Minutes, YRARC Board of Directors - 2014-06-17

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:02. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, John VA3JI, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3EZ, Barry VA3LLT, Geoff VA3GS. Board members absent; Richard VE3NSD, Publius VE3XS. Board member elect attending; David VA3DCY. Club members attending; Russell VE3WTR, Steve VE3UT.

1. Adoption of agenda
   
   • Motion 2014-06-17-01 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt the agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT (Attachment #1). Seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
2. Adoption of May 20th, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-06-17-02 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt minutes, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
3. The chair VE3NRT welcomed David VA3DCY (newly elected to the board) and congratulated Rob VE3RQB, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB on their re-election to the board, and thanked Steve VE3EZ (outgoing board member) for his many contributions to the board
   
4. Chris VE3NRT facilitated a round table discussion whereby the board members commented on their observations from the past term and suggestions for the future.
   
   • General state of repeaters and in particular YRC, repeater troubleshooting expertise, possible future Trillium grant, membership and support for community events were noted as areas to apply greater focus in the future.
5. Chris VE3NRT provided an outline of board activities
   
6. Finance Report – John VA3JI
   
   • Balance at the end of May $21,430.14
     
     • Disbursements; $341.44 AGM BBQ, Field Day $848.60, Storage container shelving $80.00, Tower Trailer $3,453.12, QSL Card Postage $100.57
       
     • Revenues; $50.00 dues
       
   • Balance as of Jun 17 [Amount available to members on request to club secretary]
     
   • John VA3JI advised the board of the planned upcoming expenditures Hamfest $7,000, Field Day $350, Communications trailer insurance $873, General liability insurance $600, QSL cards $400, communications trailer repairs $300 (all figures are estimates and exclude revenues for Hamfest)
     
7. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • The planning and preparation for field day was going well, the tower trailer was on site at Al’s Tack Shop and ready for operation.
8. Communications Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • The brackets for the weight distribution system were re-installed using the funding directed for that purpose under Motion 2014-05-20-06
     
   • Tongue weight was measured at the highway 400 weigh scales May 31st and found to be 814 lbs which exceeds the 600 lb tongue weight limit common on most pickup trucks. With the weight distribution system, the tow vehicle’s tongue weight limit typically increases to 1,200 lbs providing a reasonable margin of safety to cover additional loading that may be present in the trailer in the future.
     
   • As a result of the analysis, the need for the weight distribution system was confirmed.
     
   • Motion 2014-06-17-03 by Rob VE3RQB that Steve VE3UT be added to the list of individuals authorized to tow the communications trailer pending instruction to be provided by Steve VE3EZ, seconded by Chris VE3DXZ. Motion carried.
     
   • Rob VE3RQB reported that the installation of the HF antenna on the Helo Mast should be modified to ensure that in the event that the Helo Mast is deflated, the Helo Mast cannot dislodge from the HF antenna mast. Rob VE3RQB to investigate and come back with a recommendation.
     
   • Motion 2014-06-17-04 by Geoff VA3GS to allocate $632.97 to cover 50% of Russell’s VE3WTR out of pocket expenses (Refer to attachment #2) incurred doing the recent communications trailer renovations, seconded by Steve VE3EZ. Motion defeated.
     
9. Tower Trailer - Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Project is complete, and the trailer has been deployed to the field day site
     
   • Steve VE3UT indicated that the field day site property owners would consider storing the tower trailer on the property at no expense to the club.
     
10. Membership Drive – Steve VE3EZ
    
    • The QSL cards were printed and 550 cards were mailed Monday June 16
11. Events – Eric VE3EB
    
    The Girl Guides, Aurora Street Festival, and Mount Albert events went well
12. Emcomm – Russell VE3WTR
    
    • Request for the communications trailer to be deployed for ARES Day at Radio World 9am-4pm
      
      • Motion 2014-06-17-05 by Eric VE3EB to approve the transport of the trailer out of York Region, seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.
13. New Business
    
    • Mileage reimbursement – Geoff VA3GS
      
      • Item withdrawn by Geoff
    • Motion to approve trailer insurance – John VA3JI
      
      • Item withdrawn by John
      • Motion 2014-06-17-06 by [name not recorded] to allocate $180.00 for a 5 year renewal of the YRARC.org domain, seconded by Steve VE3EZ. Motion carried
14. Motion 2014-06-17-07 by Chris VA3DXZ to adjourn meeting, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:05pm
    

Notes from the Shack, July 2014

Under the Whip

Pardon the title! A while back I discovered that my 30 year old mobile mag mount, made by Larsen, only matched on 2 metres. On 450 it was more than 4:1 VSWR across the entire band. On close inspection it should not have been a surprise as the housing for the coil that separates the upper and lower halves of the antenna had broken open exposing the interior which had become a congealed mass of rusty metal. It was a wonder it matched OK on 2 metres.

