Category: Minutes

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

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