou radio portative”)

“mobile data terminal” means a computerized device that is used exclusively to communicate with a dispatcher or control centre; (“terminal mobile”)

“two-way radio” means a wireless communication device, consisting of a main receiver unit and a separate hand-held microphone, that is operated by a push-to-talk function on a set frequency and that allows for voice communication but not for the transmission and receipt of voice communication at the same time. (“radio bidirectionnelle”) O. Reg. 366/09, s. 1.

Display Screens

Exemption for law enforcement officers

2.  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a display screen of a computer or other device in the motor vehicle visible to the driver:

1. Police officers, within the meaning of the Police Services Act.

2. Special constables appointed under section 53 of the Police Services Act.

3. Auxiliary members of a police force.

4. First Nations Constables appointed under subsection 54 (1) of the Police Services Act.

5. Persons appointed under a statute of the Parliament of Canada and who are peace officers within the meaning of section 2 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

6. Persons appointed as police constables under section 44 of the Railway Safety Act (Canada).

7. Persons designated as park wardens by the Minister of Natural Resources or under the Canada National Parks Act (Canada).

8. Park wardens under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006.

9. Conservation officers under section 87 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 2.

Exemption for other enforcement officers

3.  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a computer display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver:

1. Provincial offences officers designated under subsection 1 (3) of the Provincial Offences Act.

2. Municipal law enforcement officers appointed under section 15 of the Police Services Act.

3. The Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal appointed under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

4. Municipal fire chiefs and deputy fire chiefs.

5. Guards appointed under the Public Works Protection Act. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 3.

Exemption for certain evaluation and monitoring functions

4.  (1)  Drivers employed by or on contract to a road authority and engaged in collecting data and viewing pavement evaluation indices may drive a motor vehicle equipped with an automatic road analyser on a highway with a computer display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 4 (1).

(2)  Persons appointed as spectrum management officers under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) and engaged in frequency spectrum management may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a computer display screen in the motor vehicle that is connected to equipment used to monitor radio frequencies and is visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 4 (2).

(3)  Persons employed by or on contract toa telecommunication enterprise and engaged in monitoring service levels may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a computer display screen in the motor vehicle that is connected to equipment used to monitor service levels and disruptions and is visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 4 (3).

(4)  Persons employed as automobile technicians or mechanics may test drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a computer display screen that provides diagnostic information about the vehicle’s performance in the motor vehicle visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 4 (4).

Exemption for other public functions

5.  (1)  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver:

1. Employees of and persons contracted to a public utility within the meaning of the Public Utilities Act, the Municipal Act, 2001 or the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

2. Employees of and persons contracted to a transmitter or distributor within the meaning of the Electricity Act, 1998. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 5 (1).

(2)  Employees of or persons contracted to a road authority, while they are engaged in road patrol, repair, maintenance or construction activities, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 5 (2).

Exemption for certain commercial activities

6.  (1)  Drivers of commercial motor vehicles, within the meaning of subsection 16 (1) of the Act, may drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the vehicle visible to the driver. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 6 (1).

(2)  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway with a mobile data terminal display screen in the motor vehicle visible to the driver:

1. Drivers of motor vehicles clearly identified as courier delivery vehicles.

2. Drivers of tow trucks or roadside assistance service vehicles.

3. Drivers of taxicabs and limousines licensed by a municipality or airport authority to provide passenger service. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 6 (2).

Exempt devices

7.  The display screens of the following devices may be visible to any driver in a motor vehicle driven on a highway:

1. A device that displays,

i. information on the conditions, use and immediate environment of the vehicle, or

ii. information on road or weather conditions.

2. An ignition interlock device.

3. A car audio control that displays only text or static images.

4. A hand-held device that displays only text or static images and is connected directly into and operates using the audio system controls of the motor vehicle. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 7.

Requirement that display screens be secure

8.  The exemptions in sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 apply only if the display screen of the computer, mobile data terminal or other device is placed securely in or mounted to the motor vehicle so that it does not move while the vehicle is in motion. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 8.

Hand-Held Devices

Exemption for law enforcement officers

9.  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a hand-held wireless communication device:

1. Police officers, within the meaning of the Police Services Act.

2. Special constables appointed under section 53 of the Police Services Act.

3. Auxiliary members of a police force.

4. First Nations Constables appointed under subsection 54 (1) of the Police Services Act.

5. Persons appointed under a statute of the Parliament of Canada and who are peace officers within the meaning of section 2 of the Criminal Code (Canada).

6. Persons appointed as police constables under section 44 of the Railway Safety Act (Canada).

7. Persons designated as park wardens by the Minister of Natural Resources or under the Canada National Parks Act (Canada).

8. Park wardens under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006.

9. Conservation officers under section 87 of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 9.

Exemption for other enforcement officers

10.  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio:

1. Provincial offences officers designated under subsection 1 (3) of the Provincial Offences Act.

2. Municipal law enforcement officers appointed under section 15 of the Police Services Act.

3. The Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal appointed under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

4. Municipal fire chiefs and deputy fire chiefs.

5. Guards appointed under the Public Works Protection Act. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 10.

Time-limited exemption for other public functions

11.  (1)  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio:

1. Employees of and persons contracted to a public utility within the meaning of the Public Utilities Act, the Municipal Act, 2001 or the City of Toronto Act, 2006.

