The Splatter: Board Meetings

Showing posts with label Board Meetings. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 April 2018

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting - 2018-02-20

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 4. Called to Order at 19:15 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT (P), Steve VE3UT (VP), Charles VA3TTB (T), Barry VA3LLT, John VE3IPS, Mike VA3MCT, David VA3DCY (S). Absent: Geoff VA3GS, Rick VA3VO, Eric VE3EB. Others attending: None

Approval of Agenda & declaration of conflicts of interest. Amendments: None. Conflicts of interest declared: None. MOTION: To adopt the agenda, Moved Barry VA3LLT, seconded Steve VE3UT. Carried.
Minutes: MOTION: To adopt minutes of Board Meeting date 2018/01/15. Moved Steve VE3UT, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Actions arising from minutes: None
Committee Reports:
1. Treasurer’s Report: Charles VA3TTB
  - Opening Balance 2017/12/01 [is available to members from Secretary on request]
  - Memberships $25.00
  - Total income $25.00
  - Cheque $20.00
  - Total expenditures $20.00
  - Interim balance 2017/12/19[is available to members from Secretary on request]
  - MOTION: To adopt the treasurers report. Moved Charles VA3TTB, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Insurance: Charles VA3TTB. The Directors and Officers insurance is due on March 15. This policy does not automatically renew, and must be applied for each year. Again the need for this insurance was debated, since according to RAC and their insurance provider, D&O insurance is not necessary for amateur radio clubs, since we have no shareholders, no employees and not other other parties who would rely on the club for income or other funding. The topic of renewing the insurance was debated. MOTION: To renew the D&O insurance. Moved Barry VA3LLT, seconded Mike VA3MCT. Carried.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. The power supply for VE3YRA is on hand, and ready to be installed. VE3YRK VHF is still off air due to the 4:1 SWR. A new antenna should be available in the spring. Chris VE3NRT noted that the D-Star operating system is no longer maintained.

Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Steve presented his WFD cost summary:

Item	Advance	Expenditures	Refund
Advance	$275.00
Gas bought Steve VE3UT		$90.00
Gas bought David VA3DCY		$23.40
Propane	$15.00
Name plate for Melted Coffee Pot award		$8.00
Kitchen expenses (drinks/snacks) Peter VE3PBT		$54.20
Total expenses		$190.60
Excess gas purchased Steve VE3UT	$21.00
Total money received		$296.00
Cash returned to treasurer		$296.00 - $190.60	$105.40

Winter Field Day cost: $190.60 - $21.00 = $169.60

Web Site: Mike VA3MCT. The new web site is ready to go and we have access to thee products and services offered by Tech Soup, such as 'Google for non-profits'.
ARES: Mike VA3MCT. There has been no recent activity, but we have been invited to the Barrie ARES Central Ontario meeting on April 7 and have been asked to bring our trailer. MOTION: To allow the trailer to leave York Region to go to Barrie for April 7. Moved Mike VA3MCT, seconded John VE3IPS. Carried. John VE3IPS will attend a GTA ARES meeting in February.
Auditor: Charles VA3TTB. Charles VA3TTB met with John VA3JI and Doug VE3XV to discuss the auditor's requirements and to establish procedures and guidelines. Charles distributed a draft of the proposed procedures.

Tuesday, 19 September 2017

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2017-06-20

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multi Purpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT
Board members attending:

Chris VE3NRT Pres.
John VE3IPS V. Pres.
John VA3JI Treasurer
Geoff VA3GS
Eric VE3EB
Doug VE3ATP
David VA3DCY Secty
Rick VA3VO
Barry VA3LLT

Absent: Steve VE3UT Other attending: Charles VA3TTB, Mike VA3MCT Secretary's note: Board members finishing their terms are Chris VE3NRT, John VA3JI, Doug VE3ATP and Steve VE3UT. Newly elected board members are Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, Charles VA3TTB and Mike VA3MCT

Approval of agenda and declaration of conflict of interest: Chris VE3NRT
- Additional item: Internet link for trailer- Doug VE3ATP
- Motion to adopt the agenda, moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Motion to adopt the minutes of the 2017/05/16 meeting, moved John VA3JI, seconded John VE3IPS. Carried.,
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
- Opening Balance 2016/06/01 (Balance available to members on request to secretary)
  - Income: Field Day food (pre-pay) $300.00
  - Field Day food (pre-pay) $15.00
  - Total income $315.00
- Expenditures: Barry – gas for trailer gen. $7.54
- Geoff – AGM food $46.97
- Info cards (printing) $135.60
- Field Day food $1050.00
- Total expenditures -$1,240.11
- Closing Balance 2017/06/20 (Balance available to members on request to secretary)
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Field Day Report: Rick VA3VO
- We have purchased the non-perishable food items.
- The tower trailer has been delivered by Doug VE3ATP.
- The meat has been purchased.
- The 30lb propane tank has been filled, but it expires next month. We will need to replace the tank.
- It is undecided what band(s) to use for GOTA.
- Invitations to area officials have been sent, but no response has been received yet.
Public Service Report: Eric VE3EB. Past events were the Mount Albert 5K Walk/Run, June 3 and the Aurora Street Sale, June 4, with both events having a good turnout from members. Unfortunately the Police Venturers were not able to attend the Aurora event as hoped. Upcoming events include the Sharon Temple Heritage Day on June 8, the Sharon Temple Canada Day celebration on July 1 and the Newmarket music festival in mid August.
Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. Motion 2017-06-20-6 to approve payment $126.00 for gas for the trailer generator. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried.
Board Officers and Responsibilities: Chris VE3NRT. Chris gave a brief explanation of the duties of officers of the club, including the president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, plus other board and committee responsibilities.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
- Geoff announced the new prices for admissions at the hamfest. Admission, now $8 per person (up $1 from $7) and the price for tables, now $27 (down $1 from $28).
- The Aurora Lions Club will again be asked to do the catering.
- The date is Saturday November 4.
Trailer Internet: Doug VE3ATP
- Doug offered the club an available antenna on his tower at 300' for an internet link to the trailer.
- Two 900 MHz radios would be needed – one at his site and one in the trailer.
EmComm: John VE3IPS. For the recent SET, the trailer was used at the Bales Drive as the hub of the operation. Communication was set up with the regional EOC and with mobiles around the region. Markham needs work to reach Bales Drive (little or no communication possible). John is in contact with Bonnie to coordinate future events.

Meeting adjourned at 20:00 Moved by Eric VE3EB, seconded by John VA3JI. Carried
On-Line Motion 2017-06-22-1 to approve payment $785.80 for Markham Fair hamfest deposit.

Monday, 18 September 2017

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2017-08-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:02 by Steve VE3UT.
Board members attending:

Barry VA3LLT
Charles VA3TTB
Chris VE3NRT
David VA3DCY
Eric VE3EB
Geoff VA3GS
John VE3IPS
Mike VA3MCT
Steve VE3UT.

Absent: Rick VA3VO. Others attending: none

Approval of Agenda & declaration of conflicts of interest. Amendments: none. Motion: To adopt the agenda. Moved Eric VE3EB, seconded Chris VE3NRT. Carried.
Minutes: Motion: To adopt the minutes of Board Meeting 2017/07/18. Moved Charles VA3TTB, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Election of President: Moved by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Charles VA3TTB that Chris VE3NRT be nominated for the office of president. No one else stood for election. By a unanimous vote, Chris VE3NRT becomes the new president. Carried. As newly elected president, Chris now chaired the meeting.
Election of Treasurer: Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Steve VE3UT that Charles VA3TTB be nominated for the office of treasurer. There were no other nominations. By a unanimous vote, Charles VA3TTB becomes the new treasurer. Carried.
Actions arising from previous board meeting: Steve VE3UT.
- David and Steve met to finish the Summer Field Day accounts.
- The Markham Fair cheque has been delivered.
- The go-kits are to be re-called.
- Inventory tags – to be followed-up.
- Access updated to allow new board members access to the membership database.
- Outreach by Mike and Eric at the farmer's market – Newmarket Music Festival booth.
- Cheque for trailer insurance has been sent.
- Bank signatures for the new executive need to be done.
Treasurer’s Report: Not available.
Committee Reports:
1. Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. The trailer needs a clean-up. Some storage containers have been broken during transit. Barry will buy new replacement containers. Motion: 2017-08-15-7a to allot $200.00 for trailer maintenance. Moved Barry VA3LLT, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
2. Repeaters: Steve VE3UT.
  - Steve needs to travel at times to get test equipment from Bruce VE3BV, and requested re-approval to pay for gas for extended travel. Approval unanimous.
  - Mike VA3MCT asked about repeater operation during the during the planned SET where there will be no power for an extended period. Only VE3YRA would have extended operation, the other repeaters have only battery backup.
  - Motion: 2017-08-15-7b to allot $200.00 for repeater maintenance. Moved Steve VE3UT, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
3. Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Information is on the RAC web site, and information will be passed out at Junk-in-the-Trunk on August 25. Mailings are to be sent.
4. Web Site: Mike VA3MCT. Mike has built a new web site with information from the existing site. He will present it to the board for comments and approval. Next step will be to check the domain, but the site will not go on-line until after the hamfest.
5. Property: Rick VA3VO. No report.
6. Public Service: Eric VE3EB
  - A past event was at the Sharon Temple on July 22.
  - Eric and Mike attended the Newmarket Farmer's Market and distributed “QSL” cards with interest from the public.
  - The upcoming Newmarket Music Festival needs additional help from members.
  - Sunday October 2 is the date for Run for the Cure.
7. EmComm: John VE3IPS. Mike VA3MCT will become the new RAC Emergency Coordinator for York Region instead of John. We should do our own “SET” like exercise within York Region to test our own internal communication.
8. Field Day: Steve VE3UT
  - Motion: 2017-08-15-7ha to pay $50.49 to David VA3DCY for gas for field day generators. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded John VE3IPS. Carried.
  - Motion: 2017-08-15-7hb to pay $71.85 to Rick VA3VO for gas for field day generators. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded John VE3IPS. Carried.
Other Business:
- Possible donation of a trailer: Steve VE3UT. Steve offered a tent trailer to the club for the club's use. It was noted that there would be problems (costs) if owned by the club, and potential storage issues if parked with the EmComm trailer and the tower trailer. Geoff suggested parking it at Al's Tack Shop. Steve will investigate.
- IRLP: Chris VE3NRT wishes to pass the IRLP construction to someone else. He will maintain/update the software on the Raspberry Pi. Steve VE3UT offered to take over the project. Chris would host the finished project.
- Harvey Bell Award: We need to get the Harvey Bell Award returned, and make a new label and award it to DonVE3IXJ at the September meeting.
- The Secretary, David VA3DCY will issue a recall notice for the Go Kits.
- Barry VA3LLT mentioned a new tower to be erected in Georgina. He will investigate.

