DVCAM-HAM PRODUCTION

Past to Present

2006-10-16T19:12:00.000-04:00

Well it's been sometime since I last made an entry to this blog and a lot of water has run under the bridge.

With regards to the dvcam-ham project, it hasn't been forgotton but just put on the back burner for a period of time, but now the wheels are grinding and I'm getting back to the video activity. I'll bring things up-to-date in another posting regarding this subject.

Not totally unrelated, I am now planning to produce my first podcast and yes it will be radio amateur related. I haven't decided on the title yet but it's nearly there. Again I will cover this in more detail in a new posting.

I have not done as much travelling recently primarily due to some health problems and also being kept pretty occupied, but that will change shortly as my wife and I are planning a trip to her home in Italy (Milano) over the Christmas/New Year period (2006-07).

One other ham-related subject. In November 2005 I became the editor of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club (MARC), monthly newsletter 'marcOgram.' This is one of the items that have kept me occupied recently.

Well, no more words for now, just a pic of the editor, rjcam the video ham.

MAB Antenna Finalization

2005-11-06T10:26:00.000-05:00

Pictures by Ron Campbell

High flyer at MAB

2005-10-31T09:49:00.000-05:00

Antenna repairs at MAB

2005-10-31T09:46:00.000-05:00

2005-07-06T19:57:00.000-04:00

St-Lazare 2--5 Airshow with Ham Station

This way please!!!

2005-06-08T16:41:00.000-04:00

St. Lazare Cyclo-Tour 2005 - Beyond the call of duty. A ham steps in to assist

Radio Amateur's providing assistance

2005-06-08T16:40:00.000-04:00

St. Lazare Cyclo-Tour 2005 - Radio Amateur

Some extra fun at the Cyclo-Tour

2005-06-08T16:39:00.001-04:00

St. Lazare Cyclo-Tour 2005

Cyclo-Tour de St. Lazare

2005-06-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

St. Lazare Cyclo-Tour 2005

Families on the ready

2005-06-08T16:38:00.000-04:00

St. Lazare Cyclo-Tour 2005

DVCAM-HAM Team Members

2005-04-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

The following three pictures identify the team members of DVCAM-HAM Production.

Eric Hazan
Matt Anselmi
Ron Campbell

A request goes out to all hams associated with the production activities to provide their full support in this worthwhile cause to help promote our exciting hobby of Amateur Radio.

Ron Campbell (VA2RJC) Sometime retired from ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

2005-04-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

Ron Campbell - DvCam-Ham Team

Matt Anselmi - Concordia Video Production Student

2005-04-03T18:48:00.000-04:00

Matt Anselmi - DvCam-Ham Team

Eric Hazan - IT Professional

2005-04-03T18:31:00.000-04:00

DvCam-Ham Team

Jim VE2VE - In Control

2005-03-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

St. Patrick's Parade - 2005

Vern VE2MBS at control

2005-03-13T17:54:00.000-05:00

St. Patrick's Parade, 2005

2005-03-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

Revised Logo

2005-03-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Proposed Logo for our production

MARC and DVCAM-HAM Meeting No. 1

2005-03-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

The first meeting between the video production crew (DVCAM-HAM) and MARC representatives.

In attendance were:

Jim Hay President, MARC (VE2VE)

Vernon Ikeda, Treasurer MARC (VE2MBS)

Ron Campbell (DVCAM - VA2RJC)

Eric Hazan (Concordia-DVCAM)

Matt Anselmi (Concordia-DVCAM)

The meeting was held in pleasant surroundings with refreshment available (see picture below).

Discussions covered two areas; 1) St. Patrick's Day Parade, 2) General Radio Amateur activities and how the DVCAM crew can shoot suitable and sufficient footage to produce a film that can be used for encouraging young people into the radio amateur hobby as well as possible training material.

With respect to the St. Patrick's Day Parade, it is realized that the filming crew will not have any "official" recognition but this should not prevent us from filming the parade and the general public. If we can include footage of HAMS on the route then better. The crew will also attempt take some footage of the control room with the HAMS present. In addition, we will record some off-air ham radio chatter which can be used for background, maybe along with some still shots.
Apart from MARC activities already published in the marcOgram, the following items were discussed:

Junior HAM training programme,
Scout, radio activities,
Concordia Amateur Radio Club activities.
Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) with GPS

I think this was a good start, and now we just have to go ahead and produce.

ttfn

Ron (VE2RJC)

2005-03-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

DV Shooter crew and MARC Hams

St. Patrick's Day Parade

2005-02-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

The first possible activity with the HAM group is the St. Patrick's Day Parade. If we are to shoot anything at this function, it is imperative that we all get together as soon as possible to plan our stategy. Erics posting covers what we need to discuss so that we can formaulate a plan of action. I need to inform the MARC group to coordinate with them and also for them to obtain permission from the parade planners/organizers.

