From Spark to Space

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To the members of this research and editorial committee, MR. DON KELLY VE5TX and MR. SID YOUNG VE5AJ,

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation.

To: MISS MARTHA PANKRATZ VE5YY our secretary for her many hours of typing and retyping, editing and changing and for her ability to get things done, I extend the deep appreciation of us all.

BILL PARKER, VE5CU Chairman, Historical Research Committee Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club

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Three years ago the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club decided to produce, as a Centennial Project, a history of the growth and development of radio in Canada, particularly in the amateur field. This had never been attempted before. The club realized that the history, though it was produced by amateur operators, must be of professional status in its truth and integrity. They also realized that a tremendous amount of research would be necessary and a considerable expenditure of Club Funds. All this was cheerfully undertaken and the result is now before you. As a layman I cannot, of course, judge its technical merit, though I have no doubt that this is of a very high standard, but I was impressed by its scope, from the first Marconi operation up to the present

I would like to add that the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club has been tireless in its work with Civil Defense in this City and for this I thank them and wish them all good luck in this project and in their future operations.

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April 1, 1968 In the fall of 1965 the Executive of the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club conceived of the idea of writing a history of amateur radio in Canada. After obtaining the permission of the general membership of the Club, the Executive sought the advice and guidance of the American Radio Relay League, Newington, Connecticut, with which the Saskatoon Club is affiliated, and its Canadian Director, Noel Eaton. They assured us that no such work had previously been undertaken, nor to their knowledge was it being contemplated, and further gave us their full co -operation and offer of assistance in compiling the history. This, then, be came our Centennial project. Then began the enormous task of research and gathering of material and data. All the Clubs in Canada, for which addresses were available, were approached and requested to send in any information they might have. Old timers were contacted by letter and on the air. A great deal of history was gathered together, as is evident in the pages of this book. Unfortunately much more information should have been included in our publication, but for the lack of someone to bring it to the fore and make it available to us it is omitted, much to our disa ppointment. We wish to express our appreciation to all those individuals who have given of their time to delve into the past for some hist ory to contribute to our project. Without this assistance it would have been impossible for us to complete our story. A list of those to whom we are indebted appears at the back of this book. No doubt we have neglected to acknowledge others who in some way made a contribution, but this has been unintentional. We are grateful also for the many photographs that have been supplied. In addition we wish to acknowledge information gleaned from The Canadian Amateur, a periodical that appeared during 1959-60. Our editorial staff in the main has consisted of four members, all amateurs, in the matter of radio operating as well as writing, but who have been persistent and stubborn enough to get the book into its present form. It is our hope that those who read it will find it as interesting as we have found it to be. And for the newer amateurs, we trust it will give them an insight of what ‘the good old days” were like.

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Table of Contents Page PART I—THE FIRST STEP CHAPTER I—The Beginning

1

CHAPTER Il—The Beginners

4

PART 11—AMATEUR RADIO—LEARNING TO WALK

6

CHAPTER III—The Experimenters

11

CHAPTER IV—Across the Sea

17

CHAPTER V—The First Convention

20

CHAPTER VI—The Years Between 1924-1939

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CHAPTER VII—Newfoundland, 1920-1936 CHAPTER VIII—Development of Organizations Halifax Amateur Radio Club Nova Scotia Amateur Radio Association Keith Rogers Memorial Radio Club Quebec Radio Club Amateur Radio Club of McGill University Montreal Amateur Radio Club Lakeshore Darts, Draughts, Chowder and Marching Society St. Maurice Valley Amateur Radio Association Radio Society of Ontario, Inc Ontario DX Association Scarboro Amateur Radio Club Queen’s Park Radio Club Skywide Amateur Radio Club Belleville and District Amateur Radio Club Hamilton Amateur Radio Club Incorporated Sudbury District Amateur Radio Club Lakehead Amateur Radio Club Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club Dauphin Amateur Radio Club Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club Northern Alberta Radio Club Calgary Amateur Radio Association Vulcan County Amateur Radio Club Columbia Amateur Radio Club Burnaby Amateur Radio Club Victoria Short Wave Club Aklavik Amateur Radio Club The Ontario Trilliums

46 54 54 55 55 56 56 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 70 73 73 74 74 74 75 76

PART III—AMATEUR RADIO COMING OF AGE

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CHAPTER IX—The Changing Pace

78

CHAPTER X—The New Horizon

80

CHAPTER XI—Of Service to All

82

CANADA’S CENTENNIAL

84

CONCLUSION

85

APPENDIX

86

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

98

PART I—THE FIRST STEP

Chapter 1 THE BEGINNING The beginning of radio, or amateur radio as we know it to day, is difficult to pin point as to actual date. The theory of electricity developed in stages. Michael Farady in the nineteenth century discovered that there was a relationship between electro-magnetism and light—it was he who first defined the laws of induction. In 1873 James Clerk Maxwell published a book on electricity and magnetism in which he advocated the theory that all electric and magnetic phenomena could be reduced to motion in the form of waves in a mysterious substance, which he called the “aether.” In 1886 a German, Heinrich Hertz, achieved the experimental verification of Maxwell’s theories by discovering that a spark could be caused to jump across an air gap between two wire ends, when another spark was caused in a circuit containing an induction coil and spark gap. In the late nineteenth century Guglielmo Marconi became vitally interested in the electric wave theory. He had studied under Professor Righi of the University of Bologna who had been experimenting with inductive telegraphy. Marconi, at twenty, experimented with electric wave phenomena on his father’s large estate outside of Bologna. He “adapted the inventions of many men, eliminated some of their laboratory defects, and combined them into a workable communications system. He stud ied Righi ‘s version of the Hertzian oscillator and used it for his transmitter, he took the coherer, which was a tube filled with metal filings with connecting plugs at each end and used it for his receiver, later patenting it; but most important of all, he adopted modified versions of Loomis’ aerial and radiated the electromagnetic oscillations along the surface of the earth for increasingly greater distances.” 1 In 1896 Marconi took his equipment to England and there was introduced to Sir William Preece , Director of the Posts and Telegraphs. With the help of Mr. Preece, Marconi was able to demonstrate the ability of his apparatus to transmit a signal by wireless a distance of 100 yards. In later tests he was able to increase this distance first to two miles, then four. It was quite evident by this time that with improvements in the transmitter, receiver and antenna systems this method of communication could be used on a worldwide basis—ship to shore, country to country, continent to continent, and this became Marconi’s goal. The next step was communication between ships at sea ten miles apart, and eventually the English Channel was bridged—a distance of 32 miles! Finally at the turn of the century he was ready for his greatest test—trans-Atlantic communication. In our book we are concerned primarily with the beginning of amateur radio in Canada, and with Marconi’s crossing of the Atlantic to St. John’s, Newfoundland, our story begins. Marconi arrived in Newfoundland on December 6, 1901, and with his two assistants proceeded to set up his wireless receiving station. After two unsuccessful attempts at “launching” an antenna, finally on December 12th a kite was successfully sent aloft to a height of four hundred feet and it held. Marconi cabled the station at Poldhu, Cornwall, to begin transmitting. He listened for the pre-arranged signal and was rewarded soon after with the repeated buzzes of the letter “s”. His assistant verified the reception. Later in the afternoon the signal was heard again. When news of this first trans-Atlantic signal was released to the public on December fl, 1901, imagination ran wild. Hobbyists formerly interested in electricity and telegraphy now turned to wireless. 1

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DeSoto, Two Hundred Meters and Down, A.R.R.L., p. 10-13.

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Chapter II THE BEGINNERS This achievement opened up a whole new world to would-be experimenters. The English publication “The Boys Own” published an article in 1908 entitled “How to Make a Wireless Set.” These instructio ns were carefully followed by H. H. Gloster. who at that time lived in England. His apparatus was very primitive, the transmitter consisting of a small spark coil known technically as a Rhumkorff coil, powered by two Leclanche cells made from zinc and carb on rods immersed in a solution of ammonium chloride, and a telegraph key constructed from a corset spring. The spark gap was made from two ornamental brass balls taken from a metal bedstead, and the antenna formed from two metal stair rods, one being inserted in each brass ball forming a simple dipole. The receiver consisted of a coherer made from a .22 brass cartridge case filled with iron filings, stoppered with a cork with a needle pushed through its center into the filings, an electric bell, and a Lecla nche cell. The coherer, bell, and cell were all in series, and the theory was that when the transmitter was operated the radio “waves” would lower the resistance of the iron filings and the bell would ring. The bell was placed in such a position that when it rang its clapper would tap the coherer, restoring the resistance of the iron filings, and the ringing would cease until the receiver was acted on by another wave train. Experiments were also carried out with a “flame detector” in place of the iron filing coherer. This detector was a Bunsen burner with two copper electrodes in its flame, the separation between the electrodes being adjustable. Another type of detector was the Lodge -Muirhead which was a rotating steel wheel, the rim of which lightly grazed a small pool of mercury, the latter being covered with a thin film of oil. The metal filing coherer was not practical in that it was almost impossible to keep the needle adjusted to the point where the filings would cohere readily and de cohere just as readily. The flame detector was quite insensitive, and the making of a Lodge -Muirhead detector was beyond the somewhat limited financial and mechanical resources of most operators at that time. The Gloster family left England in 1911, and after a short stay in New York moved to Toronto. Harry brought with him to Canada a one-inch spark coil, a telegraph key, a galena “Cats Whisker” detector, and a single headphone. A two-slide tuner was constructed winding an empty Quaker Oats box full of double cotton covere d magnetic wire, placing two adjustable slides lengthwise along the windings, and baring each turn of wire just below the sliders. These units formed a simple receiving set—the spark coil and key being used the transmitter. The transmitter tuning coil consisted of a helix of No. 14 bare wire wound on a wooden frame about eight inches in diameter, and about fifteen turns with one inch spacing. The spark gap was connected to the helix by means of a wire clip, as was also the antenna, making the inductance to each circuit adjustable. The tuning indicator was a single turn of wire connected to a flashlight bulb, the loop being suspended inside the helix. The antenna was an inverted “L” two wire ships style, about 25 feet long and approximately 35 feet above gro und. With no frequency measuring device the transmitted wavelength was, of course, unknown, but providing one did not interfere with the Toronto Coast Station, this seemed to be a matter of little concern. Since no regulations existed and station calls were not issued to amateurs by the government, the operators used their initials. Harry Gloster had good two-way contact with Oakville, twenty miles distant and was able, at times to hear the time signals sent from the Eiffel Tower in France. George Dunn arrived in Kelowna, B.C. in 1908 and was appointed to the position of City Clerk. George became interested in amateur radio soon after the triode tube came into existence, some time before World War I. His station consisted of a half kilowatt rotary semi quenc h spark transmitter, an inverted “L” antenna and an audion detector for receiving. George was no doubt one of the first amateurs to operate from Western Canada. We will take a look at some of George’s activities and equipment later in our history, since he , with all the other operators, had to put his key on the shelf for the duration of the war. It soon became apparent that some regulations should be drawn up to keep the experimenters and operators within one general province. The Wireless Association of Ontario was formed in 1912 with about 50 unlicensed members. After several unsuccessful representations to the Government of Canada regarding license information, the Wireless Association of Ontario decided to issue station licenses to its own members . They also drafted a set of regulations for the guidance of operators. A list of the operators with their station calls and regulations issued by the Wireless Association of Ontario is included herewith. The letter X denoted amateur status, the second letter the initial of the member’s surname and the third letter his place, alphabetically, among the surnames with the same initial. Club 4

meetings were held once a month in the YMCA in Toronto. Soon after this the Government of Canada saw the need of having all amateur radio activity under its jurisdiction and drew up a set of regulations. These came into force in 1913-14.

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Extracts from Radiotelegraph Regulations, June 1914 4 REGULATIONS Issued by the Minister of the Naval Service in accordance with section 11 of The Radiotelegraph Act, chapter 43, statutes 1913. LICENSES 1. Application for License.—Applications for licenses to install and operate radiotelegraph equipments at any point in the Dominion of Canada or on board any ship registered therein, must be made to the Deputy Minister of the Department of the Naval Service, Ottawa, on the “Application for License” form, provided for tha t purpose, copies of which may be obtained on application to the above mentioned department. 2. Classes of Licenses.—The following classes of licenses will be issued— Coast Stations— 1. Limited Coast Station. Land Stations— 2. Public Commercial Station. 3. Private Commercial Station. 4. Experimental Station. 5. Amateur Experimental Station. 6. Technical or Training School Station. Ship Stations— 7. Ship Station. 3. Duration of Licenses.—Licenses will be valid for one year, commencing on April 1 and expiring on March 31 of the following year. All licenses issued during the year automatically expire on March 31, unless otherwise specified in the license. 18. Amateur Experimental Licenses.—Amateur experimental licenses will be granted to small stations used for instruction, experimental purposes or amusement by persons relatively inexperienced in operating. In addition to the provisions contained in the regular form of amateur experimental license annexed hereto (Form No. W. 44), the following special regulations will apply to all amateur experimental stations. SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR AMATEUR EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS.

19. At amateur experimental stations the power used measured at the terminals of the transformer, must not exceed ½ k.w. 20. The wavelengths which may he used vary with the distance between the licensed station and any commercial coast or land station or a route of navigation as follows: — For transmission— Class l.—Stations located within 5 miles of a commercial coast or land station or a route of navigation, shall not use a trans mitting wavelength greater than 50 metres; Class 2.—Stations located more than 5 but less than 25 miles from a commercial coast or land station or a route of navigation, shall not use a transmitti ng wavelength greater than 100 metres; Class 3.—Stations located more than 25 but less than 75 miles from a commercial coast or land station or route of navigation, shall not use a transmitter wavelength greater than 150 metres; Class 4.—Stations located more than 75 miles from a commercial coast or land station or route of navigation, shall not use a transmitting wavelength greater than 200 metres. 21. In case where transmitting apparatus is installed the natural wavelength of the aerial and the length of the emitted waves must be as specified in the license; in general this wavelength will be the maximum allowable under Regulation No. 20. 6

22. In cases where no transmitting apparatus is installed on the station, no limit is placed on the length of the aerial which may be used provided it is employed for the purpose of reception only. 23. The station must be worked by a person holding an amateur experimental certificate of proficiency (see Regulation No. 97) 24. The waves emitted must be as little damped as possible, and in no case shall the logarithmic decrement of a complete oscillation exceed two-tenths. The coupling between the primary and secondary of the oscillation transformer shall not be closer than that which gives a difference of five per cent between the mean wavelength and either of the two waves emitted by the coupled circuits. 25. A distinctive call signal will be allotted to each station commencing with the letter “X”, e.g., XAA, XAB, which signal must be sent not less than three times at the termination of every transmission. 26. The regulations of the International Radiotelegraph Convention must, where applicable, be observed by the station. 27. The station must take every precaution to prevent interference with the working of other stations. 28. The station, when operating, must listen for the signal “STP” which will indicate that an amateur experimental station is interfering with commercial business. 29. The latter signal will only be made use of by certain authorized Government statio ns and will not be used unless absolutely necessary. The signal “STP” will, whenever possible, be preceded by the call signal allotted to the amateur experimental station to which the interference is attributed and will be followed by the call signal of th e Government station. On receipt of the “STP” signal, all amateur experimental stations will cease to operate until the Government station gives the signal “Cancel STP.” 30. The aerial must be connected to the transmitting apparatus only when actual commu nication is in progress or when measurements are being taken. At all other times, such as when the spark is being tested or sending is being practiced, the aerial must be disconnected. 31. When the licensed station is in the vicinity of a commercial station it should be connected with the local telephone exchange so that instant cornmunication may be established in cases of interference. 32. Technical and Training School Licenses. —Technical and training school licenses are granted to stations employed for educational purposes; they will be afforded every facility for the work they propose to undertake compatible with any special local conditions such as the existence of a commercial or coast station in their vicinity; in general they will be subject to th e same conditions as amateur experimental and experimental stations. 33. Ship Station Licenses. —Ship station licenses will be granted to stations on British ships registered in Canada. The regular form of the license is annexed hereto. (Form No. W. 19.) (97) Amateur Experimental Certificate: Candidates for an amateur certificate will be examined in the adjustment and operation of the apparatus they propose to operate and will be required to have a satisfactory knowledge of the Departmental regulations governing the working of amateur experimental stations (Regulations No. 19 to No. 31), and those annexed to the international Radiotelegraph Convention of London, applicable to the working of stations generally, particularly Sections 6, Articles 20 to 35, entitled “Transmission of Radiotelegrams The examination will be practical and viva voce, and the candidates will be required to send and receive in the International Morse Code at a speed of not less than five words a minute and to distinguish from other signals the signals “SOS”, “STP” and the call signal of his station when repeated several times at a speed of ten words a minute.

John Langford, now VE3RD, was active in Calgary in 1912. His transmitter was an induction coil with spark gap. The power supply was a battery of No. 6 dry cells, which were picked up in the scrap heaps at garages. The detector was a crystal, a big improvement over the original coherer. Communication was with a similarly equipped station located five blocks away. There were many trips back and forth to find out what was the matter, but in the end the results were fairly good. Mr. Langford says, “We had no calls, no licenses and no idea what our frequency was.” We are pleased to be able to reproduce a photograph of his station as it was at that time.

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Mr. James C. Taylor says his interest in radio (wireless in those days) was kindled by the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and the part radio played in this disaster. As a result he constructed his first station consisting mainly of a spark coil and a crystal detector and made many contacts in the Toronto area. In 1913 he progressed from the spark coil, and crystal detector class to the transformer rotary gap, audion detector group and contacts were made with hams in Buffalo about 90 miles away. This was real DX in those days. A number of other amateurs did experimental work prior to World War I, but with the coming of the war and the forced cessation of operation many never returned to amateur activity after the war. George A. Sandoz, now VE1PT and living in Halifax, was active in that area in 1912 long before government records were kept or directives issued. In 1911 a young boy in St. Catharines, Ont. was often taken by his parents to visit his grandparents in Merritton. In fine weather they walked this distance, and climbed the hill towards Merritton. There, on the hilltop, stood an imposing red brick house. Strung between the house and the barn was a three -wire flat-top antenna, majestic in size and a tantalizing curiosity to the small boy. After persistent questioning, his father explained that the antenna was for collecting electricity from the sky. This was the reason the big house had such a bright electric light over its doorway. To the layman of that time this seemed a reasonable explanation. The news on April 15th, 1912, that the ‘Titanic had sunk after striking an iceberg in the Atlantic, was followed by an artist’s drawing of the sinking ship, plainly showing an antenna strung between its masts. This also intrigued the youngster. “Father told me that this was used for sending wireless messages,” he said. When World War I began in August, 1914, he was reading about Marconi and his wireless radio. Only then did these two incidents correlate and he realized the true purpose of the antenna on the red brick house. The man in the “red brick house” was Charlie Burch. Charlie’s equipment included a one -inch spark coil and a galena detector. His antenna was the wire flat-top that had intrigued the little boy. During 1910-11 he made regular contacts with his friend in Buffalo, New York. At the beginning of the war in 1914 he left radio, but his antenna remained—a source of interest to passers-by for years. In 1913 Morse code classes were given to Boy Scouts in the St. Catharines area. One member, Homer Houser, aged 12; armed with his proficiency badge, and scraps of radio news he had gleaned from Popular Mechanics, Electrical Experimenter and The Boys Own Manual, began playing around with experiments and new ideas. Homer became 3GX. His friend and neighbour, Harold Jolliffe, 31G, worked with him on experiments, until Harold joined the services and went overseas.

In 1915 Robert Fletcher, 3LI, and Roy Boneberg, both sixteen years of age, began playing with radiotelegraph. Their trans mitter was made up of a Model T Ford spark coil; the primary energized by batteries in series with a telegraph key, donated by the local telegraph operator. A homemade helix and spark gap were used. The spark gap was attached directly across the secondary of the spark coil; one end going to ground and the other attached by a clip to the helix. A single-pole, double-throw switch with a six-inch knife blade was secured to the three-wire flat-top antenna. Another clip attached the helix to one end, of the knife switch. For receiving they used a home --made, loose coupler with primary sliders; one slider connected to ground, the other to one side of the knife switch. An inductively-variable secondary coil could be slid in and out of the primary coil. One end of this coil, by means of a slider, went to ground. The coil was tapped every few turns, and brought out to a switch mounted on the end of the coil. ‘The arm of the switch was in series with a homemade detector, a single 80 ohm headphone to ground. A .001 MMFD condenser went across the headphone. To find the most sensitive spot on the galena, a high-frequency buzzer was used. The operator would listen for a signal from the buzzer, and juggle the cat whisker to a spot on the galena which gave the loudest signal on the headphone, then, by moving the slider on the primary of the loose coupler, and adjusting the secondary tap switch, the frequency of the receiver was varied. A degree of selectivity was secured by varying the coupling between the primary and secondar y. Robert Fletcher in the early days was probably the best-known experimenter in the Niagara District. He was the first amateur heard on the air by many, and his achievements in radio inspired many youngsters to take up the hobby. The story of experimentation and achievement could be related about hundreds of enterprising youngsters in all parts of the world. Discoveries were made not only by adults —the youth of the world was caught up in the excitement of individual accomplishment. Every boy had a chance to experiment with this new medium of communication. Jack Casey of St. Catharines, was one of these experimenters. He built a loose coupler of giant proportions, the base 2”x 12”x 24”, complete with sliders and switches. In all it weighed about 25 pounds! Fletcher and Boneberg were joined by other friends and they all operate d stations in Port Colborne during the war years, quite innocent of the fact that it was prohibited. It wasn’t until the Mounties confiscated Roy Boneberg’s equipment that they learned that it was unlawful. This news spread like wildfire through the Niagara area and the 9

remaining stations were quickly dismantled. Roy’s equipment was returned to him after the war. It was during the years from Marconi’s first experiments at the turn of the century to the war years of 1914 to 1918 that amateur radio in Canada took its first step. It is during the years that followed that amateur radio “Learned to Walk”.

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PART Il—AMATEUR RADIO—LEARNING TO WALK

Chapter III THE EXPERIMENTERS An interest in amateur radio was sparked with the establishment of communication between Europe and America by Marconi in 1901. Interested persons built transmitters and broadcast regularly. Then came a time when amateurs were considered a nuisance to commercial radio stations. In order to solve the problem, the government allowed amateurs of the time to use all the wavelengths below 200 meters (1,500 kilocycles). These frequencies were considered unusable and it was felt the amateur stations could cause no trouble to anyone. However, the experimenters soon proved that these frequencies were very usable, and very useful; they discovered that the higher the frequency, the further the signal carried. In 1923 Canadian and American amateurs were able to establish frequent contacts with Africa, Asia, and Australia. Immediately commercial radio stations began to invade the frequency reserved for amateurs. The battle was on — until the International Conference on Radio, held in \Washington in 1924, allocated to amateurs the following bands: 80 meters, 40, 20, 10, and 5. This might be considered as a token of gratitude to those who had discovered the use of short waves. Since that time the great family of radio amateurs has continued to expand. These men and women keep their station going for the mere pleasure of chatting with other members of their family in many parts of the world. They are, in a way, correspondents for the universe. Others use radio simply as a hobby; they build all sorts of equipment, finding ways in which to improve it as much as possible, and amateurs have discovered many electronic circuits. Radio amateurs support an industry, which gives them a share of its production. The armed forces welcome radio amateurs to their signal corps, since they are well skilled and well trained as operators. Most important of all, the radio amateur is always ready and willing to assist in times of disaster, and quite frequently the only communication link that remains in operation is by way of amateur radio. During World War I many experiment-minded young men had been exposed to radio communications. One of these young men was George Threader, 3KP, of St. Catharines; Ont. George heard his first voice transmission on radio when he was aboard the British Man-of-War, Shearwater, near Bermuda, British West Indies. It was an experiment being conducted between two navy vessels. George, like many others, came home from the war with the desire to build his own radio station. This was the era of wireless communications and active young minds were just as keen to learn all about this new medium in those days, as today’s youths desire to explore space. In 1919 George began building his own station on Ida Street, St. Catharines. Charlie Burch gave him his three wire, flat-top antenna. It is rumoured that George had difficulty in installing the antenna. The specifications called for soldered joints. Try as he might no joints could be made. The wire was aluminum, a precious metal in those days! Many interesting things happened at the Id a Street location. The station was changed from spark to CW, using audions, a triode vacuum tube. This resembled a test tube, with three wire leads protruding from each end, attached to binding posts on the receiver panel. There was an extra filament in case of failure: thus the two extra leads over the four normally required in a triode. The tuner was of the honeycomb -type, plug-in coil to cover various frequencies. The outstanding feature of this station was the 90 ft. lattice tower, made from 1x3 inch up rights and lxl/2 inch laths for cross members. This station was in use until 1983. Harry Overholt, 3H0 had a 100 ft. wire flat top and a spark trans mitter that had come from a World War I aircraft. Harry opened a store on St. Paul St. where he built and sold neutrodyne receivers. In 1919 Homer Houser, 3GX and Harold Jolliffe, 31G, were together again after Homer’s tour of duty overseas during the war. They began building a new station on Dufferin St. in Partington’s greenhouse. Their antenna was a trolley wire, which had been obtained from the Niagara, St. Catharines and Toronto railway yard nearby. This was strung between the greenhouses. Something was in the wind. After persistent waiting and listening they heard someone say “Hello! Hear me? ………….. This is KDKA, Pittsburgh!” This was the first known voice trans mission heard in St. Catharines.

