The February 14th, 2021 monthly HARC meeting was held at the Agape House and called to order by KJ7NYZ at 19:01.
Member Attendees: KI7CUS, W7OLI, KD7VX, KE7YX, W7JJK, KJ7NYZ, KE4TRR, KG7AMC, W7ILD
Guests: KJ7SMT
New Members: None
The January 2022 meeting minutes and Treasurer’s Report were distributed via email by J. Kelso on 02/08/2022.
A motion was made by Emery to adopt the December minutes as read. Seconded by Ian. Motion passed.
The January 2022 Secretary/Treasurer’s Report was read by J. Kelso.
Ongoing Business
1. A voluminous and lengthy discussion about a comms truck replacement took place. One idea brought forth at the January meeting was to replicate the setup in the OEM trailer so that the Club has a set. The other idea that was brought forth was to have Club members write down ideas for whatever should be in the vehicle/trailer for consideration by the Club. Essentially, we’d collect all of the members’ ideas and then determine the contents of the vehicle/trailer from that list by Club consensus.
Emery proposed that we have one or two dual-band radios in the vehicle. He also recommended that the Club buy an HF radio that also includes the 2m and 440 bands. Also, the radio should have the capability of using a TNC on one port and a computer on a second port to minimize the amount of plugging and unplugging required to operate various equipment.
Todd T. seconded the recommendation for a multi-band radio. He also added the desire for a PACTOR TNC that is capable of operating on all modes. He also recommended the inclusion of two dual-band radios and a portable repeater.
Emery emphasized the importance of maintaining an ability to improvise to overcome communications difficulties in the event of an emergency.
Alan emphasized the importance of members staying proficient in emergency communications through regular practice with their equipment. Alan also informed everyone that there are two packet nodes at the Heppner and Pendleton EOCs that run 24×7 and are available for use.
2. It was asked if all of the Club and ARES gear had been removed from AA7DD’s estate. Nobody present knew the answer to that question. Alan asked when and how to gain access to the storage unit. It was recommended that he contact KJ7MI to coordinate access.
3. Alan spoke with Shawn Halsey, Director of the UMR&DD via telephone on February 9, 2022. According to Mr. Halsey, the current building on Carney Butte needs to be replaced with a larger building before an amateur radio repeater could be installed on Carney Butte. The Club should reach out to Justin Lauer at ODF to discuss the possibility of placing the .16 repeater at that location once the new building is in place. See attached conversation notes from KE4TRR for more details. Whitley mentioned that he would like to look at the Club minutes between 2005-2010 to see when the 16 repeater was removed from Carney Butte. Jeff K. will retrieve the banker boxes from his storage unit and bring them to the next meeting.
New Business
- Nominations for Director Position #2 were accepted. Whitley nominated NB7O. Jeff K. nominated AA7AZ. The election will take place at next month’s meeting.
- Whitley reports that the Club’s .16 repeater hardware is at his house and is working, but is not currently on the air.
- Jeff Kelso recommended that the Club and ARES work to vacate the storage unit in Boardman to minimize the Club’s monthly expenses. A discussion ensued about how to disperse the equipment from the storage unit with some discussion of the possibility of storing much of the equipment at the Umatilla County EOC. Alan said that he’d look at the storage space there in the room by the 911 center to see if it was a possibility.
- The HARC breakfast will be next Saturday (2/19/21) at Rayz Dayz at 8AM.
- Dennis mentioned that there is a FEMA Interoperability Exercise on Wednesday.
- Anna wondered if we needed a VEC to replace Don so that the Club could conduct testing sessions. Dennis mentioned that the SSRA is doing online testing that is very quick and easy for the test takers and the proctors. It was determined that the Club would need a VEC to step up if we were to continue to offer licensing exams.
The meeting was adjourned by KJ7NYZ at 20:08.
Respectfully submitted by Jeff Kelso, W7JJK.
