ARCARS MEETING 2/8/09

The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m. by Andrew KC8SPD.

Roll call was given and the sign-up sheet was passed around the room. Andrew also sent a sign up sheet around to verify names, calls, and contact information.

Suzanne KB8GFY, treasurer, reported $184.00 in the fund.

Edgar KC8VLV reported emergency call outs: The Red Cross had 4 calls, Kimball Township had 7 calls, and there were multiple calls in the west and south Saint Clair County requiring lodging. There are currently no families in the care of the Red Cross.

Edgar KC8VLV reported that the ARCARS net has been slow. Only about 5 or 6 check-ins.

Special Events:

  1. the 4-H Fair duty roster for 7/27-8/1/09 was passed around for sign ups. There will be 3 shifts per day, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This sign up list will be passed around each ARCARS meeting until July.

  2. The Blue Water Ramble Bikeathon is probably scheduled for October.

Details will follow at a later date.

3. The Fall Harvest Days at the Goodells County Park will be held 8/28,

29, 30/09. They have requested ARCARS set up a “field day” type ham radio area for assistance. Set up day will be 8/27/09.

Club Station: Mark N8EGJ is working on a 220 Packet Station.


News Letter: The Red Cross needs an end of the year report from ARCARS.


Club Project: Andrew KC8SPD reported that the Red Cross radio room is still a work in progress. Suzanne KB8GFY will check with Roger and Brandy regarding the new cabinets and counter tops. New electric power is scheduled for the room.


Old Business: None

New Business:

  1. The antenna for the packet station has a problem. It is not connected at this time.

  2. Andrew KC8SPD requested that when ARCARS members renew their ARRL membership that the do it through the Red Cross. The Red Cross will then receive $2.00 for each renewal and if you have not renewed for 2 years and you membership has expired the Red Cross will receive $15.00 for a new membership.

  3. Andrew KC8SPD stated that new membership cards are needed and that photos will be taken tonight for that purpose. Also, each card needs medical information as well as name, address, phone, call sign, personal description and emergency contact information.

  4. A request was made for an ARRL rule book.

DXCC Special Event:

Mark N8EGJ(for Dennis KB8OCG) spotted the International Space Station.

        Angela KD8HMS “listened” to a contact in Columbia.

Tom W8TRC made a contact to the Orkney Islands and one to Hungary on 80 meters.

There will be a DXpedition to Managua, Nicaragua by Stan AC8W and Hank K8DD beginning on 2/20/09 and 14.340 frequency.


Robert KC8CTZ made a request for a band plan from ARRL and Russ KC8FRE provided it to him.


Mike AA8K donated an ARRL 2005 handbook to ARCARS.


The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.