FLORIDA KEYS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB, KB4GCZ           April 2001 Page 2

The March 7, 2001 meeting was called to order by President Dean Nickless, W4WHN, in the Marathon Library at 7:33 p.m.  There were 17 members and 2 guests present.

Minutes from the February 7, 2001 meeting were approved as read.  The treasurer's report was approved as read.

OLD BUSINESS:

Dean, W4WHN, described how he hid the Fox at the Blue Hold on Big Pine, and Barry, K4MG, talked about the difficulties of finding a 25' high transmitter when stand under it with a directional beam.  Full details are in the last newsletter.

The 7 Mile Bridge Run, to be held on April 21 was discussed by Bill Marsh, K9SGH.  At the moment, he has all the volunteers he needs.

Chuck Grey, ND7K, discussed the new Marathon repeater, on 147.105+.  It is a Hamtronics REP200, 20 watt unit, with a Waycomm duplexer, costing around $2400.  Chuck is looking for additional donations of $100 to fund it.  There were 6 donations the first day, with a total of 17 now in, so still are short.  The repeater will be on Chuck's property, with the antenna, mast and feed line provided by Chuck.  Chuck made a motion that the Club donates $100 or more.  A donation of $300 by the Club would give the Club some extra privileges.  After much discussion, a vote approving Chuck's motion was taken and approved with 11 ayes, and Dean directed that the 

matter of increasing the donation for $100 to $300 would be brought before the board.

Bill, K9SGH, reported that exams were held this morning with 4 attendees: 1 upgrade to General, 1 new Technician, and two passing the General written element, but not passing the code.  There will be exams on April 4th at Bill's house by appointment.  This is probably the last exam session until the fall.

NEW BUSINESS:

Field Day 2001 to be held 6/23 and 24 at Blue Heron Park, has run into a problem.  The park has advised that there was a complaint from last year's Field Day about all night operation and noise.  The complaint came in on Friday, before we had started to operate, and we didn't operate all night!  Dean, W4WHN, will attend the 3/13 Blue Heron Board meeting to discuss.  Alternate locations were suggested, such as the new Marathon City Park, Pigeon Key, and Bahia Honda.  Another idea brought up was operating on an island reachable only by boat, which doubles the points.

A new member, Lynne Brown, KG4LYC, joined the Club.

The 50/50 of $9 to the Club, $9 to KC8CII, who donated it back to the Club.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.