ARCARS
May 2009
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on May 3, 2009 with 20 members and guests present.
MOTION:to accept the April minutes by Angela (KD8HMS), seconded by Mike (AA8K), approved.
TREASURES REPORT:Suzanne reported that our balance remained at $184.00.
DISASTER REPORT:There are more mutual aid calls being made in efforts to stretch services. The swine flu has the potential to test the readiness of the various services.(AA8K) reminded us of the importance of stocking up on enough provisions to hold out in the event of public closings of businesses and have at least enough supplies to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours.
NET REPORT:Edgar (KC8VLV) remarked that net attendance has been off a little lately. He mentioned that many amateurs are undoubtedly taking advantage of the improving weather with other activities.
SPECIAL EVENTS:Mark (N8KPV) reported on progress on the Fall Harvest Days event. The event is scheduled for Aug 28th through the 30th. Set up will begin on the 27th. Information has been submitted to the ARRL and posted. Mike (N8MIC) has secured the necessary brochures published by the ARRL. Mark is investigating into securing some comic books and child size t shirts to hand out at the event. More info to follow next month. Frequency information is available in the archived minutes from the April 2009 meeting.
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 23. Please contact Andrew (KC8SPD) if you are available for any of the shifts. Black attire is requested, and hats or other identifying items will be distributed to the participants.
The 4H Fair. We intend to operate to assist in emergency communications for this event. This is a five day event. Our operations will be from noon to midnight. We will be setting up on July 26th. The event is scheduled from July 27th through August 1st. We will be assisting in emergency communication for the event. A list is being passed for participation. Ideally we would like to have 6 people available for all time slots. Please contact Andrew (KC8SPD) if you are available for any (or part) of the shifts.
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 project has had some progress. There are two operation desks and the stations have been separated allowing VHF and Packet in one room and HF in the other. There are plans to raise the tower to its highest level to accommodate a G5RV multi band HF antenna. Tom (W8TRC) has offered to donate a new G5RV for this application. Paul (KG8OU) loaned a temporary HF antenna. New coax will be needed to accommodate for the additional height of the tower. Future plans are pending to remove the walls separating the radio rooms and creating a continuous operations bench for the radio gear.
Scott (KD8IKM) is taking measurements for radio operational improvements to the white truck. He is seeking blue insulated board 1" thick for the walls, LED lighting, seating materials and carpet for the project. If you can provide any of these items for this project please contact Scott, or check into the net and inform Edgar (KC8VLV).
OLD BUSINESS: Mike (AA8K) brought us up to date on the progress of the 32 repeater. Frequency pairs are being applied for and the location has been established. Mike also passed around a coverage map of various local repeaters at the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS: Field day
FIELD DAY: We have begun serious discussion about this year's event. So far we have decided to erect 2 towers and various antennas. We intend to use generated power, with gasoline provided by the American Red Cross. Jim (N8LUV) and Dave (N8PXF) also intend to set up a solar powered QRP station for the event. Andrew (KC8SPD) and Russ (KD8FRE) are planning to set up and provide the equipment for a computer network to be used to log our contacts and submit the results to the ARRL.
Food for the event was also brought up. We have decided to have another pot luck dinner for the Saturday dinner. Please be ready to reveal your intended dish to pass at the June meeting. N8MIC has offered to bring his large grill. Edgar is looking into fire wood.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: none reported
MOTION TO ADJOURN:by Edgar (KC8VLV) seconded by Jim (N8LUV)
ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:
The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pm on the 147.300 K8DD 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 9:30pmon 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.
May 11th The Sky Warn meeting is scheduled with an expected appearance of the St Clair County dive team.