Meeting adjourned 20:40. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Eric VE3EB. Carried

Wednesday, 16 August 2017

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2017-07-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:15 by Geoff VA3GS. Board members attending: Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Eric VE3EB, Geoff VA3GS, Mike VA3MCT, Rick VA3VO, Steve VE3UT. Absent: Charles VA3TTB, Chris VE3NRT, John VE3IPS. Others attending: John VA3JI.

Approval of Agenda & declaration of conflicts of interest. Amendments: There was no prepared agenda.
Election of President. There was no one elected as president
Election of Officers.
- Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Eric VE3EB that Steve VE3UT be nominated for the office of vice-president. There were no other nominations. Steve VE3UT becomes the new vice-president. Carried.
- There was no one elected as treasurer.
- Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Eric VE3EB that David VA3DCY be nominated for the office of secretary. There were no other nominations. David VA3DCY becomes the new secretary. Carried.
Other appointments:
- Repeater: Steve VE3UT
- WYNSORC: Geoff VA3GS
- Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- EmComm/ARES: John VE3IPS and Mike VA3MCT
- Membership: Barry VA3LLT
- Property: Rick VA3VO
- Trailer: Barry VA3LLT
- Media & Communications: (not filled)
- Field Day: Steve VE3UT
- Meeting Programs: Geoff VA3GS
- Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
- Web Site: Mike VA3MCT
- Training: Geoff VA3GS
- Moved that the positions be filled by the directors listed above by Geoff VA3GS. Seconded by Mike VA3MCT. Carried. As newly elected vice-president, Steve VE3UT now chaired the meeting.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Motion: To adopt minutes of Board Meeting 2017/06/20. Moved Barry VA3LLT, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Treasurer’s report: John VA3JI (past treasurer)
- Balance at end of Fiscal Year 2017: [Balance available to members on request to club secretary]
- Transferred to Fiscal Year 2018: [Balance available to members on request to club secretary]
- There were no transactions.
- Closing Balance 2017/07/18: [Balance available to members on request to club secretary]
- Motion: To adopt the treasurer’s report and to thank John VA3JI for a job well done. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Steve VE3UT. Carried.

Field Day: Steve VE3UT

Steve mentioned that Peter VE3PBT will not be able to cook next year. We will need other arrangements.

Steve and David will meet to complete the field day accounts.
These are the results of Summer Field Day 2017:

160m –3 qso	20m cw – 32 qso
80m cw – 55 qso	20m dig – 37 qso
80m dig – 12 qso	20m ph – 455 qso
80m ph – 183 qso	15m ph – 12 qso
40m cw – 476 qso	Sat – 64 qso (an all time record)
40m dig – 181 qso	GOTA – 22 qso
40m ph – 142 qso

We also received bonus points for running on generators, media, agency, youth involvement,copying the W1AW bulletin and safety.

Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- Eric thanked those who participated at the Canada Day event at the Sharon Temple.
- There will be another Sharon Temple event on Sunday 2017/07/23.
- The Newmarket Music Festival will return to the Newmarket Riverwalk Commons with new dates 2017/08 /25 to 27.
Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. The trailer needs a clean-up and a complete inventory.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Information has been sent to vendors, and is also on the RAC website. On-Line Motion: 2017-06-22-1 to pay $785.80 for the Markham Fair - Hamfest Deposit. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded David VA3DCY. Carried.
Property: Rick VA3VO
- We need to decide what goes on the inventory list.
- It was decided to recall all go-kits and replace any missing items. The go-kits will be recalled for the September meeting.
- The new inventory list of equipment should include serial numbers (if available) and inventory tags should be added to all equipment, including power supplies and repeaters.
- John VA3JI suggested creating an on-line data base, accessible to all board members, and John volunteered to set up the data base.
Programs and Classes: Geoff VA3GS. At the September meeting, Grant VE3XTV will be our speaker.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. Doug VE3ATP has a 900 MHz antenna that could be used for an ATV repeater and a data link radio. Motion: That Grant VE3XTV be allowed to operate at TV repeater, and use the call sign VE3YRC for a period of one year. Moved Mike VA3MCT seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Membership Database: John VA3JI. John will update the list of board members who will be allowed access to the database
Trillium Grant: Eric VE3EB
- Eric suggested that we hold off until the fall, before proceeding with a grant proposal and application.
- Eric also suggested using a Drop-box for board documents.
Outreach: Mike VA3MCT. We need to approach the public to create awareness of our club, typically a table at a library or a farmer's market, to pass out information to the public.

Meeting adjourned at 21:05. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Eric VE3EB. Carried.

Trailer insurance: On-line Motion: 2017-07-21-1 to pay $811.00 for trailer insurance. Moved David VA3DCY seconded Chris VE3NRT. Carried.
On-line Motion: 2017-07-21-2 that we authorize John VA3JI to act as interim treasurer, and give him the authority to sign the cheque for the trailer insurance on behalf of the board. Moved David VA3DCY seconded Chris VE3NRT. Carried.

Friday, 2 June 2017

Minutes YRARC Board of Directors 2017-04-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multi Purpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:10 by John VA3JI – meeting later chaired by John VE3IPS. Board members attending: John VE3IPS V. Pres. John VA3JI Treasurer, Steve VE3UT, Geoff VA3GS Eric VE3EB, Doug VE3ATP, David VA3DCY Secty, Rick VA3VO, Barry VA3LLT. Absent: Chris VE3NRT Pres. Others attending: Doug VE3XV

Approval of agenda and declaration of conflict of interest: John VA3JI. Motion to adopt the agenda, moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Eric VE3EB. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Motion to adopt the minutes of the 2017/03/21 meeting, moved David VA3DCY, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
- Opening Balance 2016/04/01 [Available to members on request to secretary]
- Income: Dues $50.00
- Expenditures: None $0.00
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Summer Field Day: Steve VE3UT.
- Steve is working with Peter VE3PBT to create a food budget. At the last general meeting it was proposed that we charge $15 per person for food for the weekend meals. Following a discussion it was decided to charge $15 per person for Field Day food if payment is received by the annual general meeting (AGM) in June. The charge would increase to $20 per person if payment is received after the cut-off date. The purpose of having 2 different prices, is to encourage members to commit early, so that Peter can better estimate the quantity of food to buy. We will issue wrist bands at check-in as proof of payment.
- Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that we charge $15 per person for Field Day food, if paid by the AGM, and $20 per person if paid after the AGM. Carried.
Trailer Hilomast: Barry VA3LLT
- The top section of the mast needs repair. Barry VA3LLT and Steve VE3UT removed the top section of the mast and brought it to the meeting to show the damage. They had previously taken the mast section to 'Rob the machinist' a friend of Rob VE3RQB.
- The mast had split along the very thin section where a key way was cut into the material, likely caused by water entering the tubing, remaining there during the winter and freezing.
  (There was discussion about removing the top section, draining it and adding antifreeze to prevent future damage.)
  Rob gave them several options to repair the mast section.
- Welding the crack was not an option since the heat would likely bend the tubing making it useless as a mast section.
  - Option 1 – insert a solid bar inside to reinforce the existing tube. Cost about $40 to $50
  - Option 2 – make a new tube from thicker aluminum. Cost about $230
  - Option 3 – make an new top section from solid aluminum with a 10” hole drilled in the top. Cost about $250
- The 3 options were voted on to determine which option to choose. Option 1 – 2 votes, Option 2 – 5 votes, Option 3 – 2 votes.
- Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Steve VE3UT that we proceed with option 2 to have the mast section repaired locally with a cost of $300 max. Carried
- Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that because we need the repairs done a quickly as possible, this should be considered an emergency repair, and it would not need to be approved in advance by the membership. Carried
Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- There will be no MADD ride or EMS ride.
- The first event will be the Mount Albert 5K Walk/Run on June 3.
- Future events include: Mount Albert 5K Walk/Run - June 3, Aurora Street Festival – June 4, Sharon Temple Heritage Celebration - June 8, Sharon Temple Canada Day - July 1,
  Sharon Temple Sharon Soundbites - July 23, Newmarket Music Festival (returned to the old location - Riverwalk Commons) – Aug. 25, 26 & 27, Sharon Temple Illumination - Sept. 8, Sharon Temple Weaving Words - Sept. 17 and Run for the Cure Richmond Hill - Oct 1.
- Eric would like to have pamphlets to hand out at public service events, and will investigate the cost.
- The web site needs to be updated. Someone with Joomla experience is needed. It was suggested that a contest for students (similar to the contest for a new club logo a few years ago) might be a possibility.
  The web site should be downsized to make it more manageable.
- Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by John VA3JI that Geoff VA3GS and Eric VE3EB explore updating the web site. Carried
Auditor: Doug VE3XV
- Doug presented his interim audit report.
- There were procedures where he found them to be acceptable.
- Some items such as inventory and insurance would need further investigation before his final report.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
Geoff proposed that for the hamfest this fall, that we rent halls 1 and 2 and not halls 2, 3 and 4.
Hall 1 is now available and would be large enough to hold all of the vendors that have been in halls 3 and 4. Hall 2 would continue to be the assembly area before the event opened. Further discussion to be held at a later time.
Foxhunt: John VE3IPS. No further foxhunts are being planned at this time.
EmComm: John VE3IPS. The status of further EmComm meetings is unknown. The Trillium Grant proposal is on hold.
D-Star: John VE3IPS. There is an upgrade to D-Star. John will investigate.
Hammond Museum: John VE3IPS. The date for the visit to the museum is Saturday June 17.
Trailer repairs: Rick VA3VO. The brakes on the railer need to be adjusted. This will be discussed at the nest meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 21:30. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Steve VE3UT. Carried

