JANUARY 2019 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

THURSDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: LYLE KØLFV, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Mark KEØLFQ and Dave KØISZ. The Vice President opened the Board Meeting at 420 PM following a mapping session with Dan Levno for the Mid-MN 150 Sled Dog Race on February 9th.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 69 members with 31 unpaid for 2019. The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the“Resources/Members Only”  Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The November 2018 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence:
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphics for December: “Santa Tracker”, January: Ice-Fishing Extravaganza” and February: “Mid-MN 150 Sled Dog Race”.
  • Motion to accept: Mitch ADØHJ, SecondJohn WØWY,  

Treasurer’s Report: The President presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. Doug has been able to process incoming membership renewals over the holidays with less Club expenditures.

  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The Vice President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. Al reported that the Forestview High Altitude Balloon Class has finished, and they are looking for a launch date in the near future. Other repeat programs discussed were “Grounding” by Pat Goff, Crow Wing Power and “Wild Animal Tracking” by Brian Dirks, MN DNR.

Recent / Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

  • Saturday, January 26, 2019 Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake
  • 6 Club operators braved the cold for a successful event.
  • The Sheriff’s comm trailer was disabled, but the Dive Team trailer was a workable and available alternate.

Mid-MN 150 Dog Sled Race

  • Saturday, February 9, 2019
  • Al will chair the event. Our base of operations will remain at the Village Inn, Outing. Organizer Dan Levno was at the Board Meeting to go over the route map changes for this year.
  • John will contact John Bowen to verify the operation and use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

Crow Wing County EOC:

  • John reported that work is continuing on the new CWC EOC facility, and will include a training room that could possibly serve as a back-up Club meeting location.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites: Mitch reviewed the list of repeater projects on the 2019 calendar.

  • Gull Lake:
    • UHF coax work
    • APRS Node
    • Approval of VHF frequency pair.
    • New Rackmount PC
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No new items.

New Business:

  • With the recent closing of Radio City, the board discussed other possible vendors and attractions for our spring Hamfest. Digi-Key of Thief River Falls was of interest, and Al will pursue this possibility through his contact there.
  • John started a discussion regarding the changing role of our Club and amateur radio in general, in regard to providing communication support for local events. It was noted how events like the recent Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza have changed over the years. In the beginning we carried an important role in providing communications over that expansive venue using many operators. Since then they have tried cell phones, then FRS and GRMS radios, and finally this year were using ARMER radios within the public safety system. It was noted that other events like the Sled Dog Race still have a real need for our skills, but that our role for other event groups may be changing over time.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:42 PM.

THURSDAY-JANUARY 31, 2019 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE STATION

The Vice President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Following the business meeting reports and break, several presentations were made:

  • “Winter Field Day Operations” presented by Lyle KØLFV
  • Updates on the Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza” and “Mid-MN 150 Sled Dog Race” presented by Al WØRC
  • “MARS, the Military Auxiliary Radio System” by John WØWY, Al WØRC and Ron KØGOP

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

NOVEMBER 2018 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

THURSDAY-NOVEMBER 29, 2018 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: Steve NØCRM, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Lyle KØLFV, Mark KEØLFQ and Roger WØWUG. The President opened the Board Meeting at 410 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 74 members with 6 unpaid for 2018. The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the“Resources/Members Only”  Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The October 2018 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence:
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphic for November: “ARRL Edmund Fitzgerald Special Event”.
  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, SecondMark KEØLFQ ,  

Treasurer’s Report: The President presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. Doug has verified that the Club Trailer is covered on the Club insurance policy to a limit of $28,000.

  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, SecondAl WØRC, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. As the Fire Department meeting location is unavailable for December, John has arranged using the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce CTC meeting room for the December 20th holiday party date. There will be no board meeting and the membership meeting/party will begin an hour early at 6:00 PM.

Recent / Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

ARRL Special Event: “Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

  • Sunday November 11, 2018 at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI
  • Extended event November 6 – November 20 using W8F call sign
  • Certificates provided w/ SASE.

2019 BAARC Hamfest

  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
  • Al WØRC has secured the date with the Brainerd Armory.

Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza

  • Saturday, January 26, 2019 Hole in the Day Bay on Gull Lake
  • Mark will chair the event, but may not be available to attend.
  • John will arrange for use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

Mid-MN 150 Dog Sled Race

  • Saturday, February 9, 2019
  • Al will chair the event. Our base of operations will remain at the Village Inn, Outing.
  • John will again arrange for use of the Sheriff’s comm trailer.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

Director of Emergency Communications position:

  • John reported he will continue to assist Dave KØISZ until he is able to return to full duty at his new location.

New CWC EOC:

  • No updates on construction progress allowing reactivating our Club station there.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites:

  • Gull Lake:
    • See New Business.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No new items.