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Later that year Homer Houser, 3GX moved to Lynden, Ontario. He bought a 2 kilowatt spark set in Buffalo, New York. His home -built receiver had honeycomb coils. Whe n he turned on his transmitter to operate every light in the little town went out! Needless to say, this caused quite a sensation. The head of the Hydro Electric made a special visit to see the “contraption.” Eventually a larger transformer was installed in the town so that Homer could operate his station and the townspeople could have lights at the same time! Another team of experimenters, Fletcher and Boneberg, began building a new station. They purchased a single audion tube, a loose coupler, which was soon replaced with plug-in honeycomb coils. Each set of coils consisted of a fixed coil, which was tuned by a Murdock-molded condenser. The other two coils, antenna and tickler were variable in relation to the fixed coil. Regeneration and sensitivity were secured by varying their position. For transmitting they bought a Thordarson half-kilowatt transformer; erected a good antenna, and the musical sound of their rotary spark gap was heard throughout the Niagara district. It is logical that with more and more experimenters getting on the air in these days, some form of licensing and regulations would need to he enforced. The No. 1 license issued to David Lloyd by the Department of the Naval Service is dated July 29, 1920. David’s hamming days started when he was a youngster in short pants in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, about the start of World War I. He and his friends scrounged old discarded No. 6 Dry Cells from the few automobiles in town and learned code working buzzers between houses with wires strung on the trees. Batteries, buzzers, galena detectors, tuning coils and loose couplers made from round Quaker Oats boxes saturated in paraffin were used. They found they could hook an antenna wire and ground on a buzzer and copy code a block away on the same size antenna with a galena cat’s whisker detector and telephone receiver! The couplers were connected to the spark coils —and they were in business. The half dozen or so boys in the northern Ontario town kept the three “wireless” books in the Public Library circulating between them until they were dog-eared. Thus the Algoma Radio Club was born. In the fall of 1918 they were going great guns and regularly working across the river to Soo, Michigan, and once in a while as far away as Cheboygan and Mackinac (50 miles). Of course they all listened constantly to the ships going up and down the river. (There were only about a dozen Canadian ships with “wireless” in those days — mostly passenger boats.) The ships always sent a “TR” to the Marconi Station (VBB) in Soo, Ontario, announcing their time of arrival and departure through the Locks—so the boys visited practically every ship with an antenna strung between the masts if it stopped at the Soo. The operators had little to do in those days— many had only summer jobs with Marconi and had their own ham stations during the winter—so they were happy to have a “chin-wag” with anyone who knew that a key was something you could “pound” and not just something to open a door. Here they learned the difference between a magnetic detector with a clockwork motor and the coherer, and in the process made new friends. One September afternoon in 1919 David Lloyd heard the S.S. Mani toba give her “TR” to VBB, so he jumped on his bike and went down to the dock where she would be unloading cargo for a few hours. He went up to the shack on the top deck to see his friend “Sparks’ ‘—only to find him sitting with a stranger, who was introduced to him as the owner of Amateur Station 3AW. He turned out to be a genial gentleman named Donald Manson, Inspector of Radiotelegraphy for the De partment of Naval Service of the Federal Government. In the course of conversation David asked him about the new Canadian law which required that all holders of Amateur Experimental Station Licenses should also have an operator’s “Certificate of Proficiency.” Mr. Manson explained that it might be many months before the Department could undertake the examining and licensing of amateur operators, but in dicated that he would be willing to examine David right then and there (with no promise of when certificates might be issued). He gave him a code test, and then questions and answers and notes—and the job was done. It was still an hour or so before the “Manitoba” would finish unloading, so David went to the dock office and used “Ma Bell” (forerunner of the “twisted pair”) to tell his friends that they could try their tests if they hurried down. The first “Certificates of Proficiency” in Canada were issued the next year to members of the Algoma Radio Club. George Dunn, of Kelowna, B.C., who had started his amateur activities prior to World War I, became active once again. The Department of Marine and Fisheries issued Licence No. 236 to George on May 27, 1920, and was assigned the call letters 5BW. In 1928 the Department of Marine and Fisheries, Radio Branch, assigned the commercial broadcasting call of IOAY to George’s amateur equipment. This became the first broadcasting station in the area, providing Sunday morning and evening church services to the relatively few broadcast receivers of that time. The stipulation was that there should be absolutely no advertising. The original “10AY” station consisted of a Hartley oscillator circuit with high-level plate modulation using 2 modulator tubes. The power supply co nsisted of either a 1000-volt motor generator set, D.C. or Hydro-type power transformer with 4 type 81 rectifiers. The trans former

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primaries were controlled by Ward Leonard step-type starting resistors, giving D.C. outputs varying in steps from 500 volts to 1000 volts at a current capability of 500 ma. The antenna system consisted of a 5 -wire cage, centre fed, with a Marconi type tuning variable series capacitor in the antenna leads and an ammeter to show antenna currents. This was combined with coupling and loading coils with a series variable capacitor and ammeter to the counterpoise. The frequency was in the standard broadcast band. DX programs were conducted on Saturday nights, called “Dawn Patrol” which ran until 5 a.m. Program material consisted of recorded music and live concerts by a local group. Church services were broadcast each Sunday morning. George’s 10AV station is still intact in his ham shack, and we are pleased to be able to include some pictures of the station. This phase of George Dunn’s radio hobby ended in November, 1931, when CKOV began broadcasting regularly. George became VE5BW when the VE calls were issued. In January, 1935, the Okanagan Valley experienced a severe storm, which wiped out all commercial communication circuits fo r several weeks. Electric power was at a premium. Station VE5BW soon became an essential service, and with the approval of the Department of Marine, Radio Division, handled commercial telegrams. George, together with his son who by this time was an expert on the “bug” and Rolph Mathie, VE5SC, made an inestimable contribution to the public by way of amateur radio. On December 29, 1958, the City of Kelowna tendered a testimonial dinner in honour of George Dunn, who had served the city for almost 51 years as City Clerk. In recognition of his services, and in view of his hobby of radio, he was presented with a new Viking Ranger, and microphone. The St. Catharines Standard (Ontario) carried an item in 1920, which said, “Fred Cross of Thorold is busy these days building a radio station in his home. Many local young men are keenly interested in this new hobby.” Fred Cross, 3FK, (now VE3AHF) has many happy memories of the early days of ham radio. He, Alfred Spannier and their friend Frank Everett all had the same typ e one-inch spark transmitters. These had been used originally in World War I aircraft and were sold as war surplus when hostilities ceased. This was probably the first time that war surplus goods had been sold on the open market, and it was a bonanza for the young radio enthusiasts of that day. Reg. Seward, VE3AEK, later VE3LO, operated and conducted radio experiments in his parents’ home in St. Catharines. His bedroom was so cluttered with wires, radio parts, bits and pieces; his mother was forbidden to go inside to clean up. There was no space for Reg’s bed. Being a sailor at heart he took to sleeping in a ship’s hammock, strung high above the wireless equipment! Dr. Howard McGarry was a well-known experimenter in the early 1920’s in Niagara Falls. He was issued the call 3KS in 1921. Howard became interested in radio at the age of 12 when he used to visit the home of Walter Goring, a real pioneer in ham radio. Mr. Goring allowed the boys to come in to hear the Arlington time signal at 10 o’clock each night over NAA, the American Government station in Arlington, West Virginia. Howard McGarry built his first spark set in 1919. It was the usual type, so popular at that time. Later he changed to a 2-inch spark coil; using an aerial 100 feet long, consisting of 4 wires spread two feet apart with the lead in the middle. In 1921 he bought a Thordarson half-kilowatt transformer and a high-speed rotary spark gap. With these two pieces of equipment he could vary his power output; the Thordarson transformer had a small handle, which varied the core gap and thus the voltage. The rotary spark gap speed could also be changed to produce a distinctive note. Howard handled traffic with Ted Rogers, 3BP. Graham Peacock, VE3SI (ex 3SF, 3GH, 3CLT) began his amateur career at Milto n, Ontario, in 1915, with a Ford spark coil, the usual galena detector, a single Bell telephone receiver and a roll of phosphor bronze wire. This wire, which was rolled on a spool, was a very tenacious metal, and Graham found it impossible to take out the curls. Eventually, with the help of his dad’s team of Clydesdales, he was able to stretch it straight enough to use for his flat top antenna. A pair of Brandes headphones, were purchased for Graham from a firm in the United States by his mother as a Christmas present. They were shipped to his aunt’s house in Niagara Falls, New York, where they were later picked up, wrapped in fancy paper, and presented to him on Christmas morning. Shortly after an agent of the FBI arrived at the aunt’s home to question her about the headphones. They assumed a secret enemy agent was engaged in building a radio station to communicate with Germany; for these were the years of World War I. Graham’s aunt assured the Government man that the phones would cause no danger in the hand s of a twelve-year old boy! Graham received his license in 1922 and was issued the call 3SF. By this time he had a Thordarson 1/2 KW spark set and the usual audion tube receiver. Graham then built a phone station, which was a copy of the set used by CFCA, the Toronto Star Station, putting on a concert for local listeners, which was heard in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, 15

better than the signals from CFCA! Some of the early amateurs in the Niagara district were: C. W. Boughner, 3CG; Charlie Lynden, 3MM, Port Colborne; A. F. Habgood, 3TL, Niagara Falls; W. R. Brown, 3BS, St. Catharines; Cam Ruther ford, 3ZL), later VE3ASH; Mack McCalla, VE3DH, St. Catharines; T. O. Wiklund, 3AQ (who became one of Canada’s top announcers on radio. He accompanied King George and Queen Elizabeth as an official CBC announcer on their 1939 tour); Harry Starr, 3KA and Harold Stewart, VE3NF.

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Chapter IV ACROSS THE SEA The early twenties were the years of the great leap forward in amateur radio. Traffic nets had been established (mainly through the efforts of Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW, president and founder of A.R.R.L.) which covered the area between the Mexican border and parts of Canada. There was great rivalry between spark and CW but the majority of traffic was handled by spark stations. The great dream now was to span long distances and the vast space between continents. Early in February, 1921, a number of amateurs in North America transmitted pre -arranged signals to England on the 200-meter wavelength. Over two hundred British experimenters, competing for awards offered by manufacturers of wireless equipment, listened for the signals from America. Their receivers were of the regenerative type, and radi ated with such intensity, it is doubtful if the transmitted signals from Ame rica could be heard through the QRM. Commercial harmonics, and man-made QRN added to the din, and a meager knowledge of frequency calibration frustrated this experiment. After this failure, at a meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors, Traffic Manager Fred Schnell, 1MO suggested that an American ama teur, with the best available equipment be sent overseas to try to receive the new tests scheduled for late 1921. He felt that success would be assured if the receivers used were calibrated to the known transmitt er frequencies in America. Paul F. Godley, 2XE, was chosen for his outstanding knowledge and skill. He arrived in Scotland and set up his station in a tent, on the bleak Androssan Moor of the Scottish west coast. On December 8, 1921, he definitely heard the signals of H. P. Maxim, lAW. His synchronous spark gap with a 60-cycle note was on approximately 270 meters. At last the amateurs had spanned the Atlantic! More than thirty stations were heard from this side of the Atlantic, the most consistent. accordi ng to American records being the transmitter of 1BCG, of Greenwich, Connecticut. Among the stations recorded in Godley’s log was the spark station of 3BP, Newmarket, Ontario. As there were no prefixes denoting countries in those days, there is no doubt that other Canadians were among the stations heard. For example, Lloyd Troup, 3XX, of Port Colborne, Ontario, states, “I was one of the lucky ones, with my pure DC transmitter, even if it was low -powered!” Lloyd built his first receiver during the winter of 1920-21, using two De Forest audions. These were a test tubelike envelope with the flexible, cotton-covered grid and plate leads coming from one end, and from the other end came three filament leads, because it had two filaments, just in case one didn’t last too long. The tube was hung by the leads on four binding posts attached to the front panel of the receiver. The grid circuit consisted of a varicoupler and a variometer. The plate circuit had another variometer, in series with the phones and B batter ies, which consisted of 14 flashlight cells in series. The variometer controlled the regeneration. At this time variable condensers were not commonly used to tune the grid circuits. The following winter he built a transmitter, using two 210 tubes in a self-excited circuit. The filaments were lighted by an A battery. The high voltage came from 1200 volts of Edison batteries in one -inch test tubes, which were charged from the gasoline-driven generator that provided the electricity on the Troup farm. There was no commercial electric power in those days. Lloyd’s pure DC signals were loop-modulated by a buzzer in series with the key and a turn or two of wire, which was loosely coupled to the plate tank. This produced a MOW signal that was easily copied on the receivers of that day. Lloyd was introduced to ham radio by J. R. Tuck, 3MY. Mr. Tuck owned a jewellery store in Port Colborne and was a real pioneer in the early days of amateur radio. It was his interest and willingness to help, which made Lloyd become a ham, and it was a proud moment for Lloyd when he received the call, 3XX, in July, 1922. November 27, 1923, was a highlight date in the history of amateur radio. Arrangements had been made between Leon Deloy, 8AB, in Nice, France, and Fred Schnell, 1MO, and John Reinartz, 1QP-1XAM, in the United States, for a schedule on that day. Both Schnell and Reinartz heard the 25-cycle note of Deloy on the frequency of 100 meters. After a few calls, Deloy asked Reinartz to stand by, and said to Schnell: “R R QRK UR SIGS QSA VY ONE FOOT FROM PHONES ON GREBE FB OM HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS THIS IS A FINE DAY MIM PLEASE QSL NR 12.” 17

For the first time a two-way contact had been made across the Atlantic by amateurs, and a new era had begun for ham radio. In 1923, Don Mix, 1TS, accompanied Donald B. MacMillan’s party on his expedition to the North Pole, taking along amateur radio equipment for possible contact with amateurs on the mainland. This venture also proved to be a success and the forerunner of hundreds of future expeditions. Lloyd Troup, 3XX, of Port Colborne reports that his signals were heard, and he made poor contact with the amateur operator on board the Schooner Bowdoin, commanded by Dr. MacMillan. He was using the call WNP “Wireless North Pole.” Lloyd, in his reminiscences, relates this amusing incident: “On Sunday, August 13, 1922, a call came from a friend, 8A11, of Buffalo, New York. It was a terrible-sounding signal, covering the whole radio band from end, to I know not where. I found out he was on his way to visit me, got as far as Crystal Beach, and had lost his way. He was driving a model “T” Ford. Being ingenious, he turned the ignition switch to battery; slowly cranked the engine until one of the spark plugs was sparking; attached a handy clothesline to the plug terminal, and got back into the car. He keyed his model “T” spark set, via the ignition switch and requested instructions for reaching the QTH.” What 8A11 used for a receiver is not reported! Win. C. Barrett, VE1DD, of Halifax, became involved in experimental radio in the 1920’s. Amateurs did not use telephony at that time, as a matter of fact their licenses did not allow them to do so on the wavelengths that were used for international two-way communication between amateurs. If one dabbed in phone work he had to go up on a higher wave where he would not interfere with the other amateurs operating on telegraphy. Bill Borrett, says that his thrill of a lifetime came on a night in December, 1923. The celebrated French amateur, Leon Deloy of Ni ce had just returned home from a visit to the United States and had made special tests on a wavelength of about one hundred meters with the American Radio Relay League (A.R.R.L.), and on a certain night they had arranged to try two-way communication. Most of the work up to that time had been on two hundred meters, and it was doubted at that time as to the chances they had of success. Mr. Borrett happened to be home on the night that they were to make the test. He was preparing to go out; as a matter of fact he was shaving when the telephone rang. It was Arthur Greig, C1BQ, to say that he had just tuned in on a Frenchman calling U.S.A. He said that the Frenchman was on about one hundred meters. What excitement! Mr. Barrett rushed to his receiving set and tore off turns and turns from the secondary coil of his receiver and stuck it back in the set. He had no idea how many turns he would need to receive on the unheard -of wavelength of one hundred meters. Luck was with him, however, for as soon as he stuck the co il in and gave the secondary condenser a slight turn he heard that never to be forgotten 25 cycle fluttery note of F8AB calling U1XW. That evening was the start of much work and alteration on his radio sets. While they were glad to hear the Frenchman, both Mr. Greig and Mr. Borrett were determined to get hold of an Englishman as soon as possible and they spread the news to the other Halifax amateurs, who considered them as something above the ordinary. It wasn’t long before they were all tearing their sets apart and the race began. Mr. Greig, CIBQ, won the race in a matter of a few days when he had two-way communication with Mr. E. J. Simmonds, G2OD, of Gerrards Cross, England. Mr. Borrett’s persistence was rewarded when he was answered by Mr. Gerald Marcus e, G2NM, of Queens Park, Caterham, who reported that his signals were strong. During the succeeding nights the following were heard: Mr. Partridge, 2KF, of London, Mr. Goyder, 2SZ, Mill Hill School, Mr. Ryan, 5BV, of Wimbledon and Mr. Hogg, 2SH of London. By March, 1924, five out of ten amateur stations in Halifax district had held two way communications with the Old Country, and as a mark of distinction they formed a society called the Royal Order of Transatlantic Brasspounders, or R.O.T.A.B. for short, of which only those who had held two-way communication across the Atlantic could become members. Each member was allowed to put the word ROTAB on his QSL cards. Other amateurs prominent in the Halifax-Dartmouth area were Joe Fassett, CIAR, Cecil Landry, C1AR, who broadcast music and local talent in the early 1920’s. Art Crowell, 1DQ, was S.C.M. (A.R.R.L.) for the Maritimes Section, for about 28 consecutive years. George Sandoz, whom we met earlier, was issued a license and call sign 1AH, dated April 1, 1921, and signed by the Deputy Minister of Naval Service. A later license issued for him contained the following frequencies: 1CW or TEL 150-175-200 meters, or CW 125 to 150, 175, 200, to 225 meters, power 1/2 kw. William C. Borrett, organized the A.R.R.L. acti vities in the Halifax area and was the Canadian representative at the formation of the International Amateur Radio Union in Paris, in 1925.

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Chapter V THE FIRST CONVENTION Canadian Amateur Radio had its first big convention at the Prince George Hote l in Toronto on the 8th and 9th of September (1922), under the auspices of the Wireless Association of Ontario. Several hundred radio amateurs attended the sessions. A good radio show and exhibit occupied stalls around the edge of the convention ha ll and in several adjoining rooms. Technical papers were presented at some of the meetings, an amateur gabfest was held and amateur work talked over. On the night of the 9th a banquet was held which will ever remain one of the bright spots in radio for those who attended it. The various technical and business sessions were presided over by A. H. Keith Russell, president of the W.A.O.O. and A.R.R.L. Ontario Division Manager. Among others, papers were delivered by Mr. J. H. Thompson, chief engineer, Canadian Marconi Co., on Radio Transmission; Dr. NV. B. Cartmeal, Engineering Dept., Northern Electric Co., on the “N” Tube; and Dr. C. A. Culver, Research Dept., Can. Indep. Telephone Co. on recent radio developments. New regulations had just been made for Canadian amate ur radio a few days previously and Mr. Edwards made the, first official announcement during his talk. C.W. was permitted specific wavelengths of 150, 175, 200, and 225; power limited to 1/2 K.W.; experimental “9” licenses, 275 meters. Provision is also made for an amateur broadcasting license, to be used especially in localities where there are no broadcasting stations, wavelength 250 meters. This class of license is to be issued only to duly organized associations, transferable by the club to any member thereof and good for operation during such hours as the club may determine. By this process the community is permitted to govern itself and there must be agreement. Public broadcasting continues on 400 to 450 meters as present. (TA Canadian Convention, QST , November 1922, pp. 33-34.) “The A.R.R.L. is operating in Canada at the request of leading Canadian amateurs, who realized that Canadian amateurs were not sufficient in number to maintain a relay organization through their own stations alone, nor could they finance a successful organization. The A.R.R.L. therefore has created Divisions in Canada, under Canadian Division Managers, exactly as in the States. A Canadian General Manager, Mr. A. H. Keith Russell, 9AL, supervises all their activities. By request it is doing what it can to help the amateurs of a sister country until they attain numbers sufficient to insure the success of an independent organization. The A.R.R.L. considers that it has a sacred trust in Canada and it proposes to safeguard that trust with all its ability.” (“CRRL,” QST, November 1923, p. 33.)

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Chapter VI THE YEARS BETWEEN 1924-1939 During these years great developments took place in modulating the CW carriers and many hams went from experimenting as amateurs into the new popular broadcasting field. Fred Cross, 3FK, and Alfred Spannier, 3SJ, were the first hams in the Niagara district on phone. They had lots of fun experimenting and transmitting music to each other. By this time a few Niagara district citizens owned early receiving sets; some of them built by youthful amateurs. They enjoyed listening in to music and the bits of nonsense the young men put over the air. Fred was very proud of his Magnavox speaker, which was a prestige item in those days. Dr. Howard McGarry, 3KS, of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was licensed by Ottawa in 1924 to broadcast concerts from his station, thus becoming the first licensed broadcasting station in that area. Ted Rogers, 8BP, became an outstanding engineer in this field. As an amateur he had established a reputation as the only Canadian recorded by Godley as being heard during the second A.R.R.L. Transatlantic tests in Androssan, Scotland, in 1921. Rogers then went on to develop the now famous Rogers AC receiving set. During a trip to the United States he ran across a small experimental radio tube with a heater designed to operate from AC current. This sparked his imagination. He envisioned the future when every household would have a radio receiver operated directly from the mains, no batteries or complicated low voltage rectifiers to light up the tubes; no B batteries for plate supply. The public would eat it up! In spite of the advice of American engineers that this would be very difficult, he returned to Canada with the patent rights for the tube in his pocket. Within a year he had developed a set that would operate directly from a light socket, which he placed on the market in 1925. This was the first commercial AC -operated receiver to be produced. It wasn’t until 1932 that there was any knowledge of group activity in the Niagara district. At that time Jack Varey, 3ZB, worked for his father in the Radio Service and Engineering Laboratory in St. Catha rines. Jack had a transmitter set up in the shop and this became an attraction for amateurs and would -be hams. They began holding regular meetings here every Saturday night. The meetings were informal, and many hams had their first taste of ham radio and learned their code at the shop. Jack set up the first Niagara local 5-metre transmitter in the shop and operated it by an automatic code wheel. After some time Ralph Janowsky, W8NOR (later W2RPO) of Buffalo, New York, called one night to report that 3ZB’s signals were being heard in Buffalo. This sparked great interest in 5 meters. Jack was a very active ham, a meticulous builder of equipment, and a very patient and encouraging teacher to budding amateurs. Amateur activity was not confined to Eastern Canada alone. The westerners also “got into the act.” Mr. W. W. Wright of Winnipeg states that he became interested in radio around the year 1922. Someone told him that if he went to the Fifteen Cent Store he could buy something called a variometer and a crystal. If these were put together in a certain manner and attached to a headphone similar to that used on a telephone, and if a little time was spent adjusting the crystal you could hear music and people talking. Further inquiries elicited the fact that the two local papers had just installed a device called a radio transmitter and this, along with the funny looking towers on the roof, enabled them to send out something called a radio wave that mysteriously carried the music and voices which one allegedly could hear on the Fifteen Cent Store crystal set. Somewhat skeptically the necessary parts were acquired and after much head-scratching and engineering ingenuity the device was finally assembled. A headphone was obtained and he was in business. After listening to music and voices for a while he began to investi gate how the set worked, and obtained what literature he could on it. He learned that if he replaced the crystal with a device called a tube he could hear radio stations from great distances — at least fifty miles away and maybe further than that! So he invested in a Northern Electric peanut tube, and also an A and B battery. Finally, after all the wiring was done he turned the filament rheostat on and — no music. Instead there was a high-pitched whine, which was broken up and sounded like the Morse code that was taught in Boy Scouts — only much faster. Further investigation revealed that there were actually people around the city who had their own transmitting stations and they talked to one another using the Morse code and a method of transmitting called Spark. When he learned that a night course in radi o would be given, he took advantage of this and received his license to operate in January, 1925, from the Minister of Marine and Fisheries. The general

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consensus of opinion at that time was that Spark was on its last legs and tube-type transmitters would eventually take over. Besides, tube transmitters were safer and simpler to construct and operate. Transformers of the type required for the tube transmitters simply did not exist in Winnipeg, so they had to be home made. The lamina tions and wire had to be scrounged, but finally it was finished. It made so much noise that it had to be strung under the operating table with rope to keep the floor from vibrating. Now the seven hundred volts AC had to be rectified. This was a good trick, as rectifier tubes suitable for that voltage were almost impossible to come by. Mr. ~Wright went to the basement and got eighteen of his mother’s best Mason jars —then to the hardware store for some sheet lead and chemically pure sheet aluminum. Elements were formed out of the lead and aluminum, inserted in the Mason jars and then the jars were filled with a solution of Borax or a phosphorus solution. When all was ready the fuses were removed from the 110-volt line serving the house and pennies substituted. The light in the operating room was turned on (it was best to do this operation in daylight) a rectifier connected and the key pressed. As there was an almost dead short across the line before the rectifier plates began to form, the light in the operating room would almost go out but as the rectification got better the light would gradually get brighter until normal brilliancy was reached. The rectifier was then ready for operation. While he was building the rectifier he was also building the trans mitter and receiver. The trans mitter was a fivewatt effort, using a UV 202 Radiotron. The receiver was a regenerative type, using a couple of the aforementioned peanut tubes. Mr. Wright was working on twenty meters in those days and received a card from John L. Reinartz, which said “Let’s get more of the boys on twenty meters.” He also received a card from G5HS confirming a contact made with England in 1926 on twenty meters. This was considered quite a feat in those days. The QRM was bad and the selectivity and band spread characteristics of the receivers left something to be desired. However, the real thrill of radio in those days was building your own equipment almost from scratch and then making it work. George Behrends, VE4RO, became interested in radio in 1916 when he was still at home in Copenhagen, Denmark. Two miles from George’s home the Denmark Government had an experimental station. This station is where the great W. Polsen was the first to modulate the arc. George’s curiosity got the better of him so he started peeking in the windows of the experimental station. George and a couple of lads in the vicinity started building equipment of their own. George’s first receiver used a Kohere and his first transmitter was a spark coil with a more or less fixed gap. One thousand meters was the frequency of that era. In 1920 the Danish hams were licensed with the prefix ED. George received his call in 1921. His call was ED7F, which he held for one year. He then came to Canada, first of all to Saskatchewan, but it wasn’t until he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, that he received his Canadian call, VE4OX. In 1932 his call was changed to VE4RO. George’s rig at this time was a pair of 45s in push pull with a 47 oscillator. George has done a great deal of emergency work, assisting the R.C.M.P. and the Red Cross whenever necessary. Bill Bailey, Nelson, B.C., started in amateur wireless at the age of ten in 1913 in Toronto. There were no licenses, so they used their own initials. His was CWB. His first equipment consisted of a coherer, also magnetic detector, no tuning. The transmitter consisted of a teninch spark coil which he wound himself. The core was a bundle of stovepipe wire. The primary was No. 16 gauge cotton insulated wire. The secondary was wound with thousands of turns of No. 36 wire. Si nce there was no wax paper at that time, they made their own by soaking brown paper in wax. The power for the primary was obtained from about 20 dry cells. The primary current was interrupted by an electrolytic (chemical) breaker. After about ten minutes of operation it would boil and had to be shut down while it cooled. There was no tuning on the transmitter. The output of the coil was fed to a spark gap, consisting of two copper balls spaced about one inch apart, one side to ground, the other side to a three-wire flat top antenna. With this arrangement he could transmit about one thou sand feet. When World War I broke out all the equipment had to be turned into the police. After the war this could be claimed again if the owners wished to have it back. After the war they had carborundum crystals and homemade tuning coils which were wound on porridge boxes. There were no variable air condensers until much later. His transmitter now was a spark coil taken from an old model T Ford. The spark gap was a rotary type operated by a motor. This gave a nice clean note. The tank coil was tuned by clips on a coil made of a 1/4 inch copper pipe. Everything was operated with a storage battery. The next development was the galena crystal, which was a big improvement over the carborundum type. There were also tuning coils for the receiver known as a loose coupler (home -made) and home -made variable condensers consisting of sheets of tin foil pasted on two pieces of wood which were hinged in order that the spacing between the plates could be varied.

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Next Bill went into really high power — 1 KW of spark! Except for better air condensers there appeared to be little change, but the range increased considerably. Bill and Mr. Rogers (3BP) of Newmarket, Ontario, created headlines in the papers by regularly working between Toronto and New-market — a distance of 30 miles. About the year 1921 tubes came on the market, but none were available in Canada. Bill wrote to The Phillips Co. in Holland for his first 3-element tube, and it cost about $20.00. Station licenses came into effect just about this time. Bill Bailey’s license, No. 167, was issued April 1, 1921. Bill’s first call letters, as recorded on the original license, was 3NK. Since that time he has held the calls VE2HB (from Montreal), VE3NK (Toronto), VE2HD (Montreal), VE3TT (Toronto) and latterly VE7CW (Nelson, B.C.). Bill was employed as Inspector of all Communications for the C.P.R. (It is with regret that we learned of Bill Bailey’s passing in November, 1967.)

