Author: Bill Roberts

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
April 2, 2019

The meeting was attended by 11 members and approximately 35 guests.

W5NPR  BILL        ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB         ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB         ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK       ALPINE 
K5WSA  BILL        FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI        FORT DAVIS
K1SP   MATT        ALPINE
N5HYD  DOUG        FORT DAVIS
KG5LTE SCOTT       ALPINE
KI5AXS CHRIS       TERLINGUA
AG5STN CHRISTOPHER TERLINGUA 
       KEN         TERLINGUA

Others attending the session included law enforcement police officers, students of Sul Ross State University and area residents.

No business meeting was scheduled for April 2019.

The meeting was the annual SKYWARN session presented by Rick Huckan of the Midland office of the National Weather Service. He presented weather statistics, weather events in the recent past, cloud formations and types, storms, thunderstorms, tornadoes, down bursts, lightning and the dangers present for each category of hazardous weather. He discussed the recommended location of storm chasers, stressing that 3-5 miles southeast of tornado producing cloud formations is generally the best location, but that escape routes must also be considered. The SPOTTER HOTLINE was announced as 1-800-597-3320 and encouraged the use of the line to inform the NWS of weather events, stating complete and accurate information as to location, time, date and type of event.

The SKYWARN session, which was held at the Sul Ross Science Building, Room 301, began at 7:00 PM and ended shortly before 9:00 PM. Area sessions were also scheduled in Marfa, April 1st and Fort Davis, April 3rd.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

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

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
February 12, 2019

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KG5LTE SCOTT   ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS 
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE 
KA5AHI BOB     ALPINE
KI5AXS CHRIS   TERLINQUA
KG5LTE GAGE    ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
KE50G  BILL    ALPINE
KI4BA  DAVID   ALPINE

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

The minutes of the January 8, 2019 meeting were read and approved after corrections on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $9129.46. Deposits included $648.00 in dues and $618.00 in donations. Expenses included 2 payments of $35.00 to Big Bend Telephone and $1050.00 for RV insurance. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Rusty KB5R.

OLD BUSINESS:
Jim KD5KBU reported that the Ultra Run had been completed without major injuries and that approximately 300 runners participated.

NEW BUSINESS:
Scott KG5LTE reported that AT&T had surplus test equipment that he anticipated would be donated to BBARC.

Rusty KB5R reported that the American Legion would be hosting a fish fry on Friday February 15th to help with medical expenses for the Dawson Young family who had been involved in an automobile accident during icy conditions. Cost of the fish fry would be $10.00 per plate.

The possibility of including meeting minutes in the monthly BBARC newsletter prepared by Bill KE5OG was discussed. Bill W5NPR reported that the minutes published in the newsletter would be prior to approval. Rusty KB5R moved that the minutes be included in the newsletter, second by Chuck KA5PVB.

The annual BBARC Banquet/BBQ was discussed with the possible dates of April 27th or May 11th. Rusty KB5R requested that Sarah be contacted on dishes to be prepared.

The possibility of wind generators or upgraded solar panels at repeater sites was discussed. It was emphasized that Doug N5HYD and Bill W5ATO make all decisions on upgrades to the repeater systems, as they are the ones providing system upkeep and repairs.

The possibility of having occasional meetings at Fort Davis and Terlingua was discussed as well as future classes and testing sessions.

The program was on Antennas 101 presented by Bill K5WSA and included discussion on dipoles, doublets, verticals and the G5RV. It was announced that Antennas 102 would be presented at a later meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
January 8, 2019

The meeting was attended by 21 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS 
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE 
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINQUA
KG5BMK CHUCK   TERLINQUA
KI5AXS CHRIS   TERLINQUA
KX5SP  STEVE   ALPINE
KG5LTE GAGE    ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
KE50G  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
W5IG   VIC     AUSTIN

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

The minutes of the December 11, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $9049.64. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Scott KG5LTE and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

OLD BUSINESS:
The raffle was discussed. It was reported that all 300 tickets had been sold and that the drawing was held following the Santa net on December 13th.

Rob KE5KNQ reported light turnout at the Santa Net but that the event was reported by Marfa Public Radio and the Alpine Avalanche.

NEW BUSINESS:
Jim KD5KBU discussed the upcoming Martin Luther King Ultra Run at the Big Bend Ranch State Park. He reported that the 50-mile race would probably end after dark on Sunday night and that two or more volunteers would be needed at each radio communication site. He stated that approximately 250 runners were anticipated.
He also reported that no new information had been received on the River Road race in February and that the next CycleFest event would be held in September.

