Meeting Minutes

October 9, 2003

Meeting location: Mr. Gatti’s on Hwy 620

Call to order: 6:06 p.m.

Secretary’s report:  The minutes of the September meeting were posted on the web site and hard copies were available at the meeting.  Tom Nevue moved to accept the minutes as written, Vasil Georgeff seconded and the group unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s report:  Tom Nevue presented the treasurer’s report.  Income was from the annual 3M Club subsidy and membership dues from a new member, Tom Becker, N0RTF.  Expenses were for the purchase of tower climbing gear.  Dick Taylor moved to accept, Dan Cronch seconded and the motion carried.

Old Business

220 Repeater Project:  Tom Nevue and John Benedict have remedied the undesirable buzzing sound.  The 220 Repeater Project now transmits and is hearing something – but does not re-transmit what it hears!  Tom and John are making very steady engineering steps on the project during lunch hour working sessions.

Climbing harness:  The club has acquired a climbing harness and related equipment.  We can now climb the tower, but we must follow the safety procedures required by 3M.

Holiday Party:  Dan Cronch said that the 3M Club Golf League banquet was held at the Texas Land & Cattle Company restaurant at Lakeline, which has private rooms for groups.  However, the cost for dinner (choice of ribeye steak, smoked sirloin, chicken or trout) with salad, potato, bread and soft drink was about $26 including tax and gratuity.  Some club members thought that it was too expensive for the club party.  Dick Taylor recommended the Hill Country Pasta House, which also has a private room for groups.  Dan Reisem appreciated the suggestions and will continue to look for a suitable venue.

New Business

Nominations for 2004 Club Officer’s:  The floor was opened for nominations, but none were put forward.  All of the club officers indicated that they would be willing to serve another term in their present positions if needed, but the current board will also serve as the nominating committee to recruit volunteers and put forward a slate of candidates at the November meeting.  If you would be willing to serve as an officer or would like to nominate someone, contact a club officer (Dan Cronch, Tome Nevue, Dick Taylor or Dan Reisem) before the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m., so moved by Elmont Hollingsworth and seconded by John Benedict.

Program

Transmitter Hunting: A presentation by Mitch Lunden (KD5HCV, VP of the AARC) on how to build inexpensive and effective transmitter hunt equipment.  Mitch explained the type of equipment needed and how to make useful, inexpensive attenuators and antennas.  He compared this homebrew equipment to commercially available equipment.  For anyone wishing to participate in a FOX Hunt, the ARO has an organized night hunt monthly and an informal day hunt.occasionally.