***THESE MINUTES REMAIN UNOFFICIAL UNTIL ADOPTED AT THE NEXT CLUB MEETING***
The May 5th, 2025 monthly HARC meeting was held at Hermiston High School in Room 311 and was called to order by President Sam at 19:02.
Member Attendees: AA7TH, KI7CUS, KD7VX, N7JMW, KE7YX, W7ILD, W7JJK, KJ7NYZ
Guests: None
New Members: None
The April 2025 meeting minutes and May 2025 Secretary/Treasurer’s Report were distributed via email by J. Kelso on 04/01/2025.
A motion was made by Todd to adopt the April meeting minutes as presented and it was seconded by Whitley. The motion passed unanimously.
The May 2025 Secretary/Treasurer’s Report was read by Jeff.
Ongoing Business:
- Dennis provided a solar report to the membership.
- Testing – Kevin sent an update via email stating: “No one is signed up as of now. If there are no applicants signed up by Friday I will pull the listing down for next Tuesday so we are not scrambling at the last minute.”
- Ione School Ham Radio Class – Todd reported that he will meet with the class again on Wednesday the 21st. He will be discussing antenna principles and types with the class at the upcoming session.
- The Fourth Thing – The Club’s major event in May is the LCTOTA, and June’s major event will be Field Day. Todd thought that we might try having a friendly contest at Field Day to see who can get the most contacts during the event.
- LCTOTA – Kevin sent an update via email stating: “There was a meeting last Tuesday with all of the state coordinators. I was able to attend. There will be another meeting on May 20th. I plan on having a zoom meeting with all the ops who have volunteered in mid-May. Only a few minor changes in the planned operations.”
- Repeater interference – Changing the power to 5W did not improve the interference situation. In Emery’s opinion, lower power made the interference worse because he couldn’t get over the top of it, even with 100W. Whitley said that it didn’t seem as though the interference had been as bad lately, and he wasn’t sure if the interfering repeater’s power had been lowered recently or if something else had changed. Emery thought that we might add more grounding straps to the cables to eliminate the possibility that the cables were acting as antennas with “diode-type action.” A lengthy discussion of possible remediative actions ensued. Todd made a motion that we solidify a plan to outfit the 02 repeater with a controller and a 100W amplifier. Motion was seconded by Emery. Motion passed unanimously. We will do research and bring results back to the next meeting.
- Pendleton Wagon Train – Kevin sent an update via email stating: “I know that some of you volunteered for specific days at the last meeting. I managed to lose my notes and do not remember who volunteered. The WT committee really appreciates this service. The dates that we need listeners are Monday June 23rd through Friday June 27th. There are no organized rides scheduled for Monday but many teamsters will hitch their wagons and go out of camp for short rides to make certain all is well. On Friday the wagons return to camp early for photos, dressup time, and preparation for the dance that night.” Todd reported that he had volunteered for the 25th. Mike Kimsey had volunteered at the April HARC meeting for the 24th. Dennis volunteered for the 23rd.
New Business:
- Parades – Anna reports that parade dates are as follows: The Boardman 4th of July Parade is on that day, the Irrigon Watermelon Festival is on or around July 26th, and the Umatilla County Fair Parade is August 2nd. Members should try to keep the dates open and Anna will coordinate staffing from the Club’s membership.
Announcements:
1. Club Breakfast – Saturday, May 17th at Rayz Dayz, Umatilla at 8:00 AM.
The meeting was adjourned by AA7TH at 20:01.
Respectfully submitted by Jeff Kelso, W7JJK.
