Kalamazoo Amateur Radio Club Minutes For August 2007

The August meeting was called order at 7:05PM by the President Charlie Chapman (KB8SFR) at the Red Cross Chapter House on Venture Dr on August 16th, 2007

Club Officers Present: Charlie Chapman (KB8SFR) President

Dave Nawatny (KC8WLD) Vice President

John Mathieson (KC8ZTJ) Secretary

Jim Gardner (KI8HF) Treasurer

Don Verhage (KC8OQM) Member At Large

Ron Schubot (N8CML) Member At Large

Technical Committee

Art Snapper NK8X absent

John Tucker WB8ZVV Trustee

Absent Excused:

Members introduced themselves as part of the opening.

The treasurers report was circulated and a motion to approve was made by Murray Cooper. The motion passed unanimously.

The secretary's minutes of the last meeting were also circulated. A motion was made by Murray Cooper to approve the minutes. The motion was supported and passed unanimously.

The KARC Special Event station was discussed again and all who participated were thanked for their efforts. QSL certificates are in the process of being sent out.

It was also announced that the Smart Club would be arranging for a bus to the Hamvention in Dayton, OH next May. The cost is $100 with a $20 deposit due to arrange a seat. Contact the Smart club for further details or their web site at http://www.k8kzo.net/

Club members participated in a presentation on the “Battle Creek Special” antenna. The presentation was provided by K8GG George Gurein and by W8UVZ George Taft. The “Battle Creek Special is a vertical antenna designed for portable operation on the 160 Meter band. It was noted that the antenna has been used on many DX expeditions and is loaned out to DX expeditions on a regular basis. The Antenna is shipped in a hand built wooden crate and comes with instructions on assembly for use in the field. The antenna uses a four wire guy that enables just two people to erect the antenna without special equipment. It is built of high strength aluminum tube. Overall the presentation was well received and of much value and interest to the members. More information on this antenna can be found at here at http://www.ok1rr.com/view.php?cisloclanku=2005031402 More information on this antenna can also be found at http://www.pi4cc.nl/link/bc.htm

It is noted that at least one of the four antennas is currently being maintain in South Africa in readiness for another expedition.

Simon Boheme (KC8ZYD) presented the Club with a plaque from the Walk America event members participated in this past season with the thanks of the organization.

Don Verhage moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was supported and passed. The meeting closed at 8:14 PM

Respectfully submitted

John Mathieson