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Issued In accordance with the provisions of the Radiotelegraph Act, Chapter 43, Statutes 1913, and the Regulations made thereunder.

The herein named Charles William Bailey, resident of Toronto, Ontario hereinafter called the licensee, is hereby license d to establish and operate an amateur experimental radiotelegraph station situated at 346 Clinton St., Toronto, Ont., for the term of one year commencing on the first day of April, 19...21 and terminating on the Thirty-first day of March, 19.22., and to install and operate at such station the apparatus mentioned in the schedule hereto, on payment of the sum of one dollar ($1.00) being the license fee for the privilege above named. This license is subject to the said Act and Regulations and to the following terms, conditions and restrictions:— 1. In this license, the term ‘Minister’ means the Minister or the Deputy Minister of the Naval Service for the time being. 2. (I) The licensee shall not establish, install or operate any apparatus for radiotelegraphy, except the apparatus hereinafter called the ‘licensed apparatus specified in the said schedule hereto, nor use wavelengths other than those specified therein. (11) The licensee shall work the licensed apparatus solely for the purpose of conducting experi ments in radiotelegraphy and for no other purpose whatever. 3. (I) The licensee shall so work the licensed apparatus as not to interfere with the working of any radiotelegraph station established in Canada or the territorial waters abutting on the coasts of Canada (whether on shore or on any ship), by or for the purposes of the Minister or any Department of His Majesty’s Government or for commercial purposes and in particular with the sending or receipt ‘of any messages between or at radiotelegraph statio ns established as aforesaid on land and radiotelegraph stations established on ships at sea. (II) With a view to preventing such interference as aforesaid the licensee shall comply with all directions which

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shall be given to the Licensee by the Minister and with all rules prescribed by the Minister for observance by hi~ licensees:— (a) With respect to all arrangements to be adopted for the purpose of securing syntonised apparatus or for enabling the messages exchanged by means of the licensed apparatus to be distinguished from those emanating from any other radiotelegraph station; (b) Generally with respect to avoiding interference between one radiotelegraph station and another. 4. The licensed apparatus shall not, without the consent of the Minister, be altered or modified in respect of any of the particulars mentioned in the schedule hereto. 5. (I) The coupling between the primary and secondary circuits of the oscillation transformer shall not be closer than that which gives a difference of 5% between the mean wave length and either of the two waves emitted by the coupled circuits. (II) The logarithmic decrement per whole period of the emitted waves~ shall not exceed two-tenths. 6. The licensee shall not divulge to any person (other than the properly authorized officials of the Government or a competent legal tribunal) or make any use whatever of any message coming to the knowledge of the licensee and not intended for receipt by means of the licensed apparatus. The licensee shall exhibit at the said station a copy of Form No. W. 40, issued by the Department of the Naval Service. 7. The Minister or his officers may, from time to time and at all reasonable times, enter upon the herein licensed station, for the purpose of inspection, and may inspect any apparatus fixed or in use in such station, for the purpose of sending and receiving messages by radiotelegraphy and all other telegraphic instruments and apparatus fixed or being in such stations, and the working and user of such apparatus and telegraphi c instruments respectively. 8. All apparatus used or intended to be used by the licensee shall be so erected, fixed, placed and used as not, either directly or by reason of the working or user thereof, to interfere with the efficient or convenient main tenance, working or user of any telegraphic line. 9. The licensee shall at all times indemnify the Minister against all actions, claims and demands which may be brought or made by any corporation, company or person in respect of any injury arising from any act licensed or permitted by these presents. 10. The licensed apparatus shall only be worked by a person, or persons, holding an Amateur Experimental Certificate of Proficiency in Radiotelegraphy as provided for in Regulation No. 97 of the Minister’s Reg ulations. 11. The licensed apparatus shall be operated in accordance with the provisions of the Radiotelegraph Act and Regulations issued thereunder by the Governor in Council or the Minister and in accordance with such pro visions of the International Radiotelegraph Convention as are applicable to such operation. 12. Except with the consent in writing of the Minister the licensee shall not assign or sublet this license. 13. (1) The Minister may at any time in his absolute discretion give notice in writi ng to determine these presents and the license or permission hereby given at the end of one calendar month from the date of such notice, and at the expiration of that period the license or permission hereby granted shall cease and determine accordingly, but without prejudice to any remedy of the Minister under any provision herein contained on the part of the licensee to be observed and performed. (II) The licensee shall, if so required by the Minister, cease to use the licensed apparatus for such period (not exceeding eight hours in any one day) as may be specified by the Minister. 14. In case of any breach, non-observance or non-performance by or on the part of the licensee of any of the terms or conditions herein contained and on the part of the licensee to be observed and performed, then and in any such case, the Minister may, by writing, revoke and determine these presents and the licensee, powers and authorities hereinbefore granted, and thereupon these presents, and the said licenses, powers and autho rities and each and every of them shall absolutely cease, determine and become void. 15. Nothing in these presents contained shall prejudice or affect the right of the Minister, from time to time, to establish, extend, maintain and work any system of radiotelegraphic communication (whether of a like nature to that hereby licensed or otherwise) , in such manner as he shall in his discretion think fit, neither shall anything herein contained prejudice or affect the right of the Minister, from time to time, to enter into agreements for or to grant licenses relative to the working and user of radiotelegraphs (whether of a like nature to those hereby licensed or otherwise), or the transmission of messages in any part of Canada, by means of radio telegraphy, with or to any person 25

or persons whomsoever upon such terms as he shall, in his discretion, think fit. 16. Any notice, request or consent (whether expressed to be in writing or not), to be given by the Minister under these presents may be under the hand of any authorized officer, for the time being of the Department of the Naval Service, and may be served by sending the same registered post letter to the licensee, and any notice to be given by the licensee, under these presents, may be served by sending the sa me by registered post letter, addressed to the Deputy Minister of the Naval Services, Ottawa.

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A new set of “Radiotelegraph Regulations” was issued, effective September 1, 1922. These are included here.

EXTRACTS FROM RADIOTELEGRAPH REGULATIONS, EFFECTIVE SEPT. 1, 1922 20. Amateur Experimental Licenses—Amateur experimental licenses may be granted ‘to small stations used for instruction, amusement or experimental purposes. In addition to the provisions contained in the regular form of amateur expe rimental license annexed hereto (Form No. W. 44), the following special regulations will apply to all amateur experimental stations: — Special Regulations for Amateur Experimental Stations 21. The normal transmitting wavelengths for amateur experimental stations are as follows:— Spark, 175 metres. Continuous wave and radiotelephone, 150, 175, 200 and 225 metres. The power used measured at the terminals of the transformer, or generator, must not exceed 1/2 k.w. 22. Amateur experimental stations must be so operated as not to interfere with the working of any Government or commercial, coast, land or ship station. In the event of interference by an amateur experimental station the Department will limit the power and wavelength authorized for such station. in the event of continued interference by an amateur experimental station the Department will cancel the license issued for such station. 23. The station must be worked by a person holding an amateur experimental certificate of proficiency (see Regulation No. 97) 24 (a) The waves emitted must be as little damped as possible. In the case of spark Stations the logarithmic decrement of a complete oscillation shall not exceed two-tenths and in the case of C.W. and radiotelephone stations the equivalent decreme nt shall not exceed that specified in the license. (b) The use of plain aerial or other untuned highly damped spark trans mitters is not allowed. 25. A distinctive call signal will be allotted to each station, commencing with a figure, e.g., 3 A A, etc., which signal must be sent not less than three times at the termination of every transmission. 26. The regulations of the International Radiotelegraph Convention must, where applicable, be observed by the station. 27. Broadcasting by amateur experimental stations is not permitted (see Regulation 19 for Amateur Broadcasting License) 28. The station, when operating, must listen for the signal on receipt of the “STP” signal, all amateur experimental station is interfering with commer cial business. The latter signal will only be made use of by certain authorized Government stations and will not be used unless absolutely necessary. The signal “STP” will, whenever possible be preceded by the call signal allotted to the amateur experimental station to which the interference is attributed and will be followed by the call signal of the Government station. On receipt of the “STP” signal, all amateur experimental stations will cease to operate until the Government station gives the signal “Cancel STP”. 29. The aerial must be connected to the transmitting apparatus only when actual communication is in progress or when measurements are being taken. At all other times, such as when the spark is being tested or sending is being practiced, the aerial must be disconnected. 30. When the licensed station is in the vicinity of a commercial station it should be connected with the local telephone exchange so that instant communications may be established in case of interference. 31. Private Receiving Licenses.—Private receiving licenses will be granted for stations to be established for ‘‘reception only” and which are not used for the purpose of gain. Receiving stations when using a receiver of the regenerative type for the reception of organized radiotelephone programmes must avoid increasing regeneration to the point which the receiver begins to oscillate.

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32. Technical and Training School Licenses—Technical and training school licenses will be granted to stations intended for educational purposes; they will be afforded every facility for the work they propose to undertake compatible with any special local conditions such as the existence of a Government or commercial station in their vicinity; in general they will be subject to the same conditions as experimental stations and amateur experimental stations. 72. Secrecy of Messages.— (a) No message shah be delivered, or its contents divulged, to any person except the addressee, his or her accredited agent, or such properly authorized persons as are essential for the forwardi ng of such message to its destination; (b) Any person who makes any use of any message or the contents thereof which has been delivered or divulged to him or her in violation of Regulation No. 72 (a) shall be, liable on summary conviction to the penalty prescribed for the violation of these regulations. Operators 75. Operators.—The apparatus of all coast, land or ship stations, other than private receiving stations, must only be worked by persons holding regular Certificates of Proficiency in Radio, and who have subscribed to a Declaration of Secrecy, as prescribed in Section 6 of The Radiotelegraph Act. 76. British Subjects—All operators on coast, ship or land stations must be British Subjects, and the different classes of stations must be worked by operato rs holding Canadian “Certificates of Proficiency’ (subject to the provisions of Section 77) not inferior to those hereinafter prescribed in Regulations No. 80 to 86, for the respective classes of stations. Harry Glostcr, who began experimenting before World War I states that on returning to Canada after the war he passed a code test given by the Department of Naval Service in Ottawa. He accepted a position as a Radio Operator and was assigned to the Victoria, B.C. Coast Station for training and thence to the Alert Bay station. The equipment at the Alert Bay station consisted of a one KW spark set with a rotary gap. The receiver was a Marconi tuner with a carborundum detector. A two-stage tube amplifier was provided as ancillary apparatus but was seldom use d since it added to the already high noise level. A gasoline power plant was the only source of electricity for the station, and to conserve gasoline it was not started until a call was received, or there was traffic to transmit. There being no self starter when such a call was heard, the Radio Operator ran to the engine house, released the compression of the large Fairbanks-Morse engine, placed his shoulder against the flywheel, and by brute strength got the flywheel revolving. Compression was then restored and one hoped for the best! The station dwellings stood about 200 feet from the transmitter, which was little inducement to carry on with ham radio. The period from 1921 onward was the heyday of radio broadcasting, with three -element tubes coming into general use, supplanting the galena detector and the Fleming valve. Most daily newspapers carried a radio column showing the latest circuitry, since most of the receivers were of the home -brew variety. When Harry returned to ham radio in 1926 he found that the techniques had changed greatly. Self-excited tube oscillators were used for transmitters, replacing the spark equipment, and oscillating detectors with audio amplifiers were in general use. Amateur traffic was carried on 80, 40 and 20 meters, while a few hardy souls were experimenting on 10 and 5 meters. Hot wire RF ammeters were constructed from disassembled alarm clocks, and 1/4 inch copper tubing recommended for all transmitter inductances, irrespective of power. In December, 1929, the transmitter was rebuilt using a single type 210 tube in a tuned plate tuned grid circuit with AC on the filament and 400 volts of rectified AC on the plate. The rectifier was a bank of glass jars each containing an iron and aluminum rod immersed in a solution of “20 Mule Team” borax, the latter being more or less standard ham equipment. From the log entries of this period conditions do not appear to have been very good on 20 meters. Some contacts were made with South America, including Chile, but for the most part they were short skip, with some western United States sprinkled in. This might be explained in part by the fact that the antenna in use was an off-center fed Hertz cut for 40 meters. However, the BBC station from Chelmsford, England, was heard quite regularly at this time with good signal strength. In early 1980 Harry Gloster obtained a Second Class Commercial Certificate. He joined the Department of Marine and Fisheries as a Radio Operator and was sent to the East Coast. He then operated under the call of VE1G U, but since he was transferred from station to station along the Eastern coast there was little opportunity to set up an amateur station. Later he was sent to the isolated station at Belle Isle, New foundland, for 17 months. Harry assembled

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and set up a single tube transmitter and a three tube TRF receiver. The site was ideal, being on a rocky island 600 feet above sea level, and with an end-fed 40-metre antenna and five watts input to a 2OlA tube many G’s, VE’s and W’s were worked. When he returned to Toronto in 1985 he was issued the call of VE3AIS. A receiver was constructed using a type 58 tube as an RF amplifier, a type 56 detector, and a type 47 audio amplifier. The transmitter was a type 210 tube in a tuned grid tuned plate circuit. Experiments were also conducted on 1¼ metres. Using a type 56 tube as a self-excited oscillator, and a type 47 tube as an audio amplifier two super-regenerative transceivers were constructed.

Carbon microphones were also made, and the equipment worked surprisingly well over a distance of about one mile using two element vertical indoor antennas. No outstanding DX was worked on the lower frequencies — just the usual North and South American stations. After a short stay in Winnipeg for training in Air Services work in early 1938, his amateur call lapsed, but was renewed again on returning to Toronto in the late summer, and he was issued the call VF3IT. In May, 1939, be built a transmitter using a 6L6 tube in a self-excited oscillator circuit. Activity was sporadic but on several occasions West Coast stations were worked with an antenna consisting of about 30 feet of wire lying on the floor! September, 1939, saw the outbreak of the Second World War and instructions were given by the Radio Inspector that all transmitters were to be rendered inoperative by the removal of power transformers. Sid Young, now VE5AJ, became quite interested in wireless during his school days in Victoria, B.C., in the early part of the 1920’s. His home was in the Cadboro Bay district on the outskirts of the city. He experimented with buzzers and model T Ford spark coils as transmitters and used crystal receivers. His first test transmission over any distance occurred when his friend, Dennis Carter, heard him send the letter ‘S’ on his receiver half a mile away. Dennis was so excited that he ran all the way to Sid’s house to tell him. They were so

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thrilled with this success that it inspired them to study and work until they both wrote the then Department of Marine and Fisheries radio exams, and passed them. Dennis Carter became 5AT and Sid Young was 5AJ. Amateur radio was just starting to expand and operators found it difficult to determine what country an amateur belonged to, so the letter of the country was preceded by the call. The letter C was used to denote Canada and Sid was

C5AJ. Shortly after the letter N was added to denote North America, thus NC5AJ. Obtaining equipment was just about hopeless, but with the help of friends in the district Sid eventually constructed a transmitter and a receiver. In constructing the transmitter he used the heavy winding of a burned-out power line transformer for the radio frequency coils, the size was No. 2. For insulators he used discarded tea cups (without handles) and broken pieces of window glass. His first tube was a VT-35. This was a poor tube, but in spite of this he managed to make contacts over several hundred miles. A short time later he managed to win a type UX2IO tube at a Radio Show. Since these were worth about $13.50 each, he was justified in being excited, for a tube like this was beyond the meagre budget of most amateurs. For plate supply he made up a rectifier using 44 of his mother’s quart jam jars, lead and aluminum electrodes with borax as electrolyte. To step up the house 110 volts AC he used an old discarded pole line transformer, reversing the windings. When the power was turned on to the above supply the resulting fizzing and arcing was so violent, the family cat “Tom” took a special interest jumping on top of the jam jars. By the screa ms he emitted it was evident that there was plenty of voltage available! Actually the voltage probably was around 500 volts DC. The input to the transmitter was about 20 watts. For receiver construction Sid was able to locate a UV-25 tube. After using crystal detectors, this UV-25 was a tremendous leap forward in reception. For coils he used Quaker Oats cardboard containers, on which he wound No. 14 wire. It was a very primitive receiver, but somehow results were forthcoming. For filament current a two-cell wet battery of about four volts was used. This had to be charged daily. The plate used 22 1/2-volt dry cells. After much trying Sid says he probably ended up with a frequency between thirty and forty meters, and he began 31

to make good two-way contacts with many parts of the world. It was all so exciting that many a night he forgot to go to bed completely — time simply vanished. Some of the contacts during the 1925-26 period were unusual and most were “firsts”. The radio logs are long since lost, but QSL cards are still in evidence. A card from JOC in Japan is dated August, 1926. BAM was contacted in October 20, 1926. This was Papeete, Tahiti. Si d also made contact with a Canadian ship passing through the Panama Canal. The Wireless Operator had installed the short wave set—which was most unusual in those days as the only shipboard gear was on the lower frequencies, and contact was lost once they

were well away from land. For the fun of it they arranged schedules, and Operator J. L. Miller, with the call sig n SS2BN came through on schedule with good signals right through to Australia and back to the Panama Canal. Another ship worked was the Norwegian whaler SS N.T. Nielsen Alonso, using the call “ARCX”. The radio operator was Henry H. Olsen. He was in the Ross Sea, long. 180 deg.. East and 76 South. Si d prizes this contact, considering the primitive equipment he used. One special group of contacts be made was early in 1927 with Zane Grey’s Schooner -Yacht ‘“Fisherman”, radio call “KNT”, operator Carl Zint. As Sid had read many of Zane Grey’s books, it really was a thrill to contact his yacht. He reported the signals chirpy but readable. At that time the yacht was unable to communicate with anyone and its whereabouts was unknown. Sid recalls that they were somewhere in the South Pacific, and out of radio contact. Sid was requested to forward some messages, so he received and relayed several messages for the Zane Grey family who then lived in California. Later he received letters from Mrs. Zane Grey and Ellsw orth Grey, expressing their appreciation. To test the ability to communicate over long distances Sid ran a series of schedules with Jock Strachan, OZ3AI, who at the time was Principal of the Rangiora New Zealand High School. He was also President of the Ne w Zealand Chamber of Commerce. The tests were run for about six months, with excellent results. The skeds ended with Jock 32

traveling to Victoria via steamship to visit Sid, and later Sid returned his visit and toured New Zealand. He found the hospitality of the New Zealand hams just wonderful, and visited many of them. To this day he still runs radio schedules with them. He enjoyed “wireless” so much, he obtained his first class certificate (spark in those days), and joined the then Radiotelegraph Service of the Department of Marine and Fisheries. He was transferred to the Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay stations — this route having been opened up as a route for grain through Churchill, Manitoba. During off duty hours he was able to activate his ham gear, using call NC5AJ. Since hams in the Arctic areas were rare, he became a much sought after contact. He recalls receiving several mailbags of QSL cards alone. The fact that there was only one boat (ice breaker) a year really didn’t make much difference. Radio changed the entire picture for Sid, and he was never lonely as he had an unlimited number of friends all over the earth eager to contact him at all times. After completing his Arctic tour of duty Sid was transferred to the Atlantic coast, and his ham radio went with him. He now operated under the call VE1EO, in such places as Canso, Portuguese Cove and St. Paul Island. At Portuguese Cove Sid ran a six-volt D.C. engine for power to the “rig”, since there was no power available. He met his wife Amy there, who was a Western Union telegraph operator. She soon obtained her amateur certificate of Proficiency in Radio, making them a fully qualified “ham” family. Construction of the “rig” at Portuguese Cove was a feat in itself. Amy would heat up the soldering iron on the kitchen stove and they soldered until it cooled. But the first time they tried to solder she overheated the copper elements and burned it off completely. However, they built a receiver and transmitter. The receiver had three tubes and the transmitter tw o tubes, a 20lA oscillator and UX210 amplifier. They managed to buy a meter to measure the power—it turned out to be three watts. While on St. Paul Island there was only 100 volts D.C. so this was used on the plates of the transmitter, and at 10 ma. they had one watt input. But the results were excellent and contacts were made over many thousands of miles. The usual antenna in these locations was a Zepp, propped up on the tallest trees he could find. Later Sid operated from Quebec City and Montreal with the call of VE2NS. Wherever he lived he always managed to hang out a wire and make contacts. After a short stay in Kenora, Ontario, with the call VE3AVT, he settled in Saskatoon, Sask., where his call was VE4ZB. When the districts were changed he got his old call back and is now VE5AJ. Since coming to Saskatoon Sid has been a loyal and faithful member of the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club. He is always ready and willing to do his share in emergency amateur radio nets and is a great help in field day operati ons. Since his spark days and his various other types of homebrew equipment, he has graduated to a more sophisticated station and is now operating single sideband, a Heathkit S.B. 401 and S.B. 200 linear. His receiver is a National N.C. 303, although CW is still his favorite mode of operation. Throughout the years he has had ample opportunity to experiment with different types of antennas, and has become something of an authority on them. In 1919, Frank Meadows (now VE6AC), who was then a resident of Moose Jaw, Sask., had his first introduction to wireless. Frank made a chance remark, borne of a latent interest, to his friends, Alf and Jack Mathers. They then proceeded to indoctrinate him into the many mys teries of wireless, not least of which was learning the code, which Frank had thought was an insurmountable obstacle. However, as luck would have it, he met and became friends with Saskatchewan’s first radio inspector, the late Wally Pottle, and through Wally’s patient efforts and expert guidance Frank overcame the hurdle of the code and became a full-fledged ham. Wally’s transmitter was comprised of a discarded X-ray high voltage generator with a beautifully built stationary spark gap. On quiet nights one could stand several hundred yards from Wally’s home and read the crashing of the arcs as they broke across the gap. Frank’s first transmitter used an electrolytic interrupter, a stationary spark gap made up of two bolts screwed into two wooden angle brackets, a homemade key, and a helix comprised of two wooden crosses fitted with copper ribbon from a Ford Model T magneto field coil. This was very crude equipment according to today’s standards, but unless it could be built, they had to do without it. His receiver was a piece of galena, unmounted, a home -made cats whisker, a tuner constructed of a Quaker Oats tube, with a baking powder tube suitably wound with wire tap and moveable one within the other. Phones? Who could buy phones? Months, of searching, begging and wheedling took place before one could hope to find a discarded telephone receiver. When one was finally located it was necessary to remove the original windings from this 75 ohm receiver and rewind the spools with the finest gauge wire obtainable. All of this was painstakingly done by hand, to say nothing of the miles walked and the hours spent hunting and haunting the telephone companies garbage bins. The wire—again Henry Ford to the rescue. In the days of the Model T Ford, each cylinder supported its own ignition coil. Each coil was enclosed in a wooden box, and the four coils placed inside another wooden box (and later a metal box). The secondaries of these coils were wound with No. 36 enamel and this is what was used to rewind the earphone receiver spools. Frank’s antenna consisted of two 35’ masts built up from 33

spliced 2 x 4’s placed 135’ apart. Four wires were strung on 6’ spreaders—in essence a Marconi working against ground. The centre feed switch was a huge knife switch at least 12 inches across. He used the call FM—his initials. When Frank finally sent in his $1.00 license fee to obtain his official license from the government, he received the call 4AL. This was approximately 1922. Radio, as it began to be called, was beginning to make rapid strides, and as early as 1921 many experimental broadcasting stations were operated from the United States. The vacuum tube was, in its crude state, coming into its own. By the fall of 1922 many of Canada’s newspapers had come to realize the potential of radio as a means of communication and advertising. Then too, electrical people began to recognize the fact that radio could be a source of revenue. While most of them realized that it could be a source of revenue, none of them had the faintest conception in the world of how to put the sets together, or even hook up the batteries. Consequently, in order to sell the sets, they applied to the amateurs to help hook up and tune them, since the tuning was not accomplished with a single knob in those days. In the spring of 1922 Frank joined the staff of Cana da West Electric in Regina as a demonstrator in the field of broadcast radio. The equipment sold comprised of three honeycomb coils, two large capacitors and three tubes, usually the UV200 produced by Cunningham and 135 volts to 190 volts of B battery, pl us a 6 volt car battery to heat the filaments. The battery drain was so severe that a car battery of 100-ampere hours would usually last about four nights. The three coils were referred to as the antenna coil, the plate coil and the tickler or regenerator coil. The capacitors were fitted with vernier tuning by means of a three plate capacitor in parallel with the main capacitor and fitted with long handles to help eliminate some of the body capacity since shielding was unknown at that time. Frank reports that it was part of his job to travel around the country demonstrating radio and proving to people that it really worked. Frank, with his co-workers at Canada West Electric, installed the first transmitter at CKCK, Regina. They took advantage of the CKCK signal, which began broadcasting at 8 p.m. to demonstrate radio. About this time the manager of Canada West Electric inquired into the possibility of picking up the CKCK signal in Moose Jaw and amplifying it sufficiently to make it aud ible to a group of four hundred people in St. Andrew’s Church. It was agreed that this sounded like a wonderful idea, but there seemed to be almost insurmountable obstacles to conquer. The only equipment available at that time in the way of loudspeakers was the Magnavox which w as really nothing more than an overgrown telephone receiver with a storage battery excited field anti a metal vertical horn. The only amplifier available was a battery-operated affair using a UV2I0 with a plate potential of 190 volts, and this was supposed to deliver 5 watts of power. Little was known in those days about how to hook up a speaker, let alone connect them in parallel or series. However, they loaded five Magnavox horns, and a quantity of batteries which appeared to be a ton, the receiver and the amplifier into the back of a Model T, and started out on their forty-mile drive to Moose Jaw. On arriving at St. Andrew’s Church in Moose Jaw they managed to get everything hooked up, and working, and the broadcast from Regina was picked up and amplified sufficiently by the group gathered in the Church to hear. Frank believes that this was the first public address system, and since this was an entirely new process and a phrase had not yet been coined, they called it an amplifying system. It was written up in one of the electrical trade magazines of the day as being one of the “greatest inventions” of the age. Frank moved back to Moose Jaw in 1924 and was on the air with a single tube CW transmitter and a single tube receiver. That fall he assisted in building the 10AB station in Moose Jaw when it was relocated on the top floor of the Bellamy Building. The antenna was mounted on the roof. About this time the manager of Canada West Electric required a person in the field of radio inspection. He approached Frank about the possibility of taking on this position, but Frank was a bit dubious regarding his own suitability for the job. He introduced Wally to a man who he knew would be ideally suited, and subsequently J. Heddle Sinclair was hired for the job. Heddle Sinclair was appointed Radio Inspector in 1929, first on a part time basis, serving the southern part of the Province, and then as full-time inspector working out of the Saskatoon office. He continues in this position at this time, and at all times has been a real friend of the amateur. He holds the call VE5FY, and with his wife Madolyn, VE5YF, has taken an active role in Civil Defense organization and instruction. In 1928 Frank moved to Brandon, and soon after the move he met Gordon Patterson, VE4 DV, of Winnipeg. Frank noticed that Gordon was wearing an ARRL button, so immediately the conversation turned to radio. Frank was not on the air at this time, and Gordon told him that if he would build a transmitter, and give him the parts for the receiver, he would build it. So in due course Frank was active again, with the call VE4AC. Frank’s new transmitter consisted of a pair of self-excited 245’s in push-pull, beautifully varnished copper coils, breadboard mounted. With 34

the little two-tube receiver that Gordon built for him he felt he had the ultimate in radio communications. How ever, the problem of an antenna was an imposing one, since the feeling toward the radio ham ran quite high in those days. They were usually blamed for any and all forms of interference that arose, and Frank unfortunately was situated right next to his Landlord. Not to be outdone, he got the necessary length of wire, pushed it through the window, and fastened it alongside the house under the eve, down and out along the fence. On the first night that he was testing the transmitter for interference he had his wife work the key, sending a series of V’s as best she could, and in turn Frank stealthily crawled along under the window of his landlord to see if there was any interferenc e. When none was found he was completely overjoyed and went back to call his first CQ. Results were not staggering, probably one of the reasons was that his antenna was scarcely four feet off the ground. A move to a new location made it possible for him to put up a reasonably good antenna, and little by little the QSO’s began to count up. He was able to interest James A. Elliott, now of Dougald, Manitoba, in ham radio, and the two of them formed the nucleus of Brandon’s first radio club. It proved to be a lot of work, but rewarding in so many ways. During his eleven years sojourn in Brandon he made many wonderful friends, and many wonderful QSO’s were had. In addition he was able to keep in touch with many of the old friends and acquaintances made during his Regina and Moose Jaw days, not least of which was 4GA “Dump ‘er in” Bill Rogers, of Regina Beach. Frank served as one of the early ARRL officers, holding the position of Publicity Manager for the Winnipeg Division. A picture of active ARRL members has been made available and is included.

