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:

NameCall SignPositionMH GridRACWCARC
Ken AsmusVA3KAMemberFN15wgYesYes
Peter JagoVA3PJMemberFN25agYesYes
Bert ZauharVE2ZAZDirectorFN25bkYesYes
Dave GoodwinVE3AAQGuestFN25dgYes
Clayton SmithVE3IRRVice PresidentFN25aiYesYes
Clare FowlerVE3NPCMemberFN25djYesYes
Andrew HartVE3NVKTreasurerFN25bhYesYes
Doug LeachVE3XKMemberFN25wgYesYes
Glenn MacDonellVE3XRASecretaryFN25djYesYes
Al PenneyVO1NOPresidentFN24cwYesYes


Opening:
The meeting was opened by President Al Penney (VO1NO) at 19:30 hours.
The President welcomed one guest, Dave Goodwin (VE3AAQ)

Secretary's Report:
Secretary Glenn MacDonell (VE3XRA) introduced the minutes of the January meeting that had been posted on the club website.
Discussion pointed out typos in the MH Grids (VA3PJ should be FN25ag and VA3UNK should be FN25fj) but no issues of substance.
Moved by Doug (VE3XK) that the minutes as corrected be approved. Seconded by Bert (VE2ZAZ). Motion approved.

Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Andrew Hart (VE3NVK) reported that the current balance was about $729, with 14 paid up members, in addition to the life members. The club's new year began 1 January, 2013 and last year's paid mebership was 23, so more membership renewals are expected.
The Treasurer further reported that arrangements had been made to change banks, in order to lower costs. To facilitate the change several motions were introduced and approved.

Moved by the the Treasurer (VE3NVK), seconded by Peter (VA3PJ), that the club's official address for banking purposes be that of the Treasurer, 28 Chimo Drive, Kanata ON, K2L 1A5. Approved.
Moved by the Ken (VA3KA), seconded by Clare (VE3NPC) that the club bank account at the Royal Bank be closed. Approved.
Moved by the the Treasurer (VE3NVK), seconded by Bert (VE2ZAZ) that a new club bank account be opened at Alterna Savings. Approved.

Vice President's Report
The Vice President, Clayton Smith (VE3IRR) reported on meeting locations and upcoming presentations. Wayne Getchell (VE3CZO) will be approached to make a presentation on the 1296MHz amplifier that he designed and built. Room reservations for the usual meeting place have been made for the April and May meetings and no difficulties are expected for future meetings.

President's Report:
None

Old Business:
Glenn MacDonell (VE3XRA) reported on possible options for easily and inexpensively adding capabilities for a new band, 3.4GHz, for the club's participation in the ARRL June VHF QSO Party (the annual Grid Expedition to FN04xa). There is no obvious solution and he will continue his investigation.

New Business:
None

General Reports and Announcements:
Beacons:
Doug Leach (VE3XK) reported that the WCARC beacons (6m, 2m, 1 1/4m, 70cm) continue to operate nominally. Rick Bandla (VE3CVG) has obtained beacons for 903MHz and 1296MHz and has located them at a central location in downtown Ottawa. Several members reported hearing their signals around the region.

Grid Expedition:
Al (VO1NO) reported that planning continues for the mid-June, 2013 Grid Expedition and invited members to participate either for the entire event or for a part of it.

Presentation:
Dave Goodwin (VE3AAQ) gave us a presentation on his amateur radio activities in China and neighbouring countries in SE Asia and Oceana during his two year posting to China. He outlined how local regulations affected the ease with which visiting radio amaateurs could obtain local licences and operate and described his results participating in contests from several different countries. He found friendy amateurs eager to help in all countries, formed lasting friendships and appreciated the significant differences radio amateurs face in finding opportunities to operate. In countries and major cities where almost everyone lives in an appartment condiditons are very different from what we are used to!

Adjournment
The President stated that there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned before midnight.