The meeting was called to order with 14 members present.

Motion to accept the minutes was put off until the February meeting.

Treasures Report: Suzanne was absent so no Treasures Report was made for January.

Motion to accept the Treasures Report: None made.

Demonstration: We had a demonstration of ATV (amateur TV / fast scan) put on by Tom (WB8MCS) and Dan (KB8WWE). The demonstration consisted of an explanation of the necessary equipment and sending a video and audio signal to a receiver across the room. The equipment used included an ATV transceiver (tuned to 439.250mhz), a camcorder, an antenna and a downconverter connected to a television. Even though this demonstration was only across the room, it was explained that with 10 watts and better than 60 feet of height you can send a reliable, snow-free signal for almost 60 miles. This mode is not as expensive as one might think. Most hams already have most of the equipment needed. An ATV Transceiver from PC Electronics cost around $500.

CLUB COMPUTERS: the computers are working well at this time, no problems to report.

FUND RAISING: There should be no need to worry about our own fundraising in the near future. There should be enough direct Red Cross donations earmarked for our service to purchase equipment and fund our needs.

NET: Check-ins for the ARCARS and the Thumb International Traders Net are still reported to be light. More members need to plan to check into the weekly net and encourage others to do the same.

Newsletter / Web Site: There have been some minor changes to the club’s Web Site www.bignet.net/~arcars. Now when you check into the site then re-connect, you will notice some special effects when the page loads.

Projects: the project was not discussed in order to make time for the demonstration.

The 146.800 (NA8I /ARCARS) repeater is working better than ever. Gene (NA8I) and Victor (WD8DWR) installed the new receiver and fine-tuned it for optimal performance. The audio quality is much better than previous reports. The packet station (KC8CXJ) is working well.

OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS: There was no discussion of these matters.

Motion to adjourn: by Tom, seconded by Walt, and accepted.

 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Friends of Marconi group meets every Friday at 11:30am at My Place Restaurant in downtown Port Huron. Everyone is welcome to attend. See the web page www.tir.com/~kb8wwe .