Author: Bill Roberts

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

 W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
 KI5FJR DANE    FORT DAVIS
 KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
 KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
 KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
 KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINGUA 
 WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
 KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE  
 KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
 AF7WI  MIKE    LAWSON, WA
 KI7ANY BELINDA LAWSON, WA
 KI5EXF SHARON  ALPINE
 N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
 N5JOE  JIM     ALPINE

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

The minutes of the December 10, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Jim KD5KBU.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report with an end of month balance of $9111.69. A deposit of $696 for dues $180, donations $289 and auction proceeds $227. Expenses included a payment to Big Bend Telephone for $35.60. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Jim KD5KBU.

It was reported that Doug N5HYD had incurred expenses in the amount of $514.24 on behalf of BBARC. Reimbursement was approved on motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Jim N5JOE.

Stephen KE5WCP discussed the chemo treatments of Bill K5WSA. Bill is being treated for cancer of the esophogus and is having swallowing difficulties.

It was reported that ECHOLINK would be moved to Bill KE5OG new residence once his antenna was erected. Bob WA5ROE reported that an adequate path to True Value had not been established.

The UltraRun in the Big Bend State Park would be held Martin Luther King weekend. Preparations and required man power was discussed.

The Training Class to be held at a future date was discussed and would be scheduled when needed.

A request from Ultra Expeditions for communication support for a running event to be held in the Davis Mountains State Park on March 28-29 was discussed. Stephen KE5WCP displayed a map of the proposed route. Pam KG5ZIC made a motion for BBARC to provide communication support, second by Jim KD5KBU.

Bob WA5ROE discussed the insurance policy renewal at a cost of $1097. Bill W5NPR moved to renew, second by Bob WA5ROE.

It was reported that with the move of Dave N5DO, BBARC needs to change the FCC/ARRL Trustee. A resolution was presented for approval that read “Doug Otoupal, N5HYC, be installed as the Trustee of the Big Bend ARC in lieu of David Cockrum, N5DO, as of January 14, 2020”. The resolution was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Jim KD5KBU.

The program was presented by Stephen KE5WCP on electrical grounding and bonding. His presentation was a continuation of his earlier presentation on electricity, grounding and safety. He plans to continue the subject in the months to come.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 19 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KI5FJR DANE    FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINQUA 
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE  
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE                      
KI5EXF SHARON  ALPINE
KX5SP  STEVE   ALPINE
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
KM4TYV CHERYL  OAK RIDGE, TN
WA5POK MIKE    OAK RIDGE, TN/ALPINE
N5JOE  JIM     ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

The minutes of the November 12, 2019 were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report with an end of month balance of $8451.29. Expenses included a payment to Big Bend Telephone for $35.60. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Mike KG5BMK.

Bill K5WSA reported that he would be unable to serve as BBARC President in 2020 due to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Vice-President elect Stephen KE5WCP would serve as President. Bob WA5ROE nominated Scott KI5ANQ as Vice-President for the coming year, second by Chuck PA5PVB, motion approved.

It was reported that ECHOLINK had been moved to True Value but not yet up and running. The transceiver was being sent to Doug N5HYD for possible repairs.

Rob KE5KNQ discussed the annual Santa Net sponsored by BBARC on December 5 which drew 14 youngsters. He reported that the weather was very good and that those who spoke to Santa Clause were extremely well mannered.

The upcoming Ultra Run in the Big Bend State Park on Martin Luther King weekend was discussed, as was the need for communication volunteers.

A request from Ultra Expeditions for communication support for a running event to be held in the Davis Mountains on March 28-29 was discussed.

It was disacussed that there was a need for a possible class and test session in the near future.

The program was the annual Silent Auction of surplus radio equipment, books, baked goods and other donated items. Much of the auction items had been donated by Bill KE5OG. The auction was successful with all proceeds going to BBARC.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
 W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
 KI5FJR DANE    FORT DAVIS
 K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
 KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
 KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
 KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
 KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
 KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINQUA 
 KI1SP  MATTHEW ALPINE
 WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
 KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE  
 N5CER  CHRIS   FORT DAVIS
 KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE                         

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

The minutes of the October 8, 2019 were read and approved on a motion by KB5R and second by K5WSA.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, the Treasurer’s Report was not presented but Bob WA5ROE reported that a $300.00 donation from True Value was deposited during the month.

The foot race from Dagger Flat to Rio Grande Village was discussed. There were 14 runners entered and no medical problems were reported. There were 5-6 radio volunteer operators and communications worked well using the Christmas Mountains 146.82 repeater.

It was reported that ECHOLINK had been moved to True Value but not yet up and running.

It was announced that the December meeting would feature the annual silent auction of radio equipment, books, baked goods and surplus items donated.

Rob KE5KNQ discussed the annual Santa Net to be sponsored by BBARC in December. Rob suggested December 5th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The date and time were approved on a motion by Bill K5WSA and second by Rusty KB5R.

