Transcript
Newsletter of the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club
April 2011
The Feedline Club Station VE5AA
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The Japan Earthquake & Tsunami - Amateur radio related news inside
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NEXT CLUB MEETING Tuesday, April 12th, 2011 7:30 PM ALVIN BUCKWOLD SCHOOL 715 East Drive West entrance 715 East Drive Saskatoon, SK S7J 2X8
[email protected] http://ve5aa.dyndns.org Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club Meetings are held usually on the 2nd Tuesday of each month September till June unless otherwise noted. Our meeting location is Alvin Buckwold School 715 East Drive – West entrance Meeting is 01:30 UTC (7:30PM local) VISITORS AND GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! President Past President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director Director Committees Repeaters Property and Assets Record Training Coordinator Public Service Sick and Visiting Field Day Elmer Trailer Space Club SARC Net L.B.L. Rep Coffee 50/50 Draw Feedline Web-site
Gus Schmid VE5SPI Vacant Nathan Mirva VE5NAT Lou Curti VE5LOU Ned Carroll VE5NED Ken Bindle VE5KRB Mike Luciuk VE5MIK Mike Mikytyshyn VE5MMG Bob Tower VA5BRT Gus VE5SPI Club Executive Ken VE5KRB Club Executive Vacant Sean VA5LF Vacant John VA5RJA Mike VE5MIK, Al VE5MDC John VA5RJA Ken VE5KRB John VA5RJA Nate VE5NAT Mike VE5MIK Bruce VE5BNC
BE THERE!
COFFEE Haywood’s Restaurant Saturdays 9:00 AM 3016 Arlington Avenue South of Alvin Buckwold School
Everyone is welcome. Hams, non-Hams, it doesn’t matter. We’re there to have good conversation with good friends. C’mon out and visit!
NEXT ARES MEETING 1st Tuesday of each Month 7:00 PM Fire Department Staff Development Centre on the Corner of 22nd Street and Avenue W Call in: 146.640-
Saskatoon and Area Frequencies LOCAL AREA REPEATERS VE5SK 146.640- Saskatoon, SARC VE5XW 146.730- Rock Point VE5ZH 147.270- 2 MHz offset, Saskatoon, Auto Patch VE5CC 146.970- Sktn. MARS. Linked to VE5SKN,VE5DNA, and IRLP node 1360. Link code 502*/503* VE5SKN 145.940- Sktn MARS. 100Hz tone on xmt only .Linked to VE5CC. VE5DNA and IRLP node 1360. Link code 500*/501* ARES SAME wx Rcvr. VA5LLR 145.390- Lizard Lake VA5SV 145.330- Ridge East of Sktn VE5RPD 145.190- Elbow/Davidson IRLP NODE 1360 Hard linked to VE5CC UHF Hub (444.975 +5M) & available to VE5CC, VE5SKN and VE5DNA VHF repeaters when linked. All the above repeaters are completely open. APRS VE5RHF 144.390 Saskatoon DIGI VE5BNC-3 144.390 Saskatoon IGATE & SATGATE VE5XW-1 146.730- Rock Point VE5HAN-4 144.390 Hanley DIGI VE5YR-4 144.390 Davidson DIGI ATV urre VE5ATVC439.250 ntlyin 1277.250 out offoff Saskatoon (currently thethe air) air
PACKET VE5BBS 145.010 Saskatoon BBS VE5USR-3 145.010 U of S DIGI VE5YR-7 145.010 Davidson DIGI In th 145.010 Hanley DIGI VE5HAN e pro ceRegina VE5TH 145.010 ss o BBS f upAlbert VE5XXX 145.010 Prince grad BBS ing VE5MPK-2 145.010 Melfort Node VE5MPK 145.010 Melfort BBS VE5NEP-3 145.010 Minichinas DIGI LOCAL AND REGIONAL NETS Sask WX 80m 1400Z 3735 Khz ARES (Sun.) 80m 1430Z 3735 Khz Aurora 40m 2330Z 7055 Khz & 0200Z Manitoba 80m 0000Z 3747 Khz Montana Tfc 80m 0030Z 3910 Khz Sask. 80m 0100Z 3735 Khz Alberta 80m 0130Z 3700 Khz Local Area 2m 0200Z 146.640B.C. 80m 0200Z 3727 Khz Sask. 2m 0300Z 146.970linked net 146.94080m YL Net 80m 0315Z 3755 Khz Sundays Prince Albert 2m 0330Z 147.150+ (All nets are daily except where noted) All qualified Hams are welcome to check into any of these nets. CONTESTS - March Run for the Bacon QRP Contest
0100Z-0300Z, Apr 18 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital
0001Z, Apr 23 to 2359Z, Apr 24 QRP to the Field
1500Z, Apr 30 to 0300Z, May 1 For a full calendar of contests see: http://www.contesting.com
Monthly Club Meeting Minutes March 2011 President Gus, VE5SPI called the meeting to order @ 1940. President Gus, VE5SPI called for acceptance minutes of previous meeting as published in the “Feedline”. Moved by Eric, VE5HG Seconded by Bob, VA5BRT.
