Walton Radio Association

Minutes of the May Meeting

May 3, 2009

The meeting was called to order at the Walton Fire Department building, Walton, NY at 2:10 P.M. by President KB2RLH.  Those in attendance were as follows:  KB2RLH, K2EZK, W2TKB, AB2IC, N2WDV, KC2IKQ, NX2J, W2CD, AB2PA, and WB2JOW.

Reports

The minutes of the April 2009 meeting were read and approved.

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

Nets:   CW – 18 check-ins for April, 2009.

            FM –  18 check-ins for April, 2009.

Old Business

Repeater report by W2CD:  additional operational checks of the W2LZ repeater were conducted.  Several members of the WRA participated.  The initial work amounted to an adjustment of the gain control for modulating the transmitter.  Additional checks yielded that the duplexer appeared to be reducing the received signal level, substantially.  KB2RLH and W2CD retrieved the duplexers.  Analysis by W2CD yielded that the received signal was being attenuated by at least 13 db.  Apparently, only tuning adjustments will be needed to return the duplexers to normal operation (-1.5 db insertion loss on receive and -65 db on the stop band frequency).  Re-installment of the duplexers is planned for the near future along with additional checks.

KC2IKQ reported that he checked the 2 meter station at the Delaware County Sheriff’s department recently and found the antenna system exhibited a high SWR measurement.  However, AA2RM subsequently reported an acceptable SWR level.  The problem appears to be resolved.

AB2IC reported that the Margaretville repeater and tower installation had suffered some animal related damage.

New Business

KB2RLH reported that the Delhi 5k and 10k runs will be held the first Saturday in June this year, which is a change from previous years.  Amateur radio volunteers will be requested to monitor the event.  This date will not conflict with the Meridale Dairy fest which will be held the following weekend.  AB2PA additionally reported that the Delaware Academy running team will be organizing the 5k and 10k races as a fund raiser this year.

The WRA Field Day will be held again this year at the QTH of N2WDV.  The antenna set up day will be planned for Friday, June 26.

It was noted that the 40 meter antenna mast may need repairs.  Additionally, an effort will be made to raise the radiotelephone station antenna.  The set up will be similar to other years.  A discussion of the battery needs for this year’s exercise closed out the Field Day discussion.

It was reported that the 6 meter repeater in Meridale is not operational at this time.

N2WDV reported the recent passing of KB2VTM.  KB2VTM was a WRA member and had participated in numerous field day exercises over the years. 

K2EZK attended the Beacon and Newark hamfests with his son, Darren.  He reported a good turnout at both.  The Rochester hamfest is scheduled for May 30 with the Owego hamfest scheduled for May 9.

The next meeting is planned for June 7, 2009 at the Walton Fire Dept. building at 2:00 PM local time with refreshments to be provided by W2TKB and KC2IKQ.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:50 PM with refreshments provided by K2EZK and NX2J.

Respectfully submitted,

WB2JOW

Secretary