hollandarc.org

Welcome to The Holland Amateur Radio Club K8DAA

Welcome to the Holland Amateur Radio Club!

Officers for 2008

Pres-Chuck W8GCW
president@hollandarc.org
VP-Erine W8EL
vp@hollandarc.org
Sec.-Chris KC8RQT
secretary@hollandarc.org
Treas-Phil K8PVH
treasurer@hollandarc.org

Mailing Address
Holland Amateur Radio Club
P.O Box 2104
Holland, MI 49422-2104

Meeting Address
Technical and Training Center
280 East 8th Street
Holland, MI 49424

** HARC 2007 Ham of the Year is John KC8QDE**

We meet the second Tuesday every month, 7:15pm, at our Training and Technology Center Location: 280 East 8th Street. See HARC Calendar for next meeting date.

Minutes - February 12th 2008

Minutes for the Holland Amateur Radio Club business meeting for
February 12th 2008 at 7:15 PM.

* The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM. 11 people filled in the
sign-in
sheet.

* Phil K8PVH gave the treasurer’s report : the main account had a
balance of $3024.93 and the swap account had a balance of $2847.00

* Ernie, W8EL brought up the fact that we need to hold a meeting of
the committee to work on the by laws. everyone tried to remember who
was on the committee.
Ernie will try to get a meeting setup for the by laws.

* Joe N8FQ informed the club that he has a buyer (Jim Miller ) for the
clubs old Ten Tec rig for $200.00. The club approved the sale of the
radio for $200.00 in a meeting some time ago. The club gave Joe the
okay to tell Jim Miller he may buy the radio for $200.00.

* Chuck W8GCW updated us on the proposed traffic circle project. He
said that he was told that we should be good until sometime in 2010.
He also said we should keep our eyes open for a new place.

* Chuck W8GCW read an Email from Brad ZS5D from South Africa about the
IRLP node being down most of the time. Laryn K8TVZ said that Echo link
has some type of IP address problems and that he would talk to John
KC8QED and work with him on it. John is a truck driver and is out of
town a lot and Laryn needs to talk to John to better understand the
Echo Link problem and the setup of the system.

* Phil K8PVH told the club that the 2008 field day package is on the
ARRL site and the he downloaded a copy and is reviewing it.

*Chuck W8GCE talked about the Clubs hamfest for 2008. We do not have a
date set yet, one possibility would be to team up with the Kalamazoo
club and have it on Saturday (the day before Kalamazoo has there
hamfest). The Kalamazoo club is talking it over the there members.
That would give us less time this year as it would be on Oct 12th. If
we do this we would be able to attract more vendors. A win win for all
of us. We are looking for a co chair for the hamefest to work with Ken
ZR5AAD. Hank KA8COB is going to be on the committee as well. Thanks
Hank and Ken.

*50/50 drawing. The jackpot of $9.00 was won by Steve N8UJD and
second place prize (Am/FM Weather radio) was won by Laryn K8TVZ.

*Ernie W8EL did not do his program on Antenna software because of the
bad weather and low turn out for the meeting. Ernie will tell us all
about antennas at the next club meeting.

* The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

Chris KC8RQT

Minutes - January 8, 2008

The next Holland Amateur Radio Club business meeting is on February 12 at 7:15 PM.

Minutes of the January 8, 2008 meeting:
* The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM. 14 people filled in the sign-in sheet.
* The minutes of the December 11, 2007 meeting were approved.
* Dave, WA8RSA gave the treasurer’s report on behalf of Jim, KC8KE: the main account had a balance of $2646.88, and the swap account had a balance of $2847.00.
* Tim Leech discussed a service option that could lower the club’s gas bill. It was proposed that the club switch to this service. The matter was tabled for next month’s meeting.
* Ernie, W8EL brought up the fact that several businesses surrounding the clubhouse have closed as the proposed traffic circle project makes headway, and suggested that the club begin actively searching for a new clubhouse.
* Dave, WA8RSA is continuing to investigate phone and Internet service options for the repeater, but is having difficulty contacting the phone company.
* Ken, ZR5AAD reported that the IRLP node is continuing to have reliability issues. Dave Cameron, VE7LTD has run tests on the node and notes high latency, and IP address changes outside the usable range defined in the node’s configuration as contributing factors to the problem.
* Ed, KF8EV reported that 10 people had signed up for the upcoming Tech/General class.
* Ernie, W8EL reported that no progress had yet been made in the bylaw rewrite process, and asked for additional volunteers to work on it.
* It was announced that John, KC8QDE was the winner of the 2007 Ham of the Year award.
* Elections for the 2008 HARC Board of Directors, tabled last month due to low attendance, were held. Citing concerns over unacceptable delays, it was decided to waive the quorum requirement and elect officers from among those in attendance.
* Ernie, W8EL suggested ways of promoting the club, citing a recent online discussion that retirees, not children, were the most viable target audience for such promotion.
* Joe, N8FQ showed a video documenting the process of homebrewing vacuum tubes. Ernie, W8EL provided translations of the French subtitles.
* The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.

