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