From your President - HARC Home · March—2016 VOX VOX Spring is here and this is my favorite time...

March—2016

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Spring is here and this is my favorite time of year, with all the Bradford Pear Trees blooming, and other popu-lar flowering trees we have in bloom it is truly beauti-ful in North Alabama. It has been a relatively mild win-ter and with temps averaging about 50-60 degrees it is just the right time to hang some new antennas in the trees before they really put on their heavy leaves. Also, I am pleased to tell you that our club name “Huntsville Amateur Radio Club” name has been for-mally granted a trademark by the USPTO. The Final Trademark has been issued to me personally and I will be donating this very valuable document to the club as I leave office. All costs to file the Trademark have been paid out of my personal funds. The trademark is tagged to the corporate entity number 045-257 which was formed March 2, 2012 and restored on July 23rd, 2015. On a personal note I need to inform you of a serious health condition I have encountered. On February 4th I suffered a brain seizure while at work and could not hold my balance walking and I was very unstable and finally fell down. I did not pass out as may have been reported. I finally wound up at the University of Michigan Hospital, in the Neurology intensive care section. I was there for 7 days and then convalescing at home for 5 days. They determined that I had a serious brain aneurism in my right brain section where an artery about 2.5cm long had expanded to about 4x its normal size and at risk of bursting. I am very lucky to have been so close to the University of Michigan Hospital. They are number one in the country in neurology and brain surgery. It was interesting via tests to find out my artery’s do not have much calcifica-tion or other threats to my heart or circulatory system. I do not have high blood pressure (never have) or high cholesterol. I have been instructed to not be more than an hour in

Table of Contents

Letters 3

For Sale 3

License / Testing News 4

Meeting Minutes 5-8

ARES / RACES Meeting Minutes 9

Treasurer’s Report 10-11

From your President

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travel time from the U of M hospital and extended travel is highly restricted. They will likely need to open my skull and patch the artery with a donor artery from somewhere else in my body. This will require 5 days in the Hospital and about 6 weeks of convalesce at home. The date for this surgery is not yet scheduled. So I cannot tell you when this will all be over. With all these health issues, I will not run for re-election as your President. I will serve out my full term of office and assist the next president in the transition. I was glad to serve as your president and help the club navigate through some of the most difficult times any club has endured. Every promise I made to the club when I ran for office has been ful-filled, our financial position is sound and our future is bright. The only remaining item to bring complete closure is our suit for summary judgment against those that have attempted to damage our club. The court date is at 9:00 AM April 11, 2016 in Courtroom # 6 in Judge Pape’s chambers. I encourage all persons interested in the outcome of this case to attend in person if you can. I have paid $12,000 in attorney’s fees and will to continue to fund this suit until its conclusion. If anyone thinks I will surrender because of court costs they are mistaken. When we win this case all those attorney costs will be assessed via court order back to all those already named in the suit and those yet named resulting from proven discovery evidence. 73, and God bless you all. Bill Bathgate President, HARC

From your President

The Huntsville Amateur Radio Club©

Club Officers & Info

Bill Bathgate KD8IGK President [email protected]

Todd Cline N7KDT Vice President [email protected]

Craig Reinhart KD4IYD Secretary [email protected]

Bob Burns K4RHB Treasurer [email protected]

Jack Hemby W5WQQ Officer at-large [email protected]

Gary Suckow W9SGM Officer at-large [email protected]

John Boyette KK5KKT Officer at-large [email protected]

Meeting location: Red Cross Building, 1101 Washington St. Huntsville, AL 35801

Meeting time: Every Friday, 7:30 PM (except on major holidays)

Mailing address: HARC, 117 Honor Way, Madison, AL 35758

Visitors welcome at all meetings.

