CARC - K3IEC
Cumberland Amateur Radio Club
Cumberland County, PA, USA

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Meeting Minutes

 CARC  MINUTES – OCTOBER 2009

Meeting was held at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House in Mechanicsburg. 

Meeting was called to order by President Andy (AF3I) about 7:45 PM after our 6:30 dinner.

As a warm-up exercise we were invited to share a story or happening in Ham Radio from an October of the past; or we could share anything we wanted.  Interestingly, the majority chose to pass.  Guess we better do our homework for the November meeting, fellas!  Jim Binkley shared that in 1879 Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb.  His “magic watch” also had other happenings on this date.  Without his watch, I’m sure he wouldn’t have had his homework done either.  Sherry shared that after a basement clean-up she had “stuff” of unknown value (if any) inside her car trunk which she was anxious to be rid of; after viewing it, the members suggested holding it for the HRAC Ham Swap in January; Sherry met Andy at his home where he “happily” took it for storage.  (Thank-you, Andy!)  Dave Smith got his 1st receiver in October of 1959; a HAM license would follow.  Glenn K took 48 years to finally get all countries, 350 including 11 deletions.  This is a fete that is probably impossible to complete if starting today what with all the world-wide political issues.  Congratulations Glenn!!!  Ed Letersky passed because James B and his “magic watch” took Ed’s planned contribution.  The remaining 7 attendees all passed.

The announcement was made of Sherry’s Cousin Cathy, who was looking for votes for her Big Dahlias, a contest sponsored by Three Bear Inn in Marathon, NY, came in 2nd place.  Sherry thanked all members for their supporting votes for her cousin.  Andy did some advertisement for the Three Bear Inn with historical information.

Andy acknowledged Jim F’s absence due to recovery from a more complicated surgery than expected.  We look forward to his return in November.

August minutes, taken by Secretary Sherry (N3TMT), were approved as sent by e-mail. Bobbe (WA3BKK) moved and Ed L (KB3RKM) seconded.  Report was approved.  (Please take note that there were no September minutes due to a special presentation sponsored by Hbg Radio Club last month which replaced our meeting.)

Garry (K3EYK) reported an unchanged treasury balance.  Acceptance of report was made by Glenn (K3SWZ) and seconded by Ed D (KB3IRF).  Report was approved.  (Sherry’s bill of $29.54 for the club scrapbook will be presented next month.)

Dave smith is selling some equipment to downsize.  His list was sent around. 

Andy shared some bees wax adages with the group.  They were actually pretty entertaining, and I’m sure those of you who couldn’t make the meeting would have enjoyed hearing them.  If you think back to your readings of the Victorian days, be aware that women use to use bees wax on their complexions.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)    Glenn recapped for the group the special session of the Hbg Radio Amateurs

      Club last month of FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Enforcement, Laura

      Smith.  The Club was pleased to have a turnout of 46, 6 being from our

      CARC.  The presentation was very well received and most worthwhile.

(2)    Garry reported that the MFJ Analyzer has been repaired for $73.68 plus shipping of $15.05 for a total of $88.73.  Dave S suggested leaving the batteries out and working off the wall wart only.  It would be best to not store batteries in it as these are current hogs.  Dave made a motion to approve payment and Ed D seconded it.  All approved.

(3)    Andy asked, again, if anyone has an available property suitable for a ham radio clubhouse.  Steve (N3FEW) was planning to go to the Pittsburgh Club.  Since he is not here tonight, we will wait to hear frrom him next month.  Meanwhile, Andy informed us that all donations for this multi thousand $ dream are accepted.

(4)    Field Day 2009 results are out there somewhere.  Andy couldn’t find them, but other members advised otherwise.  We’ll wait for the December issue of QST Magazine.

(5)    Dave S is keeping the K3IEC call active.  He made a motion for anyone using the call while operating to follow 3 basic rules: (a) keep a log, (b) have a copy of the license, and (c) let Dave know of your K3IEC activity by e-mail.  Glenn seconded and all approved.

(1)    (My own reminder here for you all):  Carc-on-the-air remains on Wednesdays at 9 PM on 28.440 Mhz throughout the summer.  Now that the colder months have arrived, should the time be changed back to 8:00 PM?

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)  Since there were no other nominations for candidates for CARC officers, Bob (KV3K) moved to close the slate and Dave seconded.  All present officers have agreed to stay on another term.

(2)  Ted, who heads up our December Officers’ Brunch, is enjoying a meal with his California based daughter, Leslie, and could not be here tonight.  We voted on which date would be the better choice: December 6th or December 13th.   Be advised that December 6th is the planned date of the CARC Brunch at the Officers’ Club in Mechanicsburg; December 13th conflicts with Ted’s schedule.   Ted will need the names of all attending so that the security guards will admit you.

