Overview
The Moncton Area Amateur Radio Club was founded in 1966 as a successor to the Moncton Amateur Radio Club formed in 1936. MAARC, Inc. was incorporated in 1977 under New Brunswick law as a not-for-profit organization.
Its objectives include promotion of Amateur Radio as a licensed and regulated activity under Federal jurisdiction; sponsorship of technical and social activities and provision of public communications service in times of emergency.
The Moncton Seniors ARC, Inc. was shelved in 2004 with its members continuing their association through membership in MAARC, Inc. As a result, a high percentage of MAARC, Inc. members are former members of the Seniors Club. MAARC, Inc. is affiliated with Radio Amateurs of Canada, Inc. and a member of the American Radio Relay League, Inc.
MAARC, Inc. sponsors the following services:
MAARC, Inc. maintains membership in the principal Canadian and USA national Amateur Radio organizations. Their technical and organizational publications provide MAARC, Inc. members with information of the latest advances and national/international happenings.
The Moncton Area ARC, Inc. has installed amateur radio station facilities and associated antennas at its Club rooms, including an Amateur Space Station for the use of all members. The Club station is capable of remote operation. This is of particular advantage to members who have moved to Senior type accommodation where operating an Amateur Radio station is severely restricted or prohibited.
Instruction on new and special operating techniques is offered as the need arises. Organized training sessions in Morse code, technical theory and certain operating specialties such as the Space Station, VE9MSC are conducted on an organized basis.
Club Stations
VE1EV
The first Club sponsored station was established under call sign, VE1EV. VE1EV was originally held by SK Gorely Brown, who was elected the Club’s first Secretary when the Club was established in 1936. Gorely remained an active member until the late 1960s.
VE9MSR
Moncton Seniors Radio (MSC) was held by the Moncton Seniors ARC, Inc. during its existence. When the Seniors Club became inactive, the call was reassigned to MAARC, Inc.
VE9MSC
Moncton Space Center (MSC) was assigned to the Club space station when it was established at the BM High School and is the call sign used in operation of the Club’s space station, now located at Club rooms on Halifax Street.
Resource
Moncton Packet System - VE1MPF BBS
Digipeaters - VE1PRM & VE9EMM
Club Stations - VE1EV, VE9MSR & VE9MSC
Club Station Radios
MAARC, Inc. acquired computer equipment which has been interfaced with each of the Club’s HF transceivers. The computer interface using Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) software enables the operator to take advantage of several automatic control, operating and logging features while using any of the Club HF transceivers.
The acquisition of computer terminals was arranged with the much valued assistance of Warren MacKnight, VE9MA. Installation and interfacing with HF transceivers was set up by Club members JP LeBlanc, VE9BK, and Marcel LeBlanc, VE9ML.
The HRD software has many features which can be activated at the station operator’s discretion to automate not only logging, but also a range of station control functions valuable in operating.
Remote Stations
Through a New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) Grant, MAARC members now have access to two Ten-Tec remote transceivers. One is located at the home of Marcel, VE9ML, while the other is located at the MAARC Clubhouse. For Club members faced with HF restrictions in apartment type complexes this is a very attractive option.
Many thanks to JP, VE9BK for his efforts on this project.