Secretary’s Report

The secretary, Jim Jaworowicz, read minutes from the meeting of December 10, 2005. A motion to accept the report was made and approved.

Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

• Omitted from website per ByLaws

Technical Report:
Presented by Frank Schmidt

• A defective diode in the TX PA was replaced to implement the repair of the auxiliary transmitter
  
• After the replacement of all batteries in the remote receiver sites, there was a surplus of two batteries, which are now for sale.
  
• The Aeroflex 2975 has developed a problem with its display and will be returned to the factory for warrantee repairs. Aeroflex is now offering some hardware upgrades as well.
  
• Frank has placed a wattmeter on lay-away and would like the money approved to make the purchase. The cost is $69.95.

A motion to accept the Technical report was made and approved.
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Old Business

Consisted of a lengthy and involved group discussion about means of more income for the LARC. Many aspects and technicalities of raffles and drawings were discussed.

Frank asked for suggestions for additional pictures for his Power Point presentation. Some discussion regarding the most effective method of advertising a 50-50 raffle followed.

Doug asked that Al apply for licenses for three 50-50 raffles for upcoming swaps.
The discussion ended asking all for firm ideas and more details by the next meeting.

New Business

Al introduced Nick, one of his students. Nick had just passed the Amateur Extra exam. Nick received applauds and congratulations from all.

.Doug brought up the possibility of increasing the money used for prizes at the New Ham dinner.

Chuck announced a list of upcoming Amateur Radio related events.
IRA Swap will be on June 3, 2006
Marshall March 18,2006Many were listed on www.kcraces.net.

Al thanked Frank and Jim for their work in resolving a problem with the Argyl repeater.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and approved.

The meeting adjourned at 11:10 AM

Ken has done some insurance company shopping and has found that Hartford can provide the same coverage as our present company (Citizens). The Hartford agent is Crosbey & Henry.

Ken reported a correction in the account balance from the previous meeting.

Doug proposed that a vote be taken to decide weather or not to purchase the new Hartford insurance. Jack injected that it is important that Citizens Insurance be notified of our cancellation. The vote to purchase the Hartford insurance was unanimous.

• Financial Information Omitted from website per ByLaws

The secretary, Jim Jaworowicz, read minutes from the meeting of December 10, 2005. A motion to accept the report was made and approved.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• 1. An output power test performed with the newly purchased wattmeter revealed that the Henry TX amplifier has developed yet another problem. Subsequently, the amplifier has been returned to the factory. To date, no report has been received from Henry. In the interim, the standby 150 watt amp has been placed in service.
• 2. After the 150 watt amp was installed, during a net, the repeater transmitter’s power began to fluctuate and spur on an IRA link frequency. Frank discovered that the exciter was the problem and followed procedure by replacing it with the auxiliary transmitter. Later, the auxiliary transmitter’s power began to fluctuate and dropped below the minimum level required by the 150 watt amplifier. After today’s meeting Frank intends to see what can be done to correct the problem.
• 3. The Aeroflex 2975 service monitor has been received from factory repair. Aeroflex service could not duplicate the display problem so they upgraded the firmware and returned the unit. The display problem is now worse than ever. Aeroflex has offered free shipping for its second return. Frank will ship it in a day or two.

A motion to accept the Technical report was made and approved.
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Old Business

Doug has purchased prizes for the new ham dinner.

New Business

Ken: Announced that the LARC net has been on the air for one year. Topics and duration of the net were also discussed.

The Flat River net is Tuesday evenings at 7:00. The frequency is 146.58

To insure that dinner is paid for by the organization Doug asked that all new hams meet up front by 6:00PM. They should also bring a copy of their Amateur Radio license.
At the dinner, everyone will introduce them selves.

Announcements:

Jack: Thursday, March 2nd.at 7:00 PM Skywarn training will be held at the Grandville High school on Wilson Ave.

On March 11, 2006 from 8:00AM to 4:00 PM at the Red Cross building, a crash Amateur radio licensing course will be held. VE exams will be given immediately after the class. If you intend to attend either of these functions, please go to www.kcraces.net and sign up.

