OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571
Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food.
Meeting began at 6:11 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding.
Sign-in with 9 members present.
Guest and Member Introductions were skipped do to present member familiarity.
Approval of February 11, 2026, meeting minutes. Motion was made to approve by Mike (NM5MK) and seconded by Tim (W5TNM).
Approval of Treasurer's Report by Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a. Ed (KF5EIG) explained his process of receiving payment, processing invoices and inputting the information into the ledger that he uses. The current balance of the club is 17,775.00 with the usual additional lease expenses. He had to process a couple of Forest service leases. The normal membership dues were received. The balance sheet to be posted on the OPD Shack bulletin board.
b. Tim (W5TNM) suggested that we change the PO Box in El Prado from the current member’s name to the actual club’s name. Donovan (K2AH) would follow up with the process.
c. A motion to approve the report was made by Tim (W5TNM) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).
d. Donovan (K2AH) clarified the payments made in February, including forest service leases, equipment insurance renewal, with additional insurance premiums coming due in June.
Donovan (K2AH) made the President’s remarks:
a. FCC License Test will be on Saturday March 14, 2026 @10am OPD, the first of the year. An email will be sent out for exam support, with two expected people to take exams.
b. The New Mexico QSO Party will be happening Saturday April 11, 2026, with updates posted on the social media outlets. The OPD will be used for the event, per usual, with food and participation. Members recounted experiences with past QSO parties at the OPD.
c. Upcoming club activities on San Antonio Peak, for Brush/Tree Cleanup, Painting and new Signage created. Tim (W5TNM) clarified the requirements from the Forest Service for lease holders. Donovan (K2AH) explained what he would be doing using a local sign company for possible new signs up at the peak site. And reached out to Darien (NM5DF) for possible assistance from the Rocky Mountain Youth Corp for training on tree removal, working with chainsaws and/or having their help with the tree removal to do so correctly and safely. He will reach out to Brian (NB5R) for gate access and timing, and members should keep this plan in mind for their schedules. Tim (W5TNM) recounted the situation last year with the gate being found open, and all the locks missing and cast about, on SAM.
New Business:
a. Tim (W5TNM) gave the update for the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio Tech Fest. 106 people participated online and in person, with biggest subject being the Earth to Moon bounce process. The demonstration included a 10-watt demonstration with 3 counties in Europe, Texas and Canada, using ft-8 microwave propagation. He explained the high cost of equipment, processes and calculations necessary to use this technique. Mike (NM5MK) explained other methods besides digital to perform moon bounce communications, with experiences at past events.
b. Tim (W5TNM) also explained the Tech Fest Balloon presentations. Many schools around the nation participate in this activity. The quoted costs to participate in this type of activity typically involve securing grants. There are two types of latex balloons used, those that are designed to rise and explode, and those that persist for recovery. There are added expenses in recovering persisting type ballons, and the local topography is likely not suitable for that type of methodology, for our local school students. The small latex balloon cost 4,370.00 dollars and the type 4,830 dollars and requires FAA coordination. In his conversation with Keith (KF5FS) it was thought that the use of Pico balloons using APRS might be a possible solution for local students. The cost of these balloons is 1,834.00 dollars. It was suggested that those interested could formulate a grant request. A Frost grant submission would be due in May, with no funding happening in November. Keith (KF5FS) and David (KJ5DFQ) will work together on the grant process.
c. Donovan (K2AH) updated the club with the Town of Taos Concert schedule for this summer. A schedule will be emailed out to the club.
d. Taos Fiestas will be held from July 17 th through 19 th , on the Plaza with help required from the TARC for vendor setup and teardown.
e. Donovan (K2AH) updated the Middle School Stem support situation, with the Fox Hunt planning on April 22 for the antenna build, the 29 th for soldering with the actual event happening a week later, with the request for the club to help.
f. Ed (KF5EIG) noted that club should be aware of the extreme fire danger that is happening in Taos, and possible need for the club to support agencies in the case of any Agency responses. A discussion was held regarding staying proficient by utilizing local repeaters etc. for practice and general radio functioning. Members recounted experiences with the Calf Canyon Fire and TARC support roles. A discussion was conducted about local repeaters, the Mega link system, etc. Members discussed the local TARC nets, procedures etc.
Old Business:
a. No Grant(s) Update, as Keith (K5FS) was not present.
b. No ARES update as Brian (NB5R) was not present.
There was no repeater update, by Brian (NB5R) as he was not present.
Net Report (Attendance listed below)
No Technical Presentation for this meeting.
The Business Meeting was closed by a motion from Greg (KF5TTO) and seconded by Ed (KF5EIG).
** Reminders:
a. Statewide ARES Net – HF 3939, 1 st Sunday, 7pm.
b. TARC Net - VHF/UHF-DMR, 4th Wednesday, 7pm Picuris VHF/UHF NET CONTACTS 4 TH Wednesday 7PM Net:
Analog: February 2026 Net
- K2AH Donovan
- KF5EIG Ed
- KI5MGR John
- NM5MK Mike
- KI5HKU Craig
- KJ5GFK Eric
- KJ5NPF Katrina
- KJ5NSQ Sam
- W5TAO Gary
- W5TNM Tim
- KC2SHO Jon
- N5TSV Mickey
- KJ5DFQ David
- W5GWR Wayne (Net Control
DMR February 2026 Net No DMR net was held
HF Net Friday, 8PM, follows the 4 th Wed Net: