Category: Minutes

The meeting was attended by 11 members and guests:

WA5ROE  Bob    Alpine
W5NPR   Bill   Alpine
N5NYM   Allen  Alpine
W5DWI   Dick   Alpine
W5JUW   Lora   Alpine
KA5PVB  Chuck  Alpine
KB5R    Rusty  Alpine
KG5HEJ  Al     Terlingua
KE5OG   Bill   Alpine
N5MVV   Angie  Fort Davis
KG5BMK  Chuck  Terlingua

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the May meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Financial Statement, reporting an end-of-month balance of $3,897.32.

In a general discussion on the development of the new website, it was discussed that the BBARC membership can be hidden in an area under Password Protection. Also discussed was a Forum area, with several club members selected to contribute content. Allen N5NYM was praised for the excellent work he has done on the construction of the website.

It was discussed that the trailer that was donated with the Communication RV was still at Barb’s KM5VM residence.

It was reported that batteries for the Christmas Mountain 146.82 Repeater Site, approved at the May BBARC meeting, had been purchased, but not yet installed.

A letter from Jeff Davis County was presented and read, allowing Pafoofnik Enterprises the permission to use the County’s Polaris Ranger 6X6 ATV to maintain the BBARC repeater system.

Chuck KG5BMK reported that a Technician Exam testing session would be given at 9:00 AM on Saturday morning of Field Day weekend. A discussion on books and payments followed. Bob WA5ROE moved to buy books and then resale to those needing them, second by Bill KE5OG, motion approved.

Bill KE5OG presented the program on Field Day, reporting that BBARC would operated as a 2A station. He discussed scoring, bonus points, power generation by generators plus solar charged batteries. Setup for field day could begin Thursday evening at 7:00 PM, but with no more than 24 accumulated hours of total setup time. Field Day officially begins Saurday June 25 through Sunday June 26th. Meals were discussed with a charge of $30.00 for all who eat Field Day food, payable to Bob Ward. It was discussed that the Jeff Davis County Emergency Antenna trailer would be used, as well as BBARC antenna trailer and the BBARC Communication RV. He emphasized that Field Day is a hotly contested, non-contest!

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 17 members and guests:

WA5ROE  Bob       Alpine
W5NPR   Bill      Alpine
KE5KNQ  Rob       Alpine
N5DO    Dave      Alpine
N5NYM   Allen     Alpine
W5DWI   Dick      Alpine
W5JUW   Lora      Alpine
KA5PVB  Chuck     Alpine
KB5R    Rusty     Alpine
KG5BZB  Herb      Alpine
KG5LMG  Marvin    DMR
KG5DW   Don       Fort Davis
KG5HFJ  Al        Terlingua
KE5DG   Bill      Alpine
AD5OJ   Jonathon  Marfa
        Zack      Alpine
KG5DW   Don       Fort Davis

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the April meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV was not present and no financial report was presented.

Bill W5NPR reported that the inspection and registration on the communication RV has been completed. He stated that he had paid for both personally, and needed reimbursement.

IIt was discussed that the trailer that was donated with the Communication RV was still at Barb’s KM5VM residence.

The need for a new BBARC Website was discussed. Allen N5NYM agreed to work on a new website and for the time being, it would be piggy backed on Allen’s domain, and then moved to the BBARC domain when fully developed.

It was discussed that new batteries were needed at the Christmas Mountains 146.82 repeater site. Rusty KB5R moved to buy 4 batteries at an approximate cost of $600.00, second by Bill KE5OG, Motion approved.

The program was presented by Jonathon AD5BY. He discussed a remote stock tank water level program he had developed, using cell phones for monitoring purposes. Thedata received was time and date of report, water level, percent of gain or loss in previous pre-selected time frames. He covered the electronic configuation, construction, design schematics. He stated that these techniques can also be used to design do-it-yourself ham radio projects.
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The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob   Alpine
W5NPR  Bill  Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob   Alpine
N5DO   Dave  Alpine
N5NYM  Allen Alpine
W5DWI  Dick  Alpine
W5JUW  Lora   Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck  Alpine
KG5LTE Scott  Alpine
KD5KBU Jim    Fort Davis
KB5R   Rusty  Alpine
KG5BMK Chuck  Terlingua
       Rigo   Alpine
KE5QFC Steve  Terlingua
KD5MXR Joey   Alpine
KG5LMG Marvin DMR
KF5LZT Ted    Alpine
N5MVV  Angie  Fort Davis

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the February and March meetings were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Financial Report, reporting an end of month balance of $3720.47. She also reported that a donation of $160.00 was received from a female participant in the April Cycle Fest in Fort Davis. She had won her event, and donated her cash prizes to the BBARC in appreciation of their communication support.

