Author: Bill Roberts

The meeting was attended by 30+ members and guests.

In recognition of the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club’s 40th Anniversary, members and guests met in the upstairs party room of the Saddle Club in Alpine on December 7th from 7:00PM to 8:30 PM.. Hosted by Bob Ward WA5ROE and Dave Cochran N5DO, founding members of the BBARC, those in attendance enjoyed beer, wine, soft drinks and hors d’ oeuvres prepared and served by the Saddle Club. Although regular business meeting procedures were not observed, one item of business was conducted. Acting on the nominations presented by the nominating committee, the following officers were elected for 2015: President Bill Brook KE5OG; Vice-President Chuck Dobbins KA5PVB; Treasurer Angie Otoupal N5MVV; and Secretary Bill Roberts W5NPR. It was a very enjoyable event, and members of the BBARC express their appreciation to Bob and Dave for hosting and organizing the Anniversary Party.

The anniversary party ended at approximately 8:30PM.

Minutes taken and prepared by Bill W5NPR.

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests

KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
KG5BMK Chuck    Terlingua
KG5CGR Cathy    Terlingua
KM5VM  Barb     Alpine
N5MVV  Angie    Fort Davis
KA5PVB Chuck    Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob      Alpine
W5RHN  Bob      Fort Davis
N5DO   Dave     Alpine
WA5JBG Jim      Alpine
K5FRN  Fran     Fort Davis
KE5OG  Bill     Alpine
W5JUW  Lora     Alpine
W5DWI  Dick     Alpine
W5ATO  Bill     Alpine
WA5MHO Dean     Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.

Minutes of September 9th and October 14th meetings were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Angie N5MVV reported $5,484.51 in club account.

Old Business:

Bill W5ATO reported that the Christmas Mountain repeater (146.82) went down again. He and Doug N5HYD both feel that the problem might be due to the power amplifier being faulty. This may also be the problem with the 146.82 repeater as its output is reported to be noisy at times.
Cibolo Creek repeater (145.23), Elephant Mountain (l147.02), Twin Sisters (146.72), and McDonald Observatory (146.62) all are working okay.

Chuck KG5BMK reported that the acquisition of a site at the EOC in South Brewster County (Terlingua) is still being considered by their County Commission.

New Business:

The Marathon-To-Marathon race event was successfully handled by six local club members, despite having only two days notice. The Elephant Mountain repeater (147.02) covers that race course nicely.

Dave N5DO reports that our club member Jim Cook K5DF is suffering from stomach cancer and has refused treatments. He is currently in good spirits, but quite weak and sleeping a lot.
Jim would like the club to take his call-sign. The club will probably start a “contest club” in order to retain the AD5BB call we already use. Barb KM5VM moved we accept Jim’s call-sign and 2nd was by Bob W5RHN. Motion passed.

This year’s Santa Net will be held on December 11th from 5-7 PM with Bill KE5OG acting as Santa and Dean WA5MHO as alternate Santa. Event will be organized by Kristi and Rob KE5KNQ.

Suerte 50 Race will be held at Big Bend State Park. The park is very “primitive” and some roads  are only single foot paths. Roads are rocky and difficult even for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The San Antonio Radio Club will also be helping out with this event. Most station operators will
need to camp-out overnight as the race starts at 5:30 AM when it’s still dark (local sunrise is  about 8:00 AM). The Texas State Park is the Incident Command for the race and the two radio clubs will be acting in a supporting role.

Present secretary was asked about his recent shoulder replacement surgery and he reported he was “OK”.

Bob WA5ROE selected a nominating committee of Bill W5NPR, Rob KE5KNQ, and Dave N5DO who will report to us at the December meeting with a slate of officers for 2015.

Dave N5DO reported the “official” results of our Field Day event in June. We were participants of 392 entries in the 2A category (2 transmitters + GOTA station and 6 meter station). Overall we finished 6th NATIONALLY!!! This is our ALL-TIME BEST with 2,979 QSO’s and
9,560 points. WAIT ‘TIL NEXT YEAR!

