RARC Meeting Minutes - March 2004

The March meeting of the Rochester Amateur Radio Club was called to order at 7:00pm, Tuesday 3/9/04, by President Fred Regennitter (K4IU), with 50 members and guests present. Because the program involved visitors, the program portion of the evening was held first. The business portion of the meeting was called to order at 8:06.

Reports

  • February minutes were approved.
  • Treasurer's Report by Bob (KCØGND):
    Checking: $ 1218.01
    Savings: $ 5759.95
    Undeposited checks: $ 110.01
    Cash: $ 25.00
    Total: $ 7112.97
    Major transactions this period:
    • VHF filters: -$178.94
    • 2004 dues + $135.00
    • Web site: - $115.85

Committee Reports

  • Technical Committee - Stew (WØSHL):
    • Repeaters are all working.
    • The .625 repeater has new cans, from Mayo. The .82 has a new filter, which is expected to fix the noise problem. The tone access has been turned off.
    • KTTC asked to talk to some hams, and came out to Stew's QTH and filmed an interview with Stew, Fred, and Judy. It will be aired sometime.
    • Other articles about amateur radio have appeared in the paper.
  • Public Service - John (NØHZN):
    • The Frozen Goose Relay went well. The Med City Marathon, Memorial Day, requires lots of operators.
  • ARES - Steve (WØSTV):
    • The Polar Bear Plunge used amateur TV, and next year the feed will be sent out over the public service channel on cable.
    • March 24 is Skywarn training at Diggers.
    • Red Cross classes are coming up: Comm 101, Disaster Assessment, and Shelter Ops will all be offered soon. For registration, contact Red Cross.
    • ARES is handling hospital emergency communications statewide, and is growing fast.
  • Membership - John (KØKTY):
    • 13 students are in the Technician class.

Announcement:

  • It was proposed and unanimously passed that the club donate $300 to the summer kids technical program, like we did last year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Program

Before the business meeting, Dan Sturm, Gerry Steffens, Bill Majerus, Mike Smith, and Dan Peccarino presented a program on RPU's plans for a trial of BPL, Broadband over Power Lines. Some of their points are as follows:

  • Powerline Carrier has been around for decades, but its use for carrying internet is recent. This trial is organized as a partnership between RPU and Hiawatha Broadband Communications of Winona.
  • The system may provide a new revenue stream for RPU. HBC would rent lines from RPU, and provide all content. Internet service would be the initial focus, but it could also provide cable TV.
  • RPU wants to bring hams on board, for hands-on testing of RFI. RFI problems that have occurred in other sites are claimed to be due to older technology. If problems are still there, "we'll have to confront that."
  • The initial test will be in 10-20 homes, probably in SE Rochester, for 2-3 months starting July 1. In October the trial will be expanded to 100 homes, including some hams, and testing in a variety of service situations.
  • Lots is still unknown, including the operating structure.

    Submitted by Peter N8MHD.

    | Return to Meetings Page | Return to Main Page |