Club callsign: K4BFT (http://www.qrz.com/db/K4BFT)

Website: www.harc.net

Mail reflector signup: follow the link below the HARC logo on the home page

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Here is the info on the tester I took to the club meeting Friday night for "Show and Tell." A couple of people asked for ordering info. This tester identifies the device under test (resistor, pot, cap, inductor, FET, Bipolar, thyristor, etc) indicates device type, RLC com-ponent value, shows pin connections, gives Beta. I bought a small case and cut openings for the tester. Not bad for $16.70. Free shipping from China. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171823816475?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT 73, Jack W5WQQ

—————————————————————————————————————————————— Help is needed for a scheduled ARISS contact at Walter Jackson Elementary (WJES) in Decatur the week of March 14-18. WJES is located at 1950 Park St SE, Decatur, AL. We are still awaiting the final assigned time slot and the school has requested the following: Friday 18-mar -16 13:53:49 to 14:04:33 UTC Thursday 17-mar-16 14:46:07 to 14:56:27 UTC Tuesday 15-mar-16 14:53:52 to 15:04:38 UTC These times may be adjusted based on any re-boosts performed on the ISS between now and next week, but they should reflect the planned boost changes fairly close. I am targeting Thursday and Friday (10-MAR-16 and 11-MAR-16) from 9:00am to 12:00pm this week for training operators on how to use the equipment. The primary radio is a Yaesu FT-847 controlled by a laptop computer that will also control the antenna system automatically. If there are any issues we will program the frequencies in the radio memory just in case. The backup radio is a Yaesu FT-736 with the assigned frequencies programmed into the radio for manual control if anything goes wrong with the primary setup, the backup is in place to be ready to go at the flip of the power switch. There have been several people this week who have stepped forward to help. The more the merrier, because we cannot predict what will happen from day to day. Even if you do not get the chance to operate the equip-ment there will be several things you can help with to reduce time during the actual contact date. You will cer-tainly learn about amateur radio satellite operation in the process. All the equipment and antennas (primary and secondary) are setup and ready to go. The basic station consists of the following: 1. Yaesu FT-847 connected to TE Systems amp and SSB Electronics SP-2000 preamp (200W limited) at the satel-lite yagi's (may add SSB Sequencer at the radio since mast mount preamp is inline in order to go full power this week, if time allows to integrate) 2. Yaesu FT-736 backup radio connected to Mirage 1018G amp to ground plane antenna. 3. Yaesu/Kenpro G5400 Az/El rotor. 4. Satellite tracker Fox Tango ST-1 interface between computer and antenna system. 5. 50A power supply connected to power pole distribution strip. 6. Laptop running SATPC32/SATPCISS for antenna and radio automation control (FT-847) 7. The FT-736 has programmed memories pre-programmed in case primary station has hiccups. I deeply appreciate your willingness to help if you can. Please contact me directly. 73, Tim N8DEU email: N8DEU (at) outlook (dot) com

Letters

License exams are at 9AM the first Saturday of every month at the Red Cross Building, 1101 Wash-

ington St, Huntsville, AL 35802. Due to the Birmingham Hamfest, the March test date is moved to

March 12.

The fee is $10 (cash) ($5.00 for students) You must bring some form of Government-issued picture

ID and for those upgrading, the original plus a copy of your current FCC license.

Please see our website: www.cavechamexam.com for more information.

NEW

Questions may be emailed to cave.org (at) gmail (dot) com.

NEW

73,

Joe Henderson, N4CB, CAVEC CVE.

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License—Testing News

What: Spotter Training Class

When: March 8, 2016 (Tuesday) 6 PM

Where: US Space & Rocket Center—Davidson Center (Talk-In on 146.94 if you need directions)

Dates & times for other counties can be found at: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hun/?n=skywarn

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February 5, 2016 Announcements: Jack W5WQQ called the meeting to order at 7:23 p.m. He then welcomed all members and visi-tors. He asked the members to introduce themselves by name and call sign. There were 33 members present. Jack W5WQQ announced that the IRS had granted our application as a 501 C3. The effective date of the exemption is December 29, 2015. This means contributions made to the club are deducti-ble in the 2015 tax year. This includes donations to the club but not dues, however it was noted that you should contact your tax advisor regarding any deductible expenses you may have oc-curred supporting club activities. If you need a letter of recommendation for your contribution contact Bill KD8IGK or Bob K4RHB. This announcement was greeted with a great deal of applause. Jack W5WQQ mentioned that the upcoming programs would be as follows: February 12-Homebrew Wire Antennas presented by Tom Hatter K4AKC February 19-VHF -UHF DXing presented by John Reynolds N5AYD February 26- Emergency Operations and Go Kits presented by Wayne K4TTZ March 4-Satellite Communications presented by Tim Cunningham N8DEU Old Business: None New Business: Jack W5WQQ asked that the minutes of the last meeting be presented. Craig KD4IYD informed him that they had been printed in the last the VOX that had just been published. The motion to accept the minutes was approved and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Bob K4RHB presented the treasure report for the month of January 2016. The club's checking ac-count starting balance was $5,973.71. The total expenses for the month were $64.41. The total income for the month was $1264.61. The end balance for the month was $7,173.91. The motion to accept the treasure's report was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Program:

