W4WVP

President Norton called the meeting to order at about 7:30 PM. The minutes for the July 2011 meeting were approved as posted. The Treasurer made his report.

ARRL – Several attempts were made to update the W4WVP information on the ARRL web site. Dennis will work with the staff to make sure the changes are posted.

EnComm – Gary noted the hurricane season has begun. There will be an ARRL Simulated Emergency Test in October 2011.

Club Net and Repeater – Everyone agreed that net participation is good. The presentation of the Amateur Radio News-line before the net was also seen as desirable. Additional attempts will be made to test nets on other frequencies, including the W8HNT repeater on the 440 MHz band. Art noted the repeater still needed a power backup system.

CERT – Cynthia noted that new CERT classes will begin in September. Interested club members should contact her. September is also National Preparedness Month.

Satellites – Art noted that the ARISS-1 satellite has been placed in orbit. Hearing the satellite is relatively easy. Software is available on the AMSAT website allowing the telemetry to be decoded.

Public Service – Gary noted that more volunteers are needed for the Marine Corps Marathon.

Red Cross Status – The Red Cross is planning to close the Arlington facility housing the club station. President Norton is still gathering information so the club can make an informed decision on what to do. A contingency plan for the club has been prepared.
More information should be available by the September club meeting.

Members in attendance were: Ken WB4AKK, Mike NW3V, Prentiss K4PDJ, Dennis W4PWF, Dave KJ4EMI, Mike Kg4RKL, George KR4MU, Jim K9AUC, Arthur W4ART,
Cynthia KJ4CLK, Pat KJ4OCA, Walt W4ZPQ, Mike KA8OPJ, Gary KC5QCN, and Chuck KI4DHW.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 8 PM following a presentation on Amateur Radio Digital Modes. The Treasurer’s report was made by Dennis

ARRL – Dennis stated the League was in receipt of an outstanding report on software defined radio. It will be part of the League’s meeting minutes which appear on the website. There was no news from the FCC on the new 5 MHz channel. It was considered approved pending the FCC’s action.

EnComm- Gary reported that volunteers are need for the Marine Corps Marathon. We are also reminded that the hurricane season is here now. There was discussion of the need for a coordinated regional exercise for the National Capital Area.

The club’s Tuesday net is working well, as is the club’s repeater. We are looking for suggestions on related exercise activities, such as adding an HF net that does not depend on the repeater. Chuck will organize the HF net for Sunday evening. There is a CERT drill forthcoming (but no specifics).

In attendance were: Ken WB4AKK, Mike NW3V, Mike KA8OPJ, Jim AA0J, Gary KC5QCN, George KR4MU, Walt W4ZPQ, Dennis W4PWF, and Chuck KI4DHW.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. The minutes for the May 2011 as posted were approved. The Treasurer made his report. Adequate funds were approved for the Field Day meal expenses.

Dennis reported that the ARRL was trying to speed up its internal processes to approve all awards in a 30 day period. He attended the Manassas Hamfest and found it very successful.

Mike reported that the club net was functioning well. It was also reported that Craig, one of the net controls was now at home. The repeater is now using the PL tone of 107.2 Hz at all of its receiving sites.

Information was reported on a low cost two meter radio, the Vertex HX370 available from Gander Mountain.

Art reported that the ARISAT- 1 amateur satellite is expected to be deployed in orbit next month.

Old Business – Chuck reminded all members that the there is a 440 repeater available in Arlington as a backup to our repeater.

New Business – The club was reminded that our repeater has no backup power. It might be prudent to invest in a power supply that could also serve to maintain a backup battery supply for outages. In any event, club members were urged to monitor the repeater with their radios when in their stations. Members should be prepared to go to Simplex Frequencies if the repeater fails.

Field Day – The FD Log software which works under Python in Windows was demostrated. It can serve as a logging program for Field Day stations worked. Paper logs will also be provided. We anticipate being class 3 F and operating on 20, 40, and 80 meters. A second dipole will be put up for 40 or 80 meter operation.