Bob WA5ROE reported that the cracked windshield had been replaced, and that the windshield washers had also been replaced.

It was discussed that the inspection and registration on the communication RV would expire on the last day of April. Bill W5NPR agreed to have the RV inspected and registration renewed.

It was discussed that when Barb KM5VM donated the RV to the club, that an auto dolly or trailer was included, but it was still at Barb’s house. It was discussed that it needed to be moved to Alpine. Bob WA5ROE suggested that it be sold, as it was not needed by BBARC.

Bill W5NPR presented a plaque to BBARC in recognition of being the West Texas Section Field Day Class A Champion. He reported that he had intended to present the plaque at the BBARC Banquet in February. BBARC scored a total of 10,610 points, and finished first in the West Texas Section and 7th Nationally.

A Technician class for the south Brewster County was requested by Steve KE5QFC, reporting that approximately 15 people were anticipated to take the class. It was discussed that the class would probably be conducted in May or June.

The program was presented by Joey KD5MXR on programming of the small inexpensive hand held radios now available. Discussed were the Baofeng UV-5RT Dual Band Radio and the Version 6 Wouxum KG-UV8D VHF/UHF Full Duplex hand held. Joey reported that he has the software to program these handhelds and would assist in accomplishing the task. It was a well presented and beneficial program.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 11 members and approximately 25 guests:

WA5ROE Bob    Alpine
W5NPR  Bill   Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob    Alpine
N5DO   Dave   Alpine
N5NYM  Allen  Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck  Alpine
KX5SP  Steve  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty  Alpine
KF5LXT Robert Hutto
KF5KNQ Rob    Alpine
KI5ZQ  Ken    Fort Davis

The meeting was the annual SKYWARN session presented by Rick Lujan of the Midland office of the National Weather Service. He presented weather stastics, 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 began at 7:00 PM and ended shortly before 9:00 PM. Sessions were also scheduled for Wednesday March 23 in Fort Davis, Thursday March 24 in Van Horn and Tuesday March 29 in Marfa.
Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 14 members and 4 recently licensed guests:

WA5ROE Bob           Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob           Alpine
N5DO   Dave          Alpine
W5DWI  Dick          Alpine
W5JUW  Lora          Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck         Alpine
KI5ZQ  Ken           Fort Davis
W5ATO  Bill          Alpine 
N5MVV  Angie         Fort Davis
KB5R   Rusty         Alpine
W4PDB  Jim Vest      Alpine
KG5AAW Brain Hartman Alpine
N5NYM  Allen         Alpine
KF5LZT Ted Smith     Alpine
       Marvin Voiers Fort Davis
       Cindy Davis   Fort Davis
       Sue Smith     Fort Davis
       Chuck Smith   Fort Davis

The meeting was moved to the American Legion due to no key available for the West Texas National Bank meeting room. Rusty KB5R made arrangements.

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:35 PM.

The minutes of the January meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Treasurers Report, reporting a balance of $3,542.07.

Old Business:
Dave N5DO discussed the details of the Banquet on February 5th. He also discussed the success of the classes held at the fire station at DMR and introduced the 4 newly licensed hams from that testing session who were present at the meeting. He stated that there were 8 individuals from the Alpine class scheduled to be tested the following day, and 2 others from Terlingua to be tested at the home of Chuck KG5BMK and Cathy KG5CGR.

New Business:
Bob WA5ROE reported that the club’s Communication Van needed a new windshield at a cost of about $350.00. Rusty KB5R moved that the replacement be done, seconded by Bill W5ATO, motion approved. Bob will make the necessary arrangements.

Dave N5DO discussed the upcoming Field Day at the end of June, reporting 2 new bonus point categories.. The first is promotion of the club Field Day participation using Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. The second is the appointment of a Safety Officer, who must be on-site from setup to tear-down and must certify in writing that all safety categories were strictly enforced.