Sunday, 26 February 2017

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2017-01-17

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multi Purpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT Pres, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY Secty. Absent: Barry VA3LLT, John VE3IPS V. Pres. John VA3JI Treasurer. Others attending: None

Approval of agenda and declaration of conflict of interest: Chris VE3NRT. Additions: None. Motion to adopt the agenda, moved Eric VE3EB, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Minutes of the 2016/12/20 meeting to be adopted at the February meeting.
Treasurer's Report: Geoff VA3GS for John VA3JI.
- Opening Balance 2016/01/01 [Available to members on request to Secretary]
- Income: Dues $80.00
- Refund from Markham Fair $1,856.00
- Total income $1,936.00
- Expenditures: None $0.00
- Closing Balance 2017/01/17 [Available to members on request to Secretary]
- Note: The December statement received and balanced. JI
- Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. The speakers planned for the upcoming general meetings are: February - Steve VE3EZ, March - Mike VE3MKX, April - Bob VE3WY and May John VA3KOT.
Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. WFD will have 6 people attending. The proposed budget is $140 for food and $100 for gas. Rick VA3VO's trailer will be used for cooking and there will be 2 trailers for radios. Norma, the owner of Al's Tack Shop, enquired about the club's insurance, since the site may be icy. David VA3DCY will contact the insurance company to provide Norma with proof of our insurance.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT
- There have been some recent D-STAR outages, likely caused by a malfunctioning firewall.
- The UPS at the site is being upgraded.
Trillium Grant Proposal
- Eric VE3EB. Eric is waiting for proposals from EmComm. Steve VE3UT: There are no available pairs available in the GTA for a DMR repeater. We could use the UHF pair from the D-Star repeater. Chris VE3NRT asked is there DMR coverage or adequate coverage in the GTA? It was noted that a used Motorola DMR repeater costs approximately $850 US on E-Bay.
- Should replacement of one or more existing analogue repeaters be included in the Trillium Grant proposal? The existing repeaters are older than 30 years and it is difficult to replace parts. Replacements could include: 2 VHF repeaters, 1 UHF repeater, 3 controllers and switching power supplies. The radios should be commercial frequency agile radios. The priority for replacement is the VE3YRC VHF repeater.
- Chris VE3NRT proposed including a HamWan 'back-bone' data network.
- Eric VE3EB suggested upgrading the club web site.
D-Rats: Although D-Rats works on D-Star, it can only send files 'point-to-point', ie from one radio to another. Files can not be sent through an intermediate station, ie from radio 1, via 2 to 3.

Sunday, 1 January 2017

Minutes: Board of Directors 2016-10-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT Pres, John VA3JI Treasurer, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, David VA3DCY Secty, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO, Absent: John VE3IPS V. Pres. Others attending: None

Approval of agenda and declaration of conflict of interest: Chris VE3NRT
- Additions: 6 Correction to August BoD minutes and 7 Winter Field day.
- Motion to amend the agenda, moved Steve VE3UT, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried
- Motion to adopt the agenda, moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Doug VE3ATP to adopt minutes of the Board Meeting 2016/09/20. Carried.
Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. There is an 8” crack in the Hilomast, lower portion of the top section. Costs to repair options from the manufacturer: $250US plus brokerage fees (1 way) if shipped via UPS from Canada, $125US (1 way) if shipped from within the USA (Buffalo), $250US forrepair including parts and labour. If the mast was delivered to the factory (in Florida) the repair time would be approximately 2 hours. Other options suggested were to attempt to repair the mast section locally, pick up a replacement section in the spring and place a sleeve around the crack as a temporary fix. The agreed plan is to 1/ get a manual, 2/ order parts and ship if feasible and 3/ Chris or another club member could take the mast to Florida in the spring for repairs.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. At the moment 80 tables (including 5 courtesy tables), have been sold out of 100. Setup will be at 13:00 Friday November 4. We will only be bringing the EmComm trailer, not the tower trailer to the hamfest. Don VE3IXJ will have a static display outside the trailer. We hope to have 'QSL' cards with club information available as a handout.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. There will be a silent auction at the November meeting with items from a donation to the club. Rick VA3VO will set the reserve bid prices. The January meeting could either be a 'junk-in-the-trunk' with mini presentations or, a Saturday visit to the Hammond Museum instead of the Tuesday meeting. The February meeting is undecided, March a talk from Mike VE3MKX, and the April and May meetings would be talks from Bob VE3WY and Dr Paul Delaney (dates to be determined).
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
- Opening Balance 2016/10/01 [Available to members on request to secretary]
- Income: Hamfest vendors: $422.00; Dues: $185.00; Donation: $7.02; Total:$614.02
- Expenditures: Repeater: $75.00
- Closing Balance 2016/10/18 [Available to members on request to secretary]
- Hamfest Income: Tables: $588.00 (to date); Admissions: $210.00; Grand prize: $60.00; Total: $858.00
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT.
- Steve asked a question from Grant VE3ATV, do we want to promote an ATV repeater? It was decided to ask the club if there is any interest, and if there is to ask Grant to talk to the club members.
- Motion 2016-10-18-4d to approve $75.00 for a mast section and cables used at the MacKenzie Richmond Hill Hospital when installing the link antenna for VE3YRA. Material supplied at cost by Rick VA3VO. Moved Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Rick VA3VO abstained from voting. Carried.
Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- The last events were 2 weddings at the Sharon Temple on Saturday October 1, and the Run for the Cure on Sunday October 2. There was a good turnout for the event, with 11 hams and 1 student participating.
- Eric proposed getting QSL cards for public service events and hamfests, and 10 to 20 lightweight club jackets, instead of vests, which would be owned by the club.
- We should set up a Trillium committee for funding these and other projects.
York Region Astronomy Association (YRAA): Chris VE3NRT. The YRAA is responsible for operation and maintenance of the equipment at the David Dunlap Observatory and also provides education to youth groups, schools and adults. In addition to optical astronomy, YRAA wants to incorporate radio astronomy into their offerings, and would welcome collaboration from YRARC. Chris will send a letter of YRARC support, to YRAA.
Correction of August BoD Minutes: David VA3DCY. The motion number for item 5b to purchase plaques for the Harvey Bell Award and the Melted Coffee Pot Award, was incorrectly published as “motion 2016-07-19-5b”. The correct motion number is 2016-08-16-5b. Motion 2016-10-18-6, moved by David VA3DCY, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that the minutes be corrected. Carried.
Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. We need to investigate the source of the noise at the Sharon Temple / Temperance Hall location, and we should ask Steve VE3EZ for assistance. 10 people attending a WFD event would be considered a success. WFD this year is on January 28 and 29.
Brad VE3HII noted that that VE3YRA was not listed in the AMSAT report for Summer Field Day.

Meeting adjourned at 20:50. Moved Rick VA3VO, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried

Minutes: Board of Directors Meeting 2016-11-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room. Called to Order at 19:04 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT Pres, John VA3JI Treasurer, John VE3IPS V. Pres., Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY Secty. Others attending: None