Although food and drink will be provided, members can bring their own food and drink.
Prentiss reminded us all to wear our W4WVP badges for Field Day.

Operations will begin at 10 AM Saturday for setup and continue that day. Actual on the air operations begin 2 PM Saturday. We will restart at 10 AM on Sunday.

In attendance were Randy WB4MJF, Prentiss K4PDJ, Mike KG4RKL, Dennis W4PWF, Arthur W4ART, Ken WB4AKK, Mike NW3V, George KR4MU, Richard WB3HYZ, Jim AA0J, Walt W4ZPQ, Chuck KI4DHW, Mike KA8OPJ, and Dave KJ4EMI.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. The minutes of the April 2011 meeting were approved. The Treasurer was absent, so there was no report.

ARRL – Dennis noted that the League was working to improve it process for giving out awards.

EnComm – Gary noted that hurricane season begins on June 1st. There is a holiday on the Virginia sales tax for emergency supplies during May 25 to May 31st.

Repeater and ARES NET – Everything working normally with good participation.

CERT – Cynthia noted that the CERT program has graduated over 500 people. CERT members are available for the county to deploy in emergencies when the county’s own resources are already being fully utilized. CERT is retraining some of its members as new and updated CERT manuals contain information that was not included in earlier training.

NOAA Weather Radios – CERT recommended members obtain the NOAA Weather Radio made by Reecom. This radio has many desirable features that you can utilize to make the radio effective for your area. (The radio is available online or through CERT.)

Club Website – During New Business a motion was made to authorize Jeremy, KF7IJZ, to manage the club website. This motion was discussed and approved. A second motion was made to authorize an amount not to exceed $ 200 to re-register the club website’s domain for the next ten years. This domain will expire later this year and needs to be renewed.
It was generally agreed that the club may need to improve the website to make clearer to visitors what the club does and the purpose of its programs.

Field Day – A discussion of the planned Field Day activities was led by Randy, WB4MJF. It was noted that the ARRL emphasized using Field Day as an opportunity for inactive amateurs and potential amateurs to participate in or observe amateur radio operations.
The club will set up two or three operating positions at the Red Cross building. Field Day is from 2 PM local time June 24, 2011 to 2 PM on June 25th. In addition to general Field Day operations on 20, 40, and 80 meter amateur bands, the club will attempt the following:
Sending amateur message traffic to the local Emergency Coordinators. We will also copy the W1AW broadcasts. We will use either computer or paper logs. An off line committee meeting will be held to plan further details of this operation.

Present at this meeting were: Ken WB4AKK, Mike KA8OPJ, Mike NW3V, David (Observer), Craig K4GOR, Arthur W4ART, Jeremy KF7IJZ, Walt W4ZPQ, Pat KJ4OCA, Cynthia KJ4CLK, George KR4MU, Gary KC5QCN, Dennis W4PWF, and Chuck KI4DHW.

The meeting was preceded by a presentation on Foxhunting and Radio Direction Finding by Tim O’Neill, KT4MV of the Alexandria Radio Club. Due to a technical difficulty, the presentation on aeronautical communications will be re-scheduled for a later date.

President Chuck Norton called the meeting to order at 8:45PM. Minutes and corrections to the minutes of the 03/15/2011 meeting were approved. The treasurer gave his report.

ARRL: Dennis W4PWF reported that he has been busy attending ARRL conventions throughout the country. He also reported that HR607 is no longer viable.

EnComm : Gary KC5QCN reported that the Annual Armed Forces Day Crossband Test will be held on May 14th. Anyone interested in participating should contact Gary.

ARES Net: Craig K4GOR reported that the repeater is working well and encouraged all members to utilize the repeater.

Programs: Randy WB4MJF noted that part of the May program should be dedicated to a discussion on the upcoming Field Day and a mini discussion dedicated to tornado warning systems.(i.e. NOAA weather alert radios). The June meeting will be solely dedicated to planning Field Day. The July meeting is tentatively scheduled as a presentation on digital modes and the August meeting is focused on how to learn CW.