More recently, the club acquired a couple more mag mount dual band antennas from a local donor, and I decided to test them as well. Initially I did this using a filing cabinet as a ground plane but when neither worked on either band I tried them on top of my Toyota to see if they'd fare any better. They didn't.

Eventually I found that one of the donated antennas worked fine matching less than 1.5:1 across both bands if I mounted it on my Larsen base. It works well even on the shack filing cabinet.

What have I learned? To trust but verify. Seemingly good antennas can go bad and need to be watched.

Postscript

I'm now the happy owner of a vehicle with a permanent antenna mount on the roof. I expect that most of the time it will sport a 1/4 wave whip about 19" long because that's all the clearance I have into the garage. Long trips may give me the chance to run with something a little larger. I'm happy to have a rig in the car again!

I wrote this back in March but neglected to publish it. Better late than never.

2014/2015 Board of Directors

The YRARC Board of Directors for 2014/2015 are now in place. Members of the board are now:

1. David VA3DCY
   
2. Chris VA3DXZ
   
3. Geoff VA3GS
   
4. John VA3JI
   
5. Barry VA3LLT
   
6. Eric VE3EB
   
7. Chris VE3NRT
   
8. Rob VE3RQB
   

Meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, starting with July 15, 2014. The July and August meetings will take place at the Magna Centre, 395 Mulock Drive in Newmarket, in Board Room #1. For the remainder of calendar year 2014 the meetings will be in Multi-Purpose Room 1 in the same building. Location is t.b.d. for 2015, but it is expected to continue to be in Multi-Purpose 1 at this time.

I also regret to inform you that Richard, VE3NSD, tendered his resignation to the board in June due increased demands on his time and availability. On behalf of my fellow directors I would like to thank him for his contribution to the board.

The board will consider appointing directors to replace Richard and fill the additional vacancy (due to the election of only 4 of the 5 vacancies at the last AGM) in the coming weeks.

73,
Chris VE3NRT

YRARC Annual General Meeting, June 3rd, 2014 - MInutes

Ron KG4CVL called the meeting to order at 20:45 with 36 members in attendance.

1. Appointment of the auditors for the financial year ending March 31 2014April 30, 2014
   
   • Motion 2014-06-03-AGM-01 by Anthony VE3HIS to appoint Bob Rennie VE3BSJVA3BSJ as auditor, seconded by Steve VE3UT . Motion carried.
2. Motion 2014-06-03-AGM-02 by Dave VE3DCY to ratify board’s actions over the previous year, seconded by Glen VE3AU. Motion carried.
   
3. Secretary reported on attendance at the board meetings indicated that all meetings achieved a quorum and were generally well attended
   
4. Continuing directors,
   
   • Chris VE3NRT, Chris VA3DXZ, Barry VA3LLT, John VA3JI, Richard VE3NSD
5. Appointment of scrutineers
   
   • Terry VE3ODM, Steve VE3UT, Publius VE3XS, volunteered
6. Director requirements were presented
   
7. Role of the directors was presented
   
8. Nominations for the term commencing July 1, 2014.
   
   • Steve VE3EZ nominated Rob VE3RQB seconded by Terry VE3ODM
     
   • Steve EZ nominated VA3GS, seconded by Don VE3IXJ.
     
   • Geoff VA3GS nominated VE3EB seconded by Brian VE3IBW
     
   • Barry VA3LLT nominated VA3DCY seconded by Glen VA3AU
     
   • Further nominations were made but unfortunately those members were not able to accept their nomination and stand for a term on the board.
     
   • Eric VE3EB moved that nominations be closed, seconded by David VA3DCY. Motion carried.
     
