Author: Bill Roberts

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
May 8, 2018

The meeting was attended by 23 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN  ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL   ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB    ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB    ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK  ALPINE 
KX5SP  STEVE  ALPINE
KG5ZME ZANE   ALPINE
KG5ZIA STEW   TERLINGUA
KG5BMK CHUCK  TERLINGUA 
W5DWI  DICK   ALPINE
W5JUW  LORA   ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN FORT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL   ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE   FORT DAVIS
K5AHI  BOB    ALPINE
KG5AAH BRIAN  ALPINE
KG5ZIB JUDI   FORT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE  FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL   FORT DAVIS
KG5LTD ADRIAN ALPINE
KG5ZHY J J    ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM    FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB    ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by President Allen Moore N5NYM.

The minutes of the April 10, 2018 meeting were read and approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Jim KD5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie N5NVV with an end of month reported as $6,893.78 with RV registration due and yet to be paid. Also reported was an upcoming insurance payment due later in the year. Report was approved on a motion by Jim KD5KBU and second by Bob WA5ROE.

OLD BUSINESS:
Allen N5NYM discussed the recent ARRL testing of approximately 39 prospective amateur radio operators, with about 25 successful. He expressed congratulations to all the new hams, several of which were in attendance.

Participation by several BBARC members at the March Saint Patrick’s HamFest in Midland was discussed.

The April HammerFest bike race had been a success with 120 starting the race and 90 completions, with no accidents. He reported that 9 volunteers participated on Sunday, and that it was the best turn out of volunteers in several years. He expressed his appreciation to those participating.

NEW BUSINESS:
It was discussed that a new repeater link had been installed in Alpine. The new link is a UHF band with the frequency of 446.150 SIMPLEX with 146.2 PL Tone.

Allen N5NYM reported that a bicycle race event was planned for November 10, 2018 in the Big Bend State Park. It would follow the paved highway route of State Highway 170, also known as the River Road. It was probable that crossband communications would be required. It was also discussed that HF communications should be considered.

It was discussed that ARR L Field Day was scheduled for June 23 &24. It was reported that the Double Diamond location used for a number of years was available and that the June BBARC meeting would precede the event and more detailed plans would be discussed at that time. It was discussed that the event is no contest—contest.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The program was presented by Bill KE5OG on the FT-8 Mode. Bill explained that FT-8 was developed by Joe Taylor K1JT and Steven Frank K9AN as part of the W8JT-x suite of low-power, sound card apps that include JT65, JT9, MSK!$$, WSPR and other digital programs. His presentation demonstrated the installation, operation and logbook capabilities of the program. It is in use throughout the ham Radio universe. The program was well presented and informative.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

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

The meeting was attended by 10 members and approximately 40 guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL  ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB   ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB   ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK ALPINE 
KX5SP  STEVE ALPINE
TECH PENDING RALF          FORT DAVIS
TECH PENDING JOHN JAMIESON ALPINE
TECH PENDING ZACK BORDER   ALPINE
TECH PENDING LONNIE HILLON VAN HORN

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 2018.

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-Turner Range Animal Science Building, began at 7:00 PM and ended shortly before 9:00 PM. Area sessions were also scheduled in Marfa, April 9th and Fort Davis, April 11th.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
March 13, 2018

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FT DAVIS
       JUDY    FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
KX5SP  STEVE   ALPINE
K5AHI  BOB     ALPINE
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
KG7KQP TOM     ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM.

The minutes of the January 9, 2018 meeting and the February 13, 2018 and the K3LR DX Engineering Skype presentation were read and approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Tom KG7KQP.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, Bob WA5ROE reported the bank balances for January-$2424.73; February-$4054.68; and March-$5630.47. These 3 months were reported due to financial problems early in the year, and expected financial discussions during the meeting.

Old business:
It was reported that the Border to Badlands Ultra Run communication support was cancelled due to a lack of manpower.

The SKYWARN training, which had been announced earlier in the year without a confirmed location, was announced once again. The location for the meeting is confirmed for the Sul Ross Range Animal Science Center, Room 130, at 6:30 PM.

Allen N5NYM reported that the controversial ARRL Board of Directors discussions on the censorship of board member, had been reversed due to objections from the membership.

An additional reminder was presented for the payment of dues and the $15 assessment for 2018.