New Business:

  • Club fundraising was discussed. The Secretary will continue to draft and refine documents to assist those efforts including Club information and future equipment needs. These could then be provided to local charitable organizations for consideration and a follow up meeting with their group.
  • Ballots for 2019 election of Club Officers were sent to the membership and will be tabulated at the 7:00 PM Membership Meeting.
  • Mitch reported on APRS and VHF repeater-linking progress at the Gull Lake Repeater site. Motion to purchase 2 additional rack-mount PC’s at $400 each: Mitch ADØHJ, SecondAl WØRC,  Mitch has donated another PC and linking for the APRS addition.
  • Mitch also reported on progress in applying for the new Club repeater pair.
  • Al reported that his old 3M Amateur Radio Club has been following our Club’s purchase and success with the Yaesu DR-2X Digital Repeater system, and are in the process of updating their repeaters accordingly.
  • The board discussed a possible Club donation to a scholarship fund in memory of recent SK, WØAIH. The Treasurer was asked to make a $100 donation from the Club treasury.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:42 PM.

THURSDAY-NOVEMBER 29, 2018 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Following business meeting reports, ballots were collected for the election of 2019 Club Officers. With no write-in candidates received, a motion was made from the membership: Motion for the Secretary to cast a unanimous ballot for the listed Club Officers: Shirley KØDCW, Second Leon KEØAFY, Passed. 

 

Elected Officers for 2019:

President: Steve Mott, NØCRM

Vice-President: Lyle Amundson, KØLFV

Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev, WØDWB

Secretary: Ron Finger, KØGOP

Director-at-Large: Al Doree, WØRC

 

Directors:

Past President: Charles Lane, W5CCL

Past President: Al Doree, WØRC

 

The following were nominated by the Executive Board and elected by the Membership:

Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff, ADØHJ

Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz, KØISZ

Community Events Coordinator: Mark Cross, KEØLFQ

 

Following the business meeting and break, a presentation on several working SDR (Software Defined Radio) setups was given. Demonstrating these units were: Lyle KØLFV, Gary KAØJUM, and Mitch ADØHJ.

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

OCTOBER 2018 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

THURSDAY-OCTOBER 25, 2018 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: Steve NØCRM, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, Mark KEØLFQ and Roger WØWUG. The President opened the Board Meeting at 4 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 74 members with 6 unpaid for 2018. The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the“Resources/Members Only”  Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The September 2018 Executive Board and Membership Meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area.
  • Correspondence:
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: No new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphic for October; Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY,  

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date. Doug will check to verify that the Club Trailer is covered on the Club insurance policy.

  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, SecondAl WØRC, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. The Fire Department meeting location is unavailable for November and December. John has arranged using the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce CTC meeting room for the November 29th and December 20th dates.

Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

ARRL Special Event: “Anniversary of the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

  • Sunday November 11, 2018 at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI
  • Extended event November 6 – November 20 using W8F call sign
  • Certificates provided w/ SASE.

2019 BAARC Hamfest

  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
  • Al WØRC has secured the date with the Brainerd Armory.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

ARES Connect Update:

  • John reported on the recent ARES exercise.

New CWC EOC:

  • No updates on construction progress allowing reactivating our Club station there.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites:

  • Gull Lake:
    • Mitch ADØHJ reported on a recent work session with Al and Roger to connect the new Heliax.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • No changes on site.

New Business:

  • Upcoming elections for Club officers were discussed. No volunteers have come forward for the open Vice-President post as yet.
  • John reported the Club has received a $100 check from the Kiwanis for the Triathlon. The Secretary will send a letter of thanks to John’s contact.
  • Mitch reported Lyle has been looking for MTM-100’s for Club repeater linking.

Motion to amend previous motion of $200 – $400 for purchase of additional FTM-100’s: Al WØRC, Second Steve NØCRM, Passed. 

  • The possibility of securing a possible northeast repeater location was discussed. Other site options are being explored.
  • Motion to request a new frequency pair for Gull Lake site (146.955 / 146.355): Mitch ADØHJ, SecondSteve NØCRM,  Mitch will pursue with the repeater council.
  • Adding APRS to the Gull Lake site was discussed. Would need a PC, and controller.
  • Discussed Hi-Rise site use and HF Win-Link.

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 PM.

THURSDAY-OCTOBER 25, 2018 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

International Space Station SSTV Reception – Presented by Mitch ADØHJ

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary

SEPTEMBER 2018 BAARC SECRETARY’S REPORT

THURSDAY-SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 – 4:00 PM – BAARC BOARD MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

President: Steve Mott NØCRM
Vice President: John Luce WØWY
Treasurer: Doug Bergsnev WØDWB
Secretary: Ron Finger KØGOP
Past Presidents: Charles Lane W5CCL, Al Doree WØRC
Director At Large: Lyle Amundson KØLFV
Director of Emergency Communications: Dave Schuldheisz KØISZ
Repeater Trustee: Mitch Ahrenstorff ADØHJ
Community & Special Events Coordinator: Mark Cross KEØLFQ

Attendees: Steve NØCRM, Doug WØDWB, John WØWY, Ron KØGOP, Al WØRC, Shirley KØDCW, Mitch ADØHJ, and Roger WØWUG. The President opened the Board Meeting at 4 PM.

