[RVRC] (no subject)

[drew moore]

Members,

The minutes from the January 2015 meeting are shown below. The intent is to
save time during tomorrow nights business meeting so that most of the time
can be devoted to the D-Star Seminar program.

Please take the time to review them in advance so if there are no issues
with the contents  it's possible to waive the actual reading.Thank you for
giving this your consideration.

Special thanks to our secretary, Mary Ann Erdek , KC2TQJ for for making
this possible.73, Drew, W2OU***************************

RVRC Meeting Minutes

Date:    1/14/2015

Submitted by KC2TQJ



Meeting Opened:   8PM by President Jim

Guests:     Sue Leuthausen, Susan Lund

Minutes:   December minutes were read by KC2TQJ and approved.



*Treasurer’s Report:*

* General Fund:               $0,54



            Income (Deposits):             $0.06



Expenses:                $0.95



Total:                    $0.65



* Capital Fund:                     $0.01



* Grand Total (both accounts):         $0.66



*Committee Reports:*

*  Technical Committee:

o  System Status:

* 2M: running normally; input PL changed to 241.8, output PL still at 141.3

440: running normally

Battery backups – restored and operating

o Activities and updates:

* PL change on 2M input was required to break a “loop” with a distant
machine on same frequencies

* Repeater directories are being notified of the PL change

* EZ Gate battery backup switches installed

* Inline fuses for batteries upgraded to 40A capacity due to meltdowns of
the original setup

* Battery backup system tested and operating.  Batteries at full charge and
levels maintained.

o Shed Project:

*  Dave/KG2AE has covered the second end wall and half of the back wall
with 7/16” OSB board and built a 30 x 60 workbench.  He also strengthened
the storage shelves to carry more weight.  Dave has donated 6 4x8 sheets of
OSB to the club.

o Battery Backup: restored and operating at rated capacity as noted

o Webpage/Controls/Scripts:

* The web server code was rebuilt to correct a problem caused by automatic
software updates.  This is the server used for control operations – not the
club website.

* PL changed in AllStar software for 2M input to break a continuous look
that was occurring with a distant machine due to propagation changes.

* New recorded announcement added for the 2M PL change.  Plays in sequence
with other regular messages.

o 440 Repeater Links:

* Linked to N1DOT system – experimental IRLP, D Star and Allstarlink

o Open Issues:

* Change to the output 2M PL when possible to allow users to enable
“decode” functions on personal radios.

* Without the “decode” capability there is nearly continuous traffic on
146.625 due to the NY repeater and the HF remote base that are linked in.

* This makes mobile operation and monitoring the W2QW 2M very difficult
under the current propagation conditions.

* Once the equipment is reconfigured, the output PL will be set up for 2
codes, 141.3 and 241.8

* This should enable our members to use 241.8 for “decode” to mute the
foreign traffic while keeping the traditional 141.3 code for visitors
passing through our coverage area.



**  Hamfest:  *

o  Scheduled date is June 20.  Rich is working with the Piscataway BOE –
all documents have been prepared.  Only issue is regarding certain pricing
of items.  Motion was carried to pay $20 to the BOE in order to firm up the
date.

o  Flyers need to be prepared – this should be done in the next 30 days.

o  No raffle prizes at the present time since nothing has been provided to
Bob.  If anyone knows of a possible prize for consideration, let Drew know.

o  Sauter will not be here this year.  We should look into finding another
vendor  Several potential contacts have declined to participate.  Drew will
try to reach out again to Quicksilver.

o  VE testing has been scheduled.  Jim has tents – we will need tables and
chairs.



** Health & Welfare:  *

o  Dave/KG2AE – nephew recently passed.  Additional info will be provided
to Chuck in order to send out a card.



** Social Net:  No report.  Nets are going will and have been run by*
Brian/N2MPM.  Last week, several people from South Jersey/Philadelphia
checked in.  11 check-ins were counted last week per Craig/AC2FE.



** Holiday Party:  24 people have signed up for this Saturday’s party*
(starting at 6:30PM).  Drew sent out an email with the venue’s menu.



** Membership:   A second reading was given for Mike Moran.  Drew will*
email Jim with info for ordering of badges and shirts.



** Old Business:   *

o Next month’s meeting will focus on a presentation on D-Star as opposed to
regular club business matters.  We need to be cognizant of the time limit
for use of the meeting room and that we need to be out by 10PM.

o A flyer announcement will be sent out via email.  We will work on
securing a larger room for this meeting.

o For April, a talk will be arranged on interfacing with emergency services.
Gary Howard will be speaking – he is looking for people to help out.  Bill
Labos was suggested as a possible contact for assistance.

o President Jim once again solicited the membership for ideas on how best
to increase interest, attendance and membership.

o Mike/KB2VRM has a few items he’d like to donate as a possible “door
prize”.



** New Business:  *

o Rich had a question regarding unpaid dues.  An email was sent out to the
club in December announcing the dues amount.  Per Treasurer Ann/KD2DUK we
are starting to receive some dues.

o A concern was raised about some members being “harassed” regarding issues
that can or cannot be done via email – Jim expressed his personal dismay
with this and that we should support and not intimidate or potentially
chase away our fellow members.



** Show & Tell:  no report*



** 50/50: *

$20 won by Tim, AB2ZK – donated back to the club.

Adjournment:   8:48 PM