Author: Bill Roberts

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of Meeting

September 9, 2020

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

W5NPR                               BILL                          ALPINE

KE5WCP                            STEPHEN                  FORT DAVIS

KG5ZIC                              PAMELA                    FORT DAVIS

KM4TYV                            CHERYL                   OAK RIDGE, TN

WA5POK                            MIKE                         OAK RIDGE, TN / ALPINE

KA5PVB                             CHUCK                     ALPINE

WA5ROE                            BOB                           ALPINE

WA5MHO                           DEAN                        ALPINE

                                            VENUS                      ALPINE

K4AAA                               RON                           FORT DAVIS

KI5EXF                              SHARON                   ALPINE

KI5ANQ                             SCOTT                       ALPINE

N5HYD                              DOUG                        FORT DAVIS

N5MVV                             ANGIE                        FORT DAVIS

                                           JIM                              GARLAND

KE5KNQ                           ROB                            ALPINE

KB5R                                 RUSTY                       ALPINE

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was hosted in the backyard of Bob WA5ROE and Lucy, including hot dogs and desserts

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP.  

The minutes of the August 11, 2020 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

Angie N5MVV reported a current balance of $9957.00.

It was discussed that the usual meeting location at the West Texas National Bank in Alpine was still unavailable because of Covid-19 conditions.  

Doug N5HYD reported repeater problems including a buzzing sound heard by users on the 146.82 repeater.  He discussed possible solar charge controller issues and the need for  new batteries.  He further discussed the difficulties in reaching the 146.82 location and the carrying of batteries to the repeater location from the parking location.  

Scott KI5ANQ reported continued efforts on his part to upgrade the EchoLink system.  He discussed the eventual logging of EchoLink users as an intended upgrade.

It was discussed it was unlikely that the meeting room at the West Texas National Bank would reopen any time soon and the October meeting would probably be on 2-meters.  Should there be any changes, an announcement would be forthcoming.

Appreciation was extended to Bob and Lucy for hosting the meeting, backyard meal and social.  It was an enjoyable evening and a welcomed opportunity to meet face to face after several months of meetings on 2-meters.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts

W5NPR

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of Meeting

August 11, 2020

The meeting was attended by 21 members and guests.

W5NPR                               BILL                          ALPINE

KE5WCP                            STEPHEN                  FORT DAVIS

KG5ZIC                              PAMELA                    FORT DAVIS

KD5KBU                            JIM                             FORT DAVIS

KA5PVB                             CHUCK                     ALPINE

WA5ROE                            BOB                           ALPINE

KX5SP                                STEVE                       ALPINE

KG5LMG                           MARVIN                    FORT DAVIS

KI5EXF                              SHARON                   ALPINE

KI5ANQ                             SCOTT                       ALPINE

N5HYD                              DOUG                        FORT DAVIS

N5MVV                             ANGIE                        FORT VAVIS

AI4BA                                AL                               ALPINE

KF5KMA                           DANNY                      ALPINE

K5WSA                              BILL                            FORT DAVIS

KG5ZIB                             JUDI                            FORT DAVIS

KE5KNQ                            ROB                            ALPINE

KI5JTB                               RACHEL                    SAN MARCOS 

KG5VGS                            GREGG                      ALPINE

KG5HEJ                             AL                               ALPINE

KF5DCM                           DAVID                        SAN ANGELO

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was conducted on 2-meters utilizing the BBARC 2-meter repeater system.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP.  It was agreed that all items of business would be approved by mutual consent.

The minutes of the July 14, 2020 meeting were read and approved.

Angie, N5MVV reported a current balance of $9957.57.  Activity for May included BBT $35.21, RV registration $133.25, trailer registration $59.75;  June BBT $35.21; JULY True Value $6.14, Doug Otoupal $66.83 (tire repair and gas for 146.82 Christmas Mountain trip) and Pafoonik Enterprises $500.00 (spare duplexes) and August BBT $35.70 and liability insurance $200.00.

It was discussed that the usual meeting location at the West Texas National Bank in Alpine was still unavailable because of Covid-19 conditions.  

Scott KI5ANQ reported changes to the ECHOLINK system that should improve operation efficiency and speed.  A detailed report on improvements was read by Scott and is attached to these minutes.  Also discussed was the need for a committee to discuss ECHOLINK  technology, repeater technology and net management.  Scott, Doug N5HYD and Bob WA5ROE will serve on that committee.

Bob WA5ROE reported that he and Bill W5ATO and made the trip to Pierce Mountains for repairs on the 146.72 repeater and battery cables were replaced. There is still a need for improved guy wires and  plans for completing the work.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts

W5NPR

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of Meeting

July 14, 2020

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.

W5NPR                               BILL                          ALPINE

KE5WCP                            STEPHEN                  FORT DAVIS

KG5ZIC                              PAMELA                    FORT DAVIS

KD5KBU                            JIM                             FORT DAVIS

KA5PVB                             CHUCK                     ALPINE

WA5ROE                            BOB                           ALPINE

KX5SP                                STEVE                       ALPINE

KG5LMG                           MARVIN                    FORT DAVIS

KI5EXF                              SHARON                   ALPINE

KG5LMK                           MIKE                         FORT DAVIS

N5HYD                              DOUG                        FORT DAVIS

AI4BA                                AL                               ALPINE

KF5KMA                           DANNY                      ALPINE

K5WSA                              BILL                            FORT DAVIS

KG5ZIB                             JUDI                            FORT DAVIS

KE5KNQ                            ROB                            ALPINE

KB5R                                  RUSTY                       ALPINE

KI5JTB                               RACHEL                    SAN MARCOS 

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was conducted on 2-meters utilizing the BBARC 2-meter repeater system.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP.  It was agreed that all items of business would be approved by mutual consent.

The minutes of the June 9, 2020 meeting were read and approved.

No Financial Report was presented due to the reluctance to discuss financial matters on the air.

It was discussed that the usual meeting location at the West Texas National Bank in Alpine was still unavailable because of Covid-19 conditions.

In the absence of Scott KI5ANQ , a report on ECHO LINK prepared and emailed by Scott was read 

as follows:  “ECHOLINK work is preparing another server computer.  Have the hardware together and working on Windows to strip it down, then configure the hardware and give it a try.  I can experiment and test the new server but easily swap it back.  When?  Maybe next week.”  It was further discussed that ECHOLINK is working but with issues.

Doug N5HYD reported that repeater duplexers had been purchased from a friend near Dripping Springs that will serve as backup  for the BBARC system.  The purchase of the duplexers was approved and Doug is to be reimbursed.

Bob WA5ROE reported on Field Day.  A total of 1472-1A contacts were made at the Field Day site, in addition from remote sites:  386-1E by Rusty KB5R, 54-1D by Chuck KA5PVB,  287 1-F by W5TRL and contacts by W5WIZ that were yet to be reported.  Bonus points for all categories were  yet to be added.  All scores will be reported in the December QST magazine.  Bob stated there were 10 to 15 hams at the Field Day site at various times,  weather was good and that the preparation of meals went well.  It will be several more months before the results of the John Dyer Field Day Award will be known.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts

W5NPR

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
June 9, 2020

The meeting was attended by 22 members and guests.

W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KI5ANQ SCOTT ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
N5JOE JIM ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KI5EXF SHARON ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE FORT DAVIS
N5HYD DOUG FORT DAVIS
WA3LCO FLOYD ERIE, PA
KF5KMA DANNY ALPINE
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
WC5WFH (NO INFORMATION)
KC5NOX GARY SWEETWATER
KG5HEJ AL ALPINE
N5JZV (NO INFORMATION)
KE5KNQ ROB ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN ALPINE
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KI5JIZ DERRICK ROUNDROCK
N5CFB JOHN BUDA

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was conducted on 2-meters utilizing the BBARC 2-meter repeater system.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP. It was agreed that all items of business would be approved by mutual agreement.

The minutes of the May 12, 2020 meeting were read and approved.

No Financial Report was presented due to a reluctance to discuss financial matters on the air.

It was discussed that the usual meeting location at the West Texas National Bank in Alpine was still unavailable because of Covid-19 conditions.

It was reported ECHO-LINK had been moved to Scott’s KI5ANK residence, which has a line-of-sight path to the Elephant Mountain Hub. ECHO-LINK is up and running.