Carried
President Gus, VE5SPI called for the reading of the treasurer’s report, which was read by Ned, VE5NED. Copy on file.
President Gus, VE5SPI called for more volunteers for the other committees. He has terms of reference for each committee.
New Business President Gus, VE5SPI called for volunteers for the Field day committee. President Gus, VE5SPI called for volunteers for the Saskatchewan Marathon, which will be held on May 29, 2011.
Moved by Eric, VE5HG Seconded by Lou VE5LOU.
There was discussion from members present in regards to postponing or rescheduling this event. John, VE5MU suggested research another venue with a decision to be made in the next two weeks
Carried
Old Business President Gus, VE5SPI advised that the Rock Point repeater Wind generator has been repaired under warranty and has been returned. Several parts were replaced. The unit will be reinstalled at the site when weather and ground conditions permit.
A list was passed around. John, VE5MU advised members present that there would be a field day exercise conducted by CFARS and or with Amateur Radio on June 5, 2011 President Gus, VE5SPI called for nominations for election of President, Secretary and one Director.
Gus, VE5SPI also advised that the Solar panels are slowly charging and maintaining the charge in the batteries.
50/50 draw won by Gus, VE5SPI
President Gus, VE5SPI called for a volunteer to chair the Hamfest committee. The committee also requires more volunteers if it is to succeed. John, VE5MU reviewed progress and status of the Program Committee. President Gus, VE5SPI gave an update of the Hamfest status to date. Doris, VE5DJQ advised on the status of her committee. Eric, VE5HG moved that the event be postponed until next year. Not seconded. Not carried.
Moved by Bob, VA5BRT, that adjourned @ 2045
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attendance.
From the President: Well here we are and summer is ending but as I recall it never seemed to really arrive this year.
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President’s Corner
We are looking forward to the 2009/2010 season for the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club. We have been asked to assist with the Parkinson Super Walk in mid-September. The Santa Parade committee has been meeting already planning this year’s parade. In the past we have had three members of the Club on that committee and we currently have a vacancy. If anyone is interested in sitting on the committee please contact me or Jim VE5JIM.
Well here it is April already!! We have a guest speaker for the meeting arranged by Ken, VE5KRB. It is Dr. Sofko from the University of Saskatchewan. He will be talking about the current sun cycle and the effect on communications and the aurora. I think everyone will find this to be very interesting. Looking back at the past year has seen the Club more active than in the past. Thanks to Terry and his efforts the momentum has kept going now it is up to the Club membership to continue this effort.
The committees for the Ham Fest are hard at work getting things arranged. We have a new and larger venue that Ned and Lou were able to arrange for the event. We have a dual band radio aonedoor prize and a ladies program is being put together by Doris and Hazel. I think it Last for year was of our most successful Radio Classes. Graduates have been will Ham be a very interesting out helping with public service events and day as the schedule will be a full one and fun. Admission will include being active in the Club’s activities, Which a meal on the door prize and all the coffee you can drink. is a greatat thingnoon, to see. One tickets of the graduates, a young new ham Liam has been very busy See Ken’s (VE5KRB) segment latter in the Feedline about his grandson Liam’s achievements.
