W4WVP

A member of REACT visited with me during the Arlington County Fair. He mentioned that many members of REACT have amateur radio licenses. He also noted that REACT has repeaters that use the GMRS frequency allocations. GMRS channels are provided for UHF repeaters. REACT has repeaters set up in Washington, DC area. These require GMRS radios with appropriate setups to operate.

President Reed called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. The minutes of the July 2009 meeting were approved as posted. The Treasurer made his report. George, KR4MU, left as note that he was in upper New York state and would miss the meeting.

ARRL – Dennis reported that new methods of submitting material for awards were being implemented. This included electronic field checking of QSL cards submitted and direct entry of material into the Log Book of the World. More folks were signing onto the ARRL bill for CC&Rs that would affect amateur antennas. There are several ARRL actions pending before the FCC, but there has been no word on the resolution of these matters. (Side discussions will be held with Dennis on matters like non-amateur use of amateur bands, particularly those set aside for space operations.)

Emergency Communications – Members were urged to sign up for the Marine Corps Marathon, which is the last weekend in October. (October 24-25). President Reed noted that we are in the hurricane season. Hurricane Bill is expected to pass along the Atlantic Coast, but could strike the coast if it moves to the west. Being ready included having charged batteries, and emergency food supplies including water.

It was noted that the best backup power for radios is a deep cycle marine battery which is floated on a trickle charger. If the line power fails, the batteries are available to power the radios without any other changes. Suitable connectors, such as Anderson Power Poles should be used to hook all the equipment together. Publications from ARES gave more information about emergency communications. Several pieces of equipment for emergency power were shown and discussed. (Members examined the club’s emergency equipment after the meeting.)

CERT Training Classes – CERT will have two new classes in September. Room was available for club members. A two day Technician license training class will be held on the first two Saturdays in October with the exam administered after the second class. This will be held at the Arlington Fire Training Academy in Shirlington.

Cynthia noted that at a recent national meeting on emergencies, amateur radio was seen as an important resource. She also noted the potential for use of Family Radio Service equipment.
[For more information see URL: http://www.reactintl.org/blog/?p=372]

Old Business – President Reed noted that Ken had reworked the soundcard interface cables for the Kenwood TS-850S radio. Dennis will inquire about the club’s Field Day results. Volunteers were still needed for the County Fair for Saturday and Sunday evenings.

New Business – Art noted that the AMSAT Technical Symposium will be at BWI Airport later this year. It is the 40th anniversary of AMSAT. There also will be a SimSat launched on Sept 26, 2009. See URL: http://patkilroy.com/simsat/4/.

Up Coming Potential Events – CQ Worldwide RTTY Contest Sept 27, JOTA October 18, and ARRL SSB Sweepstakes November 22. Let President Reed know about your interests.

In attendance were: Ken WB4AKK, Jack K5OTZ, Arthur W4ART, Roy AI4GO, Mike KG4RKL, Prentiss K4PDJ, Mike KA8OPJ, Cynthia KJ4CLD, Pat KJ4OCA, Chuck KI4DHW, Dennis W4RWF, and Gary KC5QCN.

Arlington County Net Co-Managers Gary, KC5QCN, and Mike, NW3V, thank Craig, K4GOR, for volunteering to serve as Net Control Station for two net sessions per month. Recently he has served as Net Control Station on the first Tuesday of each month. The new schedule of primary Net Control Stations is:

1. First Tuesdays: Gary, KC5QCN
2. Second Tuesdays: Craig, K4GOR
3. Third Tuesdays: no net. Arlington Amateur Radio Club meeting
4. Fourth Tuesdays: Craig, K4GOR
5. Fifth Tuesdays: Mike, NW3V

Net Managers, and Craig, continue to encourage anyone interested to volunteer to act as Net Control Station for one night. If interested, please contact one of the Net Co-Managers: Gary (kc5qcn _at_ arrl.net) or Mike (callaham _at_ alum.mit.edu).