ARCARS
July 2010
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on July 11, 2010 with 13 members and guests present.
MOTION: to accept the June minutes (amended to reflect correction on the dimensions of the trailer mentioned in the New Business section of the May 2010 minutes. The correct dimensions are: 16’x8’) by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Ron (WC8TXC), approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Our balance is now $605.00.
DISASTER REPORT: There was a tornado that struck just hour after disassembling the Field Day operations. The storm caused one fatality. ARCARS members responded to the area and assisted with other factions of the Red Cross. The storm struck with no warning. Other ARCARS members were standing by in case they were needed at the scene.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) noticed that net attendance has tapered off a little with other summer activities occupying many usual patrons. We will be hosting the July 27th net from the County Fair Grounds.
SPECIAL EVENTS: The next event we will be supporting will be the 4H fair. The five day event will be held from July 26th through the 31st. The function will be and “eyes and ears” support for the Sheriff Department. We intend to deploy our communication truck and erect a tower and antenna to supply the command station. We will be utilizing 147.57MHz. If you intend to visit the fair this year we strongly encourage you to bring a radio along and check in and out with command.
There was discussion about supporting Cruise Night next year in a similar capacity.
CLUB STATION: The 146.800 (K8ARC) repeater is operational and working well. Remember to enable the pl tone of 100Hz on the input signal.
The 220MHz packet station need to be deployed at the repeater site.
NEWSLETTER: The web pages are located at www.qsl.net/arcars and www.bandopening.com/arcars . There is a wealth of information available on the website including the RSS feed.
CLUB PROJECT: We are still looking for ideas to generate the $2,000 that will be matched to purchase the needed 16’x8’ $4,000 unit.
OLD BUSINESS: The Field Day operation went very well. The new location at the County Park was perfect for the event. Dennis (kb8ocg) is to compose a letter of appreciation to the parks for their hospitality.
The Motorola business band radios should be ready for use very soon.
NEW BUSINESS: It has been reported that other state Chapters of the American Red Cross in Michigan are utilizing a digital system to coordinate their efforts in assisting first responders and shelter needs.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: The solar conditions continue to produce poor hf propagation. No noteworthy contacts were reported over the last month.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Edgar (KC8VLV) and Dan (N5ASU), approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and other info:
The ARCARS & International Traders Net is held every Tuesday evening at 8pm on the 146.800 K8ARC repeater.
The International Friendship Net is held every Thursday at 9pm on the 145.370-VA3SAR repeater
The Thumb / Mid Michigan Nets are held Monday through Saturday at 9:30pm on the 147.300 repeater.
HF: The Great Lakes Emergency and Traffic Net is held nightly at 6pm on 3.932 kHz (temporary time change from the customary 8pm slot)
The AC8W DX Cluster on 144.970 MHz is available. Check it for HF activity.
LOCAL EVENTS: Provided by KC8VLV –