As my term as president draws to a close I would like to thank all the members of the executive who have been instrumental in arranging the club’s activities and putting the necessary effort into keeping things moving along and interesting. The Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club has much to be4 /12proud of. We have established another repeater site that is giving great coverage and is used by a great number of hams. We have been active in the community by assisting with various events like the MS Walk-a-thon, the Parkinson Walk-athon, the Saskatchewan Marathon, Field Day, Santa Parade, and other activities like high altitude ballooning and the Little Bear Lake Ham Radio Station. Due to contacts in the community we have been able to stock pile a large amount of used radio equipment that has put us in a position of being able to help other clubs with donations of equipment. I hope we have some candidates come forward for the elections of executive officers that are open this year to help keep things moving along. Again thank you to everyone and I hope you have an great summer and lots of fun at the Field Day and the Ham Fest. Take care. Gus Schmid VE5SPI
Ham Fest 2011 Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club is hosting the Saskatchewan Ham Fest this summer. The event will be held on Saturday July 9, 2011 at the Pike Lake Community Center. A change of venue was required to have enough space to hold both the Ham Radio program and the Ladies program. Pike Lake Community Center is located in the Village of Pike Lake and is south west of Saskatoon, SK and just east of Hwy 60 that runs to the Pike Lake Provincial Park. The committees are working hard to get things ready for the Ham Fest. The Schedule so far has a flea market, ladies programs, fox hunt, Annual General Meeting for the Saskatchewan Amateur Radio League, trophy awards, a home brew competition and other sessions of interest like high altitude Amateur Radio balloon flights. Information on the remaining programs will follow once the arrangements have been finalized. There will be static displays that we hope you will find of interest and if you have ideas for programming please contact the committee. At this time we have one vendor who has expressed interest in attending the Ham Fest and the committee is working on having others attend as well. Admission covers a hot lunch, main door prize ticket, all the coffee you can drink during the event, other door prizes, and the ladies event will cover the same and costs of materials for their programs. The major door prize will be a WouXun dual band (2m & 440) hand held radio complete with accessories. In addition to the door prize ticket included with your registration you have the opportunity to increase your odds of winning by registering early. If your registration is received before the 30 of April you will receive three extra door prize tickets. If have your registration is received before the 31st of May 2011 you will receive two extra door prize tickets and if it is received before the 28th of June you will receive one extra ticket free of charge. There will be an opportunity to renew your S.A.R.L. membership if you have not already done so. Talk in freq. and GPS coordinates will be posted at a later date along with scheduling and continuing updates related to the event. So let’s make this an event to remember. Come out and renew old acquaintances and enjoy yourself. Bring along your fox hunt equipment and join in the fun. 2011 Ham Fest Committee
The Project Page Battery Backup for your Ham Station September 28th, 2010
I have been wanting to put a couple of deep cycle batteries in the shack for some time. I finally wanted to at least bring one in from the boat before I winterize it and just hook it up to the Flex 5000 and then begin turning off circuit breakers in the electric panel to see if my noise floor may drop. Once I did this I seen that this would be a great time to build a battery backup system for the ham shack. I had two deep cycle marine batteries that we moved to the corner of our garage in which is directly above my ham station. I purchased a MFJ 1118 distribution panel and installed here in the shack. It has a six foot cable that runs to the two batteries which are hooked up in parallel. I was considering using a Powergate to use with my current switching power supply that I had on hand. But my power supply was only 25 amp and I have been wanting to upgrade to a 35 to 40 amp supply. In doing some reading in the forums on eHam, I read where several hams were using a IOTA Power Converter/Charger. It seemed to be exactly what I needed and would be much cheaper than a new power supply and a power gate. I did a quick search on eBay and found a new IOTA 55 amp supply with IQ-4 Smart Charge capability. The IQ-4 would allow the battery charger to charge the batteries if they falls short on power plus power my entire station as a power supply. I did run up to Napa Auto parts and purchased a 50 breaker to hook between the supply and batteries. Then the MFJ 1118 is fused for 35 amp’s out to the radios.
