ARCARS
November 2009
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on November 1, 2009 with 16 members and guests present.
MOTION: to accept the September minutes by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Edgar (KC8VLV), approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Our last reported balance stood at $484.00.
DISASTER REPORT: ARCARS were not called out for assistance in October. There was a reported devils night structure fire in Grant Twp, that is under investigation. Local Hazmat teams were dispatched to respond to a truck accident resulting in a substantial fuel spill.
The CVECO codes were mentioned by Edgar. He recommended that you visit the web site http://caer.ca/cveco.asp. The scanner frequency is 159.120MHz. There is a test held at 7am local time daily. The purpose of this service is to allert the population to a chemical spill or release that could be harmful.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that participation has been good. The upcoming topic will be generator safety. Supporting information has been emailed by Mike (AA8K).
SPECIAL EVENTS: On November 17th from 15:00 to 23:00 UTC there will be a special event station commemorating the NRA on most bands.
CLUB STATION: Andrew (KC8SPD) reported that the146.800 is in excellent working condition. The output power has been increased to 100 watts effective radiated power. The club station suffered some flooding due to a fuse failure operating the sump pump. Recommendations were made to move all batteries, power strips, and charging equipment to be moved up off the floor.
NEWSLETTER: Our newsletter and web page is 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: There are enhancements planned for the 146.800MHz repeater. Paul (KG8OU) has taken measurements for the truck bench project, and construction will resume soon. Paul also made repairs to the “TNT” beam that is used for field events. Andrew mentioned that he has shelving that will be used in the radio room, as some of the file cabinets are to be moved to the truck.
OLD BUSINESS: None reported
NEW BUSINESS: Andrew reported that a technician class will begin after the first of the year. The class traditionally runs about 5 weeks, 1 night a week, for about 2 ½ hours. The cost of the class is $35 and includes the book as well as a pizza party at the last session. There will be a VE exam after the last class. VE exam fees are currently $15.
Jim (N8LUV) offered to host a QRP kit building project that could be done after an upcoming meeting. Please let him know at the December meeting if you would like to participate in this project.
A decision was made to move the January meeting to the second Sunday, due to the Holiday weekend.
CHRISTMAS PARTY: The December meeting will be held Sunday, December 6th . No official business is being planned for that meeting. We will meet at 6pm to enjoy food and companionship. Please bring a dish to pass. Please contact Andrew kc8spd@comcast.net if you were absent at the November meeting as he is orchestrating this event and can make recommendations for food to bring. So far Jerrie (KC8YRQ) intends to bring a meat dish, Jim is bringing pie, Andrew is bringing soda, Edgar is bringing a cheese and meat tray, Dennis is bringing cranberries, and Dave is bringing fresh fruit.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Tom (W8TRC) reported that he worked France and El Salvidor recently. He provided a solar report. The Solar flux has been 80 to 82 lately with sun spots being observed. Last week 15M was alive. Information is available at www.solarcycle24.com
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Angela (KD8HMS) seconded by Dan (KD8CFF)
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 8pm on 3.932 kHz
The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.970 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.
Frequencies digipeaters at Belle River K8MCS
Packet frequencies are: 144.95, 223.4 and 430.55.
FM voice is 147.32+ PL 131.8Hz