Gazette Sept 1998

Well after several months of work, the new VE7KIT replacement computer is now in place and running. This project started back in April/98 for me, and it is now September. Just in the last few days, I think we have the last bug worked out of the new KIT machine. Details inside from Lane, VE7IHL.

Yes it's true. After many years of discussion, your president finally got an Internet provider rainbowcountry.bc.ca in Hope, B.C. Many thanks goes to Mike Vandevelde to donate us some web space. This cost us $20 to have an ftp account setup. (no monthly charges) I have just put some startup pages on there for now. I hope to put more VAPO packet items on the web pages in the near future. To have a look at it, point your web browser at:

www.rainbowcountry.bc.ca/vapo

You can now send email to VAPO by sending to vapo@ansa.com.

Now when the packet radio isn't working, your important VAPO email will get through. (Wait a minute isn't that backwards ?)

We have replaced the ailing 145.070+ VE7LAN radio at the KIT location. Details inside. . .

"We were into the early hours of the second day of Field Day activities. I heard this sound of aluminum scratching against asphalt, looked over and James is fighting to get his head-gear off. Then in about 4 steps he leaps out of his lawn chair, at least 30 feet, to where the grass fire was. Before the rest of us could grab our fire extinguishers, he was stomping out the 10 foot high flames in nothing but his boots, shorts and T-shirt," states Jim, VE7HUR, owner of the generator that caused the near disaster.

"We never thought the muffler would get hot enough to touch off the grass," said Jim. "But then no one thought it would be running all night either, as we were all operating from our car batteries." James, an elite member of the Volunteer Surrey Fire Department was busy operating the 10 metre station in the early hours of the morning, when he noticed the flames. "I grabbed my fire extinguisher out of my van and ran toward James. He was right in the middle of all the flames stomping them out!" Gary, VE7AS recalls. "What a hero! He saved the grass, hundreds of bugs, an adjacent tree, Jim's generator and trailer....gosh what a guy!"

The question remains...who forgot to clear a circle around the generator in the first place? Bo, VE7IBC a former fire fighter himself witnessed Jim placing the generator into the tall grass. He wasn't available for comment...

"We can't be blamed," Jim states, "We're old and our memory's aren't as good as they once were! We simply didn't think the grass was that dry, nor the muffler that hot!" (James keeps an eye on Jim, who was making our breakfast on the BBQ. Isn't that a plastic gas can under the BBQ? Hummm.) James may have lost a few leg hairs in the rescue. But the generator came out unscathed, and he returned to operating the 10 metre station after clearing a large circle of grass from the generator area, just metres from where Jim slept earlier. . .

Nearby operators of the Delta club Field Day activities never knew how close to death they came that morning. Thanks to James, we'll be around to do it again next year!

(This story gets better every time I tell it! Editor....)

What a Summer! Both the weather and band conditions were great these last few months. The highlight of the season was the marriage of my long-time friend (and VAPO Member) Rick, VE7WF. After a lengthy engagement to a beautiful "younger" woman, Rick and Lisa got married August 8^th. Lisa hasn't yet got her Ham ticket, but that will change after she completes school. Ok, Ok, BCIT ! She isn't that young! Lisa has been a family friend for about four years and it's great to see them together. We wish them a lifetime of happiness. I'll let you know when she gets her Basic license!

It's been about five months now since I received my two-letter callsign. Operating has been a challenge as I have at least once a week, sent my old call (now my son's) when operating CW or voice. It's hard to break a seventeen year habit! I don't recall it being as difficult when I went from my original call (VE7CBR) to VE7GWS back in 1981! Operating with VE7AS has been good. It does present some "interesting" challenges in itself. A lot of my radio buddies, never thought I was that old, nor had been a Ham for that many years! In comparison to other real "old-timers," I've only been on the air since 1970 and an Advanced since 1976. Those were good days when VHF was new in town, we built repeaters instead of buying them...but that is another story for another decade...

