Bryan Amateur Radio Club

Meeting called to order by John (K5ZY).  Report of morning VE session notes 100% passing with 2 new Techs, 1 new General, and 1 Extra.  Two new members were welcomed to the group.  Minutes for March meeting were approved unanimously after motion by Jerry (KF5HUY) and second by Phil (N5ZKF).

Dick Zimmer (W5DZ) presented the repaired board for the repeater. The transmitter board will increase up to 30 watts from 20 watts. Bennie (KA5TWB) made motion for club to reimburse Dick (W5DZ) for expenses incurred for repair of repeater. Jerry (KF5HUY) second and motion passsed unanimously.

Camp Hearne event will be held May 19th from 9 to 6. The business meeting for BARC club will be at 9:30. The Theater Room will be available for main set up, but the whole camp is available for use. Special event call sign for the event is W5C. Antenna trailer will be taken to Hearne Friday night it will be working Saturday morning. Sign up for a commitment on radio time is the BARC web page . John (K5ZY) will talk to Bob about using his radios. A pit will be available to prepare food. Each member is to bring their own food.

Field Day will be June 23 and 24 at Veterans Park. Club will provide the drinks and ice. Through discussion.it was decided that there would not be a raffle. Silent auction will be planned. Dick Danes (W5FYR) has agreed to be in charge of Field Day.  Jerry (KF5HUY) made a motion that food to be picked up from C & J’s just as was done last year with tickets being sold for the cost of the meal. Phill second the motion which passed unanimously. W5AC will join in with BARC this year for Field  Day activities.

Announcements were made:

Smithville swap meet is May 5th

Dayton, Oh is May 18-19

Plano is June 8-9; John (K5ZY) will have an inside table.

WINLINK Webinar from ARRL Atlantic is Tuesday April 24 at 8 pm.

Presentations

W5AC reports the problems of antenna is progressing

They are working on IRLP Internet Radio Link Protocal

They have done 2 four hour sessions to help with earning merit badges

Appreciation was expressed to W5AC for use of their repeater while the repeater for BARC has been down

John (K5ZY) showed aerial pictures of Camp Hearne

BARC Handout

Gerald (W5VUI) showed film on Solar flares, sun spots, CME’s and how it can affect communication and technology

Motion was made by Jerry (KF5HUY) and second by Benny (KA5TWB) to adjourn the meeting.

Meeting was called to order by Vice President Gerald Golub, (W5VUI).  A get well card for Lynne Hambric (KC5JNX) and sympathy card for the family of O.L. Pate (K5GIC) were passed around to attendees to sign.

Upcoming Hamfests were announced with John Walpole (K5ZY) to have a table at the Plano Hamfest June 8 & 9th.  Belton is scheduled for April 14th. BARC handout will be developed and available at the John’s (K5ZY) table in Plano.  The handout will be available to give to newly licensed techs and visitors at events and field days.

Technician class/exam will be at the counsel of governements on March 24th.  Rodger Williams will be teaching the class and will need at least 6 VE’s to help with testing about 5:30 that evening.  Ron Hamric (N5SBN) will send out an email with contact information so a list of VE’s that will be available can made.

There was a discussion on the Camp Hearne event which will be May 19th from 9-6.  There will be equipement set up and operators present Friday night before and Sunday morning after, but an operator list will be available for sign up so continuous coverage will be during the published time.  Call sign will be W5C.  Plans to have a QSL card made with aerial view of Camp Hearne as background was discussed.  It was agreed that 2 radios would be needed to run the majority of the time for 9-6 that day.  Another radio and a generator may need to be provided by willing club members.  Frequencies published for the event to include 40, 20, 10.  Gerald (W5VUI) and John (K5ZY) will be looking into having e-certificates available for contacts.  Operator sign up list and specific needs will be finalized with April meeting. Ron Hambric (N5SBN) made a motion which was seconded by Jerry Golub (KF5HUY), for each member to bring their own food and that a pit for cooking would be available.  Club would provide drinks.

