Minutes of the February OCARS Meeting – 2/5/2008

Meeting was called to order by President Tim Pepper, K8NWD, at 7:35 PM.

President Tim asked everyone to introduce himself or herself and state their call sign if they have

one.  The following is a list of those people present:

Larry Hornsby – KB8POD                              Del Brown – KC8IJF

Al Bailey – K8SIX                               `           Jim Decker – W8YFI

George Smith – WD8INW                               Michael W Smith – N8GUZ

Don Pittman – WB8ZOM                                Phil Mudge – KD8HNK

Darryl Wood – K8IY                                       Charles Kamachos – KD8HNL

Rick Gilbert – N8LOD                         Brad Nowak – N8SNM

Jim Vigne – KB8TXB                          John Dillworth – W8BHN

Tim Pepper – K8NWD

President Tim asked for the Secretary’s report for January.  Secretary Larry reported that all members had been sent a copy of the minutes via email.  He made a motion that the report be accepted as received.  Member Al Bailey seconded the motion.  President Tim asked if there were any corrections to the minutes.  Hearing none he asked for a vote and the motion was approved as stated.

President Tim reported that Treasurer Jim had left a copy of the treasure’s report before leaving for his vacation.  President Tim passed a copy of the report around for review by the members.  The report showed that we have 26 paid members at the end of January and President Tim reported he has since received the paid membership for 2 more people.  A motion was made by member Jim Vigne to approve the report as presented.  Secretary Larry seconded the motion.  President Tim held a vote and the motion was passed.

Old Business:

President Tim reported that there was no old business to be presented.

New Business:

President Tim reported that if any member was going to pay their ARRL membership they consider doing it through OCARS.  The ARRL has a system for giving local clubs a small amount of the membership money back to the club.  The procedure for doing this will be investigated by the clubs secretary.

President Tim presented a copy of the L’anse Creuie newsletter.  They put out a 14 pages newsletter each month.  President Tim asked if there was any member that would be willing to become the newsletter chairman.  There were no volunteers at the meeting.

President Tim has received a suggestion that all members start wearing a nametag at meetings.  Since we have some new members, and some returning members, it is quite possible that everyone doesn’t know who everyone is.  It is hoped by doing this people will become more informed who everyone is.  The club will supply name tags (temporary ones) for anyone needing one.  See the secretary if you need one.

Secretary Larry asked for a chance to address the group and talk about something he sees as a possible problem.  President Tim granted him the floor.  Secretary Larry addressed the trouble that seems to be happening locally with to many amateurs not using their complete call sign while on the air or at least attempting to make a contact.  The Federal Government gave all of us a license with a call sign to use to properly ID our station.  When a station is not properly identified any other station is just guessing as to whom they are talking to.  In an emergency a miss identified station or not reaching the proper station could really create problems.  We have come a long way from just a grunt or a sound to ID ourselves.  It would be a shame if we have reached the point when our call sign (something we are so proud of) is to much for us to state when we want to make a contact.

President Tim announced that member Jim Vigne, KB8TXV is going on DX outing real soon.  Jim asked that we all watch for him on the air and he would be glad to work everyone.

Member Brad Nowak asked a question on how members file their QSO cards.  A lot of discussion followed and many ideas were shared.  No one had 1 answer but many members did give Brad some ideas.

President Tim discussed different logging programs being used locally:

DX Base

Logger 32

Log Windows

Win EQF

DX for Windows

President Time stated that amateurs are no longer required to log all contacts but it was a good idea to do so.  Having this info is good for reference and award later but impossible to remember without a recording.

President called for a break at 8:22 PM

Meeting called back to order by President Tim at 8:30 PM.

President Tim gave an overview of DX Base and how it can be used.

Member Al Bailey gave a presentation via DVD of the Scarbough Reef DX expo.   This site was one of the last DX site needed by many amateurs for some awards.  The DVD showed a lot of hardships that had to be overcome in order for the operation to be a success.

President Tim gave a big “Thanks” to Al Bailey for bringing the DVD and to Darryl Wood for the great job he has done in promoting OCARS in the community.

Submitted by Secretary Larry, KB8POD