Inland Empire Radio Amateur Club
Regular Meeting, September 11, 2008
The monthly regular meeting of the Inland Empire Radio Amateur Club (IERA) convened at Spokane Community College, room 137E at 6:30 PM, Mike Grounds, KE7PG presiding.
Each person in attendance introduced him/herself with name and call sign, and an attendance sheet was distributed for all to sign.
First order of business: Hamfest volunteers. A sign up sheet was passed around requesting persons to volunteer for security posts (12 required) at the hamfest on September 27, 2008.
Jack, AD7FO, reported that the dinner event for the hamfest keynote speaker and guest of honor, Joel Kleinman, N1BKE, (QST Magazine’s managing editor) has been set up to be at The Dockside at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort on Friday, September 26. Jack noted that one or two additional dinner guests are welcome to join the dinner party. Mike, KD7GHZ, stated that he and perhaps his wife would be able to attend.
Technical Report: Clint, N7RWN, reported that the packet node systems are functioning perfectly. Jack, K7AZN, reported 60 Hz. hum is appearing on the IRLP node. Karl, AK20, club technician, reported all repeaters are functioning OK. Karl mentioned that a move of the BBS is planned from its existing location to Doug Cole’s (N7BFS) QTH.
Club Web Site: a few minor changes needed (typo errors) were mentioned. To request web site changes, email Karl, AK20, (ak2orepeater@gmail.com), web master, requesting those changes. Send items to be published to Karl in Microsoft Word or text. A revised membership application has been created by Dave, K7DWB, and submitted to Karl for publication on the website.
Treasurer Report: Dave Baird, K7DWB, treasurer, offered a copy of the financial report to anyone desiring a copy. Overall club treasury balance is approximately $1000.00 below last year’s balance at this time due to non-receipt of members’ dues and ham fest expenses. Contact club treasurer K7DWB for a financial report.
Director Mike, KD7GHZ: Mike reported continued progress with Winlink, noting a very inexpensive sound card is available for use in this application. Contact Mike for additional information regarding Winlink. All club board member contact information is available on the club’s website.
Jack, AD7FO, announced that he is offering a new Extra Class License class. Class will be held on the first three Saturdays in November, all day sessions. Jack also announced he will be setting up the radio test booth at the ham fest for those interested in having their radio equipment tested.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Karl, AK20, made a request to change the club’s name back to its original name of Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs. Discussion followed. Dave Baird suggested simply changing the club’s mission statement. A quick show of hands indicated the membership overwhelmingly desires to have the board revisit the issue for further discussion. This issue will be discussed at the next board meeting in October. As required by club by laws, notification of any proposed changes will be posted on the club web site, and anyone with questions and/or comments may submit these questions and/or comments to any board member. Board members may be contacted by visiting the web site (
www.vhfclub.org) and click on any board member’s name.2. Request for an "Elmer" KE7IYK, Howard, needs an "elmer" to help him with various aspects of amateur radio. See him after the meeting regarding this.
50/50 drawing: Harold, AD7QJ won the 50/50 drawing jackpot of $2.50.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:45 PM.
Minutes submitted by Don, WA7BAA, Secretary