New Business:
It was reported that the 63rd Annual Midland St. Patrick’s Day Hamfest was scheduled for Saturday March 17th, 2018 at MLK Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane, Midland.

The annual BBARC Banquet was changed to a BBQ and would be held at Rusty’s QTH in Sunny Glen, April 14th. Donations will be requested to cover the cost.

Allen N5NYM reported that he had appointed Chuck KA5PVB, Marvin KG5LMG and Tom KG7KQP to the Financial Committee. The committee discussed ways to raise money for the BBARC, including dues increase, fund drives, drawings for a rifle, etc. Also discussed was the recent donations to BBARC by the American Legion Post 69, Alpine of $1000 and BBRMC of $500.

Marvin KG5LMG presented an offer of $1250 for the radio equipment donated to the BBARC by the family of Barb KM5VM (SK). The offer was approved on a motion by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Rusty KB5R. Dicussions on BBARC financial matters will continue.

Bob WA5ROE reported that tires for the Communication RV had been priced at $980.56. On a motion by Rusty KB5R and a second by Chuck KA5PVB, a motion passed for the purchase of tires up to $1000.

Jim KD5KBU reported that the Fort Davis Hammerfest Bicycle Event was scheduled for April 21-22, 2018, and requested volunteers for communications.

A thank you card from the family Barb KM5VM had been received for the reception honoring Barb’s service to the community and BBARC. A donation of $100 was included with the card.

There was no program scheduled for this meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club
Minutes of Meeting
February 13, 2018

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FT DAVIS
       JUDY    FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
AF5QS  CLINT   FT DAVIS
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
W5DWI  Dick    ALPINE
W5JUW  LORA    ALPINE
KG5LMK MIKE    FT DAVIS
W5ATO  BILL    ALPINE
N5MVV  ANGIE   FT DAVIS

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM at Sul Ross State University, Range Animal Science Building, Room 130.

The usual business meeting was not conducted due to the Skype presentation by Tim Duffy K3LR. Tim is the Chief Operating officer of DX Engineering. He is a member of the CQ Contest Hall of Fame and a member of Team USA for the World Radio Team Championship 4 times. He is the recipient of the 2015 Amateur of the Year Award presented by the Dayton Hamvention Awards Committee and the 2016 YASME Excellence Award.

Tim’s program covered his operation station and antenna farm designed for team usage. There are 11 operating stations and multiple antennas covering all bands. The operating site is 65 miles northwest of Pittsburg, PA. and just off of I-85.

A question and answer period followed the presentation.

Allen N5NYM made the following announcements:
A Finance Committee of Marvin KG5LMG, Tom KG7KQP and Chuck KA5PVB had been appointed to determine ways for the BBARC to generate income for the repairs to the Club Communication Vehicle and other expenses. A $1000 donation from the Alpine American Legion had been received, thanks to Rusty KB5R;
The Border to Badlands Ultra Run would be conducted on February 24th. Contact Jim KD5KBU to volunteer;
A Technician class was scheduled for March 5, 2018. Contact bill KE5OG for information;
A reminder that $36.00 per year dues for 2018 were payable as of January 1st plus an assessment of $15.00 for 2018; and
SKY WARN was scheduled for April 10, 2018, with probable location Sul Ross Range Animal Science Building, Room 130.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN    ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL     ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN   FT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL     FT DAVIS
       JUDY     FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN  FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM      FT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL     ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB      ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB      ALPINE
KA5PVB CHUCK    ALPINE 
WA5MHO DEAN     ALPINE
KX5SP  STEVE    ALPINE
       KATHLENE ALPINE
AF5QS  CLINT    FT DAVIS
       LINDA    ALPINE
K5AHI  BOB      ALPINE
KG2KQP BOB      ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM.

Minutes of the December 12, 2017 meeting were read and approved. Motion to approve by Chuck KA5PVB and second by Bill W5WSA.

Angie N5MVV was not present and no Treasurer’s Report was presented.

OLD BUSINESS:
Jim KD5KBU, net control for the event, reported on the UltraRun at Big Bend State Park. He reported that the emergency repeater was moved to its operating site at the Park the day of this meeting. All stations on the race route were manned by San Antonio hams. All went well.

Allen N5NYM reported that the Border to Badlands UlraRun was scheduled for February 24th and volunteers were needed. This is the first time that BBARC has been requested to assist. Only one Ham from Austin was coming to work the event.