The former owner of VE7AS, Cyril Trott was obviously an active HF HAM. Almost every contact I've made, both on VHF and HF, the other operator comes back with "Hi Cyril, long time no hear!" or "Oh yah OM, we've worked before a few years ago, don't you remember?" "Well, no I reply, I've only had the callsign since April." There is a measured silence, then the response is "Oh. . .I didn't know Cyril had passed away. Sorry old man." I tell them I've had VE7GWS since 1981, perhaps you've heard that call? No is the usual response. . .sigh. . .Oh well. "Gary is the name," I say, hoping to establish some credibility with the new callsign. I only hope that I can do it justice. I guess I feel the same way about my son's use of my old call. He as yet to get on the air enough for someone to say, "Hi Gary, long time no hear!?" He'll have to respond with the appropriate explanation on how he obtained the call. I'm just waiting for my name to appear on some Ham tabloid's silent key page! Maybe I should coach him on a response to make sure no one assumes the only way he could have gotten his old man's callsign is through a Will?! Cheers!

by Lane Wilson VE7IHL

How is your Ham Shack this Summer ?

Well, how was your summer? Mine was HOT! The new combined VE7IHL/VE7VBS computer has run very well all summer, even in the hot weather. My ham shack is much cooler than it was last summer, with only one packet computer running in it 24 hours per day. Last summer I had 2, and sometimes 3 computers running in it during the hot summer months. (And you thought that I just wanted to try out the newest versions of Linux operating system software)

I have started on getting the ham shack here set up to run on 12 volt emergency power, but that project has not been finished yet. See the next section as to why this project has not yet been completed.

The 'New' VE7KIT Machine running under Linux !

Now, you would think that taking months to set up and install the VE7IHL/VE7VBS Linux based machine first. Then building and setting up the new KIT machine, AND BENCH TESTING IT FOR MANY MONTHS, that it would be bug free from the 1^st day of installation. Well, not so it seems. I started putting the new KIT machine together in April, and finally installed it on July 15^th. (Of course I left town the day after the install) I assumed that because of all my hard work before the install date, that I would be done once it is installed. (Hah.. hah nice try eh ?) As you can see it took another month and half, before Lee, VE7CC and myself got it working in a stable fashion. (The problem turned out to be a program that I had written originally in DOS, and had ported it over to run under Linux)

Anyway, we now have a Pentium-133, with 32MB ram, 6 serial ports, Ethernet card, S3 PCI video card, 2G IDE hard drive, 6x IDE CD ROM drive, running Slackware 3.4, Linux kernel 2.0.35. Oh, by the way, you might want to avoid the Slackware 3.4 release; it seems to have a bug in its C compiler. The packet application software running is TNOS v2.22 (VE7CC), and the Linux X-Windows version of FBB v7.00g (VE7KIT). We also have the Linux version of the 'BPQ like' node program running as well (VE7KIT-3). It has replaced the previous KIT 486-33 machine, and Lee's 386 computer he was using for his JNOS station. We have attempted to duplicate as much of the same services that the previous KIT machine had. As a bonus we have added the QRZ callsign database CD-ROM on the KIT machine. To lookup a ham callsign, just log onto KIT normally, and then issue the command 'QRZ callsign'. (replace the 'callsign' with the actual callsign you want to lookup) The same QRZ CD ROM is also installed on the VE7VBS machine.

Many thanks goes to Lee, VE7CC (sysop of VE7KIT) for being patient, and putting up with me arriving at his QTH, weekend after weekend this summer.

If you are still having difficulties getting your packet software to work with the new KIT machine, send me an email, or packet message and I will try to help you. Send it to:

Packet: ve7ihl@ve7ihl.#vanc.bc.can.noam

Email: ve7ihl@ve7ihl.ampr.org

New 145.070+ (LAN) Radio for KIT

We have replaced the (ailing?) 145.070+ VE7LAN radio at the KIT location, with one of the Motorola MCX-90 VHF radios that were donated to VAPO by the late Bob Mortlock, VE7MJ. It seems to have improved the state of the KIT machine on the VE7LAN repeater. (145.070+ 1200 baud) If you have used the LAN repeater in the past to access KIT, and moved away because of poor performance, give it a try now and let me know how it works for you.