Program:
Bill W5ATO presented the program on ”all we need to know about controlling our repeater system”. He discussed the codes needed to control the system. Printco will prepare cards with the repeater system codes and info for future handouts. He also discussed the on-going efforts to repair the Pierce Mountain 146.72 repeater. He stated that our repeater system could be improved with the addition of another repeater in the Big Bend Ranch State Park vicinity.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Prepared by Chuck KB5PVB

The meeting was attended by 18 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob       Alpine
W5NPR  Bill      Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob       Alpine
N5DO   Dave      Alpine
N5NYM  Allen     Alpine
W5DWI  Dick      Alpine
W5JUW  Lora      Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck     Alpine
WA5MHO Dean      Alpine 
NF5FF  Steve     Alpine
N5JOE  Jim       Alpine
       Scott     Alpine
       Scott, Jr Alpine
KW4FA  Bert      Greeville, SC
W5RHN  Bob       Fort Davis
K5FRN  Fran      Fort Davis
KD5SBU Jim       Fort Davis
KI5ZQ  Ken       Fort Davis

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the December meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV was not present and no Financial Report was presented.

Old Business:
Dave N5DO reported that the BBARC Annual Banquet was scheduled for February 5th, and that the program would be given by Dr. Louis Haverson, Director of the Borderlands Research Institute on their telementry tracking programs of wildlife.

A report was given on the National Parks on the Air Contest which was in progress.

It was reported that the Big Bend Ranch State Park Marathon that has been in planning for several months was scheduled for Sunday January 17th, and radio operators were needed along the race route. It was also reported that a $500.00 donation delayed from the 2015 event was presented, and that a simular donation for this year was anticipated.

Dave N5DO reported that Techncian Classes were scheduled for Sul Ross Turner Range Animal Science Building, Room 130, on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and February 3rd . Classes would also be held at the Davis Mountain Resort at the Community Center on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (with a 30 minute lunch break) on January 16th, and 23rd., On January 30th, the class will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the exam beginning at 11:00 AM.

New Business:
It was reported that a QRP Group was scheduled to be in Fort Davis at the end of the month.

The meeting was adjourned for the Annual Silent Auction. Items auctioned included amateur radio supplies, books, baked goods, etc. All proceeds were for the benefit of BBARC.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 15 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob         Alpine
W5NPR  Bill        Alpine
KB5R   Rusty       Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob         Alpine
N5DO   Dave        Alpine
N5NYM  Allen       Alpine
W5DWI  Dick        Alpine
W5JUW  Lora        Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck       Alpine
N5MVV  Angie       Fort Davis
K5AHI  Bob         Alpine
WA5MHO Dean        Alpine 
NF5FF  Steve       Alpine
N5JOE  Jim         Alpine
W5GFE  Bill Walker Ada, Oklahoma (program presentor)

The meeting was called to order by Chuck KA5PVB at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the November 10th meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Financial Report, reporting a balance of $3994.44. It was discussed that a donation of $450.00 had been received from the Permian Basin Bicycle Association and was included in the end of month balance.

Old Business:
It was discussed that the Annual Santa Net was scheduled for December 13th, and that the BBARC Communication RV would be parked in front of True Value and Dean WA5MHO would handle North Pole communications.

New Business:
Dave N5DO presented the Report of the Nominating Committee, with the following nominees presented as officers for 2016: President-Chuck KA5PVB; Vice President-Allen N5NYM; Treasurer-Angie N5MVV; and Secretay-Bill W5NPR. There were no nominations from the floor, and those nominated were elected by acclamation.

Dave N5DO announced that Technician classes were scheduled in Alpine at the Turner Range Animal Science Building, Room 130, on Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and February 3rd . Classes would be held at the Davis Mountain Resort at the Community Center on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (with a 30 minute lunch break) on January 16th, and 23rd., On January 30th, the class will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the exam beginning at 11:00 AM.

