Taos Amateur Radio Club Minutes of the Meeting on 4-10-2024

April 10, 2024 OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571

  1. Potluck started at 5:30. Donovan (K2AH) thanked everybody who contributed to the meal.

  2. Sign in. Meeting began at 6:18 pm

  3. Guest and member introductions, 13 members attended. There was one virtual attendee, Zach from Angel Fire (NM5RF). There were no guests.

  4. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes held on 3/13/2024. Motion for approval by Don (K2WQ) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM), vote was unanimous with no objections.

  5. Treasurer's Report. Don (K2WQ) reported our bank balance of $11698.11 with $378 of expenses for the month. He also mentioned that there were small donations from members, Bridgecom, and $250 from a cyber grant. He also indicated that he posts various monthly reports in the club. He also thanked the members for donations and membership. Motion to approve the report made by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Kieth (K5FS), vote was unanimous with no objections.

  6. Brian (NB5R) told us of a recent/ongoing incident. Possibly some technician crossed some wires or inadvertently modified some software at the repeater site. Brian and others are working the problem.

  7. Donovan(K2AH) is still acting president and made the president's remarks:

    a. No updates for new, full time president, we are still searching...

    b. Donovan asked for a show of hands for 2 credit cards to be issued. Donovan and the treasurer will get the cards. The membership agreed with this request. Currently Mike (KF5KGC), the former president had the bank card. Donovan will go to the bank to take care of the account.

  8. New Business:

    a. Twirl Invent Event, Saturday April 13, 12pm – 4pm. Event will be held at Enos Garcia Elementary School. Tim (W5TNM) will be there and David (KJ5DFQ) will be there in an official capacity as STEM teacher. The club’s involvement will be TBD.

    b. NM QSO Party, Saturday April 13, 8am – 8pm. Donovan mentioned that TARC members will be at OPD at around 8:30am. Gary (W5TAO) indicated that he will be at OPD.

    c. David (KJ5DFQ) has an after school STEM session on Wednesdays. Usually, around 3:15 he is operating on the Picuris repeater and lets students participate in QSOs. Various club members (today Zach (W5ZAC)) are listening and are on the other end of the QSOs. David also mentioned that the TARC’s participation at the Middle School Science was well received and appreciated. Each student talked with at least 3 judges. Good Stuff!

    d. Brian and Tim are working on signs for our shacks on SAM and Picuris. The signs have some USFS and other requirements like contact information. Don (K2WQ) is doing research and using his other technical skills to get a TARC “Google Phone” number. A permanent phone number is needed on the signs.

  9. Old Business:

    a. Keith (K5FS) mentioned that he is waiting on word from LANL about our grant. LANL will announce our standing on April 15, 2024.

    b. No update on TARC’s presence on Facebook and Instagram.

    c. ARES Update – no update. However, with the winds starting to blow, it would be great to set up a “Safe Alert”. Brian mentioned that there is a new “Safe Aler” app.

    d. Field Day, June 22-23, Ideas for location: last year “Field Day” was held at Kit Carson Park. ECO Park, Rec Center on Paseo del Canon, OPD, and Kit Carson Park were all mentioned as possible locations. We may have to reach out to Linda M. if a town location in used. Linda is now head of the Parks and Recreation. Parks and Rec are now operated out of the Family and Youth center on Paseo del Canon. Donovan is working on this contact.

  10. Membership Dues: Ed (KF5EIG) said that 28 people have paid so far in 2024. The dues are due in March every year. Best way to determine membership is at year end due to the Paypal “Autopay” feature.

  11. MEGALINK was not discussed.

  12. Net Report: UHF Net occurs every 4th Wednesday @7pm on the Picuris Repeater. HF Net occurs every 4th Friday @8pm on 80M. April Nets have not met yet.

  13. Reminder – Statewide ARES Net – HF 3939, 1st Sunday, 7pm

  14. Business Meeting Close. Motion by Mickey(N5TSV) and seconded by Zach (W5ZAC), was unanimous with no objections. Meeting adjourned at 6:48 pm

Taos Amateur Radio Club Minutes of the Meeting on 3-13-2024

March 13, 2024 OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571

  1. Potluck started at 5:30. Donovan (K2AH) thanked everybody who contributed to the meal.

  2. Sign in. Meeting began at 6:15 pm

  3. Guest and member introductions, 15 members attended. There were no virtual attendees and no guests.

  4. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes held on 2/15/2024. Motion for approval by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Wayne (W5GWR), vote was unanimous with no objections.