The program was presented by Stephen KE5WCP on electricity, grounding and trouble shooting electrical problems. A question and answer period followed the presentation.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KI5FJR DANE FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT TERLINQUA
KB5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
KX5SP STEVE ALPINE
WA5POK MIKE BLUE RIDGE, TN
KM4TYV SHERYL BLUE RIDGE, TN

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

On a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Pam KG5ZIC the minutes of the July 9, 2019 and August 13, 2019 were approved without presentation because of the time which had passed since those meetings. On a motion by Jim KD5KBU and second by Stephen KE5WCP the minutes of the September 10, 2019 meeting were approved as read.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, the Treasurer’s Report was presented by Bob WA5ROE with an end of month balance for October reported as $8182.49. Expenses included Big Bend Telephone $35.56. The report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Bob WA5ROE.

The ballots for the election of the West Gulf Division Director which had been mailed out were discussed. Bob WA5ROE discussed the poor voting percentage of the past elections and requested that all members mark and return ballots as soon as possible.

It was reported that ECHOLINK had not yet been moved but that the planned location was at True Value.

Bill K5WSA reported that a request had been made for communication support for a marathon in Big Bend National Park in early November. It was the opinion of all present that not enough advance notice had been given and that the request should be denied. It was further discussed that the Ultra Run Big Bend Ranch State Park on Martin Luther King weekend was still on the calendar and assistance would be provided.

It was discussed and agreed to file application nominating Bill KE5OG as ARRL Ham of the Year. Bill’s record for DX activities, contesting, Field Day, and service to the club, including serving as president of five different occasions were mentioned.

Jim discussed the recent CycleFest reporting that 350 cyclists participated with good weather and no injuries.

The program was presented by Rusty KB5R on his military time on Ascension Island in the Atlantic between South America and Africa where the Eastern Test Range was located. He presented photos of the island, military installation and test range equipment. The report was well presented and including a question and answer period following the presentation.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 23 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK ALPINE
KI5FJR DANE FORT DAVIS
KG5LTE SCOTT ALPINE
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
N5JOE JIM ALPINE
KE5OG BILL ALPINE
KB5JXO BENNY FORT STOCKTON
KI5ANQ SCOTT TERLINQUA
KI5EXF SHARON ALPINE
W5WI DALE BUFFALO GAP
N5AUS JOHN ROBERT AUSTIN
KB5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KE5KNQ ROB ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB ALPINE
N5MDB MATT FORT DAVIS
N5MGB MELANIE FORT Davis
N5MVV ANGIE FORT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

On a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB the minutes of the July 9, 2019 and August 13,2009 were postponed until the October meeting to allow more time for guest speakers Dale Durham W5WI and John Robert Stratton N5AUS.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance for August $8105.78. Expenses included Big Bend Telephone $35.56 for July and $35.56 fpr August and $200.00 for liability insurance. The report was approved on a motion by Bill W5WSA and Rust KB5R.

Jim KD5KBU reported that the Cyclefest fun ride was scheduled for September 21, 2019. The ride include the Prude Ranch to Point of Rocks, Prude Ranch to Valentine cutoff and Prude Ranch around entire Scenic Loop, all on Saturday. Volunteers to provide communications were requested. On Sunday, the Prude Ranch to the top of Mount Locke was scheduled.

Bill KE5OG reported that the Texas QSO Party was scheduled for the weekend of September 14th and 15th. He also reported that EchoLink was down until the tower could be relocated to True Value.

The program was presented by Dale Durham W5WI, ARRL West Texas Section Manager and John Robert Stratton N5AUS, ARRL West Gulf Division Director. Dale spoke on upcoming Ham of the Year and Field Day Awards, ARES and Introduction to Emergency Management Training. John Robert spoke on the upcoming election for ARRL West Gulf Director, for which he is the incumbent running for reelection. He spoke on the current makeup of the Board of Directors and problems facing the Board and the ARRL membership. He requested that when ballots are mailed out that each member take time to fill out the ballot. He stated that a vote for him would be appreciated. Both Dale and John Robert took questions from those present.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK ALPINE
KI5FJR DANE FORT DAVIS
KG5LMK MIKE FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KEN ALPINE
AI4BA DAVID ALPINE
HENDI ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT TERLINQUA
KI5EXF SHARON ALPINE
AF5QS CLINT FORT DAVIS
WB5YFC JP FORT DAVIS

The meeting was a field trip to the Hobby Eberly Telescope on Fowlkes Mountain in Jeff Davis County, which is a part of the McDonald Observatory complex. Jim KD5KBU conducted the tour. He led those present through the dome which houses the 11-meter (433 inch) telescope, explaining the structure of the scope with its 91 mirrors. He demonstrated the method of rotation which runs on air inflated pads. The telescope weighs approximately 150 tons. The tour also included a visit to the operation rooms where the astronomer and telescope operators are on duty. A question and answer period followed the presentation.

The tour was was well presented and much appreciated by those in attendance.

Respectively Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 15 members and guests.