(3)  Andy reviewed calendar items: Penna. Keystone Award, big contests last weekend in November, ARRL sweepstakes, First Night Carlisle, and the HRAC Winterfest 2010 scheduled for January 16th at the Paxtang Firehouse (you might want to do some cleaning out of your radio related “stuff”). 

 Door Prize: Glenn’s name was drawn and he chose the pack of black tie wraps.  Please remember that the Club is always happy to receive donations for future winnners; just contact Andy.

ADJOURNMENT  was made at 8:30 PM.  Bobbe moved and Ed D seconded.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE: Andy Forsyth (AF3I), Bob Bennett (KV3K), Jim Binkley (K3GPS), Ed Dyer (KB3IRF), Garry Fasick (K3EYK),  Harold Hahn (K3RNK), Royal Kramer (W3ZIF), Glenn Kurzenknabe (K3SWZ), Ed Letersky (KB3RKM), Sherry Morgan (N3TMT), Bobbe Rothermel ((WA3BKK), Dave Smith (W3SOX), and guests Pat Binkley and Carol.

NEXT MEETING: To be held Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 7:30 PM at Ted Halliday’s QTH in Carlisle.  As always, friends and family are welcome to attend!!!!

Submitted by:

Sherry Morgan (CARC Secretary)

No September minutes due to HRAC Special Event

CARC  MINUTES –AUGUST 19th , 2009

 Meeting was held at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House in Mechanicsburg. 

Meeting was called to order by President Andy (AF3I) about 7:30 PM after our 6:30 dinner.

As a warm-up exercise we were invited to share a story or happening in Ham Radio from an August of the past; or we could share anything we wanted.  Andy shared about attending a plant talk at Claremont Nursing Home given in part by Shirley Halliday (wish I had been privileged to hear the presentation).  Ed L told about the 1892 wireless telegraph between Catalina Island and the US mainland.  Evidently 100 volts travel the 3” gap but the mainland is wired.  Jim B had nothing on his “magical” watch but after prompting from Andy, we learned that his hat was a tribute to James Dean and received at a car show.  Jim F took a vote to ensure that we all were looking forward to Gracie’s Blueberry Tart at our October meeting.  (Really, Jim, must you even ask anymore; at this point it has become tradition!)  Bobbe held a 1919 QST priced at 15 cents with an article about “time is coming when one will be able to talk to anyone anywhere using his/her voice.”  Steve shared that 4 days after war’s end on 17 April 1945 that HAMS were back on VHF.  Sherry told about the history of “73”.  Ed D spoke about Walter Cronkite being a HAM but not learning code for his license; instead learning from others in daily doings.  Frank M reminded us all how FCC ruled on the area of game shows.  (I must interject how much I enjoy this part of our meetings; it’s a great way to learn a bit of history as well as something about each other!)

Our two new members were welcomed: Wayne Myers who was absent (Hello, Wayne, and welcome aboard!) and Steve Hancock (now you are official!). (We look forward to having you both as members!)

July minutes, taken by Secretary Sherry (N3TMT), were approved as sent by e-mail. Bobbe (WA3BKK) moved and Harold (K3RNK) seconded.  Report was approved.

Andy reported the treasury balance in Treasurer Garry’s (K3EYK).

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)    Laura Smith (FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Enforcement) will speak at a  special session of the Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club on Wednesday, 16 September 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in New Cumberland.  Our regular CARC meeting for that evening is cancelled so that we may attend this special event.  Thank you, Glenn Kurzeknabe(K3SWZ), for bringing this information to our attention.

(2)    Andy reported that Garry has sent the MFJ Antenna Analyzer out for repairs.

(3)    (My own reminder here for you all):  Carc-on-the-air remains on Wednesdays at 9 PM on 28.440 Mhz throughout the summer.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)  Nominations for 2010 Officers are now being sought.  If you would like to run for an office or would like to nominate someone to run, now is the time to do so.  An election will be held in November for any office (President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer) in which more than one eligible person has been nominated as a candidate.

(2)  Photos of the Skyview Radio Society (K3MJW) clubhouse in New Kensington, PA were shared.  Dave Kratzer (W3RY) brought this to our attention.  Steve is going out to the area so will report back on his observations.  It’s a dream for any HAM club, but with only $7.50 yearly dues it will most likely remain an unrealistic dream for K3IEC (that’s us).

(3)  Ted (N3DVL) sent in a picture of the American flag which is proudly waving from his front yard.

(4)  Glenn sent in pictures of the Firecracker Hamfest.  It was a fundraiser on July 4th weekend for the Harrisburg HAM Club.

