Minutes: YRARC Board of Directors Meeting April 15th, 2014

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:00. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Richard VE3NSD, Geoff VA3GS, Publius VE3XS, John VA3JI, Eric VE3OIC, Steve VE3EZ. Board members absent; Barry VA3LLT. Guests attending; Carlos VA3CAZ, Russell VA3WTR

1. Agenda
   
   • Agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT (Attachment #2)
     
   • Motion 2014-04-15-01 by Rob VE3RQB to adopt agenda seconded by Richard VE3NSD . Motion carried.
     
2. Adoption of Feb 18, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-04-15-02 by John VA3JI to adopt the minutes of the Mar 18th board meeting seconded by Publius VE3XS. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer's report John VA3JI
   
   • Current balance [Available to members upon request to club secretary]
4. Richard VE3NSD
   
   • Announced that he is stepping down from Community Events / Public Service leadership
     
   • Eric VE3OIC volunteered to take over until the end of his term in June 2014 with assistance from Geoff VA3GS
     
5. Old Business
   
   • Tower Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • Rob VE3RQB towed the tower trailer to Tricked Toys where the tower was removed from the trailer. Rob VE3RQB then returned the trailer to the York region yard
       
     • Contact at York Region yard is Scott Stover [phone numbers in secretary's minutes]
       
     • Tower is on Mark VE3SDF’s trailer at his home
       
     • Tower was weighed to estimate scrap value which is estimated to be $50-$75
       
     • Rob is in need of the key for the trailer storage boxes
       
     • Chris VE3NRT will coordinate with Steve VE3EZ load new tower on the tower trailer
       
   • Trailer Emcomm – Russell VA3WTR
     
     • Russell VA3WTR presented a letter (attachment #3) outlining proposed improvements / upgrades to the trailer to improve functionality and increase storage capacity at the front of the trailer
       
     • Recommendations were discussed and debated. Concerns were raised about the costs and discussion ensued about reducing the scope of work and associated costs
       
     • Decision made by the board to authorize Russell VA3WTR to undertake the improvements that can be done without added cost utilizing donations of the members
       
     • Work to be undertaken in region
       
   • Storage Container – Rob VE3RQB
     
     • The ground is too wet to place the container in the next 2-3 weeks
       
     • Bruce VE3BV needs to have the material in the garage moved out within the next two weeks
       
     • Rob proposed renting a storage unit for one month as an interim solution to allow us to move the material from Bruce VE3BV’s home while we wait for the proper ground conditions to move the container
       
   • By-laws – Eric VE3OIC
     
     • Eric and Geoff will be meeting to finalize the draft amendment
       
     • At the next general meeting, Eric and Geoff will announce the availability of the final draft and schedule for voting in the fall. Copies will be made available to paid up club members. Members requesting a copy will be asked to contact the club secretary Chris VA3DXZ at secretary@yrarc.org
       
   • Hamfest – Geoff VA3GS
     
     • Motion 2014-04-15-04 by Geoff VA3GS to relocate the Hamfest to Markham Fairgrounds, seconded by Eric VE3OIC.
       
     • Geoff VA3GS presented the rental agreement for discussion
       
     • Secondary Motion 2014-04-15-04b by Publius VE3XS to study the historical Hamfest financial statements, seconded by John VA3JI. Motion not carried.
       
     • Secondary Motion 2014-04-15-04c by Steve VE3EZ to amend Motion 2014-04-15-04 to include a review of the historical Hamfest financial statements in order to do a better job in 2014. Seconded by John VA3JI. Motion carried.
       
     • Discussion concerning the 2013 Hamfest profits. John VA3JI voiced his concern to the chair that the discussion was once again questioning if there were errors in the accounting. Geoff VA3GS addressed the chair to say that he accepts full responsibility for the Hamfest. John VA3JI noted that he had reviewed the figures at the request of the board more than once and confirmed the numbers were accurate. This point was accepted and the discussion then focused on how to do a better job this year. The following points were discussed:
       
       • More focus and resources needed on promotion and sale of the tickets for the grand prize draw
         
       • Need to improve security around ticket sales and cash boxes.
         
       • Eric VE3OIC proposed to dedicate a board meeting to discuss management of the 2014 Hamfest
         
       • John VA3JI suggested a leader for each function and that the float would be split among leaders and delivered by the treasurer
         
   • Membership Drive – Steve VE3EZ
     
     • Steve VE3EZ reported that the mailer is still on track for a final draft at next meeting
   • IRLP – John VA3JI
     
     • Eric VE3OIC will help John VA3JI to fabricate a new cable
6. Field day – No update
7. Harvey Bell Award – Chris NRT
   
   • Secretary will consolidate nominations and send to the board for review at the next board meeting
8. Upcoming Community Events – Eric VE3OIC
   
   • See attachment #1
9. Motion 2014-04-15-05 by Chris VA3DXZ to adjourn meeting, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried at 21:10
   

ATTACHMENT #1 – Community Events

1. MADD Poker Ride Event, May 25, 2014
   
   • Newmarket (City Hall) west to Tottenham road area (tentative route)
     
   • Call out is for 8-10 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
2. Girl Guide Event, May 31, 2014.
   
