Murray State University Amateur Radio Club

Meeting Minutes, August 3, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 19:10 by Vice President Chuck Williams.  

In attendance:

The question of the day was: “What’s new in ham radio for you this summer?”

Minutes – Bob Aldrich motioned to accept the minutes as emailed, Charlton Young seconded. Motion passed. A thank you was extended to Nichole Barton for taking the minutes for the last two months.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Call reported a current balance of $1845.41, after deposit of $80.00 (dues and exam fees).  

Systems Report – Bill Call reported that all systems are running normally this month. Hamlin has a Ringo antenna which may have a loose connection and will therefore need to climb the tower at some point to tighten the connections.

Staff Advisor Report – None.

VE Report – No VE sessions, but one session for this evening with one examinee.

QSL Managers Report – Two requests for QSL cards to confirm Field Days contacts on 15 meters.

Net Report – No report at this time.

Ham Bits –HF Antenna – Vertical, Wire or Beam – When-How-Why.

Chuck asked for opinions and Bill stated he prefers wire as you can attach a tuner and operate on many different bands and that verticals operate equally poorly in all directions, LOL. Robin stated he has all three and he prefers a beam for two meters.

Old Business – Chuck passed out DVD’s of the Field Day operation and gave a run down on our points and how they were attained. Our total points were 2,198, give or take a couple hundred, depending on how the ARRL scores some of our bonus points.

We did not get bonus points for an NTS Message to ARRL SM/SEC (NTS is National Traffic System). This is a formal message, forms are available (green & yellow). Also, no points for copying the W1AW Field Day Message or for natural power (solar power to charge batteries for emergency battery power). Next year we will need to try harder to get these bonus points.

I am attaching at the end of the minutes the Field Day submission form that was submitted.

New Business – None.

Marshall County is changing their meeting to the 2^nd Friday of the month at the Rescue Station.

Mayfield ARC meeting is the 3^rd Thursday of the month in the lobby area of the hospital.

Bill stated he has several radio towers that are looking for new homes, including a 55’ self-supporting tower. If you are interested please contact Bill Call.

Chuck adjourned the meeting at about 20:00 and a VE session immediately followed.

VE Session concluded and the examinee did not pass, but hopefully will succeed next time.

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Barton, W8IBT

Secretary

Call Used:K4MSU     GOTA Station Call:W4GZ     ARRL/RAC Section:KY     Class:2F

Participants:46     Club/Group Name: Murray State University Amateur Radio Club

Power Source(s): Generator, Commercial, Battery

Power Multiplier: 2X

Bonus Points:

Score Summary:

Band/Mode QSO Breakdown:

* GOTA QSOs contribution to total QSOs reduced because of GOTA QSO limit.

GOTA Bonus: GOTA Coach - Double Bonus Points