Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs Club

Regular Meeting

June 11, 2009

The meeting began at 1829 hours local time, president Mike Carey-KD7GHZ presiding.

New hams were welcomed and congratulated for their accomplishment of successful VE exam completion.

The club board members introduced themselves, followed by introductions by individual members.

VE test session results: Mary, AA7RT reported that there were a total of 5 candidates at the evening’s test session. Four of those candidates successfully passed the technician class exam. One candidate successfully passed the general class exam.

Mike followed with announcements including:

  1. The upcoming ARRL Field Day-2009 at Valleyford County Park on June 27 & 28. A field day sign up sheet was circulated for those planning on attending. The club has donated $50.00 for field day barbeque expenses.
  2. Fox hunts: Fox (transmitter) hunts will be discussed as a potential future club activity.
  3. An antenna building project meeting (Buddipole antenna) will be held on August 8 at Fire Station 94.
  4. Spokane Hamfest 2009 on September 26.
  5. Club Christmas party in December

Mike encouraged the group to visit the club web site at www.vhfclub.org to view the calendar of events.

Mike made handouts available to those who are interested in building the Buddipole antenna. He noted the importance of each one who attends the meeting to bring all the necessary materials, parts and tools for the project.

Mike reminded the club of the Wednesday night nets held at 1930 hours on 146.880 mHz., PL tone of 123.0, -600 khz offset.

Presentation: Mike delivered the evening’s presentation: Emergency Power. This presentation included details on various power sources such as battery types, solar cells, and generators. Figuring anticipated power consumption, recharging capability, and weight of batteries, etc. were discussed as important considerations. Standard power connection devices were discussed such as Anderson Power Pole connectors. Crimp connections vs. soldered connections were discussed. Wire size vs. distance to power source and current draw were discussed as important considerations.

It was moved by Dave-K7DWB that the club hold meetings during the summer in the months of July and August. The motion was seconded by Damian-WA7DGI. The July meeting will therefore be held at Millwood Park on July 9 at 1830. A transmitter hunt is planned for this meeting. Ken-KA7OSM and Jim-WB7BMA volunteered to help Don-WA7BAA in setting up the transmitter locator device.

John announced that the usual meeting place (SCC) for September’s regular meeting may not be available. John-W7JRB will explore alternative meeting sites. This issue will be addressed at the next board meeting.

 50/50 tickets were sold. The drawing was won by K7WET-Ken. Jackpot value: $5.00. Ken graciously donated the jackpot back to the club’s coffee fund.

Jack-K7AZN moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Damian-WA7DGI.

Meeting adjourned at 1948 local time.