   • Call out is for 4-6 HAMs
     
   • Good opportunity to show off the trailer, provide demos and “sell” Amateur Radio.
     
   • The Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario Council are holding a huge Province wide rally on Saturday May 31. Anticipated attendance is 5-8 thousand. We already have 3000 + members registered and the deadline isn't until May 2.
     
   • We were wondering if the club would be interested in setting up a ham radio display and demonstration where the girls could come by and see things and perhaps even try and contact people.
     
   • The event is being held at Canada's Wonderland, in the Kingswood Theatre Section. This section is blocked off from the public for the day and only Girl Guide members will be allowed in this section. (except of course, the presenters, demonstrators, etc.). We have checked with the officials at Wonderland and though they have a 'no radio' policy they have told us that we can go ahead and set this up with no issues using the radios.
     
   • I know that 3 (or 4) years ago, when we held our last Rally Day at Ontario Place in Toronto, there was a HAM display set up where the girls could see and use equipment throughout the day (under the supervision of the licensed Hams).
     
   • The day starts for the girls at 9:00 am and ends at 4:00. The presenters would have to be there earlier of course, to set up. I can get those details later for you. Girl Guides event May 31 Wonderland
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
3. Aurora Street Festival Sunday June 1, 2014
   
   • (Opening and closing)
     
   • Call out is for 14-16 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
4. Mt Albert Sports Day, June 7 (Tentative)
   
   • 5K run and Parade
     
   • Call out is for 6-8 Hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
5. Remembering Renata - Walking Across Canada, Sunday August 24
   
   • This was a new event for our club last year and our first opportunity to extend our support to a deserving organization; Eating Disorders of York Region (EDOYR). Few people know that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses but sadly, our healthcare system does not adequately fund the needs of the community. We can & did help make a difference!
     
   • Chris VA3DXZ is coordinating. Call out is for 4-5 hams
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
6. Newmarket Jazz Festival, August 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2014
   
   • Newmarket Community Centre
     
   • Many HAMs for multiple shifts (details to follow)
     
   • Trailer Needed
     
7. AL's Ride August 3rd, 214
   
   • Al’s Tack Sop, Vandorf Side Road
     
   • Call out is for 10-12 Hams
     
   • Trailer requested but not Needed!
     
8. Coming soon…
   
   • Sharon Temple events (2-3)
     
   • CIBC Run for the Cure
     
   • Markham Santa Parade
     
   • Newmarket Santa (Freelance Hams via Don Matthews)
     

• MIT finds kid building amazing things from junk. [Bill VA3QB]
  
• Blog by Warren VE3WPX
. [Chris VE3NRT]

• Amateur Radio Computer Compatible Networks; A wealth of information about networks, including MESH, can be found here. [Klaus VE3KR]
  
• Avoiding the instinct to help in emergencies. Advice on preparation and decision making. [Patrick VE3WST]
  
• Lunar Orbital Image Recovery Project. [Patrick VE3WST]
  
• Returning the International Sun Explorer to Earth orbit. [Patrick VE3WST]
  
• Barrie Area Ham Radio Media Coverage. [Russell VA3WTR]
  
• Repeater launched on balloon. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Kicksat project. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Bio of Edward Samuel Rogers, who operated as 3BP from Newmarket. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Source for breadboard jumper wires. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Ham Band reallocations in the UK. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Amateur developed SDR software assists in search for MH370. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• RI1ANT Operations from Antarctica. [Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Centimetre resolution GPS. [Don VE3IXJ]
  
• Cars are more electric than you think. [Don VE3IXJ]
  

YRARC General Meeting Minutes - April 1, 2014

Meeting held at the Newmarket Community Centre due to a last minute scheduling conflict with the Sharon Temperance Hall. The meeting was called to order at 19:30. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT. 36 members and 3 guests in attendance.

1. Minutes Mar 4th general meeting; Motion 2014-04-01-01 by Steve VA3SRV to approve the minutes, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
   
2. Treasury – Chris VE3NRT on behalf of John VA3JI
   
   • Two memberships paid in March otherwise no other transactions in the month
3. Project Night – Brad VE3HII
   
   • Very positive response. 11 people have signed up
     
   • Motion 2014-04-01-02 by Brad VE3HII to allocate $83.00 for 3 months rental of a room at the Newmarket Community Centre to host project night. Seconded by Doug VE3VS. Motion carried.
     
