Walton Radio Association

Minutes of the April Meeting

April 5, 2009

The meeting was called to order at the Walton Fire Department building, Walton, NY at 2:01 P.M. by President KB2RLH.  Those in attendance were as follows:  KC2LAB, KB2RLH, K2EZK, W2TKB, AB2IC, N2WDV, KC2OKK, KC2IKQ, W2RRK, NX2J, W2CD, W2WHT (Becky), KC2LEA (John), KC2SDC (Walt) and WB2JOW.

Reports

The minutes of the March 2009 meeting were read, amended and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance of $1,443.48.  The treasurer’s report was approved as read.

Nets:   CW – 20 check-ins for March, 2009.

            FM –  21 check-ins for March, 2009.

Old Business

Repeater report:  the W2LZ repeater was returned to service and adjusted following repairs affected by W2CD.  It was noted that it is functioning “nearly” normal.  Additional checks are planned.

KC2LEA spoke about using hams to assist with the parking of campers at the Delaware County fair during August.  W2WHT, a Chenango county ham, also addressed those present regarding assistance with the parking chores and also about the community response service work, including emergency response communications capabilities (mobile communications van and a mobile repeating station) that the Chenango county group has developed.  Their capabilities also include assisting the civil air patrol group at Norwich.  KC2LEA requested two hams per shift beginning in the AM on the Friday preceding the Fair.

AB2IC reported that several area hams have provided assistance with the Fair, including the parade line up.  He said that simplex operation was used at that time.  Further, KC2LAB reported on an effective antenna which worked well in the grandstand area of the fairgrounds.

W2RRK agreed to be the contact for coordinating the activities at the Fair with respect to ham radio operations.

New Business

W2RRK is planning a Skywarn and weather service training session, including flood training, with the National Weather Service at the Broome County Airport.  There may be additional weather related training programs available for the group.  Additional discussion of this topic will take place at a subsequent WRA meeting.  Additionally, he provided ARES forms to those that needed to update their information and also reported that he is working with Rich Bell regarding the County’s RACES organization.

W2RRK reported that Rally New York may be requesting assistance from area hams for a road rally race on October 24, 2009.

KB2RLH reported that the WRA may be asked for assistance at the Delhi 10k road race to be held on June 13, 2009.

W2TKB reported on a method of burying radials using a lawn edger device.

AB2IC reported about a power outage in the Downsville area which he reported to the Sheriff’s department via the 146.955 MHz repeater, recently.

K2EZK attended the Middletown hamfest with his son, Darren.  He reported that it was small, but well attended.  Future hamfests are planned for Newark, NY on 04/18 and Beacon, NY on 04/26.  W2RRK reported that the Owego hamfest is scheduled for 05/09.

The next meeting is planned for May 3, 2009 at the Walton Fire Dept. building at 2:00 PM local time with refreshments to be provided by NX2J and K2EZK.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 PM with refreshments provided by N2WDV and W2CD.

Following the meeting, AB2IC provided an interesting discussion on checking coax links for integrity, including continuity and short circuit tests.   Following that, KC2LAB presented a program, including slides (projected by AB2IC) and handouts regarding the proper procedures for message traffic handling.   Copies of the handouts are included with these minutes.  He suggested practicing using the Radiogram form protocol.

Respectfully submitted,

WB2JOW

Secretary