GMARC MEETING MINUTES 17-OCT-06

 

I.  Call to Order by President, Scott W1BIC at 7:01 PM

II.  Introductions & Upgrades

            The following visitors were introduced:

                        W8DFG – Dennis Gaboury

                        N8ZI – Tom Tinckell

                        KD8CXJ – Ed Tinckell

                        KB6NU – Dan Romanchik (Guest Presenter)

                        W1IK – Jim Wickstrom
                        WU8V – Kurt Bowman

                        WB8SJD – Larry Dobbs

                        KB8TEZ – Matt Wagner

 

            KB6NU announced that he recently upgraded his license from Advanced to Extra.

 

III.  Minutes

 

            A motion was made to approve the minutes of the 19-Sep-06 meeting was made by Chuck N8ZA, and is seconded by Eddie N8RUE.  Motion passed.

 

IV.  Treasurer’s Report

            T.J. N8RUH reported that GMARC has a total of $825.46 in the checking account (with one check outstanding).

A motion to approve the Treasurer's report was made by Keith N8EB and seconded by Brad N8VI.  Motion passed.

 

V.  Membership Report by Bobby N8CY

            We have 70 members who have paid their 2006 dues, and 7 have also paid their 2007 dues.

 

VI.  Nets and Newsletter by Dave W8RIT

            Dave W8RIT noted that EchoLink® issues caused the dropping of our frequent participant in the InfoNet James VK4TJF from Australia.  The Club Newsletter is currently dormant waiting on submission of articles by members as previously requested.

 

VII.  Club Liaison Report

George K8GEO, Club Liaison Representative reported:        

There will be a Skeet / Trap shooting event at Riverbend Park – 21 Mile Rd & Shelby Rd – Contact Mike N5WCS for dates and details

 

            The Boy Scouts Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) will be Saturday 21-Oct-06 using call sign K2BSA at Metro Pkwy & Harper.  W8RIT will send a .pdf file to anyone interested in participating.  Alan KA8JJN is the local contact person.

 

            W1BIC noted that the USECA Swap will be Sunday 29-Oct-06, and GMARC will have table at the Swap.

 

VIII.  Tech Committee Report

            The VHF cavities (that were replaced) will be placed on eBay and are expected to bring approx. $200.

 

IX.  Other Topics

            N8CY noted that the promised CDs with information about Military Radios used in Amateur Service are available to all members.  The following documents are included on the CD:

 

·         Army Radio Operator’s Student Manual (circa 1925)

·         AS-2259 HF NVIS Antenna Erection Procedure

·         Technical Manual AS-2259 HF NVIS Antenna

·         Marine Manual MCRP 3-40.3C Antenna Handbook

·         Marine Manual MCRP 3-40.3B Radio Operator’s Handbook

·         Modern Military Radios & HAM Radio (Presentation by KA8TUR)

·         OPCON HF Radio in Brigade Combat Teams (BCT)

·         QST Green Radio Roundup (from Apr-2006 QST)

·         Army Radio Telephone Operator’s (RTO) Handbook 03-15 (Jun-03)

·         Army Manual TC 9-64 Communications Electronics Fundamentals

·         Army Field Manual FM 24-18 Tactical Radio Comm Techniques

·        Marine Manual MCRP 6-22D Field Antenna Handbook

 

Dennis W8DFG was present representing MiARC (Repeater Council) and stated that the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for the WW8GM 2-meter repeater is past due (last filed 25-Jun-04).  W8DFG also noted that a recent change in the By-Laws of MiARC allows the Repeater Council to de-commission an inactive repeater in 30-days.  W1BIC will handle filing an updated TDS for the 2-meter repeater.

 

X.  President's Remarks

            Scott W1BIC noted that there have been some inquiries from members interested in purchasing some of the Club’s “Emergency Radio” Vests.  Steve Ianucci of Oakland County Emergency Preparedness facilitated GMARC’s purchase of these vests at very attractive prices.  At this point, the subject is only for discussion.  No action was requested.

 

XI.  New Business

            Scott W1BIC noted that there has been a request to make the repeater code to open EchoLink® on the UHF Repeater in the “Public Domain” and not have it restricted to Members Only.  The motion made at the 19-Sep-06 meeting by Mike N5WCS and seconded by Val N8OEF was called for a vote. 

                        Aye:  22            Nay:  4              Motion Passed.

 

            Bob KZ8N reported that (2) VHF/UHF radios for the OnStar Command Center at GM Renaissance Center Tower 400 12th Floor have been provisioned.  Documentation is in review for Operating Procedures.

 

The following members have signed-up to participate in this and future support of our Strategic Relationship with OnStar. 
:

W1BIC – Scott

                        KZ8N – Bob
                        N8CY – Bobby

                        N8ZA – Chuck

                        KC8WPS – Mark
                        N8RUH – T.J.

                        W8WRB – Bill

 

XII. Break from 7:38 PM to 7:55 PM

 

            50/50 winner was Brad N8VI - $25.00 – Donated back to the Club!

 

XIII. Presentation by Dan Romanchik KB6NU – Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) for the ARRL Michigan Section regarding the structure of the ARRL organization in the State of Michigan, and its relationship to the Great Lake Division (Michigan, Ohio & Kentucky).

 

  • There are numerous ARRL Field Appointments made by our Section Chief Dale WA8EFK.  KB6NU encouraged member to consider volunteering
  • The Michigan Section ARRL Web Site is located at www.ARRL-MI.org
  • Harold Beauchamp KC8QMH (from Bay City) is the ARRL Public Information Officer (PIO) for the State of Michigan
  • There are over 20,000 Radio Amateurs in Michigan and only 36 Official Relay Stations (ORS) and 24 Official Observers (OO).  These are important positions, and our membership should consider meeting the requirements to increase the numbers available to fill these vital roles.

 

XIV.  New Members & Attendance

           

            There were no new members at this meeting.

 

            32 Members attended, and 8 Visitors were present – another record attendance for GMARC.

 

XV.  Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM. Motion by Jeff N8YIO and seconded by Mark KC8WPS.  Motion passed.

 

 

            Respectfully submitted,


            Bobby Corr N8CY,

            Recording Secretary – GMARC

            N8CY@gmarc.org