Allen N5NYM gave a reminder that the dues were payable on January 1st.

NEW BUSINESS:
Allen N5NYM reported that the radio equipment owned by Barb KM5VM had been donated to the BBARC and was available for purchase. Allen presented a list of the equipment available.

It was discussed that fund raising activities were needed to raise money for needed maintenance on the BBARC communication van. Allen discussed the need for a fund raising event committee and asked for volunteers. Chuck KA5PVB moved to approve a one time $15 per member accessment to help with needed maintenance expenses, second by Bill K5OG, motion approved.

Bill KE5OG reported that an ARRL ham license class had been scheduled and would begin on March 5th. Efforts to notify anyone interested in this class was requested.

Bill KE5OG discussed recent efforts by the ARRL Board of Directors to censor comments by a director critical of the ARRL, with the possibility of removal from the Board and membership in the ARRL dissolved. It was discussed that this could be interpreted as a gag order and should not be allowed. After discussion, Judy moved for a letter from BBARC to be sent objecting to the action of the ARRL Board of Directors, second by Chuck KA5PVB, motion approved.

Bob WA5ROE discussed recent changes in the ARES and that it had been suggested that Disctrict 5, which had included all Texas counties west of the Pecos River, be changed. The change would separate the counties of El Paso, Culberson and Hudspeth from the old District 5, and designate those counties as District 6. The reminder of the counties would continue to be designated as District 5. The suggested changes would take effect in 2018.

It was reported that the February 13th meeting would be the K3LR/Tim Duffy DX Engineering presentation via Skype and would be held at the SRSU Turner Range Animal Science Building Room 130.

Allen N5NYM reported that the SKYWARN and the BBARC Annual Banquet schedules were pending.

The business meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Steve KX5SP reported on his recent involvement in the Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Recovery. He stated that he had been involved in 70 plus emergency relief efforts and that this was the most severe he had been involved with. He stated that all power was down on arrival and even after some repairs were made, every day from a power stand point was a new day. Emergency supplies which began arriving almost immediately, could not be distributed due to severe road damage. He was on site for approximately 3 weeks. His presentation was most interesting and he is to be commended for his service to the area.

Respectably Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 21 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FT DAVIS
       JUDY    FT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FT DAVIS
W5DWI  DICK    ALPINE
W5JUW  LORA    ALPINE
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KG5LMK MICHAEL FT DAVIS
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
N5JOE  JIM     ALPINE
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
K5AAI  BOB     ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
KD5ITB RADAR   PRESIDIO
KG5BMK CHUCK   TERLINGUA

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM

Minutes of the November 14 meeting were read and approved. Motion to accept by Rusty KB5R and seconded by Chuck KA5PVB.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie, N5MVV who reported a balance of $2,455.04. Jim KD5KBU made a motion to accept the report and Rusty KB5R seconded. Motion approved.

OLD BUSINESS-
It was discussed that a gathering of friends of Barb KM5VM, Silent Key, would be held on December 12 at the Alpine Community Center from 4 to 6 PM. Members of BBARC were encouraged to attend.

Repeater Report-
Allen N5NYM reported that 146.62 was temporarily down, probably due to problems created by ice and snow.

Rob KE5KNQ reported that the Santa Net was a success, in spite of severe weather. He thanked the volunteers who participated.

NEW BUSINESS-
Allen N5NYM reminded the BBARC members and potential members that the annual dues of $36.00 were due as of January 1.

It was discussed that the BBARC Website and the monthly newsletter listed many ham radio related items for sale.

It was reported that the annual UltraRun at Big Bend Ranch State Park was scheduled for Martin Luther King weekend in January, with the official race to be on January 14, 2018. Volunteers are needed and a 2-day commitment is required. It was noted that the January BBARC meeting was prior to the UltraRun, and would be discussed farther at that time.

It was reported that the Border to Badlands Ultra Run is scheduled for February 24.

The BBARC annual election of officers was conducted after the report of the Nomination Committee. Nominated were: Allen N5NYM, President; Marvin KG5LMG, Vice-President; Angie N5MVV, Treasurer and Bill W5NPR, Secretary. Bob WA5ROE moved to elect the nominated slate of officers, second by Dick W5DWI, motion passed.

