 reprinted from http://www.rac.ca
Industry Canada to verify Amateur Radio database information Industry Canada utilizes multiple databases to manage the authorization of amateur radio operators. As a result, there currently is no automated method for matching the qualifications of an amateur operator with a specific call sign assignment. Part of the enhancement work being done by RAC in the ongoing maintenance of the Amateur call sign data base, consists of electronically merging the records from the Industry Canada data bases to obtain as great a match as possible between call signs and certificate qualifications. RAC has completed their work on this task. However, due to variations in the initial entry of names of amateurs in the current data bases, approximately 29% of the records remain unmatched. In order to complete this matching process and ensure that the data base will accurately reflect amateur qualifications, Industry Canada will soon be requesting information from amateurs. This will be done as a mail out to those amateurs whose records could not be electronically matched. Industry Canada will be requesting the confirmation of vital information, such as date of birth and telephone number. In respect of individuals privacy, it is important to point out that this type of personal information is strictly for facilitating the matching process. It will be treated as confidential and will not be made available when the new data base is released on the internet. When completed this new information will be made available to amateurs via the RAC internet call sign data base web page. The availability of a public data base for amateurs that accurately reflects callsign and certificate qualification information is of significant value to the amateur radio community. Therefore Industry Canada and the RAC ask those amateurs who receive a letter to respond quickly and positively to this request for matching information in order to facilitate the process. [ TOP ] RAC establishes new Microwave Bandplanning Committee President Pat Doherty has approved a new Microwave Bandplanning Committee to advise on
revisions and improvements to RAC bandplans covering the spectrum from 2300 MHz to 250
GHz. The committee will also advise on possible new bands above 250 GHz. With the intense crowding of the spectrum from 2 to 10 GHz, and the rapid expansion of commercial and government use from 10 to 70 GHz, amateurs are being asked to share our bands with other users. Our best defense in such cases is to be able to demonstrate how our bands are currently used, and which of our uses need the most protection from interference. At WRC 2000, the ITU will consider proposals to move and possibly share our bands between 75 and 250 GHz to satisfy the needs of satellite remote sensing, and radio astronomy users. In order to be sure that such moves will cause the least harm to Amateur Radio, again we need good band planning, and a good understanding of technology and propagation in those frequency bands. RAC is extremely fortunate to have the advice and assistance of well qualified amateurs with experience in the microwave range. The new advisory committee will be chaired by Darrell Ward VE1ALQ of Grand Bay NB, ve1alq@fundy.net On his committee, Darrell will have the following representatives from across Canada.
If you wish to have an input to the planning process, please get in touch with the committee member nearest to you. The committee will report through Vice President International Affairs, Ken Pulfer VE3PU [ TOP ]
RAC President Pat Doherty has appointed two new HF Contest Managers Gord Kosmenko VE6SV will manage the Canada Day Contest, The appointments reflect the growing popularity with both RAC contests necessitating the change from a sole HF Manager. Both Gord and Dave will report to RAC's Contest Chairman, Tim Ellam VE6SH, who is also RAC's appointee to the ARRL Contest /advisory Committee. Gord, Dave and Tim will review the format of both contests in order to keep them current and consider the introduction of new categories, as well as electronic log submissions. [ TOP ] 1998 Canada Day Contest Results Delayed With the retirement of former HF Contest Manager Dave Goodwin VE2ZP, the 1998 Canada Day contest lacked a manager. RAC Contest Chairman Tim Ellam VE6SH took on the task of preparing the results, but due to both professional and RAC commitments he was unable to commence this task until late in 1998 with the hope the results would be released prior to the end of the year. Unfortuantly VE6SH suffered an catastrophic computer failure in January with a corresponding loss of the many logs which had been cross-checked and entered. Tim hastens to add that hard copies of all the submitted logs are safe and he is busy re entering all contest logs with the plan to post the results on the RAC website as soon as possible and in the May/June issue of TCA. [ TOP ] New Prefix for Nunavut as of April 1 1999 The following is an announcement received by RAC from Rolf Ziemann, Industry Canada, Director, NWT Congratulations on the creation of Nunavut. On this occasion, we are delighted to assign a new distinctive call sign prefix for your use. Prefix VY0 (Victor Yankee Zero) becomes effective 1 April 1999 to the territory of Nunavut to ensure a unique identification for the new territory. The Prefix VE8 (Victor Echo Eight) will remain for the use of the western North west territories. [ TOP ] Other News from around the world
News from Canada
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(1999-02-17) 