If the KIT performance on the LAN repeater does not improve, our only solution may be to have another BBS start using the LAN repeater instead of KIT. The problem with KIT has been radio problems, phasing problems, and a de-sense problem because of the many packet radios running at the present KIT site.

VAPO Web Pages have arrived !

Yes it's true. After many years of discussion, your president finally got an Internet provider (rainbowcountry.bc.ca in Hope, BC Many thanks goes to Mike Vandevelde) to donate us some web space. This cost us $20 to have an ftp account setup. (no monthly charges) I have just put some startup pages on there for now. I hope to put more VAPO packet items on the web pages in the near future. To have a look at it, point your web browser at:

www.rainbowcountry.bc.ca/vapo

Have a look at it and let me know what you think. Email your comments and suggestions to vapo@ansa.com. Let me know what you would like to see on our VAPO web pages. Please bear in mind that I have little to none artistic talent, so for a while all you will get is a few clip art pictures, and mostly text. I will put zip files of the most widely used packet terminal software on the web pages for easy downloading. The latest versions of TPK and Winpack should be there soon.

New VAPO Internet Email Account !

Isn't it amazing how your president can find ways to spend your VAPO club money! We have signed up for a year's worth of dial-up Internet account privileges on ansa.com. Cost for this is $6.95 per month, with the first month free if you sign up for 12 months. (which we did, thanks goes to Tom, VE7DID for searching for the best deal in town) You can now send email to VAPO by sending to vapo@ansa.com. Now when the packet radio isn't working, your important VAPO email will get through. (wait a minute isn't that backwards ?)

This Internet account will be used to maintain the VAPO web pages, and send/receive official VAPO email. The other VAPO Internet address of vapo@ve7vpo.ampr.org will still work as well.

The Next VAPO Meeting!

The next VAPO meeting will be held at the offices of Panorama Community Church, in Surrey. We have a meeting area that can hold up to 130 people. The meeting will take place on Saturday September 26^th, starting at 10:00 am. Please arrive at 9:45a.m. to allow time for everybody to get coffee and seated. Talk in frequency will be 444.825+ (tone 156.7) and RPT on 146.940-.

The address is: Panorama Church Ministry Centre

Unit #105 13415 76^th Ave.

Surrey, B.C., Canada

This building is located north west of Costco, (Costco on the King George highway). There is some parking on the street in front of the building, and additional parking around the back of the building. There is a rear entrance door if you are parking at the back of the building.

Tentative VAPO Meeting Agenda:

Welcome (VE7IHL)

Sysop Reports (VE7IHL,VE7JMS,VE7CC,VE7QC)

Financial Report (VE7DID)

Break (Donuts, etc.)

Technical Q & A (VE7IHL and others)

Virtual VAPO Meeting Attendance

We will again be operating the "Live Portable Packet" station during the meeting. If you cannot make the meeting, but would like to attend it anyway (i.e. a virtual meeting?) you can connect your packet station to the VE7IHL TNOS machine, and then enter the TNOS converse server by typing "conf". To exit the converse server you can type "/bye". The VE7IHL machine has user ports on 144.970 1200 baud, and 144.410 9600 baud. You can also perform a NetRom connect by connecting to your local FBB BBS's node switch address (this is typically VE7KIT-3, VE7SRY-3, VE7VBS-3, VE7CMR-3, VE7NSR-3, etc.) and then issuing a connect to the VE7IHL machine's NetRom alias of YVRIHL. If you would like to connect to the VE7IHL machine via the TPARC network, you will first have to connect to the VE7VBS's node switch (VE7VBS-3) which sits on the Mt. Sicker UHF drop at the ROSE address of 250748. Once connected to the VE7VBS-3 node switch, you can then issue the connect sequence "C ax5 VE7IHL" to get to the VE7IHL TNOS machine. You may also use the VE7VBS node switch NetRom alias of YVRVBS from one of the other NetRom nodes in the VAPO network.

