On Tuesday, 21 February 2023 at 1900 hours local, Mark, WA5MA, called to order the meeting of the Tulsa Amateur Radio Club in Room-3140 of Keplinger Hall at the University of Tulsa.
WA5MA welcomed new attendees and those who are working to get their Technician license.
WA5MA introduced the club officers present then requested round-robin introductions of the company.
WA5MA asked whether anyone doesn’t receive the newsletter.
WA5MA asked for any questions or comments about the minutes of last month’s meeting. Nothing heard. Ian, KC9THI, moved to approve the minutes as written; Paul, KE5EHM, seconded; the minutes were approved by acclamation.
WA5MA asked for any questions or comments about the financial report. Nothing heard. Ian, KC9THI, moved to approve the financial report; Bart, N5TWB, seconded; the minutes were approved by acclamation.
WA5MA asked KC9THI to summarize the HF University event held last Saturday, 18 February.
KC9THI said that the event expanded on the previous meeting. Paul, WB5ANX, discussed station grounding. Mark, WA5MA, explained how to avoid being a LID on air — that is a Licensed IDiot. Overall, the event went well, leading to other similar events and others focused on VHF/UHF operations.
WA5MA asked Bart, N5TWB, for news of the ARRL and ARDC grant program.
N5TWB said that not much new to report, but the effort is ongoing.
WA5MA asked Paul, WB5ANX, for news of the 443.850 repeater replacement.
WB5ANX said that the new system is installed and been working for the last two days, and that it is obvious that something is different to users signified by the male and female voice messages. The last five months have been a big project and a steep learning experience for WB5ANX and David, N5DMK, trying to absorb the Bob’s, W5RAB, lifetime of experience in this area, and learning how to use the test equipment. Anyone using the system who notices a problem should notify WB5ANX or N5DMK. We are in a better position now that two more persons can share the maintenance of the Superlink system and relieve W5RAB who remains available to assist.
WA5MA said that part of the upgrade to the repeater involves acquisition of a Service Monitor and that club officers approved purchase of an HP8920 from W5RAB who managed to buy a used unit for $500, an excellent price that is about one-tenth the new cost. HP8920s are excellent integrated RF test sets that have ceased production. Anyone interested can visit this link to read about the repair of an HP8920:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/hp-8920b-service-monitor-repair/
WA5MA said that, in addition to the Service Monitor, there is some approved expenditure for an HF Go Box. WA5MA asked KC9THI to talk about this project.
KC9THI had circulated earlier a few sheets containing an itemized list of parts needed to construct an HF Go Box. KC9THI said that the total cost to the club is approximately $1,600. The idea is that the club would lend the Go Box to members who want to try portable operations or to members who don’t have the space or equipment for a fixed installation.
KC9THI said that the FT-891 core of an earlier iteration of the proposal was replaced by the Icom 7300 that is already used in the Comm 1 trailer, since it makes sense to have common equipment across the club, which also avoids the need to learn how to use multiple systems.
An extensive discussion ensued around questions of insurance, liability, and lending regimen. KC9THI, who is a commercial insurance professional, said that the logistics and legal matters are yet to be determined.
Questions of cost and funds remaining in the club treasury were discussed. WA5MA said that about $8,000 remain after all currently approve expenditures.
Bob, W5RAB, raised a good point about the club needing a big enough financial reserve to support any maintenance work on the Superlink Repeater system. Licensed tower climbers needed to work on antennas and feed-lines can cost in the region of $5,000 per event. Within the last couple of years, the Rogers County Wireless Association held a raffle to raise funds to hire tower climbers to replace a damaged antenna for their repeater.
Mike, KG5YKM, pointed out that in his experience with his church, members are often willing to donate to specific projects. Similarly, members of a radio club might also be willing to donate to a club-specific project.
WA5MA asked for a show of hands by any present who would be willing to support financially something like a Go Box. A significant number raised their hands.
The discussion continued around these valid and important questions about club operations, which is why we have meetings, seek and listen to what the general membership has to say about what we do as a club.
At about 1945 hrs, WA5MA closed the discussions and opened the floor to Andrew, W5AWS, for the presentation of Netlogger operation.
First, W5AWS, explored the club organizational map that summarizes our activities and operational planning. We have some vacant positions for interested volunteers. Paul, WB5ANX, commented that it shows that there is a lot happening and that the club depends on its members to exist and thrive.
W5AWS presented NetLogger. Download the slide deck via this link:
https://drive.proton.me/urls/XZMR0MX03C#Kk2OKzyiBuGL
W5AWS yielded the floor to WA5MA.
WA5MA mentioned upcoming events:
License Exam Session: March 18th at 1000 hrs local in Rm.3140 of Keplinger Hall.
Storm Spotter Training: March 11th at OSU North Tulsa.
Green Country Hamfest: April 7th & 8th.
Bart, N5TWB, said that the Tour de Tulsa bike event is scheduled for May 6th.
There being no further business, WA5MA asked for a motion to close the meeting: Paul, KE5EHM, made motion to adjourn; Andrew, W5AWS, seconded; approved by general exodus.
Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Andrew, W5AWS, Secretary.