Red Cross: George KR4MU reported that the radio club will be meeting in the room upstairs and alternate the following month, to the room downstairs. This is all part of the reorganization of the Red Cross in the building. He also noted that the tent could be used for Field Day.

CERT : Cynthia KJ4CLK said that classes 38 and 39 are the largest CERT classes to date and CERT will be graduating it’s 500th CERT member on May 7th.

Amateur Satelllite/TMARC activity: Art was not in attendance but it was noted that that test on April 12th was a disappointment since no one was able to hear the transmission.

QSO Party: Several members participated in the QSO Party and a special congratulations goes to Randy WB4MJF for acquiring 47,000 points! Jeremy KF7IJZ put together a video of his travels as he made contacts and traveled throughout the area. Congrats to all who participated in the event.

Old Business: Reminder to go online and complete the NIMS courses for the IS 100 and IS 700 FEMA certificates.

New Business: Matt Skowronski KJ4PUR was unanimously voted in as a new member.

Field Day: It was decided that a committee be formed to make recommendations and Randy WB4MJF volunteered to chair the committee along with Jeremy KF7IJZ and Craig K4GOR assisting. Prentiss K4PDJ volunteered to do the media advertising.

In attendance at the meeting were: Roy AI4GO, Pat KJ4OCA, Mike KG4RKL, Jeremy KF7IJZ, Dennis W4PWF, George KR4MU, Mike KA80PJ, Walt W4ZPQ, Jim AA0J, Craig K4GOR and David (observer), Prentiss K4PDJ, Randy WB4MJF, Chuck KI4DHW, Erik KI4BXU, Cynthia KJ4CLK, Jim K9AUC, Benn AK4AV and Gary KC5QCN.

Minutes prepared by Pat KJ4OCA.

The meeting began with a presentation on antenna safety by Randy, WB4MJF.
President Norton call the meeting to order at 8:15 PM. The minutes of the February 2011 meeting were approved as posted. The Treasurer made his report. Dennis W4PWF noted that attendance at ARRL Regional hamfests was very good. It was also noted that ARRL Webinars were of good quality.

EnComm – Gary noted that ARRL Newsletters were available on the Internet in a WAV format. These included to Amateur Radio Newline and could be broadcast on the club’s repeater in 10 minute segments.

Club Net – It was noted that the participation in the club’s weekly net was good with up to 20 participants. It was also noted that the net offered an opportunity for new operators to get on the air experience. The club is to encourage new members to participate in a friendly manner.

Red Cross – Ian KI4DTP is now the manager of the Arlington Red Cross site and present at the site two days a week. The club will potentially support the Red Cross in an upcoming shelter drill.

CERT – The new training program has started. Club members Mike and Prentiss demonstrated on the air radio operations to the CERT class. Some CERT members have amateur radios and need more on the air experience so they will be familiar with them when they are needed.

FEMA Certifications – Club members are advised to complete their ISO 100 and ISO 700 certification. This can be done on the Internet.

Programs – April 19 – Ken O’Neil will present on aeronautical communications. May and June will include a demonstration of the FD Log Software used for Field Day. The club will participate this coming Saturday and Sunday in the VA QSO Party.

Attendees at this meeting were: Ken WB4AKK, Chuck KI4DHW, Mike NW3V, Jim K9AUC, Walt W4ZPQ, Dennis W4PWF, Jeremy KF7IJZ, Roy AI4GO, Mike KA8OPJ, Art W4ART, Cynthia KJ4CLK, Jim AA0J, Jim K4JRH, Prentiss K4PDJ, Erik KI4BXU, Randy WB4MJF, Mike KG4RKL, Ian KI4DTP, and Gary KC5QCN.