Chuck KG5BMK discussed the need to update the maintenance log for Christmas Mountain repeater 146. 82, stating that it would be good to know when the batteries were last changed.

The business meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM and the annual BBARC Silent Auction was conducted.

Respectfully Submitted:

Bill Roberts W5NPR
Secretary

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
W5NPR  BILL    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FT DAVIS
       JUDY    FT DAVIS
N5MVV  ANGIE   FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FT DAVIS
W5DWI  DICK    ALPINE
W5JUW  LORA    ALPINE
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KG5LMK MICHAEL FT DAVIS
KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE 
N5JOE  JIM     ALPINE
KW4FA  BERT    GREENVILLE, NC

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM
Minutes of the October 10 meeting were read and approved.  Motion to accept by Chuck KA5PVB  and seconded by Jim KD5KBU.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Angie, N5MVV who reported a balance of $2,790.20. Jim KD5KBU made a motion to accept the report and Chuck KA5PVB seconded.  Motion approved.

OLD BUSINESS-It was reported that the storage shed was cleaned out and vacated on October 14th.  Thanks were extended to all who participated in the cleanup.

Repeater Report- Allen N5NYM reported that Echolink was up and running after the replacement of the router.

NEW BUSINESS-It was reported that Barb KM5VM, longtime resident of Double Diamond south of Alpine,  member and a past president of the BBARC has become a Silent Key.  After discussion, Chuck KA5PVB made a motion to make a club donation of $300.00 to the Alpine Humane Society in Barb’s name.  Jim KD5KBU seconded and the motion passed.

It was reported that Steve KX5SP was in Puerto Rico operating with the disaster relief team.

Recent unauthorized pirate radio operator on the BBARC repeater system had been identified and would be contacted and requested to cease all communications.

Allen N5NYM discussed the election of officers for the coming year with the election to be held during the BBARC December 12th meeting.  Rob KE5KNQ, Bob WA5ROE and Bill W5NPR were appointed to serve as the Nominating Committee.

The annual Santa Net was discussed and the date of Thursday December 7th was elected.  The net would be held in front of True Value from 5:30 pm-7:00pm.

It was reported that the annual UltraRun at Big Bend Ranch State Park was scheduled for Martin Luther King weekend in January, with the official race to be on January 14, 2018.  Volunteers are needed and a 2-day commitment is required.

Bill W5NPR reported that Dr. Billings had asked the BBARC to consider removing the antenna tower from the building previously owned by Bill Sohl, which housed the TV Cable business.  The tower after removal would be donated to the Club.  After discussion, it was decided that the tower was beyond the capability of BBARC and that Dr. Billings should be notified that the BBARC Club would be unable to remove the tower.

The business portion of the meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm and was followed by CW Bingo provided by Bill KE5OG.
Respectfully submittedBill Roberts W5NPR

The meeting was attended by 15 members and guests.

N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE
KG5LMG MARVIN  FT DAVIS
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
N5MVV  ANGIE   FT DAVIS
KE5WCP STEPHEN FT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FT DAVIS
KG7KQP TOM     ALPINE 
KG5LTE SCOTT   ALPINE
W5RHN  BOB     FT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
K5AHI  BOB     ALPINE
K5FRN  FRAN    ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:30pm by President, Allen Moore N5NYM
Minutes of the Sept 12 meeting were read and approved.  Motion to accept by Jim, KD5KBU and seconded by Stephen, KE5WCP.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Angie, N5MVV who reported a balance of $2,637 and requested authority to pay reimbursement to Doug, N5HYD  $311.64 for repeater repair expenses. Rusty, KB5R made a motion to accept the report and the payment request which was seconded by Jim, KD5KBU and passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS-
The volunteer work crew for cleaning out the club’s storage unit agreed on meeting at 9am on Oct 14 to vacate the facility.

Repeater Report- On Sept 23, volunteers completed the full battery replacement for the 146.82 Christmas Mountain site.EchoLink was reported temporarily down due to a router failure; however, Allen, N5NYM expected service restored within the week.

Jim, KD5KBU reported that volunteers provided comms for a Bicycle Race held on Oct 7, sponsored as a fund raising event for the Jeff Davis Food pantry.  The event was attended by 4 volunteers and ran well with no reported incidents.

