SCARC Minutes March 13,2008

The meeting came to order at 7:00 pm and the attendees intoduced themselves.

One visitor, Ed Manley W4AGA

Jim Mclester W4YXU, VP, TOld that the subject of the next program would be about digital circuit design. The following month's subject would be about antennas.

President Bill Davidson, KW4J, spoke in behalf of the Treasurer, Jack Evans, KC4PZA, who was absent. He reported the following balances
Savings $2,005.53
Checking $144.61
Repeater $919.08.

He also mentioned that memebers who have not paid their dues are now delinquent and will be dropped April 1.

Frank Hoult, KI4VVI, Secretary, told that the previous meeting minutes are on the club's website and that he had a paper copy for anyone to read.

Rod Scott, N1YZ, MEC, reported that some 20 members have signed up for the ARECC course so far. He also mentioned that he was expecting visitors from the CFlhoun County ARC and from ALERT. He so solicited ideas for a simplex net.

Bill Davidson passed around asked the club to update their E-mail addresses and passed around copies of th eAlabama ARES, the Tuscaloosa ARC (Hamsay) newsletter and a copy of the SC ARES net website.

Ed Manley was voted in as a new member. (Welcome aboard, Ed!)

Joe Ford, K4NVJ, reported that the next license exam would be April 4th. Due to the Red Cross projected April 1 move, the test venue may change. (Check 146.98 for details.)

Bob Thomas, KC4AF, reported that future repeater repeater improvement plans are estimated as $1500 for a back-up repeater $4500 for duplexers and a controller.

Bill Davidson reported that the anticipated 4/1 mover by the Red Cross is still on. The address is Suites 5 & 6.

Rod Scott, webmaster, praised John Murphy for his work-in-progress on the club's web site.

Bill Davidson alerted the members that the Field Day is coming up soon. He asked for a volunteer chairman. No one volunteered. Past FD problems were discussed. Joe Tucker Park was voted to be the FD site.. The FD organizational chart was discussed.

Ed Manley invited the club to join the BARC and/or the Zamora Shrine unit for Field Day but the Club voted to decline both gracious proposals.

John Outland K3FP spoke about the purpose of Field Day.

A lengthy open discussion about Field Day in general took place.

A motion to use the ICS format was passed.

A motion was passed to table the Field Day organization and planning until the next SCARC regular meeting.

Frank Hoult reported that the current membership drive has been completed. Bob Thomas mentioned that he deputize some members to solicit new members. Bill Davidson asked for all current members to "talk up" the club to other prospective members.

Bill Davidson suggested that the club abandon the rf cables when the Red Cross moves to their new location but transferthe antennas. No proposal to do this was brought to the membership but
it was tacitly agreed to do so.

John Outland mentioned that there would be a birgthday party for Pete Sides at Montgomery on 4/12. Bus service will be available.

Other hams of note:
Mike Ferguson passed away but the date was not mentioned.
Claude Grey is now in an assisted living facility

Steven Moss reported the following sevice events:
Storm Spotter school on 3/24
A diabetes bicycle run on 4/26
A search & rescue practice on 4/5.

The meeting adjourned at 9;25pm.