If you are 'stuck' on how to connect to one of the VE7IHL or VE7VBS machines for the converse server (for the VAPO meeting), you can mail me a message. Indicate where you are coming from, and I will try to determine what the correct connect sequence would be for you.

Have fun on packet, and I will see you all at the next VAPO meeting in September....

Lane VE7IHL

President of VAPO

by Fred Engel, VE7EE.

Time is Nature's way of making sure that everything doesn't Go Wrong at onceeh' we've made it to another Edition!

Pleasantola fellow Paquette Fans, hope you've all had a wonderful Summer, fantastic Weather and All

There are two rules for ultimate success in writing a columnnever tell everything you knowand do unto others and then run!

Just thought we start things right!

And to start things off properly, congratulations to Rick, VE7WF on snagging the lovely Lisa in holy matrimony recently. The Wedding was a thing of beauty and a joy to behold. (The food was great too, eh Fred?. . .Editor) The Bride and Groom looked absolutely smashing. (The STAG at HOOTERS the week before, was not bad either, with those Surrey gals) The Best Man, our man "AS", was dressed to kill, fortunately the festivities went along peacefully. Most of the Hams in attendance, risked their lives crossing the King George twice during Rush Hour after the ceremony. The Corvette Bar at the DEL made up for it. First good line overheard in the bar: "Aren't you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger? Replies the other:" Yes, I married the wrong man" So Rick, kindly remember that by the time you read a girl like a book, your Library card will have expired.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Scotland, apparently the Hotel was very comfortable, with a swimming pool,(The bikinis were exciting, they were simply the tops.) comfortable beds and other athletic facilities.

Married life can be very frustrating.

In the first year, the man speaks and the woman listens.

In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens,

In the third year, they both speak and the neighbours listen

Well, congratulations to our mutual friend Hoppy Hopwood, upon his resignation from the Presidency of RAC, effective the end of this year. I am not surprised, after attending the last AGM (on my own m$ney), wondered how long he was going to hang in with that bunch. The same questions I asked at the AGM still remain unanswered. Am I correct to assume that the RAC move from Kingston to Ottawa was at the best of times an unwise gamble, since there was no agreement with the Govt. of Canada to establish the now ill fated ARAS/SARA Corporation? RAC made the move when in fact the organization did not exist. Is it correct that there was no letter of understanding between the parties agreeing on who was going to be financially responsible for costs incurred, should the undertaking fail? The Ottawa rumour mill says that this failed experiment costs RAC altogether about $300.000Should the current Board be held responsible for bringing RAC to the brink of bankruptcy? A quick ill conceived membership dues increase will no doubt fail to produce the expected results of restoring financial solvency. How many Radio Amateurs do we know, that will pay $50.00 per year to belong to this organization? The result of all this, will no doubt change RAC forever, if it indeed survives at all

And on a lighter side, how is the VAPO Paquette Network treating youWhot?! No complaints.With el Presidente Wilson at the helm, things are in good hands. "Herr Linux I presume?" Only kidding Lane

The network seems to have survived the long hot summer real well. In contrast to the forlorn leaderless PAKBARF group and it's struggles. Only attended by very few Real Packetteers, i.e. 7IHL, 7AS, DID, HUR, JMS, etc. The group is always looking for an smoking establishment in order to make room for the former Packet Guru and soon to be Surreyite, the legendary "RMS"(Real Mad Smoker). (No we're not Fred! We're all non-drug addicts...er I mean smokers!...7AS) The group is now in full flight on the way out to darkest Surrey. (We arrived months ago Fred!...)

