Category: Minutes

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

Big Bend Amateur Radio Club

Minutes of Meeting

November 13, 2018

The meeting was attended by 17 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
KE5KNQ ROB     ALPINE
KD5KBU JIM     FORT DAVIS
KB5R   RUSTY   ALPINE
KI5ANQ SCOTT   TERLINQUA
KG5BMK CHUCK   TERLINQUA
KI5AXS CHRIS   TERLINQUA
AI4BA  DAVID   ALPINE

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

The minutes of the October 9, 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 $6,553.32. The Treasurer’s Report was approved on a motion by Rusty KB5R and second by Mike KG5LMK. Expenses include $35.00 to Big Bend Telephone and deposits include $500.00 donation from the CycleFest event, $790.00 from ticket sales and donation from True Value for cooking and serving hot dogs.

OLD BUSINESS:

The scheduled trip to Christmas Mountain 146.82 repeater for repairs was canceled due to bad weather and bad road conditions. It was also discussed that a key needed to be obtained for the lower gate.

Upcoming races were discussed. The Ultra Run on Martin Luther King Day in January would need volunteers. It was also reported that there was no information on the Fort Leaton to Terlingua race in February. 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.

Ticket sales for the upcoming raffle of True Value Gift Certificates were discussed. It was reported that $527 dollars in ticket sales and $300 donation from True Value had been received. It was discussed that ticket sales at Porters were scheduled for Alpine on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and in Fort Davis on the following Sunday. A reminder was issued that the drawing would be on December 13^th, the night of the Santa Net.

NEW BUSINESS:

It was discussed that the election of officers would occur at the December meeting. The Nomination Committee appointed by Marvin KG5LMG was Bill KE5OG, Bob WA5ROE and Bill W5NPR. Also scheduled for that meeting is the annual Silent Auction. Those in attendance were asked to bring radio equipment, electronics, books, baked goods or other items to be auctioned.

Rusty KB5R discussed the possibility of the annual banquet/BBQ being held in April at his house in Sunny Glen, as was last year.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectively 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

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