Claire feels that a meeting at 9 PM is too late for her to be travelling so we have to come up with a suitable time for all of us. Please if you are interested in carrying on with this venture get back to me soonest. Have a great weekend.
Ron

First meeting

2005-02-17T10:32:00.000-05:00

I suggest that we get together for a first pre-production meeting - I see Claire, Matt, Ron and myself so far. On the agenda, I see:

What – purpose, context, tempo
Who - audience
Costs and Funding
Equipment
Script outline
Research – investigate story and details
Team
Shooting events

The best time for me is most evenings starting 9:00pm. Pick a date!

2005-02-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

All set to go

2005-02-06T17:54:00.001-05:00

Tune-up

2005-02-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

All set to go

The Video Production

2005-02-04T18:50:00.000-05:00

The start for this production is the planning. Good planning is essential if we want to make the video a successful production.

The first major activity is the storyboards in pre-production. We will need to follow the journalist's approach of the five W's of a story, the information is broken down into what, why, who, when, and where.

The production will be carried out with the approval and coordination of the Montreal Amateur Radio Club, known as MARC. It will predominantly be their members who will be the actors undertaking the various actions/activities.

As a heads-up, typical activites can include but definitely not limited to:

1. St. Patricks Day Parade
2. Jay Challenge (triathalon) in Vermont
3. Canada Day Parade
4. Harmony Horse Trials
5. St-Lazare Cyclo-Tour
6. Concordia ARC special activities.
7. Any other special activities that have not yet been announced.

These events, the amateur radio operators assist by providing communications in support of safety aspects of the event.

I propose that all those interested in assisting in this worthwile effort for the production of the video communicate with me and then we can plan a get-together. For your information, we will require all facets of the production, such as:

Storyboard developers;
Script writers (this more to identify what operators should talk about);
Director of individual events;
DV Cam operators (1/2);
Sound person (1/2);
Light person;
Editors (FCP4);
Background music editor;
Researcher; and
Coordinator with MARC and the radio operators.

As you can see, there will be plenty of opportunity for all of us to carry out varous functions and obtain lots of experience.

From the above, it is obvious that each person will have to participate in more than one activity. However, I feel that for all of us to get the maximum benefit from such a production, a team approach is preferable.

To give all of you an insight to the radio amateur hobby, I will following this with a new posting providing soime details.

Ham radio - What is it?

2005-02-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

The following is an extract from the RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada) web site RAC Home Page

Welcome to the fascinating world of Amateur Radio!
Amateur radio is a form of communication; a hobby; a community service.It could be a school teacher in Nova Scotia making friends over the radio with another Radio Amateur in New Zealand; an Alberta teenager
using her computer to upload a chess move through her radio which is
retrieved by a fellow chess fan in Florida via an amateur radio space
satellite; or a truck driver in Manitoba contacting Radio Amateurs in a
hundred countries during a single weekend contest. Radio Amateurs also
save lives as part of an emergency communications network.

What do Amateur Radio operators do during and after disasters?
This unique mix of fun, convenience and public service is what
distinguishes Amateur Radio. People get involved in Amateur Radio for
many reasons, but they all have in common a basic knowledge of radio
technology, regulations and operating principles. All have passed an
examination leading to an authorization to operate on the "Amateur
Bands." These frequency bands are reserved for use by Radio
Amateurs at intervals from just above the AM broadcast band all the way
up through the microwave frequencies. Even though Amateur Radio
conversations may be heard around the world by anyone with a suitable
radio receiver, given the right frequency and propagation conditions,
Amateur Radio is basically two-way communication between Radio Amateurs.

The appeal of Amateur Radio is the ability to communicate across the country,
around the globe, and even with astronauts on space missions. Some
Radio Amateurs build and experiment with radio. Computer hobbyists
find digital modes to be a low-cost way to expand their ability to communicate.
Those with a competitive streak enjoy "DX contests" where the
object is to see how many distant Radio Amateurs they can contact.
Some like the convenience of a technology giving them portable
communication. Others use it to open the door to new friendships over the air,
or through participation in an Amateur Radio club. Many combine Amateur
Radio with the internet in various ways.

Typical Radio Amateurs come from all walks of life - lawyers, entertainers,
missionaries, doctors, ministers, politicians, students, workers, shut-ins and
retired folks - all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. Some like
voice communication on a hand-held radio. Others prefer Morse code
through a low-power transmitter. Many transmit computer messages through
amateur radio satellites. They all use radio to communicate with their
fellow Radio Amateurs.

What is the history of Amateur Radio in Canada?
In 1901, Marconi transmitted the Morse code letter "S" from
Poldhu in Wales to St. John's, Newfoundland. Soon
early radio experimenters were trying out the first "spark gap" transmitters.
To control interference to marine shore stations, Parliament passed the
Radiotelegraph Act in 1913. In 1914 the Radiotelegraph Regulations
were issued, prescribing the first operating and technical proficiency
examinations for Amateur Radio operators in Canada.Administered
by various government departments, Amateur Radio grew in Canada
to over 50,000 certificates at present.