   • Rob VE3RQB, Geoff VA3GS, Eric VE3EB, and Dave VA3DCY were elected by acclamation for the two year term beginning with the 2014/15 year.
     
9. Barry VA3LLT moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Terry VE3ODM. Meeting adjourned at 21:08pm
   

Links of the Month, May 2014

The following links were submitted by club members. I hope you find the interesting and useful.

• ARRL Field Day Locator [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Resurrection of the ISEE-3 satellite [Steve VA
  
• CHIRP open source radio programming software. Too bad it doesn't support my IC-7100. [Patrick VE3WST]
  
• Decoding radiosonde telemetry with RTL-SDR. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Man Found In Hara Arena, Days After Hamvention Ends [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• The Eclipse Software Development Framework Video (used on project night) [Matt VA3MGN]
  
• Information on C structures [Brad VA3HII]
  
• Recording of an "Anvil Screamer", a thunderstorm related phenomenon [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Problems with the kicksat satellite [Steve VA3SRV]
  

Minutes of the May 2014 Board of Directors meeting

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:07. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT

• Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Publius VE3XS, John VA3JI, Eric VE3EB, Steve VE3EZ, Barry VA3LLT, Geoff VA3GS
  
• Board members absent; Richard VE3NSD
  
• Guests attending; none
  

1. Agenda was approved as proposed by Chris VE3NRT with the addition of the two email motions;
   
   • 2014-04-24-01 Email Motion - Movement of trailer out of region
     
   • 2014-04-28-01 Email Motion - Trailer Renovations
     
2. Adoption of April 4th, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-05-20-01 by Chris VA3DXZ to adopt minutes, seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
   • Finance report John VA3JI –
     
     • Income; $200.00 for the sale of the old tower, $75.00 for 3 memberships
       
     • Disbursements; $529.15 for Go Kit Items, $2,401.25 for purchase of the storage container
       
     • Balance [Available to members from Secretary on request]
       
     • John VA3JI reported that an earlier Motion for $500.00 for Go Kit materials was recorded in the minutes with the incorrect motion number.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-02 by John VA3JI to amend the earlier motion numbered 2013-11-19-04 for allocation of $500.00 for Go Kit items to 2013-12-17-04 seconded by Chris VA3DXZ. Motion carried.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-03 moved by Geoff to increase funding allocated under motion 2013-12-17-04 for go kits by $29.15, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
   • Motion 2014-05-20 -04 by Chris VA3DXZ to recognize and confirm approval of 2014-04-24-01, an email motion approving the movement of the communications trailer out of region, seconded by Eric VE3EB. Motion carried.
     
   • Motion 2014-05-20 -05 by Chris VA3DXZ to recognize and confirm approval of 2014-04-28-01, an email motion approving certain renovations to the interior of the communications trailer, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
     
   • Trailer Weight Distribution System – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Rob VE3RQB reported that the weight distribution brackets on the tongue of the communications trailer were damaged during towing for the recent renovations and subsequently removed without prior approval of the board.
       
     • In response to a concern raised that the weight distribution kit was not compatible with the braking system on the trailer, Rob VE3RQB provided a report from D.D. Eagles & Sons (see attachment #2), (the installer of the weight distributor kit), noting the manufacturer of the kit; Reese Hitch, had confirmed that the weight distribution kit would present no issue. Problems arise when a sway control system is used. In the case of the club’s trailer, a sway control system has not been installed nor used.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20 -06 by Eric VE3EB to allocate up to $300.00 to repair the weight distribution system in accordance with the recommendation of the trailer committee, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion amended by John VA3JI to request a written validation by the installer that the system meets or exceeds the manufactures recommendations, seconded by Chris VA3DXZ. Motion carried.
       
     • Rob VE3RQB recommended that the generator be removed from the trailer during towing, until such time that the weight distribution system is repaired.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-07 moved by Barry that Steve VE3EZ, Chris VA3DXZ, Bill VE3QB, and Rob VE3RQB, be solely authorized to tow the trailer until the trailer committee has reviewed / amended the trailer policy to ensure the club's interests are protected. Seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-08 by John to request that the board seek cost recovery for the damage to the weight distribution system. Seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion defeated.
       
