Murray State University Amateur Radio Club

Meeting Minutes, September 7, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 19:05 by President Randall Winchester.  

In attendance:

The question of the day was: “What was your most memorable hamfest?”

Minutes – Bill Call motioned to accept the minutes as emailed, Chuck Williams seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Call reported a current balance of $1873.41, after a deposit of $35.00 (dues and exam fees) and expenses of $7.00 for VE test.  

Systems Report – Bill Call reported that he and Doyan worked on the Hamlin repeater yesterday, September 6^th.  All other systems are working okay.

Staff Advisor Report – Included in Ham Bits section but John Hart also mentioned that a D-Star repeater and “skynet” (for want of a better name) go hand in hand and this technology is what his students are learning.

VE Report – One VE session with one unsuccessful examinee, who plans to study more and try again. Another VE session is scheduled for this evening after the meeting.

QSL Managers Report – Responded to the two requests for QSL cards to confirm Field Days contacts on 15 meters. No new cards have been received.

Net Report – No report at this time.

Ham Bits – Randall Winchester and John Hart told about the Huntsville Hamfest and Murray State University having a booth there and how this came about. Bob Jones and Bill Call did the groundwork for setting up the MSUARC and John and Randall are building on that groundwork. A lot of universities are dissolving their Amateur Radio Clubs, but K4MSU is becoming a campus resource. The Center for TSM paid for Randall and one student to attend the Huntsville Hamfest (2 night stay, transportation, entry fees and expenses) to man a recruiting booth for MSU and CTSM. Their booth had a video depicting MSU/CTSM/Amateur Radio working hand in hand. They provided door prizes and free handouts, the Hamfest Committee donated the booth space and MSU only had to pay the fee for the electrical outlet. Hats off to Randall for suggesting MSU have a recruiting booth at the Huntsville Hamfest. The idea was a huge success with several students interested in attending MSU and also the possibility of a two by two program with MSU and a community college in the Huntsville area. There is a possibility of repeating this venture next May at the Dayton Hamvention.

Old Business – No old business.

New Business – One new application for membership, David Butler, KC9RZU. John Hart made a motion to accept his application, Bill Call seconded and the motion passed and we welcomed David Butler as our newest member.

Program – Don Miller, K4ENE spoke about cubical quad antennas, which he uses and also builds. A cubical quad is basically a folded dipole that has been unfolded. Feedline to any balanced antenna wants to radiate and should have an RF Choke installed at the antenna. Supplies to build one can be purchased from Cubix. For more information please contact Don Miller.

Ten door prizes were provided by Randall Winchester.

Randall adjourned the meeting at about 20:10 and a VE session immediately followed.

VE Session concluded and resulted in one new technician class license being issued to Chris Osbourne. Congratulations Chris.

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