FIRST SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THE NOTICE FOR THE NET SENT BY WAYNE ON JAN 24, 8:42pm PLEASE NOTIFY TIM H. -OPD REPEATER CONFIGURATION IS POSTED ON THE WEBSITE -ARRL TEST IS MOVED TO FEBRUARY 26, 10AM AT THE EOC -TECH FEST IS MARCH 5 AND ONLY $10 FOR A GREAT SESSION -WILL NEED ABOUT 10 TO 12 VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CITY ON FEB 20
MINUTES:
1) The meeting was called to order at 6:00 By President Tim Henson. Self-introductions were called for by call sign or pending. 14 members were present. Matt Conlan (KN8X) set up a sophisticated "ZOOM" video conference that was used by Tom, Craig, and Gary.
2) Approval of prior months minutes. Motion by Gabe, second by Jane. Unanimous approval with no objections.
3) Treasurers Report: Glen reported an account balance of $9851.13. Tim had a check in the amount of $250.00 from Dave Torrez of the KCEC Board. That amount pays for the battery that was replaced at Picuris. Services rendered by TARC totaled $2000.00 so far for year 2021. Financial statements were emailed to the club. The 2021 tax report completed and submitted by Wayne.
4) Presidents Remarks:
a. Public service hours provided by TARC members totaled 191 hours for the 2021 year, including 8 new licenses for the year. Zach asked how much is volunteer hours valued per hour. Tim said $27.00-$28.00/hr
b. USDA Forest Service currently charges $133.38 rent for the Picuris repeater property and the same for SAM. The Forest service is now proposing a rent increase to $1400.00 per site. Tim spoke to Joey of the USFS and she said it was determined by costs of visiting each repeater shack based on the 2018 Farm Bill. Tim talked to aides of Senator Lujan and ARRL representatives. Tim said it's a "wait and see" for now. He mentioned numerous public services that benefit the area that use the repeaters which was news to them. Comments can be submitted online until Feb 22nd.
c. Upcoming events: State Attorney General Status Report due.
d. Tim reminded attendees that membership dues come up in March, and that a minimum of 50% membership in ARRL is required for insurance purposes.
e. Ideas for a 30 minute post-meeting tech learning program:
i. Online testing with Matt. Later in the agenda.New Business:
a. OPD Shack facilities discussion:
i. $750.00 earmarked for OPD Shack improvements.
ii. Donovan: Discovered leak in shack. Town crews found a crack in the roof and leak has been repaired. Useless wires have been removed and ceiling tiles were replaced. Desks and chairs are to be assembled later in the week. Plans for replacing missing and broken floor tiles was discussed. Square carpet tile additions on top of the ceramic tiles were suggested by Donovan. Brian suggested rugs that could be hung if leaked upon. As of yet, no one has a key to the inner door. (Since resolved)
Tom said that Mitch was going to cut a key to the inner door this week. Mitch also said town crew will do further sealing on the roof this week. Mitch said TARC is responsible for the closet doors. Old 911 desks were also offered by Mitch. Lack of heating in the radio room, despite heating availability in the building was discussed. Tom said Mitch is on it.b. OPD equipment purchases:
i. Mike suggested authorizing Brian to purchase antennas and other equipment. Brian said there was insufficient coax on our current spool, so he'll need another spool. Mike suggested Tom order the rest of the radios allotted in the grant. Mike said 2 triband and 2 HF antennas are needed. He suggested one 600 watt pep and one 100 watt pep HF antenna. Mike thought the shack having HF capability would encourage local Techs to shoot for their General License. Brian estimated about a $1000.00 to start. Glen motioned for $2000.00. Tim sounded shocked to hear the motion coming from the treasurer (typically stingy with spending). Gabe seconded. Vote was unanimous with no objections.
ii. Tim brought to vote for interior materials such as rugs and cork board for the walls for Donovan to spend. Tim suggested $500.00 dollars. Greg motioned and Brian seconded. Vote was unanimous with no objections.
c. W5YI Online Testing:
i. Matt began by speaking of the ease and expediency of online HAM License testing. He announced Wayne and Mike, both examiners, being present for the last online W5YI online test conducted by the. Mike expressed amazement at the fact that one test applicant received his call sign after passing 16 minutes later, while other tests were still ongoing. Mike also expressed the time it takes for post-test paperwork time taking up to 45 minutes compared to instantaneous processing with the online testing. Matt invited members to view the next online test via zoom. Tim spoke of purchasing 6-8 pads through a future grant for test taking for in person which can be done online. Mike observed many of the preventatives used to prevent cheating. Miscellaneous discussions ensued with various members.
Repeater report:
a. Brian reported that the Picuris repeater battery was 10 years old, and the system wiring did not allow for the undervoltage disconnect to work properly and after several cycles of total discharge, the battery gave up. He said Aidan and Zach went up replaced the existing battery with one that he had in stock and wired it in a manner that should last until spring. Brian discouraged long conversations after sunset on the repeater. he reported the Picuris repeater was back online. He also spoke of getting a generator on site at some point. Brian also spoke of solar possibilities. Miscellaneous talk of solar power in their home ensues amongst various members.
Brian also stated the 146.7 frequency on SAM is now working fine as he tested it from various locations. The new repeater for the OPD is in Brian's office awaiting installation. He expressed concern about the low level of the area and did not expect a wide area of coverage, however. Moving the repeater is always an option, Brian stated. miscellaneous discussions about Brian’s snow tracked machine used to access the Picuris repeater ensued amongst various members. Zach went into details about his experience and struggles installing the new battery and properly wiring the setup, so the system failure does not reoccur.
On a side note, Sheila reported she heard of a problematic cycle of Pluto's orbit passing close to Earth. It will be closest to Earth the third week of February and have a four-year effect before and after that date. The negative effects can range widely. Dan Battle spoke of diminishing sun cycles causing problems as well. Wayne said it will help HF propagation as a positive note.
- Motion to close called for by Tim. Motion called for by Daniel R. and seconded by Matt. meeting closed at 7:01 pm.
Analog Net Attendance: Taos ARC analog net check-ins on 01-26-22
- W5JHW John
- NB5R Brian
- NP2EI Ralph
- KI5AXU Karen
- KI5TTO Greg
- NM5MK Mike
- KE5CEJ Catherine
- KJ5ANE Jane
- W5TNM Tim
- KI5SNX Donovan
- KI5TLA Sherry
- KI5SOH Zachrey
- KI5IPS Sheila
- N2YZW Paul
- W5TAO Gary
- KI5OSA Daniel
- KI5OSB Glen
- W5GWR Wayne (Net Control)
- KI5QDH Greg (Late check-in)
Some issues on DMR, but about 6 or 7 operators made it out there.