Minutes, 24 MAY, 2022 Wilderness Road Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting

Meeting via Dennis’ Zoom account. (Thanks Dennis!)

Meeting called to order by President Mike May (KF4FMQ) at 1930 hours EDT.

Attendees: 16 members:

Bill Waldschmidt (W9WA), Chris Galbreath (KG4UQL), Chris McCollough (KI4WKM), David Jewett (KN4ZOA), David Sexton (AE4YM), Dennis Weiskircher (K3KZU), Doug Collins (KA4SWT), Harold Miller (AF6MB), John Lewis (WD4LEW), Ken Douglas (KY4KD), Larry Roberts (WE4LR), Mike May (KF4FMQ), Peter Rock (KJ4ND), Ray Whitehouse (KY4RW), Rick Flynn (KO4UHE), Tony Cromwell (KB4TC).

Previous meeting was 26 Apr 2022. Motion to accept Minutes of that meeting as published (via email) by Dennis (K3KZU), 2^nd by David (AE4YM). Passed by acclimation.

Treasurer’s Report:

$ Starting balance.

-$0

$ Ending balance.

Past Activities Report:

• Previous VEC Testing was conducted Saturday, 23 Apr 2022 at the American Legion Post 46.
• Previous TALARC D-STAR Net: Monday, 2 May 2022. See Ken’s attached report.
• Previous monthly coffee was via Zoom at 0900 hours EDT, Friday, 6 May 2022.
• Previous Club Activity was Saturday, 7 May 2022, 1300 to 1700 EDT via ZOOM: 7th CALL AREA QSO PARTY.
• Previous WRARC monthly club meeting was on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 (4th Tuesday of month) at 1930 hours EDT via ZOOM.
• Previous weekly WRARC Club OTA Nets were conducted each Wednesday evening at 2000 hours EDT on 27 April, 4 May, 11 May, and 18 May 2022.

Old Business

• The next TALARC D-STAR NET is Scheduled for Monday, 6 Jun 2022 at 2000 hours EDT. Check-ins over the air on D-Star reflector 56C or via Echo Link. Early check-ins start 45 minutes before the Net, i.e. from 1915 EDT on. Remember you can check in via EchoLink from your computer or smartphone to either node KY4RW-L or use EchoLink’s search mode on “Danville”. Club members only: Ken will check you in if you send a text to his cell phone during the net.
• Kentucky QSO Party discussion. The consensus opinion was that the club “was in it to win it” and would participate as a club (W4CDA) in an in person gathering at the American Legion Post 46. Previously, the club has won this event five years in a row. Peter will coordinate the activity and email the details to everyone. Ken has already reserved the building for this event. (FYI: KY QSO Party is 1200Z, 4 Jun to 0100Z, 5 Jun 2022.)
• Field Day discussion. Again, the consensus opinion was that the club would participate just to have fun as a group event at the American Legion Post 46. Again, Peter will coordinate the activity and email the details to everyone. Ken has already reserved the building for this event and will also reserve the pavilion. (FYI: ARRL Field Day is 1800Z, 25 Jun to 2059Z, 26 Jun 2022 (4^th weekend in June)).
• New Computer discussion. One of the club station computers is still running Windows XP, which can’t be upgraded, and needs to be replaced. The other is running Windows 10. Current computer prices are reasonable enough to make this replacement as well as perhaps procuring four 27″ monitors. Equipment needs will be evaluated, possibly this coming Saturday, and a list developed for decision / procurement authorization at the next club meeting.
• Hybrid Club Meeting for May. A proposal was made to make every effort to conduct a hybrid club meeting for May that would include in person club members in the American Legion 46 hall and those club members who choose to participate on Zoom. Campbellsville American Legion post has provided information on how they are conducting their hybrid meetings and our club has already made arrangements for the use of some equipment to conduct our own hybrid meeting. An effort will be made this Saturday to get to the hall and conduct a test run of a hybrid meeting using currently available equipment.

New Business

• Use of WRARC website discussion. The group consensus of whether to still post club minutes to club website found that there may still be value added when posting club minutes to website for possible review by prospective club members. Therefore, no change was made to current club policy.

• Discussion on replacing 2 computers & 4 computer monitors in club radio shack. Harold (AF6MB) is the designated lead for determining needed equipment upgrades. One old XP computer will be rebuilt and the cost can come from the $250 standing club policy for one-time purchases. 27″ monitor procurement was tabled until next meeting.