   • Tower Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Discussion concerning modifications of the new tower necessary to install it on the existing tower trailer
       
     • It was noted that the existing tower trailer was originally a Toronto Police tower trailer
       
     • The trailer committee suggested that only the 3 inner sections be used to reduce weight
       
     • Rob will call out for volunteers, to disassemble the new tower
       
   • Storage unit – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • The storage container was purchased (see attachment #3) and delivered to site. Rob VE3RQB will donate a lock. Property manager will hold one key and club secretary will hold second key.
       
     • Barry VA3LLT will begin work on interior shelving
       
   • Bylaws – Eric VE3EB
     
     • Bylaws have been distributed to the club secretary who will distribute to club members on request
       
     • The secretary reported that there have been no requests for a copy of the bylaws
       
   • Membership drive – Steve VE3EZ
     
     • The draft version of the post card was presented for feedback. Edits will continue for the following week at which time Steve VE3EZ expects to finalize the design
       
     • Steve VE3EZ provided a budgetary cost estimate totaling $762.00 including tax to produce and mail 500 cards. He will secure additional quotes prior to the next general meeting.
       
     • Steve VE3EZ will send the mailing list for review and comment.
       
     • Motion 2014-05-20-09 by Geoff GS to go to general membership with a motion to allocate up to $800.00 for membership drive seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
   • IRLP – John VA3JI
     
     • IRLP was brought on line 4 weeks ago but is presently down due to a lightning strike. System will be back online once the internet access is restored
   • Field Day
     
     • Chris VE3NRT & Steve VE3UT to meet to discuss details
   • Harvey Bell Award
     
     • The Harvey Bell award nominations were reviewed and a winner was selected by majority vote of the board. The winner will be announced at the AGM
   • Events update – Eric VE3EB
     
     • Eric noted the upcoming events, all of which are on the calendar on the club web site WWW.YRARC.org
   • AGM Food
     
     • Motion 2014-05-20-10 by Barry VA3LLT to allocate the $50 in addition to the amount allocated for food for the 2013 AGM.
     • Seconded by Rob VE3RQB
       
   • Motion 2014-05-20-11 by Eric VE3EB to adjourn meeting, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried at 21:10
     

Minutes of the May 2014 General Meeting

Meeting held at the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:30. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT

1. Introductions completed. 41 members and 7 guests in attendance
   
2. Motion 2014-05-06-01 by Brian VE3IBW to approve the minutes of the April 1st General Meeting as published in the Splatter Blog, seconded by Brad VE3HII. Motion carried.
   
3. AGM – All attendees were reminded that the AGM will be held next month and that volunteers are needed for the BBQ, and to chair the AGM elections for 5 new members
   
4. Treasury – John VA3JI - No transactions in April
   
5. Field Day – Steve VE3UT
   
   • Need some idea of the numbers to plan for food
     
   • There will be a military presence although less than last year as they have been asked by other clubs to attend their field day activities
     
   • 80m station to be located further south
     
6. Bylaws – Eric VE3EB - Members are encouraged to review the proposed bylaw amendments prior to the AGM. The bylaws are available from the club secretary (Chris VA3DXZ). To request a copy, please email secretary@yrarc.org
   
7. Public Events – Eric VE3EB
   
   • New GMAIL calendar will be made available. For more information members can email events.yrarc@gmail.com
     
   • Upcoming events are:
     
     1. MADD Poker Ride May 25
        
     2. Girl Guide Rally May 31
        
     3. Aurora Street Festival June 1
        
     4. Mt Albert Sports Day (Parade and Run) June 6&7
        
     5. Ontario Medical First Response Competition June 14
        
     6. Field Day June 28&29
        
     7. Sharon Temple Canada Day celebration July 1
        
     8. Tentative - Sher St Kits Event July 1
        
     9. Newmarket Jazz Festival August 1-4
        
     10. Al’s Ride August 3
         
     11. Remembering Renata Walk – Raising Awareness for Eating Disorders August 24
         
     12. Sharon temple Illumination September 5
         
8. Hamfest – Geoff VA3GS - Saturday Nov 1st has been confirmed
   
9. Property – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Storage Container – Looking into an alternative supplier. Hope to have purchase completed next week
     
   • Tower Trailer – Waiting for access to new tower to get trailer modifications underway
     
10. Meeting adjourned at 21:35
    

The club would like to thank Dr. Paul Delaney from York University for his fascinating talk entitled “A Quick Taste of Modern Astronomy”