-Joe, N8FQ

__._,_.___

Minutes - December 11, 2007

December 11, 2007 meeting minutes:
* The meeting was called to order at 7:16 PM. 14 people filled in the sign-in sheet.
* There was a call for minutes of the November meeting, but since there was no actual business, no report was given. It was approved anyway.
* Ernie, W8EL observed that no progress was being made by the Bylaw committee, and volunteered to chair a new committee. Todd, KD8FUD also volunteered.
* Joe, N8FQ noted that the IRLP node was down again. Dave, WA8RSA stated he would investigate.
* It was suggested that the club renegotiate its contract with the phone company for the line used by the repeaters at Holland Hospital. Dave, WA8RSA promised to do so.
* Sue, KC8RQS gave the treasurer’s report on behalf of Jim, KC8KE: the main account had a balance of $3097.31, after a transfer of $1298.10 from the swap account. $2500 was left in the swap account for next year’s use. There was discussion of the possibility of putting that money in an interest-bearing account, but the club decided against this, citing accessibility issues.
* Chuck, W8GCW mentioned that a friend of his can sell natural gas to the club at a discount. He will be at the January meeting to answer questions about this.
* Chuck, W8GCW proposed that the club establish a collection bin for used batteries to be recycled by Batteries Plus. He will ask them about such an arrangement.
* Elections for the HARC Board of Directors were scheduled for this meeting, but they were postponed until January due to lack of a quorum at this meeting. Several ex parte nominations were proposed.
* The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.

Agenda for January 8, 2008 meeting:
* Introductions
* General announcements
* Call for approval of, or corrections to, December 11 meeting minutes
* Treasurer’s report: KC8KE
* Discussion of gas service: W8GCW and guest
* Repeater site phone service: WA8RSA
* Education committee: KF8EV
* Bylaw committee: W8EL
* Battery collection: W8GCW
* Any other old business
* New business
* Elections for 2008 BOD
* Break, 50/50
* Video presentation by Chuck, W8GCW

-Joe, N8FQ
HARC secretary

Announcing Ham Winter Class - January 2008

Details are coming together for another Tech/General Ham Radio Class. Joe, N8FQ has accepted the lead instructor position. We are looking for someone to give him some assistance in presenting the material. If you are interested in getting involved, please let me or Joe Know.

Spread the word to friends, relatives and current HAMS that they can get on the air or upgrade easily by taking this class.

WHEN: January 15 for about 10 weeks (a Monday)
TIME: 7:15 pm. until about 9:15 pm.
WHERE: HARC tech/training center 280 E. 8th St.
COST:$20 fee plus $20 for a book if you want one.
CONTACT: Ed, KF8EV to reserve a seat
616-772-4811
eheyboer@sbcglobal.net

** Learn the Code **
A beginner class to learn the Code will be available if we can get enough interest in a class.
Otherwise we will continue our Code Practice time on Monday nights. We are up to 13 WPM at present.

Contact Chuck, W8GCW
president@hollandarc.org

Minutes - November 2007

The club has a new toy! Early this week, a new (to us) Icom 736 HF radio was installed in the radio room. Though it was upstaged at the mini-swap by Tom K8TB’s new Elecraft K3, the rig was tested out last Tuesday with excellent results. The desk mic and CW paddle are now connected to this new radio, as is the 6 meter beam antenna. For those who like to work CW, this radio has a much better speed control than the 735. It is likely that the 736 will become our main voice and CW radio, with the 735 being used mostly for digital work.

The following work needs to be done to put the finishing touches on everything:
* The rotor control box needs to be moved over to the other side of the room
* The coax for the 6 meter antenna needs to be re-routed (we will have to cut the PL-259 off and put a new one on)
* An interface for the linear amplifier needs to be wired up
* We need a 1/4″ STEREO plug for our straight key to use it with either of the HF rigs

If anyone wants a nice, older HF radio to play with, our Ten-Tec Triton IV Digital is still available, asking price $200. It is all solid-state, and although it has a mechanical VFO, there is a digital frequency readout. Last I checked, it is sitting under the table in the library. Talk to WD8BWK or KC8KE if you’re interested.

Net control schedule:

* Nov 05: KF8EV
* Nov 12: N8FQ
* Nov 19: KB8QAP
* Nov 26: N8KAL
* Dec 02: K8PVH

Minutes of the October 9, 2007 meeting:

* The meeting was called to order at 7:18 PM. 22 people filled in the sign-in sheet.
* Ernie, W8EL mentioned the upcoming Alzheimers walk and asked for volunteers to cover the event, stating that this activity would be done in the name of the Holland ARC, rather than OCEC. He said that 5 volunteers would be needed.
* The minutes of the September 11, 2007 meeting were approved.
* Jim, KC8KE and Sue, KC8RQS, gave the treasury report: the main account had a balance of $2460.53, and the swap account had a balance of $2437.96.
* Ed, KF8EV reported that 8 people were participating in the Extra license class, with one more possible.
* John, WD8BWK said that there were 48 tables left for the swap, and asked for volunteers to help out during the event.
* Chuck, W8GCW mentioned several possible venues for the upcoming banquet. The club settled on the MNM Mongolian Buffet. The price was set at $11 per seat, which would include tax, tip and entertainment.
* It was reported that the club was given an Icom IC-736 HF rig in need of repair. A motion was passed to have the radio repaired. The club’s Ten-Tec HF rig will be offered for sale to offset the expense of doing so.
* A break began at 7:50 PM, during which 50/50 tickets were sold.
* The 50/50 drawing began at 8:10 PM. The $8 jackpot was won by Sue, KC8RQS. Sealed lead acid batteries were won by John, WD8BWK, Kim, N8KAL and Jim, KC8KE.
* Rich Brand brought up the need for more trained weather spotters in Ottawa county, and stated that he would offer a seminar next spring, in addition to the usual Skywarn training.
* Chuck, W8GCW played a video of a presentation by Joel Harrison, W5ZN, president of the ARRL.
* Jim, KC8KE stated that nominations are being accepted for the Ham of the Year award. Nominations should be sent to kc8ke@arrl.net
* The meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM, and the building was secured at approximately 9:30 PM.

Note that I will not be at the banquet, so someone else is going to need to take down the minutes of whatever transpires there.

Agenda for November 13, 2007 meeting (that is, the banquet):
* Introductions
* General announcements
* Treasurer’s report
* Call for approval of, or corrections to, the minutes of the October 9 meeting
* Final swap report
* Education committee report
* IRLP/EchoLink status
* Any other old business
* New business
* Adjournment of business and commencement of eating and entertainment

-Joe, N8FQ

__._,_.___

Minutes - September 11 2007

Minutes from September 11 meeting:
* The meeting was called to order at 7:21 PM, and introductions were made.
* 35 people filled in the sign-in sheet.
* John, KC8QDE reported that the swap will be held on October 20 at West Ottawa High School, and asked for volunteers to help with security and work details. About 5 people will be needed for each shift, expected to last 1 hour each. Volunteers will get free tickets.
* John, WD8BWK mentioned that the Kalamazoo swap is 6 days before ours. He stated that he will promote our swap there.
* Sue, KC8RQS reported that Chicago Surplus and DC Ace Electronics have signed up for the swap, and that EAE Sales will not be able to attend this year.
* Dan, N8PPQ reported that the Zeeland High School amateur radio club was promoted during 9th grade orientation. Many students appeared interested but few joined the club.
* It was reported that a sale would be held on September 15 at 9:30 AM at 29th and College. Tools, crafts, guns and some ham radio gear was to be offered for sale.
* Ed, KF8EV said that the Extra class would begin on September 24, and be held each Monday night at 7:15 PM for 11 weeks, with a testing session on the 12th week. Chuck, W8GCW stated he would be holding a CW class at the same time.
* It was moved that the minutes for the August 14 meeting be approved. The motion was seconded and passed.
* Jim, KC8KE gave the treasurer’s report: the main account had a balance of $2681.91.
* Sue, KC8RQS reported that the swap account had a balance of $2218.96.
* Don, KD8DAG turned in a DVD containing the work of the rewrite committee.
* Charlie, N8QEM reported that he had brought in a new refrigerator for the club, and turned in a receipt for it.
* Chuck, W8GCW stated that he intended to produce a program to be aired on Mac TV, which would show off the shacks of various club members, and document various club activities. He said that it would cost $25 to do so; the club approved this expenditure.
* Chris, KC8RQT mentioned the club’s need for extension cords, not only for the swap, but for Field Day and other events throughout the year. The swap committee will buy some.
* Chuck, W8GCW suggested that an inventory of the club’s equipment be done. Joe, N8FQ reminded the club of the “stuff wiki” at http://www.electroblog.com/harc/stuffwiki.php
* Chuck, W8GCW brought up the yearly club banquet, to take the place of the November meeting. It was decided that we would have one this year, but the venue was not settled upon.
* Tom, K8TB proposed that a fox hunt be held sometime during the month, however there was no interest from the club.
* John, KC8QDE stated that he would work on the club’s IRLP machine after finishing a video project. The computer appears to have hardware issues. The possibility came up of replacing the plain IRLP setup with EchoIRLP.
* A break was held at 7:56 PM, and 50/50 tickets were sold.
* The 50/50 drawing was held at 8:14 PM. The $17.50 jackpot was won by Larry, KA8TEY. Sealed lead-acid batteries were won by Joe, N8FQ, Chris, KC8RQT, and Charlie, N8QEM. 4 more batteries were left for next month’s drawing.
* Doc, KD8BGQ gave a presentation on Red Cross Response Technology Teams.
* The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 PM, and the building was secured at approximately 9:50 PM.

