April 2009 Nixa ARC Meeting Minutes

The meeting was brought to order by Vice-President James Adkins, KB0NHX, acting in the place of President Chris Cochran, KB0WZC, at 6:07 p.m.

The following were in attendance at the meeting (22 people in attendance): James Adkins, KB0NHX; Jim Adkins, KC0IYI; Kim Adkins, KC0GKP; Ralph Baldi, KF6AHT; Shawn Baker, KA0RZE; Pat Barber, KB0UTY; Gary Bell, (expired KA1OMA); John Copelin, KC0QNM; Kent Doucey, N0IRM; Richard Doucey, KD0HGY; J.R. Duncan, N0RLP; James French, KC0TQD; Dean Gaines, KC0SQD; Kevin Hawkins, KD0CIU; Johnnie Hubert, KD0GGJ; Jerry Johnson, KE0KI; Randy Jordan, KC0UKB; Chris Raymond, KC0TLE; Fred Smith, N0AZZ; C.W. Stiver, KC0VNT; Brian Umbenhower, K0OLD; and Jim Young, WA6NFY.

We had 5 people join or renew their memberships with the club after the meeting.

James Adkins, KB0NHX, acting treasurer for Jeff Morrissey, KB0WVT, donned the poker hat and read the treasurer's report. The full report will be published in the next club newsletter.

James then gave an update of the club HF station. At the meeting, all current equipment, less the Comet GP-9, that the club has obtained through donations and purchased through the Nixa Community Foundation grant was displayed.

The Iota DLS-55 power supply, Tigertronics SignalinkUSB, two coaxial Polyphasers, KU4UB SQ-50 Squalos for 6m SSB, 250' of Belden RG-213, and Andrew FSJ4-50B 1/2" superflex cable. Also on display were the Penninger masts and mounting equipment, which everyone was very impressed with. Also advised that Chris Cochran, KB0WZC, is currently looking at several Bencher and Vibroplex keys for the club HF station. The only CW operator in attendance was Jerry Johnson, KE0KI, and he would like to see the Vibroplex equipment for the station and mentioned the dual paddle / straight key they produce.

We announced the club has a grant pending with the ARRL foundation for the purchase of the Yaesu FT-450, Yaesu FT-950, and Yaesu FT-8900 radios for the station. We also announced we have a pending grant request with Best Buy for two computers to be used for logging and remote control of the station. Chris Cochran, KB0WZC, has purchased the Alpha Delta DX-LB+ HF dipole for the station, it should arrive by Wednesday. The question was posed as to when to expect an install, and James advised we are planning for just after Field Day 2009 in early July.

James then updated everyone on projects that have been completed and that are currently in progress.

James has completed the LDG RVS-8 voter for the 53.270 repeater. He has also purchased the crystals for the backup 145.270 repeater, which is a Motorola MSR-2000 donated by Bob Du Brul, WB0RJR. Jeff Kerr, KC0VGC, is working on a DekTOP micro-minature PC to be installed at the Cox South site. This PC runs on 12 vdc and will be used to remotely control / program the Arcom RC-210 controller and monitor the wireless Internet connection at the site. Jeremy Tannehill, KC0UJZ, made a trip to the top of Cox and adjusted the wireless Internet yagi. We now have good line of site (LoS) and the connection is now very stable and reliable. James and Jeremy also adjusted all audio on the 224.280, 442.275 and 927.5375 repeaters. Jumper settings were changed and audio adjusted. It now sounds normal, like the 53.270 and 145.270 repeaters. We are still having intermittent problems with the RC-210 controller at Cox Hospital, and plan to hook it up to the site's battery backup system to provide continuous, true 12 vdc.

Jeff Kerr, KC0VGC, asked for and obtained permission for us to utilize IRLP reflector channel 9229 on a permanent basis. IRLP normally only allows a 1 to 1 connection, and using a reflector allows numerous stations to connect simultaneously. This is will help us in the future when multiple connections are needed, such as for W0S Titanic Special Event station.

Jeff Morrissey, KB0WVT, and Jim Sellars, N0UAM, were tasked with assisting KSPR33 reporter Kevin Lighty with a special report on severe weather storm spotters. It is posted on the club website and on You Tube.

James and Thad Huff, KC0AQG, are working on a single tube high-power repeater amplifier for the 53.270. Goal is to have 1200 to 1500-watts output from a single phase 220 vac supply. Shawn Baker, KA0RZE, is also assisting in the location of parts for the project, and will undoubtedly help with design along the way.

For Sucker Days, we now have 8 people signed up for Sucker Days. Looking for people to help early in the morning with setup at this time, afternoon and evening has good coverage. This event is coming up May 16th and runs from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will have a 6m station, and VHF/UHF operations and maybe HF. Basically, we'll be meeting the public and talking on the radio and being in a positive light to the public.

The Nixa Bike Ride is May 30, 2009. We had 3 more people sign up for it at the meeting, and have 15 people lined up now. Still looking for about 5 to 6 more to help out. Thanks to all that are participating. We still need 2 people with mobiles and mag mount antennas to act as SAG vehicle riders to follow up the race and 4 more people for rest stops. James French, KC0TQD, advised he has a couple of J-Poles that could be used for portable operations if someone has a radio and needs a portable station antenna.

We also talked about Field Day. We will be getting the newly re-vamped Missouri Highway Patrol mobile command center. We have three people that are available to drive it. Kent Doucey, N0IRM, is going to check about a fuel donation for the bus.
Plan to have 1 CW station and 2 SSB station. Jerry Johnson, KE0KI, announced that he is going to try to operate CW at field day this year! Can't wait to see him in action!!

Lastly, Jerry Johnson, KE0KI, announced at the meeting that April 26, 2009, is his 63rd anniversary in ham radio. He received his original license on April 26, 1946, and has been licensed for 63 consecutive years. Congratulations to Jerry!

Floor was opened for questions. Since there were none, the meeting adjourned at 7:10p.m.