This meeting was preceded by a presentation on the Virginia QSO Party by Mark, KI4OBT of the Sterling Park Amateur Radio Club.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 8:30 PM. The Treasurer made his report. Dennis reported that the ARRL web site has made improvements that should allow it to operate faster.

Club Repeater – Craig reported that all repeater sites are working well. They are searching for one additional site to improve coverage of Arlington County.

CERT – Two CERT classes will begin in March and are filling up rapidly. Prentiss and Mike will teach a unit on amateur radio as part of the course.

Satellite – Art reported that the deployment of ARISS – 1 will be delayed. He introduced Michael, BD5RV from China. Michael is involved with the HO-68 satellite now in space.
(Art will present this at a future meeting.)

There was no old or new business of significance. The club will participate in the VA QSO party during March 19-21, 2011. Details TBD.

The club voted Jeremy, KF7IJZ to club membership.

In attendance at the meeting were: Ken WB4AKK, Jeremy KF7IJZ, Erik KI4BXU, Mike KA8OPJ, Mark KI4OBT, Chuck KI4DHW, Mike KG4RKL, Dennis W4PWF, Prentiss K4PDJ, Walt W4ZPQ, Craig K4GOR, Cynthia KJ4CLK, Pat KJ4OCA, Jim K9AUC, Randy WB4MJF, Arthur W4ART, Michael BD5RV, George KR4MU, Jim K4JRH, Dave, KJ4EMI, Tim KT4MV, Jack K5OTZ, and Ian KI4DTP.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 8:13 PM (a little late). Dennis gave the ARRL report. He noted that there were improvements to the Log Book of the World. The ARRL was also beginning to plan for its centennial celebration in 2014. There was no Ecom report. The Treasurer provided his report.

CERT – Cynthia reported that CERT had now graduated more than 500 persons. Classes were starting in March. If you are interested, contact Cynthia.

Upcoming Events – Frostfest – Feb 7 in Richmond, VA – Winterfest – Feb 27 in Annandale,VA – Odenton – May 23 in Odenton, Md. – BRATS – July 18 in Howard County, Md.

Repeater – Working ok. The K. of C. receiver will receive attention shortly.

Satellite – The ARISS – 1 satellite is delivered to Russia for delivery to the ISS. It will be hand launched from the ISS (International Space Station).

Red Cross Status – A shelter drill will be held March 16. If your information is in the club’s Rolodex system, please make sure it is correct. If you want to be on the call list, add your information to the Rolodex.

Old Business – None

New Business – Randy requested inputs from the club members on things they would like to learn. So please see him about topics for programs that you would like to hear.

Attendees at the meeting were: Ken WB4AKK, Mike NW3V, Jack K5OTZ, Jim K9AUC, Prentice K4PDJ, Mike KA8OPJ, Cynthia KJ4CLK, Jeremy KF7IJZ, Pat KJ4OCA, Randy WB4MJF, Roy AI4GO, Eric KI4BXU, George KR4MU, Arthur W4ART, Chuck KI4DHW, Dennis W4PWR, Mike KG4RKL, Dave KJ4EMI, and Rene KJ4HXR.

President Norton(KI4DHW) called the meeting to order at 19:38. The first order of business was the approval of the minutes for the last meeting (as published on the Club’s Web Site). The motion passed. Mike (KG4RKL) gave the Treasurer’s Report.

ARRL – Dennis (W4PWF) reported on ARRL activities concerning LOTW and the V/UHCC site. He also made available to club members some ARRL publications that he had been asked to review.

ENComm – Gary (KC5QCN) provided the EMCOMM report and noted that some snow is possible over the upcoming Christmas weekend but that it shouldn’t be too substantial. Jack (KB3KKY) thanked the club for participating in Washington, DC’s ARES Simulated Emergency Test (SET) earlier in the fall. Chuck thanked everyone who helps out with the weekly Net and with the Repeater maintenance. He suggested that anyone interested in trying a turn at Net Control give it a try.

Red Cross – George (KR4MU) discussed recent Red Cross activities, including some County-Funded upgrades to the electrical systems in the garage.