How is Amateur Radio different from Citizens' Band or
Family Radio Service?These unlicensed services are legally limited to
voice operation over low powered equipment on a single frequency band.
Amateur Radio may involve voice, Morse code, computer data,
or television modes on any of a number of bands, either direct or via
repeater stations or earth-orbiting satellites, and may use considerable
power and directional antenna systems.

Why must Radio Amateurs pass an examination?
Although a major purpose of Amateur Radio is recreation, it is called
the "Amateur Radio Service" because it also has a serious
face. The government created this "Service" partly to fill the
need for a pool of experts who could provide communications in times of
emergency or war. Countless lives have been saved when these skilled
hobbyists acted as emergency communicators to render aid during or
following a hurricane, tornado, ice storm, earthquake or other disaster.
In addition, the government acknowledged the ability of Amateur Radio to
advance communication and technical skills, and to enhance international
goodwill.

The requirements for Amateur Radio operators in Canada

The Basic Qualification - is the entry-level
and does not require any Morse code test. To earn the Basic
Qualification requires passing an examination totalling 100 questions on
basic radio theory, regulations and operating practices.
The Basic Qualification with call sign gives authority to transmit
on all Amateur Radio bands above 30 megahertz, in all modes.
The Morse Code Qualification - To earn this,
one must pass a 5 Words Per Minute sending and receiving test.
Added to the Basic Qualification, this grants the holder access to
the bands (1.8 - 30 MHz) in all the modes permitted on those short wave bands.
The Advanced Qualification - To earn this requires passing a 50 question examination on radio theory. Added to the Basic Qualification this permits the holder to build transmitting equipment, operate high-powered transmitters, and to sponsor a voice repeater or club station.

One organization that many North American hams participate in, is the
American Radio Relay League. The American Radio Relay League
(or the ARRL as it is known) is an excellent organization providing
services for radio amateurs in the United States. To Learn more
about Amateur Radio and the ARRL, explore ARRL Web Site

Video Forum

2005-01-30T05:51:00.000-05:00

I return to Kool Montreal atomorrow. It's been a very interesting few days at the Video Forum. I have never seen so much variety in video/tv equipment under one roof before, really great. I have take a few still shots so will try to post them when I return. I also had plenty of opportunity to talk to people about many subjects, so was great.

This all for today, ciao Videoman.

FW: Re: Video Shoot 2005

2005-01-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

From: Matt Anselmi
To: "Ron Campbell"
Subject: Re: Video Shoot 2005
Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 22:36:15 -0500

Hi Ron,
How are you doing? I read the blog that you left and it sounds interesting. I already told you that I didn't really care what this project was about, I just wanted to work on something. So, if you need me for anything, I'm there. I'd really like to help out. Talk to you soon.
Matt

FW: RE: Video Shoot 2005

2005-01-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

From: "Eric Hazan"
To: "'Ron Campbell'"

Subject: RE: Video Shoot 2005
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:04:32 -0500

Hello Ron,
First, thanks for keeping me in the loop. I am still interested, and am
looking for projects to work on. I really enjoyed the video production
course, and I plan to keep working at it. I am also looking at getting a G5
in the next little while so that I can work at home.

The Blog site is a good idea, especially since it may only be on rare
occasions that all those involved can actually meet. However, I experienced
some problems with the site. The link for the invitation gave me a blog
error. Also, the link http://rjcam.blogspot.com/ does not allow me to post any comments. Here
they are anyways.

Regarding the help that you need, I would be willing to help in the production as: script writer, editor (FCP4), and researcher.
One note, however, on scriptwriting. When scripting a documentary, you need
to be very 'loose' in defining what scenes and shots you plan to include in
the film. What I mean is that there is only so much pre-planning that you
can do in terms of the story (as opposed to a fictional film). You cannot
control what will be said, where the emphasis will be, or you may even film
something that was totally unexpected, yet appropriate. These events may or
may not make it to the "final cut", but still need to be considered, making
you unable to follow the original script if it is detailed.

For the "Unforgettable Genocide", I started with some basic questions that I
asked during the interviews, and the film more or less followed that line.
However, only once we were finished interviewing, and looking at the old
footage could we actually decide what to include, and what to exclude. I
have attached the post-production report that I gave Tony.
So my advice is this: Start off with some general ideas for the story that
you want to tell, the point you want to make, and the mood you want to
create. Keep an open mind to new ideas, though, because you never know what
might come out of the shooting. Then, once the shooting is finished, you
can actually piece together the film.

Maybe we can get together at some point so you can explain what amateur
radio operators actually do. Feel free to give me a call.

Eric

The Beginning

2005-01-16T22:13:00.000-05:00

The start of a process should be the plan. It is essential that the planning stage be as complete as possible. Once this is done we have an idea as to where we are going and what we want to achieve. One thing, the plan is not concrete, it is fluid!!!