Minutes of Arlington Amateur Radio Club – October 19, 2010
The meeting opened with informal demonstrations of the Red Cross Emergency kits and the Astron power supplies used in the club’s VHF repeater system. Randy showed how the Astron power supply worked. He also showed how the addition of an automatic reset circuit would provide additional reliability to the repeater system.
President Norton called the formal meeting to order at 7:47 PM. Dennis noted that the ARRL had written to the FCC that the waiver they had granted to Rincon Robotics was in violation of the FCC’s own rules. There are no pending rules or regulations that affect the amateur radio community. The minutes of the September 2010 meeting were approved.
Emergency Communications – The Reagan National Airport drill program appreciated the participation of the amateur radio volunteers. It will be considered for submission to the ARRL as a record of a successful Simulated Emergency Test. The Marine Corp Marathon will be in two weeks with extensive amateur radio participation. The club’s VHF repeater will be one of several repeaters used for this program.
Weekly Nets – Mike reported that overall status of the weekly nets was good with many check-ins. There are opportunities for others to serve as Net Control Stations. Contact Mike or Craig if interested.
Red Cross Update – The 40 and 80 meter dipole was repaired by George and Lew(WB6YGX). The Red Cross is now an Office of the National Capital Red Cross Chapter. In order to be able to support the Red Cross, it is advised that members complete the ICS 100, 700, and 800 on-line courses. Overall requirements of Red Cross communications is being reviewed by a committee of radio amateurs familiar with these issues.
CERT – Current CERT classes are ending. New classes will be started in March 2011.
Old and New Business – None.
T-MARC Meeting – There was a recent T-MARC meeting. No changes were made to the frequency coordination of the club’s VHF repeater system.
AMSAT – Art reported that new AMSAT R-SATS have been shipped to Russia for eventual transport to the International Space Station. They will be hand launched into space. The downlinks will be on 145 MHz and receivable by a handi-talkie. The uplink will be on 435 MHz. This system will make extensive use of Digital Signal Processing to be very user friendly.
Attendees were: Ken WB4AKK, Mike NW3V, George KR4MU, Arthur W4ART, Dick WA4USB, Demi K4BSA, Jim K9AUC, Roy AI4GO, Pat KJ4OCA, Gary KC5QCN, Chuck KI4DHW, Randy WB4MJF, Walt W4ZPQ, Jim KJ4YSG, Benn AK4AV, Dennis W4PWF, and Gerry KJ4DFY.