The Club welcomed new guests, Paul (KB3VJE) and Dave (KJ4EMI).

Cynthia (KJ4CLK) provided an update on Arlington CERT’s activities, including an information session provided by the Gas Company about safety with Natural Gas in the house. Mike (NW3V) noted that while natural gas rises (lighter than air), propane tends to sink or be neutral buoyancy; therefore, it was sometimes used as a fuel supply for zeppelins.

Old Business – Mike (KG4RKL) reported that he had printed new membership application forms (some forms were then distributed to the club’s guests).

New Business – The club voted in a new member, John (KG4HZC), Welcome!! Chuck (KI4DHW) announced that January’s meeting program would also include a brief “show and tell” for members to give an overview of any projects they are working on.

The club then proceeded with the election of officers. There were no nominations from the floor, although several candidates wondered if they could de-nominate themselves. Collectively, the group decided that this wasn’t likely a possibility. Hearing no new nominations, the club proceeded to elect the candidates on the ballot as follows:

President: Chuck KI4DHW Vice President: Dennis W4PWF
Secretary: Ken WB4AKK Treasurer: Mike KG4RKL
Program Chair: Randy WB4MJF

The meeting adjourned at 21:10 and events proceeded with the always popular Christmas/Holiday Party and Gift Swap. A good time was reportedly had by all.

Members in attendance: Cynthia (KJ4CLK), Randy (WB4MJF), Mike (NW3V), Dennis (W4PWF), Chuck (KI4DHW), Mike (KG4RKL), Gary (KC5QCN), Walt (W4ZPQ), Pat (KJ4OCA), Jack (KB3KKY), Jim (K9AUC), John (KG4KZC), Mike (KA8OPJ), Prentiss (K4PDJ), and George (KR4MU). Guests present: Paul (KB3VJE) and Dave (KJ4EMI).
Minutes prepared by Jack (KB3KKY).

The club meeting was preceded by two demonstrations. Art, W4ART showed his emergency fixed location dual band antenna setup based on a marine boathook. This antenna was easy to transport and could be setup up in a few minutes. Prentiss, K4PDJ showed his antenna slingshot. This device, costing very little money, could be used to launch monofilament lines up in a tree for an emergency antenna.

President Norton called the meeting to order at 7:55 PM. The minutes of the October 2010 meeting were approved. The Treasurer made his report. Members were reminded that dues for 2011 were due in December of this year. There was no ARRL report. It was noted that the earlier Reagan National Airport drill had received very good results with the participation of amateur radio through Arlington ARES and CERT.

The club’s weekly net was discussed. Several suggestions for changes in procedure will be brought to the attention of the net managers. A quick survey of the club members present showed a significant majority had battery or generators for backup power supplies.

The continued stable operation of W4WVP was discussed. Prentiss, K4PDJ will lead a small group to develop an understanding of the situation and make recommendations back to the club. (Contact Prentiss if you would like to contribute to this effort.)

Art, W4ART noted the newest AMSAT satellite will be launched from the International Space Station in about February 2011 with an expected orbital life of one year.

Walt, W4ZPQ and Jim, KJ4YSG were elected to club membership.

The club’s Holiday party will be on Dec 21, 2010. This will also be the election meeting. The slate of officers is proposed as follows:

President: Chuck KI4DHW Vice President: Dennis W4PWF
Secretary: Ken WB4AKK Treasurer: Mike KG4RKL
Program Chair: Randy WB4MJF

(Note: Gary KC5QCN has requested not to be nominated.)

Present at the meeting were: Cynthia KJ4CLK, Randy WB4MJF, Jack W4JJ, Walt W4ZPQ, Pat KJ4OCA, John KG4NZC, Erik KI4BXU, Jim KJ4YSG, Prentiss K4PDJ, Mike KA8OPJ, Ken WB4AKK, Chuck KI4DHW, Mike KG4RKL, George KR4MU, and Art W4ART.