ARCARS
April 2009
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on April 5, 2009with 17 members and guests present.
MOTION:to accept the March minutes by Edgar (KC8VLV), seconded by Mark (N8EGJ), approved.
TREASURES REPORT:Suzanne reported that our balance stands at $184.00.
DISASTER REPORT:The surrounding counties have been plagued by numerous structure fires. There was a discussion about the ability of the local fire stations to respond to various calls. ARCARS was not called out for any assistance in March.
NET REPORT:Edgar (KC8VLV) marked a milestone by remaining net control operator for five consecutive years. The net has been doing better since it moved to repeater as more amateurs have been checking in. Topics have helped encourage more participation.
SPECIAL EVENTS:Mark (N8KPV) is heading up the Fall Harvest Days event. The Farm Museum holds the annual event at the St Clair County Park in Goodells, MI. This year’s event will be held on August 28th through the 30th. ARCARS will participate in the event in attempts to gain exposure to the event and amateur radio. We intend to set up in field day fashion utilizing a multi band beam on a tower as well as wire antennas. Set up will be on Thursday, August 27th with the public visiting the next day. Mark is looking into obtaining amateur radio literature as well as publicizing the event with the ARRL. A special event certificate was discussed and operating frequencies expected as: 28.410MHz, 21.300MHz, 14.250MHz, 7.250MHz, and 3.920MHz, with a talk in on 146.800- MHz.
4H Fair. We intend to operate to assist in emergency communications for this event. A list is being passed for participation. Ideally we would like to have 6 people available for all time slots.
The Feast of St Clair. This event will be supported by ARCARS this Memorial Day weekend. We intend to be present during the night hours of 11pm to 6 am. We would like to have 6 people present for this event on the evenings of May 21, 22, and 23rd.
CLUB STATION: The K8ARC packet station is operational again on 2m and 73cm.
The white van needs to have a desk installed for radio operation. Scott (KD8IKM), and Russ (KD8FRE) are looking into procuring materials to complete this project.
NEWSLETTER:Our newsletter and web page is normally available at www.qsl.net/arcars and www.bandopening.com/arcars . There is a wealth of information available on the website including the RSS feed.
CLUB PROJECT:The radio room expansion project is postponed pending obtaining the materials needed to complete the work. The materials are being sought and Russ (KD8FRE) is looking into it.
OLD BUSINESS:The ID card project for ARCARS is being reconsidered. Other options are being researched.
NEW BUSINESS: Claudette Smith (KD8HMR) is requesting ARCARS assistance with a mock disaster event involving the efforts of search and rescue dogs, CERT, and Sheriff Department dive teams. This event will likely be held on August 2nd or 16th, in Port Huron. An incident command will be established for coordination of efforts and communication. Our roll will likely assist in communications for the search and rescue dog handlers. More information will be available at the May meeting.
Mike (AA8K) reported that the 147.320MHz repeater may become operational again soon. A coordinated repeater frequency pair is being sought. The repeater will be placed on DTE property. He also reported that the local hospitals are about to take possession of amateur radio equipment. The radios are all identical so licensed operators in any hospital will be working with the same equipment.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS:Dennis (KB8OCG) reported that he worked Sarajevo Bosnia (E7DX) on 20 meters during a contest held late in March.
MOTION TO ADJOURN:by Suzanne (KB8GFY) seconded by Russ (KD8FRE)
ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:
The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pmon the 147.300 K8DD repeater.
The International Friendship Net is held every Thursday at 9pmon the 145.370-VA3SAR repeater
The Thumb / Mid Michigan Nets are held Monday through Saturday at 9:30pmon the 147.300 repeater.
HF:The Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is held nightly at 8pmon 3.932 kHz
The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.970 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.