The meeting was called to order on August 3, 2008 with 14 members and guests present.
MINUTES: Motion to accept the June / July minutes by Mike (AA8K), seconded by Russ (KD8FRE) approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported that $50 in donations were collected at the Field Day event. This money was pledged to help with the truck repair project.
DISASTER REPORT: ARCARS responded with the community emergency response team along with CERT members in attempt to locate a missing person. Members searched a wooded area for the person whom reportedly appeared later that day in a different location. This event demonstrated the need for the amateur community to work together regardless of club affiliation.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) noted that net participation has been steady with 10 to 12 amateurs checking in. If you have any topics that you would like considered in future nets, contact Edgar. Please make note to participate Tuesday evenings at 8pm, on 146.800MHz.
The annual Lapeer swap is scheduled for August 17th. Swap info kd8vp@juno.com
CLUB STATION: We are still short a 2M radio in the club station. For the time being it was decided that the radio in the Command Center will be moved to the club station for service until it can be replaced. The coax to the Command Center needs to be replaced.
NEWSLETTER: Our newsletter and web page is available at www.qsl.net/arcars, www.bandopening.org/arcars. Other related information can be found at www.arcars.org. If you have any information you would like posted on the website, contact Mark (N8EGJ). We have a wealth of archived information available on the website as well as on the RSS feed.
CLUB PROJECT: The ARCARS vehicle (truck) project has been ongoing since before field day. Gene (NA8I) has donated all the labor for the repairs. Thank you to the members that donated money to the project. Thanks to Gene and the generous donations, the project should benefit the group for years to come.
FIELD DAY: Field Day was held June 28th and 29th. There was a short discussion regarding the success of the event and improvements that should be implemented next year. QSL cards are beginning to arrive from stations worked during the event.
OLD BUSINESS: ARCARS members were assisting the St Clair County Sheriff dept in providing security at the 4H fair at the County Park. The military truck was used as a command center and a 40' aluminum tower was placed to support the antenna. Andrew (KC8SPD) thanked everyone that assisted.
NEW BUSINESS: Edgar announced the winner of the Field Day most contacts contest as Gene NA8I. congratulations!
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: The Solar Flux is very low at 67, and the A and K have remained relatively high resulting in poor DX conditions.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Jeri (KC8YRQ) seconded by Angela (KD8HMS)
ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:
RED CROSS VOLUNTEER DINNER will be held May 16th beginning at 6pm $10 per person. Contact the Chapter House if you intend to attend 985-7117.
The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pm on the 146.800 NA8I repeater.
The International Friendship Net is held every Thursday at 9pm on the 145.370-VA3SAR repeater
The Thumb / Mid Michigan Nets are held Monday through Saturday at 9:30pm on the 147.300 repeater.
HF: The Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is held nightly at 8pm on 3.932 kHz
The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.790 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.
Swap list provided by Frank (VE3FBH)