Right now I only have one deep cycle marine battery connected to the IOTA55 and into the ham station. I will soon be changing these out to use 6volt golf car batteries. This also allowed me to remove many wall warts and ran them directly into the MFJ 1118. This has freed up so much in 110v connections. So I am very please to get those removed. 73’s Scott KQ8RP
The News Page
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RESCUE RADIO: HAMS RESPOND IN JAPAN FOLLOWING 8.9 QUAKE AND TSUNAMI
!"#$%#%&&#"&&'#%&#%($')#*+&,%#*#-*./0#",''1#2*1#*%#%(3#45*1# Japan remains under its worst threat to an ever rising toll, widespread destruction, power, fuel and water shortages follow the massive earthquake, tsunami and failed 40-year old nuclear power 6*.)#43'%.*5#&'#73%835#9&*2:# station. The latest news:
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IARU Region 3 Secretary, Ken Yamamoto JA1CJP said the Japan Amateur Radio League HQ station JA1RL, and other amateur stations, are maintaining their effort to support the disaster operation.
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Ken JA1CJP said, ''In less damaged areas, the power supply is being restored gradually, and local amateur radio club members have started to establish stations at shelters."
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The information is being coordinated, as part of an organized rescue and relief effort. It seems likely
0)=%!:-95,:.>%?@A6%B)5C to continue for some weeks, and months, to come. The 8.9 on the Richter scale quake hit off north-eastern Sendai, and triggered a ten-meter tsunami, D)E%#:9FG%H'45%:II%:I%J).*K% on last Friday. $E9K%
&*.2#353?%$&'"#*.3#'3@%#/&'%(A#B*C3#1&,#?&'"$23.32#D$C$'D#"&/3#&E# Rescue teams have arrived and started their activities. They came from many nations, including 1&,.#%$/3#+*?)#%&#%(3#?5,+:#73#'332#?*'2$2*%3"#E&.#6.3"$23'%#*'2#F3?.3%*.1G# Australia, China, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, USA, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. +E)94)%-:.59-5%9%N:9*F%()(N)*%5:%.:(,.95)%4:():.)%K:'%I))E%-:'EF%8)E;% !"#$%N)%58)%N)45%*);)95)*%-E'N%,.%-).5*9E%0)=%2:*OM% In all, the Japanese government has received help from 91 nations and Territories, and nine international organizations.
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Ken JA1CJP said another worry is leakage of radio-active gasses at the Fukushima nuclear plant, 7(*%#$"#HIJ9K64L:#HIJ9K64L#$"#*#.3M.3"3'%*%$C3#/3/+3."($M#&.D*'$8*%$&'# which was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami. -($?(#&M3.*%3"#,'23.#*'#K@3?,%$C3#4&//$%%33#%&#"3.C3#*'2#",MM&.%#%(3#E.3N O,3'?1#?&&.2$'*%$&'#'332"#&E#%(3#=/*%3,.#9*2$&#.3M3*%3."#&M3.*%$'D#$'#$%"#*.3*A# A shortage of fuel, disruption to rail and road transport have been reported from many affected areas, still recovering from the worst earthquake in 140 years, followed by a widespread tsunami ;(3#"3.C$?3"#&E#HIJ9K64L#*.3#&M3'#%C3.1#.3M3*%3.#&-'3.0#&M3.*%&.0#%.,"%330# that swept away so much. &.#*MM5$?*'%#E&.#?&&.2$'*%$&'0#-(3%(3.#&.#'&%#%(3#.3M3*%3.#$"#.3M.3"3'%32#+1#*# /3/+3.#&E#HIJ9K64LA# JA1RL continues to operate under instruction to be an emergency traffic centre. Increasingly receiving help fromARRS%T))5,.3%,4%T9K%UR58G%ARRS%V%6A%0::.% JARL members in the affected area. It is using the 7 MHz, 144 MHz and 430 MHz. %#:-8)45)*%0)=%2:*O%J9(I)45% Many other stations are active. Field stations are855;WXX===M'.K*);-:M:*3X% using various frequencies, including some battery powered and others using small generators. <9*.9*F%PY)(;5% Each is exchanging rescue and disaster relief operationU7R%T9,F).%!9.)% information with JA1RL and others. While 3525, 7030, 7043 and 7075 have been mentioned as in use, it's wise to keep those, and all of the #:-8)45)*G%0M2M%6?767% Centre of Emergency frequencies clear of normal and non-urgent traffic. There is no call for additional foreign radio amateurs. Again, there is no call for radio amateurʼs from the United States &))%58),*%=)N4,5)%95%855;WXX===M'.K*);-:M:*3% or any other nation to travel to Japan. There are over 130,000 hams in that nation and they have all of the operators that they need. More on this!"story in upcoming Newsline reports. (JARL, JA1CJP, VK3PC)
