FCARC Meeting Minutes March 11, 2008
Members & Family Present: Members -- 22 Guests -- 2 Total -- 24
Kelly Boswell, KA5MGL
George Carroll, N5GC
Ken Chafin, N5RKC
Robert Crites, N0UVE
David Doty, N5XF
Nate Duncan, W5CND
Calvin Evans, N5ECL
Jim Grinder, N5TSG
Randy Harrington, N5RYG
Gerald Hogue, AE5GH and wife Vivian
Greg Hutchison, KD5WSI
Wayne Johnston, KD4TA -- Vice President
Glenn King, N5GK -- Custodian
Warren Lindgren, KE5TT
Craig Mangrum, N5CTM -- Secretary/Treasurer & wife, Janine
Bill McEntire, KC5ECB
Stewart Nelson, KD5LBE
Frankie Parks, K5FRP -- President
John Webb, WE4BB
Roger Williamson, N5QNA
Kathy Williamson, KB5RMY
Guests:
Diane Loftness
Paul Loftness (New Ham KE5URA -- Past his test after this meeting.)
Called To Order By: Frankie Parks
At: 18:32
Treasury Report: $1308.95
Special Announcement
Craig Mangrum, club secretary/treasurer, will have back surgery at St. Vincent's in Little Rock on May 28th. Emails needing to be forwarded to the club may be delayed a couple of days up to a several days.
Old Business:
Toad Suck Daze Special Event
Frankie Parks, Glenn King, and Nate Duncan worked the Toad Suck Daze special event station on May 3, 2008. Each operator worked from their home stations. Glenn was the only one to make any contacts due to bad band conditions. Glenn said at home point he moved over to 20m and it was wide open. He talked to several guys that were doing some rag chewing and talked with them for a good while.
New Business:
More About Lights
Craig Mangrum took a few minutes to show off a couple of lights he had brought. One was an LED lantern made by Energizer. It runs on 4 D-size batteries and is supposed to work up to about 250 hours. Craig also showed a light that is actually a bicycle tail light. These lights are visible from a half a mile to up to a mile and a half. The idea for this light is that it could work like a beacon for an operator working in a disaster area that could become lost and in need of help themselves.
Gerald Hogue also had a light to show. Most of the lights have focused on being small and light-weight flashlights that were very bright and possible have long battery life. Gerald's light was a huge, rechargeable, 15 million candle watt light that he found at a truck stop. He did point out that for truckers there are times where small lights just won't work.
Lights shown at this month's meeting are in the pictures that follow.
Craig's Lantern
Gerald's Light
Another View of Gerald's Light
Field Day 2008 -- June 28 & 29
Field day is going to be held June 28 & 29. After several ideals had been discussed, Field Day Chairman, Wayne Johnston, moved that this year we hold it at the Faulkner County Courthouse. Craig Mangrum seconded the motion and all members were in favor.
George Carroll asked if the club had a sign or banner that could be hung up identifying the club. The idea was discussed last year and the cost was around about $125. George moved that we get one made for no more than about $150. Gerald Hogue seconded the motion and all were in favor.
Marlene Kessler has volunteered to be one of the Station Captains. The Station Captains are responsible for each station and making sure someone is going to man it. Wayne needs another volunteer or a nomination of someone to draft. If anyone is willing to do it, please call or email Wayne. His information is on the club roster and is also on the club's site.
Several details were discussed about what was needed and who could bring or supply the items needed. There is way too many to try to list. Many other items will be discussed, decided, and finalized at the June meeting. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or items that may make Field Day go a lot smoother, again, please contact Wayne.
Upcoming Events -- Craig
* FIELD DAY JUNE 28 & 29
Thursday Night Net Control & Reminder
There is no net official net control for the month of May. Also, Frankie is in need of net controls for all months. This is really an easy and fun club function. If you are willing to help out, please contact Frankie Parks, K5FRP.
The net meets each Thursday at 7:30 P.M. on 145.210- MHz with a PL Tone of 114.8Hz. Please make note of this and come join in!
The meeting adjourned
Reminder
Don't forget about lunches at Smitty's BBQ in Conway on Fridays at around 11:00 am till we leave.
For more information about the Faulkner County Amateur Radio Club, including news and upcoming events, go to http://www.w5auu.org/
Minutes taken and typed by Craig Mangrum, N5CTM, Secretary/Treasurer