Help is needed with the river bank run, Saturday, May 13.

Doug: In order to avoid conflict with the River Bank Run, the May LARC meeting will be changed to May 6th.

Dave Timmick KB8SYQ will be married on May 6th.

The New Hams Dinner will be at 6:00 PM, Saturday February 18th at the Old Country Buffet.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and approved.

The meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM.

Meeting Date: 3/11/2006
Start 10:00AM
Ended 10:50AM
In attendance: 9

Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

• Financial Information Omitted from website per ByLaws
• The liability insurance premium will be due next month.

A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made and approved.

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Secretary’s Report

• The secretary, Jim Jaworowicz, read minutes from the meeting of Feb. 11, 2006. 

A motion to accept the report was made and approved.

 ______________________________________________________________________

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• Found auxiliary transmitter folding back.  Andy Felde donated two VHF GM300 radios which were put in place of the defective radios.
• The Aeroflex service monitor has been received from repair and works well.
• During the recent power failure caused by the ice storm, the battery backup system ran non-stop for four days in Morley.
• Henry Radio is still working on the repair of the transmit amplifier.
• The web mail address may be locking up because of large amounts of spam.  Frank is working on the problem.

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Old Business

• Ken, mentioned that the old insurance policy has been canceled and that a new insurance policy from Hartford is now effective. A small refund should be forthcoming.
  

New Business

• Ken has been running the Sunday night NET for 13 months and would like to pass the baton. Al Eckman accepted the task. The NET format will be posted on the web site.
• Al brought up the Marshall 50–50 raffle issue. After some discussion, the decision was made to forgo Marshall and to have the paperwork ready for the next Hamfest.
• Frank brought up the need for a club banner at future Hamfests. Jim offered a scrolling marquee for Marshall.
• Fund raising ideas such as coffee mugs and T shirts were discussed. Al will look into the logistics of those ideas.

For the benefit of new attendees, everyone present introduced themselves.

A motion to adjourn was proposed and passed. The meeting adorned at 10:50 AM

Meeting Date: 4/8/2006
Start 10:05 AM
Ended 11:09 AM
In attendance: 9

Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

• March Balance: Available at Meetings
• Mash Expenses: Available at Meetings
• March Donations: Available at Meetings
• Balance Today: Available at Meetings
• The GRARA, MARA and LARC clubs need to balance the books on New Ham Dinner expenses.
• Ken has received an outdated check for the amount of $25.00.
  

A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made and approved.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• Frank made a short dissertation on his thoughts about the purchase of a replacement transmit amplifier for the 145.27 repeater and it’s power supply. Some group discussion followed. Henry Radio has not yet re-imbursed the LARC. The subject was tabled.

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Old Business

• Al had done the research on “T” shirts and coffee cups, possibly to be used as fund raisers. Al asked that anyone interested should email him or the LARC.net.
• Doug brought up the subject of New ham Dinner costs, especially the cost of the door prizes. Some effort will be made to contact local clubs that have agreed to share the cost of the dinner. The group discussed the matter at length. Al mentioned that all expenses should be tabulated then, simply divided by three. Ken (the LARC Treasurer) reported that the total cost of the dinner was $153.87 and that each club should be responsible for the amount of $51.29.
  

New Business

• Al would like to move the net from 8:00 to 9:00 on Sunday.
• Doug asked that the change be announced on the next net prior to the change.
• Al mentioned that with the ever expanding ARGYL membership several members now live outside the Lowell Area. Al asked for and was granted permission to move the ARGYL net to the LARC 145.27 repeater.
• Ken: Treasurer announced upcoming events.
  Cadallac swap, Dayton transportation, river bank run. Fifty five operators will be needed for the river bank run on may sixth.
• Jack: Asked for an OK to schedule the LARC annual meeting at the Hong Kong buffet. It was OK’d by the group for Sunday Sept. 10

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Discussion period:

