Nixa Amateur Radio Club
Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2013
Call to Order
James Adkins, KB0NHX, called the regular meeting of the Nixa Amateur Radio Club to order at 1805 hours on March 9, 2013 at the Nixa Fire Department General HQ at 301 S. Nicholas Rd in Nixa, Missouri.
Roll Call
Sign in sheet was passed. There were 21 persons present
Treasurer report
The treasurer's report was got given at this month's meeting and a full report for February & March will be given at the April meeting
A VE test session was given - No one tested at the session however
News and Announcements
James Adkins, KB0NHX, discussed the following items:
A trip was made to the 145.270 site by himself and KC0IYI was made this morning. they removed the old EchoLink node and all accessories and also troubleshot the repeater. About 1.5 weeks ago, we started noticing that the repeater would hang open after someone unkeyed. The antenna system checked fine, as did the repeater. However, we found a problem with the duplexers. For 118-Watts into the duplexers, we were only getting 58-Watts out. Normally, we should see about about 25% power loss through a properly tuned 4-cavity set of duplexers. The pass and notch on both transmit cans had to be re-tuned, and the notch was pretty far off on one can, which is most likely the reason we were having the problem that we were having. After re-tuning, we now are getting 91.2-Watts out of the duplexers, and the repeater is no longer hanging open.
We also discussed the SMLRS. The new website, that is under construction still, was unveiled. Those that were present viewed the site, gave input, and got a nice sneak peek at what is to come. The Nevada 145.450, PL 91.5 Hz, is slated to be the newest repeater to be added to the SMLRS. Right now, plans are for April 6 to do the tower work at the site, weather permitting. This will be a nice addition to the SMLRS and help expand coverage to the northwest of Springfield tremendously.
Randy Jordan, KC0UKB, gave us an update on the www.nixahams.net website. He has updated the club roster, net control schedule, and other items. Most importantly, however, he was able to get the PayPal link fixed so that folks can pay their dues online.
At last night's meeting, we gained 10 new or renewal memberships for 2013. Even had one person pay for 2014 at the same time! If you haven't renewed or joined yet, please consider doing so. Membership dues pay a large chunk for our club activities each year, such as Field Day and the club picnic.
Business
At the meeting, we discussed the club picnic. We had originally thought we might have one in May, however a vote of the members present revealed they prefer the September date as weather is more predictable. So, the club picnic will be in September, 2013.
We also discussed Field Day. Announced that it would be in the same spot as last year, and that we would be changing it up a bit in 2013. Another club up near Jefferson City will have the White Spartan command bus, but we have secured the BAT Van. Good news is since it is already in the area, we will not have to pay for the fuel from or back to KC where it responds from. Kent is working some angles for another vehicle to house a station or two.
Presentation
Bill Gilmore, KC0TCF, from Greene County ARES gave a presentation on their involvement in and the overall outcome of the Severe Weather Symposium at the Battlefield Mall last weekend, March 2. He also passed around a calendar showing all the activities that they are involved with, as well as talking about their license classes and involvement with training up SkyWarn Spotters
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 1905 hours.
Minutes submitted by: James Adkins, KBØNHX, President
Minutes approved by: James Adkins, KBØNHX, President
