MICHIGAN AREA REPEATER COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

February 2001

WEB SITE: http://www.qsl.net/miarc e-mail: [email protected]

Short QSO from W8DFG………..

Fellow MARC members, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Dennis Gaboury, W8DFG and I will be President of MARC for the next two years starting December 1, 2000.

As of this publication, the position of Vice-President is still vacant. If you are interested in volunteering for this position for the remainder of the term, please contact a Board member. Also, we are asking that a member, other then a member from the Southeast area, fill the VP slot.

Thanks to Wallace Murray for stepping forward and taking the position of Coordinator. This spot was of the major a major one to fill. Also, thanks go to Ron Huber for taking over of the publication of the newsletter. Another job that we needed filled.

The meeting locations have been selected for the rest of the year. The June meeting will be held in Grand Rapids on June 2^nd, located at the IRA Swap. Hopefully we will have a large turnout at this meeting. Septembers meeting will be our Annual meeting in Lansing on the 9^th, due to the Labor Day weekend being the first weekend. Decembers will be held in Oakland County at the EOC office on the 2^nd.

The By-laws committee is off to a slow start. It’s hard to coordinate everyone via of the remailer, but I’m sure in due time we will start to make some progress.

One final note: Due to the fact that we were without a Coordinator, Wallace is backlogged with TDS’s. He is taking them FIFO, so please be patient with the process of the forms, till he catches up.

If anyone has any questions, you can reach the Board via of the website, or my phone number is 810-465-7126. For those of making the meeting on the March 4^th, I’ll see you there.

73,

Dennis, W8DFG

Database Manager / Webmaster’s Corner

I thought I’d my space in this newsletter to introduce myself and how I got involved with MARC in the first place. My name is Dave Johnson and my call is WD8DJB. I have been involved with MARC since late in 1997 working mainly behind the scenes. I am a repeater user not a repeater owner although I am President of the Eaton County Amateur Radio Club that sponsors the WB8OUT repeater in Charlotte.

I was approached late in 1997, by then MARC President, Larry Tissue, N8QGE and asked if I thought I could put up a website for the organization. At the time I had a little experience building my own website and our local Eaton County ARC site and thought it might be a good challenge. Little did I realize then, what I was getting myself into. Literally, hundreds of hours and 3+ years later, sprinkled with what seems like a never ending stream of “could we do this or that”, (some of which I instigated myself) and you have the current MARC website.

Over the past couple years I worked closely Bruce Winchell, N8UT while writing and maintaining the programs I use to produce the repeater directory pages and the ARRL Repeater Directory submission.. Since, the programs rely on the consistent format and accuracy of the database, I naturally had a self-serving interest to making sure the MARC database remained that way after Bruce decided to resign. So in September, in spite of what I learned in the Army, I volunteered to take on the job of database manager. My only condition of acceptance was that I not be involved in frequency coordination activities. I feel that job needs to be performed by someone more familiar with day-to-day repeater operations. Besides my cup was running over just trying to keep the website current.

Since then I’ve been getting my feet on the ground with that role. I met with Bruce and picked up all of MARC’s paper files. I’ve updated dues information and managed to prepare and submit MARC’s 2001 ARRL Repeater Directory entry. As yet our new Frequency Coordinator, Wallace Murray, KE8HR has not sent me any approved coordinations or annual updates to post to the database. He has his hands full trying to wade through the backlog of TDS’s submitted since September. Once the dam breaks I will post those database updates. In the mean time I have been busy with updating the website.

As of the last Repeater Directory update on December 26, 2000, 363 of 402 repeaters listed had submitted TDS updates within the past two years.

Dave Johnson, WD8DJB

Treasurer’s Report:

This is a reminder that membership dues in the amount of $15.00 for the year 2001 are now payable. MARC dues are payable for one calendar year. Only paid-up members can vote on issues before the membership. Payments are to be sent to the Treasurer, W8HIU, whose address appears elsewhere in the Newsletter. Please make your checks and money orders payable to MARC, Inc.

Joel Goldberg, W8HIU

M.A.R.C. Inc. Annual Meeting Minutes

September 10, 2000

The annual meeting of M.A.R.C. Inc. was held on Sept. 10, 2000 at the Delta Fire Station in Lansing. The meeting was called to order by President Karpp, KB8RWG at 1:08 p.m. Introductions of the Board Members followed. Joel W8HIU, Kelly WB8RWG, Ron Gordon W8YUC, and Ron Huber N8JAZ being the board members present.