Approval of agenda and declaration of conflict of interest: Chris VE3NRT. Additions: 8 WYNSORC. Motion to adopt the agenda, moved Rick VA3VO, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Eric VE3EB to adopt minutes of the Board Meeting 2016/10/18. Carried.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
- The non-final results from the hamfest – we made a profit of approximately $2400 plus any possible deposit refund. Geoff thanked all involved for their efforts.
- The question was asked 'should we consider another venue?' The answer was 'yes' if we can find a suitable location with ample parking.
- The Lions Club sold out of their food.
- Renting the third hall costs only $200, and it is good to have a place to keep the attendees out of the rain/cold.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS
Bring non-perishable food items to the December meeting for the food bank.
There will be no speaker for the January meeting, but there will be time for '5 minute' show and tell presentations.
- Dr. Delaney will be the guest speaker in February or March.
- Mike VE3MKX will be the guest speaker in March or February.
- Cliff VE3KOP will be the guest speaker in April.
- Bob VE3WY will be the guest speaker in May.
- The AGM will be in June.
- Motion 2016-11-15-3b to approve $200.00 (maximum) for food at the December meeting, moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
- Opening Balance 2016/10/31 [Available to members on request to secretary]
- Income: Hamfest tables $1455.00; Dues:$365.00; Auction: $140.25; Donation (COARC): $175.00; Hamfest door: $4614.90; Silent auction (Nov Mtg): $113.00; Total Income: $6863.15
- Expenditures: Hamfest prizes: $196.00; Bank fees (Pay Pal): $1.03; Repeater (WYNSORC): $10.00: -$207.03
- Closing Balance 2016/ 11/15 [Available to members on request to secretary]
- Membership to date: Full voting: 33; Associate: 5; Family:17; Life: 9; Total: 60
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT
- The CW identifiers on VE3YRC-V and VE3YRA have been lowered.
- The Fox Hunt is being announced on the VE3YRC-V and VE3YRA repeaters.
- The link radio at the Bloomington site is now working, levels have been set up, but may need some final adjustments. We need to return to using the mic input on the link radio for better audio.
John VE3IPS: Members from the DDO will be attending the Fox Hunt. The starting location will be 12916 Yonge St. on November 19.
Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- There are no public service events at the moment.
- Eric would welcome suggestions from the membership and the board for the QSL cards.
- Certificates of recognition will be prepared.
- Barry VA3LLT: Should we have coffee mugs, either with the club logo only, or logo and the individual member's name and call? He will check prices, in possible lots of 10, 20 and 30, and enquire about interest at the next meeting. Chris will check the Costco prices as well.
Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. The David Dunlap Observatory might be a possible site for Winter Field Day. Steve will check to see if it is available, and we could also include the Maker's Group and Astronomy Group in WFD. Paul Mortfield is the astronomy contact.
Summer Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Peter VE3PBT may possibly not be available to cook be due to health concerns, however he may be able to advise and/or assist. Geoff has enquired if the Aurora Lions might be able to provide 3 or 4 meals, and is awaiting a reply.
Hammond Museum: John VE3IPS. At the next general meeting,John will propose a trip to the Hammond Museum.
PACTOR for EmComm: John VE3IPS. John is exploring the cost of PACTOR modems 1, 2 and 3. – Pactor 1 is the least expensive, Pactor 3 is the most expensive. It might be an item for a wish list on a Trillium Grant application, but a good business plan would be needed.
WYNSORC: John VA3JI and Geoff VA3GS. The annual dues of $10.00 are now due. Motion 2016-11-15-8 to approve $10.00 for WYNSORC dues, moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 21:00. Moved Barry VA3LLT, seconded Geoff VA3GS. Carried

Thursday, 6 October 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2016-09-20

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT

Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT Pres, John VA3JI Treasurer, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, David VA3DCY Secty, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO. Absent: John VE3IPS V. Pres. Others attending: None

On-Line motion 2016-08-30-1, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that we approve the purchase of a yagi antenna from Maple Leaf Communications (Bob WY) in the amount of $75.00. On 2016/08/30 the following had voted 'yes' to the motion: Steve VE3UT, Geoff VA3GS, David VA3DCY, John VA3JI and Rick VA3VO. On 2016/09/02 Barry VA3LLT voted 'yes' to the motion. 6 of 9 directors voted in favour of the motion. The following were not heard from: John VE3IPS, Eric VE3EB, Doug VA3ATP and Chris VE3NRT who could only cast a deciding vote.

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Additions: Audit report discussions and membership. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the agenda. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt minutes of Board Meetings dates 2016/07/19 and 2016/08/16. Carried.
Trailer: Barry VA3LLT. Motion 2016-09-20-3 to approve $200.00 for trailer maintenance for the EmComm and tower trailers. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Steve proposed we participate in WFD this Year (January 28 & 29). If held at the Sharon Temple site, we should investigate the source of the noise, enquire if there is interest at the next general meeting, and book the building with Caitlin Wagg. Other sites mentioned were the summer FD site and Bales Rd.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. The date is Saturday November 05. Information has been sent to the vendors and publicity has been arranged. Club members will be asked to sign-up for jobs at the next general meeting. There is no information yet to whether or not Bob Heil will be attending or his requirements. Chris will prepare posters.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. Grant VE3XTV will talk about ATV in October and John Corby will be the speaker in November talking about QRP. Paul Delaney may be the speaker in May.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
- Opening Balance 2016-09-01 [available to members upon request to secretary]
- Income: Hamfest – 4 tables $168.00
- Dues - 20 regular, 1 family $530.00
- Expenditures: Name plates for awards $10.00
- Repeater link antenna $75.00
- PO Box rental $240.69
- Bank fees (PayPal) $3.04
- Closing Balance 2016-09-20 [available to members upon request to secretary]
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Eric VE3EB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Repeaters
- Steve VE3UT. Motion 2016-09-20-5d to approve $200.00 for repeater maintenance. Moved Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Amendment by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that fuel expenses for repeater service trips over 100km be considered as repeater expenses. Amendment and motion carried.
- The input frequency 147.825 MHz for VE3YRC-V repeater has a cycling on/off with an unknown carrier being received. Steve has disabled the repeater. Barry noted that the cross-band radio at YREOC had also been 'kerchunking' as noted previously by Don VE3IXJ.
- The PA replacement at VE3YRC-V is on hold until a better power supply is installed.
- The link antenna at Richmond Hill, VE3YRC-U for VE3YRA will be installed on Thursday.
- D-Star coverage (VE3YRK-V) has shrunk. A site visit will be required to investigate the problem. Reception seems to be the problem, transmission appears to be good. (Note: After the meeting, Eric VE3EB traced the 147.825 MHz carrier to be originating at or near the YREOC.)
- YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The gateway is OK
- IRLP: Chris VE3NRT. The Raspberry Pi is now running solidly with a new SD card. The next requirement is to build a case.
Public Service: Eric VE3EB. The last event was at the Sharon Temple. The next event is Run for the Cure, Sunday October 2. We need a minimum of 12 volunteers for this event.
YRLAB: Geoff VA3GS. The new amateur licensing class is now running.
PO Box. Motion 2016-09-20-7 to approve payment of 240.69 for rental of the PO Box, moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Audit Report Discussion: John VA3JI. It was agreed that the use of personal credit cards for large purchases or expenses, incurred on behalf of the club, has been resolved.
Membership Tracking: John VA3JI. John has been creating a data base to track club membership, which will include members' names, call signs, address, email addresses, phone numbers and payment of dues. The information will be available to board members, however only the names and call signs of members will be available to the public. It was agreed that John should proceed with the project.

Meeting adjourned at 20:35. Moved Geoff VA3GS, seconded Rick VA3VO. Carried

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2016-08-16

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3UT, John VE3IPS, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY. Absent: Doug VE3ATP.
Others attending: None

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt the agenda. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Minutes of Board Meeting date 2016/07/19 deferred until September.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI. John was only able to attend briefly, and left the following information.
- Opening Balance 2016/08/01 [Available to members upon request to Secreatary]
- Income: $0.00
- Expenditures: $0.00
- There is an outstanding cheque #1084 from Steve VE3UT
- Closing Balance 2016/08/16 $13,751.71
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. The door prizes have been purchased, and Geoff is are currently negotiating with the Markham Fair about table and chair prices (we get old wooden tables). Bob Heil will be attending with Radio World, and will be making a presentation at 10:30. The Aurora Lions Club will be serving breakfast again this year.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. In September, Don VE3IXJ will be talking about DMR, in October Grant VA3XTV will talk about Amateur TV, and in November the presentation will be about outdoor QRP. Possible future meetings could include a presentation about a DXpedition, a visit from Dr. Delaney and 10 minute show and tells.
Field Day: Steve VE3UT. Field day was good this year. Our submission has been received by the ARRL. This year attendance was 63 (69 was the record) and we operated as 5A (generator and solar). We had 537 CW contacts (1074 points), 103 digital contacts (206 points) and 903 phone contacts totalling 2183 points, doubled to 4366 contact points. We had 1290 bonus points for a total score of 5656.
Repeaters:
- Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. We now have two 100w Pas, both have been repaired and are OK. One is to be returned to the YRC site at Aurora, and the second will be a spare in the container. They were repaired by Bruce VE3BV and picked-up from him in Parry Sound. From the 7330 Users Group, Steve is exploring the use of a script for an inactivity timer.
- YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The gateway software has been replaced with G4LKX IRC DB Gateway, by Keith VA3YC. There are still some issues, which may possibly be caused by a firewall which is maintained by Gord Hewit VE3GIH.
Public Service: Eric VE3EB. The Newmarket Jazz Fest was the last event, and again more volunteers are needed. A future event in the fall is Run for the Cure with not other confirmed events.
YRLAB: Chris VE3NRT. A new Ham Class begins September 15, with the final exam scheduled for November 3.
Other business:
- Barry VA3LLT has purchased a new lock for the container, and distributed keys to: Rick VA3VO, Steve VE3UT, Barry VA3LLT, Peter VE3PBT and David VA3DCY (secty).
- Steve VE3UT requested money to purchase plaques for the Harvey Bell Award and the Melted Coffee Pot Award. Motion 2016-07-19-5b, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that we allocate a maximum of $25 to purchase name tags (plaques) for the Harvey Bell Award and the Melted Coffee Pot Award. Carried.

Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Minutes YRARC Board of Directors 2016-07-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, Eric VE3EB, Doug VE3ATP, Rick VA3VO, David VA3DCY. Absent: Steve VE3UT, John VE3IPS.
Others attending: Peter VE3PBT

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the agenda. Carried.
Election of President. Moved by Rick VA3VO, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that Chris VE3NRT be nominated for the office of president. There were no other nominations. Chris VE3NRT becomes the new president. Carried.
Election of Officers
- Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rick VA3VO that David VA3DCY be nominated for the office of secretary. There were no other nominations. David VA3DCY becomes the new secretary. Carried.
- Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB that John VA3JI be nominated for the office of treasurer. There were no other nominations. John VA3JI becomes the new treasurer. Carried.
- Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Eric VE3EB that John VE3IPS be nominated for the office of vice president. There were no other nominations. John VE3IPS becomes the new vice president. Carried.
- Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt minutes of Board Meeting dated 2016/06/21. Carried.
Other appointments:
- Repeater: Steve VE3UT and Doug VE3ATP
- WYNSORC: Geoff VA3GS
- Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- EmComm/ARES: John VE3IPS
- Membership: Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI
- Property: Rick VA3VO
- Trailer: Barry VA3LLT
- Media & Communications: Eric VE3EB, VE3IPS and Chris VE3NRT
- Field Day: Steve VE3UT
- Meeting Programs: Geoff VA3GS and Chris VE3NRT
- Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
- Moved that the positions be filled by the directors listed above, by Doug VE3ATP, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
Membership: Chris VE3NRT. Chris has the current membership materials, and will turn them over to Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI. Rick VA3VO paid his $25 membership for the new year.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS
- Geoff announced the prices for the coming event – Tables will be $28 each and admission will be $7 per person.
- The door prizes have been purchased, and Geoff will visit the Markham Fair Grounds soon.
- Flyers have been distributed at the Milton Hamfest, and 2 tables have been sold already.
Field Day: Steve VE3UT (Report next meeting). Motion 2016-07-19-6c to approve payment of $170.19 for Field Day gas. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried. (previous motion 2016-06-21-4c2 that $100.00 be allocated for gas for the generators)
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI Opening Balance 2016/06/01 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
- Income: Field day food from members $370.00
- Membership dues: $25.00
- Surplus food sold at Field Day $40.00
- Expenditures: Field day toilet $135.60
- Repeater expenditures: $75.09
- Trailer expenditures: $26.98
- Trailer highway insurance: $811.00
- Field Day gas and miscellaneous: $171.19
- 1st deposit for Hamfest: $1,165.00
- Door prizes, Hamfest $99.07
- Closing Balance 2016-07-19 [available to members upon request to Secretary]
- Field day food (preliminary)
  - Float issued for food: $1000.00
  - Collected June 7 meeting:$170.00
  - Collected at Field Day: $220.00
  - Surplus food sold to members: $40.00
  - Final total: $590.00
- Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Rick VA3VO to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Motion 2016-07-19-6d to approve payment of $811.00 for trailer insurance. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
Property: Motion 2016-07-19-6e to approve purchase of a lock for the container, not to exceed $50.00. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Repeater
- Repeaters: Steve VE3UT (Report next meeting)
- YRK Gateway: Chris VE3NRT. The IRCDDB gateway software has been installed, and is now working for D-Star. It is open source with good support. Thanks to Keith VA3YC. CentOS 5 needs to be upgraded.
- IRLP: Chris VE3NRT. IRLP is troublesome. The processor is hanging-up.
Public Service: Eric VE3EB
- Past events have included the MADD poker run, the Mount Albert run, 2 events at the Sharon Temple, Aurora Street Fest.
- Future events in the fall include the Newmarket Jazz Fest, the Sharon Temple, Run for the Cure and Animal Sanctuary.
Club Submission regarding Distracted Driving:Chris VE3NRT. We should get letters of support from served agencies, in support of Amateurs being exempted from Ontario's Distracted Driving laws (on a permanent basis).
YRLAB (York Region Maker Group). Maker day is September 10 (brochures?). A balloon launch is scheduled? We should support YRLAB with miscellaneous equipment and parts.
Programs and Classes: Geoff VA3GS. Geoff VA3GS is offering a Ham class in September. 2 meeting programs are covered for the fall.
Should we continue with the “Junk meeting” in January, or should it be cancelled?
Harvey Bell Award Discussion; 2 nominations were made for the award; Following a discussion, it was moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that the award be presented to Rob VE3RQB. Carried. The announcement will be made at the September general meeting.
2015/2016 Audit – Actions:
- Membership and record keeping concerns will be addressed by Barry VA3LLT and John VA3JI.
- Property concerns will be addressed by Rick VA3VO, and will use a new lock on the container.
Other Business
- For Canada's 150 birthday celebrations, all amateurs will be able to use alternate call signs. “VE” call signs will be able to use the prefix “CG” and “VA” call signs will be able to use the prefix “CF”.
- Doug VE3ATP noted that since our trailers have dual axles and are 'commercial' vehicles, we may be subject to CVOR regulations.

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board Meeting 2016-04-19

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:05 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Rob VE3RQB, Alf VA3BLE, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY. Absent: Doug VE3ATP. Others attending: Peter VE3PBT

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt the agenda. Carried
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by John VA3JI to adopt minutes of Board Meeting date 2016-03-15. Carried
Membership: Alf VA3BLE. We have 3 new members, with 80 members, with 77 voting members.
- A motion to give the last 3 members a free food ticket at field day was moved by Barry VA3LLT and seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Following a discussion, it was moved by Barry VA3LLT and seconded by Rob VE3RQB to postpone the motion indefinitely. Carried
- AGM Food: Motion 2016-04-19-3b, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to allocate $300.00 for food at the AGM. Carried.
- Field Day Food. Peter VE3PBT reported that Chris VA3DXZ has offered to supply the beef for field day. Motion 2016-04-19-3c, moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Eric VE3EB that we budget $1000.00 for food (including the cost of propane) at field day. Carried.
- Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by John VA3JI that we charge $10 per person for those wishing to eat at field day (to include all meals). Carried.
- Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS. Geoff produced a preliminary information sheet for the Hamfest, scheduled for 2016/11/05, to be held at the Markham Fair grounds. The Aurora Lions Club would be willing to serve breakfast again.
- Meetings: Geoff VA3GS. The speaker for the May general meeting will be Dan VE3DOF speaking on robotics.
Governance
- Audit: No report
- Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI
  - Opening Balance 2016-04-01 [Available to members by request to secretary]
  - Income: None (in April before the meeting)
  - Expenditures: Power gates for repeaters $200.00
  - Closing Balance 2016/04/19 [Available to members by request to secretary]
  - Income: Received for memberships (at the meeting) $75.00
  - Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Property: Rob VE3RQB
- Rob and Peter proposed the purchase of fittings from Cameron Canopies, plus the necessary 1” conduit to build a frame 20' wide x 30' long, to be covered by tarps (not included in the price).
- Motion 2016-04-19-5a moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to purchase the necessary conduit and fittings to build a 20'x30' frame. Motion amended by Eric VE3EB, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that the cost should be $482.00 plus tax plus shipping. Carried.
Trailer: Barry VA3LLT
- Barry proposed that Rick VA3VO be added to the list of trailer towers.
- Moved by Rob VE3RQB seconded by Barry VA3LLT that Rick VA3VO be added to the list of trailer towers. Carried.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. There has been no response from the owner of repeater VE3PIC. Steve suggested we drop the project of possibly linking VE3PIC with our repeaters. Steve suggested we attempt to sell our old RC85 controllers at the upcoming Smith's Falls hamfest.
Events & Public Service: Eric VE3EB. These are the upcoming public service events:
- Cancer Recovery Ride (new event) in Sutton May 14
- MADD (motor cycle ride) May 28
- Mt. Albert parade June 4
- Mt. Albert run June 5
- Aurora Street Sale (trailer required) June 6
- Newmarket Jazz Fest (new location) (trailer required) July 29 – Aug 1
Field Day: Steve VE3UT
There was a field day meeting, held with EmComm on Thursday April held with EmComm on Thursday April 14. Food for field day was covered. For the May meeting as site plan and antenna placement to be decided.
Other Business: Rob VE3RQB knows of a Fusion owner looking for a site, and he has also identified the "belcher" on VE3YRC-V.

Saturday, 23 April 2016

YRARC Board of Directors - Minutes 2016-03-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, Multipurpose Room1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Rob VE3RQB, Alf VA3BLE, Doug VE3ATP, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY. Absent: Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB. Others attending: none

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Steve VE3UT to adopt the agenda. Carried
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Alf VA3BLE, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to adopt minutes of Board Meeting date 2016/02/16. Carried
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT
- The installation of backup batteries at VE3YRC-U (Richmond Hill) and VE3YRC-V (Aurora) is complete for repeaters and link radios.
- We have two working RC85 controllers which have been repaired by Bruce VE3BV.
- Questions were asked, should we sell them or keep or keep the for backups, and should we buy a backup 7330 controller with the proceeds from a possible sale?
- Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by John VA3JI that we sell the RC85 controllers.
- Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB that voting be deferred until after the PIC discussion. Motion carried by a vote of 4 for and 3 against the motion.
- Doug VE3ATP raised the possibility of linking our repeaters with VE3PIC, still operating as an analogue repeater.
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Steve VE3UT that we ask Steve VE3EZ to approach Rick Smiles VE3IU about the possibility of linking with our repeaters. Carried. Chris checked the bylaws and confirmed that a simple majority is sufficient to pass a motion.
HamWAN, Trillium and MESH: Chris VE3NRT. There has been recent discussions on the YRARC Yahoo group about MESH. Chris noted that there is another option available for for linking sites with a digital network or MAN (metropolitan area network). The equipment used would be a weatherproof MicroTIK access point, mounted on a parabolic grid antenna, and connected to a power supply and network (inside) by a single CAT5 cable. The MicroTIK operates at 5GHz with a maximum power of 1.3W. Cost is approximately $100 US for the access point and $100 for a grid antenna. The proposed used would be to link EOC sites, with possible funding from a Trillium grant. Details can be found at hamwan.org.
Property: Rob VE3RQB. Rob will buy a BBQ at Home Depot to replace the defunct club barbecue. The purchase was approved in August 2015, motion number 2015-08-18-3b.He will talk to the owner of Cameron Canopies about the purchase of fittings for a shelter. There was discussion about the loan of a radio to a new member, however it was agreed that loaning the radio should not be a problem.
Membership: Alf VA3BLE. We currently have a total of 77 members, with 74 voting members.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
- Opening Balance 2016/02/29 [Available to members on request to the club secretary]
- Income: None
- Expenditures: Directors and Officers Insurance $649.08
- Closing Balance 2016/02/16 [Available to members on request to the club secretary]
- Motion 2016-03-15-7 moved by John VA3JI seconded by Steve VE3UT to pay the directors and officers insurance. Carried.
Field Day: Steve VE3UT. There was a discussion about the upcoming field day, and Steve has agreed to continue as coordinator, however he needs an assistant. In addition there are new positions for this year including Safety Officer, which could be filled by David VA3DCY, and a Social Media Officer, which could be filled by Chris VE3NRT.
Meeting adjourned at 21:33 Moved Alf VA3BLE, seconded Barry VA3LLT. Carried

