[HCARC] 5 March 2015 Minutes

[Gary J - N5BAA]

HILL COUNTRY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes

5 March 2015

MEETING COMMENCEMENT

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Hipskind (W0HIP) who led us in the Pledge Of Allegiance.  There were 30 members in attendance with 2 guests – Paula Mulford and Steven Fleming (both unlicensed)

MEMBER AND GUEST RECOGNITION

President Hipskind explained the 50/50 and gave out tickets to the following people for having helped during the past month:  Barb and Pete Schuyler (N9NM, N9OF respectively) for providing goodies for the break and to Mort McKenzie (WB2GEU) for sugar free goodies.   Gale Heise (KM4DR) was helped with design for an 80 meter antenna by Dale Gaudier (K4DG), Bob Richie (K5YB) and Chuck Brainard (KA1PM).  Gale Heise (KM4DR) helped Lew King (W5LEW) and Fred Gilmore (W0LPD) helped Terry Hipskind with SSTV. 

The February 2015 minutes were posted and approved.

The Treasurers report was read and approved

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Repeater (Harvey K5HV) –New Yaesu Fusion Repeater purchased for $500 to replace the old analog repeater.

VE Testing (Fred W0LPD) – Next VE session will be in April.  Fred will announce the time via the Reflector.

Red Cross Liason (Terry W0HIP) – Our support for the Red Cross now includes SSTV capability.

Field Day (Gary Johnson N5BAA) - ARRL Field Day is now 3 1/2 months away.  It was suggested that Field Day this year be held at the Tierra Linda VFD area.  Bill Tynan (W3XO) and others will be checking the availability and reporting in April.

OLD BUSINESS

Remember Dale Gaudier (K4DG) indicated he has Tech License Manuals in stock and for sale.

NEW BUSINESS

Lew King (self identified “Little Pistol”) gave a report on his operating in a recent contest using his IC-7000, an 88 ft Doublet Antenna with logging using N1MM.  His point was that if he can do it so can any of the others who might be “Little Pistols” too.  He said one doesn’t need big antennas, amplifiers and towers to compete.

President Hipskind brought up that their has been a question of the possibility of moving the monthly meetings to the second Thursday of each month vs the first Thursday.  After some discussion Bob Richie made the motion to move the meeting which was seconded by Bill Tynan.  Bill indicated that this would free up first Thursdays for numerous members who attend the Symphony which is in conflict with our meetings. The move would also allow members who desired to attend the Kendall County Radio Club meetings which also meet on the First Thursday of each month.  Bob Richie indicated he would like his motion tabled until the March meeting to allow members to think about this change.

Belton Hamfest – 17/18 April

BREAK FOR REFRESHMENTS FROM Barb, Pete, and Mort.

The presentation was by the Kerrville Volunteer Police Association.

50/50 was won by  Gale Heise who donated the entire proceeds to the repeater fund.

Submitted:

Gary Johnson
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013/14/15