The Secretary’s Report was read by N8JAZ. A motion to amend the minutes from allowing out of pocket expenses for Board Members was made by W8HIU to change wording to read IRS allowable expenses. This motion was supported by Bill N8SA. Corrections were seconded by Bill N8SA. The motion passed.

The Treasurer’s report by Joel W8HIU showed the beginning balance of $3328.19 in the savings. Balance in checking was $415.21. Receipts of dues $60.00 brings the total in savings to $3388.19. Expenses were $165 for postage, duplicating newsletter $267.00, and travel expenses to Kelly for last meeting $118.95. This check for travel expenses was not cashed but returned to the treasurer Joel by Kelly stating it was excessive. Motion by Dennis W8DFG, to accept the report, supported by Steve N8XO. Motion Carried. After much discussion about the expense check the matter was tabled.

The Bylaws committee had very little response. Payment of our Web page manager Dave WD8DJB was discussed. A motion to reimburse him for expenses incurred in the past was made by W8DFG Dennis, and seconded by W8YUC Ron. The motion carried.

The T.D.S. for U.S.E.S.C.A. was discussed thoroughly. A signature by Bill N8SA, Completed the T.D.S. so it can be recoordinated.

A letter of resignation from N8UT as Data Base Mgr. and Coordinator was read by Kelly with great regret. N8UT stated the database was 96% accurate and current. Discussion of how to thank Bruce for the innumerable hours he spent on co ordinations and T.D.S. Many suggestions were made and his painstaking job was very much appreciated by the group. The job of data base manager was accepted by Dave WD8DJB.

A recommendation to give the Directors more information on new co ordinations since M.A.R.C. Inc. has no coordinator at present.

A letter from Hank K8DD was read declining appointment as Vice President. M.A.R.C. Inc. Position of vice president remains open.

Nominations for officers were taken by Joel W8HIU, since he was not running for office.

For president Dennis W8DFG, was nominated. A motion to close nominations was made by Bill Kelly KC8DBG, and seconded by Steve N8XO. Motion carried.

Kelly KB8RWG is also running for President.

Ron Huber N8JAZ was running for secretary, a motion was made by Bill KC8DBG to close nominations. It was supported by Ron Gordon W8YUC. The motion carried.

Bill Kelly KC8DBG was nominated for the position of Director, by a motion of Bill N8SA. A motion was made to close nominations for director. It was supported by Steve N8XO. The motion carried.

All absentee ballots were validated by Joel W8HIU. Voting results were 22 for Dennis W8DFG, and 9 for Kelly KB8RWG. The positions of Secretary and Director were filled by acclamation.

The next quarterly meeting is to be held December 3, 2000 at Traverse City. A motion to adjourn was made by Joel W8HIU and supported by Steve N8XO. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Ron Huber, N8JAZ. Secretary.

MARC Inc. Meeting Minutes for December 3, 2000

The December Meeting of MARC Inc. was hosted by the Cherryland ARC was held at the Traverse City Red Cross. President Dennis Gaboury, W8DFG, our new President welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 1:00pm. Introductions followed. Board Members present were Kelly KB8RWG, Dennis W8DFG, Ron G. W8YUC, Dave WD8DJB, and Ron N8JAZ.

20 members from across the state were present.

A big thank you was given to outgoing officers, Kelly KB8RWG, Bruce N8UT, Bill K5EKP, and Dave Oesch N8BIT, for their invaluable service in the past.

The minutes from the September meeting were read by N8JAZ. A motion to accept was made by Abe, W8HVG, and was supported by Phil, W8IC with correction of Kelly’s call sign.

Treasure’s Report

The Treasure’s Report was read by Dennis, W8DFG, as Joel W8HIU was absent. The balance in the Savings showed $3,478.69 and in checking $375.21. There is a $4 check to be deposited. The Total in our account is $3857.90. A motion was made and supported to accept the Treasure’s Report.

The TDS forms were picked up by Dave WD8DJB, from Bruce N8UT.

Old Business

The Bylaws Committee to be resurrected. Previous members include W8DFG, W8RO, KC8IQ, and N8UT. New member is W8HVG.

New Business

A Survey of the Michigan Repeater Council was passed around by W8HVG. A copy of the survey will be included in next newsletter.

A certificate for lifetime membership was issued to Bruce N8UT, for his many days and innumerable hours he gave in updating four databases into one, and keeping the TDS up to date.

MARC INC. is still in need of a Vice President and Coordinator. The need for Coordinator is urgent. Wallace Murray KE8HR, agreed to fill this position. All TDS are to be sent to Wallace Murray 1403 S. Hill Rd. Milford MI 48381.