Announcements
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SARC New Mailing Address
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Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club c/o Alvin Buckwold School 715 East Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7J 2X8
Call for Articles Have a story to share? An experience to relate? Some gear to review? A technical tip to dispense? Write it up, add a couple of appropriate photographs and send them off to VE5 MIK ([email protected]) or ([email protected]) Hams reading The Feedline will thank you.
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SARC 2011 Meeting Dates (subject to change) Apr. 12 May 10 June 14 June 25, 26 (Field Day) July 9 (Hamfest) 5 /10
Field Day
June 25, 26, 2011
Field Day is the single most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. Each year over 40,000 amateurs gather with their clubs, friends, or simply by themselves to operate. Field Day is not a fully adjudicated contest, which explains much of its popularity. It is a time where many aspects of Amateur Radio come together to highlight our many roles. While some will treat it as a contest, most groups use the opportunity to practice their emergency response capabilities. It is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Amateur Radio to local elected community leaders, key individuals with the organizations that Amateur Radio might serve in an emergency, as well as the general public. For many clubs, Field Day is one of the highlights of their annual calendar. GET INVOLVED
SASK. HAMFEST 2011 The Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club will be hosting this year's Saskatchewan Hamfest. Please mark this event on your Calendar. Date: Saturday, July 9th. Location: Pike Lake Community Centre, 30 Km South on Highway 60
In order to make this event a real success, we need all the club member volunteers we can get. Please contact Gus, VE5SPI, and volunteer to help on any of our Hamfest Committees. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
MS WALK – 2011
May 29, 2011 Volunteers needed
Sunday May 1
Full details will be on the published on the club web site. To volunteer, contact Bruce at 373-5672 or the club at [email protected]
For Sale Delhi DMX 68 foot self-supporting tower Includes attachment to raise and lower antenna to the midway point. $375.00 Paul, VE5EZ 306 343 9889 [email protected]
ARES
will be having CANWARN/Severe weather spotting training May 3 at 1900 at the Saskatoon Fire Service Training Centre. This training will be delivered by John Paul Cragg, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist from Environment Canada. Anyone interested in refreshing their training or wanting to take this training please contact Lou, VE5LOU.
April Meeting Guest Speaker The speaker is Dr. George Sofko of the Physics Dept. He is emeritus now, but still has some grad students finishing off. He is also involved in the SUPER D A R N program. This is an auroral radar network throughout the Northern hemisphere. He will be speaking on Sun Spots & the ionosphere & where the cycle may be going. All of this is of interest to amateurs around the world.
“Circling theEarth in my orbital spaceship I marveled at the beauty of our planet. People of the world, let us safeguard and enhance this beauty--not destroy it!” So said Yuri Gagarin, the first human to orbit the Earth 40 years ago this month. Yuri’s Night has become a worldwide celebration to commemorate his flight. It will be on April 12, the evening of our SARC Club meeting, and there will be several EME and other on-the-air amateur radio related events, a few of which are still being developed. For more information on Yuri’s Night events, go to: http://yurisnight.net and click on the Event List tab at the top of the page.