  5. Treasurer's Report. Don (K2WQ) reported our bank balance and showed and described several of our reports. These are available on request. He also thanked the members for donations and membership. Motion for approval by Patrick (KJ5DGO) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO), vote was unanimous with no objections.

  6. Mike (KI6KGC) resigned as president. Donovan(K2AH) has become acting president and made the presidents remarks:

    a. Mike resigned due to demands of his new career in the horse and barn business. He will remain a TARC member and TARC wishes him well. We may lean on him for help with the Angel Fire repeater! b. A BOD meeting was held prior to this monthly meeting. We discussed the bylaws and are looking for a new president.

  7. New Business: a. Twirl Invent Event, Saturday April 13, 12pm – 4pm. Event will be held at Enos Garcia Elementary School. It is mostly an indoor event and we are not sure what is expected. We are looking for volunteers

    b. NM QSO Party, Saturday April 13, 8am – 8pm. Donovan mentioned that TARC members will be at OPD. “Shack in the Box” was discussed as possibility for either April 13 event. Still looking for ideas and volunteers. Tim(W5TNM)mentioned we can sign up as club or individuals.

    c. TARC donated/used equipment program ideas: We have some old equipment and Mike(NM5MK) and Tim obtained several additional pieces of equipment from the widow of a “silent key”. Unfortunately, most of the equipment does not have cables or power cords. Scouring the web or attending HAM fests/conventions may help us find cables and power supplies and help us find like-minded people to fix them up. We would like to keep the old Heathkits, however.

  8. Old Business:

    a. Keith (K5FS) informed the club that he is waiting on word from LANL about our grant. LANL will announce our standing on April 15, 2024. b. Keith is also working with David (KJ5DFQ) on participation at the ARRL “Summer Teachers’ Institute”. David is filling out the application. He will need $100 for the application; a motion was made by Keith and seconded by Mike to advance the $100. The vote was unanimous with no objections. Eventually, David will need an advance for airfare.

    c. No update on TARC’s presence on Facebook and Instagram. d. ARES Update – no update. However, with winter ending and the winds starting to blow, it may be good to set up a “Safe Alert”. e. Field Day, June 22-23, Ideas for location: last year “Field Day” was held at Kit Carson Park. ECO Park, Rec Center on Paseo del Canon, OPD, and Kit Carson Park were all mentioned as possible locations.

  9. There was much discussion during the Repeater Report. Don (K2WQ) hits the Red River repeater but has never made a QSO. Mike (KI6KGC) and Zack (KJ5ACC) did make a QSO via the AF repeater to the RR repeater. Mike indicated that the RR repeater and Taos Hospital repeater do not connect. Wayne (W5GWR) mentioned the “TRASH” network. He has had QSOs with Las Cruces and Albuquerque. There was some discussion about antenna height. Tim mentioned that the locks have changed where the “TRASH” network/repeater is located and if people are coming from afar to work on this repeater, they should call first.

  10. Membership Dues: Ed (KF5EIG) said that 17 people have paid so far in 2024. The dues are due in March every year. However, there are members who have automatic Paypal payments throughout the year.

  11. MEGALINK was not discussed.

  12. Net Report: UHF Net occurs every 4 th Wednesday @7pm on the Picuris Repeater. HF Net occurs every 4 th Friday @8pm on 7257khz. March Nets have not met yet.

  13. Reminder – Statewide ARES Net – HF 3939, 1 st Sunday, 7pm

  14. Business Meeting Close. Motion by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK) was unanimous with no objections. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm

Taos Amateur Radio Club Minutes of the Meeting on 2-15-2024

February 15, 2024 OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571

  1. Sign in. Meeting began at 6:10 pm

  2. Guest and member introductions, 15 members & guests attending. There were no virtual attendees.

  3. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes held on 1/10/2024. Motion for approval by Don (K2WQ) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM), vote was unanimous with no objections.