Field Day is June 23 and 24, therefore a discussion of potential plans including  operator sign up to be on the web, 2 radios available again this year, silent aucion, door prize and food.  Dick Danes (W5FYR) states Aprial meeting will allow for more finalization of specific plans.      Search for items for door prize will be done  over the next 2 months.  The suggestion for signs directing into the park was made.  If allowed by the City of College Station, these will be made and placed on Harvey road and University near the entrance to Veterans Park. Ron will plan to have a VE session at a set time on Saturday.

VE session will be held 4/21/2012 at 8am prior to the April Meeting.

Pam Golub, (KF5LPT) presented the minutes from the February meeting.  Dick Danes (W5FYR) made a motion to approve the minutes with a second from Mike Wisby ( KA5HIA).

Jennifer Wigginton (WW5JLW) reported that she will be making a deposit this week and a finalized report will be available then of the members list.

Dick Zimmer (W5DZ) presented a program of the history of the BCS repeater and a pictoral tour of the repeater on the top of Kyle Field.

A motion was made by Poncho (W5EWS) to adjourn with a second by Jerry Golub, (KF5HUY)

President John Walpole called the meeting to order.  He announced that he had the briefcase with the hammer from Garland as a pass down to president to president.

John led discussion of the need for an appointed member to be on the business executive committee to meet prior to the monthly meeting to be a representative of the club.  The committee meeting was held Thursday, February 16, 2012.

Report from the business/executive meeting was read by Pam Golub with discussion with John Walpole.  Items of the report included:

1. Changing the business/executive meeting to a time more members may be available.  Monday seems to be a better day for most.
2. By Law committee needs to be appointed and create a draft with corrections to bring to the club at the March meeting.
3. Field Day committees were discussed.  Volunteers will be requested to take responsibility for items for field day.
4. Plan to prepare the meal ourselves instead of catering was made to save money for the club.  Discussion of having hamburgers and hot dogs which would be more convenient for those attending to eat either lunch or dinner.
5. Facility has been secured for the field day event.
6. A sign up list for operators will be started to commit to times available for radio contact.
7. Plan to design and have handout/pamphlet for BARC that will be available for field days, new tech licensees, and for Hamfests.  The complete design will be done by March or April.
8. W5AC and ARIES will be asked to have a representative give a report at the monthly BARC meetings.
9. Discussion to help the Net be more interesting and informative was held.  A roll call was one suggestion.

An open discussion on changing the Net to extend the time was held and discussed with examples of other groups.  The group was hesitant to add a roll call as it would eliminate those not club members to sign in.  Addition suggestion was to make a query of those who signed in for more information or announcements.  No immediate changes will be done at this time.

Ron Hambric volunteered to help with the By laws.

Stephen will put a PDF of the By Laws on the web after changes for all members to review.  Changes will be marked.

John Walpole announced future Hamfests in the area:

1. Orange 2/25
2. Rosenberg 3/3
3. Belton 4/14
4. Plano 6/8&9

John K5ZY has a table inside for the Plano Hamfest if anyone has anything.

Gerald Golub lead a discussion concerning the June Field Day.  The facility has been obtained and he has a receipt from College Station that we have it.  They have waved the rental fee to the club.  Dick Danes agreed to head up the set up for field day.  Discussion for stations for contacts with a consensus to have a 2A station operation as was available last year.  Plan to have an additional station if available that could be used as a GOTA station.  This station could be the third station and would be available to make contest contacts or if any scouts need to make contacts for their merit badge.  There will not be a scout class this year.  One scout has completed his badge, however other scouts may come to take advantage of field day to make contacts.  Supervision by a licensed operator will be needed.  It was noted that there have been control operator lanyards for operators to be noted as a supervising licensed amateur radio operator to oversee use of the radio by a non-licensed person.

Information to make an official change of the licensed trustee with completion of a form with a copy of the minutes to be sent was given.

