ARCARS

November 2008

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order on November 2, 2008 with 21 members and guests present.

MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES: of the October meeting approved by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Edgar (KC8VLV), approved.

TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported that our balance remains at $184.00

DISASTER REPORT: There were no call outs that required amateur radio assistance last month. Overall emergency call out was light last month.

NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that net participation has been steady with 9 to 10 amateurs checking in. The net has temporarily moved to 147.570MHz simplex while improvements are being made to the 146.800MHz repeater. Attendance has been good even without the repeater. This development has demonstrated how efficient simplex can be in the event that machines are not usable. Please make note to join in Tuesday evenings at 8pm, on 147.570MHz.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Mike (N8MIC) reported that there are some special events scheduled on amateur radio for November. Among local interest is an Edmond Fitzgerald memorial station scheduled for November 7^th through the 9^th. There are quite a few Veterans Day events scheduled as well as the Marine Corps birthday station to be held on the USS Midway. The details are available on the ARRL website.

CLUB STATION: Gene (NA8I) is making updates to the NA8I repeater. He is installing a battery backup system and improvements that will regulate transmitter output. It is possible that when it is put back in service that the machines call will be changed to the club call.

NEWSLETTER: Mark (N8EGJ) reported that he club officer information has been updated on the web page. He also plans to add the back up simplex frequency to the web page. Our newsletter and web pages are available at www.qsl.net/arcars, www.bandopening.org/arcars. If you have any information you would like posted on the website, contact Mark (N8EGJ). We have a wealth of archived information available on the website as well as on the RSS feed.

CLUB PROJECT: In preparation to make the physical improvements to the radio room, cleaning has been under way. Some of the older unused radio gear needs to be removed. The club banner as well as the tactical information cork board has been moved to the truck. Andrew (KC8SPD) announced that efforts to secure a trailer to transport equipment behind the truck are underway. The renovation project will involve the removal of a wall to enlarge the area to accommodate one large bench for radio operations to help coordinate emergency efforts of the American Red Cross chapter.

OLD BUSINESS: The Christmas party is planned for the December meeting. The meeting will begin at 7pm with dinner planned at 7:30. A dish to pass is appropriate. Some members committed to specific items.

NEW BUSINESS: Our friends in the Sarnia area have offered the use of the 145.370MHz VE3SAR repeater while ours is out of commission. Edgar made arrangements to use the machine during the net scheduled for Veterans Day.

DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: N8EGJ reported working KI8CL on 40M. There was a report of hearing Croatia on 40M with a big pileup, sporadic openings on 10M and 2M was open with distant repeaters being heard. The overall conditions on HF continue to be poor.

ACTIVITIES: We had a presentation by Claudette Smith (KD8HMR) about working with search and rescue dogs in the field. She emphasized the value of working with amateur radio operators as an enhancement to the efforts of the animal handlers. The radio operator is valuable for navigation and communication.

FUTURE PLANNED ACTIVITIES: A generator building project for December, and software assisted radio operations for January.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Jerri (KC8YRQ)

ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:

The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pm on the 146.800 NA8I repeater. (temporarily 147.570MHz simplex)

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.

The ARPS Nets are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 8:30pm on 147.300MHz

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.

provided by Frank, VE3FBH