W5NPR BILL ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI FORT DAVIS
K5WSA BILL FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA FORT DAVIS
KB5R RUSTY ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM FORT DAVIS
AI4BA DAVID ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK ALPINE
N5MVV ANGIE FORT DAVIS
K1SP MATTHEW ALPINE
KX5SP STEVE ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KB5YFG J P FORT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

The minutes of the June 11, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Stephen KE5WCP.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance for June as $8413.17. Deposits of $630.00 and $200.00 were reported with expenses of $85.46 to Big Bend Telephone for the months of April and May, $35.16 for the month of June, $220.94 for a battery box and $32.00 for website fees. The report was approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Jim KD5KBU.

OLD BUSINESS:
It was reported that Field Day contacts for BBARC were approximately 500 less that last year due to operating conditions and antenna issues at the RV CW station. BBARC scored 6300 points with 796 from side band contacts and 888 from CW contacts. Bonus points also added to the score. Volunteers involved in the setup were praised and the need for more volunteer help in the future was noted.

A study on 2-meter frequencies was discussed with possible reallocation for ham frequencies. ARRL has indicated that no problems were foreseen and to not contact congressional representatives at this time.

Cost of new repeaters was discussed with a recommendation that repeaters purchases should be per-programmed.

NEW BUSINESS:
It was discussed that the August meeting would be tour of the McDonald Observatory telescope facilities.
The program was presented by Steve KX5SP on his recent medical mission trip to Honduras. He reported that Honduras is a beautiful but very poor country. The medical team visited a different village every day with patients sometimes walking many miles for treatment. He stated that all radios and supplies were brought in by the team, with antennas constructed on site and moved to each new location. He discussed a Texas CW station with an antenna farm that provided communication support for incoming and outgoing transmissions. The team spent approximately three weeks in the field.

Steve has been involved in more than 70 relief missions, mostly storm related events.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE 
KE50G  BILL    ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINGUA
KI5EXP SHARON  TERLINGUA
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
AI4BA  DAVID   ALPINE 
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

The minutes of the May 14, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Rusty KB5R.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, there was no Treasurer’s Report presented.

OLD BUSINESS:
Repeater issues continued with the suggestion that a new location for the 146.62 repeater at McDonald Observatory be considered due to poor coverage on the back side of the Scenic Loop.

Bill W5ATO informed BBARC that he would be unable to continue repeater maintenance due to family issues.

Doug N5HYD had sent an email that new radios could be obtained from Clif Wand. The BBARC 501c3 status was discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:
It was discussed that a charge of $30 per person would be collected for Field Day meals. Field Day participants were reminded to provide a 12-pack of water, soft drinks or 807’s.

It was discussed that Steve KX5SP was involved in International Health Services in Honduras.

It was reported that the September program would be presented by Clint Davis on how amateur radio is to be used in the space race.

The program was presented by Bill KE5OG on the upcoming Field Day. He discussed the 2A operating status of BBARC, stating that we would operate 2 HF stations plus a 3rd GOTA station. He also discussed the bonus points available to the club. Field Day is scheduled for Saturday June 22nd beginning at 1:00 PM local time and ends Sunday June 23rd at 1:00 PM. Setup will begin on Friday afternoon and extend through Saturday morning. It was emphasized that setup is a difficult process and that as much help as possible is needed. Last year BBARC placed 16th nationally in the 2A category.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

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
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
KE50G  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINGUA

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Bill Smith K5WSA.

The minutes of the March 14, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Scott KG5LTE. The minutes of the April 2, 2019 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Bill W5WSA and Judi KG5ZIB.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, the Treasurer’s Report was presented by Bob WA5ROE. Expenses for the month included a Bill for RV repairs at Powers Auto for $408.13, leaving an end of month balance of $8352.00. The report was approved on a motion by Mike KG5LMK and second by Rusty KB5R.

OLD BUSINESS:

Bob WA5ROE reported that the work on the RV included a ner wind shield wiper motor in addition to battery replacement. He stated that other issues exist and are being attended to by the RV shop south of Alpine on the BBNP Highway..

Rusty KB5R reported that the Annual Banquet/BBQ would be at his home in Sunny Glen with the date changed to May 11^th starting at 5 PM. He requested members to contact Sarah concerning dishes to be contributed.

NEW BUSINESS:

It was reported that no one from The BBARC had attended the Midland HamFest.

Field Day which is scheduled for June 22-23 was discussed. Bob WA5ROE reported that the site at Double Diamonf had been approved. Bob and Ike Roberts would cook fothe event and the cost per individual is $30. A head count is needed for grocery planning. K3 transceivers would be used with Bill KE5OG and Stephen KG5WCP providing the K3’s.

Needed repeater maintenance was discussed. Doug N5NYD will try to prepare a report as to his recommendations.

The program was presented by Stephen KE5WCP on the ARES (American Radio Emergency Service) organization, duties, recommended training, intoduction to the Incident Command System, emergency preparations, go kits, etc.

On the section level, the chain of command includes Section Manager, Section Emergency Coordinator, District Emergency Coordinator and Emergency Coordinators for each county within the district.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR

Secretary