Wednesday, 23 March 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2015-12-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1.
Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT

Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE.
Others attending: none

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Agenda adopted without changes.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT to accept the minutes of the 2015/10/20 BoD meeting. Noted by Alf VA3BLE that item 7b Membership, should be changed to read “60 voting members and 64 paid members” (not 64 paid members). Amendment moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
- Opening balance 2015/12/01
- Income: Refund Markham Fair $502.51 (Hamfest overpayment)
- Expenditures: Hamfest facilities $4,901.35
- Food for Dec. meeting $209.82
- Trailer maintenance: $28.28
- Balance 2015/10/20 [Available to club members on request to secretary]
- Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Eric VE3EB to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Web site: Chris VE3NRT reported that the club web site has been hacked due to a Joomla problem and has been temporarily shut down.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT.
- Note that VE3YRK has failed (today). Steve will investigate.
- Steve proposed that we purchase two Low Loss PWRGates at $49.95 US each for the repeaters at Bloomington and Richmond Hill.
- Motion 2015-12-15-5 moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Barry VA3LLT that we allocate $200 for the purchase of two Low Loss PWRGates to include shipping, exchange, duty and cables. Carried.
Go Kits: Barry VA3LLT is trying to locate all of the D-STAR go kits and confirm the accuracy of the equipment list. Plans are to recall all kits for the January general meeting. Members will be asked to bring kits in their possession or arrange to have the kits bought to the January meeting.
EmComm:
- Rob VE3RQB expressed concern that Russell VA3WTR is not a paid member and may be involved with EmComm activities.
- Chris VE3NRT noted that the club bylaws do not allow non-members to operate club equipment.
- Steve VE3UT enquired could non-Canadian amateurs be club members [Ed: Yes - but according to the club by-laws to be a voting member the member must hold a Canadian amateur radio licence]
Membership: Alf VA3BLE reported on paid memberships to date. We now have 63 voting members and 67 paid members.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS proposed 2016-11-05 as the date for next year's hamfest at the Markham Fair grounds. This is the same date as the Markham Fair's banquet which will be in hall #1, avoiding the problems from this year with 2 events happening at the same time.
Winter Field Day: Steve VE3UT asked how much interest there was in holding Winter Field Day this coming January – there was little board interest. It was noted that last year's site was noisy (RF, not acoustic) and we had very few contacts. The membership will be asked to comment at the January meeting. It was suggested that we not repeat Winter Field Day until we find a better site. We might possibly try to participate in the Canada Winter Contest in December 2016, perhaps at the Bales Rd location.

Monday, 21 March 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2015/11/17

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE. Absent: John VA3JI. Others attending: none

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Amendment to remove item 4a since it was covered in the Oct meeting. Adopted as amended, moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Alf VA3BLE to accept the minutes of the 2015/10/20 BoD meeting. Carried
Treasurer's Report: None since John VA3JI was away.
By-laws: Chris VE3NRT reported updates are continuing. Alf VA3BLE provided an updated list of members.
Meeting Rooms: Chris VE3NRT has booked the multi purpose room #1 at the Magna Centre for board meetings for 2016. January 19, February 16, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October18, November15 and December20.
Property
- Rob VE3RQB reported that the cost of a 20 ft x 12 ft (approx) canopy from Cameron Canopies, would cost approximately $750 to $800. Web site 905-772-5901 2808 Haldimand Rd. 9, RR #1 York, Ontario, N0A 1R0
- Motions 2015-10-20-1 moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB to approve $200.00 for ongoing general repairs to the trailer. Carried
Repeaters
- Steve VE3UT. Suggested the purchase of 2 West Mountain PWRgate PG40 to be installed at the VE3YRC VHF site at Yonge/Bloomington. The cost is $139.95 USD or available at Radio World for $180 Cdn each ($360 for a pair). Chris mentioned there is a less expensive Low Loss PWRgate with reduced current capabilities.
  We also need 4 batteries for the VE3YRC UHF site in Richmond Hill.
- It is possible the the VE3PIC site 146.670 may be available. The current site operator has approached the club through Steve VE3EZ and has suggested that the site may be available for a Yaesu System Fusion repeater. The repeater is located in Uxbridge at an elevation higher than VE3RPT and has excellent coverage. There is however a co-channel repeater in New York State that can also be heard in the GTA. In a show of hands, the majority of the board agreed to investigate further, to see if the offer to use the site is valid and to take the matter to the club membership for further discussion. The call VE3YRF (Fusion) is available.
- IRLP/Echolink: Chris VE3NRT has ordered an audio dongle for the Raspberry Pi. Motion 2015-11-17-5b moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Steve VE3UT to spend $17 for an audio dongle for the Raspberry Pi. Carried.
- There was a discussion on the cost of electricity to the site owner, with the D-STAR radios running with reflector traffic all day. One suggestion was to writing code to turn off the transmitter, and another suggestion was to change to switching power supplies.
- Repeater maintenance. Motion 2015-11-17-5c moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to allocate $200 for ongoing repeater maintenance. Carried.
Events and public Service
- Eric VE3EB reported on the meeting following the SET. The EmComm group was enquiring how to obtain funds for APRS for sending messages. It was explained that they just need to ask, with an explanation of why funding is needed.
  It was also suggested that we publish our frequency list for other ARES groups to use.
- Meeting Rooms: Chris VE3NRT has booked hall #4 at the Newmarket Community Centre for EmComm meetings for 2016. January 14, February 11, March 10, April 14, May 12, June 9, September 8, October 13, November 10 and December 8.
- Public Service and awards: Eric VE3EB reported that we did not participate in any Santa Claus parades, and there are no events planned until April 2016.
  Motions 2015-10-20-2 moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to approve $325.00 for food at the December meeting. Carried.
Membership
- Meetings: Geoff VA3GS reported that the January meeting will be 'junk-in-the-trunk', February will be a travelogue, March will be Mike VE3MKX speaking on fraud, and April and May are still undetermined.
- Alf VA3BLE reported on paid memberships to October 12. We now have 60 voting members and 64 paid members.
- Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS reported it will cost approximately $5000 to rent the site, leaving us with approximately $2500 in profit.
Other business
- Eric VE3EB noted the club D-STAR radios are programmed with the club call signs, and should be the user's call sign when loaned to club members. 5 memories are avialable. Eric will distribute instructions on how to change call signs in the radios.
- Doug VE3ATP asked if there is any further use for, or plans to proceed with a MESH network, in response to an inquiry from Bob VE3WY

Friday, 18 March 2016

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2016-01-19

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, multi purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT
Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE. Others attending: none

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Agenda adopted without changes. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Steve VE3UT to accept the agenda. Carried
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Alf VA3BLE, seconded by Steve VE3UT to accept the minutes of the 2015/12/15 BoD meeting. Carried
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
- Opening balance 2016/01/01 [Available to members on request to club secretary]
- Revenue: None
- Expenditures: None
- Balance Unchanged
- Moved by John VA3JI seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the treasurer's report. Carried.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. A work party was at the Hospital VE3YRC-U site on Monday Jan 18. 4 batteries were brought to the site for the repeater and 1 battery for the link radio. Old cabinets and junk were removed. A new repeater link map is ready and was shown to the board, copies to be emailed to the board members.
IRLP/Echolink: Chris VE3NRT. Equipment is being build and scripts loaded (RaspberryPi). We will keep the same node number and the IRLP portion will be done first, since the IRLP project supports IRLP only, not IRLP/Echolink. When working, a backup will be made, and then progress to IRLP/Echolink. Next steps, install the software, modify the IRLP board, test with a radio and run an antenna cable.
Membership: Alf VA3BLE reported we added 5 new members at the January general meeting: 3 regular and 2 family memberships. We now have 73 members total, 70 voting members.
Meeting Schedule: Geoff VA3GS.
- On February 2, Trevor VE3SLT will speak on his trip west.
- In March Mike VE3MKX will speak on fraud (possibly at the beginning of the meeting).
- Bob VE3WY will be the April speaker
- Jeff VA3DOC is scheduled for May to talk about drones (possibly at the beginning of the meeting).
- The January mini hamfest had little for sale or trade, and should we have something different next year?
- The Makers Group will be holding a self-study course, led by John VE3IPS with help from Mike VA3MCT.
Property: Rob VE3RQB will change the codes on both trailers (EmComm and tower), and possibly change the lock on the storage container. Rob will mention at the next general meeting, if anyone is planning to bring material to the storage container, or remove material from the container, to please contact him first. There are still D-STAR radio to be programmed. Rob will continue to request that they be returned at the next general meeting (and meetings to follow if required). Geoff VA3GS noted there may potentially be a new frequency list for GTA wide use with repeater and simplex frequencies, plus a block allocated for individual clubs and groups to use.
Other business: None.

