A regular meeting of the Shelby County Amateur Radio Club was held on September 24 at 7:00 PM at the Shelby County Red Cross Office, President Bill Davidson KW4J presiding. Members present were identified by name and call sign. Visiting were Bill Bates KD7MKD and Reuben Burch WA4ZEN.
Treasurer Jack Evans KC4PZA submitted the following:
Checking account $43.55
Savings account $2,165.64
Special account $1,659.13
MEC Tom Appleby, W4TCA reminded members of upcoming emergency training events: SET on October 3rd. and Operation Highball. Tom reviewed the recent drill at Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Steam Plant and commended members who participated.
President Davidson introduced newly elected officers for the coming year.
President: Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President: Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer: Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary: Barbara McLester W5YXU
MEC: Bill Davidson KW4J
Director: Frank Hoult KI4VVI
Director: John Outland K3FP
Outgoing officers were recognized and thanked for their service to the club.
President Davidson reminded the members who were also ARRL members to vote in the upcoming Alabama Section Manager election.
Jack Evans, KC4PZA presented a program on battery basics.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
President's Annual Report 2008-2009
The SCARC Bylaws requires the most recent past President to make a report concerning how the Club fared during his watch, so I am making this one via the blog so that it is available for everyone. I will make it short and concise; actually, it could be summed up by saying that it was a good term and that the Club accomplished a lot. We did not do some of the things that I had a vision; instead, we some other things that I did not imagine.
October 2008 saw that the Club was actively involved with the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test which showed that the members are commited to being responsive to communication emergencies. In fact, Alabama ranked fourth in the nation and Shelby County was the lead county! SCARC proved to be committed to emcomm training and a lot was done through the year, such as SKYWARN and the ARRL ARECC courses. Many Club members attended the 'fifth Thursday' emcomm training which was usually hosted by the ARRL AEC's for both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Preparations for the 2009 SET are now underway.
Much volunteer work was accomplished by the Club members to complete the Shelby County EMA radio shack which is now functional except for the installation of the backup hf vertical, which should be installed before the end of this year. New equipment, such as the noise-cancelling head sets, have been inventoried into the EMA equipment lists. The EMA shack includes state-of-the-art equipment, including DSTAR and other digital capability. Work has been planned on the associated BBQ shed but is waiting for permission from the Alabama Highway Department, who owns the property. We moved into our new facility at the Shelby County Red Cross Office and currently are planning the installation of two uhf/vhf radios there. Work has also begun on the Shelby County Hospital radio room. The radio's have been received and a rapport has been established with the contractor personnel, so that project will become active shortly.
The Christmas party was a resounding success with an excess of fifty people attending.
Special thanks goes to Patty King AJ4RO for her work on it. The annual February Tail Gate was also another successful undertaking for this term, and Bob Thomas KC4AF deserves a lot of credit for making sure everything went well. SCARC was supportive of the OMIK convention which was held in Birmingham during July. Club members were active in educating the public on the switch to digital TV. A booth was prepared and manned by Club members to demonstrate amateur radio at the Alabaster Arts and Crafts Show during June.
Joe Ford K4NVJ led the VEC as many tests were given and passed for new amateur radio operators as well as upgrades. Ron Andrews KC0I is a dedicated teacher and mentor who has provided a way for many local residents to become active in amateur radio. John Murphy deserves special recognition due to his masterful work maintaining the Club's web site. The Club and amateur radio in general has benefitted by the work of these dedicated hams.
Several interesting programs were presented on the 'Fourth Thursday' meetings and were coordinated by Jim McLester W4YXU.
A change to the ByLaws was suggested and proprely implemented to make the 146.98Mhz Repeater Trustee a Club officer. No change was made to the duties and responsibilites of the office. A new repeater controller was installed to allow remote linking with other local repeaters during disasters. Also, the old, unused repeater was sold and the funds deposited into the Repeater Fund.
