7-10-2003 Willow Crossing 7:30pm attendance 16 Round table introductions Phil Dimpelfeld representing the Columbus Bicycle Club presented a very special thank you to the club for their support during the recent Honeysuckle Hundred bicycle ride. A special plaque was presented to Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL, club president. Certificates of appreciation were also given to several individuals for their roles including: Alvin Koffman, KA9QLQ Marion Winterberg, WD9HTN Carl Hooker, KC9DGE Mike Riley, N9LTT Edwin "Scotty" Scott, KB9WCQ Lois Winterberg, KA9IOS Terry Payne, KB9SRE Sara Bartlett, KA9WBG Luke Lanham, KB9WIH Rick Harris, KC9DKY Tim Barr, KC9EID Wayne Brooks, N9MUS Jim Anderson, N9KVX Noel Taylor, N9CJT There were 259 registered riders, including six “no shows”. Steve Low, KB9QFT, read the secretary’s minutes for the June meeting. Lois Winterberg gave the treasurer’s report. Lois also presented a card of thanks from the family of Nona Anderson, mother of Jim Anderson. The club made a donation in her memory to the Ruth Lilly Hospice. Lois asked for approval to pay the insurance bill. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to that effect. Honeysuckle comments and reports: A rider/ham from Danville, IL acted as temporary net control when Lois Winterberg helped jump start Alvin’s van. He had voiced his thanks for the job the club did and was thrilled to help out. Mike Riley had a chance to promote amateur radio in a conversation in which cell phones were being discussed as communications enough for ride support. Mike pointed out the limitations of cell coverage and the advantages of radio communications in this and emergency situations. Charlie Zaharako restated to Mike his desire for the club’s support in 2004 for the Tandem Tour in Columbus. Field Day comments and reports: Joe praised his F.D. experience and thanked all those who participated. Mike gave official report to the club: CW QSO’s 103 Digital QSO’s 9 Phone QSO’s 203 Our claimed score with multipliers and total bonus points was 1754. Mike will make certificates of appreciation for the Parks & Rec department for allowing us the use of Mill Race Park and waiving the fee for the shelter. A certificate and photos will also be given to McAllister Equipment Company for their generous donation of the use of a sixty foot high lift for the weekend, an excellent antenna tower! --- Marion reported that the notch filter which was recently purchased and installed is effective in blocking inputs outside the amateur VHF band but does not reject the 146.205 input frequency of the Batesville machine. Apparently no such narrow discrimination filter is available. Burt Baltus, N9LQP, said that would be handled by the planned implementation of the 100 kHz input tone. There is still no progress on getting this to work properly. Marion mentioned a temporary backup repeater which is still available for setup in the event of the failure of our regular machine. The last time it was brought out it did not operate properly. He suggests it needs to be returned to the manufacturer for repair at some time. No action was taken. Discussion of our officially designated backup frequency in emergency situations in case of repeater failure, 146.490 simplex. Wayne told that in the upcoming ARES/RACES meeting this will be a planned topic of conversation in which he foresees the recommendation that the backup be 146.790 simplex. This would be an attempt to make finding our emergency communications easier for those outside the “circle of knowledge” of our “490” use. There was some discussion of National band plan guidelines, frequency coordinator considerations, and legalities in emergency situations. Mike gave an update on the amateur radio plans at the Columbus North High School, including the 440 repeater. An estimate of approximately $1600 has been obtained for the installation of the antennas on roof mounted tripods. One thousand dollars of which will be funded by CNHS. Other sources of funding are being explored. At a later date Mike may ask for financial support from the club for any shortfall and for expenses of ongoing upkeep of the site. Manpower may also be needed for installation and maintenance. Radio Shack has recently had a dual band HT on sale for approx. $150. Joe and Mike are both playing with their new toys. --- Net control for August: Wayne Brooks, N9MUS; backup will be Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL --- Upcoming events: The Indianapolis Communications and Technology Expo is this Saturday, July 12. Indy Hamfest website The local ARES/RACES meeting will be held Saturday August 2nd at the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) 9a.m. On the agenda will be the establishment of written agreements and procedures with county government. The Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society Hamfest is Sunday, August 10. Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society For Sale: Joe LaFauci has contact who is wishing to sell a new Alinco DX70TH, retailing for approx. $740. Will consider reasonable offer. Meeting dismissed at 8:56pm