2. Employees of and persons contracted to a transmitter or distributor within the meaning of the Electricity Act, 1998. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 11 (1), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 1 (1).

(2)  Employees of or persons contracted to a road authority, while they are engaged in road patrol, repair, maintenance or construction activities, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 11 (2), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 1 (2).

(3)  This section is revoked on January 1, 2018. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 11 (3), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 1 (3).

Time-limited exemption for certain commercial activities

12.  (1)  Drivers of commercial motor vehicles, within the meaning of subsection 16 (1) of the Act, may drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 12 (1), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 2 (1).

(2)  The following persons, while engaged in the performance of their duties, may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio:

1. Drivers of motor vehicles clearly identified as courier delivery vehicles.

2. Drivers of tow trucks or roadside assistance service vehicles.

3. Drivers of taxicabs and limousines licensed by a municipality or airport authority to provide passenger service.

4. Drivers of street cars.

5. Drivers of road-building machines. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 12 (2), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 2 (2).

(3)  Subsection (1) does not apply if the driver is using the commercial motor vehicle for personal purposes without compensation. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 12 (3).

(4)  This section is revoked on January 1, 2018. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 12 (4), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 2 (3).

Time-limited exemption for amateur radio operators

13.  (1)  Drivers who hold a valid radio operator certificate issued under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada) may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while holding or using a two-way radio. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 13 (1), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 3 (1).

(2)  This section is revoked on January 1, 2018. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 13 (2), O. Reg. 253/12, s. 3 (2).

Exemption for pressing buttons

14.  (1)  A person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while pressing a button on a hand-held wireless communication device to make, answer or end a cell phone call or to transmit or receive voice communication on a two-way radio if the device is placed securely in or mounted to the motor vehicle so that it does not move while the vehicle is in motion and the driver can see it at a quick glance and easily reach it without adjusting his or her driving position. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 14 (1).

(2)  A person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway while pressing a button on a device that is worn on his or her head or hung over or placed inside his or her ear or is attached to his or her clothing and is linked toa hand-held wireless communication device to make, answer or end a cell phone call or to transmit or receive voice communication on a two-way radio or a hand microphone or portable radio. O. Reg. 366/09, s. 14 (2).

15.  Revoked: O. Reg. 253/12, s. 4.

Test Your Radio Out

- Amateur Radio stations anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area are invited to check into the evening nets of the Toronto ARES Group.
The nets begin with a call out to roll call stations but the Net Control Station (VE3NCS) will also issue a call for any station anywhere to check in.

- All weeknight nets start at 8.00 PM.

- The Net on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights is a SIMPLEX net on 147.405 MHz. You must transmit a PL tone of 103.5 hz.

- The Monday night net is held on the VE3TNC repeater (147.270+) in downtown Toronto. No tone required.

- The Wednesday night net is held on the VA3GTU repeater 4B (444.850+) in downtown Toronto. 103.5 tone required.

- The Friday night net is held on the VA3GTU repeater 4C (443.750+) in Scarborough. 103.5 tone required.

- On Saturday nights additional nets are held
- - at 8.30 PM on repeater VE3RPT (147.060+) and
- - at 9.00 PM on 6 Meter repeater VA3ECT (53.390-).

- On Sunday evening three nets are held.
- - At 8 PM a net is held on the VE3BEG repeater (224.860-).
- - At 8.30 PM a simplex net is held on 446.025 MHz.
- - At 9.00 PM a 6 Meter simplex net is held on 52.525 MHz.
None of these 3 nets require a tone.

- - At 5.30 PM on Sundays, the GTA Regional Net is held on the CN Tower repeater VE3TWR 145.410-(103.5) and 444.400+.

By participating in any of these nets you are putting your radio on the air and ensuring that it is working properly.

You are also informing all the other Amateur Radio Operators in Toronto that you are on the map. That you exist.

Being an Amateur Radio Operator means you talk on a radio with other Amateur Radio Operators.
Checking into the ARES Nets is your best easy way to do that on VHF and UHF.

Print out this message for reference. Relay over to your club's website or newsletter.

73 - Toronto ARES Group

If you are into trains check out Model Railroad Club of Toronto

Take a tour to the new model railroad site. web site to the club.

The Toronto Star did a write-up on it. As you can see, it is something that should not be missed.

One thing that should be noted is there are stairs to the lower level and no elevator. Parking is at the side.

TTC:

  • 63 OSSINGTON bus to Liberty St/Atlantic Ave and walk east one block to Hanna Ave.
  • 504 KING streetcar to King St W/Atlantic Ave, walk south two blocks to Liberty St, then east to Hanna Ave.
  • 511 BATHURST streetcar to Exhibition, walk through the GO station to Atlantic Ave exit, walk north to Liberty St, east to Hanna Ave.

GO Transit: Lakeshore West train to Exhibition station, use Atlantic Ave exit, walk north to Liberty St, east to Hanna Ave.

The Model Railroad Club of Toronto [map]
171 East Liberty Street Suite B1
Toronto, Ontario M6K 3P6
(416) 536-8927