ARCARS
February 4, 2001
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order with ten members and guests present.
MOTION
to accept the January minutes by Kip (KB8WWH), seconded by Suzanne (KB8GFY), accepted.TREASURES REPORT
:Suzanne reported that our beginning balance was $508.08 minus a disbursement to Paul (KG8OU) for reimbursement of the purchase of equipment. Our new balance is reported at $392.13.
MOTION:
to accept the Treasures Report by Kip, seconded by Andrew, and accepted.SPECIAL EVENTS
:There were no announcements regarding special events presented at the meeting.
DISASTER REPORT
:There was a house fire on Thursday 1-25-01 that prompted the assistance of the American Red Cross. A three unit apartment house caught fire displacing some of its occupants. The mobile canteen was dispatched to provide food and coffee to the fire fighters. There were members of the amateur radio team on the scene to assist, and the IVR system was used for the first time and performed well.
NET REPORT:
Paul reported that the net is averaging 8 – 10 amateurs checking in. The Trader’s Net is going better lately, and net reports are being sent to Oscoda every 1st of the month.NEWSLETTER:
Any ideas are welcome. Mark mentioned that he was to add a TNC wiring diagram to the website.
CLUB STATION
:It will be necessary to purchase batteries for the equipment we added late last year. We overlooked the need for the batteries when we requisitioned the radios.
CLUB PROJECT:
Paul (KG8OU) has donated a laptop computer and power supply to the group and it is to be used for emergency packet communication. We will require another 220mhz transceiver and packet controller. It may be necessary that we entertain some ideas for fund raising activities to cover the cost of this disaster emergency communications equipment.
Mark (N8EGJ) is looking into the FCC rules regarding a link to the 220mhz packet station via 440mhz. Since most ARCARS volunteers have 440mhz radios this will allow easier access to the emergency packet system.
OLD BUSINESS
:We will get the determination on the use of the Silver Trails Scout camp for the Field Day weekend. We might have to explore other location options and will discuss them at the March meeting.
The club insurance for equipment has not been secured through the ARRL yet.
NEW BUSINESS:
Paul (KG8OU) mentioned that there are new plans for building a tri-mode j-pole antenna that operates on 144mhz, 220mhz, and 440mhz. Ideas for fundraising for additional equipment should be presented at the March meeting.
MOTION:
to adjourn by Suzanne, seconded by Mike (KA8UXQ).