In 1939 Frank moved with his family to Calgary, where he still resides. At this time his equipment consisted of a Hallicrafters SX9 receiver. The transmitter was the old familiar rack and panel Class B modulated pair of T 20’s together with related power supply and antenna tuning unit, which stood about six feet high. Shortly after arriving in Calgary Frank decided that it was time he replaced his T 20’s with a pair of T 40’s. This proved to be his first meeting 35

with the late James Smalley, VE6GD. Jim Smalley was well known across the length and breadth of the entire world, and Frank speaks in glowing terms of his contribution to amateur radio. Jim literally helped hundreds of people get started by making equipment available to them. In many cases the beneficiaries often forgot what they got, and all too often forgot to pay for it. The years between 1939 and 1945 were the quiet years, but Frank always kept a receiver in operating condition and spent many hours listening. When amateurs were again allowed back on the air after the war they were permitted operation on only the 28 Mc. band, and everyone who had the opportunity to operate at that time agreed that it was a highlight in their career in amateur radio. Like most hams, Frank eventually graduated to sideband. His present equipment comprises an HL500 by Hammond, and HX50 by Hammarlund, with a Drake 2B and a 2AQ multiplier. He is still active from his QTH in Calgary. Wireless came to Saskatchewan in 1909 when a young man of 18, decided to experiment with this new wonder of the world. He was Wally Pottle. Wally and a few of his friends managed to put together one wireless transmitter and one receiver. One August evening in 1912 the Mayor of Moose Jaw and other civic d ignitaries called at the home of Wally Pottle and watched as he sent a message to the receiver located on the other end of the City. After the transmission the party travelled across town and were handed the message which had been sent about half an hour earlier. Further experiments were continued until on a Black Friday in August, 1914, the Royal North West Mounted Police confiscated the equipment for the duration of World War I. Wally joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1916.

On returning to Canada he once more took up his hobby of wireless. The ex-Navy officer was in great demand as a guest speaker. It was on one such occasion that J. Heddle Sinclair caught the bug and became one of these experimenters himself. The Moose Jaw Amateur Wireless Club was formed and began to increase rapidly. Some of

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the members eventually branched out into broadcasting. The most notable of these was Jack Brickett, 4HH, who began broadcasting on IOAB late in 1920. Other experimenters were busy and eventually the Depart ment of Marine and Fisheries found the need of a Radio Inspector in Saskatchewan, and Wally Pottle was appointed on a part-time basis. Jack Macklem was appointed for the Saskatoon area. By 1923 there were five amateur broadcasting stations in Saskatchewan—10AB (Moose Jaw), 10AT (Unity), 10BI (Prince Albert), l0AF (Saskatoon) and10BU (Canora). At each of these stations one would find an amateur actively engaged. The ‘new” regulations that became effective September 1, 1922, created three different classes o f licenses: (a) Private Commercial Broadcasting Station (b) Amateur Broadcasting Station (c) Private Receiving Station Amateur broadcasting stations were permitted to operate until 1933.

OFFICIAL LIST

RADIO STATIONS OF

CANADA PUBLISHED BY THE

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND FISHERIES 1st AUGUST, 1922 A. JOHNSTON, Deputy Minister C. P. EDWARDS, Director Radiotelegraph Service OTTAWA F. A. ACLAND PRINTER TO THE KING’S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY

1922

AMATEUR EXPERIMENTAL STATIONS—Continued DISTRICT No. 4—Continued Alphabetically by Call Signal

Call Signal Name of Owner

Address and Location of Station

4GG 4GH 4G1 4GJ 4GK 4GL 4GM 4GN 4G0 4GP 4GQ 4GR

1104 8th Street E., Calgary, Alta. Buchanan, Sask. 10107 87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alta. 215 Central Avenue, Swift Current, Sask. 1086 Alder Ave. Moose Jaw, Sask. Ford Garage, 1st S.E. Red Deer, Alta. Boyle, Alta. 826 River Street W., Prince Albert, Sask. 1701 2nd Avenue, SW., Calgary, Alta. 11 New Street F., Calgary, Alta. 65 Home Street W., Moose jaw, Sask. 120 12th St. W., Prince Albert, Sask.

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W. A. Gregory P. H. Jones E. J. Taylor R. Sandercock P. C. Stewart M. L. G. Alway R. S. MacDonald K. W. F. Cooper G. I. Strachey D. L. Richards E. S. Hilts L. A. J. Dadswell

4GS 4GT 4GU 4GV 4GW 4GX 4GY 4GZ 4HA 4HB 4HC 4HD 4HE 4HF 4HG 4HH 4HI 4HJ

N. B. Eddleston A. Asmussen R. G. Hider P. Jones W. J. Huntingford J. S. Laurie L. A. De Savoye A. Desharnais W. J. Gresham H. L. Hamersley D. G. Sissons A. E. Hoare E. C. Strachey E. Sacker B. C. Thomson J. E. Brickett D. Matushynee H. Mortimer

8723 101A Avenue, Edmonton, Alta. Stettler, Alta. 9835 88th Avenue S., Edmonton, Alta. Kinikinik P.O., Alta. Second Avenue, Wainwright, Alta. 157 Tupper Street N., Portage La Prairie, Ma n. 10630 74th Avenue, Edmonton, Alta. Entice, Alta. Morris, Man. 524 Spadina Crescent E., Saskatoon, Sask. 5 1st Street, Medicine Hat, Alta. 706 2nd Street W., Calgary, Alta. 3508 21st Street S.W., Calgary, Alta. 11822 78th Street, Edmonton, Alta. 2141 Victoria Avenue, Regina, Sask. 260 Athabasca Street E., Moose Jaw, Sask. Davidson, Sask. 837 Alder Avenue, Moose Jaw, Sask.

TRANSMITTING STATIONS Alphabetically by Owner Owner of Station and location

Call Signal

Adams, C. M., Winnipeg, Man. Allan, R. E., Winnipeg, Man. Allen, B. W., Edmonton, Alta. Alway, M. L. G., Red Deer, Alta. Antenbring, C. V., Winnipeg, Man. Armstrong, W. S., Calgary, Alta. Ashby, L. E., Winnipeg, Man. Asmussen, A., Stettler, Alta. Banks, E. E., Edmonton, Alta. Bayly, B. D. F., Moose Jaw, Sask. Beard, E. W., Calgary, Alta. Bedingfield, H. E., High River, Alta. Bell, C. R. M., Winnipeg, Man. Binder, J. L., Saskatoon, Sask. Bonnett, R. F., Winnipeg, Man. Brewer, E., Brandon, Man. Brickett, J. E., Moose Jaw, Sask. Brown, I. W., Saskatoon, Sask. Buchanan, W. G., Winnipeg, Man. Buck, L. H. W., Brooklands, Winnipeg, Man. Burke, E. W., Edmonton, Alta. Campbell, R. K., Moose Jaw, Sask. Carleton, J. W. F., Calgary, Alta. Clark, H. D., Winnipeg, Man. Cool, B. C., Calgary, Alta. Cooper, C. W., Moose Jaw, Sask. Cooper, K. W. F., Prince Albert, Sask. Craven, D., Moose Jaw, Sask. Cummings, W. M., Winnipeg, Man.

4DZ 4AV 4BY 4GL 4AR 4EE 4DR 4GT 4CA 4EC 4FT 4GC 4BD 4AF 4BH 4BF 4HH 4GB 4AM 4BE 4FD 4EW 4ED 4BG 4CW 4FP 4GM 4BO 4AD

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Dadswell, L. A. J., Prince Albert, Sask. De Savoye, L. A., Edmonton, Alta. Desharnais, A., Entice, Alta. Dobry, J. J., Edmonton, Alta. Dusang, F., Winnipeg, Man. Eddlestone, N. B., Edmonton, Alta. Eggertson, E. G., Winnipeg, Man. Field, P. A., Edmonton, Alta. Fisher, S. F., Edmonton, Alta Fletcher, E. M., Winnipeg, Man. Francis, J., Indian Head, Sask. Franks, C. C., Strathclair, Man. Fraser, 0. G. M., Calgary, Alta. Fraser, R. P., Winnipeg, Man. Fyfe, T. T., Saskatoon, Sask. Gieser, L. B., Moose Jaw, Sask. Girvin, J. A., St. Vital, Man. Goodmanson, T., Winnipeg, Man. Gordon, W. C., Winnipeg, Man. Grassby, G. M., Winnipeg, Man. Green, U. Jr., Strathclair, Man. Gregory, H. P., Calgary, Alta Gregory, W. A., Calgary, Alta. Gresham, W. U., Morris, Man. Grimes, H. B., St. Louis, Sask. Hamersley, H. L., Saskatoon, Sask. Hamilton, G. C., Edmonton, Alta. Hanning, U. E., Calgary, Alta. Hart, W. R., Prince Albert, Sask. Heather, A. F. U., Winnipeg, Man. Hibner, U., Winnipeg, Man. Hider, R. G., Edmonton, Alta. Hill, U. F., Regina, Sask. Hill, U. V. C., Winnipeg, Man. Hilts, E. S., Moose Jaw, Sask. Hinton, R. P., Winnipeg, Man. Hoare, A. E., Calgary, Alta. Holtby, T. H., Moose Jaw, Sask. Honeysett, W. V., Strasbourg, Sask. House, H. T., Moose Jaw, Sask. Howard, E. S., North Battleford, Sask. Hubbard, F. G., Winnipeg, Man. Humphries, G. A., St. Boniface, Man. Hunt, E. V., St. Boniface, Man. Huntingford, W. U., Wainwright, Alta. Irvine, H. A., Calgary, Alta. Irwin, A. F., Moose Jaw, Sask. Jarvis, E. M., Winnipeg, Man. Jones, P., Kinikinik P.O., Alta. Jones, P. H., Buchanan, Sask. Jones, C. 0., Vulcan, AIta Kennedy, E. V. N., Winnipeg, Man. Kirk, H. W. G., Winnipeg, Man. La Chapelle, E., Grande Prairie City, Alta. Lajord Radio Club, Lajord, Sask. Laurie, J. S., Portage la Prairie, Man. 39

4GR 4GY 4GZ 4BS 4EA 4GS 4BX 4CL 4OW 4CT 4DP 4OO 4FJ 4EJ 4CP 4EP 4DX 4CN 4BM 4DU 4OL 4FU 4GG 4HA 4FA 4HB 4GA 4FS 4OG 4CX 4CU 4GU 4AJ 4BW 4GQ 4CD 4HD 4EO 4EG 4EM 4FE 4CS 4AW 4EK 4GW 4FI 4EF 4DF 4GV 4GH 4AB 4AY 4CV 4CC 4EH 4GX

Lees, R., Moose Jaw, Sask. Leitch, D. J. H., Winnipeg, Man. Lister, R. D., Winnipeg, Man. MacDonald, R. S., Boyle, AIta. McLeIIan, W. B., Winnipeg, Man. McLean, R. J., Fort Garry, Man. McKinnon, C., Regina, Sask. Main, G.D., Winnipeg, Man. Martin, W. L., Regina, Sask. Maynard, J. E., Morse, Sask. Matushynee, D., Davidson, Sask. Matz, A., Rosetown, Sask. Meadows, F., Moose Jaw, Sask. Middleton, R. E., Regina, Sask. Miller, H., Regina, Sask. Mortimer, H., Moose Jaw, Sask. Moyse, J., Winnipeg, Man. Neff, L. B., Winnipeg, Man. Nicholson, E. L., Winnipeg, Man. North, F. J., Winnipeg, Man. O’Connor, J. A., Winnipeg, Man. Ober, A. J., Vulcan, Alta. O’Neill, W. R., Winnipeg, Man. Parkinson, G. W., Yorkton, Sask. Peterson, C. W., Yorkton, Sask. Peterson, S. G., Winnipeg, Man. Perras, L. H., Regina, Sask. Perry, C. H., Winnipeg, Man. Pickering, W. J., Prince Albert, Sask. Potter, C., North Battleford, Sask. Pottle, W. R., Moose Jaw, Sask. Pride, P., Prince Albert, Sask. Pugh, A. C., Winnipeg, Man. Punshon, R., Calgary, Alta. Reynolds, G. F. W., Winnipeg, Man. Richards, D. L., Calgary, Alta Riley, E. S., Brandon, Man. Ross, R. H., Winnipeg, Man. Roszell, A., Moose Jaw, Sask. Rutherford, E. W., Winnipeg, Man. Sandercock, R., Swift Current, Sask. Sacker, E., Edmonton, Alta. Saskatoon Radio Club, Saskatoon, Sask. Seaborn, W. R., Moose Jaw, Sask. Shadick, G. J., Regina, Sask. Sibley, R. C., Calgary, Alta Simpson, A. J. R., Winnipeg, Man. Sinclair, J. H., Moose Jaw, Sask. Sissons, D. G., Medicine Hat, AIta. Skeele, R. A., Lajord, Sask. Srhith, H. E., North Battleford, Sask. Smith, L. D., Moose Jaw, Sask. Smith, M.R., Winnipeg, Man. Speechly, W. G., Winnipeg, Man. Socolofsky, P and K., Loreburn, Sask. Sproule, D. O., Grande Prairie, Alta. Stenen, H. N., Stenen, Sask. Stevenson, G., Saskatoon, Sask. Stevenson, H. E., Winnipeg, Man. Stewart, P. C., Moose Jaw, Sask. Stewart, D. B., Moose Jaw, Sask. Strachey, E. C., Calgary, Alta. Strachey, C. I., Calgary, Alta. Street, U. U., Winnipeg, Man. Strong, R. S., St. Vital, Man. Sturrock, S. B., Calgary, Alta. Taylor, E. U., Edmonton, Alta. Thomas, V. T., St. Vital, Man. 40

4FY 4CJ 4AP 4GM 4BA 4FZ 4FR 4BT 4DM 4GB 4HI 4FL 4AL 4AQ 4AT 4HJ 4EQ 4CI 4CO 4AK 4EB 4DQ 4CF 4DJ 4DJ 4DY 4FV 4CG 4FC 4ET 4AO 4FH 4BK 4FQ 4AG 4GP 4BI 4CH 4BU 4DC 4GJ 4HF 4FB 4EL 4BR 4FO 4DK 4EV 4HC 4FW 4AA 4DN 4AU 4AZ 4EV 4BZ 4EZ 4FN 4FK 4GK 4ER 4HE 4GO 4CM 4DT 4FF 4GI 4CE

Thomson, B. C., Regina, Sask. Thornton, U. W., Calgary, Alta. Tomlinson, A., Calgary, Alta. Tuck, E. B., Winnipeg, Man. Vaillancourt, L. B., Lajord, Sask. Vincent, F. E., Battleford, Sask. Waddington, C. F. B., Churchbridge Sask. Walker, W. U., Calgary, Alta. Wardle, H. W., Qu’Appelle, Sask. Walker, H., Edmonton, Alta. Weber, W. S., Landis, Sask. West, F., Winnipeg, Man. White, G. C., Calgary, Alta. Whitla, R., Winnipeg, Man. Wilson, J. M. F., Winnipeg, Man. Wolfe, T. P., Elk Point, Alta. Wolfe, W. F., Elk Point, Vermilion, Alta.

4HG 4GD 4CY 4DI 4AE 4FG 4FM 4DA 4GF 4GE 4EY 4AS 4FX 4DH 4BL 4DB 4AM

The official Government Call Book of August, 1922, lists sixty-one licensed stations in Saskatchewan. Many stories can be told of their experiments. On one occasion Wally Pottle, 4AO, and Earl (Dad) Maynard, 4CB, of Morse were in QSO with their 5 KW spark transmitters. Quite by accident “Dad” thought he heard a whistle on his oscillating tube receiver and asked WalIy to disconnect the antenna. Lo and be hold it was a CW signal. This, they found, was simple to operate—just a key in the antenna lead. Spark transmitters became outdated very quickly and CW took over. On July 1, 1927, Canada celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. Among other projects, a trans -Canada Network of Broadcasting was set up. The Radio Inspectors and many amateurs took part in this network. One of these was Carl O’Brien (VE5OB) of Saskatoon, who by this time had become chief engineer for CFQC broadcasting station. In July, 1927, Wally Pottle was appointed the first full-time Radio Inspector in Saskatchewan, and he operated from his office in Regina. His official certificate is still in the possession of his friend and associate, J. Heddle Sinclair (VE5FY). During the period of 1922 to 1931 ma ny changes took place and many calls were heard. Among these were Alf Mather, 4BB, and his brother Jack, Moose Jaw; Bob Lees, 4FY, Moose Jaw; Paul Sakolusky, 4BV, Loreburn; Grant Stevenson, 4FN, Saskatoon; Bill Pickering, 4FC, Prince Albert; Frank Meadows, 4AL, Moose Jaw; Percy Jones, 4GH, Buchanan; Jimmie Hill, 4AJ, Regina; and Tom Holtby, 4ED, Moose Jaw. Tom can be heard frequently as VE7VP, Vancouver, now. The one name that keeps cropping up over the years and is still going strong is Vic Honeysett, 4EG, of Strasbourg. Vic now operates under the call of VE5EG. According to the Official Call Book of 1932 there were one hundred and twenty-one amateurs in Saskatchewan. Jim Elliott (VE4IF) of Brandon, Manitoba, recalls that he first became interested in radio in 1927 with the construction of a Harkness reflex receiver. Three years later while he was adding another stage under the supervision of Frank Meadows (VE6AG) he was introduced to ham radio. Soon a group of young men were learning code, and before long some of them had their licenses. Jim says his first contact was with Frank Meadows half way across Brandon. The transmitter was a Hartley with a 245 tube at 15 watts. Jim’s first DX was CM2DO on 40 meter CW. Somewhere around 1933 he came on the air with a 2A5 crystal stage and a UX250 final which was later cathode modulated. With low power it was still possible to work Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia with ease. By the time war was declared he was running a plate modulated T55 and had a two-element rotary on 20 meters. During the war he became interested in radar, and ended up doing a three-year stretch in South East Africa. After the cessation of hostilities amateurs were again permitted to go back on the air and get reacquainted. One often wondered what happened to the absent calls. With low cost 813’s around Jim soon graduated to higher power and then to a 304TL and four-element rotary beam. Jim was elected SCM for Manitoba in 1957, a position that he filled most capably for several ye ars. A unique type of operator appeared on the scene in 1939. The amateur radio operator was Mrs. Freda Muskett of Victoria, B.C.. Her son, Arthur Muskett was leaving for the Eldorado Gold Mine at Great Bear Lake where he was to be a radio operator. He challenged his mother to get her amateur certificate, and gave her a target of six months to assemble her own kit, learn the Morse cod, and get her radio license. She proved that she was up to the challenge, although she took half the time that was allotted to her! In this way she was able to keep in touch with her son in the

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northern regions. War broke out shortly after, and ham radio was cut off. However, Mrs. Muskett put her Morse code proficiency to good use during the war helping airmen increase their code speed. At the age of 78 she continues to give weekly code classes in her home and makes workshop available to Victoria hams that need a place to work. In December, 1966, Mrs. Muskett (VE7TH) was voted “Ham of the Year” by the B.C. Amateur Radio Association. Emile Hicks, VE3AFI, one of the many young men who obtained .amateur radio license during the 1930’s, became interested in ham-radio at the age of 12. Like several others, he had to obtain special permission to attend nighttime code classes at the St. Catharines Col legiate Institute. An uncle, Frank Nicholson, had been an experimenter in radio and Emile remembers helping him dismantle his station during World War I. Emile recalls what was probably the first commercial showing of radio receivers in St. Catharines. Batteries and a speaker were prominently displayed and the public came to marvel and listen to stations KDKA Pittsburgh, and WGY Schenectady for the first time. Hams picked up used and sometimes obsolete receivers for the parts they could use. A good example was the Stromberg all AC receiver. It would supply 3 Cardwell condensers, about 350 mfd., 6 four -prong sockets, 6 201A’s, and 2 30-Henry chokes! (The filaments of this receiver were operated on rectified DC , the reason for the 30-Henry chokes which would pass 300 milliamperes.) Emile had a push-pull, tuned-grid, tuned-plate transmitter, with No. 45 tubes, and a 3-tube receiver (both home -built). George Wheeler, VE3VM (later VE3AOI) became exposed to amateur radio in VE3ZB’s Radio Lab. He became a most enthusiastic amateur and was active on all bands, including six meters. He had a flair for organizing good hamfest and social gatherings. In his memory Niagara Penninsula Amateur Radio Club adopted his call, VE3VM. W. T. Tait (Doc) is remembered by many hams in the Niagara area. He was the Radio Inspector of the district and gave official tests to many hams in the 1930’s. Doc Tait started out as a messenger boy for the telegraph company Halifax in 1900. At the age of sixteen he got a job on a Marconi wireless station at Belle Isle on the Straits of Belle Isle. Later he spent about a year as “Sparks” on the Lady Laurier, a Government Lightship of Halifax, which serviced all the coastal lighthouses . He then became an Associated Press wireless operator in Toronto. From Toronto he went to Midland, Ontario, where he operated a commercial wireless station, relaying messages over the Great Lakes. Coming to St. Catharines, he conducted the code tests for amateurs as the radio inspector of the Niagara District. At the start of World War II it was Doc’s painful task to supervise the closing down of all ham stations in the area. He was then asked by the Government to join the RCAF. It was his job to travel from one air force station to another, giving all pilots and observers their final radio examinations. Jack Blank (VE3ABP) attended the Marconi Company Commercial Operators’ School, and operated on one of the passenger ships running between Lakeside Park, Port Dalhousie and Toronto. At this time (1967) he is VE6JL, working as a radio inspector for the DOT out of Calgary. Al Davey, licensed in 1927, operated CW exclusively and developed an exceptional skill for this mode of communication. He taught code to would-be hams in Niagara-on-theLake. On December 28, 1933, a small Hamfest was held at the home of Cy Williamson, VE3TW, in St. Catharines, Ontario. Cy’s log records “It looks like this will be a regular thing.” The group gradually increased. There were no specific rules or bylaws. Friday night meetings were well attended. This was the time of the depression and many young men were unemployed or working short time for low wages. This exciting new world of amateur radio brought pleasure and hope to those whose future looked anything but rosy. Cy’s business of Radio, Electrical and Refrigeration repairs was located in a special room in the basement of his home. It had a separate entrance from the outside. Cy’s ham station was also in this room, and was a perfe ct place for the meetings. High school boys were welcomed and they were taught the rudiments of ham radio. The meetings always ended with a light lunch an d lots of coffee. While some amateurs were content with small stations, others experimented and built, always hoping for greater achievements. The field was wide open for new ideas. Some built phone stations, while others operated CW only. Cy Williamson, “Tiddley Winks” was associated with early amateurs in the Niagara area from 1918. Cy, Chuck Howarth, VE3MF (VE3OL) and Reg Seward, VE3LO, were friends during the early days of amateur experimenting, and they shared many experiences in building radio gear. Cy was licensed in 1933, and was close to radio developments during the 1930’s. He was a radio te chnician before joining the RCAF as a Radar Signals Officer 43

overseas. On his return to Canada in 1945 he obtained his commercial license and became OIC at Port Weller Lighthouse and Radio Beacon Station. From this QTH Cy and his wife Ethel, VE3DTW, operate their ham station. Early in the summer of 1936 the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta association approached the local hams with a request to furnish communications from the Judges’ boat to the Grandstand —to be put over their public address system. Due to the winding course, both the start and the first third of the races were obscured from the viewers in the Grandstand. If communications could be provided an announcer the Judges’ boat (which started and followed the race) would carry on a running commentar y, to be relayed over loud speakers in the grandstand, thus increasing the enjoyment of the spectators, until the sculls came into view. A license was requested from DOT and it was issued with the experimental call, VE9AGW. After some discussion by active hams, which at this time were becoming UHF enthusiasts, Cy, VE3TW, was given the go -ahead to construct the equipment, to operate on a frequency of 69 Mc’s. The transmitter was a single 6A6 in a tuned grid circuit, powered by a genemotor, which furnishe d 200 volts of rippley DC. The modulation was furnished by a similar tube in class B, with a carbon mike for its driver. The receiver had an RF stage, followed by a super-regenerative detector, and an audio stage, into a 500 ohm output transformer. All wer e housed in two metal boxes, about a foot square and ten inches deep. After construction was completed, tests were made from the starting point to the Grandstand. Results were good, and now came the wait for the Henley races to begin. On the day of the Regatta, the equipment was set up in the boat, and on top of the Grandstand. The local radio broadcast station later set up their remote unit for a broadcast of the Regatta, as they would see it through field glasses. When they heard the amateur tests they immediately saw the possibility of using the pickup for a running account of the races as seen from the Judges’ boat. This would not do since the amateur transmission could not be fed into a commercial channel. As the test proceeded and the broadcast company finished their connections to the telephone line, it became apparent that the amateur receiver had considerable output, which was getting into their high-gain mike amplifier, and of course would be broadcast over the air. They attempted to close down the amateur station, but due to the difficulty securing a ruling from DOT, were unable to do so. They finally had accepted what they were getting, and as there were no direct connections to their lines the amateurs felt that they were not breaking the rules. Their announcer was welcomed aboard the boat and he did a fine job of commentating on the races. The whole affair went off well, but when the final and most important race of the day came along, the batteries were dead! Just to make it a perfect occasion, the announcer was jerked off the back of the boat, when it started up too quickly, and holding onto the mike like a true commentator, carried the transmitter into the water with him! So much for good solid connectors used between mike and transmitter. In 1937 Ernie Roy, W8XH, Hobart Hyde and Jack Von Scheidt of Buffalo, set up a 5 -metre transmitter and receiver on the highest hill in Colden, New, York. At the same time Harry Lang, VE3ADO, had set up his equipment on top of a grain elevator in Por t Colborne. The Colden station established contact with W8HQC, in Elma, N.Y. (a distance of about 14 miles). They were elated about this accomplishment, and tuned around for other stations. VE3ADO was ready for them, and it was a great day for Harry when the first 5-metre contact was made between Port Colborne and the USA, over Lake Erie. Later that day VE3ADO contacted W8GU, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Station W8GU was operating a crystal -controlled transmitter, having a power input of one watt! The 1930’s were the years of memorable hamfests and picnics in the Niagara district. Local hams traveled to Toronto, Buffalo, N.Y., Chillecothe, Ohio, and other cities, attending conferences and ARRL Conventions. Noel Eaton, VE3CJ, attended one picnic during the summer of 1938. Noel had his station wagon outfitted with a mobile radio unit on this occasion. This proved to be of keen interest to everyone present. In 1939 an amateur radio station was erected on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition to publicize the hobby. The call was VE9CNE. The usual low frequency gear was set up on the grounds and messages were accepted for transmission from visitors to the Exhibition to their friends and relatives in Canada and the United States. Harry Lang, VE3ADO, President of the Wireless Association of Toronto at that time, and a UHF enthusiast, thought it would be a good idea to have a five meter mobile unit around the grounds, and a base in one of the buildings, receiving and putting the reception over a loud speaker. The visitors would then become more interested in the project. This was easily accomplished. The reception from St. Catharines, Hamilton and Buffalo, to the fixed 44

station and to the mobile, was beyond expectation. The results were most gratifying; especial ly working mobile from the CNE. The demonstration of amateur radio to the public was a definite access, but the joy of this accomplishment was bittersweet. On September 3, 1939, the Declaration of War between Great Britain and Germany put an end to all amateur activity. At 1815 EDST, on September 3, 1939, VE3ADO and VE3TW pulled the Big Switch, and E9CNE was off the air. This was a sad day for hams all across Canada for the government of our country had also declared war. A call was broadcast for volunteers amongst radio amateurs to join the armed services in aid of their country. Hams by the hundreds offered their knowledge and skills in all branches of Government forces. Others volunteered for special civilian duties. Thus they justified the faith and trust our country had bestowed on them. And so, over this land, amateur radio was stilled for the duration of the war.

