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The meeting was called to order at the Walton Fire
Station, Walton NY at 2:02 P.M. by President KB2RLH. Those in attendance
were as follows: AB2PA, KB2RLH, N2WDV, KA2HDO, KC2IKQ, K2EZK, W2CD,
W2TKB, WB4AEF, NX2J, AA2RM, W2RRK, AB2IC, N2SMA (John), Dick Welton, Ed
Madison (new ham), and WB2JOW. Reports: The minutes of the October 2008 meeting were read and approved as amended. The Treasurer reported a balance of $1,327.48. Nets: CW – 10 check-ins for October. FM – 39 check-ins for October. Old Business: N2WDV provided a report of the WRA participation at the Harvest Festival on October 11. The setup on 10/10/08 went well with several WRA members participating. Two main tables and both HF radio telephone and CW stations were included. The CW station was a “local” demonstration station with 37 people participating in the activities. Band conditions were reported as poor for the HF station operation. A new sign was provided by W2TKB providing a good public presence for the WRA at the Festival. A prize, provided by an anonymous donor, was won by Caitlin Barlow, age 12, for participating in the operation of the demonstration station. Ms. Barlow attends the Walton Central School. It was reported that she was very happy to have won the prize. W2CD provided an update on the 147.315 MHz repeater station. There appears to be a problem with the transmitter properly modulating the carrier. The CW identifier signal modulates the carrier adequately; however, received audio signals do not consistently do so. KB2RLH reported that KC2CQS has offered an alternate site for the 147.315 MHz repeater at his location. The site offers ready access and ac power in close vicinity as well as a secure building for housing the repeater equipment. The site elevation was reported at approximately 30 ft. lower than the current Woodlawn Road site. Documents indicate that the Woodlawn Road site is 611 ft. above average terrain. A preliminary propagation check at the site appeared to be acceptable. It was noted that a tower and base would need to be installed at this location. KB2RLH suggested obtaining a ten year agreement to secure the site for the WRA. There was subsequent discussion of another site in Meredith which also may be available to the WRA. A motion was offered and approved by those present to advise KC2CQS that the WRA is interested in moving to his site pending resolution of the security agreement. Construction may be possible during 2009. AB2IC questioned if the new site would require “re-coordination” to allow for interference free operation. W2RRK reported that there are no new developments with the Delaware County ARES group and that there is no information available at this time regarding the S.E.T. exercise for 2008. KB2RLH reported that the road rally was supported by local hams, with some activity at the Fair Grounds. Additionally, W2RRK reported that the Fire Chief appreciated the support of the participating Hams that covered the road rally. (W2RRK also reported that the road rally traveled with a whole bunch of hams that did the bulk of the communication. He went on to state that some have suggested that it take the place of our SET exercise.) New Business: Ed Madison, associated with O’Connor Hospital in Delhi, successfully passed his amateur exam and became a new ham at the meeting. N2WDV provided the group with a collection of QSL cards to review from the W2TFL collection, which is extensive. KC2IKQ questioned if ARES communications were needed during the recent snow storm in the area. Apparently, the ARES was not activated; however, KB2RLH reported that he lost telephone service at his location for a period of time during the storm. AB2PA reported that two Red Cross shelters were established in Delaware County during this storm. AB2PA reported that there may be a Red Cross net on HF on 3,915 kHz at 8:00 PM local time on the 1st Wednesday of each month. The next meeting of the WRA is planned for Sunday, December 7 at the Walton Fire Dept. at 2:00 PM. A gift exchange, limited to ~$5 is planned. Refreshments are to be provided by W2RRK and (WB4EF, again.) The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 P.M. Refreshments were provided by W2TKB and WB4AEF. Program: AB2IC provided those present with a program about accessing the new WRA website for information about our club. Members were encouraged to have their own web page on the site: www.waltonhamradio.com . Additionally, he provided another presentation regarding the design and use of antennas designed to enhance high angle radiation, NVIS, Near Vertical Incident Skywave, (“cloud warmers”) on certain HF bands. These types of antennas may be useful in providing emergency communications over terrain which is not adequately covered by the typical VHF repeater station. These antennas make use of ground reflecting conductors as well as the driven dipole elements. The driven elements are located approximately 17 feet above the ground reflecting elements. Operational bandwidth, impedance and radiation patterns were included in the program. Respectfully submitted, WB2JOW Secretary Edited for web by AB2IC TOP |