April 2001 Packet Racket by Larry Gorman VE3LGN

Show and tell was the main feature at our March packet group meeting. Having successfully survived the faux millennium year 2000 arrival, and more recently the genuine thing, with no more than a yawn, Gord VE3EOS was finally prevailed upon to present his Y2K+1 emergency chest. Weighing in at over 50 pounds (23 kilos) and with a volume of about 4 cu ft its contents were something of a mystery.

The weight factor was easily clarified when two 15 amp gel cells were extricated. The list of contents also included a flashlight with extra batteries, fuses, wiring harnesses, a small first aid kit and of course emergency survival food! Did I see the suggested inclusion of a CB and pair of FRS radios in the Jan-Feb issue of The Canadian Amateur! I wonder how many still-in-carton gasoline powered generators are collecting dust out there in garages. And did the owners ever get their external house wiring retro-fitted to plug in this alternate energy supply?

Lest one become complacent, we are still not out of the woods when it comes to emergency communications and energy needs. California is experiencing a series of energy shortages, and we in Ontario have been committed to an electric energy supply system similar to theirs.

Ted has posted the recent announcement from NASA regarding the selection of the next round of potential ISS candidates. (L 65198). "Rocket, Please Phone Home" (L 65199) is also rather interesting.

On another note, a reminder that the tornado "season" is soon upon us. The local weather channel www.wotspot.com  has forecast that the region can possibly expect 4-real Tornadoes this year, with the Bridgeport area being particularly prone, due to its physical depression.   This is predicated on the vacuum created partially by the loss of pressure where Laurel Creek enters the jet stream.   In recent years 2 degrees of Ph have also been reported in the environs. The La Nina effect was also cited. Have you checked out your emergency radio kit lately?

An alarming statistic in the latest issue of "The Canadian Amateur", official publication of Radio Amateurs Canada. Currently only about 15% of Canadian Amateurs support RAC, which represents us at the national, and frequently at the international level.   Does this mean that 85% of amateurs are only interested in local VHF contacts?

73 Larry
ve3lgn@rac.ca 
or on Packet

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