ARCARS
November 2010
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on November 7, 2010 with 13 members and guests present.
MOTION: to accept the October minutes by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Edgar (KC8VLV), approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported that our balance is $116.00
DISASTER REPORT: Andrew (KC8SPD) described the Algonac State Park fire that we responded to. There were several fire departments and first responders at the scene on October 28th. ARCARS went in support to provide food for the firefighters. The lessons learned were: we need to have a chase vehicle in conjunction with the truck to run and procure needed supplies. Andrew and Russ are compiling a resource book for local access to needed supplies across the county.
Tom (W8TRC) inquired about our role with respect to media news reporters that approach us on a scene. All reporters are to be directed to the incident commander at the scene. He also asked about radio use in the south part of the county. Initially any emergency radio traffic will be on the 147.320MHz repeater then moved to the148.800MHz repeater once we establish a reliable radio set up.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that the net participation has tapered off a little due to holiday traveling. He said that the net ranges from 6 to 13 checking in.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
CLUB STATION: The battery charger has been restored to the club station and the K8ARC packet station should be restored to service on 144.010MHz soon.
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: A tower rack is planned to be installed on the trailer. The materials have been procured and Paul (KG8OU) has offered his services and accommodations to assist in the completion of the project.
OLD BUSINESS: The truck is back in service. Last month it was not shifting gears or accelerating properly. The mechanic repairs have been made and the problem was discovered to be caused by a bad catalytic converter.
The last amateur licensing class yielded one new ham radio operator to the area.
Orders for ARCARS apparel are being processed by Russ (KD8FRE). He would like to process orders prior to the December meeting. He had some items at the meeting to show the group.
Pictures were taken for the first order of our new ID cards. Contact Andrew, Russ, or Dennis if you need the information to secure your card. The cards should be carried by all dues paying members of ARCARS.
NEW BUSINESS: A new amateur licensing class is being planned for February. Plans are being made to advertise this class on local commercial radio stations.
Christmas Party: The party will be held at our next meeting. The date has been moved to Sunday, December 12th at 6pm. A list will be compiled of who will be bringing dishes to the pot luck event. We would like to coordinate a list so there is a good selection of food brought to the event. An email will be sent out to the membership and mailing list to support the event. There was a discussion about having a possible silent auction on items to be available at the party.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Paul (KG8OU) reported that Asia has been heard on 15M and 20M bands. The signals are relatively weak. Tom (W8TRC) noted that propagation has been poor in spite of an increase in sun spots.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Russ (KD8FRE) and Jeri (KC8YRQ), 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 8pm on 3.932 kHz
***FREE GENERAL LICENSE CLASS***Starting Monday, Nov 15, 2010..7:00pm to 9:00pmMSU Extension Office - Sandusky, MFCC Test Fee - $15For Info: email KF8ZO - Ted Davis or KD8CCX - Adam Filkins