OPD, 107 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 87571
Potluck started at 5:30pm. Thanks to everybody for bringing food.
Meeting began at 6:10 with Donovan (K2AH) presiding
Guest and member introductions, with 19 members attending in person.
Approval of July 9, 2025, meeting’s minutes. No questions were brought up and the Motion to approve was made by Shiela (KI5IPS) and seconded by Keith (K5FS).
The motion to Approve the agenda for tonight’s meeting was made by Ed (KF5EIG) and seconded by Greg (KF5TTO).
Treasurer's Report - Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a) July Deposits - $1,525.00, CAP, Event support, membership dues
b) July Expenses - $1,058.79, KCEC Internet & Electric, Food for event volunteers
c) July Ending Balance - $16,881
d) Motion was made to approve by John (WB5Q and seconded by Mike (KI6KGC).
President Donovan (K2AH) made the president’s remarks.
a) Miscellaneous Matters
Recap of concert events with a busy July. Three back-to-back concerts on the 4th, 5th and 6th. No support from TARC for the 4th. We did support on the 5th and 6th helping security. Next concert to be likely the Labor Day weekend and one at the end of September. The other significant event that was held was Fiestas de Taos. Thank you to members and especially Glen (KF5OSB) for leading. Craig (KI5HKU) noted one safety issue at the teardown event.
New Business
a) Update on TSV Mega Link Batteries. The batteries are at OPD; we need to coordinate with Brian (NB5R) for moving and installation. Will be a hard task hauling them up the ridge. John (W5JHW) explained the terrain challenges. A discussion was held over the weight of batteries and methods of transport. A plan will be shared with members once in place. The various nodes and functioning of the Mega Link was discussed. Cautions were discussed about keying up, speeds etc. The link was down, was repaired but batteries need to be moved into place. John (W5JHW) explained the power and battery configurations. Brian (NB5R) is the party responsible (our Trustee) as his business also supports business communications in the County and other locations.
b) Echo Link node build update will be moved to technical presentation at tonight’s meeting. Donovan (K2AH) explained the function of the Echo Link repeater network, with nodes communicating with Picuris Peak, with a discussion about relocating to the OPD. Mike (NM5MK) explained the relay process of the communication.
Old Business
a) Grant update by Keith (K5FS). No significant updates as school is still out. Help is still needed by club members to help support school activities. Donovan (K2AH) explained David’s (KJ5DFQ) role as a Taos middle school teacher helping students with Radio skills, including the Wednesday afternoon repeater work, STEM programs, Science fair radio projects and testing for License. TARC is receiving grants to assist with student support.
No Repeater Report/Update nor ARES updates as Brian (NB5R) was not present.
The Echo Link build discussion (in lieu of monthly Technical Presentation) was led by Ed (KF5EIG), the build leader.
a) A kickoff meeting was held several weeks ago. A decision was made to install the node in the OPD location where we will have easier control. Mike (NM5MK) explained the functioning process of the system for the membership present. We will use one of the donated radios, purchase the remaining necessary components. A discussion of computer and operating systems followed. The next issue is recovering the existing node hardware from the previous member in Dixon, as well as credentials for setting up the new node. The club will attempt to find and contact this person, Mike (KF5PX). Ed (KF5EIG) requested that we have a hardware and process layout of equipment after the formal meeting, to better understand the equipment needed. A discussion was had concerning the antenna needed, cost of equipment, components needed etc. A more detailed discussion of the antenna location and placement followed. A discussion followed about type and size of PC.
b) The club would need to vote on an expenditure budget for the new build. A motion to spend 1200.00 dollars for the Echo Link Node and associated hardware and software and was made by Donovan (K2AH) and seconded by John (W5JHW). The vote by show of hand was unanimous.
Reminders: The next FCC License testing will be on September 13th, at OPD starting at 10:00 am. Next testing session is the first week of December.
John (W5JHW) moved to close the meeting, seconded by Ed (KF5EIG).