MARC INC. is still in need of a Vice President. The current term expired in September. We would prefer someone from the NE, SW, and NW Quadrants so the entire state has board representation.

The Schedule for future meetings is

March - Rose City or Northeast Quadrant

June - Saturday Swap at Grand Rapids (June @ 2)

September - Annual Meeting Lansing

December - Oakland - Pontiac

Dues for 2001 are due January 1, 2001 per W8HIU Joel.

Discussion

Regulations on R.F. exposure on repeaters were discussed including a possible warning sign for Yagi Antennae.

Also discussed was the requirement to file annual reports for quadrant repeaters per the bylaws. Currently no one does. Other repeaters require a biannual report.

Discussion followed on why non-coordinated repeaters are not in the MARC INC. listings. How can we get them coordinated? The Coordinated repeaters receive priority when there is an interference complaint. Should we change by laws to reflect change in the uncoordinatable status with an appeal process? Currently mileage between repeaters is 120 miles. Commercial repeaters are 85 miles with a PL with no or little or no interference. Maybe hams could change and use PL?

Procedures and bylaws need to be change due to advances in technology that is available. Guidelines from the National Frequency Coordinating Committee are reasonable and appropriate. They’re being no further business; a motion to adjourn was made a seconded. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Ron Huber, N8JAZ, Secretary

MARC Board of Directors

President	Dennis Gaboury	W8DFG	P.O. Box 463148 Mt. Clemens, MI 48046
Vice President	Position Open
Secretary	Ron Huber	N8JAZ	7135 Bradley Rd. Saginaw, MI 48601
Treasurer	Joel Goldberg	W8HIU	6762 Red Cedar Lane West Bloomfield, MI 48324
Immediate Past President	Kelly F. Karpp	KB8RWG	4321 Bamfield Rd. Glennie, MI 48737
Director	Ron Gordon	W8YUC	7172 Sharp Rd. Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Director	Bill Kelly	KC8DGB	17158 Hans Dr. Fraser, Mi 48026
Frequency Coordinator	Wallace W. Murray	KE8HR	1403 S. Hill Rd. Milford, MI 48381
Database Manager and Webmaster	Dave Johnson	WD8DJB	2266 E. Vermontville Hwy Charlotte, MI 48813

Membership Form

Name: _________________________________Call Sign: _______________________________

Address: __________________________________________ City: ________________________

State: ______________ Zip: _________________ Email: ________________________________

Day Phone: (___)________________________Night Phone: (___)_________________________

Club or Repeater Affiliation: _______________________________________________________

Check One [ ] Full Member ($15) [ ] Associate Member ($7.50)

Newsletter [ ] Email or [ ] U.S. Mail.

Make checks out to MARC Inc.

Send to: Joel Goldberg, W8HIU, 6762 Red Cedar Lane, West Bloomfield, MI. 48324

Meeting Dates for 2001

Date	Location
March 4, 2001	Bay City - Bangor Twp. Hall The Bangor Twp. Hall is located behind the fire station at State Park and Wheeler. Directions from Northbound I-75 take Wilder Rd. Exit on North Side of Bay City. Turn right at stop sign. Go to third light (just past Mc Donald’s) and turn left. Go about a mile to the stop light and turn right. You can see the fire hall from the intersection.
June 2, 2001	Grand Rapids - IRA Swap This is a Saturday
September 9, 2001	Lansing - Location to be announced
December 2, 2001	Oakland County - E.O.C. Office
All meetings start promptly at 1:00 p.m.

For further information please visit our web site at

http://www.qsl.net/miarc

You can reach us by email us at:

[email protected]

Our Mailing Address is:

MARC Inc.

P.O. Box 463148

Mt. Clemens, MI 48046

Michigan Area Repeater Council Technical Data Sheet

Action Requested

New Coordination___ Reassignment ___ Modify Existing Coordination___ Renewal Update___

System Type

_____ Repeater _____ One Way Link _____ Two Way Link _____ Multi Location Link

Frequency Information

Band: _______________ Output Freq.: ____________ Input Freq.: __________ Control Freq.: ________

System Status

In Operation: ______ Will Be On By: __________ Not Used (return to frequency pool) _______

Sponsorship (Sponsor is the holder of the coordination)

Sponsor: __________________________ Trustee: ______________________ Station Call: __________

System Owner: ____________________________________________________________________________

System Information

City Identified With System: ___________________________________________ Return Form To:

Geographic Area Served: _____________________________________________ Wallace Murray KE8HR

County (transmitter located): __________________________________________ 1403 S Hill Rd.