4. Tower Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
   
   • Rob VE3RQB was asked by the board to investigate if the new tower donated to the club by the RCMP, could be installed on the existing tower trailer in place of the existing tower.
     
   • Rob received an estimate totaling $3,500.00 which included the removal of the existing tower from the trailer, the repair of the new tower, modification of the trailer to accommodate the new tower, installation of the new tower, fabrication and installation of new outriggers on the trailer. Given the new tower is significantly lighter than the existing tower, it is expected that the new tower will substantially reduce the load on the trailer
     
   • Motion 2014-04-01-03 by Steve VE3UT to allocate up to $3,500.00 for the work required, seconded by Steve VA3SRV. Motion carried.
     
5. Equipment Storage – VE3RQB
   
   • Rob VE3RQB proposed to the board during the Mar 18th board meeting, that the club purchase a 20’ “construction” grade storage container to house all of the club equipment. Bruce VE3BV has a number of club assets in his garage that must be re-located as his home is up for sale. In addition, various club members are presently storing other club assets. There is a desire among the club to consolidate all the assets into one location.
     
   • Peter VE3PBT has offered to the club a area on his property to locate the storage container
     
   • Total cost for the storage container, plus shipping to Peter PBT’s location is estimated to be $2,500.00
     
   • Geoff VA3GS determined that purchasing a container, would pay for itself in 13 months given current storage rental rates in the area
     
   • Motion 2014-04-01-04 by Steve VA3SRV to allocate up to $3,000.00 to cover the purchase, transportation, and outfitting of the storage container. Seconded by Glen VE3AU. Further comments by Steve VE3EZ suggesting the inside of the container be spray foamed to reduce condensation inside the container, and by Eric VE3OIC suggesting that the storage container and its contents be clearly documented as club property, and that this be set out in written agreement with Peter VE3PBT. Motion carried.
     
6. Community Events – Eric VE3OIC on behalf of Richard VE3NSD. Volunteers are requested to support the following upcoming events
   
   • May 13 - Girl Guides at Wonderland
     
   • May 25 - MADD Poker Run
     
   • June 1 – Aurora Street Festival
     
   • June 6-8 – Mount Albert Sports Day Fair
     
   • Aug 1-4 – Newmarket Jazz Festival
     
   • Aug 3 – Al’s Ride
     
7. Motion 2014-04-01-05 to adjourn the meeting by Doug VE3VS seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
   

Next meeting will be held at the Sharon Temperance Hall.

New YRARC Calendar

The most comprehensive, up-to-date and detailed club calendar is now available. Thank you Eric VE3OIC for starting it. The club web site menu now links to it under the Calendar entry.

April 1st YRARC Meeting - Change of location

We were surprised to learn yesterday that due to a scheduling conflict the Sharon Temperance Hall is not available tonight. We have secured the Newmarket Community Centre, Room 1, instead. Please pass this on to everyone you can.

Many thanks to the town of Newmarket and especially Gail Tarrant-Boddy for their speedy accommodation of our last minute request for a meeting room.

73,
Chris VE3NRT

Links of the Month - March 2014

The following links were submitted by club members in March.

• Boefeng radio supplier [Ron KG4CVL]
  
• Latest Industry Canada Amateur Radio Exam Generator [Patrick VE3WST]
  
• Raspberry Pi as an FM band transmitter [Chris VE3NRT]
  
• A new blog from a new ham. [Warren VE3WPX]
  
• Transatlantic 2-metre attempt[Steve VA3SRV]
  
• Mining bitcoins with Raspberry Pi Cluster. Throw in some Beaglebones for good measure. Go figure. [Chris VE3NRT]
  
• How not to take down a tower.
  
• Arc Fault Circuit interrupters are now required by the electrical code and have RFI issues. [Geoff VA3GS]
  
• Detailed descriptions of OTH Radar from different countries.[Chris VE3NRT]
  

Here is a waterfall snapshot of the suspected OTH signal on the 30 metre band on March 23rd. Bandwidth is about 20KHz, right over the digital segment of the band.

Minutes, YRARC Board Meeting, March 18th, 2014

Meeting held in the multipurpose room of the Magna Centre. Called to order at 19:00. Chaired by Chris VE3NRT

• Board members attending; Chris VE3NRT, Rob VE3RQB, Chris VA3DXZ, Barry VA3LLT, Steve VE3EZ, Geoff VA3GS, Publius VE3XS, John VA3JI, Eric VE3OIC
  
• Board members absent; Richard VE3NSD
  
• Guest attending; Steve VE3UT
  

1. Agenda
   
   • Agenda as proposed by Chris VE3NRT (Attachment #1)
     
   • Motion 2014-03-18-01 by Geoff VA3GS to adopt agenda seconded by Barry VA3LLT. Motion carried.
     