In summary, the Club has increased its emcomm capability both materially and training but there is still considerable work to do. The uhf/vhf repeater system is functioning better than in the past; however antenna work is required to service more areas in the southern part of the county. The Club is becoming more availiable for emcomm exercises and actual service; this should continue to be stressed. The Club has a lot of talent available and it is hoped that it will be tapped even more for the upcoming term.
October 2008 saw that the Club was actively involved with the ARRL Simulated Emergency Test which showed that the members are commited to being responsive to communication emergencies. In fact, Alabama ranked fourth in the nation and Shelby County was the lead county! SCARC proved to be committed to emcomm training and a lot was done through the year, such as SKYWARN and the ARRL ARECC courses. Many Club members attended the 'fifth Thursday' emcomm training which was usually hosted by the ARRL AEC's for both Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Preparations for the 2009 SET are now underway.
Much volunteer work was accomplished by the Club members to complete the Shelby County EMA radio shack which is now functional except for the installation of the backup hf vertical, which should be installed before the end of this year. New equipment, such as the noise-cancelling head sets, have been inventoried into the EMA equipment lists. The EMA shack includes state-of-the-art equipment, including DSTAR and other digital capability. Work has been planned on the associated BBQ shed but is waiting for permission from the Alabama Highway Department, who owns the property. We moved into our new facility at the Shelby County Red Cross Office and currently are planning the installation of two uhf/vhf radios there. Work has also begun on the Shelby County Hospital radio room. The radio's have been received and a rapport has been established with the contractor personnel, so that project will become active shortly.
The Christmas party was a resounding success with an excess of fifty people attending.
Special thanks goes to Patty King AJ4RO for her work on it. The annual February Tail Gate was also another successful undertaking for this term, and Bob Thomas KC4AF deserves a lot of credit for making sure everything went well. SCARC was supportive of the OMIK convention which was held in Birmingham during July. Club members were active in educating the public on the switch to digital TV. A booth was prepared and manned by Club members to demonstrate amateur radio at the Alabaster Arts and Crafts Show during June.
Joe Ford K4NVJ led the VEC as many tests were given and passed for new amateur radio operators as well as upgrades. Ron Andrews KC0I is a dedicated teacher and mentor who has provided a way for many local residents to become active in amateur radio. John Murphy deserves special recognition due to his masterful work maintaining the Club's web site. The Club and amateur radio in general has benefitted by the work of these dedicated hams.
Several interesting programs were presented on the 'Fourth Thursday' meetings and were coordinated by Jim McLester W4YXU.
A change to the ByLaws was suggested and proprely implemented to make the 146.98Mhz Repeater Trustee a Club officer. No change was made to the duties and responsibilites of the office. A new repeater controller was installed to allow remote linking with other local repeaters during disasters. Also, the old, unused repeater was sold and the funds deposited into the Repeater Fund.
In summary, the Club has increased its emcomm capability both materially and training but there is still considerable work to do. The uhf/vhf repeater system is functioning better than in the past; however antenna work is required to service more areas in the southern part of the county. The Club is becoming more availiable for emcomm exercises and actual service; this should continue to be stressed. The Club has a lot of talent available and it is hoped that it will be tapped even more for the upcoming term.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Minutes for Sep 10, 2009
The Shelby County Amateur Radio Club held its regular meeting on September 10 at 7:00 PM at the American Red Cross Office on Valleydale Road with Vice President Jim McLester, W4YXU presiding. Members present were identified by name and call letters.
One visitor was present Chris Golightly, W5URR.
Jack Evans, KC4PZA, Treasurer reported as follows:
Checking account $43.55
Savings account $2,165.64
Special account $1,659.18
Tom Appleby, W4TCA, MEC announced two upcoming events. The VHF simplex exercise will be held on 9/12 with details available on the Club website. A simulated emergency exercise will be held on 9/15 at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Plant and will entail a chemical spill. Details for this are also on the Club website.
Repeater Trustee Bob Thomas, KC4AF said work was continuing on a second repeater site, and a donation of hardline by the Alabaster Fire Department was received.
Webmaster John David Murphy, KA4ZXL asked for suggestions regarding the Club web page.