Bob WA5ROE reported on Field Day plans. The event will be held at the usual Double Diamond location, but due to Covid-19 conditions it will be scaled down. BBARC will operate as a 1A station, rather than the 2A as in the past. The BBARC RV will be setup with a G5RV antenna and will be used as both CW and Voice operations. The individual operating that station will choose the mode of preference. In addition, operators may choose to operate from home or other remote locations in the class of their choice and designate those contacts as BBARC for club scoring purposes

Meals will be served, but possibly scaled down from previous years. Meals served will be Friday-supper, Saturday-breakfast, noon and supper and Sunday-breakfast and leftovers at noon.

Those planning to eat all meals need to pay Bob WA5ROE $30.00 or $10.00 for one meal. Participants are also asked to provide a 12-pack of the drinks of their choice.

Also discussed was an email from John Dyer AE5B, previous Section Manager. John and his wife Karla K5LRA, will sponsor the West Texas Field Award for WTX affiliated clubs. The award will go to the club with the most contacts, including those contacts from the Field Day location and from individual operators adding contacts to the club’s aggregate score. A plaque will be awarded to the winning club.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts
W5NPR

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
May 12, 2020

The meeting was attended by 20 members and guests.

W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KI5ANQ SCOTT TERLINQUA
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KI5EXF SHARON ALPINE
N5MVV ANGIE FORT DAVIS
N5HYD DOUG FORT DAVIS
KDE5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
KF5KMA DANNY ALPINE
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
KX5SP STEVE ALPINE
AI4BA DAVID ALPINE
WA5POK MIKE ALPINE
KM4TYV SHERYL ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN ALPINE

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was conducted on 2-meters utilizing the BBARC 2-meter repeater system.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP. It was agreed that all items of business would be approved by mutual agreement.

The minutes of the April 14, 2020 meeting were read and approved.

No Financial Report was presented due to a reluctance to discuss financial matters on the air.

OLD BUSINESS:
There was no additional information presented on the K5FD registration of BBARC repeaters.

NEW BUSINESS:
Bob WA5ROE discussed possible Field Day activities, which have been curtailed due to Covid-19 conditions. While large group gatherings usually conducted by BBARC will not be possible, operations by small groups, family groups and individuals will be allowed . All contacts, points and other scores can be combined uner K5FD for purposes of reporting to ARRL. It was suggested that final planning be done during the June BBARC meeting, which is prior to the June 27-28 Field Day dates, allowing for other ARRL rule changes and developments.

Doug N5HYD discussed repairs to the Christmas Mountain 146.82 repeater. He reported that the batteries checked out good, but that replacement of battery jumper cables and other fine tuning were required. The repeater is now functioning properly. Expenses for the trip included a tire repair and gasoline.

It was reported that ECHO LINK issues are still eliminating normal operation and that other options are being considered.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts
W5NPR

The meeting was attended by 19 members and guests.
W5NPR                               BILL                          ALPINE
KE5WCP                            STEPHEN                  FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC                              PAMELA                    FORT DAVIS
KI5ANQ                             SCOTT                       TERLINQUA 
WA5ROE                           BOB                            ALPINE
KA5PVB                            CHUCK                      ALPINE  
KG5LMG                           MARVIN                    FORT DAVIS
KI5EXF                              SHARON                    ALPINE
N5MVV                              ANGIE                        FORT DAVIS
N5HYD                               DOUG                        FORT DAVIS
N5JOE                                JIM                              ALPINE
KF5KMA                           DANNY                       ALPINE
K5WSA                              BILL                 FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB                             JUDI                            FORT DAVIS
KX5SP                               STEVE                        ALPINE
AI4BA                                DAVID                        ALPINE
WA5POK                           MIKE                          ALPINE
KM4TYV                           SHERYL                     ALPINE
KE5KNQ                            ROB                            ALPINE

Due to the Covid-19 virus, the meeting was conducted on 2-meters utilizing the BBARC 2-meter repeater system.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP.  It was agreed that all items of business would be approved by mutual agreement.

The minutes of the March 10, 2020 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report. Angie discussed her reluctance to discuss financial information on the air, but the financial report would be emailed to the secretary and be made a part of the written minutes.  Her report indicated an end of month balance of $10939.34.  Deposits since late January included dues-$434.00;  Donations-$1008.00 and memorials-$2440.00.  Expenses included Big Bend Telephone-$141.20;  Insurance-$1097.00;  Doug Otoupal-$514.24 and Pafoofnik Enterprises-$300.00.  The treasurer’s report was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

It was reported that Doug N5HYD had researched information on spare repeaters, but none had been purchased.   It was also discussed that all BBARC repeaters should be registered as K5FD and that the call of KE5OG would be memorialized in another way, to be determined at a later date.