Meeting adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Chuck Dobbins KA5PVB
filling in for Bill W5NPR

The meeting was attended by 12 members and 5 Guests:

KD5KBU Chuck         Ft Davis 
KE5SXT Steve         Monahans
KE5EIE Max           Alpine
WA5ROE Bob           Alpine
W5NPR  Bill          Alpine
NF5FF  Steve         Alpine
NW5M   Mike          Ft Davis
KE5OG  Bill          Alpine
N5DO   Dave          Alpine 
W5DWI  Dick          Alpine
W5JUW  Lora          Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck         Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob           Alpine
       Kristine      Alpine
WB5YFG JP Schwartz   Ft Davis
KI5ZQ  Ken Gossett   Ft Davis
N5VGW  Cathy Gossett Ft Davis

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.

No business was conducted.

The program was held at the Hobby-Everly Telescope on Fowlkes Mountain near Ft Davis. Jim KD5KBU conducted a tour of the telescope facility and operations room. The facility has been under construction and remodeling for several years, and Jim explained the telescope from an engineering, mechanical, and scientific standpoint. Many changes had been made to the facility since the last BBARC tour approximately one year ago, and it is anticipated that construction will continue for another year. It was a well prepared and very interesting program.

Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 13 members and 3 Guests:

KB5R   Rusty    Alpine
KF5PZW Casey    Alpine
KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
KE5EIE Max      Alpine
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
W5RHN  Bob      Ft Davis
K5FRN  Fran     Ft Davis
KF5LZT Jed      Alpine
KG5BNK Chuck    Terlingua
KG5CGR Kathy    Terlingua
NF5FF  Steve    Alpine
KM5VM  Barb     Alpine
NW5M   Mike     Alpine
KE5OG  Bill     Alpine
N5DO   Dave     Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.
Minutes of August 12, 2014 meeting were read and approved.
Angie N5MVV was not present however Bob WA5ROE reported the end of month balance from the bank statement as $5217.95.

It was discussed that there were several repeater issues, including battery problems on 146.92 in the Glass Mountains; 146.82 on Christmas Mountains was totally down and battery problems were assumed. The possibility of installing the 145.23 emergency repeater was discussed.
A continued discussion occurred on the possibility of having a PSA operating location at the South county EOC.

The possibility of a South County car pool to McDonalds Observatory for the October Meeting.  The program would be a tour and update on the improvements to the Hobby-Eberly telescope by Jim KD5KBU. Everyone wishing to tail gate to Mount Locke should meet at the West Texas National Bank parking lot for a 6:30 PM departure. Others can meet at the Hobby-Everly site at 7:30 PM.

It was further discussed that the November meeting would be on the January Buena-Suerte 50 mile Ultra Run, and that the December meeting would be the 40th anniversary celebration of the
Big Bend ARC.

The program was presented by Mike NW5M on the upcoming Amateur RADIO International Health Services trip to the Honuras in February. It was discussed that the number of medical teams would be increased for this trip, and efforts to recruit more ham radio operators was in
process.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 14 members and 3 Guests:

KB5R   Rusty    Alpine
W5JUW  Lora     Alpine
W5DWI  Dick     Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob      Alpine
KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
       Phil     Terlingua
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
N5MVV  Angie    Fort Davis
WA5ZBX Grady    Pecos
KF5ZBW Cary     Barstow
N5PVL  Charles  Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck    Alpine
NF5FF  Steve    Alpine
KA5AHI Bob      Alpine
KF5KMB Polly    Alpine
KD5KBU Jim      Fort Davis

The meeting was called to order by Rusty KB5R 7:30 PM. Leadership of the meeting was turned over to Bob WA5ROE upon his arrival.

Minutes of July 8, 2014 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported an end of month balance of $4,665.69 It was discussed that bills to be paid included a bill to Pafoofnik Enterprises in the amount of $252.03 for repairs to the hub on Elephant Mountain. It was dicussed that the electric bill for the electric service on Elephant Mountain would now be paid by Brewster County. The telephone service would continuue to be the responsibility of BBARC. It was dicussed that grant monies often specifically mention BBARC.