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Chapter VII NEWFOUNDLAND, 1920-1936 With Newfoundland being a British Crown Colony until the year 1948, when she became one of the Canadian provinces, the development of radio paralleled the development of radio in Canada, but at the same time it seemed to take on a characteristic of its own. Since all of the history is interlocked, we shall devote this chapter to the histo ry of radio as it relates to Newfoundland. On July 25th, 1920, an historic, epoch-making drama was staged on Signal Hill, overlooking the town of St. John’s. On this same spot on December 12th, 1901, by means of a wire running up to a kite in the air Marconi had received the first signal flashes across the broad Atlantic Ocean from Poldhu in Cornwall, England. A hastily erected and crudely constructed temporary transmitting and receiving station of the Canadian Marconi Company on Signal Hill, kept up communication with the S. S. Victorian during the whole of her trans -Atlantic voyage in July, 1920. Marconi’s spectacular achievement, which the world almost refused to believe, and the vast advance in radio as shown nearly twenty years later, removed the last doubts of a doubting world. The S.S. Victorian was leaving England about July 21st. It had on board a group of press delegates en route to Canada to attend a conference of newspapermen from all over the British Empire. Almost immediately after leaving England the ship was picked up by the wireless station on Signal Hill, and from that point held communication with it during the remainder of her voyage. On the 23rd the Victorian, 1250 miles distant, picked them up. At last those signals sent out day and night to wander over the face of the earth had been heard. It was fact. The human voice could be heard over hundreds of miles without the aid of wires. The ship answered the station, saying that she was then about to broadcast a concert to other ships in her vicinity equipped with wireless receiving sets. Two days later the Victorian was 650 miles off the Newfoundland coast. Now many others were to realize the “Wonder of the Age.” The Mar coni men knew that radio had arrived, that it was no longer a novelty, which it had now come to take its step in the march of time. Arrangements were made to have the prominent people of the city talk with the ship. The talking was done by means of a wireless telephone. The telephone was the transmitter, and the re ceiving came in a seven-tube battery set. Up to Signal Hill on the morning of July 25 th they came. Sir Richard Squires, Newfoundland’s foremost political figure of the twenties, had the honour of being the first to talk with ship. He was followed by Sir E ric Bowring, Sir P. T. McGrath, and W. G. Gosling. Others to whom invitations had been issued were waiting to speak, but owing to static conditions the proceedings were postponed until the afternoon. At four o’clock in the afternoon con tact was successfully made. A procession of speakers now held communication with the ship. The following quotation is taken from a newspaper article of the next morning. It sums up the thoughts and feelings of those who participated in the event: “A feeling not easily described pervaded those who spoke to and heard men on a ship far out to sea. One can hardly grasp the fact that has really happened, but the seeming impossible has been accompli shed and its potentialities are beyond present comprehension.” The Signal Hill station was dismantled shortly afterwards and sent to Glace bay, Nova Scotia. The Marconi Co. at Glace Bay improved the station, and it was in operation there for some time. Feverishly, mechanically minded men all over the world be gan to delve into the mysteries and intricacies of the startling factor that had entered into the transmission of sound. They were talking of aerials, valves, transmission, reception, and a host of other terms that have become everyday words. Mr. J. J. Collins, who was manager of the Canadian Marconi Co., had gone much further in his experiments than anyone else in Newfoundland, and there were others around the Island who were taking up radio as a hobby. Late in 1921 the few amateurs around St. John and outside were coming known to each other. None had got as far as a broadcasting station at that time. They were beginning to get together and talk over various experiments and radio generally. In the fall of 1921 these radio enthusiasts banded together and started a radio amateur club. It was called the St. John’s Radio Club. Mr. Ernest Ash, founder, was named president. Several of these amateurs had a spark coil transmitter and crystal receiving set. Printed forms were given to each member. These forms certified that the owner of the form was a member of the St. John’s Radio Club. Blackboard diagrams, discussions on experiments, and juggling with various pieces of wireless apparatus comprised the work at these meetings. The organization of this club as early as 1921 demonstrates more effectively than anything that might be said 46

how radio was taking a grip on the imagination after the Victorian incident. By means of the club they also contacted amateurs outside the city. It was not necessary to possess even a crystal set to be known as an amateur. The only qualification needed was to be interested in wireless. Correspondence between the club and outside-the-city amateurs was kept up during the life of the club. Their questions were answered, various matters that came up from time to time were adjusted, and the club generally assisted them in all things pertaining to radio work. One point in particular that came up from the amateurs outside the city was the question of securing licenses

for them from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. Owing to no provision having been made by the Department for the issuance of licenses to any place in the Island except St. John’s, it was a violation of the law for a Newfound lander outside the city to own a receiving set. Naturally, this caused great dissatisfaction. The club immediately handled the matter, and the necessary permission was secured. It was found that the Department of Posts and Telegraphs did not wish to interfere with the contract held by the Canadian Marconi Co., who had been given sole rights to manufacture and sell wireless apparatus in Newfoundland. The Cana dian Marconi Co. co-operated with the Department in the removal of this obstacle. Ernest Ash first became interested in radio with the building of the Mount Pearl station. It was then that he made his first “cat-whisker” crystal set to listen in to the Morse code signals. In 1918 he received a book from Boston explaining how to make a wireless telephone. This telephone was known as the “Speaking Arc,” produced from burning carbons which resulted in feeble speech waves at a distance of about 100 feet away, and receivable on a crystal set. After making this primi tive broadcaster, together with the crystal set, he would exchange ends with a second party. This was the development of radio up to 1918 regarding voice transmission. At the time of the Victorian incident Ernest Ash was in possession of a one -tube receiving set. It was not powerful enough to pick up the broadcast fully. In fact, only a few words could be distinguished. Never theless, in some way he had a part in the historical proceedings. Mr. Ash now concentrated on the making of a broadcasting trans mitter, or, if he did not make it, at least the acquiring of one. Previously radio had been a toy. Even the making of the crystal receiving sets, the “Speaking Arc,” and the one-tube receiving set had been mere dabbling. But the idea of having a transmitter, with its more compli cated and more interesting work, filled him with anticipation. 47

Newfoundland’s first radio broadcasting station came on the air early in 1921. Mr. Collins, President of the Canadian Marconi Co. had received two transmitters from his head office in Montreal. One was intended for the northern districts, but this plan was later abandoned. The other became V. O.S. Before giving the first official broadcast from V.O.S., extensive testing programmes were carried out. There were probably about half a dozen or so receiving sets in the city to hear these broadcasts. On July 29th, 1922, the first official broadcast from V.O.S. was transmitted. It was the first broadcast in which the public had an opportunity of coming into actual contact, or of knowing what radio was all about. Mr. Will Meehan, a member of the St. John’s Radio Club, had a large book and stationery store on Water Street, known as the Royal Station ery Co., when V.O.S. was on the air. Mr. Collins usually placed one of his new importations of radios in Mr. Meehan’s sto re for a try out, or for advertising purposes. So arrangements were made to have a “powerful” radio set placed in the Royal Stationery store when V.O.S. was broadcasting its first official programme. The majority of the local artists of the city took part in this programme. Mr. Meehan had invitations issued to a number of prominent people to be present at his store to listen in to the broadcast. The programme from V.O.S. came in so distinctly and so loudly that Mr. Mee han opened his doors to enable the passers-by to listen in. Soon the store was packed with excited people. Outside the store the sidewalk was crowded. The excitement was so general and so intense, after the news had spread of what was happening, that men and women left their offices and their homes to rush to the stationery store. After this demonstration V.O.S. gave concerts twice weekly. All the amateurs in St. John’s had their own receiving sets of one or two tubes. Some gentlemen, like Mr. Meehan, who imported a five-tube set, had more powerful ones. Although the thrill of hearing speech and music over the radio in 1922 had not yet worn off, it was not with the amateurs, as it was with the public, a novelty. But the success of the V.O.S. broadcast was shown by the demand for receiving sets immediately after. Ernest Ash supplied a number of crystal sets to various people. These “cat-whisker” sets were simple to make, relates Mr. Ash, but unsatisfactory after they were constructed. They had a range of about twenty-five miles at the most, and reception on them was quite an event. They are museum specimens now, but in those early days the scratchy, squeaky sounds that one heard via the earphones necessary to each crystal set were something to boast about. Imported crystal sets at that time might cost $55.00. The Canadian Marconi Co. now were branching out into radio on a large business scale and were importing one and two-tube battery sets. Like the crystal receiving sets, the battery tube sets were also un satisfactory. Due to their construction, it was necessary that they be frequently recharged. American stations were beginning to increase their power, and were becoming known to Newfoundland listeners about the latter part of 1922. In September Mr. Collins heard the W.G.Y. station, and Er nest Ash heard the W.G.Y. station in November on his two-tube set. The beginning of 1923 saw the two-tube sets becoming fairly plentiful, mostly among radio amateurs and people of financial means. Crystal sets had become quite general among the public. Mr. Ash’s experiments in connection with the making of a broadcasting set had developed to such an extent in January, 1923, that he applied to the Department of Posts and Telegraphs for an experimental license. The license, which is still in his possession, proclaims it to be “Number One Amateur Experimental Licence,” and the call letters were 8AA. The Department of Posts and Telegraphs had no special branch for the handling of radio matters as early as 1923. The Certificate is signed by Mr. William Campbell who was with the Department at that time, and in his official capacity things of this nature were referred to him for his attention. It would seem that 8AA was the first broadcasting station to come on the air after V. O.S. There were other amateurs who had hopes of possessing a broadcasting station, but these ambitions were not realized until some time later. Much experimenting had to be done before Ernest Ash’s station was ready for broadcasting. For months and months after he had taken out the license he had not by any means reached the aim of satisfactory broadcasting. After a time he had the station operating with some degree of satisfaction. It was satisfactory in those days, although some of the parts of that tinny-sounding, almost inaudible 8AA of 1923 could not even be used in present-day broadcasting stations. Mr. Ash spent all his spare time and money building and operating this station. Radio was a costly hobby at that time.

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The station 8AA was in operation for about a year and a half. Most of its time on the air was of an experimental nature, now and then interspersed with gramophone -record broadcasting. It was later incorporated into a greatly improved station, which was operated dur ing 1925. A list of the call letters issued by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to owners of broadcasting and receiving sets appears below. This list covers call letters assigned to various radio amateurs in New foundland up to 1924. There is a peculiar fact about the issuance of these call letters. When call letters were assigned to the various applicants in the early stages of radio no distinction was made between broadcasting stations and receiving sets. The applicant who possessed a receiving set received call letters just the same as the applicant who possessed a broadcasting station. Therefore the list given here, while it is quite interesting inas much as it shows the early radio amateurs, does not reveal what broadcasting stations may have been possessed at that time. The list runs in alphabetical order. 8AA, E. Ash; 8AB, St. John’s Radio Club; 8AC, J. Elliott; 8AD, G. Roberts; 8AE, F. L. Southgate; 8AF, E. Power; 8AG, M. Lindsay; 8AH, W. Meehan; 8A1, Geo. Parsons; 8AJ, H. Channing; 8AK, J. J. Collins; 8AL, M. Mawer; 8AM, Harbour Grace Factory; 8AN, Rev. J. F. Kerwan, Curling; 8AO, Rev. T. J. Bride, Burin; 8AO, D. J. Meaney, Harbour Grace; 8AQ, H. D. Reid; 9AR, R. G. Reid; 8AS, D. Baird; 8AT, A. B. Harding; 8AU, W. E. Boyd, Lomond; 8AV, W. E. Whiteley; 8AW, J. Moores, Carbonear; 8AX, Thomas Bambrick; 8AY, E. Taylor, Carbonear; 8AZ, J. Brown; 8AZA, C. A. Manuel, St. Anthony; 8AZB, W. Lamer, Whitbourne; 8AZC, J. W. Morris. At the beginning of 1924 Ernest Ash was receiving excellent reception without the aid of the earphones. A newspaper item of February 16th said: “On his wireless apparatus at his home on Munday Pond Road, Mr. E. Ash picked up foreign stations which could be heard 150 feet from the loudspeaker.” The newspaper added, “It is to be hoped that in the near future the public will have the pleasure of having a radio concert staged for them in the city. No doubt a thing of this kind would be interesting to our local fans and surprising to those who are not convinced of the development of this particular hobby.” This write-up was responsible for a large number of visitors to Mr. Ash’s home to listen in. A new, intriguing, and previously inconceived factor entered into the realm of wireless transmission in 1924. This was the installation of a radio broadcasting station by Wesley Church for the purp ose of broadcasting church services. This brought home forcibly to the public mind the possibilities of radio’s future place in religious activities. This was a 100-watt station, and its call letters were 8WMC. On July 20th, 1924, it made its advent to the airwaves with a church service conducted by the Wesley Church pastor, the Rev. J.G. Joyce. Other developments arising at this time show unmistakably that radio was reaching new heights in public popularity. The newspapers were treating it as important news. A newspaper reporter heard a foreign concert one night at a friend’s home. The next day his newspaper printed in a half-column write-up everything the reporter had heard. In December, 1924, a chatty, informative, short radio column appeared in a loca l newspaper. This column devoted itself to technical radio items interspersed with various interesting notes in connection with it. It was called “Radiology.” It was written by Mr. W. Anson Brown under the nom-de-plume of “Dr. Ham”. “Dr. Ham” agitated gently for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to look into the matter of regulating radio. Complaints of static began to make their growling rumbles. The S.S. Silvia, the Red Cross Line steamer, was fitted out with a receiving set and a number of loudspeakers were placed in various parts of the boat. “Dr. Ham” said, “At the present time we have to depend on primary or storage batteries for our radio current. Undoubtedly we will soon be using the light mains for both A. and B. current, but up to now this device is not perfected.” In May, 1925, Mr. Brown discontinued his column. In one of his last columns he said, “Radio is now becoming an industry. Local dealers are beginning to stock parts . . . but the increased duty is a step in the wrong direction.” In Mr. Brown’s closing write-up he asked to have in the autumn, “tubes which operate from operating mains, B battery eliminators, static eliminators, but especially that owners of regenerative sets will have learned how to use them without causing annoyance to other listeners.” Even though radio was making such rapid strides, and receiving sets were becoming numerous all over the Island, the price of them was still fairly high. The prices asked for a second -hand set at that time was $250.00. Mr. Ash came on the air with a new broadcasting station on May 7th, 1925. The call letters of this station were 8EA. It was a twenty-watt station, but vastly improved over the old 8AA one. He ran concerts about once a week. Later the call letters were changed to 8ERN. Re ports of the excellent reception of this station came in regularly. Static and interference, combined with gaps of two and three weeks in which not a sound of foreign radio was 50

received, made radio owners so cantankerous at one period during the year that the newspapers were literally deluged with letters of complaint. Radio amateurs and others were advancing theories as to the cause. An international radio conference was held in Washington, U.S.A., early in 1927. Among other matters, this conference regulated and assigned call letters for each of the countries of the world. Newfoundland was assigned V. O. to begin all future amateur and commercial calls. The figure 8 was retained and permitted to follow the initial call letters. It was under this VO letters arrangement that Mr. Ash received his new call VO8A when he applied for a renewed license in 1927. VO8A was a short-wave amateur station, over which he did some commercial broadcasting. The regulating of radio amateur and commercial broadcasting had not yet been systematized. It was not, therefore, irregular to use an amateur station for commercial purposes. The first attempt to systematize and control radio, both for broadcasting and receiving, appeared in February, 1930, in the form of the Radio-Telegraph Act of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. Short-wave amateur stations were on the increase after 1930. There were several historical happenings in 1931. Notable among these was the tax on receiving sets imposed by the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The license fee placed on the crystal set was $1.00; on a valve receiver $2.00. On amateur broadcasting stations the license fee was $2.00. The crystal receiver had not yet disappeared from the scene of radio reception. In 1922 one was sold for $55 .00. In 1929 they were still being imported, but the price was $2.25. In 1931 it was claimed that children were making them at a price of only twenty-five cents for equipment. A strong protest was made by radio owners when the radio tax was imposed. The Department of Posts and Telegraphs, however, had a definite purpose in mind in collecting this license fee. Radio interference was creating such general dissatisfaction just prior to the action of the Department that radio dealers held a meeting to decide what action should be taken to discover the cause of radio disturbance. Radio interference had been blamed on everything imaginable. The Department of Posts and Telegraphs took action in making an effort to assist in the betterment of radio reception. The Government refused to subsidize the Department with monetary support. Therefore the only course open to the officials in charge was to levy a tax. Permission to do this was granted in March, 1931. Owing to the Viking disaster at the ice in the spring of 1931, radio-broadcasting amateurs sprang into recognition and prominence all over the Island. Amateur station owners and experimenters, working unostentatiously at their little stations, overnight displayed to the country their power and importance in the re alm of communication. The S.S. Viking, one of the ships prosecuting the seal-fishery, had blown up near the Horse Islands, which were some distance from the mainland. At Horse Islands a wireless operator was stationed. But he could not communicate the news of the disaster to St. John’s, owing to the landlines of the Posts and Telegraphs Department being out of commission from Bonavista Bay to the city. To communicate with St. John’s was absolutely vital to the lives of many sealers. The failure of the landlines seemed like a second catastrophe. Amateur Radio station VO8M at Port Albert in Notre Dame Bay, owned by C. V. Leslie, succeeded in getting in touch with the Horse Islands wireless operator. He relayed the news of the disaster to A. J. Crocker’s amateur station, VO8L in St. John’s. A rescue ship was soon dispatched to the area. The success of these amateurs, showered with congratulations by the whole country, aroused the people of the Island to the fact that such stations should be placed at reasonable vantage points along the coast. It was remembered that if an amateur radio station had been on the Burin Peninsula when a tidal wave struck that section of the coast in 1929, news of the disaster would not have been delayed until two days after the calamity. The news eventually came through by wireless from the coastal steamer S.S. Portia. In September, 1934, the Radio Branch of the Posts and Telegraphs worked out a scheme having for its object the improvement of broadcasting conditions in Newfoundland. The intention was to place the operation of all broadcasting services in the Island in the hands of a combination of the two largest existing companies (V.O.N.P. and V.O. G.Y.), Government controls to be exercised over the combination. The scheme provi ded for an increase in power of the main broadcasting station (V.O.N.F.) Provision was also ma de for the transfer of all radio interference work to the broadcasting company. On October 1, 1934, the Radio Branch transferred to the Dominion Broadcasting Co. the actual work of detecting and eliminating radio interference causes, including the fault-detecting apparatus, which the Department of Posts and Telegraphs had installed in 1932. In January, 1935, new radio regulations were drawn up by the Radio Branch. The numeral 8 for amateur calls was discontinued, and Newfoundland and Labrador were divided into six sections, and the numerals from one to six were used to designate from what section of the island and Labrador the amateur call originated. The Newfoundland Amateur Radio Association was formed with the idea of uniting all the amateurs in the 51

Island into a common bond and closer relationship, and to enable radio in general to have the benefit and co -operation of a combined group on all matters pertaining thereto. Members must possess amateur transmitting or station licenses. A list of Newfoundland Radio Amateur Call Allocations follows:

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VO1A—Ash, E., St. John’s VO1B—Stevens, Clifford, St. John’s VO1H—Holden, F. S., St. John’s VO1P—Hayward, Ellis, St. John’s VO1W—Mitchell, Clarence, St. John’s VO2O—Burke, A. J., Terrenceville, Fortune Bay VO2Z—Jerrett, E. V., Brigus, Conception Bay VO2D—Jerrett, Allan C., Topsail VO3R—International Grenfell Association, St. Anthony VO4K—Kerwan, Rev. J. F., Port au Port VO4Y—Standfielcl, A. R., Corner Brook VO6Q—Paddon, Dr. H. L., North-West River, Labrador VO2S—St. Croix, Rev. S., St. Alban’s (Ship Cove), Hermitage Bay VO3M—Leslie, C. V., Campbellton VO3G—Stone, A. L., Lewisporte VO1N—Stoyles, W. P., St. John’s VO1I—Hierhihy, C. V. C., St. John’s VO1U—Tucker, George, St.John’s VO1L—Butt, Clarence E., St.John’s VO1C—Donald, W. Leonard, St. John’s VO2N—Wetmore, Richard T., Grand Falls VO3F—Osborne, F. G., Bell Isle VO1F—Coughlin, F. W., St. John’s VO3X—McNeilI, Horace W., St. Anthony VO3O—Milley, Herbert, St. Anthony VO1X—Wood, A. F., St. John’s VO1C—Small, Hy., St. John’s VO1J—Elliott, J. C., St. John’s VO4A—Garcin, K. 0., St. John’s VO6B—McGrail, John, North-West River, Labrador VO1D—Munro, R. W., St. John’s VO1K—Barrett, St. John’s VO1O—Strong, W. J. G., St. John’s

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Chapter VIII THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIZATIONS With the numbers interested in experimenting with radio increasing constantly, it was inevitable that before too long these “amateurs” would band together to swap ideas, parts, etc. And so clubs and organizations were formed. At this point we shall take a look at the beginnings of some of these clubs. The list will not necessarily be chronological, but for convenience sake, and as much as possible, we shall begin with the eastern seaboard and follow the trek westward. No doubt some of the earlier clubs will be passed up but this is not deliberate — it is simply because information about these organizations has not been available to us, and we apologize to those pioneers in the radio field who have played a prominent part, and whose activities have not been recorded. We should say something about call letters. In the earliest days there were none, the operators used their initials or some self-assigned identification. Then regulations came, and by the time the broadcast boom had arrived, calls were being assigned. There were five districts in Canada. 1’s were the Maritimes; 2’s Quebec; 3’s Ontario; 4’s Man itoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta; 5’s British Columbia and the Northwest and Yukon Territories. There were some 6’s, which were assigned to training schools, the 9’s were experimental and the 10’s were amateur broadcasting stations. After a time the 6 and 10 calls disappeared, but the 9’s are still being used. The other five number groups were to remain in use until 1946 when the present district divisions were established. In the early days there was no way to tell an American station from a Canadia n one. At first this didn’t present too much of a problem because the range of transmission was so short that they didn’t work each other. As the sets and antennas improved, so did the range and some further identification was needed. The “intermediate” wa s born; a “U” was added in front of the call in the U.S.A. anti a “C” in Canada. After a while, as the range of the signals extended still further, it was found that more information was necessary. Then, an “N” was added in front of all North American calls, an “E” for Europe, and “A” for Asia, and “O” for Oceania (Australia and New Zealand and islands in the Pacific). An “S” was used for South America. While these were used, they were not actually official until 1929 when some internationally established assignments were made. Canada became “VE” and the U.S.A. “W”, and so on. With the new call letter assignments in 1929 came some other less palatable regulations; also some of the amateur bands were reduced in width. This made a higher standard for oscillator stability necessary both in receivers and transmitters. The A.R.R.L. initiated a “Technical Development Program” that developed a series of new designs, which were a great improvement over the equipment previously used. Also, crystal control of transmit ter frequency was becoming more common. Phone operation became more common as Class ‘B’ modulation had been developed. For the first time high quality audio power could be obtained in relatively large amounts and suitable power amplifiers were available. By the early 1930’s, the 20 and 10 meter bands were being used, and tremendous distances were worked with relatively low power. Halifax Amateur Radio Club In the early 1920’s and 1930’s the Maritime Amateur Radio Association existed, embracing a few hams in (VE1) land. Meetings were held principally in the Halifax area where the majority of the members resided. As the number of Halifax hams increased and joined the As sociation, it became apparent that the name “Maritime Amateur Radio Association” had served its purpose and did not embrace the three provinces as its name implied. Therefore, in 1933, the name was changed to Halifax Amateur Radio Club. The membership was about fifteen. Meetings at that time were held in the homes of the members. By the following year the membership had increased to 22. In 1935 the cooperation of other VE1 hams was requested for a hamfest. The plans were made for the first weekend in June (King George V’s birthday). It was a new venture for the group, but enthusiasm was great. The opening dinner had 89 present. The guest speaker on this occasion was Major W. C. Borrett, VE 1DD, and the late Joe Fassett (10AR) reminiscing on the early days. Alex Reid, VE2BE, was also present. The Sunday picnic included a game of baseball. Five meter gear was in evidence, and it performed well in demonstrations. One of the contests that was run was to determine who could get an oscillator going first, using only wire, condenser, tube, socket and small parts — without the aid of solder or pliers. 54

Affiliation with A.R.R.L. was made in 1935, and conventions under A.R.R.L. sponsorship were conducted in 1937 and 1939. The Club operated a station, through which traffic was handled three or four nights a week. With the outbreak of war in 1939 the amateur activities ceased, but by mutual consent the Halifax Amateur Radio Club carried on its monthly meetings. This proved to be a wise move since Halifax, an eastern Canadian port, was well known in those days, and frequently visited by amateurs from abroad, and all across Canada. Thus during this period of radio inactivity many radio friends were made by personal contact. Public service has proved an important part in member activities. Over the years numerous emergencies have called the amateurs into service — telephone and telegraph lines down, missing aircraft, ships in distress, and many more. One of the emergencies which created nationwide interest was the Moose River Mine disaster in April, 1936. VE1DQ and two assistants went to Moose River — VE1AW was operator at Halifax and the stations were manned for 96 continuous hours. Traffic was handled for the Canadian Press, for which the efforts of the Club were highly commended by the C.P. One of the faithful and enthusiastic members of the H.A.R.C. befo re the war was Doug Smith, VE1FO. He joined the R.A.F. in 1938 and during the war was cited for bravery and credited with knocking out important enemy trains in North Africa on several occasions. On his last raid anti aircraft batteries felled him. His gra ve is located in Misura, Libya. In commemoration and remembrance the Halifax Amateur Radio Club has claimed his call, VE 1FO, as their station call. Ham activities returned to normal again in 1946, and a Hamfest was held on the Labour Day weekend of that year. In 1949 Halifax celebrated its Bi-Centenary (1749-1949) and the Halifax Amateur Radio Club went all out on a celebration. Again a Hamfest was arranged for the Labour Day weekend. This proved to be most enjoyable and successful, but the planning was on a rather elaborate scale, which necessitated caution in the planning of future conventions. The H.A.R.C. has participated in A.R.R.L. field days, and work in close association with Civil Defense authorities. At the 1958 Field Day the Civil Defense provided their 40-foot trailer as field day headquarters. The Coordinator, Major J. Vickery accompanied the operators and watched them “do their stuff” in spite of the most unfavourable radio conditions which they experienced. A parallel ladies’ organization was formed at the 1949 Hamfest, under the name of the “Dit and Dah Club. Nova Scotia Amateur Radio Association During the A.R.R.L. Hamfest (Maritime Section) held at Bathurst, New Brunswick in 1956, the Nova Scotia amateurs gathered together and formed the Nova Scotia Amateur Radio Association. The Association was formed to join together radio amateurs and those interested in amateur radio, to promote any idea, development or activity for the betterment of amateur radio in general, to bring about a better acquaintance among the amateurs throughout the province, and to act as a public relations body in order that the general public may be accurately informed of the use and value of amateur radio activities in a community. A membership drive was started immediately throughout the Province and within six months they had enrolled 150 members. One of the first big projects of the Association was to obtain special call sign plates for members, and the first ones were issued in 1959. Nova Scotia amateur radio operators are always ready to step in and help in communications whenever disaster or emergency demands their aid. The network of these amateurs stretches from Cheticamp to Yarmouth, thus covering the entire province. Keith Rogers Memorial Radio Club (P.E.I.) The Keith Rogers Memorial Radio Club was formed early in 1954 following the passing of Prince Edward Island’s senior ham. Through the kindness of Mrs. Rogers, the Colonel’s shack and gear were made available to the members, and his call, VE1HI was obtained for the club station. Membership is open to all amateurs or interested parties on the Island, and meetings are held weekly. Besides encouraging new comers, a good deal of thought is being given to emergency communications. Some first hand experience along this line was gained in 1956 when a sleet storm smashed many poles and wire for power and communication circuits on the Island and to the mainland. Another Club project in the late 1950’s was the construction of VHF transceivers. With conditions on the lower frequencies often being erratic, it was decided to see if Island communications on six meters would be feasible. The members of the Keith Rogers Memorial Radio Club were hosts to the 1957 Maritime Convention, and they proved to the other memb ers of the Maritime group that they were extremely capable and able to sponsor a two-day Hamfest filled with many interesting activities.

