March 6, 2007

This regular meeting was called to order by the President, Doug, KB9DXO, at 1904. Introductions by all present (18 total) were made. Doug asked everyone to sign the attendance sheet being passed around.

A motion was made by KC9AOM and KG9NS that the Minutes from the January meeting be approved as printed in the Newsletter. All were in favor. Secretary Steve, WA9CWE, reminded everyone that since we are distributing it by e-mail be sure to notify him if your e-mail address changes.

The Secretary, Tim, KB9VE, reported: Checking balance brought forward - $560.13. Disbursements of $20 memorial for Mrs. Wisehart, Telephone bill of $67.42, Indiana Repeater Council dues of $8.00 and Indiana Radio Club Council dues of $10.00 for a total disbursement of $105.42. Income from dues was $300.00 for a total balance of $754.71. We are waiting for reimbursement from the County for the weather station of $1600.00, so we’ll have a total treasury of $2354.71. A motion to approve the report was made by KG9NS and KB9WI. All were in favor by voice vote. It was mentioned that we are still taking dues tonight, by mail or drop it off at Tim’s business. We have 29 paid so far.

.82 Repeater Report – It’s working OK, but we often have problems in the spring, so we need the Technical Committee to get up to the site and do preventative maintenance. Phil, WB9URL, will coordinate that activity. There was a discussion about how the Control Tones were received by the controller - timing wise.

UHF Repeater Report – No problems. It’s still located in the empty building at the radio station.

.09 Repeater Report – Tim, KB9VE, reported that it’s working fine. Phil asked about an error message that is sometimes received when entering a destination code. Tim said that it indicates a problem with the internet link to the other site, not something that comes from our end. Should it continue then contact him or Matt, KG9NS. Matt reported that Daylight Savings Time changes this Sunday, earlier than usual. He thinks that the time should change OK on the controller, but at worst it’ll be an hour off until he manually changes it. Tim reported that there are at least two regular nets that the IRLP is used for: Tuesday at 8PM the “Hams with Disabilities Net” is held, and on Friday at 9PM a Worldwide net is held. On this net they have given away new radios to participants. Everyone is invited to participate in either net.

Matt reported that the Weather Station needs to be installed in Elwood as soon as the weather breaks. Also he’s still looking for suggestions related to the Club Web Site. He did install a link to get the last 5 headlines from the ARRL. It auto-updates and stays current. Also there’s a link for the Madison County weather from the NWS. It auto-updates too.

EMA Report – Steve, WA9CWE, reported that a recent Regional HAZMAT exercise went off well. During the Snow emergency many amateurs were standing by, but since there were no shelters activated we didn’t need communications personnel. We did man the EOC, and monitored the 220 Regional link. Dick, WA9STB, directed our local net very well. Tom, W9EEL, announced the State weather net tomorrow at 10-11AM and 7-8PM. We’ll call a net and take checkins. The purpose is to test the warning and communications systems. Tom talked about the weather changing from warm to very cold, and talked about the history of the study of El Nino and how it affects weather world wide. Everyone was reminded of the Stormnet Training next Tuesday at 7PM at the Anderson Library. Come early. It will end at 9PM when the library closes.

Phil, WB9URL, asked about the FRN number required by the FCC. This was discussed at length.

Dick, WA9STB, reported that the Madison County Club General classes are going very well with 10 students. Testing will be on March 18 & walk-ins are welcome. The current fee is $14 and requires 2 picture ID’s.

Field Day is June 6, and the MCARC plans to operate from the EOC again this year. Everyone is encouraged to come out to operate from 1 PM Saturday to 1 PM Sunday.

Tim, WB9GUY, announced that there is going to be a Fox Hunt sponsored by the Purdue ARC the 31st of March, or the weekend before. He also plans to hold monthly fox hunts at Mounds Park thru the summer.

The Indy Hamfest is July 7. There is a hamfest on April 15 at the Miami Co. Fairgrounds. The MCARC Tailgate party in the 2nd Saturday in August at Lectro.

Old Business – None

New Business – None

Show-And-Tell – Matt, KG9NS, talked about his Verison internet enabled cell phone. It’s like a pocket PC, has Windows, e-mail, etc. Larry, N9HJJ, talked about the GPS unit that he has attached to his handheld/mobile. It’s an AVMAP unit, and hooks into the GPRS network. Gene, KB9WI, discussed his GPS unit and how he uses it.

During the meeting there were pictures of the early years of the Club and other Field Day activities passed around for the members present to enjoy.

The door prize was won by Gene, KB9WI.

The meeting was closed at 1955. There were 18 present.

Steve Riley, WA9CWE
Secretary, ARC