It was discussed that a police radio had been installed in the BBARC Communication Van, and that it was the property of BBARC.

It was reported that the Big Bend State Park race director would be in Alpine in September. That race is scheduled for January 18, 2015, Martin Luther King holiday weekend.

The proposed improvements of the BBARC Tower Trailer were discussed, and Bill W5NPR was asked to check on progress.

Bob WA5ROE reported on the Meeting with the Meriwether Family concerning the future use of the Double Diamond Pavilian. Bob WA5ROE, Dave N5DO, Barb KM5VM and Bill W5NPR were in attendence. The family would notify BBARC of their future plans.

Jim KD5KBU discussed the upcoming CycleFest scheduled for September 20-21. The Highway 166 loop would be on Saturday. Communication assistance will be needed.

Future meeting program schedules were announced. On October 14th, BBARC will meet at McDonalds Obervatory for a tour of the observatory improvements. Jim KD5KBU would be in charge of the meeting. On November 11th, Bill W5ATO will present the program on the upcoming Big Bend Ranch State Park 35K foot race and the need for commuication support. In December, a 40th anniversary of the BBARC celebration will be held.

The program was presented by Cary Hannsz KF5ZBW, Wink High School Physics and Science Technologhy instructor. His program discussed his class project balloon launch carrying ham radio equipment, caamera etc. The balloon was launched from the Wink High School Football Field in May 2014 and traveled approximately 109 miles to a point south east of McCamey, achieving a maximum altitude of 76,000 feet msl. The balloon and its equpment were successfully recovered. Another balloon launch during the 2014-2015 school year is planned.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 13 members and 1 Guest:

KE5KNQ Rob      Alpine
KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
KG5BMK Chuck    Terlingua
KG5CGR Cathy    Terlingua
N5MVV  Angie    Fort Davis
NF5FF  Steve    Alpine
KF5LZT Ted      Alpine
W5ATO  Bill     Alpine
N5DO   Dave     Alpine
KE5OG  Bill     Alpine
K5FRN  Fran     Fort Davis
W5RHN  Bob      Fort Davis

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.

Minutes of June 10, 2014 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported an end of month balance of $4,992.88 It was discussed that bills to be paid included a bill to Pafoofnik Enterprises in the amount of $326.86 for repairs to the hub on Elephant Mountain. The need for liabilty insurance was discussed. Also approved for payment was a Field Day expense payment to Bob WA5ROE in the amount of $325.24, Bill Baker in the amount of $22.62 and Ben E. Keith in the amount of $66.77.

Bob WA5ROE reported Field Day income in the amount of $765.00, and expenses in the amount of $325.24. It was suggested and approved by common consent to pay the Club dues for Ike and Sue Roberts in appreciation for cooking Field Day.

Dave N5DO reported that three Technician Class tests were given and successfully passed on Saturday morning of Field Day. He also reported that two General Class Courses followed by tests would be given in September, one in North Brewster County and one in South Brewster County.

Bill KE5OG reported that BBARC has scored 8290 operating points, 1270 Bonus Points, for a total of 9,560 points. He further reported that this year’s score was the 2nd highest in Club history, second only to the 2007 score of 10,534.

It was reported that recent TSA Screening Requirements include the possibility that all passengers boarding direct flights to the US from foriegn countries may be required to power up certain electronic devises, including cellular phones. The requirement, in addition to cellullar phones, could include amateur radio equipment, laptop computers, GPS equipment and other electronics. While TSA generally allows amateur radio equipment aboard aircrafts, including equipment packed in carry-on luggage, such items “may be subject to additional screening and not allowed through the checkpoint, if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to be tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.”

Bill W5ATO reported that the Big Bend Ultra Run, now know as the Buena Suerte 50 Mile Ultra Run, will now be located in the Bend Bend Ranch State Park and is scheduled for January 18, 2015. The new location creates new communication and travel challenges, and much will need to be done before hand to determine 2-meter communication paths, location of the emergency repeater etc. Radio operators will be needed to man designated communication station points.

