The meeting was held in the Kanata Room at Sobey’s in Kanata.

The following members and guests were present:

Name Call Sign Position
Phil St-Germain VE3CIQ  
John Christensen VE3IAO  
Dale Hennigar VE3XZT  
Bob Clermont VE3AKV  
Robin Webb VE3UIX  
Les McCready VA3BZQ  
Tim Evangelatos VE3MY  
Doug Leach VE3XK  
Brad Smith VE3BSM  
Manfred Kahle VA3WK  
Rene Kahle VA3XK  
Harold Hamilton VA3UNK  
Dean Denter VA3CDD  
Barney Baker VA3BGB  
Steve Attfield VA3SAX Guest
Tom Zinck VA3NFA President
Ken Asmus VA3KA Treasurer
Graham Ide VE3BYT Secretary

Rick, VE3CVG, Vice President / Webmaster was absent.

President Tom, VA3NFA, reported that the 903 MHz beacon and the WCARC web site are in good order. The club would like to receive reports of reception of the beacon.

Ken, VA3KA, reported that the finances are in good shape. At present membership stands at 26.

Graham, VE3BYT, had nothing secretarial to report.

Everyone congratulated Steve Attfield on passing his examination and getting his station licence, VA3SAX.

Members were reminded about the Rideau Lakes ARC fleamarket at Smiths Falls on May 13. The club will have a table. Rochester will be on June 4, 5 & 6, and will be followed by the Dayton Hamfest.

Brad, VE3BSM, reported that the APRS system is working well with a few holes in the coverage. Manfred may have to turn his digipeater on again. Smiths Falls digi is oriented to favour to the southwest. Bob, VE3AKV, indicated that Napanee is active now.

Field Day: Al Penney, VO1NO, is coordinating the WCARC field Day activities. Al will give a presentation on plans at the June meeting. It will be a 2A installation entry. Location will be the Agricultural Fair Ground at Middleville. Expenses will be shared 50/50 with the SW Lanark North Leeds ARES Group. These are estimated to be $150 for the use of the property, $100 for food, Gasoline $150, i.e. $400/2 or around $200 for the club. It was Moved by Tom, VA3NFA, seconded by Dale, VE3XZT, that we support this initiative. Carried. Callsign to use will be determined. Tom will inquire about charges for meals/food.

Tom spoke on Manfred’s offer to turn his repeaters over to the WCARC. This offer was enthusiastically received. A committee was formed to coordinate the changeover in ownership and operation. The equipment is at Phil’s (VE3CIQ) site. The committee consists of Phil, VE3CIQ, Dale, VE3XZT, and John, VE3IAO. Rene, VA3XK, will act as consultant to the committee. IRLP will be located at VE3IAO. Manfred indicated that the 2 Metre R100 controller can be reprogrammed with the new callsign. Moved by Doug, VE3XK, seconded by Tom, VA3NFA, a motion of thanks to Manfred for his generosity - Carried.

Doug, VE3XK, inquired about the possibility of getting the 222 MHz repeater back on and linking all together. Manfred suggested that the committee look into this.

Graham, VE3BYT, showed and described the characteristics of the Skew-Planar Wheel antenna he has constructed for 440 MHz. This will be erected for on the air testing during the local VHF/UHF net.

Tom, VA3NFA, showed a dual Halo antenna, for 144 and 432 MHz. This is solidly constructed. Tom will use this during his Rovering expeditions.

Ken, VA3KA, said that the Capital Region DX Club may be resuscitated, and Sobey’s will be considered for a meeting place.

Ken gave an interesting talk about his many experiences at the Alert station.

The club will consider a combined order for the purchase of VHF/UHF PCB antennas, according to the needs of members.

The next meeting will be on June 6, 2006.

Graham Ide VE3BYT
Secretary.