Draft Minutes for February 17, 2009
Arlington Amateur Radio Club Draft Minutes – February 17, 2009
President Reed called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. The Treasurer made his report. The current club roster was passed around for addition or correction. The January 2009 minutes were approved. Previous 2008 meeting minutes were allows to stand as published.
ARRL – The new radio rules enforcement person at the FCC is Ms. Laura Smith. She seems to be taking action on interference reports submitted by amateur radio operators. There is a new FCC Acting Commissioner, but no reports on his outlook on amateur radio.
The ARRL logbook of the world is very successful, reporting over 200 million contacts. New items, such as DXCC and other operating awards are being added. ARRL is supporting conversion to digital TV as needed. Concerns about BPL are fading as actual use of BPL seems to be in decline.
EnComm- The ARRL held as meeting at Frostfest of SECs, DECs, and EC s. There is a new ARES website at URL: http://www.aresracesofva.org/. This area will sponsor an ARRL EnComm training program at Level 1 of training. The program dates are TBD, but will be announced to the club members. There will be a fee to cover books and exams.
Forthcoming Events – Winterfest, Feb 22. National Marathon, March 21. Additional April 18 (Bull Run Run ??). Charlotte, NC hamfest in March.
Event Results – On Inauguration Day the Red Cross operated with 50 teams all connected by radio. The Red Cross ERV was deployed, and in communication with government officials and radio amateurs. Over 40 response calls to medical emergencies were handled. This included cases of hypothermia, but also the birth of a child. The Red Cross shelters were open and in contact with the headquarters. Separate nets were used for logistics. It all worked very well.
The Club was open for the Worldwide RTTY contest. A number of club members participated and learned about RTTY operations.
At the meeting, two coaxial antennas were demonstrated that were home brew. These are often simple to make and provide good emergency coverage.
The club discussed options for new GO KIT radios. 2 meter mobile units are available at about $150. Cross band VHF/UHF radios are about $ 350. VHF/UHF radios without cross band are about $250. It was decided that more practice was needed with the GO KIT rdios to make sure the members knew how to operate them. One future program would go over the GO KITs and how to operate the radios. No decision was made on radio purchases.
How to control the clubs internet lists was also discussed. The current club list includes interested non-members for information purposes. We will reconsider if two separate lists can be constructed. It was noted at this time there are no phone trees. The idea of a W4WVP FaceBook Group was also discussed. The Secretary will find out about the ARRL listing of new licensees and contact them about the club.
Upcoming Operating Events – It was noted that volunteers are needed for Field Day. Upcoming operating events are VA QSO Party March 22 (10:30 AM – 4:00 PM), and SSB DX contest on March 8th. Please contact President Reed if interested.
The meeting was adjourned. Attendees were: Ken WB4AKK, Gary KC5QCN, Mike KG4RKL,
Arthur W4ART, Craig K4GGR, Chuck KJ4DHW, Jim K9AUC, Andrew KI4THF, Randy WB4MJF, Jack WA4FXX, Dennis W4PWF, Cynthia KJ4CLK, Mike KA8OPJ, George KR4MU, Jack KB3KKY, and Mike NW3V.