One new member application was read and approved by vote – Chuck Couchkell, N4MLN.
Bob Thomas, Nominating Committee Chairman read the list of nominees for 2009-2010 club offices. Ballots were distributed to all members present in good standing. Completed ballots were counted by the Committee and the following results were announced:
President – Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President- Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer- Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary – Barbara McLester W5YXU
Mgr-EC – Bill Davidson Kw4J
Director - Jim McLester W4YXU
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Submitted by Mike Thomason K4FQF - Secretary
One visitor was present Chris Golightly, W5URR.
Jack Evans, KC4PZA, Treasurer reported as follows:
Checking account $43.55
Savings account $2,165.64
Special account $1,659.18
Tom Appleby, W4TCA, MEC announced two upcoming events. The VHF simplex exercise will be held on 9/12 with details available on the Club website. A simulated emergency exercise will be held on 9/15 at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Plant and will entail a chemical spill. Details for this are also on the Club website.
Repeater Trustee Bob Thomas, KC4AF said work was continuing on a second repeater site, and a donation of hardline by the Alabaster Fire Department was received.
Webmaster John David Murphy, KA4ZXL asked for suggestions regarding the Club web page.
One new member application was read and approved by vote – Chuck Couchkell, N4MLN.
Bob Thomas, Nominating Committee Chairman read the list of nominees for 2009-2010 club offices. Ballots were distributed to all members present in good standing. Completed ballots were counted by the Committee and the following results were announced:
President – Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President- Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer- Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary – Barbara McLester W5YXU
Mgr-EC – Bill Davidson Kw4J
Director - Jim McLester W4YXU
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
Submitted by Mike Thomason K4FQF - Secretary
Monday, August 31, 2009
SCARC Meeting Minutes August 27, 2009
The regular meeting of the County Amateur Radio Club was held at the American Red Cross Office on Valleydale Road in Hoover, Al. Vice President Jim McAlester, W4YXU asked atttendees to identify themselves by name and call letters
.
There were no new member applications or Treasurer's report.
No visitors were in attendance.
Tom Appleby, W4TCA, Mgr. EC reminded the Club that a simulated emergency drill is planned for September 15 at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Plant and will simulate a chlorine gas leak. On September 12 an ARES FM simplex exercise will take place. Data sheets and further information would be available on the SCARC web page.
Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Repeater Trustee reported a donation of hardline coax by the Alabaster Fire Department, and the receipt of antennas by the Birmingport Fire Department. Bob stated that approximately $600 is needed for secondary repeater equipment. He also announced that Les Rayburn would not be able to accept the nomination of MEC.
Joe Ford, K4NVJ announced that the next testing session would be on September 6.
A slide show presentation was given on antenna basics and discussion followed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM
.
There were no new member applications or Treasurer's report.
No visitors were in attendance.
Tom Appleby, W4TCA, Mgr. EC reminded the Club that a simulated emergency drill is planned for September 15 at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Plant and will simulate a chlorine gas leak. On September 12 an ARES FM simplex exercise will take place. Data sheets and further information would be available on the SCARC web page.
Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Repeater Trustee reported a donation of hardline coax by the Alabaster Fire Department, and the receipt of antennas by the Birmingport Fire Department. Bob stated that approximately $600 is needed for secondary repeater equipment. He also announced that Les Rayburn would not be able to accept the nomination of MEC.
Joe Ford, K4NVJ announced that the next testing session would be on September 6.
A slide show presentation was given on antenna basics and discussion followed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 22, 2009
SCARC Minutes for August 13, 2009
A regular meeting was openeded at 7:00 PM, August 13, 2009 at the American Red Cross Office on Valleydale Road. Members present were recognized by name and call sign. One visitor was introduced, Kurt Fattig, KJ4OAN.
President Davidson KW4J reminded members of the Huntsville Hamfest to be held August 15 and 16.
Vice President Jim McLester, W4YXU informed the Club that the next meeting's program will be given by Bob Thomas KC4AF on Amateur Radio Public Relations.
