September 11, 2003 Willow Crossing Attendance 14

Joe LaFauci, KA9OPL, club president began the month’s meeting with a round table introduction.

In attendance was Sarah Cummings, KB9QFQ. Sarah has in recent years been away serving in the Marine Corps. http://marines.com/

Steve Low, KB9QFT, read the minutes of last month’s meeting.

Lois Winterberg, KA9IOS, gave the treasurer’s report.

Lois read a letter of thanks from the Columbus Bicycle Club. They were appreciative of our assistance during the Honeysuckle Hundred. They included a donation to the club of $150.00

Thanks from the Columbus Bicycle Club Honeysuckle Hundred Bicycle Ride

Joe praised our recent on the air nets, held each Tuesday at 8:30pm, for the inclusion of procedural and emergency training exercises.

Some discussion concerning holding ham classes again this fall/winter as was done last year at Columbus North High School. No action was taken.

Mike Riley, N9LTT, gave an update on the ham shack installation at CNHS. Recent evaluation of the donated 440 repeater concluded that it was unserviceable due partly to age (circa mid 70’s).

Two commercial radios, duplexers, and other necessary equipment have been donated to take its place. A computer interface will be included utilizing IRLP; which will allow long range, on the air communications. IRLP does NOT allow you to transmit from your computer as EchoLink does. For more information visit IRLP - Internet Radio Linking Project

No frequency for the 440 repeater has yet been chosen or assigned. No dates could be given for the installation.

Alvin Koffman, KA9QLQ, told that Willow Crossing anticipates more carpet replacement. Alvin will try to secure the Parkside Baptist Church as an alternate location for our meeting. Mike will also check with CNHS. Listen to weekly nets, subscribe to our email group (Yahoo! Groups : CARC79), or watch the website for short notice changes.

Steve Low, KB9QFT, made the motion that the club “forward” the $150 donation received from the Columbus Bicycle Club to the local Cheer Fund. Columbus, Indiana - Fire Department

Discussion, Passed.

Marion Winterberg, WD9HTN, asked that the club set the date for the 2004 hamfest. The weekend of March 26-27 is available and was recommended. Discussion. The date was agreed upon and Marion will reserve the fairgrounds site with the required deposit.

Marion has served as director for many of our past hamfests and deserves a break. We are looking for someone to take over the responsibilities. Marion offers to continue as a consultant and will maintain the mailing list.

Marion had received a complimentary ticket to the Hoosier Hills Hamfest in Bedford Indiana, October 5. Hoosier Hills Hamfest 2003. Winner of the drawing for the ticket was Keith Jordan, N9UTJ.

Net Control Operators are: October - Noel Taylor, N9CJT (volunteer)

November- Keith Jordan, N9UTJ (volunteer)

December- Sarah Bartlett, KA9WBG (draftee)

Noel had brought to the meeting a hodge podge of ham related items belonging to Bill Witt, K6WGW, for the rummaging. Items could be purchased for a minimal offer.

The meeting adjourned for snacks and socializing. Mike Riley had a demo setup  for AUTOMATIC PACKET/POSITION REPORTING SYSTEM (APRS).
 
A place to learn more about how to start with APRS is Tri-State APRS.