It was discussed that the Emergency Repeater which had originally carried the 145.23 frequency was now programmed as 146.82 and is temporarily in place at the Christmas Mountain site.

The Annual BBQ/Banquet will be held at the Rusty KB5R residence in Sunny Glen on either April 27th or May 11th.

Other discussions included the possibility of wind generators as power sources at the repeater sites, National Parks on the Air ham radio events, suggestions on creating community interest in Ham Radio and possible subjects for meeting programs.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS 
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE 
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINQUA
KG5BMK CHUCK   TERLINQUA
KI5AXS CHRIS   TERLINQUA
AI4BA  DAVID   ALPINE
HEIDI          ALPINE
KX5SP  STEVE   ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Marvin Voiers KG5LMG.

The minutes of the November 12, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Bill K5WSA.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $9038.64. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB. Expenses include $35.00 to Big Bend Telephone and deposits include $340 donations, $2000.57 from Raffle tickets sales and $180 club dues.

OLD BUSINESS:
It was reported that the Christmas Mountain Repeater was working, but that the BBARC 145.23 Repeater had been temporarily installed while the 146.82 was being repaired. Because the antenna at the site had not been tuned to the new frequency, it was not working as well as before, but was serviceable until repairs were accomplished and returned to the Christmas Mountain site.

Upcoming races were discussed. The Ultra Run on Martin Luther King Day in January was on schedule and volunteers are needed. There was no new information on the Fort Leaton to Terlinqua race in February. At the November meeting, Jim KD5KBU discussed the spring HammerFest event, saying that the most recent sponsor had not been popular and that the spring event might be cancelled. He reported no new information.

Ticket sales for the upcoming raffle of True Value Gift Certificates were discussed. It was reported that all tickets had been sold and that the drawing would be at 7:00 PM on December 13th, the night of the Santa Net.

NEW BUSINESS:
Rob KE5KNQ reported that the Santa Net would be held as planned on December 13th and that Marfa Public Radio would be reporting on the event. He asked for volunteers with Rusty KB5R, Chuck KA5PVB and Bill W5NPR, in addition to Rob, planning to be present.

It was requested that the Finance Committee be dissolved, and was done so on a motion from Chuck KA5PVB and second by Rusty KB5R.

Bill K5WSA reported that the ARRL Brochures that he had obtained for the Raffle ticket sales had been delivered to the Alpine and Fort Davis libraries for distribution.

Bill W5NPR presented the report of the Nomination Committee with the following members placed in nomination: President Bill K5WSA; Vice-President Stephen KE5WCP; Treasurer Angie N5MVV and Secretary Bill W5NPR. No other nominations from the floor were presented and the above named officers were elected by acclamation on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

Following the business meeting, the Annual Silent Auction of items donated was conducted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 15 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
K5AHI  BOB     ALPINE
KG5LTE SCOTT   ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
K5ITT  KITTY   FORT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Marvin Voiers KG5LMG.

The minutes of the August 14, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Jim KD5KBU. The minutes for the September 11, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Jim KD5KBU.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $5298.57. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Jim KD5KBU.

OLD BUSINESS:
Jim KD5KBU reported that the CycleFest event went well with approximately 350 riders participating. He reported that one accident occurred on Bear Mountain resulting in a broken shoulder blade, broken pelvis and back injuries.

The Hunger Hike event was discussed. Two hikes were scheduled, one up to the summit of Livermore Mountain. Also discussed were the upcoming Ultra Run on Martin Luther King day in January and the Presidio to Lajitas event, although no new information was available on that event.

Bill K5WSA reported that he had received Ham Radio brochures from ARRL and that practice licensing tests were available on line.

Ticket sales for the upcoming raffle of True Value Gift Certificates was discussed. It was reported that ticket sales had been arranged at Porters on the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. Bob Ward at True Value would be contacted about the possibility of ticket sales in front of the store with the BBARC RV

parked at the location so that those buying tickets would understand what the sales were supporting.

It was reported that the drawing would occur on December 13th, the night of the Santa Claus Net.

NEW BUSINESS:
Marvin KG5LMG appointed Bill Brooks, Bob Ward and Bill Roberts to serve on the Nominating Committee for BBARC officers for 2019. The election of officers would occur during the December meeting.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

The program presented by Bill KE5OG was on propagation and its effect on ham radio operating bands. He discussed the Isophere and the E, D and F layers, solar flux, the A and K indices, the ARRL Propagation Reports and the software and internet tools available to ham radio operators.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Minutes of Meeting
September 11, 2018-

The meeting was attended by 14 members and guests.

KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
KG5LTE SCOTT   ALPINE
       TERRI   FORT DAVIS 
       JEFF    FORT DAVIS
AI4BA  DAVID   ALPINE
       HENDI   ALPINE

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 130 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.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Minutes of Meeting
August 14, 2018

The meeting was attended by 19 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
K5AHI  BOB     ALPINE
K1YBA  DAVID   ALPINE
KG5LTE SCOTT   ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KD5ITE RADAR   PRESIDIO
KG5ZHW RONALD  ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Marvin Voiers KG5LMG.

The minutes of the July 10, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Mike KG5LMK and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $5385.18. Also reported was payments of $400.76 for batteries for the 146.92 Repeater, $300 for liability insurance and $33.00 to Big Bend Telephone. Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

OLD BUSINESS:
It was reported that needed maintenance on 146.62 and 146.92 had been completed.

CycleFest which was discussed last meeting was scheduled for September 15-16.

It was decided that the raffle recommended by the Finance Committee at the last meeting would be scheduled for the night of the Santa Claus Net on December 13th. Rusty KB5R moved that the raffle for True Value gift certificates be in the amounts of $700.00 for 1st place; $200 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place, second by Bill K5WSA. Motion was approved. Tickets would be ordered immediately so that sale of tickets could begin.

NEW BUSINESS:
An Outreach Program advertising the activities of the BBARC to encourage membership was discussed. Bill KE5OG moved that Scott KG5LTE be appointed Marketing Director., second by Bob WA5ROE. Motion passed. Bill K5WSA volunteered to contact ARRL about acquiring a supply of amateur radio pamphlets.

Bill KE5OG recommended that the September BBARC meeting be a tour of the McDonald Observatory recently installed telescopic equipment. He volunteered to contact Jim KD5KBU to set up the tour.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

The program presented by Bill KE5OG was a video of an amateur radio DX Expedition to de Deschio Island, a small uninhabited island 13 miles from the west coast of Puerto Rico and 31 miles northeast of Mona Island. The video emphasized the initial preparation, transportation to the island, setup of communication equipment and antennas, and on-the-air DX operation of the team.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
July 10, 2018

The meeting was attended by 15 members and guests.

W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KG5LMG MARVIN  FORT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIB JUDI    FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
KG7KQP THOMAS  ALPINE
KE5WCP STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KG5ZIC PAMELA  FORT DAVIS
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
AF5QS  CLINT   FORT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Marvin Voiers KG5LMK.

The minutes of the June 12, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Tom KG7KQP and second by Chuck KA5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5MVV with an end of month balance reported as $6,963.58. Also reported was Field Day income of $795.00, expenses $512.33 for food and $32.33 to True Value, for a total of $544.66, and a net gain of $245.34. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Tom KG7KQP.

OLD BUSINESS:
It was reported that new batteries were needed for the Glass Mountain 146.92 Repeater. Four new batteries had been ordered and would be installed on arrival.

Upcoming races involving BBARC were discussed, including CycleFest on September 15, 2018, Food Pantry hike to Livermore Mountain October 6, 2018, Big Bend Ranch Marathon January 2019, Presidio to Lajitas in February 2019.

The Finance Committee outlined suggested fundraiser events of two raffles per year with those funds to be designated for repeater expenses. The first to be in September with 90 day sale time. Bill KE5OG emphasized the need to start planning the September raffle NOW. The suggested raffle prize would be a gift certificate from True Value of an amount to be determined. The gift certificate would be made available from True Value at a 20% discount. Tom KG7KQP made a motion to discharge the Finance Committee, second by Chuck KA5PVB, motion failed.

New Business:
Bob WA5ROE reported that he had resigned as DEC for the district including Brewster County and that Jim KD5KBU had been appointed DEC beginning July 1, 2018.