Secretary’s Report: 

  • Membership roster: 74 members with 8 unpaid for 2018. The Club roster can be found on the Club website under the“Resources/Members Only”  Current paid members can request an individual password for access via the “Contact Us” form.
  • Minutes: The July 2018 meeting minutes were posted to the“Baarcer” area. There were no business meetings for August.
  • Correspondence: None.
  • Documents: Updated Club membership roster and Gmail contacts database.
  • Membership ID’s: 2 new Club ID’s.
  • Club Website: New banner graphic for October; Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event.
  • Motion to accept: Al WØRC, SecondJohn WØWY,  

Treasurer’s Report: The President presented the Treasurer’s report that was forwarded to the board showing all month’s account transactions and balances to date.

  • Motion to accept: John WØWY, SecondAl WØRC, Passed

Membership Meeting Programs: 

  • The President reviewed recent and future Club programs and events. Al WØRC suggested a program on Software Defined Radio (SDR). Mitch ADØHJ said another member is exploring VHF/UHF “meteor scatter” which might be another possibility.
  • The Fire Department meeting location is unavailable for November and December. John will check into using the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce CTC meeting room for the November 29th and December 20th dates.

Upcoming Events: The following events were discussed:

Northland Arboretum’s Haunted Trail event

  • Friday October 19 – Saturday October 20, 2018, 6:00PM – 9:30 PM
  • Need Club operators to patrol “Scare Spots” over the 2-hour event
  • Meal provided; contact Ron KØGOP to sign up.

CQ WW DX SSB Contest

  • Saturday October 27-Sunday October 28, 2018

2019 BAARC Hamfest

  • Saturday, April 6, 2019
  • Al WØRC has secured the date with the Brainerd Armory.

Digital & Emergency Communications: 

ARES Connect Update:

  • John reported that we need to find someone to get our Club up to speed using WinLink, per ARES request for use with SKYWARN, etc.
  • Mitch ADØHJ volunteered to do this.
  • October 3rd ARES Test: Need to contact Doug Nelson or Jerry Groeneveld regarding our expected Club role.

New CWC EOC:

  • No updates on construction progress allowing reactivating our Club station there.

APRS:

  • Al WØRC reported that the APRS PC has been going offline recently, but seems to be holding a connection for now.

Old Business: 

Repeater Sites:

  • Gull Lake:
    • Mitch ADØHJ requested a work session with Al and Roger to connect the new Heliax.
  • Crosby:
    • No new items.
  • Crow Wing Power:
    • No new items.
  • Cross Lake:
    • No new items.
  • High-rise Site:
    • OCF-Dipole remote station antenna seems to work well, but will likely need resonance adjustments when placed in the final roof-top environment.

Storage Unit:

  • Lyle KØLFV ahs acquired some shelving.

New Business:

  • Upcoming elections for Club officers was discussed. Most agreed to be placed on the ballot to serve again with the exception of Vice President John Luce, who would prefer to see someone else take on that role. The Club membership will be encouraged to consider any of these roles if interested.
  • Mitch reported Lyle has purchased a Yaesu FTM-100 for $200 for Club use.

Motion for reimbursement: Ron KØGOP, Second Doug WØDWB, Passed. 

  • The possibility of working with the Emily Fire Department on a possible northern repeater location was discussed. Other options were explored to add coverage for SKYWARN as well as the Mid-MN 150 Sled Dog Race event. A repeater setup could exceed $2500 with hardware, antenna and Heliax, so possible state and county funding should be explored as well as local business and foundation grants. Steve and Mitch will reach out to Becky KDØHBH for her offer of assistance in pursuing these proposals. John will inquire about state / county aid, and Al will check with Emily FD on their new tower timetable.
  • An acquaintance of Dave KEØIUZ has generously offered to donate 100 Cotton LED lighted hats to our Club. They will come in Black and Khaki and we will likely use them as a fundraiser. https://www.panthervision.com/product/powercap-25-10-structured-cotton-led-lighted-hats/

The Board Meeting was adjourned at 5:02 PM.

THURSDAY-SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 – 7:00 PM – BAARC MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES – BRAINERD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Pat WØOPW gave a presentation on Off-Center Fed (OCF) dipole antenna design. Mitch ADØHJ gave a presentation on the SSTV digital mode.

–Respectfully submitted by Ron KØGOP, Secretary