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The Quebec Radio Club The Quebec Radio Club was founded at the end of March, 1926. There were at that time few radio amateurs, as we know them today. Some manufacturing companies had just put on the market receiving sets permitting owners to hear voice transmissions of broadcasting stations. These receiving sets were operated by batteries. The problems confronting the owners of such sets were the absence of instruments required for the testing of the batteries and tubes and also for the detection and elimination of parasitic noises. The first task of the Club was to obtain the necessary instruments for the committees charged with such work. Thus, during the first years of its existence the Quebec Radio Club was composed entirely of radio broadcast listeners — its membership reaching 300 in the 1926-29 period. One of the objectives of the Club was to obtain from the Federal authorities the appointment of a radio inspector for the district. This request was granted. On June 5, 1929, representatives of the Club appeared before the Royal Commission on Radio Broadcasting and expressed the views of its members on the modes of co ntrol and operation of the radio broadcasting stations in Canada. The advent on the market of A.C. receiving sets and the establishment by the dealers of appropriate maintenance and repair services reduced considerably the tasks assumed by the Club and the interest of members in its activities diminished. Over the years the number of owners of amateur radio stations increased and eventually they again took control of the Quebec Radio Club in order to transform it into a body corresponding to their aspirations and needs. During the years that followed monthly meetings were held with lectures on technical matters of interest to radio amateurs. At that time most of the amateurs were building their own transmitters and the problems relating to construction, operation and maintenance of such apparatus were numerous. On December 24, 1933, some members of the Club extended their co-operation for the exchange of Christmas greetings between the Governor General of Canada and the Lieutenant Governors of the various provinces. In 1935 a petition was addressed to the Director of Radio, Ottawa, requesting clarification of certain articles of the regulations on radio dealing with the interferences caused by amateur stations. From September, 1939, until the end of the war in 1945, the Club was inactive due to the forced suppression of the hobby of its members. After the war the activities of the Club were resumed with an increased membership, monthly meetings, dances, contests, oyster parties, etc. On several occasions the members of the Club have rendered remarkable service to the public in maintaining radio communications with certain localities affected by disaster. Such was the case in 1950 when portions of the towns of Rimouski and Cabano were destroyed by fire, and also later when a fire was raging in St. Urbain. More recently when it was feared that a dam located at Gayhurst in the County of Frontenac might be carried away by the spring flood with the resulting consequences for the localities situated along the Chaudiere River, the amateurs once again seized upon the occasion to provide their services. In May, 1965, for the first time in the history of the American Radio Relay League the Annual Meeting of its directors was held outside of the United States, and Quebec City was chosen for their gathering. The Club, together with other organizations in the vicinity proved worthy hosts for these distinguished visitors. The number of VE2 amateurs residing in Quebec and vicinity exceeds 225, with a large proportion of these radio amateurs being members of the Club. The Club operates an amateur radio station, with call letters VE2CQ, and they are on hand every weeknight on 3780 kcs. to transmit and receive messages. Membership in the Club is not restricted to amateurs alone, but short wave listeners are invited to attend, and encouraged to become radio amateurs. The necessary information and code lessons are provided for this purpose.

The Amateur Radio Club of McGill University The Amateur Radio Club of McGill University was formed in the late 1920’s. The station was set up in the electrical lab and operated with the call VE2CP. The transmitter was operated on 40 meters, with a 211 final connected to a 40 meter Zepp. The station was put into better operating conditio n in the mid-thirties with the help of Dr. F. S. Howes, professor at McGill. Dr. Howes provided some components and arranged for the Association to share the use of a 1000-volt D.C. generator. The transmitter was converted to crystal control. In 1937 the Club had a windfall in the form of a couple of 849 transmitting tubes which had been removed from the B.C. transmitter of CJKL in Kirkland Lake, having supposedly reached the end of their useful life. This provided the opportunity of getting a 56

20-metre phone rig into operation. Dr. Howes contributed a 7.5 kvs. 2.3 k.v. pole transformer as well as some high voltage filter capacitors. Members of the Association wound large filter chokes in the electrical shop, with the material again provided by the Department of Electrical Engineering. The new rig for 20 meters used a 6L6 crystal oscillator driving a 211, which was Heising modulated by a 212D. The 849’s ran class B linear after the modulated 211.With high power and ‘two half waves in phase” 2CP was working Europe on 20, and was able to work practically anything that was heard. H. H. Rugg, VE2JZ, a member of the Association at that time, says that this mostly emphasizes the poor receiving conditions. A 40-metre transmitter was added to the station for the benefit of CW operators. VE2CP “shut down the station” in 1939 at the beginning of the war, to be quieted for the duration. A large portion of the Club’s story is skipped due to the inability to locate further historical records from 1945 to 1961. This is regrettable since these years undoubtedly were colorful ones with the relocation of the station in the Student Union Building on Sherbrooke Street and the change of the club call to VE2UN. The station became relatively well known to students, and a new Johnson Viking 500 was purchased, and is still in use. September, 1961, was the beginning of an enthusiastic season for VE2UN. The Club recovered from the good old days of wild parties and started into a year that resulted in record membership, code and theory cl asses, 420 mcs, experimentation, and QSO’s limited to ten minutes. With a new SX l01a to supplement the Viking 500, operating time was at a premium. Throughout the year excitement grew over a political war with the public address committee

because of interference with their PA system in the same building. The situation came to a climax when 35 wpm key clicks could be heard on top of ex-Cabinet Minister Davie Fulton’s address to the Young Conservatives! The following year, under the direction of a new president the Club members spent less time rag chewing and gave much needed assistance to Radio McGill, an infant club at the time with many technical problems. It has become more or less traditional that the two Clubs rather than being rivals have several members in common with each other. The year 1963 saw more emphasis placed again on DX communi cations. In addition they provided public

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message services and communication to the Island of Barbados where McGill was and is still carrying on rocket research into the upper atmosphere. In the past few years much equipment has been added to the station, and another move was made, this time to the Students Union Building on McTavish Street. The Club operates on almost all modes, including RTTY, SSB, AM, CW, on bands from 80 to 2 meters. The Montreal Amateur Radio Club VE2ARC grew out of the amalgamation of several local smaller groups, particularly the Westmount Radio Club, which used to meet in members homes. The Montreal Club was founded in 1932 and was affiliated with A.R.R.L. in March, 1934. It has become one of the largest clubs in North America, with between two and three hundred members. The Club was incorporated in 1949. In the beginning meetings were held in one of the classrooms of Sir George Williams Col lege, through the efforts of the late “Doc” Stredden, then VE2HK. As the Club grew, meetings were held in one of the salons of the Windsor Hotel. One of the highlights of the Club in the early days was the VF2 Convention held in 1936 in the Mount Royal Hotel. The Convention was a two-day affair held in the Normandie Roof. Annual picnics were also held, with the Ottawa and New York State hams attending. A mainstay of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club has been their Secretary, Ethel Pick, VE2HI. Ethel has been an official of the Club since the early days, and takes a very active and vital part in producing the Club magazine MARCO-GRAM. Alex Reid, VE2BE, an honorary Vice-President of A.R.R.L. and for many years the Canadian Director was very active in the Club. At Christmas, 1965, the Club presented him with an NCX3, in appreciation of his services. One of VE2’s outstanding hams and old-time Club member is Tommy Letts, VE2GB. Tommy went on the air in 1906, with a Spark transmitter. His CW transmitter was the first operated in Montreal by an amateur. He operated on phone from Montreal in 1922, and possibly was the first phone station in Canada. His first trans -Atlantic contact was in 1924 with PCII in Holland. He was honoured with a Life membership in the Montreal Amateur Radio Club. He holds Membership No. 58 in the old Old Timers Club (requiring endorsation of 50 years of operating). At the age of 80 he is still active and operating on CW, AM and SSB. The Dean of Law at McGill University, William Meredith was until his death an enthusiastic member. However dignified and foreboding he was in the classroom, he was always Bill, VE2HM to his fellow Club members. The Club has taken an active part in emergency communications when called upon, and prides itself in i ts preparedness program under the able guidance of Murray Epstien, VE2AUU, who is National Emergency Co coordinator for Canada. Murray and his crew provided emergency communications at the St. Therese air crash, the La Salle explosion and many other disasters. After several moves with regard to a meeting place, they have more recently been gathering in the Capri Hotel on the last Wednesday of the month. The Club runs a code class, with fifty or more students taking advantage of this training. They are fortu nate in having several members who are very competent to teach these would-be hams the technical aspects of radio. As a part of the Montreal Club there is a technical group that meets each month on the second Wednesday. Largely through the work of Ron Eberts, VE2AE, the Montreal Club sponsors the VE/W contest each year. A highlight of the year is the Christmas party, and in the latter years this has taken the form of a dinner dance in the Sky Line Motel. VE2 land was host to Expo ‘67, and in conjunction with the World’s Fair the Montreal amateurs extended their hospitality to the National A.R.R.L. Convention, June 30 to July 2. This marked the first time that the National A.R.R.L. Convention was held outside of the U.S.A. The Club set up an amateur station on the grounds of Expo, and operated under the call of VE2XPO.

Lakeshore Darts, Draughts, Chowder and Marching Society This is an amateur radio Club? Yes, and it is probably the world’s most unusual radio club, and quite likely the world’s wackiest regular gathering of radio amateurs. The Club was first conceived on 75 meters in 1949. The boys living in the area lying some 10 to 15 miles west of Montreal and commonly referred to as “the Lakeshore” were bemoaning the difficulties of commuting into the city for the regular meetings of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club. It was felt that the Lakeshore area, growing rapidly as a residential district, with quite a large ham population already, 58

would most likely increase considerably before too long. Finally a meeti ng of those interested was arranged, and some fifty dedicated hams descended on the Dorval Tavern! It soon became apparent that this was a gathering of real individuals, who really were not interested in the formalities of rigidly run meetings, rules of pr ocedure, elections, etc. Before the evening was over the majority ruled that they would meet once a month at this same spot, with no constitution, no elected officials, no dues; in short, nothing but the chance to get together at regular intervals over a pint and have a rag chew. The name of Lakeshore Darts, Draughts, Chowder and Marching Society was jokingly mentioned as a possible name for the group, and somehow it caught on and stuck, although it is often referred to simply as “The Darts and Draughts Club”. The group gathers together on the first Tuesday of each month for ham chatter and refreshments (the second Tuesday if the first falls on a holiday.) Since the early days the meeting place has been changed to a more central location, and the group gathers at the Maples Inn, Pointe Claire. Some nights there might be six or eight in the gathering, at other times some fifty or so amateurs come together. Visitors in the area are most welcome to drop in for the meetings, and in the past almost every VE district has been represented at one time or another, as well as many W’s, ZS, VQ, VP, many G’s and numerous others, all becoming by their attendance one -night members of the Lakeshore Darts and Draughts Club.

The St. Maurice Valley Amateur Radio Association The St. Maurice Valley Amateur Radio Association was formed in the early l920’s. Through the efforts of Arthur Kemp, 2FK, the first local radio program was heard on his station on the evening of December 9, 1923. Mr. Kemp held similar concerts every Sunday evening following the first broadcast. Since 1923 amateur radio has developed extensively in the St. Maurice Valley. The Association operated a radio station, call letters 10AV, for quite a long time. With the powerful transmitter in the station contacts w ere made with Europe, South America, police and amateur stations in Canada and the United States, besides contacts with planes flying over the region. After a few years of inactivity the Association was revived in 1933 with a new board of officers. On Marc h 25th of that same year the Association was affiliated with the American Radio Relay League. When the war broke out in 1939 the Club’s activities were curtailed for the duration of the hostilities. The Club was once again reactivated in 1946. The year 1951 saw the advent of television in Canada, and the directors of the Association, most of whom operated radio repair shops, left to take courses in TV instruction. So once again the Club folded up. A small membership, consisting of young amateurs, forms the nucleus of the Club today, and it is anticipated that their enthusiasm will spark greater activity in the area. Radio Society of Ontario, Inc. On May 22, 1957, the Letters Patent incorporating the Ontario Amateur Radio Federation, Inc. was issued to Noel B. Eaton, VE3CJ, D. Alan Page, VE3XZ and A. K. Meen, VE3RX (then VE3DAR). The organizational meeting of the Corporation was held in October, 1957, with Noel Eaton elected as the first President. The By-laws of the Federation as then established provided for membership by recognized amateur radio clubs only, these clubs being represented at meetings of the Federation, each by a Trustee and an alternate Trustee. The clubs forming the original membership of the Federation were Oakville, North Shore, Metro, We stside, Wireless Association, and Nortown. These were subsequently joined by Peterborough, Brantford, Niagara Peninsula, Scarboro, Skywide and Hamilton. The Federation had annual and semi -annual meetings of the Trustees, and monthly meetings of the Executive Committees. Considerable progress was made in the area of television interference, both diagnosis and treatment, and in submissions which ultimately resulted in the substantial improvement of television sets by the incorporation into all sets of a high pass filter, beginning with the 1961 model year. At the semi-annual meeting of the Trustees in the fall of 1961 the Executive was authorized to explore the possibilities of amalgamation of the Ontario Amateur Radio Association and The Ontario Amateur Radio Federation, Inc. In April, 1962, as a result of these negotiations the two organizations were joined and the name was changed to Radio Society of Ontario, Inc. In the fall of 1962 the Society sponsored the A.R.R.L. Ontario Section Convention. In March, 1963, a By-law was passed which converted the membership in the Society from Clubs to individuals, and divided Ontario into districts as administered by D.O.T., the districts having representation roughly proportional to the amateur population of each district. Thus Clubs were no longer members with voting privileges, but rather might become affiliated clubs provided 50% of their voting members were members of the Society. 59

Membership has grown year by year, and at the present time stands well beyond the 1000 mark. The Society has become recognized over the years as the voice of the Ontario amateurs. It sponsors the Keith Russell Memorial Award for the highest scoring Club Field Day station, and is the voice of Ontario amateurs with D.O.T. The Society has a technical department, which provides assistance to those members requiring it. Ontario DX Association The Association was formed for the benefit of those interested in working DX. Its primary purpose is to help members to work and be well informed on all pha ses of DX. One of the ways in which they seek to accomplish this is through the publication of a bi-weekly bulletin— Long Skip. The Association has contributed much to the art of SSB operation on 20 meters, and did much to populate the 14100 to 14140 kc. portion of 20 meters by VE and DX stations. The Association prides itself in having as one of its members an old timer, Jack Beardall, owner and founder of radio station CFCO, Chatham, in 1926. He is, nonetheless, up -to-date in operation and was probably the first Canadian amateur to have the special 3C3 QSL cards printed for Centennial year. Two of their number, Ray Hunter, VE3YR and Bob Kenny, VE3EWY, went to Manitoulin Island in the summer of 1965 to give amateurs a rare Ontario county. It was the only inland island allowed to count in the “Island on the Air” award, issued in Great Britain. The special QSL card produced for this occasion won first prize for the best design at the Ontario A.R.R.L. Convention. The Association launched its own Centennial proj ect and inaugurated the “Centennial Award”, requiring 100 contacts across Canada, with at least five contacts with each call area. Other awards that are made available by the Association are “The Trans Canada Award”, “The St. Lawrence Seaway Award” and the “Provincial Capitals Award”. Scarboro Amateur Radio Club, VE3WE The Scarboro Amateur Radio Club was founded in April, 1946. It was formed by a group of Scarboro amateurs, all members of the Wireless Association of Ontario, who felt the need of a local cl ub. During the first year the group met in members’ homes, but as the membership grew it became apparent that larger quarters were required. Several different meeting places have filled the bill, and in recent years they have been gathering in Cedarbrook Community Centre on Markham Road. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Activities of the Club include an annual banquet, Field Day participation, summer picnic, corn roast, fall dinner meeting and a Christmas party. The Club is active on Field Days, and won the Keith Russell Memorial Award in 1964. A beginners class is held each fall providing code and theory instruction to those who wish to obtain their certificates. In recent years a booth has been operated at the Canadian Na tional Exhibition, giving support to the A.R.R.L. and the R.S.O. Wilfred H. Brown, VE3AJO, has the distinction of holding the longest membership, with several others having been members for more than ten years.

Queen’s Park Radio Club, VE3QPC The Queen’s Park Radio Club was founded in 1961 by several enthusiastic amateur radio operators. Their objective was to bring to gether all licensed radio operators employed by the Ontario Government. The first dinner meeting held in May, 1961, was attended by fifte en amateurs. Val Sharp, VE3LJ, was elected President. It was decided to hold three meetings a year, with a membership fee of $1.00 a year to provide funds for mailing and other incidentals. The call sign VE3QPC was obtained in anticipation of setting up an amateur radio station in the vicinity of the Parliament Buildings. Due to the high cost of accommodation and equipment the Club station has not become a reality, but the call sign is used on Field Days and for other special occasions. In order to provide an environment for non-amateurs, which will enrich their desire to become licensed operators, the Club now allows prospective hams, on invitation, to attend Club meetings. If they so desire, they may then join as associate members. Members who retire from the Ontario Civil Service are given the status of Honourary Members in the Club and to date Bill Seawright, VE3CE is the first to be so honoured. A list of 35 licensed operators has been compiled and many more in the Government service are spread out over the Province of Ontario.

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Skywide Amateur Radio Club, VE3DRT The Club was organized in 1951 in the area of West Toronto for the benefit of hams in that area of the city. The call VE3DRT was assigned to their station. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. The Skywide Amateur Radio Club remains a small, but extremely active and friendly club. They participate in the annual

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Field Days, with the members operating both CW and phone. The membership in recent years has been about thirty to forty. Belleville and District Amateur Radio Club, VE3BSQ The Belleville Amateur Radio Club had its inception in 1946 when a group of enthusiastic amateurs decided that such an organization would do much to encourage others to join the fraternity. It is true, however, that previous to World War I, radio hams were active in Belleville. These included old-timers such as Bill Connor, VE3CV (later VE3AFN), Ken Henderson, VE3BY, Harold Woodley, VE3BZ, and the late Morley Stork, VE3BO. Two-way communication over 25 miles was considered quite an achievement in those days! One of the very first police radio systems came into being in Belleville in 1934, and excited nation-wide comment. This was the “brainchild” of Sgt. Arthur Booth. The police radio antenna was attached to the City Hall and the only transmitter in the set-up was located in the police station. Operation was somewhere at the upper end of the present broadcast band and secrecy of communication was not its strongest point! Activity in the Club took a big step forward with the Northern Electric Company extending their operations from the parent headquarters in Montreal to Belleville in 1946. This move brought a great deal of technical knowledge and experience to the Club. Field Days have been an important facet of the Club’s activities since 1947. Co-operation was received from the Air Force Amateur Radio Section and it was sincerely regretted when this section disbanded in 1951. The R.C.E.M.E. came to the rescue with generator-equipped vehicles and this enabled the Club to carry on until they were able to purchase their own gasoline-driven unit in 1954. Various members of the Club who in private life are expert mechanics and electricians have maintained this unit in top condition. Assistanc e has also come forward from the Boy Scouts Association, who have provided tents and personnel to perform service as runners, etc. In 1956 the call VE3BSQ was assigned to the Club in memory of Harold Enright (VE 3BSQ), a valued member of the Club who passed away in late 1955. The members voted to change the name of the Club to “Belleville and District Amateur Radio Club,” in 1960. This was deemed fitting due to the fact that amateurs from Picton, Campbellford, Trenton, Sterling, Tweed, Wellington, and other districts participate in the activities and form a part of the regular membership. The Club holds regular code classes, participates in community projects, field days, provides assistance to would -be hams in helping to solve their problems. Its members have always shown themselves capable and willing to take part in exercises, traffic nets, and provide help to those who wish to enjoy amateur radio whether it is 2 or 6 meter ac tivity, or operation on the other bands by CW or phone, SSB or RTTY.

Hamilton Amateur Radio Club Incorporated (VE3DC) On Sunday mornings in the early thirties, after the rest of the family was safely off to church, the boys of the Hamilton area would reach under their beds and pull out a couple of boxes. To the uniniti ated, they would appear to contain scrapes of wire and odd shaped bottles — nothing but junk. But in a few minutes the 80 and 160 metre bands would come alive with chirps, scratches and even a few T9 signals. The gang was in session. Calls such as 3JU, 3QU, 3YR, 3CJ, 3KM, 3VZ, 31Z, 3HP, and many others were distinguishable. Those requiring help asked for it, and got it. They would visit each other, giving assistance in getting those notes cleaned up and coaxing all possible electrons to head for the antenna. Shortly after Christmas, 1932, they decided they should get together regularly and iron out their problems. Back to the airwaves they went, advertising the fact that they were going to organize a radio club. The first meeting was held at the home of VE3KM, Wibb Clemence, and a turn out of forty-five amateurs was recorded. Thus the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club was born, and Art Ferguson, VE3HP, was elected its first president. The year 1934 brought the Club’s first field day activity. The H.A.R.C. topped all other Canadian Clubs and took third place in the challenge from U.S. Clubs. Battery operated rigs were used, and all nearby service stations were kept busy charging batteries. The succeeding five field days were taken in grand style and a cup was presented to the Club by the SCM, Fred Saxon, VE3SG. Later a permanent field day site was leased “Signal Hill.” The location is one of the highest points of land in the vicinity, with power supplied by gasoline gener ators. With the assistance of Noel Eaton, VE3CJ, two permanent shacks have been built and are still in use. Originally Club meetings were held in the homes of various members, but with a growing attendance these were moved, first to Westminster Hall and later

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to the Moose Hall. Unfortunately Moose Hall was destroyed by fire, and many of the Club records, including the Charter, were lost. Just before the war in 1939 the membership rose to 130. The Club was reactivated after the war, and several moves with respect to meeting places were made. The year 1958 saw the Club’s largest project, which was the sponsoring of the A.R.R.L. Convention. This took place in October of that year and proved to be a successful venture. Attendance included visitors from VE1 land, as well as several from W land. Code training classes are held weekly, and includes projects such as mobile rigs, d/f loops and hi -pass filters. Amateur Radio Emergency Corps (AREC) exercises are held monthly. The Corps has a large membership. Mobiles are always ready to go, and the AREC has been called on in several emergencies. Sudbury District Amateur Radio Club, VE3SRS The first organization of radio amateurs in Sudbury was formed on March 18, 1948, when eleven licensed amateurs and SWL’s met and elected their Executive. The first President of the group was P. Ogilvie, VE3AXE. On June 19, 1949 an “All Northern Ontario Hamfest” was sponsored by this newly formed Club and was a complete success. In 1950 the Sudbury and District Radio Club assisted in sponsoring the North Bay Hamfest. This continued until 1954. The Club occupied its own Club Room equipped with code practice gear and amateur station until 1959. The call VE3SRS is still active and can be heard on Field Days. Club bulletins have been published since 1957, and have produced articles on technic al and general interest subjects. The Club took over the Muskeg Net in 1959. The name was changed to the Laurentian Net in March, 1961. In 1959 a half-hour live television program on amateur radio was produced locally. This centered on Club activities. The Ontario Section Annual Convention of the A.R.R.L. (1965) was sponsored by the Club and held in Sudbury. They honored the occasion by issuing “The Big Nickel QSL Card.” Interest in amateur radio in the Sudbury district is promoted by the Club through code practice and radio theory sessions, mobile and 6 meter projects, and frequency measuring tests. The members of the Sudbury Club have provided active assistance to the district in times of disaster. On occasion, and as opportunity presents itself, the Sudbury District Amateur Radio Club presents an Award of Merit to those who have actively furthered amateur radio in the Sudbury district. To date the members who have been recipients of this award have been Rodger LeClaire, VE3CNV and Mike Caveney, VE 3GG. Lakehead Amateur Radio Club, VE3ZCD Amateur radio operators in the Lakehead area of Northwestern Ontario banded together in 19 34 to form “The Canadian Lakehead Wireless Experimenters” club, which later evolved into the Lakehead Amateur Radio Club (VE3ZCD). At the May 10th, 1934, inaugural meeting, some twenty operators gathered for dinner. Pat O’Shea, VE3FW was unanimously appointed as the Club’s first president, with Bruce Grant as the Secretary-Treasurer. An executive committee of five was elected. Telegrams of congratulations were received from the President of the Manitoba Wireless Experimenters Association, and the President of the North Riverdale Radio Club. By the end of 1934 “The Canadian Lakehead Wireless Experimenters” club had enrolled twenty -seven charter members.

