Minutes of the Regular Meeting on January 8, 2013
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:
| Name | Call Sign | Position | MH Grid | RAC | WCARC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Speakman | VA3OMP | Member | FN25bj | Yes | Yes |
| Peter Jago | VA3PJ | Member | FN25gf | Yes | Yes |
| Harold Hamilton | VA3UNK | Member | FN25ag | Yes | Yes |
| Bert Zauhar | VE2ZAZ | Director | FN25bk | Yes | Yes |
| Graham Ide | VE3BYT | Member | FN25ch | Yes | Yes |
| Doug Leach | VE3XK | Member | FN25wg | Yes | Yes |
| Glenn MacDonell | VE3XRA | Secretary | FN25dj | Yes | Yes |
| Al Penney | VO1NO | President | FN24cw | Yes | Yes |
Opening:
The meeting was opened by President Al Penney (VO1NO) at 19:30 hours.
Secretary's Report:
Secretary Glenn MacDonell (VE3XRA) introduced the minutes that had been posted on the club website.
Moved by Doug (VE3XK) that the minutes as posted be approved. Seconded by Bert (VE2ZAZ).
Motion approved.
Treasurer's Report:
In the absence of the Treasurer Andrew Hart (VE3NVK) the President reported that the renewal of insurance through Radio Amateurs of Canada, had been paid leaving the club with a net balance entering the new year of about $400.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
None
General Report and Announcements:
Beacons
Doug Leach (VE3XK) reported reported that he was investigating options for other locations that might offer greater elevation and easier access. The
WCARC beacons (6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm) continue to operate nominally and there was no urgent requirement to move but if a more desirable location became
available he would advise the club. He also noted that Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) was making good progress in assembling beacons for 903.360MHz and 1296.060MHz, that
will be installed at a central location in Ottawa.
Grid Expedition:
Al (VO1NO) reminded members of the planned Grid Expedition to FN04xa for the mid-June VHF QSO party. Over each of the past 3 years, the club has added a new microwave band to its capabilitiess (5.8GHz in 2010, 2.4GHz in 2011 and 24GHz last year). Members discussed the possibility of adding another frequency this year. Glenn (VE3XRA) agreed to apprise the next meeting of possible transverters for 3.4GHz.
Canadian Ski Marathon
Harold (VA3UNK) reported that the next marathon would take place on 9-10 February 2013. This will be the 40th year that radio amateurs have provided communications for the event. Radio amateurs play an essential role in the operation of the marathon providing the communications necessary for the safety of skiers and volunteers and the effective management of the complex event. Harold invited any radio amateur interested to contact him and pointed out that operators are really needed - radios are available.
Passing of the wife of Clare Fowler (VE3NPC)
Glenn (VE3XRA) noted thet Clare's wife had passed away the day before the meeting after a long illness. The meeting extendeded condolences to Clare and support in this difficult time.
Presentation:
Bert (VE2ZAZ) gave us a presentation on fibre optic communications showing samples of fibre optic cables and interface devices and describing the techniques and equipment that makes possible this powerful form of communications that has grown so rapidly in recent years.
Adjournment:
The President stated that there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2200 hours.