Jim, KD5KBU reported on comms provided during the Sept 16-17 CycleFest event involved 8 operators and were involved in requesting emergency services for a rider who experienced an estimated 30mph crash resulting in broken ribs, road rash and damaged helmet.  Permian Basin Cycle Club is expected to donate $500 from the event which Jim will provide to Angie upon receipt.

Congratulations to Bob WA5ROE and the founders of the Big Bend Emergency net which celebrated it’s forty year anniversary! Founded Sept 18, 1977.

NEW BUSINESS-
Bob, WA5ROE reported that unlike years past, no representative had been in contact with the club regarding communications for the upcoming Marathon to Marathon event, scheduled for Oct 21.

Fran, K5FRN detailed her and Bob, W5RHN’s recent attendance at the NorthWoods (MI) radio club meeting which opened with a Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation.

Discussion continued concerning the possibility of future SET (Simulated Emergency Training) for the club to possibly involve local police, fire and hospital personnel.

The business portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:58pm and was followed by a documentary movie provided by KE5OG on the Desecheo Dxpedition.

Respectfully submitted
Rusty  Hermann KB5Rfilling in for Secretary –
Bill Roberts – W5NPR

                                                   Minutes of meeting
                                                  September 12, 2017

The meeting was attended by 11 members and guests:

KA5PVB       CHUCK          ALPINE
K5WSA        BILL           FORT DAVIS
             JUDY           FORT DAVIS
KB5R         RUSTY          ALPINE
N5NYM        ALLEN          ALPINE
KE5WCP       STEPHEN        FORT DAVIS
KG5LMG       MARVIN         FORT DAVIS
WB5YFG       J.P.           FORT DAVIS
KD5KBU       JIM            FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE       BOB            ALPINE   
KE5KNQ       ROB            ALPINE

Meeting was called to order at 7:31 PM by President Allen Moore – N5NYM.

Minutes of the July meeting were read and approved, motion to accept by Rusty – KB5R, and seconded by Stephen – KE5WCP.

No Treasurer’s report as Angie was absent.

Old Business –
BIG THANKS to Jim  – KD5KBU for the August meeting held at the Mc Donald Observatory
16 Spectographs are now on – line and total of 18 installed by the end of October.
Also, in October they are expecting the delivery of the “Habitable Planet Finder” equipment.

Purging the club’s storage unit could possibly take place September 30th, with club elders needed
to identify the older items and someone to take what’s left and store it for the club.

Repeater Report-
146.82 – Christmas Mountain – Charge Controller was destroyed by lightning and some of the solar panel diodes also destroyed. Possible helicopter lift of new and old batteries in near future to re-power the repeater.

146.92 – Glass Mountains – West Texas Connection Hospital Net used Echo-Link last week to communicate with the net control station in Midland. Past problems with the Net appear to be “on their end”as all our equipment seems to be working properly.

New Business –
Cyclefest  is this weekend (Sept. 16-17) KD5KBU coordinating event for the club. The loop ride has 5 water/food stops and radio ops needed to support the riders. Meet Saturday morning at 7:00 AM at Mad Dog Cantina in Fort Davis. A minimum of the ops needed, race starts at 8:00AM should end about 4:00PM and is 75 miles long. Sunday is the hill climb from Fort Davis to the Observatory.

Jim – KD5KBU made a presentation on Radio Astronomy including:
Projects for amateurs –
Meteor Scatter Communications on 2 meters with FSK441 mode or EME JT65 mode.
FSK441 mode is high speed CW (1600 WPM) and 100 watt transmitter, with a Yagi @ 40 FT.

Sudden Ionispheric Disturbance – Solar flare impact on our D-layer causing VLF ducting.
Simple receiver @ 15-40 KHZ needed to monitor the submarine communications stations.
Monitor RF Emissions from Jupiter. Best heard in 18-28 MHZ. region on quite nights (electrically).

More info at http://radiojove.gsfe.nasa.gov?
Radio-astronomy.org
WWW.aavso.org

Meeting adjourned at 8:37PM

Respectfully submitted
Chuck Dobbins – KA5PVB
filling in for Secretary – Bill Roberts – W5NPR

 

Minutes of meeting
July 11, 2017

The meeting was attended by 10 members and guests:

KA5PVB CHUCK   ALPINE
N5NYM  ALLEN   ALPINE
K5WCP  STEPHEN FORT DAVIS
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
K5WSA  BILL    FORT DAVIS
 JUDI GLASS    FORT DAVIS
KE5OG  BILL    ALPINE
N5MVV  ANGIE   FORT DAVIS
WA5ROE BOB     ALPINE
WA5MHO DEAN    ALPINE

Meeting called to order at 7:30 by President Allen – N5NYM.

