Radio Amateurs of Canada A Proposal for Restructuring of
Amateur Radio in Canada
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The Survey: In January of 2007, RACs completed Committee Report
on the Restructuring of Amateur Radio in Canada was presented to
Industry Canada
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The Survey: This Report followed a detailed survey of Canadian
Amateur Radio operators which ran from July of 2006 to the end of
October, 2006. It gathered 2220 responses, of which: 82% were
English 18% were French
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Who are Canadian Amateurs?
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A decline in interest in Amateur Radio
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Emphasis on young people:
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The licensing structure should change :
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Elmering is very important:
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An Entry-Level Certificate:
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A focus on basics:
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The United Kingdom: All bands and modes except ten metres
Maximum 10 Watts output M3 series of callsigns Emphasis on
mentoring Emphasis on practical experience with equipment
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Australia: All bands and modes except 20 metres Maximum 10
Watts output Special callsign: VK#Faaa Mentoring is important
Strong cross-country corps of examiners
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An Entry-Level Certificate in Canada: Should be achievable by a
grade 7 student Should use a distinctive callsign Should be time
limited Should have a strong mentoring component
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An Entry-Level Certificate in Canada: Should require proof of
operating experience, under supervision Should provide some,
limited, HF access Should have a power output limit of 100 W Should
have an examination at both the written level and the practical
level Should mesh with the existing BASIC and Advanced
structure
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The Structure:
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Entry-Level Requirements:
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Entry-Level Privileges:
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Why 10 metre access? Station requirements are modest Can use
modified GRS antennas The band is not crowded It offers excellent
DX at solar maximums At solar minimums, it can be used for local
contacts
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Mentorship is critical: Source of expertise and experience
Hands on learning is the most effective Provide new energy to clubs
Integrate new Amateurs Will work well in schools
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Other issues: Should not be limited as to age Available to
young and old Should be time limited Three years maximum before
upgrade Should have a distinctive callsign For example, CF3ABC
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How will it fit?
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The new BASIC certificate: Should continue with a pass mark of
70% Should allow access to some HF bands: 10 metre band, like the
Entry Level and 80 metre band Upgrade to Honours through:
Re-writing to earn 80% or better or Morse code at 5 wpm
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The Advanced Certificate: Need not be changed appreciably
Should include some practical aspects: Design, building &
testing of antennas Design, building & testing of simple
circuits Retain emphasis on electronic theory
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Benefit of Entry Level Certificate: Working with RACs Youth
Education Program, schools, clubs and young peoples organizations
to provide an entry to Amateur Radio.
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Benefit of Entry Level Certificate: Emergency Service Workers,
perhaps not primarily interested in Amateur Radio, could obtain
access to VHF/UHF bands for emergency work.
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Benefit of Entry Level Certificate: For retired people, who
wish to use Amateur Radio for leisure, travel and enjoyment.
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So, Whats the next step? If Industry Canada agrees with: Great
Britain Australia Gibraltar Canadas Amateur Radio Population Radio
Amateurs of Canada (RAC) . that
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.. the next step: That an Entry Level Certificate would be a
Good Thing for: Emergency Services Young people Amateur Radio in
general in Canada, Then.......
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. the next step should be: Approval from Industry Canada: - On
the general concept of an Entry Level Certificate - On the Content
of such a Certificate - On the methodology required to achieve this
change So that we can move forward to achieve this goal.
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April, 2008 Bj. Madsen VE5FX Midwest Director Chairman, RAC
Committee on Restructuring of Amateur Radio in Canada