The April 21, 2007 meeting of the Newton Amateur Radio Club was held at
the Chisholm Trail Outlet and Retail Mall. The meeting was called to
order at 9:20am by Vice-President Aaron Diller. Present were Roni
Allen, Lon Buller, Dan Inskeep,Aaron Diller, Lee Buller, Bob Harder,
Kent Harder, Mike Harvey, Bob Ogden and Kent Stutzman.
Minutes: The March minutes were accepted as read.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer was not present, so the March totals were
carried forward. No known expenses were paid, leaving a total of
$721.69 in checking, $40 in petty cash, totaling $761.69 in Club Funds.
Antenna maintenance: Several trips to the top of the grain elevator
were required during the month. Mike and Dennis discovered that
there was an abandoned 50ohm feed line not connected to anything. The
jumper running from the 50ohm cable was removed from the back-up
antenna. A Comet GP6 was placed into operation, but within a few days
the ability to get a signal to the repeater became near impossible. A
crack was found in the middle of the antenna, therefore the antenna and
coax connector were filled with water. Mike sought to exchange or
replace the GP6 with a dual band or two separate antennas. B & H
Sales of Derby will work with the Club to replace the Comet GP6.
Present antenna: The antenna on top of the grain elevator will serve as
a receive antenna. Lee recommended that a DB-224 be used for the
receive site. Some discussion was held as to how long the Club would be
able to maintain the mill location due to safety and OSHA concerns.
EOC: The vertical antenna for the EOC is being replaced by Mark at B
& H sales. Lon suggested that if any duplexers were needed that
there was some balance that needed to be used up from the grant money
from several years ago.
MCC Sale: Bob Harder reported only 4 operators for both days. Given the
unseasonable snow, and problems of driving safely to and from the sale
may have effect the number of helpers. He also reported that there were
no lost kids and one lost car.
David Bishop, WB0C: Stacy Bishop has contacted the Club to offer what equipment and miscellaneous parts can be used.
Silent Key: Roger N. Wilson, KD0AY, passed away April 5, at the age of
70 from complications with cancer. Roger was a very active person in
the community and ham radio as well. Roger will be missed.
Due to the Club meeting being held every year during the Sidewalk Sale
at B & H Sales/Radio Shack of Derby, a motion was passed and 2nded
to move the June meeting to June 9.
Bob mentioned that the calls for ARES in Harvey and Sedgwick Co, KC0APL and KC0APK will expire soon.
Kent brought up the letter from Bob Summers, Section Emergency
Coordinator about having a Zone Emergency Plan and Asst's in place and
reported to him by the end of May.
Newsletter: Mike wanted to be sure that everyone was still getting the newsletter.
Repeater Coverage: Prior to the many trips to the top of the mill,
reports were received prior to the rain and snow (yes SNOW) from Aaron
Diller from N of McPherson, several other stations in McPherson, and
other stations in Hutchinson, Wichita and Marion. The move to the
back-up antenna has reduced receive slightly, but Roni reported that he
was able to hear the Newton repeater ID as he was crossing the state
line to Oklahoma.
Kansas Ultra Run 100 mile event: October 13-14 with an early start. More details as they are available.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35
Minutes were taken by Kent Stutzman