The meeting was held over the internet via a Zoom video conference.

The following people were present:

Name Call Sign Position MH Grid WCARC RAC
Lawrence Dobranski VA3IQ Vice President FN25 Yes Yes
Bertrand Zauhar VE2ZAZ Secretary FN25bk Yes Yes
Mike Kennedy VA3TEC President FN25 Yes Yes
Clayton Smith VE3IRR Member EN82nh Yes Yes
René Barbeau VE2UG Member FN35gs Yes Yes
Ted Reinhardt VE3TD Member FN25 Yes Yes

Opening

The meeting was opened by the President, Mike (VA3TEC), at 7:25 pm. There were no visitors attending the meeting.

Meeting Agenda

The meeting agenda was displayed prior to the meeting, and is reproduced below. Mike (VA3TEC) moved that the agenda be adopted as published. Ted (VE3TD) seconded. A unanimous vote in favour of the motion took place, and the motion was carried.

Secretary’s Report

Bert posted a draft version of the February 2026 regular meeting minutes on the Club website prior to this meeting. Moved by him that the minutes be adopted as posted. The motion was seconded by Lawrence (VA3IQ). A unanimous vote in favour of the motion took place, and the motion was carried.

Treasurer’s Report

Glenn (VE3XRA), the Treasurer, was absent. Mike (VA3TEC), our President, is helping out with the Treasurer duties:

  • He is working on reconstituting the detailed members list, which allows us to track the membership, dues and contact information.
  • He thanked the many members who have renewed their membership.
  • He asked the members to bring in ideas of Club purchases that would help generate Club activity.

Vice President’s Report

  • Lawrence is working on organizing an in-person regular members meeting in the spring of 2026.
  • Lawrence has been having problems finding speakers. Upcoming monthly meeting presentations:
    • Being planned (speakers shall provide a synopsis of their presentation to Lawrence):
      • Wayne (VE3CZO) - Selecting the right capacitor for an application.
      • Mike (VA3TEC) - IP400 Presentation.
      • Tom (VA3NFA) / Ted (VE3TD) / Lawrence (VA3IQ) - AREDN Status.
      • Lawrence (VA3IQ) - How to not brick AREDN nodes.
      • Lawrence (VA3IQ) - Logging software acting as Rover controller.

Director’s Report

Robert, the Director, was absent. Nonetheless he provided this written report: With reference to the initiative he is working on with regards to acquiring potential meeting space at the Diefenbunker, he reported that the request is still working its way up the management chain. He will report immediately upon receipt of any update.

President’s Report

The President had nothing to report.

Presentation(s)

Ted (VE3TD): Auxiliary Communications (AUXCOM) Training - A post-activity briefing.

Old Business

  • Bert requested that the Treasurer create a members spreadsheet and post it online for the Officers to consult or modify. A Google Sheet was created by Mike (VA3TEC), and is available online for those who have the link. Item closed.
  • Lawrence (VA3IQ) issued a survey on our WCARC groups.io. The survey asked the members about using Microsoft Teams instead of Zoom for our monthly meetings. The Zoom licensing cost is $280, whereas using Teams is free. The survey generated ten replies, six in favor of the change, three against it, and one with no opinion. The Officers will plan a test meeting on Teams later this month to verify proper operation, and prior to announcing any changes. Item closed.
  • Update the Officer signatures (President and Vice-President signatures) on file at the Alterna bank, as we have had a change of directorship at the last AGM. No progress to report on this item. Open item.
  • Glenn (VE3XRA), Tuesday evening SSB net: Glenn suggested that the Club Officers discuss, in the upcoming months, whether to carry on with holding the net. Lawrence (VA3IQ) is considering taking over the duties once his antenna stack is installed, which will happen in the spring. Shared net control duties are also being considered. Open item.
  • Bert (VE2ZAZ) on the 2026 June VHF Contest: The Corkery Community Centre will be available for our June VHF Contest outing. We are waiting for the rental fee structure, and will come back to the members with a firm weekend fee. We should expect it to be in the $300 range. The Centre contacted us to inquire on how we plan to feed our coaxial cables through the door, while keeping critters out. The May Club meeting will constitute the preparation session for the Contest. Open item.

New Business

  • Lawrence on summer activities: A big push on him having 5.8 GHz ready for the May MAD. Some renewed interest on 5.8 GHz has been shown in the Toronto area. The 10 GHz band will also be active. More information to follow.

Show and tell / Round Table

  • Mike (VA3TEC) purchased a 33-acre property. There is a lot of space for wire antennas.
  • René (VE2UG) showed a Chinese 80W 1296 MHz brick amplifier he had just received.
  • René (VE2UG) showed a one-foot 24/47 GHz dish with a 3D-printed feed point.

Ask the Club

No questions were asked.

Adjournment

The President observed that there was no further business. Bert (VE2ZAZ) moved that the meeting be adjourned. Ted (VE3TD) seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.

WCARC Regular Members Meeting Agenda - March 16th, 2026

  1. Call to Order @ 7 pm (Recording Reminder)
  2. Opening Statements, Take attendance
  3. Approve Agenda
  4. Secretary’s Report
  5. Treasurer’s Financial Statement
  6. Vice President’s Report
  7. Director’s Report
  8. President’s Yearly Report
  9. Presentation: Ted VE3TD: AUXCOM Training.
  10. Old Business
  11. New Business
  12. Show and Tell / Elmer Questions / Trade-Swap-Sell
  13. Closing - Final remarks