[OFARC] JOTA arrangements??

[rusty-wilson at comcast.net]

Ralph, (and all) 
  
I contacted a former colleague from a past job, Dan Goetzman, who is a scout leader in the Crockett District (Waller area).   For the past 2 years (and again this year) Dan has directed the JOTI (Jamboree On The Internet), which is a companion function of the JOTA event, at Cockrell Center. Last year, the JOTI event had approximately 35 scout participants. 
  
I asked Dan if we (OFARC) could participate at his event, by setting up one radio at Cockrell Center (as we discussed this at the last meeting). Dan was very receptive to the idea, but needed to ask Sam Houston Council officials if we could have permission to participate.  Dan hasn't gotten back with that information yet. I tried calling him about an hour ago, and he happens to be at a scout round table meeting right now, so couldn't speak with me. So I still don't know if we have permission to set up there. I will definitely talk with Dan tomorrow morning, and follow up. 
  
If we get permission, Mark Landress volunteered to take a radio and buddy pole antenna to Cockrell, and set up on their front porch (this was discussed at the meeting), and I will help him. We may need to have portable power.   We will also need a table and a few chairs (I can provide chairs/table) 
  
Jim McLain called me on my cell this week, and asked me why we weren't setting up at the lodge. He told me that we should use the lodge, that our function as a public service organization was tied to using the lodge. 
  
Jim McLain and Dick Wilke both say they have possible participants who might be willing to come to the lodge hall for JOTA on Saturday.  Jim has a contact with a scout troop in the Cypress area, and Dick has a group (church group as I understand it, some members are scouts).  This info from Dick is here-say from Jim. I tried calling Dick, but had to leave voice mail, and haven't heard back.  
  
At any rate, Jim and Dick want to set up at the lodge, regardless of whether we can set up at Cockrell Center.  I have no objection to this, I suspect no one else would oppose it.  In fact, if we are able to setup at both locations, the lodge location could serve as a first contact for scouts at Cockrell. 
  
I asked Jim to contact Terry Moon, to see if Terry would be willing to setup at the lodge.  I presume that has happened. 
  
If we set up at the lodge, we will need to be able to launch Jim's G5RVs (both or perhaps just one?).  That will require a launcher.  I presume Mike will be available to help make that happen. 
  
Jim wasn't sure he would be able to attend himself, so we need to line up someone with a key to the lodge (Carl?)  If we can't get into the lodge, it might be inconvenient (no bathroom, no food, etc). 
  
Regarding 2m, if we are able to get inside the lodge, Dick has always supplied a 2m radio, using the antenna installed at the lodge.   If not, I can supply a dual bander to use on the 2m antenna. 
  
Assuming all goes well with obtaining permission, we will need to be at Cockrell Center by 9:00AM on Saturday morning, and be prepared to operate thru 4:00PM.   Those are the scheduled hours for JOTI. 
  
Probably same time at the lodge, will need time to string antenna(s) and get set up. 
  
  
That's what I know, 
  
Rusty  KF5OOX 
  
  

----- Original Message -----

From: "Ralph (home)" <ke5hdf at sbcglobal.net> 
To: President at ofarc.org, "Westerlage, John" <john at n5dwi.com> 
Cc: "Terry Moon" <w5pcj at hotmail.com> 
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2014 7:13:54 PM 
Subject: JOTA arrangements?? 

Hey guys ... 
  
I got a call from Terry Moon today about JOTA. 
apparently some members are expecting to be at the lodge on Saturday the 18th. 
  
I told him we were supposed to be at the council headquarters. 
You may want to put out an e-mail to members about “the plan”. 
  
Also, I  have some questions myself .... 


    * who will be leading the effort? 
    * confirm folks should arrive about 0900? 
    * will we be indoors and run coax out a window or sitting outdoors? 
    * do you want to do 2m as well as HF? 
    * any particular band on HF? 

I cannot confirm I will be there because my son has an event I did not know of when we had the meeting. 
But... I will try 

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