One new member was approved for membership – Chuck Comkell, N4MLN
Treasurer Jack Evans, KC4PZA gave his report as follows:
Checking account $237.58
Savings account $2,090.64
Special account $1,384.18
Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Chairman of the nominating committee gave his report.
President – Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President – Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer- Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary – Barbara McLester W5YXU
MEC – Les Rayburn N1LF
Director – John Outland K3FP
Tom Appleby W4TCA, Emergency Communications Manager reported on his meeting with Shelby County Medical Center and the status of their amateur communications setup. Tom also announced plans for a simulated drill to be held at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Steam Plant on September 15. This will consist of a supposed chemical spill and will include participation of Shelby and Jefferson County emergency personnel. The club VHF and UHF equipment will be utilized.
Bob Thomas KC4AF, Repeater Trustee, said that an antenna swap was planned with Birminghamport and that equipment had been offered to the Club by the Alabaster Fire Marshall. Jim McLester gave information on work being done for a second repeater..
Joe Ford, K4NVJ, VE Testing stated that the last session produced 4 technicians, 1 general and 1 extra class.
President Davidson named Bob Thomas and Jim McLester to a web site committee to assist and support John David Murphy KA4ZXL, Webmaster for simplifying the Club's web site.
Ron Andrews KC0I said he needed students for license instruction.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM
Matt Thomason K4FQF Secretary
President Davidson KW4J reminded members of the Huntsville Hamfest to be held August 15 and 16.
Vice President Jim McLester, W4YXU informed the Club that the next meeting's program will be given by Bob Thomas KC4AF on Amateur Radio Public Relations.
One new member was approved for membership – Chuck Comkell, N4MLN
Treasurer Jack Evans, KC4PZA gave his report as follows:
Checking account $237.58
Savings account $2,090.64
Special account $1,384.18
Bob Thomas, KC4AF, Chairman of the nominating committee gave his report.
President – Harold Taylor N4AFC
Vice President – Marcus Thomas KF4YHP
Treasurer- Jack Evans KC4PZA
Secretary – Barbara McLester W5YXU
MEC – Les Rayburn N1LF
Director – John Outland K3FP
Tom Appleby W4TCA, Emergency Communications Manager reported on his meeting with Shelby County Medical Center and the status of their amateur communications setup. Tom also announced plans for a simulated drill to be held at the Alabama Power Company Wilsonville Steam Plant on September 15. This will consist of a supposed chemical spill and will include participation of Shelby and Jefferson County emergency personnel. The club VHF and UHF equipment will be utilized.
Bob Thomas KC4AF, Repeater Trustee, said that an antenna swap was planned with Birminghamport and that equipment had been offered to the Club by the Alabaster Fire Marshall. Jim McLester gave information on work being done for a second repeater..
Joe Ford, K4NVJ, VE Testing stated that the last session produced 4 technicians, 1 general and 1 extra class.
President Davidson named Bob Thomas and Jim McLester to a web site committee to assist and support John David Murphy KA4ZXL, Webmaster for simplifying the Club's web site.
Ron Andrews KC0I said he needed students for license instruction.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM
Matt Thomason K4FQF Secretary
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Soapbox About Profanity
This is not another complaint about profanity on the air waves, even though that is a sore subject with me. Instead, I really want to vent about some emails that I have recently seen between several of the local hams. Actually I was just a copy on the correspondence but it disturbed me enough that I wanted to vent about it. The writers are respected local hams who I personally know, and I think that is what made me so sensitive. My respect for these individuals has dropped considerably but I hope it is a temproary situation. I rarely hear profanity among my many ham buddies, perhaps an occasional off-color joke but no constant raw language - certainly not like what we hear on TV. In most gatherings - big and small - the converastion could be held inside a church. So I was shocked when I opened an email and read a foul-mouthed dissertation which was a complaint concerning a received email. The ham was upset and incensed over its contents and vented in an improper way. To make matters worse, the respondent sent an email replying in like manner with similar language. I felt ashamed for both of them. They are intelligent hams who know better. I just hope that they do not convey this demeanor when on the air waves.
