CATS Meeting Minutes 2022 =============== Saturday January 8, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Vince N3BFZ, Bill N3DC, Tom W3RCJ, Paul NF3X, Fred AI3Z, John KA3ZTC, Fred K3TAZ, Jim WI3Z, Rich N3MOB, John K0ZAK, John NY3K, Rich KR3EE, Neil W3ZQI - President Mike K4DUM presided over the meeting - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the December meeting. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report; several dues received. - Fred K3TAZ: A commercial omni antenna is available at a reduced price to invigorate ATV reception at the Towson ATV repeater site. Ken K3UQQ began a discussion on de-sense issues caused by lack of antenna separation for omni antennas. An alternate proposal to use such an antenna for improved output of the recently deployed 450 band analog ATV transmissions. After further discussion, it was voted and seconded that the antenna would be purchased. If any fallback on this implementation, the antenna would be repurposed in a separate project for improved ATV 450 reception there. A big thank you to Rich KR3EE for his efforts and partial underwriting of the cost of the antenna. The vote was 4 opposed; the vote carried. - Due to the late hour, discussion of the annual operating plan was deferred until next month. - Voted unanimously to approve a $25 annual donation to QSL.NET for hosting of our CATS webpage. - Rich KR3EE asked about loss of audio on the BATC stream (from a local FM repeater). The streaming computer Internet issue appears resolved. That computer will be returned to John KA3ZTC for restoration of service. - The larger issue of how to carry local FM repeater audio in the Pennsylvania/Towson link was outside of scope of the current streaming issue and will be explored further at a later date. - Neeting status at the Electronics Museum remains unchanged. The host company is increasing work-from-home. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday Febuary 12, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Tom W3RCJ, Paul NF3X, Rich KR3EE, Harry KO3L, John KA3ZTC, Jim WI3N, Scott KA3JQQ, Rich N3MOB, John K0ZAK, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI presided over the meeting - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior meeting. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report; treasury has increased. - Continue 146.67- FM repeater for weekly nets? General preference is to leave as is. - Indoor Meetings, not yet but interest growing. Ellicott City was considered central to membership. Must have web access. Fred K3TAZ to be requested to resume this effort. - Towson ATV Repeater: by John K0ZAK: receiving normal on 434 analog. 421.25 and 1.2 output both working North antenna for digital working well. Analog receive is in-line but not yet passing video. A switcher has been built. John KA3ZTC: deferred to Ken K3UQQ for further reports. He reports that his picture rolls. - Laurel ATV Repeater: Jim WI3N reported search for the physical receive cable for the Laurel streamer at the EOC site. - Satellite Receiver stock: Rich N3MOB has completed building a supply of usable, programmed units. The remainder have failed muster but are a great source of power supplies, cabling, etc. Club members who need such receiver parts are encouraged to contact Rich N3MOB right away before those failed units are disposed of. - Frequently the old, now obsolete CATS webpage by Jim WY3W, appears. Jim WI3N will contact Jim WY3W to request that the old page be discontinued by the Internet provider. Thank you to Jim WY3W for maintaining that site over the years. Funding for domain name W3BAB.com was authorized last year; that will be pursued by Neil W3ZQI. - Pennsylvania Linking project was reported upon by Rich KR3EE. A shed needed in the project remains unbuilt; hopefully soon. Some equipment will be moved to Red Lion. The Rising Sun site has proven 900 mhz. reception. The link for Rising Sun is almost ready. Target to be all done by EOY 2022. Towson linking will be by 1.2 ghz. and 434 mhz. Distance for 5 ghz. is a factor but not abandoned completely. - The Annual Operating Plan (AOP) was reviewed with priorities and catagorization performed. Detailed plans and assignment of responsibilities will be done in subsequent club meetings. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday March 12, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Tom W3RCJ, Harry KO3L, Paul NF3X, Fred K3TAZ, Vince N3BFZ, Rich KR3EE, Rich N3MOB, John K0ZAK, Jim WI3NZ, Fred AI3Z, John KA3ZTC, Ken K3UQQ, Al KZ3AB, Tony K3AIN, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI presided over the meeting - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior meeting. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report. - Jim WI3N: To contact Jim WY3W about closing down old web page. Move of Laurel ATV repeater was mentioned. Hookup of Laurel ATV receiver for stream capture is pending RX cable. - Rich KR3EE: Zoom meeting to discuss York/Towson link has been scheduled. Shack construction at 5 ghz. link point is scheduled. - Elections deferred until next month. - Ken K3UQQ: Team is looking at Towson DVB reception. No plans for DVB-T transmit from repeater at this time. - Auto ID: Would like an ATV repeater ID signal at various times of day to enable antenna aiming, etc. This is being looked into. - Capture of FM repeater audio for inclusion in the Towson ATV 1.291 signal is needed when linking is implemented; being considered. Rich KR3EE volunteered a Yaesu unit. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday April 9, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Harry KO3L, Fred AI3Z,Vince N3BFZ, Rich KR3EE, Paul NF3X, Rich N3MOB, John KA3ZTC, Ken K3UQQ, Tom W3RCJ, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI presided over the meeting and read the minutes of the previous meeting. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report. OLD BUSINESS: - Laurel ATV repeater report by Fred AI3Z: okay and operational. FM output still visible. - Towson ATV repeater report by Ken K3UQQ and John KA3ZTC: - need assistance of John NY3K to change ATV repeater ID "location" text due to old age of software--will require ATV site visit. - removed ATV repeater ID timer due to excessive transmit time as hard on the equipment. Suggested antenna aiming be accomplished by alignment on 146.67- signal. - Digital input pre-amp to be tweaked. - ATV site requires notice in advance of visits. Short discussion about similar site security. Club should keep a log site of visits. - Discussion about the camera. - ATV Linking report by Rich KR3EE: demolition of existing Woodland site shed to occur within ten days, to enable new construction. - Rich has two 1.291 receivers for link path efforts. - Ken K3UQQ is seeking in-person meetings. A program chairman is needed to coordinate with a centrally located facility. Neil W3ZQI did not volunteer. The Ellicott City Howard County Library looks promising. - Rick WA3USG ATV Zoom meeting reported by Rich KR3EE: productive and interesting. Video available at: https://youtu.be/2EnS6tbeEzw - Elections deferred until next month--existing officers accepted by attendees. Several elected and/or appointed positions need filling. NEW BUSINESS: - Club voted to have Fred K3TAZ order 7" HDMI monitor for permanent placement at Towson site--needed by site visits. - Club voted to reimburse John KA3ZTC for Hi-Des 110 receiver used for DVB-T reception at Towson ATV site. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday May 14, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Paul NF3X, Rich KR3EE, Fred K3TAZ, Fred AI3Z, Tom W3RCJ, Rich N3MOB, Al KZ3AB, John KA3ZTC, John K0ZAK, Ken K3UQQ, Jim WI3N, Neil W3ZQI - President Mike K4DUM presided over the meeting. - Prior month minutes are posted on the club webpage. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report. REPEATER REPORTS: - Ken K3UQQ: Towson working fine; DVB and analog inputs functioning - John KA3ZTC: new ID for Towson generated; to be placed soon - Ken K3UQQ: Laurel working although little activity ELECTIONS: - Existing officers retained by acclamation. Mike K4DUM-President, Vacant-VP, Neil W3ZQI-Secretary, Rich N3MOB-Treasurer, Paul NF3X-Director LINKING REPORT: - Rich KR3EE: Shed at Woodlands torn down, power trench dug, concrete pad poured, several programmed Scientific Atlanta 9660 receivers on hand BUSINESS: - Paul NF3X to provide oscilloscope for placement at Towson repeater - Mike K4DUM: National Electronics Museum to close 03/2023. Museum ham club may follow to new site. - John K0ZAK: desires installation of omni receive antenna at Towson site for better NW reception. Space may be an issue. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday June 11, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Tom W3RCJ, Paul NF3X, Fred AI3Z, John KA3ZTC, Jim WI3N, Ken K3UQQ, Rich KR3EE, Rich N3MOB, Neil W3ZQI - President Mike K4DUM presided over the meeting. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report. - Prior month minutes are posted on the club webpage and were read. - T-MARC coordination for recent Towson changes are pending - Scope from Paul NF3X might fit at Towson - Rich KR3EE Linking Project: Mid-point building work to be this month. Equipment has been configured. No date yet for testing. - John KA3ZTC Towson ATV Report: Site to be notified of antenna changes. Equipment room still has fan/excessive heat problems. - Ken K3UQQ asked if more meetings were possible; suggested ad hoc meetings by Zoom. - Jim WI3N Laurel report: Minimal activity, consider moving soon; target site is not firm. Looking for antenna and cabling for streamer. - Fred AI3Z: Harry KO3L's tower is approved. Visited Bron N3AGB in FL. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday July 9, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Tom W3RCJ, Fred AI3Z, John KA3ZTC, John K0ZAK, Ken K3UQQ, Jim WI3N, Vince N3BFZ, Rich KR3EE, Rich N3MOB, Neil W3ZQI - President Mike K4DUM presided over the meeting. - Rich KR3EE: Pennsylvania/Maryland linking: no new progress; scout troop is into summer activities. To be mid-July before further work. - Treasurer Rich N3MOB read the treasurer's report; stable. - Ken K3UQQ: Towson ATV report: changed an intermittent cable. Still no fan at repeater site so reduced daily operating time to 6pm-midnight to keep equipment cooler--will restore by 09/01 or fan fixed, whichever sooner. Still difficulty in reprogramming repeater ID. Fred AI3Z to assist. - Voted yea for purchase of replacement Towson ID if existing one cannot be reprogrammed. - Jim WI3N: Laurel ATV report: Jim to look into a movement plan. The drop dead date is nearing. - Discussed existing FM repeater choice for net audio; to remain as is. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday August 13, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Tom W3RCJ, Fred AI3Z, John KA3ZTC, Fred K3TAZ, Jim WI3Z, Rich N3MOB, John K0ZAK, Ken K3UQQ, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior monthly meeting - Treasurer Rich N3MOB gave the treasurer's report. One expenditure - Laurel ATV repeater: Fred AI3Z returned call to Paul W4ATN. Jim WI3N: nothing additional to report - Towson ATV: Ken K3UQQ: fan still not working at repeater site, limiting daily operating hours. New antenna for 440 band not working; to continue efforts. Rich KR3EE to confirm linking frequency intentions. - John K0ZAK: reported on his new shack configuration; some recent lighting damage - Neil W3ZQI: Proposition: drop analog input at Towson; concentrate on DVB-T input only. Opinion from Ken K3UQQ; not at this time - Towson ATV repeater ID reprogramming: John KA3ZTC: Fred AI3Z offered USB to Serial Port converter; reported as tried. Fred AI3Z offered to use his own computer in next attempt - Towson ATV repeater antenna: Ken K3UQQ to speak with site host about non-functioning room fan and proposed 440 band antenna Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday September 10, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Fred AI3Z, Fred K3TAZ, Rich N3MOB, John KA3ZTC, Fred K3TAZ, Jim WI3N, Harry KO3L, Ken K3UQQ, Rich KR3EE, John Kozak, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior monthly meeting - Treasurer Rich N3MOB gave the treasurer's report - Laurel ATV Repeater: Jim WI3N/Fred AI3Z: equipment to be moved out as early as the coming week. - Towson ATV Repeater: Ken K3UQQ: Donated Diamond X510A not meeting expectations. Harry KO3L is donating a single band Diamond F718A. To be first tested by John KA3ZTC. Fan at Towson still broken; a proposal has been made for repair. Fred AI3Z contacting John NY3K for software to redo the ATV repeater ID. The daily timer will revert back to 9:00 am.