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.
Sign-in with 9 members and one Guest present.
Guest and Member Introductions, call signs and first name.
Approval of August 12, 2026, Minutes, A motion to approve was made by Dave (KF5TVE) and seconded by Mike (NM5MK).
A Motion was made to approve the agenda for tonight’s meeting was made by Mike (NM5MK) and seconded by David (KF5TVE).
Approval of the Treasurer’s Report by Ed (KF5EIG) Expense summary, balance.
a. Ed (KF5EIG) noted the club is still solvent with a balance of $17,616.94, with most of the expenses being the normal recurring expenses, with income being the events. The ledger will be posted on the Shack Bulletin board.
b. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Mike (KI6KGC) and seconded by Craig (KI5HKU).
Donovan (K2AH) made the President’s remarks:
a. Miscellaneous Matters, Donovan noted that David (KJ5DFQ) contacted him about having a former middle school student who will be at the research facility in Antarctica from September 3 rd to October 2 nd and would like to make contacts with the Taos Middle school and is asking for comments on what type of equipment and radio modes might be needed. A conversation was discussing possible modes, and that he would follow up with David (KJ5DFQ).
b. TARC participated in the Town of Taos concert on August 22 nd with Ed (KF5EIG) performing lead duties. Ed (KF5EIG) noted it was a low-key event with few problems. There had been problems at a concert a week earlier (which we did not participate in) so folks were on high alert. The crowd numbers were low.
c. Mike (KI6KGC) gave a recap of the TARC booth and display at the Taos County Fair. Several club members were present all day, with other members stopping by, as well as a half dozen or more attendees visiting the booth. One copy of the technician Training manual was given out to a prospective Licensee in Angel Fire.
d. Donovan (K2AH) updated the members on the ARRL Exam Tools process and will be contacting the ARRL for assistance. He will be setting up the process for the Exam happening On September 12, the one in November, and for future exams.
e. The upcoming October meeting will have nominations for Club officers. Elections will happen in November, as there is no official Club meeting in December. All the current Officers are term limited for this year, and we need folks to step forward for leadership.
New Business:
a. Donovan (K2AH) in in the process of updating the USFS 2027 forms for the repeater sites on Picuris Peak and San Antonio Mountain. Forms have been submitted, with billing happening in the spring of next year.
b. Donovan (K2AH) noted the insurance policies for equipment at all our repeater sites had been renewed.
c. Donovan (K2AH) explained that there would be an exam session for one General License applicant at 10:00 AM on September 12 th . All VE’s have been confirmed. Membership is invited to attend to watch and learn.
d. Donovan (K2AH) explained the upcoming ARRL License Technician Class Testing that is coming, with the following proposed dates:
i. Sat, Nov 14 11:00 to 1:00 for the 2 hour kickoff. There is a test at 10:00AM
ii. Sat, Dec 12 10am, test already scheduled if people desire
iii. Sat, Jan 9 9am; Jan 16 as a snow day backup
iv. Sat, Mar 13, Scheduled Exam
Leadership will be discussing the dates and processes, with the focus on using ARRL materials for the Classes and testing.
Old Business:
a. No updates on grants as Keith (K5FS) is not present.
b. There was no ARES and repeater update from Brian (NB5R), as he was not present.
9 All repeaters are working correctly, other than a local repeater going down in Dixon.
Mike (KI6KGC) gave the technical presentation/grant update situation concerning the NVIS/SSB testing that he and Keith (KF5FS) had recently conducted involving possible Taos County localized communications. He explained the different antenna types and locations that were used for the testing. He explained that clear communications were successful, with all antennas performing similarly, with low to the ground antenna placement being the key for the NVIS propagation. The hope for the Grant is to acquire more of the antennas for further testing and use. He further explained that a club in Texas (North Texas NVIS Group) was on the air, doing the same type of testing, using their weekly NET. Further testing will be ongoing with the club participating. Any club member who live in remote areas are encouraged to contact either of them for additional information or possible involvement. Mike (KI6KGC) further explained NVIS antennas and propagation, and the purpose for the Grant.
The Business Meeting was closed at 6:55 by a motion from Mike (NM5MK) and seconded by Mike (KI6KGC).