ARCARS
September 2010
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order on September 12, 2010 with 16 members and guests present.
MOTION: to accept the August minutes by Russ (KD8FRE), seconded by Angela (KD8HMS), approved.
TREASURES REPORT: Suzanne reported out balance at $66.00. Andrew and Suzanne explained to the group about our account in the Chapter house where donations are deposited from our events.
DISASTER REPORT: Edgar reported that there were several fire department call outs. Andrew revealed plans that are being made with the Chapter house to utilize ARCARS in efforts to support the mobile canteen as well as shelter operations stemming from evacuation efforts. When we are called out two members will deploy the truck and trailer for communications support as well as stock up on drinking water for first responders. Additional ARCARS members that respond for support are encouraged to check in at the Chapter House and await further orders. Should additional vehicles be necessary in response, ideally at least one ARCARS member would travel in each vehicle for radio support.
NET REPORT: Edgar (KC8VLV) reported that the net has been going well.
SPECIAL EVENTS: We will be supporting will be the Blue Water Ramble bicycle race. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 3rd. The race support team will be meeting at the truck location in Algonac. Help will be needed from 8am to 6pm. Volunteers should meet at the Chapter house at 6:30am if you want to ride out. If volunteers want to help out for less than the whole event, please check in at the truck that is to be at the Algonac Ferry Crossing near Hungry Howies Pizza.
Andrew addressed the group about attendance at the various events that we have been supporting lately. It is very important that people that do commit actually show up.
ARCARS is contemplating assisting local law enforcement on Devil’s night this year. More details will be discussed at the October meeting.
CLUB STATION: Before winter we need to check over the tower at the chapter house. The feed lines, bolts, and overall condition need to be inspected and replacements made where needed. The same attention needs to be focused at the repeater site as well. The 146.800 (K8ARC) repeater is operational and working well. Remember to enable the pl tone of 100Hz on the input signal.
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: Now that the 16’x8’ trailer has been secured we have additional projects to get it up to deployable status. In the next couple of weeks we will take possession of the decals for the unit. We will need to get a work crew together to apply the decals. Security connectors and floor sealing is also needed. We also have some work to do cleaning up the installation of the security system in the truck. There are some sharp edges that need to be filed smooth and wires that need to be secured. The truck needs some maintenance. An oil change and transmission fluid change is needed. We also need to run a “hot lead” from the front of the truck to the back to supply the trailer with power.
OLD BUSINESS: The ARCARS email system is available to paid members. There is also access to additional features like calendar events and shared documents.
ID Cards will be provided by the chapter house once the paid membership roster is presented to them. This is likely to happen shortly after the October meeting.
Annual dues will be collected on or before the October meeting. The annual, tax deductible donation is $10 per person or $20 for a family. Members will be receiving Red Cross training and certifications.
NEW BUSINESS: All basic Red Cross training will be made available to ARCARS members. The sessions will likely be consolidated to a one day event to be held after the first of the year.
Andrew announced that ARCARS will likely purchase 100 hand held radios to be made available to event crews in the near future. Discussions are in progress to various prospects that have expressed interest in the unit for their events.
ARCARS apparel is available to members. Russ (KD8FRE) is in possession of a catalogue of available articles. Sample items include; polo short sleeve shirts $20, hoodie $35, sports fleece $40, and hats for $15. All of these items will sport an embroidered logo as well as the individuals’ call sign.
DX SPOTS/ SPECIAL EVENTS: Tom (W8TRC) reported that recent conditions have been very poor for HF activity. While the noise levels on the bands are relatively quiet, the sun spot levels remain very low.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: by Russ (KD8FRE) and Jeri (KC8YRQ), approved.
There was a showing of the truck and trailer prior to the meeting.
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.