Don gave a report about using Camp Hearne as a mini Field Day event.  Camp Hearne will let us use it for a weekend with power, secure fence and building in case of rain available.  In order to be published in QST, it will need to be sent in at least 60 days prior to the event.  Phil made motion to move the meeting for May the 19^th to Camp Hearne and coincide with the mini Field Day activities.  Jerry Golub seconded the motion and the motion carried.  Don will see if the club could use the facility for the May meeting with Field Day activities on May 19.  Field day activities will only take place on the Saturday from about 10 to 6 tentatively.  The antenna and trailer condition was discussed with the probability of the need to be repaired, with special attention to tires and wheel.  Dick Danes made the motion for funds to be used to prepare the trailer to make it road worthy and be sure the registration is also taken care of.  Motion was second by John Walpole K5ZY.

Don also gave a report on Garland.  Diane called this week to report that Garland was awake and aware of surroundings and events.  He does not remember passing out and the hospital, but does remember the nursing home and recent events.

Pam Golub presented the minutes from January meeting with a motion to be approved as read.   Dick Danes second and motion carried and minutes were approved as posted/read.

Ron Hambric reported that there will be a VE session prior to the April 21^st meeting at 8 am.  Brazos Council of Government will be having a technician’s class and test session on March 24.  They have an instructor and he will head the testing session, but 9 VE will be needed to help with the testing in the pm.

Discussion was held to send letters or emails to former members or members who have not paid.  Don and Mike reported that the expense of doing mailings have not warranted the response in the past.  A personal invitation may receive more response.  Membership forms are available to take by members to persons who may need reminded for dues and assistance in turning in dues.  Data list of members for present year is not available.  Stephen Golub will compile past lists that can be compared with those who have paid their dues and therefore are current members.  Phil motioned that a list be made from QST of former members and HAMs in the area.  Gerald Golub made the second and the motion carried.

Ron Hambric presented a video of events and activities of HAMs with DIY.  Plano Hamfest was featured in the video.

Ron Hambric and Stephen Golub demonstrated apps for I Phones and Androids that are useful and interesting to HAMs including satellite tracking, GPS, study guides and Echo Link.

Stephen Golub motioned for meeting to be adjourned with Dick Danes seconding it.  Motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

The January 21, 2012 meeting of the Bryan Amateur Radio was called to order by President John Walpole (K5ZY) with a welcome to members and guests to C&J’s BBQ.   Guest, Mr Fry, of Madison  county radio club was recognized.  Guest, Shaun Mulligan, was recognized as having an interest in HAM radio.
Membership forms were passed out with the announcement of time for dues to be paid.  Sign up sheet was passed around for members and guests in attendance.

John Walpole announced a committee would be formed to review and update the Bylaws.

John Walpole moved that Dick Zimmer (W5DZ) be elected and named trustee of the W5BCS repeater.  Bill Rose (K5WTR) made the motion with second from Jerry Golub (KF5HUY).  Motion carried with an unanimous vote.

It was announced there would be a VE session Feb 4, 2012 at 8 am at the College Station Conference Center.

Announced that a group would be portable in the park after the meeting today.  Those interested will meet at Bryan’s Tanglewood park.

Vice president Gerald Golub (W5VUI) discussed Field Day for June 23 & 24.  Motion made by Bill Rose to reserve the Veterans Park Pavilion again this year.  Motion was seconded by Don Ling (WB5CKO) and carried unanimously.  Gerald will make arrangements to reserve the pavilion.  Mike Wisby (KA5HIA) gave information as to where and who to contact to reserve the pavilion without a cost to the club.

Gerald led the discussion for meeting and program suggestions.  Arrangements are being looked at for Hearne POW Camp area.  Discussion that Somerville will not work for the island communication as the water level is too low and safety may be a factor.  Other areas discussed were Bush Library and Battleship Texas.  A program on the clubs repeater by Dick Zimmer was discussed.  Gerald will be looking into and planning these.

Pam Golub, secretary announced a request for club history and events be sent to the email pam@ggolub.com.  A collection of the information will be done to make a permanent data base and scrap book.  Henry Menefee (W5RAS) will be getting some of the information as he was present at the beginning.