The program was conducted by Dr. Bill Waker, East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma, on the technical aspects of antennas. He described the use of the Longley Rice Antenna modeling software, using the BBARC Repeater maps as found on the BBARC website. The model can be found on the internet at HPPT://SLPAT:W5GFE.ORG/. It was obvious that Dr. Walker had spent many hours in preparation for the program presented.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 16 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob   Alpine
W5NPR  Bill  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty Alpine
KE5KNQ Rob   Alpine
N5DO   Dave  Alpine
N5NYM  Allen Alpine
KE5OG  Bill  Alpine
KF5LZT Ted   Alpine
W5DWI  Dick  Alpine
W5JUW  Lora  Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck Alpine
N5MVV  Angie Fort Davis
K5AHI  Bob   Alpine
WA5MHO Dean  Alpine 
NF5FF  Steve Alpine
KW4FA  Burt  Greenville, SC

The meeting was called to order by Bill KE5OG at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the October 13, 2015 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Financial Report, reporting a balance of $3474.93.

Old Business:

It was reported that the 146.72 Repeater was rebuilt and ready to install on Pierce Mountain. The 145.23 Emergency Repeater had been activated at or near the location to be selected for the 146.72 Repeater, which was being moved from its longtime Twin Sisters location. The 145.23 Emergency Repeater had performed well and had provided an accurate preview of the areas to be covered from the location, as well as those areas with less or no coverage as compared to the previous Twin Sister location. It was discussed that though Marfa will experience less coverage, it will be covered adequately from the 146.62 McDonald Observatory location. Some gaps in coverage would be expected around Paisano Pass. Rusty KB5R offered an antenna for the new location if needed. He stated that the antenna is not in use and available for BBARC use.

New Business:
Bill KE5OG appointed Dave N5DO, Bob WA5ROE and Bill W5NPR to the Nominating Committee for officers of the BBARC for 2016. He asked the committee to meet prior to the December meeting with nominations in place, as the election would occur at that meeting. It was emphasized that in addition to those nominated by the committee, nominations from the floor were in order.

It was discussed that Cary KF5ZBW, Physics and Earth Science Instructor at Wink High School, and sponsor of the student efforts to launch a balloon with on board amateur radio equipment during the spring semester of 2016, is requesting financial support from area Amateur Radio Clubs for that project. Previous balloon launches have successfully occurred in 2014 and 2015. Support of the Wink High School balloon launch is favored by BBARC and discussion on the amount of the contribution will continue.

Rob KE5KNQ reminded the club that the time for the annual Santa Claus Net was fast approaching. The dates of December 3rd and December 17th were discussed. Dean WA5MHO volunteered to be Santa, but stated that he would would be out of town on December 3rd, but December 17th would work for him. The club commuication RV would be parked at True Value on that Thursday night and that in addition to Santa, a minimum of two elves would be needed.

It was discussed that the Marathon to Marathon event had been successfully conducted with Bill W5ATO, Dick W5DWI and Lora W5JUW providing communication support. Dick W5DWI reported that although no major medical emergencies occurred, heavy fog and highway traffic along with marathon runners on the Marathon-Fort Stockton highway provided tense moments early on race day.

The program consisted of discussion by several members on difficulties experienced on various amateur radio projects. Dave N5DO discussed difficulties over the years with amplifier equipment, with the solution finally realized with his Elecraft equipment. Dean WA5MHO dicussed problems programming his recently acquired TYT-9000-D radio. Rusty KB5R discussed problems erecting an antenna tower, and installation of the antenna on that tower. Others provided discussion and suggestions on the on-going problems.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 20 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob   Alpine
W5NPR  Bill  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty Alpine
KD5KBU Jim   Fort Davis
KG5HEJ Al    Terlingua
KE5KNQ Rob   Alpine
N5DO   Dave  Alpine
N5NYM  Allen Alpine
KE5OG  Bill  Alpine
KF5LZT Ted   Alpine
W5DWI  Dick  Alpine
W5JUW  Lora  Alpine
KA5PVB Chuck Alpine
KA5BAX John  Lajitas
KA5Y   Tex   Lajitas
N5HYD  Doug  Fort Davis
N5MVV  Angie Fort Davis
W5ATO  Bill  Alpine
K5AHI  Bob   Alpine
WA5MHO Dean  Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bill KE5OG at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the September 9, 2015 meeting were read and approved.

Angie N5MVV presented the Financial Report, reporting a balance of $3901.18.

Jim KD5KBU reported that the Cyclefest event in Fort Davis was held September 19th & 20th, and that no major problems or injuries occurred. He reported 400 riders and 10 ham operators providing communications. He thanked the club members that voluntered for the event.

