ARCARS
May 2010
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on May 2, 2010 with 19 members and guests present.
MOTION: to accept the April minutes by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Victor (WD8DWR), approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported that our balance stands at $605.00.
DISASTER REPORT: The disaster team was called out for support at a structure fire. ARCARS was not called out in April.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported activity on the net remains light probably due to intermod interference issues currently plaguing the repeater.
SPECIAL EVENTS: On April 30th ARCARS participated in “Emergency Preparedness Day 2010” along with 77 departments in Sarnia Ontario. The newly lettered truck was on display at the event. A certificate of appreciation was presented to us for attending. Discussion was made regarding possible participation in a parade on May 5th commemorating the “International Emergency Response Day” in Strathroy, Ontario.
The Feast of the St Clair event slated for May 27th through the 29th still requires additional coverage. Four people are sought to provide communications for the event from 11pm to 6am on May 27th through the 29th.
CLUB STATION: The 146.800 (K8ARC) repeater is operational and working well. Some inter modulation interference issues have been observed. The pl tone of 100Hz on the input signal has been added. Work to correct the problems is still in progress.
NEWSLETTER: Mark informed us that he is updating some of the pages on the websites. They are located at www.qsl.net/arcars and www.bandopening.com/arcars . There is a wealth of information available on the website including the RSS feed. Mark (N8EGJ) encouraged everyone to visit the bulletins page to view new information and links that have been added.
CLUB PROJECT: Paul (KG8OU) fabricated and installed a table in the truck. The top section of the tower has been repaired. The di-pole hf antenna needs to be re-positioned.
OLD BUSINESS: The event at the Avoca Elementary School went well. A fundraiser was held there and the proceeds of $250 are intended to be donated to ARCARS.
NEW BUSINESS: Edgar (KC8VLV) requested that the old periodicals stored in the radio room be removed to make more room.
Positions need to be filled. We currently have openings for the following positions: Public Relations and Activities Director. An email is to be sent to the membership to recruit these positions.
Andrew (KC8SPD) mentioned that the board of directors has to approve any fundraising efforts. Monies are being sought to purchase a trailer to house and move radio and antenna support structures to the field. He went on to describe a 16’ trailer that should do nicely and is selling for $5000. We need to raise $3,500 to make the purchase.
FIELD DAY: This annual event is scheduled for June 26th & 27th. We will be able to camp on Thursday the 24th and set up will be commenced on Friday per ARRL rules. It has been decided that we will set up a CW station, SSB station and possibly another. Two towers will be available as well as generators. A potluck dinner is being planned for Saturday evening at 6pm. It is recommended to bring a dish to pass.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: The solar conditions continue to produce poor hf propagation. No notable contacts were reported at the meeting.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Mark (N8EGJ) and Edgar (KC8VLV), approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:
The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pm on the 146.800 K8ARC 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 6pm on 3.932 kHz (temporary time change from the customary 8pm slot)
The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.970 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.