• Jack:
  1. Go to hello-radio.org for people interested in Ham Radio.
  2. There is a “Ham in a day” session on a Saturday every other month at the Red Cross Building. The cost is $30. The session of Saturday, April 15 is already filled.
  3. Cheap rooms are available near the Dayton Hamvention for $25 a night per person. The rooms are dorms at the University of Dayton.
  4. At Dayton,GARA will have their usual spots 3148 and 3149 in the
  5. Everyone is welcome to help at the road clean up along M57 just East of US131. Meet at the park & ride.
  6. Don’t forget the IRA Hamfest June 3 and the chili dinner the evening prior.
• Frank:
  1. Grounds maintenance: Mounds of gravel from snow plow need to be removed. Grounds maintenance was scheduled for the first Wednesday after the meeting on May 10.
  2. Radio testing at Marshal went well. Bigger display is needed.
  3. Computer parts and monitors were donated by George.
• Ken:
  1. The policy number from Hartford has been received but no bill yet.
  2. Ken has a final tabulation of the receipts for expenses related to the New Ham Dinner.
  Dinner Expenses Available at Meeting
  Door Prizes Available at Meeting
  Total expenses Available at Meeting
  3. Expenses should be divided by three and shared by LARC, MARA and GRARA.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:09AM .

Start 10:00 AM
Ended 10:45 AM
In attendance: 11

Secretary’s Report
The secretary was not prepared to read the minutes.

Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

Doug:
After the IRA swap, Doug presented 50% of the money received from the LARC 50-50 raffle to the IRA as a donation. Marc Boogaard, WA8IIK was the winner of the drawing.

A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made and approved.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• The Henry TX amplifier was returned to the factory for the third and final time. The entire purchase price has been reimbursed to LARC.
• We are looking at a 350 watt TE Systems TX amplifier.
• A heaver duty 13.8v DC power supply is needed. We are considering the purchase of a Samlex 100 amp switcher.
• Frank has done an RF safety study and has found the 145.27 repeater system to be safe.
• Some discussion of the WKLQ tower specifications followed. Grounds clean up was also discussed. Al mentioned that grounds maintenance should be done every two weeks during the peak growing season. Grounds maintenance is now Tuesday at 7:00PM with a rain day of Thursday at 7:00PM.

Old Business No old business

New Business

• The 24 Hour Bike Challenge is next week. Jack asked for volunteers to help with radio communications.
• Future Morley site cleanup was discussed but no date was set.

Discussion period:

• Al Eckman WW8WW explained all the steps and hurdles involved in licensing the LARC 50 – 50 raffle with the State of Michigan. Al received the license two days prior to the Hudsonville Swap. With the ground work accomplished, Al feels that future 50 – 50 license applications should go smoother. In behalf of the LARC and all its members, Jim thanked Al for all the work and time invested in coordinating the 50 – 50 raffle with State.
• Jack mentioned that if we are planning a 50 – 50 raffle at the September 9th. Swap we should apply for a raffle license now.
• Some details of internet Amateur radio license renewal were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 AM

Secretary’s Report
Jim presented the minutes of the meeting of June 10, 2006.
A motion to accept the Secretary’s report was made and approved.

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Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken
A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made and approved.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• Frank reported that the Samlex switching power supply had produced an interfering signal on the local receiver frequency. Since attempts to suppress the signal were unsuccessful the supply was returned to Tessco for credit.
• The TE Systems TX amplifier has been received.
• Frank is now considering the purchase of a linear 80-amp Pyramid power supply and expects to make a purchase soon. A refurbished power supply is under consideration.
  There was some discussion about the savings and reliability of a refurbished supply.

Old Business

• Al requested and was granted a check made out to the State of Michigan to pay for the upcoming 50-50-raffle license.

New Business:

• There was some discussion of various methods of financial exchange for club expenses including a credit and debit card. Ken (the treasurer) will investigate the matter after today’s meeting.
• Al explained that due to a change in his work schedule, he could not continue with the Sunday night (8:00) net as planned. He sent an email to all explaining the situation and in search of a volunteer. He received no response. Ken talked about his experiences as net control for a year. After some group discussion Stu, KA8WGF said he would like to give net control a try.

Discussion period:

• Tower clean up was discussed. Cleanup will be held Tuesday night at 7:00 6:30 is better.
• Doug made a motion to adjourn the meeting, which was seconded by Chuck.
  