Meeting adjourned at 20:12. Moved by Geoff VA3GS and seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.

Saturday, 14 November 2015

Minutes – YRARC BOD Meeting 2015-10-20

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, general purpose room 1. Called to Order at 19;00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE. Others attending: none.

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Adopted, moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by John VA3JI to accept the minutes of the 2015/09/15 BoD meeting. Carried
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
- Opening balance 2015/09/30 [available to members on request]. Income: Dues $25.00, Sale of ATX500 $200.00, Hamfest $1,127.00. Total 1,352.00
- Expenditures: Insurance $1,094.04, Prizes $602.75, Bank fees (PayPal) $3.13, Frames for certificates $28.18, Total $1,728.10
- Balance 2015/10/20 [available to members on request]
- Thanks to Rick VA3VO for selling the ATX500.
- Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to accept the treasurer's report. Carried.
Blog: Chris VE3NRT provided a short update on the latest blog statistics.
By-laws: Chris VE3NRT asked Alf VA3BLE for a list of paid voting members with name, call sign and email address. The revised and final versions of the bylaws will be emailed to members.
Property: Rob VE3RQB has made a list of the container contents. Steve VE3UT and Geoff VA3GS will identify what is scrap and what is to be kept. The 6m repeater and batteries were added to the property list. We are waiting for Peter VE3PBT to acquire parts for the BBQ repair. Motions 2015-10-20-1 moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Eric VE3EB to approve $200.00 for ongoing general repairs to the trailer. Carried
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT
- 4 new (to us) batteries were installed at the VE3YRC UHF site at Yonge/Bloomington. In addition all levels are good at the site. Thanks to Bruce VE3BV for the borrowed test generator. Messages on the repeaters have been updated for the hamfest.
- IRLP/Echolink: Chris VE3NRT is waiting for a cable for the IRLP project.
- D-STAR: Chris VE3NRT. Gord Hewit VE3GIH has been working on the firewall at the VE3YRK site, and some ports may be blocked. Chris and Gord to investigate.
Events and public Service: Eric VE3EB thanked those who participated in The Run for the Cure on Oct 4.
We need drivers to tow the trailer(s) in the Newmarket Santa Claus parade on Nov 21 and the Aurora parade on Nov 28. The Aurora parade is in the evening and if we participate, we will need lots of lights.
Meetings: Geoff VA3GS reported that the speaker for the October meetings is Dave VE3KCL speaking on balloons. January will be 'junk-in-the-trunk', February will be a travellogue, March will be Mike VE3MKX speaking on fraud, and April or May will be Barry VE3ISX speaking on remote stations. Other possible topics/speakers could be a demonstration of IRLP/Echo Link or antennae by Bob VE3WY.
Membership: Alf VA3BLE reported on paid memberships to October 12. We have:
- 12 additional members (10 regular plus 2 family) with and $310.00 received for a total of
- 43 Regular memberships, 5 Family memberships 6 additional members, and 7 Life members.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS reported we have allocated 8 tables for public relations, including RAC, QSL and CLARA, 3 club tables and 3 demo tables. Setup bill be at 13:00 on Friday Oct 30. at the Markham Fair Grounds The Aurora Lyons Club will be serving a breakfast of pancakes and sausages. We will provide tea and coffee. 27 members have signed-up to assist.
- Two cash floats will be required, one for admissions and one for the grand prizes.
- On Friday, Steve VE3UT will deliver the EmComm trailer and Doug VE3ATP will deliver the tower trailer.
December meeting: Motions 2015-10-20-2 moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to approve $325.00 for food at the December meeting. Carried.
Other business: On November 18, Chris VE3NRT has been invited to the Makers Show at the David Dunlap Observatory. His topic will be “This is Not Your Father's HAM Radio!”

Meeting adjourned at 20:40. Moved by Rob VE3RQB and seconded by John VA3JI. Carried.

Monday, 19 October 2015

Minutes: YRARC BOD Meeting 2015-09-15

Meeting held in the Magna Centre, general purpose room 1. Called to Order at 1900 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Doug VE3ATP and Alf VA3BLE. Others attending: none

Agenda: Chris VE3NRT. Adopted, moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.
Minutes: David VA3DCY. Moved by John VA3JI, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to accept the minutes of the 015/08/18 BoD meeting. Carried
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI.
- Closing balance 2015/06 [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Prepaid dues for 2015-16 $205.00
- 2014-15 year end balance: [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Opening balance 2015-07-01: [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Income: Prepaid dues $205.00
- Return FD food: $243.30
- Return AGM food: $35.00
- Total income: $483.30
- Expenditures: Insurance $874.00
- Trailer: $100.00
- Total expenditures: -974.00
- Balance 2015-08-01: [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Income: Hamfest $252.00
- Total income: 252.00
- Expenditures: Bank fees (PayPal) $1.66
- Maintenance Trailer: $11.30
- Total expenditures: -12.96
- Balance 2015-08-31: [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Income: Hamfest $47.00
- Dues at Sept meeting $715.00
- Honouraria: Mt Albert $200.00
- Aurora COC: $500.00
- Total Income: $1,462.00
- Expenditures: Prizes/plaques $15.00 (Motion 2015-07-21-12)
- Parking for repeater maintenance $14.00 (Motion 2015-09-15-1)
- Post Office Box $240.69 (Motion 2015-09-15-2)
- Total expenditures: $269.69
- Balance 2015-09-15 [available to club members on request to Secretary]
- Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to accept the treasurer's report. Carried.
- Motion 2015.-09-15-1 to pay a $14.00 to Steve VE3UT for a parking receipt from June 2015, moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Carried.
- Motion 2015-09-15-2 to reimburse Geoff VA3GS $240.69 for payment of the Post office Box, moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Rob VE3RQB.
Blog: Chris VE3NRT provided a short update on the blog.
By-laws: Chris VE3NRT has started the process of updating the by-laws (with an email to board members). The intent is to clean-up the wording/language of the by-laws first, before making changes to the by-laws. Send comments and criticisms to Chris.
Property: Rob VE3RQB. Peter VE3PBT may be able to salvage the existing BBQ. Peter also recommends a 30'x30' shelter. Rob will check back with Peter.
Rob will check the contents of the storage trailer to see what can be eliminated by Dec. meeting. John VA3JI requested an inventory update of purchases/deletions for insurance purposes. David VA3DCY has programmed the trailer Asus router with instructions for use as a Access Point and as a Bridge. Alf VA3BLE volunteered to test the router and instructions.
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT. Messages on the repeaters have been updated for the hamfest.
IRLP/Echolink: Chris VE3NRT reported on the progress of the IRLP project. The existing IRLP board will work, he has some of the required parts and will acquire additional parts.
Events and public Service: Eric VE3EB thanked Geoff, Barry and Ron KG4CVL for their help at the recent Sharon Temple event. The Run for the Cure happens on Oct 4. 8 to 10 volunteers are needed (we have 4 already). The D-STAR radios in all to Go-kits need to be reprogrammed. Eric will coordinate with Don VE3IXJ. Chris will post the updated list. Rob wants to recruit a team to decorate the trailer(s) for the upcoming Santa Claus parades.
EmComm: Chris VE3NRT reported on the recent EmComm meeting with Ian Snow and Rick Harrison. There is no concensus among neighbouring EmComm/ARES groups on what systems to use (digital, WinLink, channel allocations). We should proceed with our own plans, and investigate a the possibility of developing a high speed digital network, possibly in the 1.2G or 5G bands.
Membership: Geoff VA3GS reported that speakers are confirmed for the October and November meetings. January will be 'junk-in-the-trunk'. Suggestions for future meetings included a demonstration for IRLP/Echolink, remote station operation, a travelogue and antennae by Bob VE3WY.
Membership: Alf VA3BLE reported on paid memberships by the September meeting - 3 Family memberships @$30 with 4 additional members, 25 Regular memberships @$25, prepaid memberships included 1 Family and 6 Regular memberships. 6 Life members. Money received $90 (family) and $625 (regular). Projected additional membership could be 32 x 80% from last year for approximately $640 and 25 x 20% from previous years for approximately $125.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS reported we need volunteers for parking, and student volunteers looking for community service hours. The wrist bands are ordered, Trevor's group will only handle coffee and water. The Lion's Club from Aurora will provide breakfast from their facilities at no cost to us, and they will keep the profits from their efforts.
Other business: Steve VE3UT reported that the plaques for the Harvey Bell award and the Melted Coffee Pot award have been received. Cost $15.