  4. Treasurer's Report. Don (K2WQ) sent out reports prior to the meeting.

  5. Mike (KI6KGC) president's remarks & discussion topics:

a. Tech Fest is Feb 25 in Albuquerque. This is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Ham Radio and is ARRL-sanctioned event. Mike and Tim (W5TNM) have signed up.

b. Mike participated in a 10m contest early in the month and made many contacts on a wide open 10m band.

c. The club has completed its IRS 990 filing and annual ARRL Membership report. Mike indicated that is important to be an ARRL member and TARC club member for ARRL affiliation and liability benefits. Club Dues are due during March.

d. Mike talked at length about Teenage Engineering, an audio/AI company that manufactures “Rabbit R1” an AI appliance. He indicated there must be some ham radio/AI connection that could be exploited. He also indicated that the inventor of the Rabbit R1 is an amateur radio operator.

e. Patrick (KJ5DGO) emailed TARC membership with a problem/observation about grounding. Many members shared suggestions, information, and experiences about this topic. Mike gave a good shout out to all who helped Patrick.

  1. New Business:

a. Standing - New Member(s) Vote for acceptance. This is part of the bylaws. Possibly change to a “Vote Out” type of membership.

b. Keith (K5FS) informed the club that LANL had accepted our grant. LANL will announce our standing on April 15, 2024. Keith has worked very hard on this.

c. David (KJ5DFQ) presented another STEM opportunity for members of TARC. Every Wednesday between 3 and 3:15pm, Keith lets the students listen to the traffic on the Picuris repeater. It was mentioned that he is able to let the kids talk on the radio as long as he follows the ARRL regs. David also mentioned the annual “Invent-Event” at the Enos Garcia school held on April 13, 2024.

d. Inventory / Asset Tags, Don (K2WQ) and Mike (KI6KGC) are working on ways to track and inventory equipment. They bought the asset tags have started this slow process. Assets are located at OPD, SAM, Holy Cross, Picuris and other places.

  1. Old Business a. Darien (NM5DF) has put TARC on Facebook and Instagram. He is now looking for content and followers.
    b. ARES Update – no update. However, with winter ending and the winds starting to blow, it may be good to set up a “Safe Alert”. c. OPD Shack facilities update - no update.

  2. There was much discussion during the Repeater Report. The AF repeater works in AF only. I am not sure of the repeaters in TSV and Red River. The Picuris repeater works fine. They may all work but possibly do not connect with each other. John (W5JHW) talked about TSV repeaters and stuff needed at Holy Cross and to be sure that the old “Phone Patch” hardware works. Holy Cross is a very important asset.

  3. MEGALINK and its monthly meeting were discussed in detail. Some links are not working. Gary (W5TAO) tunes in monthly and is only able to reach Megalink via link at Sandia Peak (Albuquerque).

  4. Net Report: UHF Net occurs every 4th Thursday @7pm on the Picuris Repeater. HF Net occurs every 4th Friday @8pm on 7257khz. February Nets have not met yet.

  5. Business Meeting Close. Motion by Tim (W5TNM) and seconded by Don( K2WQ) was unanimous with no objections. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm

June Meeting Agenda

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes: June 10,2020

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Mike Kittredge, via the Picuris Repeater, “Taos (Picuris Mountain) 147.120+, 67.0”.

Attendees: Mike Kittredge, Glen Romero, Shelia Shortell, Karen Stoldt, Jane Futch, Brian Williams, Tim Henson, Phillip Anseth, JJ Jamison, Dave Johnson, and Greg Medina.

Voted to accept the May 13, 2020 minutes, motion to accept by Tim Henson , second by Brian Williams.

President’s report:

-10M is open now for HF.6M opens this summer for best transmissions. 501c3 non-profit status suspended and then reinstated, with much thanks to Tom Trojinar work sorting this out. Testing is this Saturday. Tim H reports approximately 8 candidates inquired.

Repeater report:

-Brian reported that the San Antonio Mountain (SAM) equipment (antenna and solar panel) are ready and he will be going up the mountain soon to install the equipment. -The Picuris equipment is ready, but will not be installed until The Rocky Mountain Club is also ready to have their hardware installed on Picuris.

Other: -After this weekend’s (6/13) test, the next test is 11/14/2020. -Mike has an antenna for Shelia.

Treasurer’s Report: -Glen Romero stated there is 2,409.45 in the account.

New Business: -Discussion rotating the 4th Wednesday, 7PM net control function so others could gain the experience. Tabled for future discussions. -Tim H announced a member is setting up an HF station and will need antenna tuner.