It was discussed that Ultrarun and the Livermore hike had been cancelled due to Covid19.

The annual BBARC dinner originally scheduled for April 24th has been postponed indefinately.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bob WA5ROE reported that silent key information on Bill KE5OG had not been submitted for publication in QST Magazine.

Scott KI5ANQ reported that the 146.82 Christmas Mountain repeater had locked up during the previous week’s Wednesday night 2-meter net.  

The 2020 status of Field Day was discussed.  Chuck KA5PVB discussed the possible necessity of changes to this year’s Field Day.  Covid-19 conditions could eliminate  large group gatherings like BBARC’s  usual Field Day activities.  The activities could be limited to individuals operating from home on emergency power or family gatherings operating portable stations on temporary antennas.  Clubs should be alert to additional Field Day information and state social distancing requirements as the time draws nearer.

Bob WA5ROE reported on ARES nets on Monday nights at 7:30 on 3873 kHz, preceded by the NTS  net from 6:30 to 7:30 on the same frequency.  He stated that on the ARES net, the three Texas sections are called, first North Texas, then West Texas and finally South Texas.  Also RACES nets are scheduled on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 2:00 PM on 7255 kHz.

It was reported that the ECHO LINK antenna tower would remain at True Value, but with an additional tower section installed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Bill Roberts

W5NPR

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

W5NPR                               BILL                          ALPINE
KE5WCP                            STEPHEN                  FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC                              PAMELA                   FORT DAVIS
KI5ANQ                             SCOTT                       TERLINQUA 
WA5ROE                           BOB                            ALPINE
KA5PVB                            CHUCK                      ALPINE  
KI5EXF                              SHARON                   ALPINE
KG5LMK                           MIKE                         FORT DAVIS
N5JOE                                JIM                             ALPINE
AI4BA                                DAVID                       ALP[INE
KD5KBU                           JIM                             FORT DAVIS  
K5WSA                              BILL                           FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB                             JUDI                           FORT DAVIS
KX5SP                               STEVE                        ALPINE
KG5LMG                          MARVIN                     FORT DAVIS
KB5R                                 RUSTY                       ALPINE
KB4TRP                            CLAIRE                      ATHENS, AL 

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Stephen KE5WCP.

The minutes of the February 11, 2020  meeting were read and approved on a motion by Bill K5WSA and second by Jim KD5KBU.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV,  the Treasurer’s Report was not presented.  Bob WA5ROE reported  there had been several memorial contributions honoring Bill Brooks KE5OG.

Bob WA5ROE reported that the anticipated move of ECHO LINK to the KE5OG residence would not occur.   An extension of the tower at True Value was planned and ECHO LINK would remain there.

A plaque was presented to Bill K5WSA in recognition of his service to BBARC as Club President for 2019.

Stephen KE5WCP said the foot race to be held at Davis Mountain State Park was still scheduled for March 28-29, 2020.  Communication stations were discussed.  He specified that most of the stations were accessible, but that one would require a long walk to access.  He discussed that March 28th was the most important race date and that two shifts were recommended.  The first shift was to be from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM, and the second shift from 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  Because of interference it was suggested that 146.62 be off line during the duration of the race.

It was discussed that 146.62 had been damaged by lightning and was being repaired.  It was also suggested that backup repeaters were necessary.  Two repeaters had been located on Ebay, a used one for $700 and a new one for $2000.  It was recommended that consideration be given to purchasing both repeaters and that Doug N5HYD be authorized to investigate the available repeaters.

It was discussed that SKYWARN Training was scheduled on Thursday March 24, at the Sul Ross Range Animal Science Building from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Jim KD5KBU reported that SKYWARN would be presented in Fort Davis on the following Wednesday.

The program was presented by Scott KI5ANQ on APRS equipped radios.  Topics discussed were APRS overview, data capabilities, operating modes, usage, repeaters, SSID, radio configurations, packets at alpinhof, GPS, logging, etc.   It was a well presented program with a question and answer period following the program.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR

Secretary