• Update discussion on KY QSO Party, 4 June. Zoom will be available for QSP party participation from home.

• Update discussion on ARRL Field Day, 25 June. A wedding party is still scheduled for the American Legion hall but the pavilion has been reserved for our exclusive use. Janie Taylor (KI6SER) did research the use of Constitution Square and the old jail house provided we could prove non-profit status. But the use of this public facility was tabled for possible future use. Also noted was that American Legion policy for ‘on-duty’ post operations (such as official club radio activities) allows for the procurement of lunch by the legion during such activities.

• Procurement of ICOM ID-5100 for club radio shack. A motion was made to offer $250 to $300 to procure a used ID-5100 for club use by David (AE4YM), 2^nd by Harold (AF6MB). Passed by acclimation.

• Generators for club use. Ray (KY4RW) may have one or two 4500 generators available for club use.

• Future Activities:
  • Next WRARC club Coffee Social is on Friday, 3 Jun 2022 (1^st Friday of month) at 0900 hours EDT via ZOOM.
  • KY QSO Party is 0900 EDT, 4 Jun to 2100 EDT, 4 Jun 2022 at American Legion Post 46.
  • Next TALARC D-STAR NET is on Monday, 6 Jun 2022 (1^st Monday of month) at 2000 hours EDT on Reflector 056C.
  • ARRL Field Day is 1400 EDT, 25 Jun to 1659 EDT, 26 Jun 2022 (4^th weekend in June) at American Legion Post 46.
  • Next WRARC monthly club meeting is on Tuesday, 28 Jun 2022 (4^th Tuesday of month) at 1930 hours EDT via ZOOM.
  • Next VEC Testing: On Saturday, 23 July 2022 starting at 1000 hours EDT at the American Legion building, 45 Spears Lane, Danville, KY. See http://www.wrarc.com/ve-testing/ for details. Pre-registration is required.
  • Next weekly WRARC OTA club net is each Wednesday evening at 2000 hours EDT.

Adjournment Motion to Adjourn by David (AE4YM), 2^nd by Peter (KJ4ND); Passed by acclimation. Adjourned at 2050 hours EDT.

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Mike May (KF4FMQ)

Minutes, April 26, 2022 Wilderness Road Amateur Radio Club Monthly Meeting

Meeting via Dennis’ Zoom account. (Thanks Dennis!)

Meeting called to order by Vice-President Chris Galbreath (KG4UQL) at 1935 hours EDT.

Attendees: 15 members:

Andy Rose (KI6SEP), Bill Waldschmidt (W9WA), Chris Galbreath (KG4UQL), Chris McCollough (KI4WKM), David Jewett (KN4ZOA), David Sexton (AE4YM), Dennis Weiskircher (K3KZU), Doug Collins (KA4SWT), Gene Klaus (KO4IVI), Harold Miller (AF6MB), Ken Douglas (KY4KD), Larry Roberts (WE4LR), Mike May (KF4FMQ), Peter Rock (KJ4ND), Rick Flynn (KO4UHE).

Previous meeting was 22 March 2022. Motion to accept Minutes of that meeting as published (via email) by David Sexton (AE4YM), 2^nd by Ken Douglas (KY4KD). Passed by acclimation.

Treasurer’s Report:

$ Starting balance

-$100.66 ARRL Equipment Insurance

$ Ending balance.

Past Activities Report

Previous Club Activity: CQ WW WPX Contest SSB was conducted on Saturday, 26 March 2022 from 1300 to 1700 hours EDT via ZOOM.

Previous TALARC D-STAR: Monday, 4 April 2022. See Ken’s attached report.

Previous Club Activity: Multiple State QSO Parties on Saturday, 9 April 2022 from 1300 to 1700 hours EDT via ZOOM.

Previous monthly coffee was via Zoom at 0900 hours EDT, Friday, 1 April 2022.

Previous weekly WRARC Club OTA Nets were conducted each Wednesday evening at 2000 hours EDT on 30 March, 6 April, 13 April, & 20 April 2022.

Previous VEC Testing was conducted Saturday, 23 Apr 2022 at the American Legion Post 46.

