The November Monthly Meeting was again well attended, both in person and online.
Demystifying modern solar power systems
We were pleased to host Andrea Ross of RnL Solar for an insightful presentation on modern solar power systems. The session helped demystify the technology, breaking down the key components that make a system work—from charge controllers and inverters to the benefits of newer lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries.
Andrea provided a practical framework, starting with the most important step: analyzing your own capacity requirements. We then explored a range of real-world examples, seeing how solar can be scaled for different needs:
- A simple backpack folding panel for charging small devices.
- A portable solar generator for camping or power outages.
- A partial home system to run essentials like a fridge and freezer.
- A full whole-house system for complete energy independence.
The talk also covered the compelling “why” behind solar. Beyond being the cheapest source of power available and a hedge against volatile oil and gas prices, Andrea offered a forward-looking perspective: the massive energy demands of Artificial Intelligence will likely put significant upward pressure on grid electricity prices in the coming years, making personal energy generation an even more valuable investment.
A big thank you to Andrea for a clear, practical, and forward-thinking session! To learn more about Andrea’s work, you can visit rnl.solar or contact her at aross@rnl.solar
Update on the Repeater-Upgrade Project
Harrie, VE3HYS, then provided an update on efforts to upgrade the Club’s VE2CRA repeater. These efforts build on the three critical planning documents (i. System Requirements, ii. Upgrade Implementation Plan, and iii. Upgrade Technical Specification) that were finalized back in September. In light of the fact that Ottawa is receiving an Aux-Comm Go Kit through RAC, with Ontario Government funding, and the Kit is all Icom and thus the digital mode is D-star, it was decided to put a D-star repeater on the air. An Icom D-star ID-RP4010V UHF repeater was purchased.
In an effort to be in line with RAC, we have opted to follow the US Trust Server model. In order to have support from the group of amateurs that provides assistance, we have installed Alma Linux on a computer with two Network Interface Cards (NICs). This has been a bit of a challenge as there are lots of documents so finding the most current one has been a challenge. We are currently waiting for a piece of hardware that will allow us to tunnel through the LTE internet connection that will be in place on the hill.
There are other ways to create a D-star system such as using a Raspberry pi and a Multi Mode Digital Voice Modem (MMDVM) board with a Radio Frequency (RF) box. We have been talking with Norm, VE3LC, but at the moment we are trying to stick to the Aux-Comm standard. More updates to follow!
The OARC 2025 Holiday Party will replace the Next Monthly Meeting on Dec. 10th
The OARC Holiday Party will be on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. It will be in a private room at KS on the Keys Restaurant, 1029 Dazé St., Ottawa in South Keys near the corner of Bank and Hunt Club. Join us for a buffet dinner (Caesar salad, rolls and butter, meat lasagna, penne with cream sauce, garlic bread, pop, coffee and tea) and of course there will be door prizes! The cost is $30 in advance (includes tax and tip). Click here to register and pay for the OARC 2025 Holiday Party. Please register soon so we know how many people to plan for.
Last Updated on 2026-01-05 by Joannadanna