ARCARS

September 2007

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order on September 9, 2007 with 15 members and guests present.

MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES: of the August meeting approved by Edgar (KC8VLV), seconded by Karen (KC8NNZ), approved.

TREASURES REPORT: Our treasure was not available for this meeting.

DISASTER REPORT: There was a reported excessive flaring incident in Chemical Valley. There were two reported fires that the Red Cross responded to since last meeting. There were no disasters reported that required the call out of amateur radio assistance.

NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) continues to do a great job with the weekly net. He reported that net participation has varied from a low of five check-ins to a high of 13. Ed has expressed interest to bring the Traders Net back. Please make note to join in Tuesday evenings at 8pm, on 146.800MHz.

SPECIAL EVENTS: none reported at this meeting.

CLUB STATION: Everything is working well. One of our mobile stand by 2 meter radios have been put in service on the operators desk for voice transmissions.

NEWSLETTER: Mark (N8EGJ) continues to make improvements on the ARCARS websites Our newsletter and web page is available at www.qsl.net/arcars and www.bandopening.com/arcars . . Mobile devices / cell phones can link up at: http://www.bandopening.com/arcars/mobile.wml . We have a wealth of information available on the website including the RSS feed.

CLUB PROJECT: There project to connect the command center radio to outside coax has not been completed yet.

OLD BUSINESS: The ICOM 706 has been returned to the club station. The Red Cross Banner that we used for Field Day is currently in Paul’s (KG8OU) communication trailer.

NEW BUSINESS: The election of officers will be held at the October 7^th meeting. Currently we have nominations for Program Manager (KC8SPD), Vice Program Manager (N8MIC), and Secretary (KB8OCG). Mark (N8EGJ) expressed interest in helping ARCARS move forward and to assist in its success. If you have any desire to run for any of these positions, please contact Edgar (KC8VLV) on the Tuesday evening nets at 8pm on 146.800MHz.

There is a SET (simulated emergency test) scheduled to be held on October 6^th. The test is expected to last about 3 hours. SET activity will take place on simplex frequencies instead of repeater frequencies.

The Blue Water Ramble is scheduled for October 7^th. Amateur radio operator assistance is needed. Contact Bob Herbert KB8WMW if you can assist.

DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Paul (KG8OU) and Jeri (KC8YRQ) made a trip to Idaho and set up a 20 meter schedule while traveling. Paul reported that HF conditions remained poor but successfully made contacts with (WD8DWR, K8JLB, and N8RAY) until he approached mid Montana. Then contacts were made using IRLP on the 72 machine.

Paul went on to mention that the radio was very useful in avoiding threatening weather. The National Weather Service was warning of impending dangerous weather and Paul used that information to stay ahead of the storms.

MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Andrew (KC8SPD) seconded by Jeri (KC8YRQ)

A carrot cake was enjoyed at the meeting to celebrate Jeri’s birthday.

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.

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