Don gave a report on Garland Meredith (K5VY) stating that he is continuing to have more cognitive function and becoming more mobile.  John and he will be moving his radio from the truck to the house so that Garland can listen to the radio activity.

Jennifer Wiginton (WW5JLW), treasurer, will be collecting dues today and at the next club meeting.

Webmaster Stephen Golub (KF5IOH) is working to have the membership form and data base of members to be online for easy access.  It is necessary to have current email address if a club member has not been receiving emails.

John Walpole thanked all of the officers for 2011 for  their work and help.  Mike gave appreciation to everyone who stepped up and worked and gave support in the past.  He also encouraged everyone to step up and continue to support the club.

The next meeting will Feb 18 at the College Station Conference Center.

John Walpole made a motion to adjourn with second from Poncho Smith (W5EWS).  Motion carried and meeting adjourned.

There were 10-12 persons who participated in Portable in the Park at Tanglewood.

The meeting came to order at 9:30 am in room 106 of the College Station Conference Center. There were 20 people present at the meeting. The first order of business was the nomination and election of club officers for 2012. The nominations were as follows:

President:  John Walpole, K5ZY
Vice-President:  Ron Hambric, N5SBN     Gerald Golub,  W5VUI
Secretary: Pam Golub,  KF5LPT
Treasurer: Jennifer Wiginton,  WW5JLW

All present voted on the position of vice-present, and Gerald Golub, Jr W5VUI was elected. All unopposed nominees became club officers.  Ron Hambric, N5SBN, John Painter, W5LQS, and Stephen Golub, KF5IOH, will remain in their current positions as VE Test Coordinator, Public Information Officer, and Web Master.

Paul Schattenberg, KF5JIM (from W5AC),  gave a presentation on an AM voice transceiver kit from Dave Benson’s Small Wonder Labs that he had constructed.  He also pointed out some modifications he made for it to transmit and receive on 7290 MHz (7290 Traffic Net).  Paul also reported on the W5AC tower project.

Ron Hambric, N5SBN, suggested that it would be a good idea for the club to gather information from members in the community as well as news stories and past club records to create a current historical archive before it is lost.  John Painter, W5LQS, also suggested that a club historian position be created at a later meeting and that the club website could be utilized to gather this information and post it.   Ron briefly went  over the club’s role in past community events.  He also mentioned going through archives at the Texas A&M University library to search for events that the club has participated in before.

The meeting adjourned at 10:54 am.  The next club meeting will be at C & J Barbecue in Bryan on January 21, 2012.

11-19-2011
Meeting came to order at 9:30 am in room 105 of the College Station Conference Center.
There were 20 people present.

Club presentation was presented on “eQSL” by Dave Morris, N5UP, the founder and
webmaster of eQSL.cc This informative presentation covered the founding, use, and
capabilities of the “eQSL” system. The program began in 1988 and currently has over
190,000 members worldwide. Approximately fifty new members sign up each day.
Dave Morris is on a cross-country tour, in his private plane…..and stops at local ham clubs
to visit and provide information on the eQSL program.
Thanks to John K5ZY and Phil N5ZKF for their assistance with logistics.

Earlier today, a VE test session was conducted with coordination done by Ron, N5SBN.
Test results included several upgrades….three new General class, one new Extra, and
one Technician class. Thanks to all who assisted.

W5AC provided an update on their recent QSO with the Intl Space Station…..members
contacted the station and have a framed photo of the “contact event.” Congratulations.!

W5DZ recently participated in the nationwide “frequency accuracy contest” conducted by
ARRL. Several test stations transmit for a designated time, and operators use various
methods to accurately measure their frequencies. Dick was “on the frequency” and shared
the methodology and details.

Garland, K5VY is at home and progressing well. He continues to make progress and
members are encouraged to “check in with him.”

Upcoming officer elections status and details…. VP Mike KA5HIA indicated that due to
work commitments, he would not be able to run for an officer position. He relayed that
several members have expressed interest in both the President and VP positions.
Elections will be conducted at the next monthly club meeting, to be held on Dec. 10th
(College Station Conf. Center).

