Meeting Minutes
secretary@kwarc.org

November 6 2001 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Attended by: President , Dennis Tabbert VA3DLT, Vice President Bill Graham VE3ETK, Secretary Ron Gravelle VA3TVS, Past President Bob Mckie VA3MCK, Ben Sasiela VA3BNY, Technical Chairman Special Guests: Paul Cassel VE3SY, Dave Johnson VA3MRJ 

Meeting opened at 7:35pm by Dennis Tabbert asking for everyone's attention to whom ever has the floor, without interruptions to the current speaker, unless asked by current speaker for input.

Technical Chairman is now a "Director", as well as Packet Group Chairman, also a "Director"

Ben Sasiela, VA3BNY, Tech Chairman, started off by saying that Pioneer Doon Village will be used again for (1918 Theme) Communication Day in 2002. If possible, with permission from Wendy Connell, Doon Program Director, KWARC will network Field Day and Communication Day. Ben will confirm with Wendy and advise the board as to the possibility of this event.

Also, a maximum expense of $500.00 (Canadian) is needed to replace and upgrade the controller at VE3RBM repeater site. Ben (VA3BNY) is looking into buying a "CAT 200" rack mounted controller ($199.00 U.S.). Optional is a PC interface valued at ($59.00 U.S.) Ben asked the Directors for their input and all were in favour for this club expense and upgrade.

Dave Johnson, VA3MRJ, 2001/2002 KWARC Program Director, mentioned that he's waiting to hear from Polyphaser Lightning Suppressors. We have one or two openings in the spring of 2002, otherwise the line-up looks in good shape. Paul Cassel, VE3SY, has offered to do two talks in the spring for the club. One night on digital Cameras and one night "Selling on EBAY".

Dave (VA3MRJ) also mentioned the interference on VE3KSR. Paul (VE3SY) would like to see an investigation into the said interference, to correct the problem. 

Bill (VE3ETK) put a motion on the floor to have the PL tone (131.8) turned on at KSR. Ben had no opinion. Ron (VA3TVS) and Bill (VE3ETK) voted in favour of the tone, while Bob (VA3MCK) and Dennis (VA3DLT) voted against the tone. This left us in a tie, which Dennis had the deciding vote. His tie breaking decision was no. (No PL tone for VE3KSR).

Paul Cassel (VE3SY) had been contacted by the CNIB, Canadian National Institute of the Blind. Their request of having KWARC design, engineer, build and maintain a radio/controller for them was discussed. Not having the expertise, time or manpower to take on such a request, it was discussed and thought we do not take on the task. KWARC also doesn't have anyone who can dedicate the necessary time and man hours to successfully complete the project. Paul recommended that the CNIB work with the U of W Engineering department.

Ron (VA3TVS), CANWARN Co-ordinator, mentioned that, if possible, CANWARN could be running during the winter months. During episodes of snow squalls, freezing rain and extremely heavy snow storms, the Net Controller will try to help advise travelers driving along the 401 corridor and throughout our KSR listening area. This "winter Net" has not been in effect before and will be a pilot project for KWARC.

Bill (VE3ETK) has acquired some equipment from the Arthur "Art" Squirrel (VE3IYN) estate. He passed on November 30, 2001 and will be missed. This equipment consists of tubes, testers and the tube caddies. Paul (VE3SY) will research the value and advise the directors. Ben (VA3BNY) made a motion to give KWARC members the opportunity to purchase some of this surplus, at market value, at the December general club meeting, otherwise Paul (VE3SY) will advertise the surplus on EBAY. Bob (VA3MCK) seconded the motion and all were if favour. All proceeds will go to KWARC.

Bill (VE3ETK) has acquired some equipment from Don Lowe, a local teacher who has an extensive background in electronics. This equipment consists of tubes, two tube testers and a tube caddy. Paul (VE3SY) will research the value and advise the directors. Ben (VA3BNY) made a motion to give KWARC members the opportunity to purchase some of this surplus, at market value, at the December general club meeting, otherwise Paul (VE3SY) will advertise the surplus on EBAY. Bob (VA3MCK) seconded the motion and all were if favour. All proceeds will go to KWARC.

Bill (VE3ETK) has printed some copies of "Prospective Members" packages. He also spoke about possible certificates for 25 years/100 watt amateur radio stations. The cost will be around $5.00

Dave Johnson (VA3MRJ) spoke to Ben (VA3BNY) about his new repeater/controller on a KWARC site. Ben is doing his own private testing with this repeater on a frequency of 442.350 + , PL tone 131.8 at Queen Street. He has agreed to sell his repeater/controller to KWARC for $1.00, with of course the same $1.00 buy back option.

Ben put a motion on the floor to give CKCO TV an appreciation plaque for all their help with the Baden Hill tower project. Ben (VA3BNY) will also invite a few key CKCO TV Engineering personnel to our Christmas dinner, which will be held on Friday, December 21st. Those invited from CKCO TV will be Dave Mills and Paul Edgley. This dinner will take place at the Transylvania Club on Friday December 21st. So contact Tedd at lazer@sentex.net  , or 634-5974 and buy your tickets.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm

Ron Gravelle VA3TVS
KWARC Secretary

errors or omissions to secretary@kwarc.org