Called to order at 7:32.
Minutes accepted at 7:35.
Financials as of 2/6 – the Club is in good shape financially. (Actual numbers are not reported on the web site. See Jim if you have any detailed questions)
Dues are due! Get them in!
Steve gave a presentation on lightning and ham radio. Really great discussion of what makes a good ground, designing a lightning protection system, and how to protect your antennas and rigs. Big takeaway: install multiple ground rods. Quarter wave DC short types (stubs) are wonderful if you stick them in one end of a T-joint and put your rig in the other end. If your ground rods are at the same potential, and remains at the same potential while the strike occurs (dissipating up to 56,000 amps), no damage will occur. But some grounding is better than no grounding, so whatever you can afford, you should put in. Very informative talk especially with summer coming up! Check it out.
We have some new committees in the club this year!
Tech Committee (headed by Curt) – Monthly report: we installed a TS 590 in the club’s radio room, it’s functional and working. It still needs some decorating though. The next project for the tech committee is that they’re looking into either repairing or replacing the beam.
Education Committee (headed by Paul) – Paul is helping to teach a tech class hosted at the comms center. So far, we have 21 people enrolled in tech class, and even people on a waiting list. We have some CERT people in the class, as well as some fire and police personnel. Depending on how this goes, we’ll have another one in the spring.
Bylaws Committee (headed by Paul) – We’re working on updating the bylaws and making them current. The corrected and updated bylaws will be submitted to the membership for consideration and further input before they’re declared official.
Special Events/Public Service/VE Committee (headed by Lisa) – The first VE session was on Saturday February 11th. Coming up, there’s the Mini Maker Faire in Westport in April 22, and the Bloomin’ Metric in May. Volunteers will be needed for these events, so if you’re interested, get in touch with Lisa.
Field Day Committee (headed by Sam) – he’ll need help with the technical committee and logistics starting in a couple of weeks. Expect a good number of the club members to be contacted.
There was no old business or new business to be discussed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40. Motion to adjourn made by Jess, seconded by Hugo. Minutes submitted by Rachel KB1VWJ