Meeting Minutes—by Craig Reihhart KD4IYD

The program was entitled Ham Radio Deluxe 6.3-- Making Magic in your Ham Shack presented by Tim Browning B3NPH and Katie Allen WL7YL. This was a program done via the Internet. After the initial technical glitches it proved to be an informative and interactive program on HRD 6.3 and what it can do to enhance our amateur radio experience. ------------------------------------------- HARC Board Meeting February 12, 2016 Todd N7KDT called the meeting to order at the 7:20 p.m. Those present were: Bob K4RHB, Craig KD4IYD, Jack W5WQQ, and John KM4HBM. The purpose of today's meeting was to make decisions on how best to introduce to the member-ship the proposed change to the new constitution and when and how the vote would be taken. Below are the results of todays meeting: We would introduce the proposed change to the new constitution by making an announcement at tonight's meeting, and next week print the change in its entirety on the HARC website so that the members can read and think about the proposed change. The vote was unanimous among the board members present. The vote would take place on March 18, 2016. This is four weeks from when the proposed change to the new constitution is released to the membership. The vote was unanimous among the board members present. The vote on the proposed change to the new constitution would be an all or nothing vote and would be a show of hands vote. The vote was unanimous among the board members present. There was a great deal of discussion on each one of the above. The board meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. ----------------------------------------- February 12, 2016 Announcements: Todd K7KDT called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. He then welcomed all members and visitors. He asked the members to introduce themselves by name and call sign. There were 32 members and 1 visitor present. Todd K7KDT proclaimed that he was proud of the teachers and students, who finished the CW class. He felt that it was a worthwhile endeavor to offer a CW class to improve and in some in-stances introduce CW to the club membership. He hoped that in the future we could offer more

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Meeting Minutes— continued

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of such classes to improve and enhance our operating skills. Tim N8DEU gave a report on the upcoming radio contact with the space station where students will be able to address questions to the astronauts. This will take place in the first week of May at Walter Jackson Elementary School in Decatur, Alabama. He said he was still looking for help to operate the station in case he was not able to make it back from being out-of-town for his job. He emphasized that everything was pretty much ready to go but would still have to train the vol-unteers. Todd K7KDT announced that we were looking for volunteers to serve on the election committee during the month of April to identify people who would be willing to run for club office. The qualifications to serve on this committee are that you do not wish to run for office, and you can-not be a board member. The Election takes place the first week in May. Todd K7KDT stated that we are looking for a volunteer to fill the position of Field Day Chairman. There would be more discussion about this next week. Todd K7KDT announced that the board wished to introduce a proposed change to the Constitu-tion. The proposed change will be published next week on the HARC website. The club members vote will take place on March 18, 2016. This will give the members time to read and reflect on the proposed change, so that they may make an informed decision. Old Business: None New Business: Todd K7KDT announced that the club had one new applicant for membership. He is: Paul Batiz KM4QCT. The club approved his membership unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. -------------------------------------- February 26, 2016 Announcements: Todd N7KDT called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He then welcomed all members and visitors. He asked the members to introduce themselves by name and call sign. There were approximately 40 members present. Todd N7KDT announced that there would be a Ham Fest in Dalton Georgia this weekend. Todd N7KDT mentioned that the Birmingham Ham Fest would take place next weekend. Friday,

