The meeting was held at Sobey's 840 March Rd., a temporary meeting place used while the regular meeting place in the Kanata Room in Sobey's remains unavailable.

The following people were present:

NameCall SignPositionMH GridRACWCARC
Barney BakerVA3BGBMemberFN25aiYesYes
Tyler TidmanVA3DGNGuestFN25aiYes
Ken AsmusVA3KATreasurerFN15wgYesYes
Peter JagoVA3PJMemberFN25agYesYes
Harold HamiltonVA3UNKMemberFN25YesYes
Margaret TidmanVA3VXNGuestFN25aiYes
Bert ZauharVE2ZAZDirectorFN25bkYesYes
Graham IdeVE3BYTMemberFN25chYesYes
Don GreeneVE3IGNGuestFN25di??
Geoff JohnsonVE3KIDMemberFN25cgYes
Clare FowlerVE3NPCMemberFN25djYesYes
Andy HartVE3NVKVice PresidentFN25bhYesYes
Doug LeachVE3XKMemberFN25bfYesYes
Glenn MacDonellVE3XRASecretaryFN15djYesYes
Al PenneyVO1NOPresidentFN24cwYesYes


Opening:
The meeting was opened by President Al Penney(VO1NO) at 19:30 hours. He thanked Barney, VA3BGB, for securing the meeting room in the newly opened Sobey's store on March Road.


Secretary's Report:
Secretary Glenn MacDonell(VE3XRA) introduced the minutes of the previous meeting.
Moved by VE3XRA-Glenn MacDonell that the previous minutes as published on the web pages be approved. Seconded by VE3BYT-Graham Ide.
Motion approved.


Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Ken Asmus(VA3KA) reported that the current bank balance was $499.55 and that the club had 25 regular and 3 life members at present.


New Business:


General Reports:

Beacons
Doug, VE3XK, reported that the beacons continued to function normally. The 6m beacon has been heard across North America as well as Spain and the Azores.
The 903MHz beacon is being remediated and is currently operating from the location of VE3CVG - Rick Bandla.

D-STAR
Ken, VA3KA, reported on the ongoing expansion of the D-STAR network in the Ottawa area with new hotspots being added in Kemptville and Perth. He also noted the success of amateur radio operators in Almonte securing financial support, to install a D-STAR repeater and observed that D-STAR was being used in the develpment of ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) in that area.

Grid Expedition
Al, VO1NO, noted that he would outline the status of preparations for the upcoming Grid Expedition later in the meeting as part of his overall presentation on the activity.
Glenn, VE3XRA, moved that the club provide $100 to defray expenses of the upcoming expedition, seconded by Al, VO1NO. In the discussion it was noted that the contribution would cover common expenses such as gasoline for generators and that the participants would be covering their travel and food during the event. In past years the club had provided $200 but in light of the weaker financial situation this year $100 would be more appropriate.
The motion carried.

24GHz Project
Several members who had looked at the radar speed measuring devices recently provided to the club reported that it would not be possible to produce a 24GHz transceiver in time for the Grid Expedition this year.

WiFi Adapters
Glenn, VE3XRA, reported that the group purchase of high power WiFi USB adapters was completed and the devices would be used on the expedition. Communications at 2.4GHz would be made using the adapters and helical antennas loaned by Clare VE3NPC. Tests confirmed communications between computers using WiPeer for Windows (text mesaging) as well as iChat for Macs (voice and video).


Presentation(s)/Activity: Al VO1NO described plans for the upcoming expedition to FN04xa for the ARRL June VHF contest.


Adjournment:
The President Al Penney(VO1NO) stated that there being no further business, the meeting would be adjourned. The meeting was closed at 21:38 hours.