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Amateur Radio League of Manitoba Winnipeg Amateur Radio Association Not much information has been available, but there are indications that a club was formed in Winnipeg sometime during the 1920’s. The Amateur Radio League of Manitoba was incorporated in 1952. The Club boasted several awards, for example WAW (Worked All Winni peg), the “Outstanding VE4 Amateur of the Year” award, and the Field Day Award. The Manitoba Sweepstakes Award is awarded annually to the VE4 amateur and A.R.L.M. me mber who in the opinion of the judges turns in the greatest number of contacts on the greatest number of bands as stated in the SS rules. Manitoba amateurs played an important part in the Winnipeg flood of 1950. The Red River overflowed its banks rendering 10,000 homes uninhabitable and 30,000 to 40,000 people homeless. It soon became apparent that one station would not be able to handle all the traffic, and another station was pressed into service, with traffic chan neled in to Brandon and Rivers. A good deal of traffic was handled for the Red Cross, Navy, Air Force and local government agencies. In June of 1955 there came into existence another radio club in the Winnipeg area. They called themselves the Amateur Radio Bugs of Winnipeg. The membership at that time stood at five. None of these members were radio amateurs, but they all shared a mutual desire to become radio amateurs and this was the prime purpose of the forma tion of the Club. Meetings were held monthly in the home of one of the founding memb ers. The membership fee was five cents a meeting for each member. With this nominal charge they were able to cover the costs of printing membership certificates, etc. In November, 1955, the Club had its first licensed ham. Interest in the Club grew and a second ham joined the membership late in 1955. By the beginning of 1956 the membership had grown to ten members, with two of them hams. In February of 1956 the Club set up a demonstration booth at the Oriole Community Club for the winter carnival. This proved very successful, and as a result the Oriole Club made available to the group a room in their Club for their meetings. In the fall of 1956 a program of code practice and theory classes was initiated to assist members in obtaining their amateur licenses. At this time the members decided to change the name of the Club, and they chose the name of Winnipeg Ragchewers Radio Association. In February of 1957 a demonstration booth was again set up at the Oriole Club’s winter carnival. Projects to further interest in amateur radio were instigated by the Club Executive and many meetings through the spring of 1957 were devoted to building various pieces of electronic equipment. The Executive decided to extend its activities and send out notices to amateurs in the Winnipeg area. The news was sent out that the Club would assist anyone desiring to obtain their amateur Licence, and other licensed amateurs were asked to assist in the program. By the fall of 1957 the membership had grown considerably, and the Club now met in the Free Press clubrooms. The demonstration booth at the Oriole Club winter carnival became an annual event. In June, 1958, the Club participated in its first A.R.R.L. field day. In the years following the membership increased steadily and the name was again changed and it was now called the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Association. In late 1967 the two Amateur Radio Clubs in Win nipeg (The Winnipeg Amateur Radio Association and the Amateur Radio League of Manitoba) joined forces to form the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club. Dauphin Amateur Radio Club The Dauphin Amateur Radio Club was organized in 1949 with eight amateurs forming the first membership. Probably the best-known member was Jack McMurray, VE4XP, who was active in amateur radio in 1931. He was closely followed by VE4AFF, VE4WW and VE4TQ. All of these gentlemen are silent keys now. These amateurs helped organize the Hamfests for which Dauphin became famous in the 50’s. During the first few years they were fortunate in having the use of an old hangar at the airfield. XYL’s and junior ops were welcome and the younger set was entertained with movie cartoons and plenty of refreshments. Numerous prizes were obtained and throughout the years they managed to operate on a fee of $1.00 per ham. These events took place during Labour Day weekend, originally on Sunday, but latterly the Saturday evening affair proved very popular. The arrival of the first planeload (four passenger) of hams created quite an excitement. VE4HX labored over the Hamfest station tirelessly each year. After several years they were able to move into an Armoury building. This was better equipped and more comfortable in adverse weather. Invariably members of the D.O.T. turned up and enjoyed the fellow ship. This resulted in better understanding between this department and the amateur fraternity.

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As years went by hamming changed. The first visitors from W land came for the weekend and a few became faithful attendees and good friends. Local dignitaries were most generous in attending and making the visitors from out of town welcome. The Saturday night socials brought to light some fine entertainers in their midst — VE4XP and his German band, VE4HH and his piano pounding, and various impromptu quartets. The Clubs from Minnedosa, Brandon and Winnipeg were most helpful and gave of their time and talents to support the project. Rarely were more than eight hams and a few friends involved in arranging these affairs, and the burden proved to be too great. It thus became necessary to discontinue these events. However, anyone who has ever attended a Dauphin Hamfest will always remember the good times and fellowship which was provided. Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club, VE5AA Interesting incidents have come to light in searching for history that occurred in the Sa skatoon district. Early issues of Q.S.T. have been very revealing. The first report of “radio” in the prairie region stated that J. A. Gjelhaug, 9ZC, of Bodet, Manitoba, began wireless in 1914 and expanded his operations in 1916 with a rotary spark gap. After World War I he returned to the air. In 1921 he went mobile with a spark transmitter running 12 watts, and worked a distance of five miles while traveling at 30 miles an hour! The November, 1922, issue of Q.S.T. reports that the first Saskatoon radio co nvention was held on Thanksgiving Day (1922). A list of amateur stations published by the Department of Marine and Fisheries in 1922 lists the Saskatoon Radio Club with the call sign 4FB. According to an early issue of Q.S.T. the Saskatoon Radio Club was affiliated with A.R.R.L. in December, 1922. No further information has been available with respect to this Club. An amateur radio broadcasting station (10AF) was in operation in 1923. By the year 1930 it is reported that there were 21 amateur radio stations in Saskatoon. In an address to a group of young boys on “Radio, Wireless and Television”, Mr. Roy MacKenzie, who at that time held the experimental Licence 9AR, stated that “many radio fans blame the amateur stations for much of the static on the air, but this is entirely untrue. He began to explain to this group the workings of each, and to more fully illustrate the television, he had several parts of a “television machine” to display to the Club. The Saskatoon Amateur Radio Association came into existence on April 7, 1931, when fifteen young men gathered to discuss their new hobby of radio. The original members were an enthusiastic group. They had monthly meetings in the Victoria Public School at a rental of $1.00 a night. In June, 1931, the Club sent in ten subscriptions to Q.S.T. and at the same time app1ied for A.R.R.L. affiliation. The Charter of Affiliation was granted on November 2, 1931. This is still in possession of the Club. In the fall of 1931 Bert Tash, VE4GR, agreed to start a code class and was sending code practice every Sunday morning. The Constitution of the Association was drawn up and adopted in October, 1931. As an incentive they offered a prize of a 210 tube to the operator with the most QSL cards during the month. In May, 1933, the Club sponsored a one-day Hamfest. This apparently was a successful venture. The program consisted mainly of tours to places of interest, i.e. the Armouries, C.P.R. Communications, Department of Telephones, Power Plant, and ending up with visits to different ham shacks. A banquet was held in the evening. The total cost of the Hamfest was $42.75, and they ended up with a surplus of $5.85! Arrangements for a demonstration of teletype to guests at the Hamfest were made. The machinery was set up and tested before hand. Then came the appointed hour, and much to the disappointment and frus tration of the “experts” the teletype refused to “tel.” The participants in this demonstration were Tom Webb, Bert Tash, VE4GR and Harold Horn, VE4HX (now VE5HR). The Club seems to have been inactive between the years of 1934 to 1948. It was at this time (1948) that a nucleus gathered together at H.M.C.S. Unicorn to reactivate the organization. The name was changed at this time to the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club. Code classes were held every week at the local airport. In November, 1953, with the local television station due to begin telecasting within the year the Club began a series of lectures dealing with possible T.V.I. problems. The Saskatoon Club has become very active in Civil Defense activities and has supplied trained personnel to man the local C.D. communications since 1955. The City purchased a Volkswagen van and the Club installed amateur equipment, thus making it the first fully portable/mobile communications truck. The group continues to work in close 65

association with Civil Defense authorities and takes part in their preparedness programs and exercises. Through the co-operation of Wally Budd, VE5BD, many Saskatoon members became active on two meters in 1957, and a healthy net was operating. The Club held the first of what has since become the annual Communications Ball in February of 1960. These social gatherings have become the highlight of the winter activities. In 1960-61 an aurora scatter experiment was carried out by the Club’s Research Department at the request of the Physics Department, University of Saskatchewan. The experiments were done on 6 meters, with two stations set up in Saskatoon. They were attempting to make contact with VE8BY in Yellowknife. After months of frustration the experimenters were finally successful when contact was made on April 15, 1961, between Peter Radcliff, VE8BY, Yellowknife, N.W.T. and Bill Parker, VE5CU. The mode used was CW, with a signal report of 559. Later contact was made on phone. The station at VE8BY ran 75 watts to a five-element yagi. The station at VE5CU was 40 watts, home brew, to a 2-element yagi. Members of the Club taking part in this experiment were Bill Parker, VE5CU and Bill Postle, VE5XP. Another successful venture recorded by the Research Department was the recording on tape of moonbounce signals on July 1, 1965, from Puerto Rico. The announcement was made during the meetings of the Saskatchewan Hamfest held in Saskatoon. During the first test on July 1 only a receiving and tape recording station was set up. The next occasion was on July 24. In addition to the receiver, a surplus Mid-Canada Radar Line transmitter on 432 mcs. was set up. The transmitter fed into a 13 element long yagi antenna, with a power of ab out 50 watts. Much effort was

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expended in getting the station ready for the test. Two members took turns at the transmitter calling KP4BPZ on CW. KP4BPZ was copied and recorded for the next two hours, at a signal strength of up to 589. Confirmation of two-way contact was not received that night, but Q.S.T., September, 1965, reports that a VE5 station was recorded. The participants in this project were Dave Glass, VE5MG, Bill Postle, VE5XP, Sylvan Katz, VE5DK, and Bill Parker, VE5CU.

Early in 1967 a group of avid experimenters set up their equipment in anticipation of recording transmissions from the Nimbus II weather satellite. They set up an old high frequency receiver, and the informa tion received from it was recorded on a tape recorder, which was then fed into a Polaroid camera, using long time exposure. The antenna the boys used was a modified TV antenna — hand held. The picture that was received revealed a tornado in the making in the Mid-Eastern States. While the equipment used and the method of setting it up for this type of operation was certainly “amateur” in nature, it nevertheless brought forth the possibilities in this area of experimentation. In a very different way it resembled the spirit of the amateurs who in the early part of the centur y put together some coils, wires, etc. and came up with a receiver, or transmitter, and a miracle had happened! The amateurs involved in this experiment were Sylvan Katz, VE5DK, George Spark, VE5NZ, and Doug Freestone, VE5UF. The activities of the Research Department have been financed over the past few years through the sale of shares. Contributors of $1.00 or more were presented with a certificate to indicate that he had a “share” in this project. Len Speight, VE5LG, and Mort Kendall, VE5DR, in 1966 put Saskatoon on the map with their teletype machines. Since then others have joined them in this type of operation, and no doubt before many more months have passed other amateurs will be in the act. A call that is well known to amateurs across the North American continent, as well as beyond, in all parts of the world, is VE5LM. The call emanates from the QTH of Leo Myer. Leo has come to be known as “the voice of Saskatoon.” Since a crippling disease forced him to give up his regular profession he has turned to his hobby of amateur radio on a full-time basis. Leo has been “Johnny on the spot” on countless occasions. He has been on hand when someone needed traffic passed, emergency or routine. In spite of his handicap, and because of his previous training, he has helped many Saskatoon amateurs solve problems of a technical nature. He has distinguished himself on the DX scene and holds the DXCC certificate as evidence. Members of the Club have always taken an active part in Field Day operations. In spite o f the lack of cooperation on the part of the weatherman on most occasions, the group usually manages to score enough points to rank them amongst the top scoring stations in Canada. The Field Days have provided stiff competition by other clubs, local and across the country, but at the same time it has become an annual social event. A barbecue and picnic is traditionally held at the close of the Field Day activities. The group is joined at this time by members of the rival club, VE5US (the University Club station), and points are feverishly checked, notes compared, but inevitably the proverbial hatchet is buried. The Club has been fortunate in the past to have had associated with it a hard core of dedicated amateurs. They have kept the Club flourishing and created interest with diversified programming. A constant flow of new blood has been provided through the code and theory classes, which are conducted annually by Bill Parker, VE5CU. Interest in 68

amateur radio seems to be increasing and enrolment in the classes has increased steadily since Bill’s first class in 1957. In November, 1966, the Club honoured the surviving members of the original founders and presented them with life memberships. Those present at the special night appear in the photograph taken that evening. The “Wheat Belt Certificate” was instigated by the Club in the early 60’s. It is available to those amateurs who work a given number of Saskatoon Club members. In 1958 a Merit Award was inaugurated which is presented from time to time to me mbers of the Club who in a special way have made a contribution to Club activities. To date seven such awards have been made, the most recent presentations being made early in 1968 to Sid Young, VE5AJ for his contribution to the life and activities in the Club in numerous ways, not least of which was participation in the annual Field Day contests. The second recipient was Mel Mills, VE5QC, who has given of his time and talents to the Club in various ways, and more particularly piloted the Club through two very successful Hamfests, 1962 and 1965, which were without doubt the “biggest and best” that Saskatchewan had seen. As a brief addendum to Saskatoon’s history it might be appropriate to indicate that the Saskatchewan Amateur Radio League was founded in 1952, in an attempt to consolidate Saskatchewan amateurs into one unit. The annual meetings of the League are held in conjunction with the annual Hamfest, the location of which varies from year to year. The one large project which they have accomplished sinc e its inception was to obtain call Licence plates for its members. Other projects will no doubt come up, and Saskatchewan amateurs will be ready to do their share to develop their skill in the art of amateur radio.

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Northern Alberta Radio Club Amateur activity in the Edmonton area was recorded as early as 1914. Records of this early period are practically non-existent, but a small item in the “50 Years Ago” column in the Edmonton Journal of January 23, 1965, states: “The Edmonton Amateur Wireless Association will hold its regular fortnightly meeting next Friday in the YMCA.” Evidently the amateurs of that time were attempting to keep a Club going during the War, but there is no evidence as to its success. After the War the first signs of life in amateur activity were beginning to show. The first action that led to the formation of a club took place in the bedroom of a young lad, Joe Dobry (now VE6DR, and still active from a Calgary QTH). They called the Club the “Teepee Wireless School.” An explanation of this name was that the group had very little money and there were only two known sources of wireless gear, both in the United States. They decided that if

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they were to call themselves a “School” they would be able to obtain a discount on any material they purchased. The name was used for several months, but it was changed for practical reasons. They had no money to buy any thing anyway, and in addition, the name was not attracting the type of people they felt should be members of the Club. The Club became “The Edmonton Wireless Operators Association” about six months after the historic meeting in the Dobry bedroom. By the end of 1921 and into 1922 there was a tremendous increase in interest in “radio” as it was now being called. The “broadcast boom” hit Edmo nton by the spring of 1922. The interest of the general public in radio was phenomenal — they started to build radio sets and the demand for tubes and other parts was beyond the ability of the suppliers to cope with. The situation improved later, but was still serious in 1924. However, these “set builders” swamped the Radio Club in 1922 and it became almost exclusively a BCL’s club. The hams dropped out and there was no radio activity on a group basis for the next few years. By this time the BCL’s thinned o ut, and it became a ham club again. Sometime during 1923 the Club obtained a “9” (experimental) call which they sometimes used to broadcast music. The Club operated for a while from the Royal George Hotel. There was also a broadcasting station operated from this hotel using the call letters “CFCK”, operated by the Radio Supply Co. where Ted Sacker (VE6BW) spent his working hours. No doubt many “non-working” hours were also spent here, keep ing the station in operating condition. The station Licence was late r taken over by the University of Alberta and became CKUA in 1927. The reason for the discontinuance of the Amateur broadcasting station is not clear, but interference with radio receivers most likely was one of the causes. The fault, of course, was not a lways the ham’s since the receivers used by most of the BCL’s — even the manufactured sets — were not very selective. For the most part they were regenerative receivers, without any R.F. amplifiers. With only one tuned circuit between the antenna and the detector grid, they were wide open to interference of any type. In fact, the BCL stations interfered with each other, as it was customary to tune in a broadcasting station with the tube oscillating and then detune the regeneration after the station was tune d in. A fair amount of energy was radiated by the antenna to interfere with other sets tuned to the same station. The same type of receivers were used by the hams, the only difference being the frequency the sets tuned, and of course, the same type of interference was experienced on the ham bands. The regenerative receiver still was the most commonly used until the early 1930’s, when the superhetrodyne receiver became more common. By 1927 the Club was known as the Edmonton and District Radio Club and the membership had grown considerably. The new call letter assignments and regulations were set out by the government in 1929. As early as 1931 quite a number of the local hams were using 40 meter crystals. These were brought in from England by Charlie Harris , VE4HM (now VE6HM). Also during the early 1930’s the 20 and 10 meter bands were being used, and tremendous distances were worked with relatively low power. Unfortunately, during the depression, which began in 1929, many people were out of work, or were forced to accept cuts in salaries. This made the purchase of radio gear and other “non-essential” items very difficult. In spite of this amateur radio made great strides. The first “Hamfest” held in Alberta began from a somewhat more ambitious radio club me eting when the Edmonton group would be guests at a meeting in Calgary. The year was 1928. Four members of the Edmonton Club left for Calgary by train. When the train stopped at Red Deer the group decided to get off and find something to eat. It appears that the service left something to be desired, and when they returned to the station they were just in time to see the train leaving. As luck would have it, a gentleman appeared and he offered to take them in his Model T Ford to catch up with the train down the way. Enroute they burned out a connecting rod, and it took some time to get it repaired. They eventually arrived in Calgary late at night, tired, and very cold since their coats were left aboard the train! This, no doubt, was a Hamfest that these enthus iastic amateurs would never forget! Since that time until the outbreak of the war Hamfests were held on a fairly regular basis, every other year. The 1933 Hamfest took the form of a special meeting to which the Vegreville Ham Club was in vited. The club was organized by Clare Watts, VE4EZ. He claimed that one percent of the Vegreville population were hams — 24 hams — 2400 people! The final hamfest prior to the War was held in July of 1939, and many visitors were present, including several from the United States. In the past the N.A.R.C. has recognized those hams that have made a significant contribution to amateur radio over a long period of time. To anyone who they think has qualified for this honour life member ships are conferred. Up until the present (1967) two such memberships have been awarded. The recipients were Charlie Harris, VE6HM and Ted Sacker, VE6BW. Charles H. Harris was born in England in 1886 and came to Canada in his early years. He served with the forces 71

overseas during the First World War and then returned to Edmonton. His first QSO was in May, 1926, and he ha s been very active since. His wife, Hilda, having mastered the code, obtained her amateur certificate of proficiency in the early 1930’s. Charlie was the S.C.M. for Alberta in the early 1930’s and has been a member of the A.R.R.L. for almost all of his years as a ham. He has handled a large amount of traffic over the years, and is still handling traffic for fellows stationed in the north country. Ted Sacker began his radio career in Edmonton in 1923 when he was with the Radio Supply Co. Many hams and BCL’s have benefited from his experience. For a time he operated an amateur broadcasting station. He took over Radio Supply and it became the center of ham radio activities in the Edmonton area. Later he sold the company and opened Sacker Electronics. He has now retired from the wholesale radio business and is operating a small specialized business “Sacker Geonics” and makes and sells equipment used in the geophysical field. Ted has always been interested in amateur radio and is ever ready to help a fellow ham overcome technical problems. After the end of the war the ten meter band was made available to the hams and they were operating on this frequency in great numbers. The sun spot cycle happened to be favorable and the DX worked made the old-timer’s eyes shine. “Worked all countries” were made in a few hours, where as previously it had taken some operators as long as seven years to log that many countries. The remainder of the bands were opened by the following April, and an unprecedented increase in the number of hams took place. A factor in this increase was the amount of war surplus equipment that appeared on the market. The cost of the equipment was very reasonable, and the power of the average ham station increased considerably. An interesting development in these times was a more general use of portable and mobile equipment on the lower frequency bands. Some hams were able to operate while traveling to and from work, on vacations, business trips, etc. Then came TV . . . Television was making a tremendous impression on the public; much the same as radio had done about thirty years earlier. TV effected hams in different ways. Some gave up amateur radio for the pleasure of just watching the new fad; others had to restrict their operating considerably because of TVI. Many wondered whether the days of amateur radio were to be numbered because of the difficulties they encountered, and they didn’t think that radio and TV could both exist in the same spectrum. About this time single side band began to show up. This promised to cover greater distances with lower power, and less bandwidth than the AM. SSB (single side band) was slow to start but it gathered steam as it interested more hams. They realized that it did most of the things it promised. The growth of the new method of transmission had another effect on ham radio, and that was the reduction in home-construction of equipment. The main reason for this was that the equipment is so complex tha t most hams would probably not be able to do a good job, and it would be cheaper to buy it ready made. The advent of trans ceivers, of course made the thought of construction less palatable again. The use of SSB has also had the effect of increasing the power used by amateurs. Early members of the N.A.R.C. used to say that only a limited amount of DX could be worked from the Edmonton location. Present members have blown this theory out the window. Members like Gene Krehbiel, VE6TP, Art Craig, VE6BY, Chuck Gawlicki, VE6NX, and Jim Dykes, VE6WR, are working DX regularly, and some have worked as many as 300 countries. There are possibly other explanations for this as well, such as more efficient receivers, new techniques, beam antennas, higher power on both CW and SSB. Hamfests in Alberta have been held on a somewhat irregular basis, but have been most enjoyable when they have been arranged. The announcement was made at the 1958 Hamfest that Call Licence Plates would be made available by the Government of Alberta for the 1959 season. The Minister of Highways presented the first plate to the Club, VE6NC. The Club has undertaken several projects, with some of them proving extremely successful. One project was to set up a ham station, to gether with antennas and equipment for the Paraplegic Radio Group in the University hospital. The station was setup to operate on most of the normal amateur bands. Subsequently a 2 meter station was set up, and this has been of tremendous benefit to the group. Another project, on a somewhat smaller scale, involved the purchase of a Braille-writer for Alex Morrison, VE6CE. This has helped Alex greatly in keeping the station log up -to-date as well as general correspondence. Alex has been a strong supporter of the Club in many ways, such as maintaining skeds for various events, as well as keeping up the code classes on the air for several years.

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Alberta Radio Experimenters Association Calgary Amateur Radio Association The Calgary Amateur Radio Association was formed in the early 1920’s. One of the prominent members of the Club was W. G. Stunden. He commenced his amateur operations prior to World War I, and later was Radio Inspector in Calgary for ten years. He obtained his Second Class Commercial Certificate in September, 1931. He was o ne of the charter members of the Alberta Radio Experimenters Association. This Association received its Charter of Affiliation from the American Radio Relay League on February 6, 1925. Twelve amateurs made up the original charter members in the Association. A fair held in Calgary in 1920 displayed the equipment constructed by George Strachey, 4G O. It had a detector and a two-stage amplifier. One small knob at the top controlled the B battery voltage, and three centre knobs controlled the filaments. Four lower knobs controlled the tuning. The telephone receiver, made of material gathered together from various odd corners, compared most favorably with any manu factured set. In addition there was a stepup transformer. The trans mitter was a spark gap. The Calgary Herald ran a picture and description of the station and commended the workmanship of the station construction. In 1920 William Stunden constructed another station. It consisted of a tuning coil, crystal detector and phones. Once again the Calgary Herald says, “The set is very efficiently made.” Mr. Stunden was in the process of constructing a regenerative set at that time. He was using one Mullard tube; three pancake coils, primary, secondary and a tickler. There was also a variable condenser and, of course, the necessary D batteries. A set constructed by Earle Young was claimed to be the smallest set in Calgary at that time. Its total length was five inches. The set was run by electricity. It had a loud speaker, attached to the telephones, and c oncerts could be heard very clearly in this manner.

Vulcan County Amateur Radio Club, VE6AJA The first amateur in the Vulcan district was Doug Wilson. He obtained his Licence before World War II, and 73

then the war interrupted his activities. After repatriation he settled in Vulcan again, with the call VE6DW. In the winter of 1960-61 Doug and a friend of his found a mutual interest in amateur radio. Thus began the first class, with one student in attendance. In March, 1961, Gene Moyer became the first “graduate” and he was issued the call VE6AFJ. In the fall of 1961 a class of four was enrolled. This group, interested in amateur radio, soon found the need for a Club. After several informal meetings the Vulcan County Amateur Radio Club was formed. Shortly after the members voted to become affiliated with the American Radio Relay League. Classes were held the following year in the Civil Defense Room, and with various fund-raising projects a station was built at this location. The D.O.T. assigned VE6AJA as the club call. In the spring of 1962, with the assistance of W. A. Shields, the rector of Civil Defense, and the co -operation of the County of Vulcan and the Town of Vulcan, a 24-passenger bus was purchased, and after acquiring more equipment a mobile station was put into use. For the next two years this mobile unit served as a meeting place and as a Club station. At the time this information was received (1967) the Vulcan County Amateur Radio Club had a total of eleven members. No doubt this number has increased with serious minded would-be amateurs enrolling in the annual classes that are being offered.

Columbia Amateur Radio Club The Club was formed in 1965 under the name of “West Kootenay Amateur Radio Club, Trail Branch.” The main organizers were Gordon Turner, VE7OZ, Harvey Warner, VE7BDN, Joe Furiak, VE7BAD, Jim Prime, VE7BDD, and Chris Bonde, VE7BSN. The membership increased in the next few years, and in 1967 the name was changed to Columbia Amateur Radio Club. The Club boasts some of the early amateurs of the radio era, with members such as Judge Plewman, VE5AA in his earl days, and Ike Glover, NC5AI. later VE5AI, and now operating under the call VE7AI.

Burnaby Amateur Radio Club In the fall of 1958 John Brown, a well-known ham in Burnaby gathered a number of interested people together and started regular meetings in the local Civil Defense building. The attendance averaged about twenty every Friday. At the beginning John was the only member to hold a certificate, with the call VE7JB. During the early part of 1959 regular classes were offered in theory and code. The popularity of the Club and classes grew and before too long they had to look for new quarters to house the numbers that attended. They moved to the Civil Defense building in South Burnaby. After several other moves they eventually obtained the Bonsor Recreation Centre as a meeting place. Lesson sheets were prepared as teaching aids for the theory classes. These have become quite popular, and copies have been requested from many parts of the country. The Club takes part in the annual A.R.R.L. Field Day. They have installed on the roof of the Centre a 4-band trap vertical and an 80-meter dipole, with various pieces of operating equipment. Home-built equipment belonging to Club members has been displayed at different places over the years. This has helped to foster public relations in the area. Members of the Club provided communi cations for a Rover Scout Meet held on Garibaldi Mountain. The members and equipment w ere flown in, but bad weather forced them to trek out with the Rovers. The Club is affiliated with the British Columbia Amateur Radio Association. In recent years they have been responsible for issuing Licence plate applications for B.C. amateurs. The Club is dedicated to the furtherance of amateur radio and accepts members with no regard to race, colour or creed.