-midnight availability; requested by Fred K3TAZ. - Rich KR3EE on-site at Pennsylvania/Maryland ATV relay point. Shed construction showing progress of roofing and sheething. Electronics to follow. - T-MARC coordination: Ken K3UQQ seeking status of a request. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday October 8, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Fred K3TAZ, Rich N3MOB, John KA3ZTC, Tom W3RCJ, Harry KO3L, Ken K3UQQ, Rich KR3EE, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior monthly meeting - Treasurer Rich N3MOB gave the treasurer's report - Towson ATV Repeater: Ken K3UQQ: Fred AI3Z provided shelf mounts for scope. Digital audio is repaired. Problems with 220 mhz for control--need replacements. Discussion followed, including on-demand ID control. Rich N3MOB offered an older 220 radio; declined. John KA3ZTC to install 220 antenna. Ken K3UQQ to write site proposal. Mike K4DUM donating a new QYT-7900 220 mhz radio. John KA3ZTC reported needing new control relays for timer control. Proposal to pursue new 450 input antenna by end of October; vote passed. To reimburse John KA3ZTC for coax for new antenna. Rich N3MOB offered a 220 mhz. filter, if needed. - Rich KR3EE: Shed at Pennsylvania/Maryland ATV relay point still under construction; now secure. 200 amp breaker delivered. No work this weekend. - Towson ATV Repeater Capture of 2 meter Audio: Need to move existing 2-meter audio capture at stream input site to ATV repeater site. This will pass Baltmore audio with the ATV repeater output, enabling Pennsylvania to receive audio. Stream audio to then be captured from ATV repeater output instead of directly from 2-meters. - Laurel ATV Repeater: Ken K3UQQ reported that additional assistance is needed for further disassembly of the Laurel ATV repeater. - T-MARC coordination: no report. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday November 12, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Fred K3TAZ, Rich N3MOB, John KA3ZTC, Tom W3RCJ, John K0ZAK, Jim WI3N, Ken K3UQQ, Rich KR3EE, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior monthly meeting - Treasurer Rich N3MOB gave the treasurer's report - BRATS meeting Monday 11/14 by Zoom - Towson ATV Repeater: Ken K3UQQ: New 220m radio for control provided by Mike K4DUM. Towson site access is limited at this time. - Motion passed to reimburse Ken K3UQQ for club insurance policy. - Laurel ATV Repeater: Jim WI3N: A new site has not been determined although several possibles were mentioned. We should emphasize our public service capabilities and make them known to authorities. - Rich KR3EE: Siding for shed at Pennsylvania/Maryland ATV relay point is planned. Electrical cable has been procured. - 924mhz. ATV: no change in status. - Towson ATV Repeater Capture of 2 meter Audio: Nothing further. - Towson ATV Digital: nothing further; hampered by changing weather and other factors. - T-MARC coordination: no report. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary =============== Saturday December 10, 2022 ====================== By Zoom. Attendees: Mike K4DUM, Fred K3TAZ, John KA3ZTC, Rich N3MOB, Jim WI3N, Ken K3UQQ, Rich KR3EE, Vince N3BFZ, John K0ZAK, Neil W3ZQI - Secretary Neil W3ZQI read the minutes of the prior monthly meeting - Treasurer Rich N3MOB gave the treasurer's report - BRATS meeting is Monday 12/13 7:00 pm. in-person - Towson ATV Repeater: Ken K3UQQ: Towson site access is planned for the spring. Updates to controller to be done then. Voted yes to retain 15 hour daily repeater up-time. - Laurel ATV Repeater: Jim WI3N: A new site has not been determined, - PA/MD Linking: Rich KR3EE: Electrical cables at the shed have been run. Vince N3BFZ: linking efforts are proceeding in Delaware; Dave KC3AM has Internet access at his site. - 924mhz. ATV: John K0ZAK--he has a replacement amp to test. - Towson ATV Repeater Capture of 2 meter Audio: Not discussed - Towson ATV Digital: no change until spring, 2023 access. - T-MARC coordination: 923.25 approved. - Cross-Atlantic Digital Signals on 10 meters: John K0ZAK: DVB-S appears more promising; quick demo of 18kz. bandwidth signal performed. SDR Angel dongle with software is popular. Neil W3ZQI -- Secretary