ARCARS

October 2008

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order on October 5, 2008 with 19 members and guests present.

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

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

DISASTER REPORT: There were no call outs that required amateur radio assistance last month. There was a mock disaster exercise held in Sarnia that involved HazMat units responding to the CN rail yards.

NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that net participation has been steady with 8 to 12 amateurs checking in. He made note that we have six new amateurs in the area. Please make note to join in Tuesday evenings at 8pm, on 146.800MHz.

SPECIAL EVENTS: The USECA Swap is scheduled for Sunday October 26, 2008. More info available at www.usecaarc.com/

CLUB STATION: Gene (NA8I) is restoring the power supply for the 220MHz packet station. The transformer appears to have a short circuit.

NEWSLETTER: Mark mentioned that the server for the bandopening.com site has a problem and will likely be replaced soon. Our newsletter and web pages are available at www.qsl.net/arcars, www.bandopening.org/arcars.  Andrew has established a couple of sites that contain additional, related information. Be sure to visit www.arcars.org (still under construction) and www.sccradioclass.org. 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: The 146.800MHz ARCARS repeater had been serviced to restore full service. The tube repeater will likely be returned to service once repairs are complete.

OLD BUSINESS: The amateur community came out to support the annual Blue Water Ramble bicycle race. This year's event saw 1,020 cyclists. There were photos circulated at the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS: We had a conversation regarding club events. Mark (N8KPV) suggested that we include support for the Farm Museum event to the schedule. The event is held the 4^th weekend in August. Other events mentioned included; Field Day, the 4H Fair, and Operation Care.

Andrew announced plans to produce an amateur radio calender. The project would include photos of amateur radio related activities and would include dates of events including swaps and radio operating events. The group discussion ended with the consensus to find better pricing or donations to cover the project. The proceeds generated from the sale of the calenders would go to supporting amateur events locally.

Jim (N8LUV) made recommendation that we host more activities at the meetings. The sentiment was that activities would encourage additional attendance. Some suggestions included; disaster training that would include our involvement, traffic handling, and equipment projects.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS: The election was held with the following members holding the offices: Program Manager Andrew Wagner (KC8SPD), Vice Program Manager Russ Long KD8FRE, Secretary Dennis Jackson KB8OCG, and Treasurer Suzanne Pallett KB8GFY. There will be appointments for various positions by the administration to follow. Our departing Vice Program Manager gave a brief speech of encouragement. Mark will continue to support with his services to the newsletter and web sites.

DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Conditions on HF continue to be poor with little reported dx spottings on the HF bands.

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.

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.

Swap List provided by Frank, VE3FBH