Victoria Short Wave Club The Victoria Short Wave Club was founded on November 2, 1929, with eleven charter members signing the constitution. The first president of the Club was John Lawrence. John was a shut-in and obtained his certificate on October 6, 1924. His call was 5CO, and the certificate number was 480. His QTH was the meeting place of the Club for the first few years.

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William Brakes, another charter member, was licensed in 1919, when spark was king. His last spark transmitter was 1/4 Kw., and its main condenser was made of lead foil separated by plates of glass, sus pended in a 4-gal. can of oil! Within a year of its inception the Club undertook to stage the Vanalta Division Convention, and this proved to be a successful venture. Most of the transmitters of that period were self-excited single tube, type UX2I0 if you could afford it, UX210A if not (the characteristics were similar, except for voltage). Some transmitters had A.C. on the plates. Receivers were battery operated, though the plate supply might be an eliminator, the UV199 being the most popular, a few using UV2O1a and UV200 types, and loudspeaker operation was very exceptional. The Victoria Short Wave Club is one of the few Clubs to own its headquarters. A drive toward a Club House was made because they felt they did not want to impose on the members for their homes for meeting places. The lot was purchased from one of the members, and most of the labour was done by the members. After serving the Club for 25 years, it was demolished in November, 1963.

Annual picnics were held regularly, and these proved to be a highlight of the activities. It provided an opportunity to place equipment on show for interested would-be amateurs. Some interesting pic tures of these gatherings are available and are included.

The Victoria Short Wave Club became affiliated with the A.R.R.L. in March, 1930. We have a photograph which was taken at the A.R.R.L. Convention held in Vancouver, B.C., in August, 1927.

Aklavik Amateur Radio Club, VE8AY During the early months of 1958 the amateurs in the Aklavik area got together and purchased a station for their own use while stationed in that region. The Club was officially organized in June, 1958. The summer of 1958 saw the station become the centre of attention for people wishing to contact relatives and friends elsewhere. The Club holds meetings monthly. Since most of the members of the Club are statio ned in Aklavik on a temporary basis, the turnover of the Club membership is large. Interest, however, is not lacking, and many countries have been worked from the VE8AY station. The Aklavik Club is probably the only Club that can boast mobile equipment installed in a snowmobile!

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The Ontario Trilliums (VE3TOT) While the majority of amateur radio operators appear to be of the male variety, it is not confined exclusively to this sex. There is an increasing number of ladies joining the forces and making a name for themselves in this field. Organizations exclusively for YL operators have only recently come into existence. The Ontario Trilliums evolved out of a group of YL operators discussing the possibility of a Canadian YL Club at a dinner meeting of the Scarborough Amateur Radio Club. No formal action was taken at that time, but the girls began to meet on the air on Saturday afternoons. They called themselves the Ontario CW YL net. Eventually the YLs met for the purpose of formally organizing a YL radio cl ub. Jan Burgess, VE3BII, was elected the first president. Other members of the executive were Doree Butler, VE3EUV, Jean Evans, VE3DGG, Ivy Smythe, VE3EZI, Doris Cody, VE3BBO, and Doris Taylor, VE3FRN. They decided to call themselves The Ontario Triliums. The call letters VE3TOT were applied for and received. A constitution was drawn up. The aim of the Club was to further the fellowship and activities of women sharing the common bond of amateur radio. All licensed women amateur radio operators were eligible for membership, and ladies simply interested in amateur radio would also be welcomed. In order to create a greater interest in the Club, as well as to publicize the organization, a TOT certificate was made available. With the help of some of the OMs around the district they got established financially, and also acquired their own QSL cards. In June, 1966, the Trilliums, not to be outdone by their male counterparts, took part in the A.R.R.L. field day. The 1967 elections saw the first executive members outside of VE3 land elected. She was Chris Weeks, VE1AKO. The Club again took part in the annual Field Day, and in a very enthusiastic manner, manned three complete stations. In the past the Trilliums have taken an active interest in the C.N.I.B. hams. As their Centennial project it was decided that they would like to branch out into a truly Canadian organization. After some thorough investigating, meetings via amateur radio, and questionnaires, the Canadian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (CLARA) was formed in September, 1967. This has turned out to be a National organization, with members from every province in Canada participating. The President of CLARA is Chris Weeks, VE1AKO, with executive members Donez Booth, 76

VE6ATH, Jan Burgess, VE3BII, Marion Inkman, VE7BQV, Sally Ranti, VE2KO, Bubbles Timlick, VE4ST, Vera Hines, VE8HH, and Thelma Woodhouse, VE3CLT. No doubt in the next few years we will be hearing a good deal about CLARA. The Trilliums have not “closed up shop,” but are continuing as an affiliated club of CLARA. The executive of the Ontario Trilliums are encouraging their members to become part of the National organization.

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PART 111—AMATEUR RADIO COMING OF AGE

Chapter IX THE CHANGING PACE The war was over and surplus was king. The Department of Trans port gradually opened the frequencies to amateurs again and the rush was on. The popular command sets of the war years appeared on the scene and amateurs immediately began to modify them in one form or another with amazing results. Before the surplus dealers got wise $10.00 would put an amateur on the air with a complete station. The late 40’s and early 50’s saw the ingenuity of the amateur rise to amazing heights as he modified, added to, took away and generally changed war surplus communications equipment to fit myriads of jobs for which it was never intended. Things weren’t quite the same as before, however—a new breed of amateur began to appear on the air. This new breed was made up of men and women who had been trained to a high degree of professional skill in the armed services and wanted to continue to use this skill. Amateurs were suddenly deluged with people who considered themselves real professionals and expected the professional approach from all they encountered. The results wer e often ludicrous and it wasn’t too long before these self-styled professionals learned their lesson and settled down to operate as amateurs among amateurs. One operator whose call in 1947 was VE5DJ (it has since been changed) went on the air in early 1947 to burn it up with all the fancy procedures and operating habits learned in the Air Force. He called CQ/VE5DJ and received a quick reply and friendly lecture from VE4EO in Flin Flon on proper amateur procedures. The ex-professional got the message in no uncertain terms and with relatively little pain. Many amateurs, especially those with pre-war calls, still liked to construct their own equipment. One of these amateurs was VE3IT. His phone transmitter was constructed with a crystal-controlled oscillator, using a 6A6 buffer stage doubling to 20 and 10 meters, and a pair of RK39’s as a power amplifier stage. High-level plate modulation was obtained with a pair of RK39’s and a crystal microphone. This 50-watt transmitter and a 3-element beam, built about the same time, enabled him to work Europe, New Zealand and a great many other DX stations in the spring of 1947. By 1949 amateurs were vying with each other to produce smaller and smaller gear. A short article in the MarchApril issue of XTAL Magazine implied that a contest had been under way in VE2 land to see who could build the most compact transmitter. VE2CU’s transmitter was considered the champ. It was installed in an 8 1/8 inch by 12¾ inch by 8 inch Hammond cabinet and included the power supply, oscillator, 807 power amplifier and modulator. According to the report it delivered an honest 35 watts output on phone. By the end of the 40’s amateurs began to veer away from the fixed frequency operation necessary with crystals as stable variable frequency oscillator circuits began to appear more often in amateur publications. This made it much more convenient to shift operations to quieter parts of the various amateur bands. With the beginning of the fiftieth decade a new, to amateurs only, method of voice communication began to appear in amateur radio circles across Canada. The year was 1950 and a rather odd cacophony began to emanate from the homes of such amateurs as VE7US (Wilf Moorhouse, Trail, B.C.). Single sideband had reached Canada. Wilf built his first equipment from information gleaned from an early copy of R.C.A. G.E. Ham kits magazine and information published on the Norgard phasing rigs. The commercial outgrowth of Dr. Norgard’s circuit was the Central Electronics line of phasing rigs, the 10 A’s, 10 B’s and 20 A’s. These phasing rigs were some of the first complete exciters sold commercially. Some single sideband equipment was constructed with mechanical filters, but as these filters were hard to get and very expensive they were not used as extensively as the phasing method of single sideband generation. Like most people who try to change the status quo, their fellow amateurs soundly criticized the perpetrators of this new mode, even though this new dimension proved to be a very effective met hod of communication. These experimenters no doubt experienced somewhat of the same type of criticism that the CW group were subjected to during the 1920’s when spark found that it was on its way out. Good innovations, especially when they make for better communications, are hard to suppress and single sideband was definitely here to stay. Development in single sideband across Canada probably took place much the same in the East as in the West, but reports on this from eastern Canada have been limited and we have been unable to document individual amateurs

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from that part of the country who may have been among the first to experiment with this mode of transmission. In the west another experimenter became interested in single sideband in the early 50’s. He was and is VE7VP, Tom Holtby. It was his knowledge and craftsmanship that enabled JA2MB, an American Mars station in Japan to go S.S.B. in April, 1951, with an exciter built by VE7VP. Early amateurs knew very little about propagation or what made antennas work. This changed as more and more information became available on new types of antennas. The advantages of the yagi antenna were becoming more familiar to the amateur fraternity and beams began to gain in popularity. The development of the quad antenna in Quito, Ecuador and the subsequent publishing of information on this new type of antenna, interested many amateurs and VE3IT ran a series of experiments with this type of antenna in the winter of 1957-58. Results were so promising that a full size quad was built for 10 meters in 1958. He was so successful with this antenna that an article on the subject was written for the Radio Society of Great Britain and published in March, 1959, by that organization. The 60’s have witnessed a steady increase in published information on the use of quad antennas, with amateurs all across Canada succumb ing to the lure of a cheap but effective DX antenna that does not take up too much space. The yagi antenna has developed apace since the early 50’s and many amateurs, especia lly those who arrived at the doors of amateur radio during the sunspot low of the early and mid 60’s, have learned just how effective these antennas are. Amateurs, like Sid Young, VE5AJ, who has been around and interested in amateur radio since the early 20’s, have proved to Saskatchewan amateurs that our signals are only as good as the antennas we use to force those signals onto the airwaves. The coming of such antennas as the yagi, the quad and many of the more sophisticated antennas described from time to time should enable the amateur to put out a good signal, regardless of power, provided he is willing to spend a little time and effort on the theory needed to understand and build these doors to everywhere. With the 50’s and 60’s came the development and sale of a large variation of manufactured amateur communications equipment, especially for those interested in single sideband. Home construction of this type of equipment, while relatively straightforward, was considerably more intricate and time consumi ng than AM or CW gear had been, and because of this many new pieces of equipment were purchased rather than built. Kits became and still are very popular with many an amateur receiving his baptism of fire as far as home construction is concerned from this source of amateur equipment. This period also saw the re-emergence of the transceiver, the advent of solid state equipment and the use of many television components enabled manufacturers to put more transmitter power and receiver sensitivity into smaller and smaller boxes. The compact transmitter of 1949, which delivered 35 watts, was built in a box approximately 8”xl3”x8”. By 1968 a complete station, with both AC and DC supply, with an output of over one hundred watts can be housed in almost half that space.

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Chapter X THE NEW HORIZON The arrival of television in Canada brought with it the fiery dragon of TVI and its equally insidious brother, ITV. Many amateurs were forced off the air but those who stuck it out and did their best to find a cure have made it possible for all to survive. This problem once again created the necessity for the fraternity to band together and share the knowledge gained by their efforts to overcome the difficulty. Low and high pass filters and their function, proper shielding and parasitic suppression, became important factors. Once again amateurs learned something new and were the richer for it. Television manufacturers have been forced to modify their equipment as well so that the time is near when television sets will no longer interfere with amateur communication. By 1957 the approaching sunspot high had opened the 10 and 6 meter bands for longer periods during the day and attracted many who had used these bands only sporadically in the past. With these higher frequencies once again being used extensively more care is required to suppress TV1 on some TV channels. Some amateurs have carried out experimental work on slow scan television and the Department of ‘Transport has recently granted permission to those interested in experimenting in this type of operation to use those portions of the phone bands similarly authorized in the United States. This will be subject to review from time to time. There has been some interest, especially by experimentally minded amateurs over the years, in the so-called very high frequency bands with the 6 and 2 meter bands receiving the most careful attention. The entrance of the world into the space age has no doubt sparked the interest in these bands when the Russian Sputnik first flashed into orbit on October 4, 1957. Experimental work began on bouncing these UHF signals off meteors, the aurora and the moon. In 1960, after months of fruitless experimentation, members of the Research Department of the Saskatoon Amateur Radio Club made contact with VE8BY using the aurora. This was a distance of approxi mately 1,000 miles. It was a rare accomplishment at that time, but is relatively commonplace now. On December 12, 1961, amateur radio entered the space age on its own merits with the launching of Os car I by American amateurs. The signals from this first amateur satellite were heard and recorded around the world with Canadian amateurs appearing on the honour roll of those who had successfully tracked and recorded the first “Hi” from outer space. Since then Oscars II and III have appeared on the scene and messages were sent and received using the relay facilities built into the latter units. By 1962 more and more experimental work was underway on 6 meters in Canada with the use of relatively high power and imposing antenna arrays extending the distances between communicating stations farther and farther. There were some 50 to 55 stations operating on 6 meters in Manitoba and many more in the eastern provinces of Canada. VE7IR claimed that approximately 10 stations were operating in the Vancouver area on AM and about 7 on FM in the 6-metre band. While distances covered were not records, VE4DO in Brandon managed to work three stations in Winnipeg (VE4JX, VE4CU, and VE4TL) a distance of 140 miles —not bad for that time of the sun sunspot cycle. A change in D.O.T. policy with regard to the use of wide band commercial UHF equipment in 1959 made available a great deal of this equipment for amateur use at a very reasonable price. This equipment was readily modified at little expense for use on the amateur 2-metre band. In eastern Canada the installation of repeater stations made it possible to communicate on these bands for hundreds of miles. As early as 1959 a number of stations were active on the west coast, especially in the Vancouver area, on 147.33 mc. Amateurs such as VE7AP, AGW, BC, XW, YQ, ASR, MM, FB, VJ and VI were active on this frequency. In the early 60’s, 2 meters had become popular in Alberta with relay stations set up between Edmonton and Calgary, making it possible for almost continuous contact on this frequency between these two cities. There were approximately 15 amateurs in Winnipeg active on 2 meters in 1962, with stations such as VE4TL making contact with W0PHD in Warren, Minnesota, W0EUK in Grand Forks, North Dakota and W0YST in Fargo, South Dakota. VE3EUU and VE3AUT reported considerable success while working aeronautical mobile on 144 mc. with 17 contacts on September 1, 1962, and 19 more on September 3. A moonbounce test carried out by KP4 BPZ in Puerto Rico in July, 1965, received enthusiastic support all over 80

the world. VE2LI using a 96 collinear array and 600 watts of power on CW was heard and worked by KP4BPZ during that test. Many other Canadian stations with some being recorded and sen t to Puerto Rico also heard signals for confirmation. Meteor scatter experiments are proving popular with many Cana dian amateurs and contacts on 144 mc. using the annual Leonid Meteor showers have proved very interesting. One of the most intense meteor showers occurred in 1966. VE3DIR was running experiments during this particular shower. He was worked by K0MQS in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and heard by stations W1JOF in Methuen, Massachusetts and W4CKB in Lake Placid, Florida. The meteor shower that took place in 1967 was far less dramatic than the 1965 and 1966 showers, and consequently much less activity was recorded. However, a new dimension has been opened to amateurs and interest in this will probably increase as more and more amateurs are drawn to what migh t be called our last frontier.

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Chapter XI OF SERVICE TO ALL With the end of World War II nets were once again organized as amateurs returned to the air. Many operators thought of something beyond the mere enjoyment of their hobby. Amateur radio enable s amateurs to serve others as well as themselves. Nets such as the 5 o’clock net in British Columbia and in Ontario began to operate on a regular basis. With their re-emergence came the usual problems of confusion and lack of co-operation. In the spring of 1948, the Fraser River overflowed its banks causing widespread destruction. The chaotic conditions of the net, which attempted to give assistance, resulted in a recommendation from several Department of Transport employees, also amateurs (VE7DF, VE7BY, and VE7PH) that an emergency net be organized. It was hoped that this net might over come some of the confusion that had developed during the emergency. Several high power AM stations were set up and all information relayed to them. This information was then sent, periodically to other control stations and passed on to the proper destination. VF7US (Wilf Moorhouse) set up a relay station on 3800 Kc. in Penticton and VE7FB operated on 3790 Kc. in Vancouver. On Vancouver Island a net was set up with VE7DH as net control. These nets, and others like them, have been set up across Canada over the years to pass routine traffic, and in the event of disasters make possible a far more efficient means of communication than the individual amateur could ever hope to achieve. In the spring of 1950 the Red River overflowed its banks in Mani toba and some 10,000 homes became uninhabitable with over 40,000 people left homeless. Amateurs such as VE4RO, VE4SR, VE4MI, VE4GE, VE4CI, VE4LC, VE4AJ, VE4NI, VE4TJ were prominent among the more than 200 amateurs in this stricken part of Canada. They passed traffic and relayed information for the Red Cross, Navy, Air Force, and local government agencies. During the period of the flood amateurs in Winnipeg alone transmitted approximately 4800 personal and welfare messages. On numerous occasions amateurs have been of assistance in emer gencies simply because they were on frequency and listening when a call for help was sent. In January, 1952, VE1DZ received a call from VE1PB on Sable Island, off the shores of Nova Scotia. Medical assistance was required for a little girl, and with the help of VE1OZ this was sent to the Island. A downed aircraft near Havlock, 25 miles north of Moncton, New Brunswick, in January, 1957, brought help from a number of New Brunswick amateurs to the Civil Defense who were searching for the craft. During the duration of the search VE1EV, who was with the Civil Defense team was in contact with VE1ACX, VE1ABT, VE1PF, VE1VU, VE1LX, and VE1OQ and passed much useful information on to these amateurs. Amateurs were involved in other activities besides disasters, however. British Columbia held its Centennial in 1958 and during this period one of the more inaccessible mountains in the area, Mount Fairwcather, was scaled. Communication between the climbers and the outside world during the period of the expedition was maintained exclusively by amateur radio with VE7ALE, George Kitson as senior operator and VE7AEW, Ken McMillan assisting. The Alaska earthquake struck in March, 1964, and for many hours the only means of communication with that State was by amateur radio. Amateurs across Canada came to the aid of their American friends. Winnipeg being a central location between the United States and Alaska became a clearing point and relayed many calls between the two points. Individual amateurs also did all they could to he lp. VE6NH/KL7 (Joseph E. Back) was the principal operator of KL7EOU, which was set up in a bowling alley in Soldatna on the Kenai Peninsula, south of Anchorage. KL7EOU operated continuously for 50 hours. Direct contact was made with Alaska by a number of Canadian amateurs. In mid December, 1964, McGill University sent a team of scientists to Easter Island as Canada’s contribution to the International Biological Year. The purpose of this expedition was to study the natives before they were exposed to civilization. One member of the expedition, George Hrischenko, VE3DGX of Windsor, Ontario, made amateur communications possible with this South Sea Island. He made regular contacts with such amateurs as VE3MJ, Jack Beardall, during the expedition’s sojourn on Easter Island so that many of the members of the team were able to contact their families at least once a week during the period of their research. On New Year’s Day, 1967, the first day of Canada’s Centennial year, a call to Canada from I1RCD in Milan, Italy, was received by VE1AGH in Halifax. The call sparked a search for a rare medical drug, urgently needed to save 82

the life of a patient in a hospital in Milan, and within six hours an international group of hams had contacted doctors, hospitals, universities, research laboratories and drug manufacturers in ten countries of Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Control of the far-flung network was maintained by VE1AGH, and Canadian amateurs were prominent in the entire operation. VE1AGH contacted the V.G. Hospital in Halifax, without success. Realizing this was a major problem, he enlisted the aid of other amateurs, among them VE3DKV in Pembroke, VE2BFK in Montreal and VE3EUU in Toronto. These amateurs contacted all available hospitals, medical centres, etc. in their areas, but to no avail. WB2NDH in New York was contacted in the meantime, and he checked at the Columbia University, as well as hospitals in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. VO 1EL contacted hospitals and doctors in St. John’s, Newfoundland, as did VE3CT in Ottawa. ON8XE in Brussels joined in the search, as well as PA0STU in Amsterdam. VE2BUJ/SU in Ghaza came in and suggested they try the military authorities. He called 5A5TB in Tripoli, Libya, to enlist the aid of the U.S. Military authorities there. A ham in Austria checked in, as well as DL7FT in Frankfurt. VE1TG was monitoring the progress, and when it appeared that it would be necessary to go farther afield he broke in on the International Sideband System. WA8HDA in Detroit contacted the medical research director of Parke Davis Company, but still no success. ZSIJM called in from Cape Town, and announced that he was copying both the North American stations as well as the Euro peans, as the band had faded out between Canada and Italy. All information was now relayed to Milan via Cape Town. By this time some six hours had passed since the initial contact had been made. Signals began to go out between Canada and South Africa when ZS IJM broke in with the news that a supply of the drug had been located in Frankfurt. No doubt this incident, as many others, demonstrates very vividly the non-existent boundaries between countries as far as amateur radio and its service is concerned. The Pan-American games held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the summer of 1967 became yet another focal point of amateur assistance. A tragic earthquake in Caracus, Venezuela during the games brought a number of worried athletes from that country to the door of Bill Stunden, VE4BJ, with the request that he try to contact their homeland so they could find out about their families and friends. For almost 40 hours amateurs in Winnipeg who were able to establish contact with Venezuelan amateurs did all they could to find out about relatives of the visiting athletes. Countless other acts of mercy, routine greetings and relayed conversations have become part of the accepted role of Canadian amateurs. Many of these unselfish acts go unlisted and unheralded except perhaps by the recipients.

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CANADA’S CENTENNIAL Canada celebrated its centenary of Confederation in 1967 and to help publicize our first 100 years as a nation amateurs across Canada were given the option of using a new call for the year. Some took advantage of this and many weird new calls blossomed forth on the airways on January 1, 1967. Probably the earliest Canadian amateur to publicize this was Jack Beardall, VE3MJ, who had his cards printed and ready for use by September 15, 1966.

In the Maritimes an act of mercy in which amateurs from the Ma ritimes, Ontario and Quebec were involved on the first day of our centennial year, set the stage for our celebrations and proved a fitting beginning to our Centennial year. Many amateurs contributed in some way to publicizing this birthday, some on a large scale and some on a limited basis. The Saskatchewan Centennial Corporation sent out special QSL cards to amateurs requesting them. These cards were colour photographs of Saskatchewan and advertised the province to the world. The Montreal Amateur Radio Association hosted the annual A.R.R.L. National convention in the middle of the most successful World’s Fair ever held — “Expo ‘67.” The Ontario DX Association inaugurated a special award to help publicize our country to the world’s amateurs. The “Centennial Award” as it was called, required contacts with 100 Canadian stations in all of Canada’s provinces and territories, with a minimum of five contacts from each call area. This proved very popular and occasionally a Canadian station, even in Ontario, had the rare experience of being an exotic DX station to the rest of the world.

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CONCLUSION Since its birth radio has made startling progress. Beginning with telephone and telegraph using wire lines, it finally succeeded with wireless telegraph. Four great names have stood out in the world of communications: Morse, Bell, Marconi and DeForest. Each of these men profited by the experience of his predecessors . Electronic science is changing constantly. The radio equipment of the 1912 era was enormous. A station of medium power occupied about 50 cubic feet. In 1956 a transmitter-receiver station capable of covering the whole world could be enclosed in one cubic foot. This was made possible by the use of electronic tubes, and smaller but effective parts. The present-day use of transistors has reduced the size of equipment to a package small enough for the amateur to take with him wherever he goes. In the past few years TV has made great strides. It is possible for us now to see by means of satellites, important events originating in any part of the world as they happen. Ultra high frequencies are used today to count small objects that emerge in large numbers from production lines, for the melting of metals, and to ascertain the height of planes flying overhead. Electronics engineers have transmitted radar signals to the moon, and the echo of these have returned in 2 1/2 seconds. If we can dream that some day cars will be driven by radar, that blind and deaf people will be able to read and hear by the same means, it is quite evident that the future belongs to electronics. In all this development Canadians have played, and will continue to play a vital role. It is impossible for us to visualize at this time what tomorrow will bring.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Ash, Ernest, VO1AA, St. John’s, Newfoundland Bailey, Bill, VE7CW, Nelson, B.C. (deceased) Coe, Ernie, VE7NQ, Kelowna, B.C. Cummer, Gordon, VE4CF, Winnipeg CurLon, Len, VE3EXF (The Ontario Amateur) Toronto, Ontario Dickson, E. F., VE7BBH, Nelson, British Columbia Gloster, Harry, VE3IT, London, Ontario Langford, John A., VE3RD, Toronto, Ontario Letts, Tom, VE2BG, Longueuil, Quebec Lloyd, David, VE3AW, Toronto, Ontario Lyon, John N., W8YGR, Toledo, Ohio Meadows, Frank, VE6AC, Calgary, Alberta Mitchell, Clarence, VO1AW, St. John’s, Newfoundland Moorhouse, Wilf, VE7US, Trail, B.C. Murphy, Adrienne, VE6AJR, Vulcan, Alberta Peach, Robin, VE1BH, Canso, Nova Scotia Sheblak, Charles J., W4DR, Clearwater, Florida Sinclair, J. Heddle, VE5FY, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Stevens, Wilf, VE7WS, Victoria, British Columbia Street, A. E. Wesley, VE1EK, Halifax, Nova Scotia Stunden, Bill, VE4BJ, Winnipeg, Manitoba Taylor, James C., W4EEO, Sanford, Florida Welling, E. A., VE2YU, Montreal, Quebec Williamson, Ethel, VE3DTW, Port Weller, Ontario Wilkinson, Howard, VE2WK, Montreal, Quebec Wright, W. W., VE4YZ, St. James, Manitoba Young, S. L., VE5AJ, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 98

Lariviere, Alex., VE2AB (Quebec Radio Club) Boardman, Jim, K3ZJG (Amateur Radio Club of McGill University) Fairlie, Joe, VE2DJF (Montreal Amateur Radio Club) Robert, Rev. Charles E., VE2EC (St. Maurice Valley Amateur Radio Association, Inc.) Meen, A. K., VE3RX (Radio Society of Ontario, Inc.) Kenny, Bob, VE3EWY (Ontario DX Association) Brown, Wilfred H., VE3AJO (Scarboro Amateur Radio Club) Andrews, David, VE3AFM (Queen’s Park Radio Club) Bissell, Bill, VE3CTJ (Skywide Amateur Radio Club) Fralick, H. F., VE3CAB (Belleville & District Amateur Radio Club) rownlee, Les, VE3BLZ (Sudbury District Amateur Radio Club) Symonik, Peter J., VE3EDA (Lakehead Amateur Radio Club) Betts, Bert, VE4LK (Winnipeg Amateur Radio Association) McDermjd, L. H., VE4PA (Dauphin Amateur Radio Club) Usher, Roy, VE6EA (Northern Alberta Radio Club) Moyer, Gene, VE6AFJ (Vulcan County Amateur Radio Club) Ratcliffe, John, VE7ADU (Columbia Amateur Radio Club) Gentry, D. W., VE7BBL (Burnaby Amateur Radio Club) Scholes, David, VE7DY (Victoria Short Wave Club) Hrischenko, Cathy, VE3GJH (The Ontario Trilliums)

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