Secretary’s Report:
The minutes from the July 8th meeting were read and approved.
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Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

Tesco has sent a credit voucher for the returned switching power supply. Ken will request a check.
A motion to accept the Treasurers report was made and approved.
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Technical Report: Frank

• The new transmit amplifier is working properly.
• Has updated the LARC repeater directory and placed it on the web site.
• A trip to the Morley site needs to be planned
• Some upgrading is required at the Caledonia receiver site
• Thanks to Al for cutting the grass at the transmitter site.

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Old Business:

• Doug thanked the group for helping park cars during the Missions conference at the Lowell airport.
• Ken brought up the topic of a second credit card. The group decided that one was sufficient.

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New Business

• Al needs a check for $21.96 made payable to the FCC for renewal of the LARC vanity call.
• Al has 50-50 tickets printed for the upcoming Ham fests. More participation in selling the tickets is needed.
• Doug mentioned the upcoming Ham fests, GRARA and Holland.
• LARC will have two tables available for items LARC members would like to sell.
• Stew KA8WGF: A banner is needed for the LARC table. Doug agreed to follow up on the acquisition of a banner in time for the GRARA swap.
• “T” shirts were discussed in detail. Stew took an order from attendees.
• Frank mentioned that presently the LARC has 26 active members.
• A Motion was passed to raffle off a repeater directory to LARC members
• Morley clean up and camp out is scheduled for the date of the monthly meeting, Saturday, October 14th. A map to Morley will be on the LARC web site. Jim will have hand out maps at the annual meeting.
• Ken talked about his experience at running the net and hopes to put the format on the web site.

___________________________________________________________________________

Discussion period:

The meeting was adjourned at 11:18 AM.

Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

• Ken asked to wait until the next meeting to present his report
• Ken contacted Tessco regarding a refund for the return of the switching power supply and received no reply. He will contact them again soon.
• Ken has discussed repayment for the new ham dinner with representatives from the other clubs. Hopefully they will respond with payment.
  

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• Frank was successful in removing broadcast audio from the 145.27 repeater signal.
• Discussed the banner that might be displayed at club events.

New Business:

• Ken brought up the need for fundraisers. One idea was to sell mall tickets. About $70 worth of tickets was sold last year. The LARC would keep 100% of ticket sales. Al mentioned that we should visit the issue of fundraisers in future meetings.

Old Business:

• Jack reminded all to remember the upcomming transmitter site clean up and that the October meeting (and camp out) will be held at the Morley receive site.
• Stu needs to order one more T-shirt. If anyone wants more please let him know.
• Tune in your radios for the Sunday night net.

The annual election of LARC officers:

Note:
Though Doug Phillips could not be present, he submitted a letter indicating his interest in running for the office of vice president.

Election Results:
President: Al Eckman WW8WW
Vice President: Doug Phillips KC8EGM
Treasurer: Ken Meksula KC8YTC
Secretary: Jim Jaworowicz AA8JR
Technical Advisor: Frank Schmidt N8UVI
Public Information Officer: Jack Amelar NY8D

The meeting ended at 4:55 PM

Start 10:05 PM
Ended at 10:50 AM
In attendance: 8
This meeting was held at the Morley receiver site.

Secretary’s Report: presented by Jim
The secretary read the minutes to the LARC meeting of September 10th. A motion to accept the report was made and was passed.
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Treasurers Report: Presented by Ken

• A check has been received from Tessco. The check has not yet been deposited in the account.
• Stu noted that members need to pay the Club for their T-shirts.
• Ken has acquired a second debit card and issued it to the president at the meeting

A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made and was passed.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• A functional test of the battery backup system at all remote receive sites indicated that all is well.
• The power supply that supports the TX amplifier stopped functioning twice. Some repairs were made but the cause of the failure has not been determined.
• The Peet Brothers weather station has failed to report accurate information and needs to be returned to the factory for repair and upgrade. A motion for the Club to finance the repair was made and passed.