After all, the "DO YOU KNOW WHAT I BOUGHT LAST WEEK" brag tape is wearing thin. And now it faces the life threatening crisis of Separation. On to Delta or back to Surrey, or will it move to SURDEL as a typical Canadian compromise? It's a hard life folks, for the battered leaderless congregation

Reminds me of the story how Moses had led the Israelites through the desert for forty years because God was testing him, or because he wanted them to really appreciate the Promised Land, when they finally got there. Or was it that Moses refused to ask anybody for directions?

And over to you Mr. Clinton, has the storm finally "blown" over?

How are the famous Monica cigarsIs this all real or am I imagining this crap? The world really needs a leader right now, so please do up your trousersI guess it's easier to apologize than to ask for permission

My dear departed grandma would have suggested taking him to the woodshed for a good lickin'.(no pun here)

How many million times have I warned you not to exaggerate!

Vacation special: "Have your house exterminated."

At the local gym: "We build bodies that last a lifetime..!"

Notice: "We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home for only $ 100 - Tires slashed 30%!

Lots of commotion still on about revamping the Amateur Radio World. Recently attended a meeting with an Industry Canada Beerocrat, where they were going to explain their plans to screw things up even more thoroughly than now. Fortunately most listeners were totally confused, I was never good in understanding beerocratize any way. I am certain that the I.C. boys will continue the "Dumming down" routine any way.

No dumming down by the AIR CANADA pilots, takes a lot of nerve to talk Strike when making on an average of $100,000 plus, flying automated aeroplanes.

The crew of the future will be made up of 2. A pilot and a dog. The pilots job will be to feed the dog. The dogs job will be to bite the pilot if he touches anything.

I personally loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves!

If swimming is so good for you're figure, how do you explain whales?

The next ham store south of us is in Portland, Oregon. There's no ham stores in Washington State, with it's 42,000 licensed hams. There are a half a dozen such stores in Canada, for the 40 some thousand hams. Go figureTell that to Com-West or Burnaby Radio, they'll love yah! Where are those heavy duty spending CANADIAN HAMSNorthern Pesos anyone?

The "Moose" says, that the snowball he is growing is beginning to bear fruitBut than his brain is all thumbs! He tried to back up his hard drive, but couldn't get it into reversesigh!

And to CQW. Walter, best of British Luck in the next few weeks, but on the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key!

Change is inevitable, excepts from a vending machine

So there you have it, but on the other hand, you have different fingers.

Best of 73'

Fred.

The monetary status is $1,180 as of September 5, 1998. The major expenditures during the past quarter were $150 for a new modem from TAPR for the repeater on Mt. Seymour, $104 for a yearly INTERNET connection so we could gain access to our new INTERNET WEB Space on the Rainbow WEB Server in the Hope area, and some minor expenses for the KIT BBS. On the income side, we collected $210 from new and/or renewed memberships. Our present membership is sitting at 112 members of which 6 have expired and are in the grace period for three months.

The membership is still continuing to fall during the past three month period and 12 previous members were dropped off the membership because of dues in default longer than the three month grace period. We are still waiting to see if anyone has any good ideas on how to maintain or build up the membership in VAPO. It would appear that the INTERNET may be having an effect on the operation of a hobby generated pastime.

Well, I hope everyone had a good summer, and now it is time to put the nose to the grindstone again for those of you who are still working....

...73 Tom VE7DID

Via the live portable packet station at the meeting. If you cannot attend, please try to "sign-on" via the conference server running on the VE7IHL TNOS machine. To connect to the VE7IHL TNOS machine, here are some connect sequences for various BBS machines on the network:

From VE7KIT: (145.070+ and 144.430)

C VE7KIT-3 (connects to KIT's Linux node)

C ax3 ve7sry-3 (connects to VE7SRY's BPQ node)

C 1 VE7IHL (connects to VE7IHL TNOS)