February 13, 2003               attendance   19

The February meeting began with what is always one of our most popular events. 
Ed Krome, K9EK gave a very informative and entertaining presentation on amateur
satellite communications.  Mr. Krome has had articles published nationally and
has spoken at the Dayton Hamfest.  He has homebuilt many antennas and devices
necessary for satellite communications. He has even had the opportunity to work
hands on during the assembly of an amateur satellite.
We wish him our biggest thanks for sharing his expertise.

The meeting was led by the club president, Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL.  Joe thanked
Mike Riley, N9LTT, for chairing the organization of the recent licensing
classes.  Thanks were also given to the group who met to fold, glue, and stamp
the hamfest flyers.

Steve Low, KB9QFT, gave the secretaries report for last month's meeting. 
Lois Winterberg gave the treasurer's report.  The door prize for the Columbus
Hamfest, Saturday April 12, 2003 (8am-2pm) has been purchased, a Kenwood
TM-G707A 2meter/440 Mobile.

A flyer for the Annual Tornado Test was passed out.  This is a statewide test to
be conducted Wednesday March 5, 2003 between 2-2:30pm and 7-7:30pm.  The test
warnings will not be preceded by a Tornado Watch.  Should severe weather be a
threat, the test will be held the next day.   Listen for the Amateur Radio
Severe Weather Net to be activated.

Mike Riley has some equipment from Columbus North High School approved for
donation to the club for sale at the 2003 Hamfest.

There was some discussion of a new 'F' designation for Field Day.  The 'F'
designation is assigned to operations held at a normally established emergency
facility (i.e. EOC, Red Cross).  This is to broaden our visibility as a service
organization.  It was suggested that we consider holding two field day sites,
our traditional one and an 'F' designation site which could be manned in a
rotating manner by perhaps one or two operators.  No decision was made.  Please
think about this for next meeting.

 Alvin Koffman, KA9QLQ, still has had no contact with Parks & Rec about a
possible Field Day site.  Allan Wiseman, KC9BOA, has informally spoken with Park
Security, who seems to think this would not be a problem (with some concern for
generator noise - if held at a site at which houses are nearby.)  Allan also
told that McAllister Equipment will loan us an 80-100 feet aerial lift for the
day!
 Discussion was held about some Field Day concerns, including our ability to man
two sites.

 Mike Riley related that ARRL School Club Roundup had been taking place
throughout this week.  A Monday-Friday event with a total on-the-air time of
24hours maximum allowed.  CNHS had made some 60+ contacts as of this night. 
Mike could use some help manning the radios with the students tomorrow, Feb. 14.  
Allan Wiseman volunteered enthusiastically.

Scotty, KB9WCQ, announced that Ed Woods, WD9DVA, will be giving a presentation
on MARS at this Saturday, Feb. 15th am, at the Franklin EOC.

Marion Winterberg, WD9HTN,  told that Hamfest flyers will be in the mail about
six weeks prior to the event.

March 16 :    Toledo Hamfest and Computer Fair.

Net Control for March 2003,   Joe LaFauci,  KA9OPL

adjourned   9:52pm