Meeting adjourned at 20:40. Moved by Geoff VA3GS and seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Carried.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors Meeting 2015-08-18

Meeting held in the Magna Centre. Called to Order at 19:00 by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending: Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Alf VA3BLE, Doug VE3ATP. Absent: Eric VE3EB

Agenda: The agenda, without amendments, was adopted as presented.
Minutes: Motion 2015-08-18-2 to accept the minutes of the 2015/07/21 board meeting, moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Carried.
Treasurer's Report: John VA3JI. Opening balance 2015/07/21 (members may request balance from the club Secretary). Income: Prepaid dues $205.00, Return FD food $243.30, Return AGM food $35.00. Total $483.30. Expenditures: Trailer Insurance $874.00, Trailer maintenance $100.00. Total $974.00. Members may request closing balance from the club Secreatary. Motion 2015-08-18-3a to accept the treasurer's report, moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by Alf VA3BLE. Carried.
Budget discussion
- Barry VA3LLT proposed a trailer budget of $200 for general maintenance, including $50 for changing the decals on the trailer to yrarc.org, a D-STAR cable for D-RATS. Not included but mentioned a possible Rig Blaster for each computer. Not included but mentioned, the need for WiFi access. David VA3DCY to investigate existing router in the trailer with Barry VA3LLT. Steve VE3UT proposed a repeater budget of $600 for general maintenance plus batteries. Rob VE3RQB proposed a property budget of $1200, to including a new BBQ ($300), a new shelter/frame/tarp for field day ($600) and miscellaneous ($300). Rob to investigate the cost of tarps. Alf VA3BLE mentioned that he has the capability to sew tarps together.
- Motion 2015-08-18-3b by Geoff VA3GS that Rob VE3RQB and Barry VA3LLT purchase a new BBQ. Motion amended by Alf VA3BLE, seconded by Barry VA3LLT, that Rob VE3RQB and Barry VA3LLT in consultation with Peter VE3PBT, purchase a new BBQ, cost not to exceed $350 tax included. Carried.
- Alf VA3BLE proposed a budget of no cost ($0), since we have a supply of membership cards. Chris VE3NRT proposed a budget of $175 for web hosting ($25), battery charging for the go-kits ($50) and awards and plaques ($100). Steve VE3UT and John VA3JI will submit a summary of field day expenses and John VA3JI will supply the costs of the Christmas and AGM food costs.
Blog Update: Chris VE3NRT gave an update and overview of the blog, accessed at http://yrarc-splatter.blogspot.ca/ and via http://www.yrarc.org/ and selecting 'The Splatter'. Members are encouraged to read, comment and promote the site. We need pictures and stories.
Property: Rob VE3RQB noted we have some donated red fiberglass cable containers for storing cables in the EmComm trailer, but need to be able to hold them in place.
Motion 2015-08-18-4 by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by by Geoff VA3GS, to purchase materials to retain the containers, maximum cost $20. Carried.
- Repeaters: Steve VE3UT reported that all repeaters are OK.
- IRLP and Echo-link: John VA3JI has given the radios and IRLP and Echo-link controllers to Chris VE3NRT for further investigation.
Events: Report sent from Eric VE3EB. Past events included participation at the Sharon Temple Canada Day, Newmarket Canada Day and the Newmarket Jazz Fest. Upcoming events include the Sharon Temple Illumination, Sept 11, Run for the Cure Oct 4 and the Markham Fair Sept to Oct 1 to 4.
EmComm: Chris VE3NRT reported there is an upcoming meeting on Aug 18 to discuss the GTA channel list.
Membership: Geoff VA3GS noted that we have speakers for the September, October and
- November meetings. December will be the Christmas party and meetings for January, February and March are to be finalized, and may include remote stations.
- September 1st: Amateur Radio and Model Rocketry, Dave Ranjauth VE3OOI
- October 6th: Paul Delaney, Professor of Physics and Astronomy, York University
- November 3rd: Tracking Small Balloons Around the World, Dave Beverstein VE3KCL
.
Geoff VA3GS has sent emails to prospective vendors and has received 5 responses. The date is October 31. In the past we have spent $1000 for grand prizes, and we may cut back on the amount spent on prizes. A 50/50 draw was suggested. Volunteers will be recruited at the September meeting.
Promotion: Chris VE3NRT has prepared a PDF file suitable for posting in libraries and other public places to promote the for September, October and November meetings.
Recognition: Chris VE3NRT noted the club is forgoing a significant amount of money when we issue a life membership Some formal rules should be set up to control the number of free memberships issued, such as a significant contribution over 20 years might be required.
Motion 2015-08-18-8d by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Steve VE3UT that we spend $40 for frames for certificates of appreciation for TBA and TBA. Carried.
Other business - Training: Geoff VA3GS noted that no less than 10 candidates are required to run a basic study course, however help could be provided for a self-study course.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35pm

Thursday, 13 August 2015

Minutes - YRARC Board of Directors 2015-07-21

Meeting held in Multipurpose Room 1 of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:01. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT.

Board members attending:

Chris VE3NRT, Steve VE3UT, John VA3JI, Geoff VA3GS, Barry VA3LLT, David VA3DCY, Rob VE3RQB, Alf VA3BLE, Doug VE3ATP.
Absent: Eric VE3EB.
Club members attending: Chris VA3DXZ, Peter VE3PBT.

Review of the agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded John VA3JI to adopt the agenda without changes. Carried. [2015-01-21-01]

Pro-term chair and secretary for elections: Moved by Chris VE3NRT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB that Geoff VA3GS serve as pro-term char and secretary. Carried. [2015-01-21-02]

Elections:

Chris VE3NRT, nominated for president by Steve VE3UT, moved Steve VE3UT, seconded John VA3JI, Carried. No further nominations for president.
Steve VE3UT, nominated for vice-president by Rob VE3RQB, moved David VA3DCY, seconded Chris VE3NRT, Carried. No further nominations for vice-president.
John VA3JI, nominated for treasurer by Barry VA3LLT, moved Steve VE3UT, seconded Chris VE3NRT, Carried. No further nominations for treasurer.
David VA3DCY, nominated for secretary by Steve VE3UT, moved Steve VE3UT, seconded Chris VE3NRT, Carried. No further nominations for secretary.

All of the above agreed to serve, no other nominations were made and the positions were filled by acclamation. (There was no need for an election.) [2015-01-21-03]

Minutes: Moved by Barry VA3LLT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to adopt minutes of the board meeting held on 2015/06 /10. Carried. [2015-01-21-04]

Committees: The following were chosen to act as chairs and vice chairs for the following committees:

Property: Rob VE3RQB
Trailer : Barry VA3LLT
Repeaters: Steve VE3UT, Doug VE3ATP.
Hamfest: Geoff VA3GS, David VA3DCY
Membership: Alf VA3BLE, Barry VA3LLT
Events : Eric VE3EB
EmComm: Barry VA3LLT, Chris VE3NRT
Field Day: Steve VE3UT

Moved by Rob VE3RQB, seconded by John VA3JI. Carried. [2015-01-21-05]

Treasurer Report:

John VA3JI reported as opening balance (2015/05/30) [Club members may request the bank balance by contacting the Club Secretary]
Income $75.00, Expenditures FD toilets $253.13 Repeaters $300.19 (total $553.31)
Closing balance (2015/06/30) $14,807.40 (includes $205 prepaid dues for 2015/16).
Upcoming expenses: Insurance $814.00, Trailer maintenance $100.00
Future balance [Club members may request the bank balance by contacting the Club Secretary]
Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT to adopt the treasurer’s report. Carried. [2015-01-21-06]

Property:

Rob VE3RQB reported the cost of the 'drive-on' anchor brackets exceeded the original quote. He has donated the excess cost of the brackets.
David VA3DCY proposed to make trailer additions – add phone and data circuits, a new circuit breaker, receptacles, and an exterior mouse hole for miscellaneous cables/extensions.
Moved by David VA3DCY, seconded by Geoff VA3GS to proceed, with the cost not to exceed $50.00 . Carried [2015-01-21-07]

Trailer Insurance:

Moved by Barry VE3LLT, seconded by Rob VE3RQB to pay the trailer insurance $874.00, due in August. Carried. [2015-01-21-08]

Repeaters:

Steve VE3UT reported the second battery charger at VE3YRC-C site appears to be defective. A Kenwood power supply is now installed to power the link radio at Yonge/Bloomington. All repeaters are currently linked. [2015-01-21-09]
EchoLink has not been working for approximately 5 weeks. The current server has failed (and is both old and too large). It was suggested to use a Raspberry Pi for IRLP or a Klaus Rung thin client solution. Chris VE3NRT will investigate. [2015-01-21-09]

Events:

Barry VA3LLT reported that volunteers are still needed for the Newmarket Jazz Festival. Contact Don VE3IXJ. [2015-01-21-10]

EmComm:

There have been no recent meetings, and no report. [2015-01-21-11]

Membership

Moved by Steve VE3UT, seconded by Geoff VA3GS that name plates for Harvey Bell award and the field day Melted Coffee Pot award be ordered. Cost not to exceed $50.00. [2015-01-21-012]

Field Day:

Steve VE3UT submitted the field day results and gave a preliminary report of field day results, with the official report to follow. Steve VE3UT and Peter VE3PBT made the following observations about Field Day.

Field day food money collected from members should be handled by a 3rd party and deposited into the club bank account.
All money to purchase food should come from the bank account as an advance, not partly from the club and partly from participants.
Rent only one toilet next year to reduce costs
A better kitchen shelter is needed.
The club BBQ needs to be repaired, however it may be cheaper to purchase a new BBQ. [2015-01-21-13]

Other Business:

Chris VE3NRT asked that committee chairs submit a preliminary budget for each committee's estimated expenditures – due at the next meeting in August.
Geoff VA3GS suggested a generator as a hamfest grand prize.
Geoff VA3GS is looking at getting speakers for the fall meetings.

Meeting adjourned at 20:42. Moved by Geoff VA3GS, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Carried.

York Region Amateur Radio Club

Founded in 1959, the York Region Amateur Radio Club is dedicated to the advancement of amateur radio through fraternal and technical means and providing public safety and emergency communications services to our community.

The Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm from September to June at the Sharon Temperance Hall in East Gwillimbury, Ontario. Anyone interested in Amateur Radio is welcome to attend. (Currently all meetings are on-line due to social distancing requirements - please inquire to secretary@yrarc.org for access).

York Region is situated immediately North of the City of Toronto, Canada, and includes the communities of Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, and many others.