2. Adoption of Feb 18, 2014 board meeting minutes
   
   • Motion 2014-03-18-02 by John VA3JI to adopt the minutes of the Feb 18th board meeting seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
     
3. Treasurer's report John VA3JI
   
   • Report detailed bank balance and transactions in February. Information is available to members upon request.
     
   • 1 cheque outstanding for 88th Baden Powell. Geoff, VA3GS, will ask them to cash it.
     
4. Old Business
   
   1. Antenna Trailer – Rob VE3RQB
      
      • Contractor is estimating 20-30 hours at $70.00 per hour plus an estimate of $1,000 for material for outriggers, all plus HST. Rob VE3RQB intends to be there to assist
        
      • Discussion concerning how high the tower could be deployed with/without outriggers and/or guy wires. It was agreed that outriggers should be included for added safety. There was an agreement that the board would create a policy to set out the maximum deployable height with and without guy wires to ensure safe operation of the tower trailer. There was further discussion about whether a mechanical means could be installed to limit the deployed height of the tower. This idea will be discussed with the contractor.
        
      • Motion 2014-03-18-03 by Eric VE3OIC to bring to the membership a motion to authorize $3,500 for services and materials rendered by Trick Toys to repair the antenna trailer (outriggers, and other modifications) to make it ready for field day and other events, seconded by Geoff VA3GS. Motion carried.
        
   2. Bylaws – Eric VE3OIC and Geoff VA3GS
      
      • Updated draft to be finalized and sent to board members by Mar 19th
        
      • Comments by the board required by Mar 26th
        
      • The bylaw committee will communicate through the Splatter Blog and Yahoo group that interested club member should contact the club secretary for a preliminary copy of the bylaws for review prior to the AGM, not withstanding that the Preliminary draft will also be sent to the membership 3 weeks prior to AGM
        
      • Publius VE3XS will send membership list to the club secretary to validate club members requesting a copy of the preliminary draft
        
   3. Hamfest Location – Geoff VA3GS
      
      • Geoff is targeting Nov 8th
        
      • Location is not finalized.
        
      • Geoff has requested a quote from Markham Fairgrounds
        
      • Geoff is looking for additional parking that could be made available near the Newmarket Community Centre
        
   4. Storage – Rob VE3RQB
      
      • Quotation for 20’L x 8’W x 8.5’H “construction grade” container is $1,700.00
        
      • Peter VE3PBT has volunteered to store the unit on his property
        
      • Costs range from $225 to $290 to transport the container to Peter VE3PBT’s property
        
      • Geoff to research monthly storage costs so the board can compare an upfront purchase option vs on-going rental fees for storage
        
   5. Field Day Budget – Steve VE3UT
      
      • Steve VE3UT presented the field day budget. Very slight increase planned over 2013 expenditure.
        
      • Motion 2014-03-18-04 by Geoff VA3GS to allocate $1,200 for Field Day expenses seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried.
        
   6. Membership Drive – Steve VE3EZ / Publius VE3XS
      
      • Steve presented a mock up of the proposed mailing card for feedback
        
      • There was a discussion concerning the anticipated increase in postage costs planned by Canada Post. It was agreed that if the cards were mailed prior to the increase, they would arrive far too early to be effective in drawing amateurs out to field day. It was agreed that the cards would be mailed 3 weeks before field day.
        
   7. Status of IRLP – John VA3JI
      
      • Tower is inaccessible. John will repair cable and re-locate the antenna as soon as he can access the tower.
        
5. New Business
   
   1. Harvey Bell Award – next steps – Chris VE3NRT
      
      • One nomination has been received
        
      • Chris VE3NRT will send a reminder note
        
   2. YRARC QSO Award – support from the board – Chris VE3NRT
      
      • Chris VE3NRT will create a form listing club members and bands for interested members to use to track points
        
   3. Life Membership Award Criteria
      
      • Wording in the current Bylaws was reviewed and deemed acceptable for its purpose
   4. Equipment Donation from VE3RTO – Chris VE3NRT
      
      • VE3RTO is a silent key who’s son donated his amateur equipment to YRARC
        
      • Proposal by Chris VE3NRT to lend (or rent cheaply) the equipment to a newly licensed amateur or failing that, to be sold with funds to go into the club treasury
        
      • Geoff VA3GS to come back with a suggested recipient
        
      • In the mean time the equipment will be held by the club and be made available for loan to club members
        
6. Motion 2014-03-18-05 by John VA3JI to adjourn meeting, seconded by Rob VE3RQB. Motion carried at 21:02