Bill KE5OG requested reimbursement for $27.76 for QSL Cards printed for K5FD, the new club call. Bill W5ATO moved to reimburse, second by Rusty KB5R. Motion approved.

Bill KE5OG reported that the Scout Jamboree on the Air was scheduled for the following weekend, and that he would operate from Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch for the Cub Scouts.

Bill KE5OG reported that Roger W5LXS and Steve W5JR of the Midland Amateur Club would like to collaborate with Big Bend Amateur Radio Club on the upcoming Midland Hamfest. It was also reported that a West Texas Elmer System had been suggested to provide assistance to new hams.

It was discussed that Doug N5HYD had paid the deposit for electrical service at Elephant Mountain Hub location. Deposits are refunded after 12 months of timely payments. It was noted that when the county accepted responsibility for payment of the electric bill, those payments are not being paid on a timely basis, and that refund of the deposit is not forthcoming. After discussion, Bill W5AT0 moved to reimburse Doug for the Utility deposit, second by Rusty KB5R. Motion approved.

Bill KE5OG praised Doug H5HYD and Bill W5ATO for repeater maintenance over the years. He also reported that 146.72 had been hit by lightning, and that it was down for repairs and that the 145.23 emergency repeater was up and running. It was noted that maintenance of that repeater is becoming more difficult year by year. It was discussed that a change of locations might be considered, with the following options discussed: (1) Give up site; (2) Bring the repeater down to the turn around; (3) Move repeater to A-Mountain; (4) Move Repeater to Pierce Mountain; (5) Move Repeater to Bull Frog Mountain; and (6) consider some combination of the above. It was noted that if a move was made to A-Mountain, Big Bend Telephone would cooperate. It was also discussed that Pierce Mountain had been visited with permission of the Pierce family, that test communications had been made and if the the move to Pierce Mountain was approved by the club, that the actual site could be chosen by the club. It was discussed that Pierce Mountain would serve all locations, with the possible lost of points west of Paisano Pass.
It was discussed that the 146.62 McDonald Observatory location does serve Marfa, although a gap in service might exist near Paisano Pass. After discussion, motion was made by Rusty KB5R to proceed with discussions with Pierce family, conduct further site location tests, and because of easy site access, it make this location the priority, second by Chuck KA5PVB, motion approved.

Further discussion centered around making the 145.23 Emergency Repeater more mobile by considering short term use by batteries rather than by solar panels.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary

The meeting was attended by 11 members and guests:

WA5ROE Bob   Alpine
W5NPR  Bill  Alpine
KB5R   Rusty Alpine
KD5KBU Jim   Fort Davis
KG5HEJ Al    Terlingua
KE5KNQ Rob   Alpine
N5DO   Dave  Alpine
N5NYM  Allen Alpine
KE5OG  Bill  Alpine
KF5LZT Ted   Alpine
NF5FF  Steve Alpine

The meeting was called to order by Bill KE5OG at 7:30 PM.

The minutes of the August 11, 2015 meeting were read and approved.

In the absence of Angie N5MVV, there was no Financial Report.

Jim KD5KBU reported that the Cyclefest event in Fort Davis was scheduled for September 19th. He said there would be 5 water stops and that a ham operator to provide communications would be needed at each stop plus a net control operator. He was unsure if he would be available to provide net control services. There would be 5 individual races, 5, 25, 55, and 75 miles. The races would begin at 8:00 AM and continue until 4:00 PM. Any racer still on the course at 4:00 PM would be on their own. On Sunday September 20st, the Hill Climb up to McDonald Observatory would be conducted. Volunteers would be needed both days, with the most needed on Saturday. He asked that volunteers meet in the Murphy’s parking lot at 7:15 AM on Saturday.

Bob WA5ROE reported that Barb KM5VM had called and that she had fallen,broken an ankle, suffered a concussion and was in rehab in College Station.

Bob WA5ROE asked that all EC’s meet with him after the meeting.

The program was conducted by N5DO on the various modes of the MFJ-259B. He explained that most users of the 259-B used the SWR mode, but that there were many more uses, including Coax Loss, Coax cable length, Complez RF Impedance, Inductance, Capacitance, Battery voltage, frequency counter, and many other electronic modes. It was a well prepared and well presented program.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Bill Roberts W5NPR, Secretary