Bill KE5OG presented the program on Computer Logging Programs, demonstrating several and discussing the pro and cons of each, with emphasis on ease of use, cost, etc.

Bill W5NPR reported that he was attempting to have Cary KF5ZBW, Wink High School Physics and Science Technolgy instructor present the August program on his class project of a balloon launch from Wink, traveling to a point south of McCamey. Cary had presented a program previously on the class preparation for the launch. The planned project became a reality in May of this year.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 11 members:

NW5M   Mike     Fort Davis
N5PVL  Charles  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty    Alpine
KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
KG5BMK Chuck    Terlingua
KG5CGR Cathy    Terlingua
KM5VM  Barb     Alpine
N5MVV  Angie    Fort Davis
K5AHI  Bob      Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Rusty KB5R at 7:30 PM.

Minutes of May 13, 2014 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported an end of month balance of $4,729.53 It was discussed that Steve KE5SXT Monahans had made a donation of 100.00, and that the electricity bill of $55.19 for service to Elephant Mountain repeater was due. It is anticipated that Brewster County will assume this payment in the future.

Barb KM5VM reported that the Double Diamond Pavilian would be open for Field Day cleanup on Tuesday June 24th by 10:00 PM.

It was discussed that the payment for Liability Insurance would be discounted if early and that the discounted payment would be $200.00 and was approved by general consent.

During general Field Day discussion, which is scheduled for June 28th-29th, it was reported that the fee for meals would be $30/person or $45 per couple. All participants were asked to bring a 12 pack of their favorite drink to be included in the common drink supply. It was discussed that a wireless logging network would be used that would allow both the CW and SSB stations to enter contacts to the same log. Not included would be the GOTA and 6-meter stations which would require individual logs for each station. The Field Day antennas and antenna trailer were discussed, as was the Field Day point system. It was reported that a VE Test Session would be held at 10:00 AM Saturday morning and that it would be the final opportunity to test from the current exam test pool, as a new pool would take effect on July 1st.
It was discussed that it would be advantageous to equip the South County Emergency Building in Terlingua with K4PSA Hospital Net equipment, and that there is an ample number of hams in the South County area to man the equipment on the First Tuesday K5PSA Net. It was agreed to look into this possibility through Jim KK5MV, Net Control.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 12 members and two guests:

KE5OG  Bill  Alpine
WA5ROE Bob   Alpine
W5NPR  Bill  Alpine
N5DO   Dave  Alpine 
KA5PVB Chuck Alpine
W5DWI  Dick  Alpine
W5JUW  Lori  Alpine
KC5KBO Nick  Houston
KG5BMK Chuck Terlingua
       Cathy Terlingua
KM5VM  Barb  Alpine
N5MVV  Angie Fort Davis
KF5KMB Polly Alpine
K5AHI  Bob   Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.

Minutes of April 8, 2014 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported an end of month balance of $4,803.13 It was discussed that the bills to be paid included electricity: $55.64; and telephone: $27.01. Chuck KA5PVB moved to approve, second by Bill KE5OG. Financial Report approved.

Dave N5DO reported that after Technician classes, six were tested and passed, and that two more would be tested on May 17th. It was further discussed that Dave had purchased 8 license manuals and was due a reimbursement of $154.00. Motion made and seconded by Chuck KA5PVB and Dick W5DWI. Motion approved.

It was reported that 99 contestants entered the Fort Davis CycleFest race. There were no accidents, but high winds made racing conditions very difficult.

Bob WA5ROE reported that Skywarn Training was attended by thirty plus and that the program was well presented and informative.

Bob WA5ROE reported that he had worked with Charles N5PVL on digital modes and that the repeater at Livermore was up and running with a frequency of 444.95, with a PL Tone of 162.2 and + shift. This provides a link to West Texas Connection.

Chuck KA5PVL took orders for Field Day tee shirts, caps, mugs, etc. The program for next month would deal with Field Day issues.

