Minutes of the Regular Meeting on September 04, 2012

The meeting was held in the Kanata Room in Sobey's, at the SW corner of Hazeldean and Terry Fox Drive in Kanata.

The following people were present:

Opening:
The meeting was opened by President Al Penney (VO1NO) at 19:30 hours.
The President welcomed two guests: John Christensen (VE3IAO) and Clayton Smith (VE3IRR). Clayton had obtained his amateur radio licence last October and was about to begin operating.


Secretary's Report:
Secretary Glenn MacDonell (VE3XRA), introduced the minutes of the previous meeting, thanking Bert (VE2ZAZ) for taking notes in his absence, Al (VO1NO) for transmitting the notes and the Webmaster, Rick (VE3CVG), for corrections. Members noted the need for two more corrections to the previously posted minutes: Peter (VA3PJ) had attended the meeting but was not shown as present; and the callsign for Dave Goodwin was correct in the main body of the minutes (VE3AAQ) but had a typo in the table listing people present.
Moved by Bert (VE2ZAZ) that the minutes, as corrected, be approved. Seconded by Graham Ide (VE3BYT).
Motion approved.


Treasurer's Report:
In the absence of the Treasurer, the President, Al (VO1NO) reported that the financial situation had not changed significantly since the last meeting.

President's Report:
The President reported that he had been contacted by Martin J. Bollinger of the US Naval Institute and the author of Warriors and Wizards - The Development and Defeat of Radio-Controlled Glide Bombs of the Third Reich. Mr. Bollinger had seen a copy of the presentation that Al gave at the January 2009 WCARC meeting Defeating Hitler's Chase Me Charlies that is available on our website. Mr Bollinger found Al's information very useful and commented that he'd have to revise one of his chapters as a result of what he had learned from Al!


Webmaster's Report:
The Webmaster, Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) noted that the WCARC website now contains the minutes for the past 8 years of club meetings.

Old Business:
None

New Business:
None

General Report and Announcements:

Beacons
Doug Leach (VE3XK) reported that the WCARC beacons (6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm) continue to operate with no problems. Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) reported that he planned to rebuild the power supply for the 900MHz beacon that was temporarily installed at his QTH. There was a brief discussion on the possibility of adding a 1296MHz beacon to the existing beacon group. Doug Leach (VE3XK) noted that there was space for an additional beacon. However the club would need to find additional financial resources if members wanted to add a module.

Grid Expedition
Members noted that the latest edition of The Canadian Amateur included the report on the expedition to FN04xa that had been submitted by the President, Al (VO1NO).

D-STAR
Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) noted that the problems affecting the internet connection for the Ottawa D-STAR repeater (VA3ODG) had been identified and corrected - it is now working well and Ying (VA3YH) and Rick are continuing software cleanup. Several people were exploring the use of the small and inexpensive ($35 each) Raspberry Pi credit card sized computer for hot spots and D-STAR repeaters.

Ottawa Hamfest
Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) reminded members that WCARC will have a table at the Hamfest, that takes place as usual, in Carp on the Saturday following the September meeting (Sept 8). Tom (VA3NFA) is cleaning out his shack and has provided equipment to be sold at the WCARC table, with the proceeds to the club.

Presentations
In lieu of a formal presentation, members engaged in a spirited exchange of information on their recent amateur radio adventures and misadventures.

Adjournment
The President stated that there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 21:45 hours.