Proper language should be used at all times lest we forget and use profanity when it could really damage something as important as our images as amteur radio operators.
Proper language should be used at all times lest we forget and use profanity when it could really damage something as important as our images as amteur radio operators.
Monday, July 27, 2009
SCARC Meeting Notes - July 23, 2009
A SCARC regular meeting was opened at 7:00 PM Thursday July 23, 2009 at the Shelby County Red Cross office by President Bill Davidson who asked the attendees to introduce themselves by name and radio call sign. There were no visitors.
President Davidson reminded the group of upcoming events of amateur radio interest including the Cullman Hamfest on Saturday, July 25 and the Huntsville Hamfest on August 15 and 16. Members were also reminded of the upcoming elections in September.
Vice President Jim McLester announced that the next program night would be by Bob Thomas KC4AF concerning public relations and the radio amateur. He also provided an status update on the repeater and associated work, including a possible swap of an unused antenna for one that will work better for Club use. He also informed the Club of some ARES training that will take place at this venue next Thursday July 30.
Treasurer Jack Evans KC4PZA reported on two bills. One was a $210.00 bill for food consumed during the past Field Day. It was already budgeted and will be paid. The second bill for approximately $500 for a new laptop computer for use at the Shelby County EMA. This will free the existing computer from having to try to balance HF digital functions from UHF/VHF digital work during emergencies. A motion was made, seconded and passed to pay this bill.
VE Testing Chairman Joe Ford K4NVJ reminded everyone that the next VE Test Session would be at this venue on August 2 starting at 2:00 PM.
Jack Evans reported that the work at the Shelby County EMA BBQ shed is waiting for the OK from the Alabama Highway Department, who are the actual owners. The building has been cleaned up and is ready for the work to begin. SCARC will provide the manpower and the Highway Department will provide the material.
Ron Andrews KC0I acknowledged two new instructors for teaching amateur radio classes - Patty King AJ4RO and John Murphy KA4ZXL. (Since that time I have proposed that Ron become the chairman of the newly-formed SCARC Education Committee in hope that will help him use the Club assets for amateur radio education and growth.)
A program by the Club web guru John Murphy explaining the new VE Web Page then commenced.
The meeting was then adjourned.
President Davidson reminded the group of upcoming events of amateur radio interest including the Cullman Hamfest on Saturday, July 25 and the Huntsville Hamfest on August 15 and 16. Members were also reminded of the upcoming elections in September.
Vice President Jim McLester announced that the next program night would be by Bob Thomas KC4AF concerning public relations and the radio amateur. He also provided an status update on the repeater and associated work, including a possible swap of an unused antenna for one that will work better for Club use. He also informed the Club of some ARES training that will take place at this venue next Thursday July 30.
Treasurer Jack Evans KC4PZA reported on two bills. One was a $210.00 bill for food consumed during the past Field Day. It was already budgeted and will be paid. The second bill for approximately $500 for a new laptop computer for use at the Shelby County EMA. This will free the existing computer from having to try to balance HF digital functions from UHF/VHF digital work during emergencies. A motion was made, seconded and passed to pay this bill.
VE Testing Chairman Joe Ford K4NVJ reminded everyone that the next VE Test Session would be at this venue on August 2 starting at 2:00 PM.
Jack Evans reported that the work at the Shelby County EMA BBQ shed is waiting for the OK from the Alabama Highway Department, who are the actual owners. The building has been cleaned up and is ready for the work to begin. SCARC will provide the manpower and the Highway Department will provide the material.
Ron Andrews KC0I acknowledged two new instructors for teaching amateur radio classes - Patty King AJ4RO and John Murphy KA4ZXL. (Since that time I have proposed that Ron become the chairman of the newly-formed SCARC Education Committee in hope that will help him use the Club assets for amateur radio education and growth.)
A program by the Club web guru John Murphy explaining the new VE Web Page then commenced.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)