Understanding LF & HF Propagation RSGBʼs Propagation Studies Committee has released a free eBook written by G0KYA and G3NYK. The book is now available for download..... http://www.infotechcomms.co.uk/Understanding_LF_and_HF_propagation.pdf
The New DXers Handbook " Itʼs free!! You can download it from the Utah DX Association website http://www.udxa.org It is 44 pages with 9 chapters covering everything from “Listening” to “DX Intelligence”.
DX Code of Conduct Information of interest to those chasing those DX stations. A guide for good behavior and “cleaning up the bands” especially during DXpeditions. Download at http://www.dxpub.com/dx_news.html " A free download on ethics and operating procedures can be found at: www.ham-operating-ethics.org/versions.html
Two Astronauts Get Their Ham Ticket Even though they aren't scheduled to go to the International Space Station until 2013, two astronauts -- Chris Cassidy and Luca Parmitano -- are now licensed amateurs. Cassidy, who received the call sign, KF5KDR, is scheduled to head to the ISS in March 2013 as part of Expedition 35. Parmitano -- an Italian from the European Space Agency, is KF5KDP; he goes to the ISS three months later in May, as part of Expedition 36. "Our aim is to have at least one crew member licensed and trained in on-air protocol, who is somewhat excited about ham radio and the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, per expedition," explained ARRL ARISS Program Manager Rosalie White, K1STO. NASA ISS Ham Radio Project Engineer Kenneth Ransom, N5VHO, told the ARRL that both Cassidy and Parmitano are "excited and interested in the educational aspects of Amateur Radio on board the ISS." Read more here http:// www.arrl.org/news/two-astronauts-get-their-ham-ticket.
Events Summary April 12 May 1 May 3 May 10 May 29 June 14 June 25, 26
SARC Meeting MS Walk ARES Training SARC Meeting Saskatchewan Marathon SARC Meeting Field Day
Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club
Field Day Checklist
Appoint a chairperson in charge of Field Day Reserve Field Day site Line up generator/gas/oil & pick up/return BBQ –need someone in charge of the BBQ -cost per person -BBQ transport/propane -Food purchase/refreshments -2m net announcements/tally
Coffee/refreshments at trailer Trailer to and from site Schedule for operators -2m net announcements/schedule -Set up/take down
ARRL Field Day rules Field Day logging program Computer(s) for logging Guest/operator sign in book Name tags Transceivers -how many (2) -pickup/return -headphones needed
Media informed about Field Day and location May & June Feedline & club website - a notice with more specific information about Field Day Invitation to non club hams regarding Field Day – Club members could be asked to contact a non SARC member and invite them to Field Day/BBQ.
Submit Field Day scores to ARRL
Saskatchewan Hamfest July 9, 2011 Pike Lake Community Center 30 km South Hwy 60
Registration Form Delegate Registrant Name
Call Sign
Address
City
Province/State
Country
Phone Number
Email Address
Lady Registrants Name Call sign Includes lunch and presentation on Scrap booking and Composting / Gardening
$20.00 Registration and Program
Registration Fee Calculation Item
Quantity
Delegate Registration Flea Market Only (no door prize)
Fee
Extras Included
Subtotal Total
$20.00 Lunch, Draws & bottomless coffee cup $5.00
Flea Market Table
$5.00
Tailgater’s
$5.00
$ Notes: • • • • • •
Door prize tickets will be awarded as follows: 3 extra tickets for registrations made before April 30, 2011 2 extra tickets for registrations made before May 31, 2011 1 extra ticket for registrations made before registration deadline on June 28, 2011 There will be a 50/50 draw Registration at the door will be $25.00 meal included if supplies still available. Caterer requires notification of numbers before June 28, 2011 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SEE YOU IN SASKATOON! Mail to: Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club Saskatchewan Hamfest 2011 Box 375, Davidson SK S0G 1A0