Bob also reported that new batteries had to be installed in the communication RV after a major meltdown of the electrical system from the generator. He had purchased the needed batteries at a cost of $1371.96. Tom KG7KQP moved that Bob be reimbursed, second by Bill KE5OG. Motion passed.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The program was presented by Bill KE5OG on the results of Field Day. He reported that operating conditions had not been good and that the score for BBARC was lower than in past years. He also stated that all Field Day operations experienced the same conditions and that he anticipated that BBARC would do as well or better in the standings for the 2A category. He reported that our score was 6888, with 1767 contacts and 1402 bonus points. Based on last years scores, we wou

---

ld be in the top thirty.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Minutes of meeting
June 12, 2018

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

N5NYM     ALLEN            ALPINE
KA5PV     CHUCK            ALPINE
KE5OG     BILL             ALPINE
KG5LMK    MIKE             FT. DAVIS
KE5WCP    STEPHEN          FT. DAVIS
KG5LMG    MARVIN           FT.DAVIS
K5WSA     BILL             FT.DAVIS
KG5ZIB    JUDI             FT.DAVIS
KG7KQP    TOM              ALPINE
W5SKJ     JUDY              
N3PQ      DAVID             
N5MVV     ANGIE            FT. DAVIS
KG5LTE    SCOTT (and son)  ALPINE
WA5MHU    DEAN             ALPINE
KX5SP     STEVE            ALPINE
K5AHI     BOB              ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:29 PM by President – Allen Moore – N5NYM.

Minutes of the May 18th meeting were read and approved with corrections by Rusty – KB5R and seconded by Tom – KG7KQP.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Angie – N5MVV that we have $6,958.64 in the bank account with one more insurance payment due on the club’s RV.

Old Business-
The pending bike race to be held along the Hwy 170 route across Presidio and Brewster counties, discussion was tabled to a later meeting as KD5KBU was not in attendance.

Tom – KG7KQP discussed a raffle for the club to hold as a funds raiser, as they are very successful if the club can sell the 300 tickets! Dawson @ Tru-Value says it will cost the club $800 for a Rugar AR-596 rifle and case, plus cost of getting tickets printed up to sell. Tom suggested that the winning ticket could be drawn during our September meeting. Selling the 300 tickets at $10 each would net the club about $2200 for our treasury! Tom recommended we have 2 raffles per year to raise needed funds.

Discussion – Scott KG5LTE said raffles by the VFW group were mostly 3 item packages with 3 winners drawn and the first winner got their first choice of the 3 items,  second winner second choice, etc. He also questioned whether or not a person not  allowed to have a gun could buy a ticket, and possibly get the club into trouble with the law! Tom said, a “disclaimer” could be printed on the tickets to cover our liability.

Another suggestion made was to offer a choice of 3 guns (rifle, shotgun or pistol) with the winner getting his choice.

Also, if we sell raffle tickets at Tru-Value, we need to have the club’s RV parked out front so people will tie the ticket sales to our club!

Tom’s motion for a raffle was tabled for a future meeting.

New Business –
Bill – KE5OG asked Angie – N5MVV if the club’s insurance covered our Repeater Sites radios and equipment and she said “not currently”! Bill said he will contact ARRL about coverage”.

Bill – KE5OG presented a plaque to outgoing President – Allen Moore N5NYM to thank him for his outstanding leadership/service to our club. Allen will be moving the the Port Lavaca, TX. area soon as their house has been sold. Our current Vice President – KG5LMG-Marvin  will step-in to become our new President immediately.

Bill – KE5OG discussed our Field Day results from 2017, 2A class, WTX section, W5JSR GOTA station and 6 meters stations totaled 6,714 points and additionally 180 bonus points for a total of 7,894 points. With 18 participants, we finished 15th out of 383 entries in that class!

This year we will again be a 2A Class with 3 K3 stations (SSB, CW and GOTA). The Double Diamond location building out front is being rented so placement of the CW station (in the club RV) location is “up-in-the-air”.

Bill – W5ATO will get the Jeff Davis tower/generator trailer for the event. Meals will be $30 per person or $40 for family, and Bob – WA5ROE needs our RSVP’s  and money by Monday the 18th! Raw materials (food) needs to be purchased!

Bill – KE5OG ran through a checklist of what’s needs to be done for the bonus points that the ARRL offers.

This year Rusty – KB5R will act as our Safety Officer.

We will start on Thursday at 7:00 PM to layout the antennas and make sure we have “all the parts”. Actual assembly will start Friday morning and runs up until event starts on Saturday at 1:00 PM. FT8 mode will be on our 6 meter station, as it’s better that SSB or CW!

Our Echo-Link station is moving from Allen – N5NYM to Bill – KE5OG QTH!

Meeting was adjourned by NEW President Marvin – KG5LMG at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Chuck Dobbins – KA5PVB
filling in for secretary Bill – W5NPR