Minutes October '99 General & Exec. Meetings
secretary@kwarc.org

Guest speaker
Ben entertained the audience with his cleverly devised "Question Quiz Night". The multimedia presentation comprised of 50 multiple choice questions and was very well received.

At 8:55 the members took a refreshment break.

The meeting was called back to order at 9:15pm.

ARES report
Robert, VE3ZLV announced that ARES representatives had met recently with the Ministry of Health ambulance administration to discuss emergency communications procedures. He reported that participants were able to devise a system that would operate satisfactorily in the event of an overall communications failure.

Robert informed the members he is looking for volunteers to take part in an emergency network that will provide backup in the event of a communications loss resulting from a Y2K systems failure. He also brought along a communications survival kit that would provide 4 hours of emergency operation.

Technical Report
Tedd VA3TJD mentioned that crystals for the new UHF repeater had been received. The frequency of operation will be 442.200. A tone of 131.8Hz will be required to access the repeater.

Club vice president, Bob VA3MCK, informed members of two recent executive motions: To extend a vote of thanks to the Technical Committee and its helpers and the clubs response to bereavement.

Announcements
Ben, VA3BNY reminded members about the KWARC Christmas lunch scheduled for December 17^th. The lunch, which is to be held at the Transylvania Club is set to start at noon. Tickets are priced at $13.

Also on the subject of entertainment Ben went on to remind everyone that the December meeting will occur on the 13^th of December, the second Monday of the month. In addition to it being a swap night, the Ham Band will provide entertainment. Ben encouraged members to bring treats.

Frazer, VE3FC announced that due to a recent lack of interest, the Cambridge club will be suspending code practice sessions on the VE3SWR repeater.

Roger Sanderson VE3RKS took the platform to inform the membership that his car was recently burgled. Missing equipment includes an Icom ICO2-AT hand-held serial number 48932, an Icom Speaker/Mic, a Radio Shack communications speaker and a Piriphyrix (sp) large 1200 mahr battery pack and lighter cord.

On a happier note, Roger announced he was seeking volunteers to assist in a car rally scheduled to take place near Bancroft on the 20^th of November. Those interested should contact either Ian Robertson or himself.

Dave VA3MRJ reminded executive members of the meeting due to be held at the Clarrica building on November 9^th at 7:30pm. Also he pointed out that Marg and Mary, the long serving "coffee ladies" are to retire. Volunteers for the position should contact either Dave or Marg.

Dave VA3MRJ invited Linda, VA3LWH to report on the recent Jamboree On The Air. She said that the event had been a great success and extended her thanks to all those who participated. It is expected that Scout badges marking the event will be awarded to participants.

Ex-president Paul Cassel, VE3SY invited members to take advantage of the club call, VE3IC and give it an airing. He reported using the call recently in the CQWW contest in which 1850 contacts were made qualifying for DXCC on both 10 and 15 meters. Paul said the points accumulated totaled 2.2 million.

Ben, VA3BNY announced that the autopatch codes would be changing in the next day or so. Those eligible to receive the new patch codes will find them displayed on their Kilowatter mailing label.

Norm, VE3DEQ invited all interested parties to attend the Packet meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening between 7 and 9pm. (November 2^nd)

The 50/50 draw, valued at $24.50, was won by Jim, VA3JMB.

Dave, VA3MRJ adjourned the meeting at 9:35pm

Minutes of Executive meeting, Nov 9, 1999
In attendance at CLARICA:
Dave VE3MRJ, Paul VE3SY, Dave VA3DGS, Larry VE3LGN, Ben VE3BNY, Ron VE3DBD, John VE3VRA.

Dave called the meeting to order at 7:35pm.

Club Station
Visitor Ron Gimbal, VE3DBD put forward a suggestion that he thought might resolve the current problem of locating a club station. Ron’s suggestion was to install a remote base station that could be operated around the clock via any computer equipped with a modem. The unit he had investigated ran 100W on all HF bands. The cost for such a station would be somewhere in the region of $4500 Cdn. Paul pointed out that the cost of a remote assembly used to operate the system might be prohibitive. He suggested looking at alternative manufacturers, such as Ten-Tec. It was agreed to further investigate this idea.

Ham Course
To better promote the beginner’s course it was decided to stage a special "Introduction to Amateur Radio" presentation at February’s club meeting. Speculating on the interest this event would generate, it was decided to delay the beginners ham course by approximately one month. The starting date for the course will now be February 14^th. A plan was also developed to advertise the course in the hope of attracting more people. Paul made a motion that the club allocates $300 to fund advertisements in several local newspapers. Dave, VA3MRJ, seconded the motion.

Packet
Larry, spoke about the activities of the packet club and recommended that packet radio be represented during the February’s, "Introduction to Amateur Radio" night.

Larry announced he was seeking a volunteer to assist in coordinating the firing of the salute at the Remembrance Day celebration.

Treasurer’s report
Dave, VA3DGS informed the board he had recently received a letter from the CNIB seeking donations for their blind ham program. Dave made a motion that the club donate $100 toward the fund. Paul seconded the motion. Dave said he would write them a letter.

A letter was also received from the City of Waterloo announcing a meeting on November 24^th to discuss rent rates for community facilities. Dave anticipates no significant change, if any. The meeting is to be held in the "Owl room" at 125 King Street.

Also in receipt: a renewal notice from Zehr Insurance. Dave noted that the premium remains unchanged from last year at $718.20 including tax. He also pointed out that he could not find any reference to an address change. (See Executive minutes for October 12, 1999). Dave said he was seeking authorization to approve and sign for the amount.

The present bank balance stands at $3,965.00 plus the GIC.

Technical committee
Dave VA3MRJ asked Ben VA3BNY, representing the Technical committee, to assemble a list of recommendations aimed at upgrading and improving the club’s equipment.

January meeting
Ben said he was trying to arrange to have Carl VA3BY as January’s guest speaker. The subject of his address would be his recent DX-pedition to James Bay.

Dave, VA3MRJ adjourned the meeting at 9:35pm.

John VE3VRA, Secretary