The meeting was called to order with ten members and guests present.

MOTION to accept the February minutes by Kip (KB8WWH), seconded by Mike (KA8UXQ), accepted.

TREASURES REPORT:

Suzanne was not present to make a treasures report this month.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Field Day was the main topic of the meeting. The location will be at the Northgate Bible Church located on the corner of Pine Grove Avenue and Parker Rd. in Fort Gratiot. Kip offered to contact Jim Relkin to coordinate a possible joint effort with a mock disaster event at the location. That will give us a good chance to try out some of the disaster relief and power generation equipment.

FIELD DAY PREPAIRATION:

Gene (NA8I) is to contact Bob (N8VBY) to secure the field day antennas and supports that are stored at his location. Dennis (KB8OCG) is to prepare a press release and contact the local media to see that the event is advertised. The following were suggested; Cable, High School and College stations, WGRT, WPHM, WHLS, WSMA, and WBTI.

The following stations and structures we decided upon:

Two HF (high frequency) stations. One CW (Morse code) station and the other for Voice.

One VHF (very high frequency) station, utilizing both 2 & 6 meters.

One Packet Radio Station

We also expect that Paul (KG8OU) will bring a third HF station.

Two towers are planned to be erected to support directional antennas for HF and VHF.

Wire antennas (elevated to the trees) will be used for the CW station.

We have one rotor in hand, and will try to secure another from (KG8OU).

It was decided that we will use at least two generators and possibly the distribution system designed by (WD8DWR & NA8I). We also plan to check out the Red Cross generators that are brought out to the site.

We plan to use the Red Cross Communication Trailer for the HF Voice Station and the VHF Stations. The blue tent will be used for the CW station. Mike (KA8UXQ) offered to bring a blue tent awning for the food service area.

Tuners and Low Pass filters are required for the HF stations. NA8I plans to supply these. Clocks are needed for the stations. Everyone was encouraged to supply lanterns with fuel for night illumination of the area. Dennis agreed to look into extra points for field day, and Mark (N8EGJ) is to contact Trippy (WD8OEP) to assist in working the CW station.

Andrew volunteered the use of a laptop computer for use with the packet station.

DISASTER REPORT:

There were no disasters reported that required ARCARS involvement over the last month.

NET REPORT:

Paul reported that the net had only 3 amateurs checking in last week, and there were about 8 the week before. There are a few items listed on the International Traders Net.

Mark felt that a DX Report would be a good addition to the newsletter. He encouraged everyone to inform him of any rare DX and the times and frequencies that they were contacted.

CLUB STATION:

A VHF radio is to be installed in the command center to have a net / emergency coordinating amateur operator present. That will allow instant communications to be conveyed directly from the command center to the field relief workers (disaster team).

The SWR meter has been replaced in the radio room.

Mark (N8EGJ) has not yet secured the stand from the FCC rules regarding a link to the 220mhz packet station via 440mhz.

OLD BUSINESS:

There was no old business discussed at the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

A suggestion was made to hold meetings on a week day during the month.

MOTION to adjourn by Gene, seconded Kip.