Present (13): AI1V, AC1FM, W1FSM, KC1AUH, K1RF, N1ZD, AA1XV, KA1WBN, WG1HM, W1CAH, KC1KFO, W1GIG, K1CYW
Meeting opened at 7:30 by AI1V. Minutes of Sept meeting approved as posted.
Department Reports:
Finance: No significant changes reported.
Board: No board actions this month.
Technical Committee: Repeaters all operating properly.
K1TA and WB2JVB tested a quick-up/quick-down 40m vertical antenna in the parking lot. Worked well. Will enable us to operate 40m since the Fire Dept won’t let us put up another wire antenna.
W1FSM opened a discussion with the attendees about whether they support the idea of putting effort and money into connecting to the CT ARES analog linked repeater network. Given the location of the nearest repeaters currently in that network, we would undoubtedly need to fund and operate a linking repeater between us and them (including power, backup power, and a significant antenna structure). The sense of those present is that it’s not clear that there is a value proposition to the effort given the number and types of statewide communications systems the State operates as well as the existence of the CT ARES DMR network and the suitability of NVIS HF for backup communications within a state the size of CT. There was also a sense that we should pursue an Echolink connection into the CT ARES analog linked repeater network to further investigate the relevance of the network to normal and emergency operations.
Education Committee: No classes have been scheduled. We did give a number of VE exams since the last meeting.
Special Events: On Sept 15, GNARC members helped provide radio communications for the Lighthouse-to-Lighthouse Kayak race (a charity fundraising event from Norwalk Harbor out and back to the Green’s Ledge Light). One of our operators was involved in assisting two different kayakers who got themselves into trouble (including one who had to be taken back to Norwalk on a safety boat).
On Sept 30, GNARC members conducted an HF in the park operation at Sherwood Island State Park. We put up two antennas (a 40m and 20m) in a tree using a slingshot and then operated HF sideband on battery (100w) for over 2 hours. We had QSOs as far away as Germany, Florida, and Minnesota. We discovered that there is a Parks On The Air (POTA) program similar to Islands On The Air (IOTA) and will spot ourselves on their website the next time we decide to go out.
On Oct 6, in a last minute request for assistance, GNARC members provided course monitors for the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) 2018 Connecticut Chapter Optimism Walk in Sherwood Island State Park. Our members fanned out over the route of the walk to provide radio communications in case participants needed medical assistance (EMS was present at the park). There were over 200 participants, and the APDA people were extremely grateful, especially given the last minute nature of their request to us. The request came to us through AB1GL and AB1LZ in Region 3 and we thank them.
Nominating Committee: Nothing to report at this time.
Meeting adjourned 8:10
Marty KA1WBN gave an interesting and thought-provoking talk on customer service concepts and how those apply to ham radio – especially when are operating at public service events and when providing emergency communications. Thank you Marty.
