January 10, 2024 OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571 Sign in. Meeting began at 6:10 pm
Guest and member introductions, 14 members & guests attending. There were no virtually attendees.
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes held on 11/8/2023. Motion for approval by Don (K2WQ) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM), vote was unanimous with no objections.
Treasurer's Report. Don reported the current available balance is $10,381.00 after accounting for obligations. Mike (KI6KGC) president's remarks & discussion topics: Mike introduced himself and shared some of his background, availability, and vision for club. Former engineer in the TV industry and has been a ham since 2008 From Angel Fire and will be at the club for several hours prior and after each meeting. Enjoys contests, special events and technical challenges December 16th License Test results, Patrick(KJ5DGO) made Extra Class Tech Fest is Feb 25 in Albuquerque; registration starts Feb 1 and costs $15. This is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Ham Radio and is ARRL-sanctioned event. Lots of discussion about Winter Field Day, contests, antennas. Winter Field Day may be difficult in NM but contests are a good way to get on the air and make lots of contacts. Mike (NM5MK) indicated contests are a great way to test the propagation of your antenna and are a very good experience.
New Business:
Standing - New Member(s) Vote for acceptance. This is part of the bylaws.
Keith (K5FS) gave an update on the LANL and other grants. He indicated that we have good chances for grants due the club’s technical nature, its experienced and talented membership, and the club’s mission to help the community, especially the students in middle and high school.
David (KJ5DFQ) presented an opportunity for members of TARC to be judges at the TMS Science Fair on Jan 29, 2024. This will be a great event for the club to support STEM in Taos Schools.
USFS and budget planning – for the next year, our leases on SAM and Picuris will not change
Keith (K5FS) provided an update on our ionosphere “listening” project. There was a Class X solar flare on 12/4/23 which produced good data. TARC and other radio clubs in the USA are helping NASA collect ionospheric data.
Inventory / Asset Tags, Don (K2WQ) and Mike (KI6KGC) are working on ways to track and inventory equipment.
Old Business
TARC social media for FB and IG, Phase 1, Darien (NM5DF) is in progress.
ARES Update – no update
OPD Shack facilities update - no update.
Repeater report: Brian (NB5R), Angel Fire issues Mike (KI5KGC) / Zach (KJ5ACC). Lots of stuff in AF shack. Enchanted Circle Repeater link is down and being investigated.
Net Report: HF net started at 7257. Unfortunately, not everybody could connect with each other on 40m so we tried 80m which was probably not as good. Still a good effort! HF Net occurs every 4th Friday @8pm. Attendees were: Wayne W5GDR Net Control (Alt), 2. Mike K. NM5MK, 3. Ed KF5EIG, 4. Zac W5ZAC, 5. Tim W5TNM
Business Meeting Close. Motion by Don (K2WQ) and seconded by Ed (KF5EIG). Unanimous with no objections. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm