RARC Meeting Minutes - March 2003

The March meeting of the Rochester Amateur Radio Club was called to order at 7:00pm, Tuesday 3/11/03, by President Fred Regennitter (K4IU), with 40 members and guests present.

Reports

  • Minutes from the February meeting were approved as posted on the web site.
  • Treasurer's Report by Bob (KCØGND):
    Checking: $ 1479.92
    Savings: $ 4946.36
    Cash: $ 31.00
    Undeposited Checks: $ 85.25
    Total: $ 6542.53
    Major transactions this period:
    • 501c3 donations - $79.79
    • 2003 dues - $95.00
    • Telephones - $33.29
    • '.82 Repairs paid - $532.24

Committee Reports

  • Technical Committee - Stew (WØSHL):
    • The .82 repeater amp failed, has been sent off and returned, and will likely be back up by the end of the week.
    • The .625 repeater replacement plan: replace the antenna and feedline first, then repair or replace the duplexer cans if needed. Finally, buy the repeater box itself. Expect approximately $4000 total.
    • Voice over IP, EchoLink: the coordinating group has recommended a different auxiliary link setup. Following their approach would require 220 control, and is not feasible with our setup. We will study the recommendation.
    • The Echostation voice messaging system for the .82 has locked up again and is shut down. It might be a computer problem.
  • Public Service - John (NØHZN):
    • Five events are scheduled (see the web site calendar). The Med City Marathon is first, May 25. For the Rochesterfest Parade, police coverage will be limited, and they will need better coordination with PA stands as well as well-coordinated radio coverage.
    • There will be a new public service event this fall, a 4H Shootout, in September.
  • ARES - Steve (WØSTV):
    • There will be a regional event for Red Cross volunteers at St. Charles.
    • Mayo ARES has a new manager, and equipment is in place. They will require participation, 2 activities a year. Sign up with Steve if you wish to participate.
    • Skywarn training will be March 26 at Diggers in Kasson, and at other locations on nearby dates.
    • The CERT program does not appear to be compatible with the ARES services already committed, so ARES will not participate directly. Individuals may sign up with CERT if they wish, but they should not expect to do both ARES and CERT service simultaneously in an emergency event.
    • ARES will be next month's program. Suggestions or requests for topics to cover can be emailed to Steve, w0stv@arrl.org.
  • Membership - John (KØKTY):
    • There are currently 116 members, but only 81 had paid before this meeting. We are likely to lose about 25, which is a bit lower than in the past. Our sources of new members are the fall class, hams who move into the area, new licensees, and former members.
    • There have been a number of updates to the web site.
    • Ideas for recruiting members: science fairs; the ARRL education project; a display at the mall for Field Day.

New Business:

  • Eric (KFØS) received a letter from RCTC about the summer "Kids College" program. There will be a course in radio and kits, and they would like a contribution. It was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved, to donate $200 to the course, and to pursue club visibility in the course.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50.

Program

Following the meeting, John (NØHZN) gave a presentation on APRS trackers and showed examples of tracker kits.

Submitted by Peter N8MHD.

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