________________________________________________________________________

Old Business:

• Again, the topic of the LARC being reimbursed for expenses related to the New Hams Dinner was brought up. Al said he would check officers from the other clubs. Jack said he would bring it up at the next GRARA meeting.

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New Business:

• ARGYL Ham fest Saturday December 16th. Jack will have a “free” item area.
• Doug will have the Club banner at the event.
• Jack proposed field day at the Morley site in June.
• Al will be working toward arranging more club activities and recruiting new members.
• Al has arranged for the LARC to use the Boy Scout building in Lowell as a permanent meeting place. There was some group discussion on the matter.

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Open Discussion Period

• Stu suggested that LARC representation at some community events might spur some interest in Amateur Radio.
• A mailing was also discussed.
• Doug stated that during his term as president, his goal was too see that the 145.27 repeater upgrade be completed and that the upgrade has been accomplished.

The meeting ended at 10:50 AM

Start 10:00 AM
Ended at 10:51 AM
In attendance: 10
This meeting was held at the Lowell Airport.

Secretary’s Report:
The secretary read the minutes to the LARC meeting of October 14th. A motion to accept the report was made and was passed.
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• The New ham Dinner check has been received from GRARA
• Nothing has been received from MARA
  

A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made and was passed.

Technical Report: Presented by Frank Schmidt

• On cleanup day at the Morley receiver site, the antenna feed-lines were tested via TDR. The test revealed a low impedance lump near one of the antennas. This should be investigated at the first convenience.
• Telephone service at the transmitter site had been interrupted for a period of two to three weeks. The interruption was probably caused by lightening. Frank contacted the phone company and service is now restored.
• Packet service from Jacks house was interrupted due to a computer failure. The computer has been replaced and the system works even better now.
• Phone service at the transmitter was interrupted a second time. Frank was able to replace the transient protector to restore service.
• Periodic maintenance of feed-lines was discussed.

• Jack: Morley clean up went well. Jack a proposed that the club should plan to supply food at future events.
• Frank: Thanked everyone that helped with the clean up at Morley.
• Stu: LARC T-shirts can still be ordered on an individual basis for $15
  ______________________________________________________________________

New Business:

• Al: Next month the meeting will be held at the Boy Scout cabin on Washington Street. There was some group discussion on the topic.
• Jack: A 50 ft. tower, antenna and rotor is available free from Laurence ND8S who lives South of Lowell. See Jack for details.
• · Ken: Asked if there were any new ideas as to how to increase LARC membership.
  This inspired considerable group discussion where several ideas to increase club exposure were presented.
  ________________________________________________________________________

Open Discussion Period

The meeting ended at 10:51 AM

Start 10:01 AM
The meeting ended at 10.56: AM
In attendance: 9
This meeting was held at the Lowell High School.

Secretary’s Report
The secretary read the minutes to the LARC meeting of November 11th. A motion to accept the report was made and was passed.

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Treasurers Report:

The treasurer was not present. No report was presented.

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Technical Report: The technical advisor was not present.

• The secretary presented a short dissertation of technical events and brought up the topic of the repeater’s phone patch feature, it’s cost and lack of use. The topic was discussed among the membership. A motion was made to eliminate phone service to the 145.27 repeater. A vote to eliminate phone service was unanimous. Other options will be considered.

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Old Business:

• John, WA8YUA asked about the Boy Scout Cabin. Al explained the reasons that the Boy Scout leadership rejected the idea. Group discussion with several suggestions followed.
  The Lowell Amateur Radio Club continues it’s quest for a place to call home.
• Stu brought up the importance of the LARC web site and presented some possible improvements and additions. Some discussion followed. Members will present their ideas to Frank about further streamlining of the LARC web site.
• Doug talked about possible sources of donations to the LARC. The club has a brand new GAP Eagle antenna for sale.
• Al talked about the upcoming ARGYL hamfest at the Lowell High School.
• Doug displayed the new LARC banner before the group. It was great!
• The club vanity call (W8LRC) has been renewed.
  ________________________________________________________________________

New Business:

• Stu made a motion that annual membership dues be increased from $15 to $20. According to the constitution the matter will be tabled until next month.