Meeting: Called to order by President Brian at 7:30 P.M. with 16 people present.
Club web site review: the group met and discussed the current site. The consensus was that the current content and basic format are fine. We will check the accuracy of local data, particularly club roster and local agency information. We will post monthly club meeting minutes. We are considering changing the location of the web site, as we are not currently receiving timely response from the current host. Lois pointed out that we have recently sent a $50 contribution to the current owner. We all agreed that he has provided a great service to hams for a long time. When we do make a change, we will likely obtain our own domain.
Hamfest: Preparations are well under way. Brochures are almost ready. Some of our regular vendors have begun making their reservations. The hamfest will take place on March 29, 2008. We will have VE testing once again this year. The tickets are ready.
Ham class: This is still under discussion. No major action has been taken.
Roster: Please inform Lois (KA9IOS) of any changes/corrections to your information.
Antenna Analyzer: Marion (WD9HTN) prepared a page to be used by people when checking out the club’s
MFJ-269 Antenna Analyzer.
Discussion followed, with some refinements recommended.
It was emphasized that this is a precision instrument which must be handled properly to avoid damage. Refer to
the link above for details and to download the Owner’s Manual.
We also discussed a strategy for providing training in the use of the instrument and a means of verifying that
noone can check the unit out without having gone through the material.
Our current plan is to present the training periodically at a club meeting.
We will announce the timing of the sessions in the club newsletter, emphasizing that you must attend a session
before being permitted to check the unit out.
Tower Trailer: The license will expire at the end of January. Marion (WD9HTN) made a motion that we authorize our treasurer to pay for renewal. The motion was seconded by Gary (KD9SB) and the motion carried.
RACES: Jim (N9KVX) announced that there will be a state drill on January 19, 2008, beginning at 9:00 A.M.
He recommended that we hold a local net at 8:30 A.M. on our repeater in preparation.
Scotty (KB9WCQ) will serve as Net Control for the local net.
In addition, there will be a multi-state drill sometime in the spring.
There is also some re-structuring taking place in our State RACES. District teams are being formed. We are in
“District 8”, which includes the following counties:
Bartholomew, Jackson, Monroe, Brown and Lawrence.
Rick Nicholson (N9UMJ) is leading our district.
Advanced Skywarn Training: There will be a full day session held on March 1, 2008 in Greenwood.
Silent Key: Anna Arnholt-Taylor (K9RXK) passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2008. Lois (KA9IOS) made a motion that we donate $50 to “Volunteers In Medicine” in Anna’s memory. She had been active in that group and was a fine ham and member of our club for many years. Joe (KA9OPL) seconded the motion and it carried. Anna will be missed.
Club Patch: David LaTouche asked if the club logo is available as a patch which can be worn on hats, vests, etc. Discussion followed and apparently there was one at one time. The group agreed that this would be a good idea. Marion and Lois will investigate.
Net Control: Stahr (WD9UFO) volunteered to serve as Net Control for February.
2008 Club Officers: President, Brian (KC9JZS); Vice-President, Scotty (KB9WCQ); Secretary, Joe (KA9OPL); Treasurer, Lois (KA9IOS); Directors, Marion (WD9HTN) and Gary (KD9SB).
Club Activities: Brian (KC9JZS) introduced the idea of having a group of club members work on a project where they would build a QRP transceiver. Joe (KA9OPL) offered to help teach Morse Code to anyone interested. We are considering the MFJ-9340K Cub Kit. The ARRL sells these kits as a package along with a QRP book. Visit the ARRL web site for details.
Experimenter’s Net: Brian also suggested the idea of a net to practice emergency procedures and to experiment with some of the new modes being utilized in Amateur Radio. This will be done with RACES activities in mind, but will be open to all local hams. We can also participate together in some of the ARRL contests which take place throughout the year. We are currently involved in Field Day, but have not previously worked on other contests, at least as a club. We can utilize the EOC for this purpose.