TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

On-Air Meeting Minutes: August 12, 2020

 

The meeting was called to order on the air at 6:00 PM by President Mike Kittredge NM5MK.

 

President’s report:

Mike told us we will soon have 2 new digital repeaters to be installed on San Antonio and Picuris Mountains

Mike will email out particulars on these when they are up and running

 

The benefits of the DMR (digital) repeater is that it can handle 2 separate conversations (tied to the internet on HAM frequency). Also, these will connect to Rocky Mountain Club series of repeaters for very extended coverage-North to South. DMR radios are digital and can handle analog as well. They also do APRS (info:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System)  and provide GPS location coordinates, weather etc. Some are even Bluetooth capable. (check out this local to worldwide APRS tracking website: https://aprs.fi . There are plenty of YouTube videos for further info.

 

Tim Henson W5TNM confirmed our next  test session on 9/5/2020 at the EOC. 2 confirmed candidates. The following  test session will be November 14, 2020. Taos ARC has General and Extra training manuals for members to borrow for 45 days at a time.

 

The local mountain work party will take place on 8/22/2020 to install DMR repeaters and other maintenance. Tim Henson coordinating contact.

No treasurers report this month.

Total check-ins-~19

WB5Q (John Carson) made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 PM, 2ND by W5TNM (Tim Henson) .

Unanimous approval by no objections.

Picuris Peak/San Antonio Mtn Report

This past weekend the Rocky Mountain Ham Radio (RMHAM) 5-GHz microwave network was expanded to now include a link between Picuris peak near Taos, NM and San Antonio mountain. The two mountains are now connected to the rest of the RMHAM network via a microwave link to a VPN entry point in Taos. RMHAM’s microwave network utilizes point-to-point links on Part 97 spectrum, providing megabit class IP connectivity to mountaintop sites throughout Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. In addition to the microwave installation between Picuris and San Antonio mountain, the Taos Amateur Club (TARC) installed a UHF DMR repeater on Picuris. An Icom G3 UHF D-STAR repeater, donated to TARC by RMHAM, was also installed atop San Antonio mountain. Both systems tied into the RMHAM microwave network, the Taos Amateur Radio Club’s DMR and D-STAR repeaters are accessible to/from the rest of the world. All hams are invited to use these systems. The Picuris peak DMR repeater is configured with the following talk groups:

Taos ARC

The San Antonio mountain D-STAR repeater is configured with the following settings:

  • 442.075MHz (+5.00 MHz)

  • RPT1: KF5PFO B

  • RPT2: KF5PFO G

Rocky Mountain Ham Radio and the Taos Amateur Radio Club are 501(c)(3) registered non-profit charitable organizations. If you would like to learn more about these organizations or support their missions through a tax deductible financial contribution, please contact RMHAM-NM president Brian Mileshosky N5ZGT (bpmiles@gmail.com) or Taos ARC president Michael Kittredge, NM5MK, migueldetaos@aol.com.

Rocky Mountain Ham Radio website: https://www.rmham.org

July Meeting Agenda

 Taos ARC Monthly Agendas

July 8, 2020 Agenda

  1. Roll Call

  2. Minutes ( on line)

  3. President’s Remarks

  4. Treasurer’s Report

  5. LEPC

  6. Old Business: EchoLink, 5 01 c(3), Future testing, Techs studying

  7. New Business: SAM Visit 7/7 Picuris

June Meeting Agenda

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes: June 10,2020

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Mike Kittredge, via the Picuris Repeater, “Taos (Picuris Mountain) 147.120+, 67.0”.

Attendees: Mike Kittredge, Glen Romero, Shelia Shortell, Karen Stoldt, Jane Futch, Brian Williams, Tim Henson, Phillip Anseth, JJ Jamison, Dave Johnson, and Greg Medina.

Voted to accept the May 13, 2020 minutes, motion to accept by Tim Henson , second by Brian Williams.

President’s report:

-10M is open now for HF.6M opens this summer for best transmissions. 501c3 non-profit status suspended and then reinstated, with much thanks to Tom Trojinar work sorting this out. Testing is this Saturday. Tim H reports approximately 8 candidates inquired.

Repeater report:

-Brian reported that the San Antonio Mountain (SAM) equipment (antenna and solar panel) are ready and he will be going up the mountain soon to install the equipment. -The Picuris equipment is ready, but will not be installed until The Rocky Mountain Club is also ready to have their hardware installed on Picuris.

Other: -After this weekend’s (6/13) test, the next test is 11/14/2020. -Mike has an antenna for Shelia.

Treasurer’s Report: -Glen Romero stated there is 2,409.45 in the account.

New Business: -Discussion rotating the 4th Wednesday, 7PM net control function so others could gain the experience. Tabled for future discussions. -Tim H announced a member is setting up an HF station and will need antenna tuner.

Motion to adjourn (approximately 18:30) by Brian Williams, second by Shelia Shortell.