Motion to adjourn (approximately 18:30) by Brian Williams, second by Shelia Shortell.

Next Meeting: 7/8/2020 6pm Next Net: 6/24/2020, 7pm

May Meeting Agenda

Taos ARC Meeting on the Air

May Meeting on the Air Minutes, May,13 2020

The meeting was called to order on the Picuris Repeater at 6:00 PM by President Mike Kittredge.

Mike checked in 17 operators in the roll call.

Suspended the reading of the minutes from 4/8/2020 meeting.

President’s Report:

Government restrictions are continued, with information the governor requiring masks in public and max 5 people meeting. We probably have to test 2 at a time, with 3 VE’s, likely outdoors.

The club intends to do the testing May 30 for 2, 1 off’s and June 13, ARRL. Tim stated the ARRL material is on the way.

Club noted the Comet CHA-205B antenna working Slovenia just before the meeting. Thanks for sharing Brian. Two club members have this all band HF antenna.

Treasures Report: (Gen) We have $2,539.09 in the bank.

Led to a discussion on PayPal wanting a physical address. John W. suggested using the physical address of the Post Office were the PO Box is located. Mike might have to call PayPal.

New Business:

Repeaters - Brian W. update: The 76 repeater is tuned up and ready to go back up San Antonio Mountain.

Restoring the microwave link to Picuris later this year.

Plan to get up Picuris in a few weeks and add an antenna to tie to Colorado for the “Colorado Connection”.

Waiting on DSTAR and internet, and later XXXX.

ARRL Field Day discussion. We should have a field day. Suggestions were Kit Carson Park, out in the forest, Glen’s picnic area. Some post meeting discussion on outdoor event purpose and the dates of Field Day are 6/27-28.

Shelia has a new/used mobile antenna (thank you Stephen), needs assistance to set it up on her house. Brian W. pointed out it will require a ground plain.

Call to adjourn by Mike.

Motion to adjourn by Brian W., 2nd by Greg M. , unanimous.

Adjourned at 6:34.

Post meeting Philip A. got his Echo Link working, listened in to the meeting

TARC Minutes - March 11, 2020

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes: March 11, 2020

The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM by President Mike Kittredge, at the Taos County EOC, after a great pot luck.


Attendees: Mike Kittredge, Gary Ferguson, Craig Grillio, Glen Romero, Shelia Shortell, Greg Medina, Dan Pritchard, Brian Williams, Tim Henson

Voted to accept the February 12, 2020 minutes with revision to name corrections.


President’s report:

ARRL testing occurred March 7 with five licenses earned, 2 Tech, 2 General, and 1 Extra.

The next test is June 13, 2020 right before the Extra questions change.

Mike led the discussion on the need to have ARRL books to lend to members for license study. The suggestion was to buy 4 books for each license type, each time the questions changed, that way we will have the books for their 4 year life. Also suggested we should start with the new extra questions when they rollout 7/1/2020. Then is subsequent years Tech and General purchases of 4 books each. General agreement, but we did not vote on the discussion.

501c3 Status is we will use the postcard form to file our taxes for the 9 questions on the form and will become an IRS recognized non-profit. Thanks to Tom T for the research on this topic.


Treasurer’s Report:

Glen Romero, we have $2,531.75 in the bank. We paid 2 government bills.


New Business:

Brian Williams gave us an update on future happenings on Picuris and San Antonio (SA) Mountains. Rocky Mountain Radio Club is putting up a D-Star repeater on SA mountain. Digital UHF. There is fiber to SA mountain. TARC would like to piggyback as much as possible.

Brian also indicated there is a broken microwave link from SA to Picuris to be fixed this summer.

Brian continued to discuss the plan to add a DMR repeater on Picuris linked to Colorado and New Mexico. Brian also stated the need for solar backup update on SA.

In general discussion noted repeaters with the call sign NM5ML in the repeater book are linked for the state megalink, when you transmit on “1” you transmit on perhaps “30” repeaters all over the state.

Mike reminded us that the TaosARC Net is on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Tune in to the Picuris repeater “Taos (Picuris Mountain)  147.120+, 67.0 “ and join in.


Craig Grillio made a motion to adjourn at 7:01 PM, 2nd by Shelia Shortell, unanimously approved.


The formal meeting ended and many members continued into a workshop for about 40 minutes with Chirp programming HT’s and Q&A.