Inland Empire Radio Amateur Club

Regular Meeting, January 14, 2010

Inland Empire VHF Radio Amateurs Club

Regular Meeting

January 14, 2010

* The first regular meeting of 2010 commenced at 1830 hours local time at Spokane Community College, Mike Carey-KD7GHZ presiding. Twenty-five attendees signed the attendance sheet.

* Attendee introductions followed.

* Reminders:

* 1. Club elections coming up in May.

2. Financial records review.

* Announcements:

1. Boy Scout Ham Radio Merit Badge Clinic, June 12, 2010. VHF Club has volunteered to participate in this clinic. Twenty volunteers will be needed from three local clubs. Location of clinic not yet determined.

2. Amateur Radio Field Day June 26-27.

3. “Fox” (transmitter) hunts and direction-finding antenna and attenuator building projects are planned as weather improves.

4. February club meeting presentation (PSK-31).

5. Kit-building projects.

* Packet Radio system update: The north stack has been down due to a TNC failure. Mike provided information about a ham-WA7RF, from Lincoln County, who is very knowledgeable with packet radio.

* John-W7JRB passed two commercial kit projects around for members to review as possible projects for solder practice and kit-building experience. Members may purchase these kits if desired priced between $10.00 and $23.00 with a possible quantity purchase discount.

* Club radio net: Wednesday nights at 1930 hours local on 146.880, 600 kHz offset, 123.0 Hz PL tone. Consider volunteering to be net control station. It’s educational and fun. See club web site at www.vhfclub.org and email net manager K7JJP-Jim for further information or to volunteer.

* The Veterans Administration (VA) has made controversial requests for ham radio operators to use their communications skills on non-amateur radio frequencies. Woody-KE7Y reported that this request had been made to him by his employer, the VA. Discussion as to the legality of this practice followed, and general consensus was that this would not be a legal service for hams to perform. More research and discussion is required in this matter.

* Presentation: W7JRB-John-club trustee, presented a detailed program regarding antenna transmission lines for amateur radio operation. His excellent presentation included balanced and unbalanced types of transmission lines. He listed the advantages, disadvantages, and characteristics of each type. John demonstrated how to measure the length of a piece of coaxial transmission line using an oscilloscope and a signal generator. The advantages and disadvantages of using ladder line were discussed.

* VE test session report: A total of 4 candidates took exams. One person achieved his general class license. Three candidates achieved their technician class license.

* Meeting adjourned at 2017 hours, local time.

Address questions and/or comments to WA7BAA-Don, secretary