Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
March 12, 2019
The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.
W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KG5LTE SCOTT ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KI5AXS CHRIS TERLINQUA
WA5MHO DEAN ALPINE
KE50G BILL ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KD5ITB RADAR PRESIDIO
HENRY HOUSTON
K5WZS ZACK FORT WORTH
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.
The minutes of the February 12, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by JIM KD5KBU.
In the absence of Angie N5MVV, no Treasurer’s Report was presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
Rusty KB5R reported that the fish fry at the American Legion in support of Dawson Young’s medical expenses had raised $7800 in meal ticket sales and $1200 at the silent auction.
Rusty KB5R reported that the Annual Banquet/BBQ would be at his home in Sunny Glen on April 27th. He requested members to contact Sarah concerning dishes to be contributed.
There was no new information on solar panels or wind chargers as possible current options at repeater sites.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Midland HamFest on March 16th was discussed. The HamFest is also the ARRL West Texas Convention.
The grass and pasture conditions following good summer and fall rains with high potential for grass fires were discussed. Repeater sites for BBARC as well as law enforcement agencies are at risk in the fire season. BBARC needs to be ready for communication activation should a fire be reported.
Bob WA5ROE discussed the need to have the BBARC Communication RV inspected and engine batteries installed. Authorization for the purchase of batteries up to $500 was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and a second by Stephen KE5WCP.
Jim KD5KBU reported that the spring Hammerfest had been canceled, but Cyclefest in September would be held as planned.
The program was presented by Zack Smith on Railroad Communication, the frequencies in use and how the various frequencies are utilized. A diagram was displayed showing the antenna farm installed on the diesel locomotives with 20 or more individual antennas. Zack is employed by BNSF Railway.
He also discussed the Parks on the Air (POTA) program with operators making as many contacts as possible from National Parks, National Monuments, National Historic locations, State Parks and other state and federal tourist facilities.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully Submitted:
Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary