The meeting was called to order with 15 members and guests present.

Motion: to accept the August minutes by Suzanne (KB8GFY), seconded by Rodger (KI8CL) accepted.

TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported that our balance is $1,248.05, but there have been some disbursements that have not appeared on the ledger yet. There tower costs that will deduct from the reported balance that will be disbursed to N8EGJ and KG8OU.

NET: Paul KG8OU reported that the net was well attended last week and activity has been increasing. It is important that all local amateurs everywhere support their local nets. Reports of the nets are being, and have been sent to the ARRL station KB8ZYY in Oscoda via regular radio traffic nets.

NEWSLETTER / WEBSITE: Updates have been made to the cover page of the newsletter indicating that Kip is the standing as the Public Relations representative. Mark (N8EGJ) has been adding new links to the web page (http://www.bignet.net/~arcars). We have an FTP link as well as links to the FCC and American Red Cross sites.

The tower has been set up and is ready for antennas. Ferguson Steel was contracted to punch holes into the steel plate to accommodate the tower on the cement foundation. We are anticipating to accommodate at least one antenna that is to be dedicated to the use of the American Red Cross, the exact frequency is unknown but is suspected to be in the VHF portion of the spectrum.

KG8OU reported that the main antenna should be for 2 Meters and the purchase of a commercial grade Hustler antenna should be made. We already have secured two rolls of 99-13 low loss cable to attach to the antennas. A 220Mhz antenna will also be required for packet communications in the event of emergency casualty communications. A quad antenna would likely do the job nicely in a fixed direction aimed at the VE3RUN system in Ontario. Special thanks is being sent out to Raymond Excavating for lifting into place our new antenna tower, with one of their cranes, at no cost to us.

MOTION to request funds from the Chapter of the American Red Cross for a 2 Meter antenna (expected cost of $150) by Dennis (KB8OCG), seconded by Suzanne (KB8GFY), and accepted. The document is to be drawn up by Dennis and presented to the Chapter.

CLUB STATION:
The club stations are working well. There are no problems to report with the packet station (KC8CXJ). There have been some improvements made to the 146.800 repeater, and it looks like it will be good for the winter weather without much additional attention.

Gene (NA8I) and Victor (WD8DWR) have spent great sums of money and time with the repeater to serve the area’s amateur community as well as emergency Red Cross preparedness. The repeater is owned by these two amateurs and has been serving our needs since we became of service to the American Red Cross. Insurance to cover the equipment was discussed and it has become apparent that we should entertain the idea of purchasing insurance to cover this equipment in case of any loss. NA8I will be looking into the ARRL equipment insurance program and is to report back to the club by the next meeting.

 OLD BUSINESS:

There was no discussion about any old business that this meeting.

JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) was reported as a big success. Several members attended the event to assure that it was well represented. Numerous contacts were made while boy scouts (as well as some young female attendees) were at the microphone and made this a grand event for all. Indications were made that we may attend other scouting events when we are invited.

The 147.300 repeater is temporally off the air due to technical problems. The Mid Michigan Traffic Net is looking to the ARCARS repeater for a temporary home until the 300 machine is operational again. Gene (NA8I) will be contacting Mike (KC8FXF) regarding the usage needs and schedules.

Motion to Adjourn: by Suzanne, and seconded by Hank (K8DD), approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Friends of Marconi group meets every Friday at 11:30 am at My Place
Restaurant in downtown Port Huron. Everyone is welcome to attend.
See the web page http://www.tir.com/~kb8wwe.