We had good turn out and an interesting meeting. Here are some of the highlights.
Ralph, N3KZS, reported that the repeater controller crashed - again. The cause remains shrouded in mystery and the controller has been returned to the manufacturer to unravel the mystery. Meanwhile, the repeater is operating with the back-up controller. It works well but we will have to get along without some of the neat bells and whistles we have become used to. Ralph also displayed the new audio processing card. All computer, all DSP, fits easily in a shirt pocket and replaces a large rack mounted piece of equipment. Neat stuff!
We were fortunate to have Robin, AA3SB, from BARC attend the meeting. Robin is the Chairwoman for the Greater Baltimore Hamboree and Computerfest. We reviewed and approved the contract for this year. Robin assured us that the coffee and donuts would arrive before we open and we assured her that we would take care of everything else at the Park-and-Ride Gate. All parties were thrilled with the arrangements.
This leaves us to actually do what we said we would do. Everyone at the meeting signed up for the dates and times they wanted to work and passes were distributed. We still need help at all times on both days. If you were not at the meeting, contact Charlie, W3CQB, with your preferences. Hint - 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. is the big rush. All of the details are on our
web site.
We also talked about field day. As you all know by now, we will be joining forces with BARC for a super field day. Details are still a little sketchy, but it looks like our contribution will be the VHF/UHF station and the satellite station. Bruce, N3LSY, will handle the satellite part. BARC has most of the equipment for the remainder. We need to get it set up and running. The field day page on our web site will get updated as the details get worked out. Mark your calendars now. If it is ham radio it will be at this field day!
The last item on the agenda was Bingo. We all realize that our club is no longer able to run the bingo game. The manpower required simply exceeds our capabilities. Yet we understand its importance to the Fire Company. We decided that we could supply almost half of the people if the Fire Company wants to run the game. And I am sure that they will. Meetings will be set up to discuss this with the Fire Company and see what can be worked out. The hospitality of the Fire Company to us was also noted. The use of the meeting room, carnival grounds, etc. is essential for us to continue our activities. Meanwhile be sure to clear your calendar for Bingo Week. This still is a lot of work for us to do.
Unanimously deciding that was enough business for evening, we enjoyed the refreshments and talking about all things Ham Radio.
Ham trivia: There are presently 668,163 licensed hams in the United States. The Tech/Tech Plus class being the largest. In the last 30 days all classes showed decreases - except Extra class which showed an increase. (From www.qrz.com)
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