FCARC Meeting Minutes for July 13th, 2004
Members Present: 10 Total Present: 15
Perry Carleton, AE5EE
Ken Chafin, WB0NGN and Andrew Flory, Ken's grandson
David Doty, N5XF
Jim Durham, N5UXX
Jim Grinder, N5TSG and son Jaydon
Gerald Hogue, AE5GH
Glenn King, N5GK - Custodian
Craig Mangrum, KD5UXK - Secretary/Treasurer
Frankie Parks, K5FRP and wife Hannah
Chester Robinson, N5MEF - President
Other Guests Present:
Ken Halsteed, KD5WLH
Don Merry, KC5WMN
The meeting was called to order at 19:05 by President Chester Robinson.
Field Day Report
Field Day - Chester, Frankie, and Perry gave a report on the success and fun of field day. Here is an article that Frankie and Craig submitted to the Log Cabin newspaper. It has the details. No word has been heard as to if and when it will run.
The Faulkner County Amateur Radio Club (FCARC) participated in the annual Field Day event, which was held June 26th - 27th, 2004. In coordination with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), the FCARC set up and operated a 24-hour Field Day station at the ADEM's facilities just south of Conway. The purpose of this event was to help sharpen the skills of amateur radio operators by practicing communication skills in case of any and all emergency situations where back up communications may be necessary. Although this is a practice event, it is also a contest for the operators in which they make as many contacts as possible in 24 hours. Over twenty members of the FCARC took turns operating amateur radios and made contacts with other amateur operators ranging from Hawaii to Alaska, and from Canada to South Texas. Although Field Day is primarily a North American event stretching across the United States and Canada, Amateur Radio (also known as Ham Radio) is a service to the community as well as a hobby to those who enjoy it. Ham Radio's primary goal is to serve as a source of fail-safe communications for the local governments, and to promote international good will during times where emergency communications are not needed.
Ham radio operators participate in many other activities to help the community from weather spotting for the national weather service, to communication relays for bicycle and marathon events. If you would like to learn more about amateur radio, the FCARC meets every Friday at 11:30am for lunch at Smitty's BBQ in Conway. Monthly meetings are held at Smitty's at 6:30pm the second Tuesday of the month. Or you can contact the FCARC at www.w5auu.org or the Amateur Radio Relay League at www.arrl.org.
Glenn King had several items to report on.
Meeting with Conway Regional Medical Center
1. Glenn and Craig had a meeting Tuesday, July 13, 2004 with Conway Regional Medical Center. The hospital is looking to use ham radio as a back up for their current communications. They are looking at putting in a 2 meter radio and new antenna. Glenn mentioned that after the first of the year holding a Power Point technician class and testing for some of their employees.
Creating new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Documentation
2. With the increase of possible partnerships with other emergency officials and agencies, Glenn proposed forming a committee to come up with a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Volunteers for the committee includes Frankie Parks, Jim Grinder, Ken Chafin, and Glenn King. Ken Chafin will be the chairman.
Earthquake Drill
3. On July 25th, there will be an earthquake drill. Here are the details that I got from Mike Nettles.
Anyone can take part in the drill.
Sunday 25th, 2004 at 1:30pm
Each station is asked to complete 4 task if possible.
1. Contact w5auu.
2. Make contact with 2 neighboring states.
3. Make a contact with one station in Central Ar and in each corner of Ar.
4. Write a detailed report and send to KB5WBH, W5ARS and Barbara adams.
Reports to KB5WBH can be sent via email to: Mike_Nettles@centurytel.net
Reports to W5ARS can be sent via email to: tgbusby@hotmail.com
To send a report to Barbara via the NTS or on the Monday night NTS/ TN ARES Net,
7 pm(2400 UTC) on 3980 MHz, LSB.
Please use a radiogram, if possible. ARRL Radiogram
It is to be sent to
Barbara Abrams, KE4BUU
5484 Mason Rd.
Memphis, TN. 38120
901 237-6612
Simulated Emergency Test
4. Coming up October 2, there will be a state Simulated Emergency Test. This year's drill will deal with severe weather. Glenn will have more details in the coming meetings.
Possible joint events with Conway Co. Amateur Radio Club.
Craig Mangrum had a QSO a few weeks ago with the mayor of Morrilton, Stewart Nelson, KD5LBE. Stewart is also a member of the amateur radio club in Morrilton. He mentioned that he would like to develop a relationship between the two clubs and maybe have some joint events in the future. Craig had given Stewart Chester's contact information so the two of them can talk.
A motion to adjourn was made by Ken Chafin and seconded by Jim Durham. Meeting adjourned at 20:10.
Minutes typed by Craig Mangrum, KD5UXK, Secretary/Treasurer