Old Business

ARRL Club Affiliation discussion. Once a local radio club has 50% of their members who are also members of ARRL then they are considered an ARRL Affiliated Club from that date onward and that designation lasts for the entire lifetime of the club. However, if a local club’s current ARRL membership ever falls below 50%, then the local club is still considered ‘Affiliated’ but is then considered to be a ‘non-active’ affiliated club. Currently, Ken (KY4KD) is determining WRARC member’s ARRL status.

Club insurance is due this month for $100.66.

VE Testing was conducted on Saturday, 23 May 2022 at the American Legion Post 46. There was 1 Technician and 2 Generals testing for advancement and 1 no-show. All tested passed.

New Business

The next TALARC D-STAR NET is Scheduled for Monday, 2 May 2022 at 2000 hours EDT. Check-ins over the air on D-Star reflector 56C or via Echo Link. Early check-ins start 45 minutes before the Net, i.e. from 1915 EDT on. Remember you can check in via EchoLink from your computer or smartphone to either node KY4RW-L or use EchoLink’s search mode on “Danville”. Club members only: Ken will check you in if you send a text to his cell phone during the net.

Kentucky QSO Party discussion. The consensus opinion was that the club “was in it to win it” and would participate as a club (W4CDA) in an in person gathering at the American Legion Post 46. Previously, the club has won this event five years in a row. Peter will coordinate the activity and email the details to everyone. Ken has already reserved the building for this event. (FYI: KY QSO Party is 1200Z, 4 Jun to 0100Z, 5 Jun 2022.)

Field Day discussion. Again, the consensus opinion was that the club would participate just to have fun as a group event at the American Legion Post 46. Again, Peter will coordinate the activity and email the details to everyone. Ken has already reserved the building for this event and will also reserve the pavilion. (FYI: ARRL Field Day is 1800Z, 25 Jun to 2059Z, 26 Jun 2022 (4^th weekend in June).

New Computer discussion. One of the club station computers is still running Windows XP, which can’t be upgraded, and needs to be replaced. The other is running Windows 10. Current computer prices are reasonable enough to make this replacement as well as perhaps procuring four 27″ monitors. Equipment needs will be evaluated, possibly this coming Saturday, and a list developed for decision / procurement authorization at the next club meeting.

Hybrid Club Meeting for May. A proposal was made to make every effort to conduct a hybrid club meeting for May that would include in person club members in the American Legion 46 hall and those club members who choose to participate on Zoom. Campbellsville American Legion post has provided information on how they are conducting their hybrid meetings and our club has already made arrangements for the use of some equipment to conduct our own hybrid meeting. An effort will be made this Saturday to get to the hall and conduct a test run of a hybrid meeting using currently available equipment.

Future Activities:

Next TALARC D-STAR NET is on Monday, 2 May 2022 (1^st Monday of month) at 2000 hours EDT on Reflector 056C.

Next WRARC club Coffee Social is on Friday, 6 May 2022 (1^st Friday of month) at 0900 hours EDT via ZOOM.

Next Club Activity is Saturday, 7 May 2022, 1300 to 1700 EDT via ZOOM: 7th CALL AREA QSO PARTY. Mode: CW, Phone, Digital (no FT8). Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10m. This party includes 8 states and should be a very active one. Rules at http://7qp.org. There are also 2 other state QSO parties (IN & DE) going on the same day.

Next WRARC monthly club meeting is on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 (4^th Tuesday of month) at 1930 hours EDT via ZOOM.

KY QSO Party is 0800 EDT, 4 Jun to 2100 EDT, 5 Jun 2022 at American Legion Post 46.

ARRL Field Day is 1400 EDT, 25 Jun to 1659 EDT, 26 Jun 2022 (4^th weekend in June) at American Legion Post 46.

Next VEC Testing: On Saturday, 23 July 2022 starting at 1000 hours EDT at the American Legion building, 45 Spears Lane, Danville, KY. See http://www.wrarc.com/ve-testing/ for details. Pre-registration is required.

Next weekly WRARC OTA club net is each Wednesday evening at 2000 hours EDT.

Adjournment Motion to Adjourn by Dennis Weiskircher (K3KZU), 2^nd by Peter Rock (KJ4ND); Passed by acclimation. Adjourned at 2122 hours EDT.