Door Prize: Ed D’s (KB3IRF) name was drawn and he chose the pack of black tie wraps.  Please remember that the Club is always happy to receive donations for future winnners; just contact Andy.

ADJOURNMENT  was made at 8:25 PM.  Ed L moved and Harold seconded.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE: Andy Forsyth (AF3I), Jim Binkley (K3GPS), Ed Dyer (KB3IRF), Jim Funkhouser (K3MSH), Harold Hahn (K3RNK), Steve Hancock (N3FEW), Ed Letersky (KB3RKM), Frank Mellott (KB3PQT), Sherry Morgan (N3TMT), Bobbe Rothermel ((WA3BKK), and guest JoAnna Letersky.

NEXT MEETING: To be held Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 7:30 PM at Jim Funkhouser’s QTH in Mechanicsburg.  Remember that our September meeting has been cancelled, and you are encouraged to attend Laura Smith’s presentation.  Please read these minutes for more info.  As always, friends and family are welcome to attend!!!!

Submitted by:

Sherry Morgan (CARC Secretary)

CARC  MINUTES –JULY 15th , 2009

Meeting was held at Frank Haslett’s (N3DAZ) QTH.  Thank you Frank, Betty, and Missy (the dog).

Meeting was called to order by President Andy (AF3I) about 7:30 PM.

Our guest, Steve Hancock (N3FEW), was welcomed.

 As a warm-up exercise we were invited to share a story or happening in Ham Radio from a July of the past; or we could share anything we wanted. Harold (K3RNK) mentioned that Disneyland opened today in 1955.  Bobbe (WA3BKK) pulled out of a 1941 QST a bit of humor called “Would You Believe It?” and passed it around.  We explained to our guest, Steve, how this sharing works so that he is not caught off guard next month.  Sherry (N3TMT) skipped the radio topic and shared her excitement of hooking up to public sewer the day before and coming back to the conveniences of the 21st century.  Ted (N3DVL) celebrated his 86th birthday (Frank was hoping he had the club’s “most senior status” placement).  Although Ed L (KB3RKM) had nothing to add at this time, he was enthusiastic later when we rehashed using Jim’s (K3GPS) Celestron Star Scout Personal Planetarium for FD’s nightly entertainment.

June minutes, as taken by Bobbe in Secretary Sherry’s (N3TMT) absence, were approved as sent by e-mail. Ed D (KB3IRF) moved and Harold (K3RNK) seconded.  Report was aproved.

Treasurer Garry (K3EYK) presented the treasurer’s report.  This amount reflects a return of $35 for FD cabin rental but does not include food expenditures for the weekend. Bobbe moved and Frank (N3DAZ) seconded.  Report was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)    Field Day results and recap were discussed with a handout from Andy listing his observations, thoughts, and score points.  Our total points appear to number 1516 at this point.  We welcomed 5 visitors, 2 of whom are seeking CARC membership.  Andy’s handout should be reviewed when planning FD 2010.

(2)    Laura Smith, FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Enforcement, will speak at a special session of the Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club during our scheduled September meeting.  A motion was made and passed to cancel our September meeting and to take advantage of this speaking engagement to be held 16 September 2009 at Holiday Inn and Convention Center in New Cumberland.  Andy will send an e-mail out to CARC membership with this information. 

(3)    (My own reminder here for you all):  Carc-on-the-air remains on Wednesdays at 9 PM on 28.440 Mhz throughout the summer.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)    Slow mail was shared.

(2)    Sherry asked for an updated e-mail address for Bill Smyser.  She will contact Abby for it.

(3)    Ted made a motion and all approved for Sherry to purchase archival safe materials for a new scrapbook since our present one is stretched to capacity. 

(4)    Applicants to membership were approved:                                                                                         

• Wayne Myers (WA3ZXG) was a member many years ago, lives in Carlisle, and his wife has the Myers’ Awards Shop in Carlisle.                                                                                                             

• Steve Hancock (N3FWE), tonight’s guest, lives in Enola, and enjoys doing portable radio operations on trails.

(5)    Bobbe requested  permission to repair a switch on Cal’s CARC radio.  The switch repair will cost $60 and with mailing, insurance, and aditional calibration on the rig, should be less than $100 total.  A motion was made and passed; and Garry will handle it.

(6)    Andy offered “Logbook of the World” handouts which were left over from FD.

(7)    Sherry requested a picture be taken of Frank and the group for updating the scrapbook.  Betty kindly snapped the pic (thank you, Betty!).

Door Prize: Steve drew his own name (way to go, Steve, this being your first evening of membership!) and he chose the 100’ antenna rope.  By the way, Jim chose the tweezers and magnifier last month.  Please remember that the Club is always happy to receive donations for future winnners; just contact Andy.

