Greater Norwalk Amateur Radio Club (GNARC)
Meeting Minutes 11/12/25
Present In Person (7): Hugo AA1XV (President), Steve K1RF, Jeff KB1C (Secretary) , Joe KC1AUH, Dave N1DPD (Treasurer), Paul W1PPL, Steve W1SMS (Vice President)
Present Virtually: Tom KD1FBX
“If the people don’t want to come out to the ball park, nobody’s going to stop them” -Yogi Berra
A Zoom meeting was tried, and seems to be a good fit for the technology and room at the Westport Library. The link was distributed in a last-minute email, hopefully more advance notice will help those wishing to attend virtually next time.
Social Preamble: 7-7:30 – come early to share and get caught up with fellow members’ fix, build and broadcast experiences!
General Meeting: called to order by President Hugo AA1XV at 7:32
Minutes from last month were approved with one correction: Steve K1RF had suggested a need for some major events and meeting programming to get some club excitement going. The word “major” was stricken.
Some discussion and generation of ideas for club activities included:
- Field day (light) – perhaps a POTA style, minimalistic approach
- Learning how to solder class
- Fox hunt – warm weather activity with a stop for refreshments after ?
- POTA events
- HF Net – Hugo would be net control 40 or 75/80M with possible use of club’s 2M repeater as a “duplex” intercom
Further ideas are welcome! (See New Business below)
Treasurers Report:
Paid membership remains at 65. Club finances are in good shape, augmented by sales of donated equipment. Expenses such as insurance and website are being kept current. A review of last year’s Holiday party menu and expenses suggests perhaps similar or slightly higher rates this year which will support some additions to the food offerings. Stay tuned for details.
Old Business:
Nothing new to report on the trailer; the new repeater is a continuing project while our current repeaters continue to function and serve club needs
New Business:
Toy is in charge of organizing and informing the club regarding elections for next year’s officers. Anyone interested should contact him, or Hugo.
We have received donations of a few radios that are for sale to interested club members: A Kenwood THF6 including mike,and a Kenwood TS140 transceiver are currently available.
The beginnings of idea generation for activities during club meetings:
Paul W1PPL has some kits that can be built teaching or reinforcing soldering skills. We would need to find a different location for the meeting if soldering will be involved for all attendees., other construction-based ideas: an attenuator for Fox hunting, simple antennas. Others? Your ideas are welcome!
Some discussion of attracting users to Nets included these thoughts:
What is the purpose of a net? In addition to fellowship and socialization, one relevant objective is making sure your equipment is working properly. There are currently well-run weekly ARES and club 2-meter Nets, structured to serve both strict and loose goals. (See note about new HF Net above.) How can participation be increased?
Presentation:
by Steve W1SMS : “Lightning Strikes”
A very interesting and informative cause-and-effect theory-based explanation of what causes lightning, and what results from a lightning strike. Detailed instructions for protecting buildings and equipment using various grounding systems preceded the story of a personal disaster at Steve’s home QTH and resulting recovery. He included detailed information on grounding: do’s and dont’s, physical equipment and best practices, and a helpful list of resources for further information, planning, and acquiring equipment. The presentation in electronic form will be available on the club website.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:56
Respectfully submitted, Jeff KB1C, Secretary