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Chris Galbreath (KG4UQL)

After-meeting Presentation: none

Minutes, March 22, 2022 Wilderness Road Amateur Radio Club
Monthly Meeting
Meeting via Dennis’ Zoom account. (Thanks Dennis!)
Meeting called to order by President Mike May (KF4FMQ) at 1934L hours.
Attendees: 14 members:
Doug Collins (KA4SWT), Ken Douglass (KY4KD), Dennis Weiskircher (K3KZU), Mike May
(KF4FMQ), Chris Galbreath (KG4UQL), Andy Rose (KI6SEP), Larry Roberts (WE4LR), Rick Flynn
(KO4UHE), Peter Rock (KJ4ND), Bill Waldschmidt (W9WA), Gene Klaus (KO4IVI), Chris
McCollough (KI4WKM), Harold Miller (AF6MB), Janie Taylor (KI6SER).

Previous meeting was 22 February 2022. Motion to accept Minutes of that meeting as published (via
email) by Dennis (K3KZU), 2nd by Larry (WE4LR). Passed by acclimation.

Treasurer’s Report:
$ Starting balance
-$0
$ Ending balance.

Past Activities Report:
• TALARC D-STAR: Monday, 7 March 2022. See Ken’s attached report.
• Previous monthly coffee was via Zoom at 0900L hours, Friday, 4 March 2022.
• Previous weekly WRARC Club OTA Nets were conducted each Wednesday evening at
2000L hours on 23 February, 2 March, 9 March, & 16 March 2022.

Old Business
o The new Diamond F22A antenna has been purchased for the repeater. It is at Mike’s
house for now until weather improves for installation. The existing antenna is still
functional but the new one should have improved performance and reliability.
o Per Andy’s (KI6SEP) request in the last meeting, Doug (KA4SWT) has added a 100 Hz
tone squelch to the 2M repeater output. This should help with some QRM he and others
are hearing on the repeater’s frequency.
o Mike (KF4FMQ) has not contacted Harold about setting up a hybrid meeting.
o Election of new Club Secretary. Rick (KO4UHE) was nominated by David (AE4YM), 2nd by
Peter (KJ4ND). Dennis (K3KZU) proposed that nominations be closed, 2nd by Larry
(WE4LR) and closure passed by acclamation. Having a quorum present, the election of
the new Club Secretary was then passed by acclamation.
o Group.io unsubscribe discussion and new member discussion.

New Business
o The next TALARC D-STAR NET is Scheduled for Monday, 5 April 2022 at 2000L hours.
Check-ins over the air on D-Star reflector 56C or via Echo Link. Early check-ins start 45
minutes before the Net, i.e. from 1915L hours on. Remember you can check in via
EchoLink from your computer or smartphone to either node KY4RW-L or use EchoLink’s
search mode on “Danville”. Club members only: Ken will check you in if you send a text
to his cell phone during the net.
o ARRL Club Affiliation discussion. Once a local radio club has 50% of their members who
are also members of ARRL then they are considered an ARRL Affiliated Club from that
date onward and that designation lasts for the entire lifetime of the club. However, if a
local club’s current ARRL membership ever falls below 50%, then the local club is still
considered ‘Affiliated’ but is then considered to be a ‘non-active’ affiliated club.
Currently, Ken (KY4KD) is determining WRARC member’s ARRL status.
o Club insurance is due next month for $106.

• Future Activities:
o Club Activity: CQ WW WPX Contest SSB on Saturday, 26 March 2022 from 1300L to
1700L hours via ZOOM. Details are on the WA7BNM contest calendar.
o Next WRARC club Coffee Social is on Friday, 1 April 2022 (1
st Friday of month) at 0900L
hours via ZOOM.
o Next TALARC D-STAR NET is on Monday, 4 April 2022 (1st Monday of month) at 2000L
hours on Reflector 056C.
o Club Activity: Multiple State QSO Parties on Saturday, 9 April 2022 from 1300L to 1700L
hours via ZOOM. Details are on the WA7BNM contest calendar.
o VEC Testing: On Saturday, 23 April 2022 starting at 1000L at the American Legion
building, 45 Spears Lane, Danville, KY. See http://www.wrarc.com/ve-testing/ for
details. Pre-registration is required.
o Next WRARC monthly club meeting is on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 (4
th Tuesday of month)
at 1930L hours via ZOOM.
o Next weekly WRARC OTA club net is each Wednesday evening at 2000L hours.

Adjournment Motion to Adjourn by Chris (KG4UQL), 2
nd by Peter (KJ4ND); Passed by acclimation.
Adjourned at 2047L hours.

Minutes respectfully submitted,
Mike May (KF4FMQ)

After-meeting Presentation: none