ADJOURNMENT  was made at 8:52 PM.  Frank moved and Ted seconded.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE: Andy Forsyth (AF3I), Ed Dyer (KB3IRF), Garry Fasick (K3EYK), Ted Halliday (N3DVL), Harold Hahn (K3RNK), Frank Haslett (N3DAZ), Ed Letersky (KB3RKM), Sherry Morgan (N3TMT), Bobbe Rothermel ((WA3BKK), and guest Steve Hancock (N3FEW - voted into membership during meeting).

NEXT MEETING: To be held Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 6:30 PM at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House in Mechanicsburg.   Dinner is at 6:30 with the business meeting following at 7:30 PM.  As always, friends and family are welcome to attend!!!!

Submitted by:

Sherry Morgan (CARC Secretary)

CARC  MINUTES
June 17, 2009

Meeting was held at WA3BKK, Bobbe’s QTH in Boiling Springs, PA

Meeting was called to order by President Andy (AF3I) at 7:35PM.  

 As a warm-up exercise we were invited to share a story or happening in Ham Radio from a JUNE of the past; or we could share any other point of interest.  Andy started off by going back to QST 50 years & found article on solder iron cleaning then followed up with another in 1959 using steel wool.  Bobbe brought up the commemorative broadcast of FM, Major Ed Armstrong with call W2XMN about 1934. Garry F. stated that 50 years ago ARRL increased dues to $5 (1959).  Jim F remarked that in 2012 Amateur Radio will be 100 years old & licensing started in 1932.  Harold H commented that welding of the Nuke. Subs was done using robots to provide better welds compared to men welding.  Other OM’s passed on the Warm-up Exercise.

Minutes May, as taken by Secretary Sherry (N3TMT), was approved as sent by e-mail. ED KB3IFR moved and Jim K3MSH seconded.  Report was accepted

Treasurer Garry (K3EYK) presented the treasurer’s report.  A refundable deposit of $100 has been sent to hold the Shaffer cabin for Field Day in June. Bobbe WA3BKK moved and Ed D (KB3IRF) seconded.  Report was accepted.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)    Field Day is scheduled for June 27th and 28th.  Breakfast on Saturday will be at 8:00 at the Farmers’ Market on Rt. 74 where Rt. 81 joins.  Set-up will begin about 9:00 at the Shaffer cabin.  Ted N3DVL will pick up the key for the Cabin and pass it on to Bobbe, WA3BKK.  The frisbee (disc) golf course will exclude the 9th hole in the meadow which should not interfere with the antennas.  Rigs will be provided by Garry, Jim F, Andy, and the club’s rig from Cal.  Antennas will be as in the past except for the VHF which did not yield favorable results.   Personal computers will be provided by Bobbe, Jim B, and Andy.  The night owls will be Andy, Jim B, Ed L (tentative), Bobbe, Garry, and Jim F.  Andy has gas grill to do the steaks and each member is to bring a dish to share.  Sunday breakfast will simply be oven biscuits and any other leftovers. 

Remember tools, bug spray, bug lights, power cables, surge protectors, fans, electrical tape, drinks & etc.  We will also have a class on Logbook of the World.  Reminder traffic may be heavy due to car show.  Please let Andy or Bobbe know if you plan to attend any part of FD.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)    The Harrisburg Radio Amateurs Club W3UU invites you to an evening with Laura Smith, Esquire, FCC Special Counsel for Amateur Enforcement.  Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7PM at Holiday Inn & Convention Center 148 Sheraton Drive, New Cumberland, PA contact Glenn K3SWZ, 717-774-1728 or k3swz@arrl.net.

(2)    Next month’s meeting is scheduled for Frank’s N3DAZ...  Garry is to confirm meeting date and any changes will be e-mailed to members

(3)    Door Prize: Jim K3MSH drawn and he chose the tweezers with magnifier.  Please remember that the Club is always happy to receive donations for future winners; just contact Andy.

ADJOURNMENT was made at 8:45 PM.  Jim K3MSH moved and Harold K3RNK seconded.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE: Andy Forsyth (AF3I), James Binkley (K3GPS), Ed Dyer (KB3IRF), Garry Fasick (K3EYK), Jim Funkhouser (K3MSH), ), Harold Hahn (K3RNK),  Bobbe Rothermel ((WA3BKK),  Ed Butterworth (KB3HCU)

 NEXT MEETING: To be held Wednesday, July 15th, 2009 at 7:30 PM at Frank Haslett N3DAZ’s QTH.   As always, friends and family are welcome to attend.

Revised: 11/02/09

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