Meeting Minutes—continued

March 4 and Saturday, March 5. Todd N7KDT announced that amateur radio testing in Huntsville has been moved to from the first Saturday in March to the second Saturday in March. That date will be March 12, 2016 starting at 9:00 a.m. Todd N7KDT divulged that a hat that was left at a meeting several weeks ago is still looking for its owner. If you are missing your hat please see Todd. Steve KM4CJ announced that a Storm Spotter Class will take place at the Davidson Center on Tuesday March 8, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Old Business: Todd N7KDT proclaimed that we now have a complete election committee. They are the follow-ing: Dick W1TV, Leigh WA4CPF, and Tom KG4CUY. Todd N7KDT announced that Mark N4BCD will be our Field Day Chairman. New Business: Todd N7KDT stated that the proposed change to the Constitution with the latest changes mostly in spelling and punctuation would be posted on the website on Monday. Then the membership can look it over and offer changes by e-mailing to Bill KD8IGK who will then pass them on to the board so that they may be discussed and voted on appropriate changes to be made. Then the new pro-posed change to the constitution will be posted on a website. This gives the club members time to read and reflect on the proposed change. The club members will then vote on the proposed change on March 18, 2016. It will be a yes or no vote. Tom K4AKC voiced concern that in the past that there had been large purchases made by the president and board members that we're not put up for a membership vote and he hoped that this was being addressed in the new constitution. Todd N7KDT and others assured him that this was and had been addressed in the new constitution and we were trying to put in place penalties for such actions, so they would not take place in the future. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Program: The program for tonight was Amateur Radio Go Kits presented by Steve KM4CJ and Wayne K4TTZ. This was an informative talk on what should be included in a Go Kit. It was complete with exam-ples of various members Go Kit's. It also included information on some ways to power your Go Kit.

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Meeting Minutes—continued

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ARES / RACES Meeting Minutes—by Steve KM4CJ

Madison County, Alabama ARES Monthly Meeting Minutes February 11, 2016 The meeting was conducted in the Huntsville-Madison County EMA’s EOC. The sign-in log indicates 18 in attendance. Business meeting started at 18:00 central time. Tim, KK5H, opened the meeting by welcom-ing everybody. Steve, KM4CJ, summarized the minutes of the last meeting and gave a treasury report of $521. Announcements: • Tim announced that next month’s ARES/RACES meeting will be the SKYWARN training on March 8th form 6-8pm at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. • April ARES/RACES meeting will be a special program to commemorate the “5th Anniversary of the April 7th Tornadoes”. • EMA - Scott - W4SSW announced that the digital conversion of the Madison County outside Warning Sirens is complete. • VOAD – Coe - N4COE – The next meeting will be the 3rd Tuesday, 11:00am at the EMA. • CERT – Tom – KI4VFV - The CERT webpage has moved to www.madisoncountycert.org. Program: • Scott -W4SSW - from the EMA presented an overview of the EMA. • Tom -KI4VFV- gave an overview of the Served Agencies • Tom -KI4VFV- gave an overview of stream monitoring Meeting Adjourned at 19:05 Respectfully Submitted, Steve – KM4CJ Madison County AEC

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Treasurer's Report

The Huntsville Amateur Radio Club

Checking Account by Bob Burns, K4RHB

Monday, February 29, 2016

Checking Starting Balance:

$ 7,173.91

EXPENSES PAID FROM CHECKING

Category Description Amount

Office Expenses QuickBooks Premiere 2016 for Non-Profit $ 50.00

Office Expenses QuickBooks Made Easy $ 109.00

Total Expenses $ 159.00

INCOME DEPOSITED INTO CHECKING


Dues Membership Dues $ 161.16

Reimbursement Icom Reimbursement for food at Icom Presentation $ 75.25

Dividends Dividend Income $ 0.87

Total Income $ 237.28

RECONCILIATION

Starting Balance $ 7,173.91

Checking Total Expenses $ 159.00

Checking Total Income $ 237.28

Checking Ending Balance $ 7,252.19

The Huntsville Amateur Radio Club® is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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Treasurer's Report

The Huntsville Amateur Radio Club

Savings Account

by Bob Burns, K4RHB

Monday, February 29, 2016

Savings Starting Balance:

$ 100.32

WITHDRAWALS FROM SAVINGS


Total Expenses $ -

SAVINGS DEPOSITS


Total Income $ -

RECONCILIATION

Savings Starting Balance $ 100.32

Savings Withdrawals $ -

Savings Deposits $ -

Savings Ending Balance $ 100.32

TOTAL MONETARY ASSETS $ 7,352.51

The Huntsville Amateur Radio Club® is a 501(c)(3) corporation.

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Tom KG4CUY, Craig NM4T, and Jim N4KH are looking for the CW speed adjustment on the radio. Photo taken during the CW class 05 Feb 2016 by Tom K4AKC

From your President - HARC Home · March—2016 VOX VOX Spring is here and this is my favorite time...

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