So there’s that.
-Joe, N8FQ

Minutes - August 14 2007

Minutes for the August 14 meeting:

* The meeting was called to order 7:17 PM. A record-breaking (for my term anyway) 34 people filled in the sign-in sheet.

* It was moved that the minutes of the July 10 meeting be approved. The motion was seconded and passed.

* Jim, KC8KE gave the treasurer’s report: the balance of the main account was $2799.39, with a $18 check outstanding, and the hamfest account had a balance of $2160.96.

* Joe, N8FQ gave the correspondence report: the club received a sew-on Skywarn emblem, and a thank-you card from Dave WA8RSA for the flowers sent the previous month.

* Dan, N8PPQ announced that a room at the Zeeland High School had been dedicated for the amateur radio club there, and a 160 meter loop antenna had been erected.

* Joe, N8FQ again plead for volunteers to be net control for the Monday night net.

* Tom, KB8VEE promoted “Radio Expo 2007″, a mini-swap being carried out at Tool Max in Norton Shores on the 18th and handed out flyers.

* Don, KB8ODB promoted the WestMichiganHams mail reflector.

* Ken, ZR5AAD announced that there would be a fly-in at Park Township Airport on the 18th.

* The education committee report was given by Ernie, W8EL, Chuck, W8GCW and a few others: an Extra class will be held this fall, 8 people have already signed up, volunteers are needed to serve as instructors. The possibility of swapping the present schedule, instead putting the Extra class in the Winter season and the Tech/General class in the Fall, was discussed but it was ultimately decided not to make any change until next year at the earliest.

* Kim, N8KAL gave a report from the swap committee: the club is looking for door prizes. Table sales have been slow as of late but are expected to pick up as the swap approaches.

* A report was given on behalf of the Rewrite committee, stating that a post would be made to the reflector within 10 days.

* Chuck, W8GCW offered 3 videos to be shown as the evening’s entertainment. The club voted on them, and it was decided that the video about HF digital modes would be shown.

* The break began at 7:45 PM, and Jim, KC8KE sold 50/50 tickets.

* The 50/50 drawing began at 8:03 PM. The $13 jackpot was won by Mich, W8DER; Yaesu hats were won by Charlie, N8QEM, Kim, N8KAL, Chuck, W8GCW (who declined the prize), Mich W8DER (who also declined it), and Jim KB8IDQ.

* Chuck, W8GCW played the video on digital modes that had been chosen by the club before the break.

* The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50 PM, and the building was secured at approximately 9:30 PM.

Minutes - June 2007

* The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM. 29 people signed the sign-in sheet.

* It was moved that the minutes of the May 8 meeting be approved. This motion was seconded and passed.

* Joe, N8FQ gave the correspondence report: a thank-you letter was sent to Rich LeBlanc for his $50 contribution to the club for our participation at Kinderplaats.

* Steve, N8UJD brought the club’s banner back to the clubhouse, it had briefly gone missing after it was used at Tulip Time.

* Phil, K8PVH went over the plans for Field Day, giving lists of band captains, stations, newspapers that press releases had been sent to, activities for bonus points, and people responsible for various other duties. The transmitters will be in the same locations as last year except for the GOTA station, which will be moved out by the baseball diamond.

* Ed, KF8EV said that another Extra class is planned for this fall, and asked people to spread the word about it.