Minutes of the June 13, 2017 meeting were read and approved with correction, on a motion by KD5KBU-Jim and seconded by WA5ROE-Bob.

Treasurer’s Report by Angie-N5MVV gave an end of month balance of $3551.81. Report was approved by a motion by KE5OG-Bill and seconded by WA5ROE-Bob.

Old Business –
The committtee assigned to purge the storage shed will find a Saturday in September to finalize the removal of all articles from the shed. The next rental payment is due in December!

Repeater Report – 146.82/ Christmas Mountain is DOWN, likely a power issue possibly a Charge Controller failure due to lightning strike. No batteries installed as yet!

147.12/Cibolo Creek will have a remote set-up function installed, sometime this fall after other more pressing issues are settled!

146.92/Glass Mountain has possible issues with the West Texas Connection link and as a result has low output and possible antenna issues. These issues will be addressed AFTER Christmas Mountain issues and before Cibolo Creek needs!

No Calling Tree updates are available from Fort Davis yet! Per KD5KBU-JIM.

Allen-N5NYM advised us to check Newsletter and club website for possible sale items.

Field Day report from Bob-WA5ROE: we took in $674.00 in fees and donations for the Field Day food plan. Bob spent $485.91 of that for the food items, leaving a total of $208.09 surplus, which was added to our treasury!

KE5OG-Bill reported that our performance wasn’t “up-to-par” from previous events due to “Mother Murphy” causing SSB antenna issues shortly after the start of the event (rain the previous evening got into the coax and shorted it our for us). Also, the bands were in “horrible” condition on Saturday but were much better on Sunday.

WE made a total of 1222 CW contacts, 5 digital contacts, 903 SSB contacts, acrued 1180 bonus points, AND OVER 100 CONTACTS on the GOTA station (the most in many years)!
OUR GRAND TOTAL SCORE IS 7,894 POINTS!
We missed out on 200 points by not having an Elected Official or Law Enforcement attend our event (previous commitments were not fulfilled for the folks).

Bill-KE5OG reported that Midland lost a couple of their better operators when a husband/wife team moved out of the area, AND their GOTA station didn’t do very well!

Bill-W5WSA asked what was needed for next years event? Bill-KE5OG said, more CW ops, and more GOTA ops. were both needed.

Stephen-K5WCP asked about our problems with Field Day, and Bill-KE5OG stated that the bands were “stinko” on Saturday and 15/10 meter bands never opened, making the 20 meter band “EXTREMELY” crowded.

New Business-
Allen-N5NYM asked for ideas from the members for future programs for presentation at upcoming meetings.

Jim-KD5KBU announced that the August meeting “could” be held at McDonald Observatory as the HET is up and running on a nightly basis although the Spectrograph units are still being worked on. The meeting WILL be August 8, 2017 and meeting in the parking lot of the HET at 7:30PM.

Bob-WA5ROE reported that the “group” took a Field Day impromptu vote to put a decent radio into the van. Bob bought a Kenwood TM-281A radio and got it installed. The radio cost the club $132.95. Bill-KE5OG made a motion to reinburse Bob for the radio cost and JiM-KD5KBU seconded the motion.

Program for the evening-  Allen-N5NYM did an intro to a Magnetic Loop Antenna he is building for himself and one for his son in Tucson who lives in an “Antenna Restricted” community.
The Loop Antenna is small in size (about 3 foot Octagional) and therefore can’t be seen from the street by the “Antenna Police”! Allen is building the antenna to accommodate a 100 watt transmitter (or more) and really high voltages appear on the antenna, saturating the tuning ability of the unit.

Allen is currently working on a controller box that reads the frequency from the transmitter and tunes the antenna with Stepper motors (with gear boxes due this week)! This should make the antenna tuneable across the entire CW and SSB portion of the 20 and 40 meter bands!

Meeting Adjourned at 8:37 PM.

Chuck Dobbins – KA5PVB
Acting Secretary for this meeting
filling in for Bill-W5NPR