January meeting: members are reminded that the January meeting will be held at C&J
Bar-B-Que in Bryan Tx (Texas Avenue location). More details will be available shortly.
Tentative date is Saturday, Jan 21st.

10-15-2011
Meeting came to order at 9:45 am in room 105 of the College Station Conference Center. There were 7 people present.
(TAMU home football game began at 10:00 am, causing delays.)

Members discussed recent Ham Fest activities held in Belton, Tx and other upcoming events.
Ron Hambric, N5SBN, announced that there would be a VE test session on Nov. 19th, starting at 8 am at the College Station Conference Center.

Phil Gates, N5ZKF, provided an excellent PowerPoint program and overview of the maritime / satellite communications system used by the TAMU Integrated Ocean Drilling Program. This system is used for phone, voice, data, and other communication functions between the research vessel JOIDES Resolution, the TAMU campus and other locations. Currently the vessel is conducting Expedition 366, Mid-Atlantic Microbiology, it left Barbados Sept. 17th and returns to the Azores in mid-November. This mission will explore subsea floor life and install several long-term observatories into the seafloor.

Next club meeting will be held at 9:30 am, on Saturday, Nov. 19th, at the College Station Conference Center.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

Also, as discussed at the meeting: At 3:00 pm Saturday, N5SBN, N5GQB, N5INV, W5FYR, N5ZKF, and KA5HIA met at Tanglewood Park, (located on Carter Creek Dr) and set up HF field operations. Members used two Buddipole antennas, along with an ICOM 7000, Yaesu FT-450 and FT-857, along with battery power, to make contacts on 20, 15, & 10 meters. QSO’s ranged from Japan, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, and other locations. Fun was had by all. 73′s

9-17-11

The meeting came to order at 9:32 am in room 105 of the College Station Conference Center. There were 17 people present.

Ron Hambric, N5SBN, announced that there would be a VE test session on September 24 starting at 8 am at the College Station Conference Center.

Mike Wisby, KA5HIA, gave an overview of the emergency operations in Montgomery, Grimes, and surrounding counties during the recent wildfires in the area. He also briefly discussed the radio communication problems between the counties. In addition, Mike mentioned that the club needed ideas for future activities and programs.

Dick Zimmer, W5DZ, presented a video of episode 13 of Ham Nation which aired on 8-16-11.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 am.

BARC Meeting of 8-20-11

The meeting came to order at 9:32 am in room 105 of the College Station Conference Center.  There were 20 people present at the meeting.

Mike Wisby, KA5HIA, mentioned the status of the club website.

Ron Hambric, N5SBN, gave an update on the Boy Scouts radio badge.  He also announced that there will be a VE test session on September 24 at 8:00 am at the College Station Conference Center.  Ron also suggested that people who passed the Technician exam be given a one year free club membership. 

John Painter, W5LQS, mentioned that upgrade courses could be offered to encourage younger hams to participate.

Philip Gates, N5ZKF, brought up the idea of the club operating at public events.  Club activities centered around public events would gain more exposure to amateur radio.

Dick Zimmer, W5DZ, gave a presentation on ARISSat-1 which was the amateur radio satellite launched from the International Space Station on 8-3-11.  Dick aslo mentioned that he has an HF radio that can be loaned out to a new ham or an interested person.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 am.

July 16, 2011

The meeting came to order at 9:34 am in room 105 of the College Station Conference Center. There were 14 people present.

Ron Hambric, N5SBN, gave an update on Garland Meridith, K5VY. He suggested that the club go to the home where Garland was staying and set up a station.

Ron brought up the possibility of a Fall club activity at the POW camp in Hearne, TX. He also mentioned that that the club could go to a park after a meeting and set up a station.  In addition, he reminded everyone that ideas were needed for presentations at the meetings.

Ron announced that there will be a fire training expo at Read Arena on July 23 and  24.  The Bryan communications trailer will be there, an Ares will have a booth set up.

A presentation was given on the W3AO Field Day operation in 2004 in which W3AO operated as a 50A station.

The meeting adjourned at 10:53 am.