Repeater Address: ___________________________________________________ Milford, MI. 48381

Location Of Receiver If Different Than Above: ___________________________________________________

Coordinates To The Nearest Second: Latitude ________________ Longitude__________________________

Ground Elevation Above Sea Level (AMSL): __________________ Ant Height Above Ground: ____________

Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT): _________________________________________________________

Date system was originally coordinated: ______/_______/_______

Michigan Coordination number: ____________ ARRL Coordination number: _____________

Antenna & Power Information

Antenna Gain: ________ dB Omni Or Directional: _______ Bearing Of Ant (if directional) ____________

Power To Antenna: _____________ Watts E.R.P. In Watts: _____________________

Access Mode

______(O) Open ______ (C) Closed _____(PL) CTCSS Freq.________ DTMF (T) _____ Digital (Y) ______

Do you want this Repeater listed in the ARRL Directory? Yes _____ No _____

Do you want your PL Tone/DTMF Access sequence Published? Yes_____ No _____

System Features

A= Auto patch CA= Closed Patch DS= Dual Squelch E= Emergency Power L= Linked

P= Portable System PKT= Digital Packet Capability R/r = RACES A/a = ARES

X= Wide Area (requires Quadrant App) Y= RTTY/ASCII z/Z= Direct Access To Police (911) WX = Weather Net

Your Features: ________________________________________________________________________________

Trustee Information

Name: __________________________________________ Call sign: ________________________________

Address: _______________ ________________________ City: __________________________________

State: _________ Zip Code: __________ Day Phone (___)____________ Night (____)_________________

Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

I want to receive the MARC Newsletter by: Email Only ________ Regular Mail only _________

I certify that I have read and agree to abide by the MARC Standards and that the statements above are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ________________________________

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TDS

This form explains how to fill out the MARC TDS form. It does not cover every box/line. This is to be filed only

by a licensed amateur radio operator. The person filling out this form should be the Trustee of the repeater, the

trustee normally is the control operator and has sole responsibility for all correspondence with the MARC.

This form must be complete and all appropriate boxes checked.

ACTION REQUESTED:

I Check New Coordination for a frequency not currently assigned to you or when requesting an additional link frequency, to change location, ERP, antenna height, or any other operation that will change the technical parameters of the system. Explain the modification desired in the “ Comments” area.

2. Check Modify Existing Coordination for a change in call sign, Trustee, access mode or system features.

3. Check Renewal Update when making the required two‑year update of the MARC inc. files

SYSTEM TYPE: Check only one box in this section, Use an individual form for each component such as a transmitter, link, system, or remote receivers.

FREQUENCY INFORMATION:

1. For a New Coordination, indicate the desired band only.

2. All other actions require entering coordinated frequency data.

SYSTEM STATUS: “Will be On By “ enter date only if the system has been off‑line for some reason. “ proposed “ is only for new co ordinations. If system is coordinated and on the air use “ Operational “.

SPONSORSHIP: The sponsor is the actual holder of the coordination. Enter sponsor name, club or organization.

Trustees enter name and call sign of individual in control of the repeater.

Station Call is the call sign on the repeater ID.

SYSTEM INFORMATION:

I. Geographic Area Served Please use the 4 quadrant indicator NE, NW, SE, SW given 1‑75, US‑27, & US‑127 as the north/south line and 46 as the east/west line.

2. Note Location of Receiver if different from the transmitter location,

Coordinates provide the Latitude and Longitude to nearest second. (Required) Entries with double zeros in the seconds position are not acceptable. The AMSL and COORDINATES are derived from a USGS 7 2 minute quadrangle map or GPS device.

Exact Location: this is the address where the repeater is located.

ANTENNA & POWER INFORMATION: Please note the Power to Antenna does not refer to transmit power out of the transmitter, but to the actual power that reaches the feed point of the antenna, there are significant power losses in duplexers and feed lines. Please calculate these loses.

ACCESS MODE AND SYSTEM FEATURES: The letter codes next to each box indicate the coding that will appear in the Repeater Directory.

Check boxes as they apply to your system.

TRUSTEE INFORMATION: Enter information about the person who is responsible for communicating with Marc. This is usually the trustee.

CERTIFICATION: This is information about the trustee.

DATE: Please be sure to fill this form where indicated.

Note: If this frequency has been coordinated to another individual, organization, or group, a letter of reassignment from the original coordination owner MUST accompany this request form.

COORDINATION PROCESSING FEES: Be sure to include the appropriate Coordination Processing Fee with your TDS, if this is an application for a new coordination or re-coordination; due to extensive modifications or a move.