Dave N5DO presented a program on DXPedition of the year 2011-2012, HK0NA Malpedo Island.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 11 members and one guest:

KE5OG  Bill     Alpine
WA5ROE Bob      Alpine
W5NPR  Bill     Alpine
N5DO   Dave     Alpine 
KD5KBU Jim      Fort Davis
N5PVL  Charles  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty    Alpine
KF5RDN Julianne Terlingua
       Chuck    Terlingua
NF5FF  Steve    Alpine
N5MVV  Angie    Fort Davis
KE5KNQ Rob      Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bob WA5ROE at 7:30 PM.

Minutes of March 11, 2014 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurer’s Report and reported an end of month balance of $5066.92. It was discussed that the balance included $300.00 for the sale of club 4-wheeler; an insurance reimbursement of $562.00; expenses included $41.92 insurance payment from last year; $39.34 for small connectors; $56.00 Trailor license and registration. There was also dues that had not been deposited and miscellaneous bills outstanding. Jim KD5KBU moved to approve Financial Statement, second by Rusty KB5R.

The Pilot Club Banquet to be held on May 5th and Volunteer of the Year Award was discussed.

Jim KD5KBU reported that the CycleFest would be held on April 26th and 27th. The event would include a race from Limpia Hotel to McDonald Obervatory on Saturday morning and from Limpia Hotel to Crows Nest on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday the event would include the ride from Limpia Hotel around the Scenic Loop. Communication support is needed for both days.

DAVE N5DO reported that the Technician License Class would begin Saturday April 12th at Room 130, Range Animal Science Building.

Bob WA5ROE reported that Skywarn Training was scheduled for Thursday April 17th at 7:00 pm in Room 201 Warnock Science Building.

Julianne KF5RDN reported that the Green Scene Festival at Terlinqua was scheduled for Saturday October 25th. More information is forthcoming.

A report was given on Bob W5RHN. Bob suffered a heart attack when visiting the Cayman Islands and was flown back to Florida for by-pass surgery. It was reported that he was progressing well.

Charles N5PVL discussed VHF Digital Modes and available Digital software available at sgarn.org.

Bill KE50G presented a program on electronic soldering. Bill had received military soldering instruction in the past and was able to present a very beneficial demonstration on proper soldering techniques.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Bill W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 7 members:

Rusty    KB5R   Alpine
Julianne KF5RDN Terlinqua
Chuck    KA5PVB Alpine
Rob      KE5KNQ Alpine
Dave     N5DO   Alpine
Bob      WA5ROE Alpine
Bill     W5NPR  Alpine

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Ward, WA5ROE at 7:30 p.m.

Treasurers Report: Angie, N5MVV was not present, Bob WA5ROE reported a starting balance of $5,276.65 with total deposits $1437.00 and total expenses $105.08, for an ending balance of $6088.47

Minutes of the February 11, 2014 meeting were read and accepted.

Old Business:

Cibolo Repeater 147.12 was discussed. The antenna needs to be redirected, as the repeater has approximately the same coverage, but not as good as previously.

It was discussed that the Twin Sisters 146.72 Repeater was down, and that a trip up the mountain was planned.

It was reported that the 145.23 Emergency Repeater was up and running.

Elephant Mountain 147.02 Repeater had received additional work, and that the Auto Patch was up and running.

Dave N5DO reported that a new Technician Class would be presented on Saturday April 12th and Saturday May 3rd.

Those present were reminded that SKYWARN was scheduled for April 16th in Fort Davis and April 17th in Alpine at the Sul Ross Science Building Room 201.

New Business:

Bob Ward had purchased a new 440 antenna for the 145.23 Emergency Repeater for $109.95. Chuck moved that reimbursement be made, seconded by Rusty KB5R. Motion approved.

The scheduled Midland Hamfest and West Texas Section Convention March 15th was discussed.
Program:

Dave N5DO presented the program and video of the 2006 ZL8R Raoul Island KEMA Expedition. Raoul Island is a possession of New Zealand.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.
Bill W5NPR, Secretary