2016-11 Minutes

Pawnee Amateur Radio Club

November 8, 2016

The Pawnee Amateur Radio Club held a meeting November 8th, 2016 at the Emergency Operations Center in Columbus Nebraska.  Club president, Dave AC0TF, called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.  Dave AC0TF read the minutes of the October meeting.   Club Treasurer, Ted K7CLP, gave a treasury report as of 11/8/2016 with no outstanding bills for the month.  The treasurer report was approved as read.

Members Present – AC0TF, KE0AUP, K7CLP, KA0TWD, AC0DN, W0ZAG, N0RHK, KB0LF (Fred) - guest

Old Business

440 repeater - Working well so will assess again in the Spring.

IRLP - Internet Radio Linking Project - AC0DN contacted Mark KG0S and he was interested in placing his IRLP node at Columbus (currently set to 444.725 which will not work in Columbus, it can be retuned).  Would need to provide Internet access at the site or an Internet RF link.  AC0DN has contacted tower owner Rob Nall. – On hold for now.   

DStar Tower Site – the internet connection is down.  A temporary tower is in place to restore internet connectivity.  Our ISP is now waiting for Polk County to install power for the equipment.  Estimated time to be back up is the weekend of December 5th.  Adam KD0RIZ will give an update at the December meeting.

64 Repeater - Dave AC0TF and Chris AC0DN attempted to diagnose the 64 repeater's antenna and feed line issues. They determined the SWR seen at the repeater output is fine, however the SWR beyond the cavity filters is substandard, and were unable to do further testing to the antenna and coax due to an unexpected protective sleeve at the base of the antenna hampering the removal of the coax. As long as the SWR at the repeater output is adequate, the repeater shall be used as usual. Further discussion included testing the former Comprod antenna, being stored in the attic next to the repeater, for possible installation to replace the current Comet fiberglass antenna. Also spoke about perhaps replacing the coax with some new RG8 available from Emergency Management. Work is expected to be done when nicer weather arrives in Spring.   

Larry KA0TWD mentioned a year end club dinner.  Discussed having the dinner after the first of the year with everything else going on.  Still need to pick a month and have a brief meeting at the chosen location.

New Business

Fred KB0LF made us aware of the coming 150th anniversary of Nebraska statehood. Many clubs are planning, as Fred was promoting, some special event stations around the state targeting Wednesday March 1st. Further information can be found at ne150.org. Fred further explained that many are finding notable historical sites to set the special event stations up at.

A motion was made by LaRonda KE0AUP and seconded by Gene KD0OBA to keep the current slate of officers in place for the coming election. Motion passed and anyone wishing to throw their hat in the ring for a position should do so ASAP.

Dues are due as of January 1st, and also note that the cost has been raised to $20 to cover the insurance purchased earlier this year.

With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Ted K7CLP (by putting on his coat) and seconded by everyone else putting on their coats!  Motion carried. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm

Club Web site – Minutes posted here:  http://www.WA0COL.com