RARC Meeting Minutes - May 2003

The May meeting of the Rochester Amateur Radio Club was called to order at 7:00pm, Tuesday 5/13/03, by President Fred Regennitter (K4IU), with 27 members and guests present.

Reports

  • Minutes from the March meeting were approved as posted on the web site.
  • Treasurer's Report: Bob (KCØGND) was out of town, but his report was delivered by Peter (N8MHD).
    Checking: $ 2098.00
    Savings: $ 4950.28
    Cash: $ 31.00
    Undeposited Checks: $ 0.00
    Total: $ 7079.28
    Major transactions this period:
    • 2003 dues - $85.00
    • United Way income - $55.24
    • Telephones - $33.15
    • '.82 Repairs (Whitewater Wireless)- $210.68

Committee Reports

  • Technical Committee - Stew (WØSHL):
    • The .82 repeater: the problems continue. It is an RF rich environment there, and testing is difficult. We are putting a higher quality power transistor in, and tuning the whole unit.
    • The first stage of the .625 repeater replacement is under way. Mayo will install the new antenna, a 19' fiberglass pole.
  • Public Service - John (NØHZN):
    • The Med City Marathon is May 25, and the Tour de Cure is May 31. June 20 is the RochesterFest Parade, and the Great River bike race in Winona is June 14. Check the web site.
  • ARES - Steve (WØSTV):
    • Practices and drills are coming up.
    • A supplemental ARES net has been started on Monday evenings.
  • Membership and Web Site - John (KØKTY):
    • There are 102 members now. We lost 22 from last year.
    • Web: the Emergency Services page has been updated.
    • A license class will be offered on two Saturdays, followed closely by a regular exam session. Because of the change in the Tech question pool July 1, the first class will be in August. Potential students should be told about this.

New Business:

  • Be aware of the PLC/BPL proposal being considered by the FCC (Power Line Communications, or Broadband over Power Line). This is a major threat to Amateur Radio, and would essentially wipe out HF communications. More information is available on the ARRL website.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50.

Program

Following the meeting, Pat Cahill (NØADQ) described the plans for Field Day. The site will be at Pat's home QTH, and we will have an SSB station, a CW station, a digital station (for a 3A classification), plus the VHF and GOTA stations allowed under the rules. Maps and other information are available on the web site.

Submitted by Peter N8MHD.

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