* Jim, KC8KE gave the treasurer’s report: the main account balance was $3340.14.

* Dave, WD8PUO brought up gas and food expenses for Field Day. Jim, KC8KE allocated $150 for food and $100 for gas.

* The idea of adopting a highway, brought up last month, was killed.

* Jim, KC8KE announced that exams were held the previous night at Allendale High School; out of 8 candidates, 6 passed.

* Tom, K8TB brought up plans for a fox hunt. It is currently scheduled for June 26, participants will meet at the clubhouse at 6:30 PM and the event begins at 7 PM. There will be two award categories; first one to find the fox, and minimum mileage. Detailed rules will be posted on the mailing list at a later date.

* Plans for lighthouse operations were discussed. Tom, K8TB suggested operating from mobile stations in the park rather than the lighthouse proper, as this would solve many logistical issues.

* A break was held at 7:38 PM, during which 50/50 tickets were sold by Jim, KC8KE

* The break ended at 7:50 PM, and the winning 50/50 tickets were drawn. Most of the prizes were won by Tom, K8TB and Laryn, K8TVZ.

* Brian, KD8ANU described the food that will be provided for Field Day.

* Sue, KC8RQS reported on the financial status of the swap: $250 had been sent to Taylor Rental, leaving a balance of $2153.16 in the swap account. The school will provide 100 tables, reducing the number we need to rent.

* A brief discussion on antennas was given by Ernie, W8EL with some comments from a few others.

* The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM, and the building was secured at approximately 9:15 PM.

Inform me of any errors or omissions.
-Joe, N8FQ

Mintues - April 2007

* Prior to the beginning of the meeting, Jim, KC8KE handed out laminated membership cards to all current members.

* Meeting began at 7:15 PM with introductions being made around the room. 27 people filled in the sign-in sheet.

* Larry, K8GMO announced that he had brought four pizzas to the meeting.

* A motion was made by Steve, N8UJD to accept the minutes of the March 2007 meeting. The motion was seconded and passed.

* Joe, N8FQ presented the month’s correspondence: a flyer and letter announcing the upcoming Cadillac hamfest. It was mentioned that the date of the hamfest conflicts with Kinderplaats.

* Jim, KC8KE gave the treasurer’s report: After paying all of the bills for March, the main account had a balance of $5813.10, and the swap account remains at $129.54.

* Steve, N8UJD reported on the status of Tulip Time preparations. All spots have been filled for the Thursday and Friday parades, eleven volunteers are still needed for Saturday.

* Dave, WA8RSA asked that the business meeting be put on hold for Skip, K8RRA’s presentation on the Linux operating system.

* The presentation ended at 8:25 PM, and a 15 minute break was held during which the club ate Larry’s pizzas and Jim, KC8KE sold 50/50 tickets.

* The 50/50 drawing was held at 8:40 PM. The $10 jackpot was won by Rick, N8GGO, a tape measurer/audio recorder was won by Jim, KB8IDQ, a Haworth booklet was won by Ike K8EMU, and a set of laminated signs was won by Jim, KC8KE.

* Jim, KC8KE offered for sale a Radio Shack HTX202 2 meter HT.

* Phil, K8PVH requested volunteers for Field Day band captains.

* Chuck, W8GCW read a list of equipment and volunteer services needed for Kinderplaats. A sign-up sheet for volunteers was passed around.

* John, KC8QDE gave the swap report: a new vendor from Gaylord will be taking the place of ComDac, it may be possible to get extension cords from Big Dutchman again, and it was requested that the swap account checkbook be given to Sue, KC8RQS.

* Rick, N8GGO, acting on behalf of the Volunteer Emergency Services Association, gave a $50 check to the club for use of the repeaters.

* Larry, KA8TEY thanked those who had bought street number signs from him and his wife, and reminded us that $3 from each purchase will be contributed to the club.

* Chuck, W8GCW suggested ways to give the club a friendlier image, including name tag stickers and greeting visitors at the door.

* Charlie, N8QEM stated that there is a mess of sticks in the clubhouse yard that needs to be cleaned up by Tulip Time, since the city yard waste collection occurred as scheduled despite the snow cover.

* Ernie, W8EL asked about having the clubhouse open for visitors during Tulip Time.

* Chuck, W8GCW reported that the Holland Baptist Church wants to offer free water and religious tracts on the clubhouse’s front lawn during Tulip Time.

* The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 PM, and the building was secured at approximately 9:45 PM.

Like always, report any errors or omissions (I’m sure there are a few of both) to me.

-Joe, N8FQ