[FPARC] MINUTES OF JUNE MEETING

[Kd4spw]

      FORT PIERCE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB - MINUTES -  6/13/2012
 
      The regular monthly meeting of the Fort Pierce Amateur Radio Club was chaired by President, Kevin Walker, W4KKW.  Attendance was 24. Visiting was Joann Bolte.
 
      MINUTES: The minutes of the May meeting were approved as distributed, after motion by Keith, W4RPE, and seconded by Harry, KJ4SRY.
 
      TREASURY: Treasurer Carl, W7RCW’s report was approved as distributed after motion by Keith, W4RPE, and seconded by Harold, N3UY.
                     
      Steve, N4SGL, said that we should be receiving a check soon from Icom as re-imbursement for purchasing the D-STAR repeater.
 
      President Kevin, W4KKW, discussed the need for a tower climb to repair damage of the UHF repeater feedline, from a suspected lightning strike. Joe, KD4BTD, said that the WQCS station manager would rather not reduce FM transmitter power during the day. Kevin said that we may need to schedule a night-time tower climb.
 
      FIELD DAY: Steve, N4SGL, said that Field Day will be held at Tradition in southwest PSL. He said that meal tickets were being sold. Kurt, W4KFH, discussed operating station plans.
 
      HAMFEST: KEVIN, W4KKW, said that there is interest from the D-STAR community about again having a D-STAR forum. He said that maybe we would have just a small D-STAR forum, possibly done by Phil, N2HUC. Don, W4KTD, said that we will set up Friday afternoon starting about 4 pm. Members decided to spend up to $700 for Hamfest Prizes, after motion by Steve, N4SGL, and seconded by Kurt, W4KFH. Kevin, W4KKW, will purchase the prizes, likely a D-STAR radio as the grand prize. Kevin said that Don, W4KFH, will be the Hamfest chairman. Don will be calling members asking for help. Don asked that any member attending other club meetings, to please bring our Hamfest flyers along. PSLARA will handle V.E. Testing at the Hamfest.
 
      NUCLEAR DRILL: Steve, N4SGL, thanked those that checked in to the EOC Nuclear Power Plant Drill Net today.
 
      Steve, N4SGL, told of upcoming ARRL town hall meeting coming up Saturday June 30, 9 am -3 pm at the Palm Beach Co EOC.
 
      Steve, N4SGL, said there is interest for a local D-STAR net. He asked that everyone consider when during the week we should have a net. He said that there will be a Florida D-STAR Reflector, 37C. He said that there is a D-STAR educational Net Thursdays at 9 pm on Reflector 46C. Steve discussed maybe having a D-STAR Academy in the future. It is a day-long D-STAR forum.
 
      Kevin, W4KKW, said that he hopes to be able to move the IRLP/ECHOLINK computer to the Repeater site. 
 
      Kevin, W4KKW, encouraged members to check-in to our Tuesday Nets more frequently.
 
      Kevin, W4KKW, said that we need to replace 2 ups batteries. Steve, N4SGL, made a motion to spend $65 for them. Keith, W4RPE, seconded and it passed.
 
      Martha reminded us of the upcoming Port St. Lucie Hurricane Expo this Saturday.
 
      Don, W4KTD, and others, reminded us about all that WQCS and IRSC does for our club. Carl, W7RCW, discussed expenses like electricity that WQCS incurs. He discussed us increasing our club donation to them. He also suggested that members who donate to WQCS individually, make sure that WQCS knows that your donation reflects their support of FPARC. Members might also consider making their WQCS donation through FPARC.
      
      ATTENDANCE:  KD4SPW, MARTHA BLANCO, KJ4LWZ, N3UY, W4KFH, AJ4BP, WB4NOZ, WY5I, W4KTD, KJ4SRY, WA4MLD, KI4UUT, N4SGL, KD4BTD, W4KKW, W7RCW, W1QPD, DONNA ELLMERS, JOANN BOLTE, KD4BTG, N4ZYX, AA4PN, WB4RPV, W4RPE.  
 
                              Submitted by Secretary Peter Amar, KD4SPW.