Next Meeting: 7/8/2020 6pm Next Net: 6/24/2020, 7pm

May Meeting Agenda

Taos ARC Meeting on the Air

May Meeting on the Air Minutes, May,13 2020

The meeting was called to order on the Picuris Repeater at 6:00 PM by President Mike Kittredge.

Mike checked in 17 operators in the roll call.

Suspended the reading of the minutes from 4/8/2020 meeting.

President’s Report:

Government restrictions are continued, with information the governor requiring masks in public and max 5 people meeting. We probably have to test 2 at a time, with 3 VE’s, likely outdoors.

The club intends to do the testing May 30 for 2, 1 off’s and June 13, ARRL. Tim stated the ARRL material is on the way.

Club noted the Comet CHA-205B antenna working Slovenia just before the meeting. Thanks for sharing Brian. Two club members have this all band HF antenna.

Treasures Report: (Gen) We have $2,539.09 in the bank.

Led to a discussion on PayPal wanting a physical address. John W. suggested using the physical address of the Post Office were the PO Box is located. Mike might have to call PayPal.

New Business:

Repeaters - Brian W. update: The 76 repeater is tuned up and ready to go back up San Antonio Mountain.

Restoring the microwave link to Picuris later this year.

Plan to get up Picuris in a few weeks and add an antenna to tie to Colorado for the “Colorado Connection”.

Waiting on DSTAR and internet, and later XXXX.

ARRL Field Day discussion. We should have a field day. Suggestions were Kit Carson Park, out in the forest, Glen’s picnic area. Some post meeting discussion on outdoor event purpose and the dates of Field Day are 6/27-28.

Shelia has a new/used mobile antenna (thank you Stephen), needs assistance to set it up on her house. Brian W. pointed out it will require a ground plain.

Call to adjourn by Mike.

Motion to adjourn by Brian W., 2nd by Greg M. , unanimous.

Adjourned at 6:34.

Post meeting Philip A. got his Echo Link working, listened in to the meeting

Monthly Net and Meeting

03/20/2020

As college campuses have sent students home to finish their classes online, members of the K7UAZ Amateur Radio Club in Tucson — a student organization at the University of Arizona — have moved their radio club meetings to, well, the radio. K7UAZ Station Manager Curt Laumann, K7ZOO, said that when the university largely shuttered its campus, club president Ken Gourley, KM6BKU, immediately transitioned regular meetings to an on-the-air format using the university repeater. The club already was holding a weekly net on Monday nights, but the added on-air club meetings offer another opportunity to get on the radio.

In recent months, in-person K7UAZ club meetings have hosted presentations on such topics as EME (Earth-moon-Earth) communication and an AMSAT CubeSat simulation. As meetings move on the air, Gourley explained, he will send out a copy of meeting presentation slides so members can follow along. “I will lead the net and start with check-ins,” he said. “We will work our way through the slides, discussing previous events, upcoming activities, the treasurer’s report, projects, etc. I will take new check-ins every 5 – 10 minutes. We will conclude with officer comments and general comments. Hopefully it won’t take more than 30 – 45 minutes.”

ARRL staff member Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, who liaises for the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (CARI), underscores the importance that all radio clubs encourage on-the-air activity in this challenging time. “While I know many businesses and schools have moved to online meetings and learning, I can think of many advantages for a radio club to move club meetings to on-air,” Inderbitzen said. His list includes:

Holding short meetings on the air will encourage individual club members to practice their personal radio communication capabilities. Station and skills readiness are tenets of the Amateur Radio Service.

Nets generally help new radio amateurs gain practical operating experience. Think of this current challenge as an opportunity to encourage your club’s new hams to get on the air.

As online fatigue and a feeling of isolation will inevitably creep into our “new normal,” being on-air will introduce variety into our communication practices. As many of us are now homebound working or studying, turning on a radio to connect with your ham radio peers will be welcome respite! 

At K7UAZ, experienced club members provide instruction for members to access the K7UAZ ARC repeater from 2 meters and via Echolink. The club also offers members the opportunity to borrow handheld radios or to be patched in via HF or videoconferencing, if they live too far away from the repeater.

ARRL is encouraging university radio clubs to network with other clubs and students via ARRL’s CARI Facebook group. “Keeping our campus radio clubs going will ensure we are, together, advancing the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio. It’s our collective mission,” Inderbitzen said. 

Ham Radio Clubs Connect Amid Social Distancing

So we will have our Monthly net Wednesday 3/25 and our April meeting on the air due to the present situation. See you on Picuris at the regular times 7:00 PM net and 6:00 PM meeting.

TARC Minutes - March 11, 2020

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes: March 11, 2020

The meeting was called to order at 6:07 PM by President Mike Kittredge, at the Taos County EOC, after a great pot luck.


Attendees: Mike Kittredge, Gary Ferguson, Craig Grillio, Glen Romero, Shelia Shortell, Greg Medina, Dan Pritchard, Brian Williams, Tim Henson

Voted to accept the February 12, 2020 minutes with revision to name corrections.


President’s report:

ARRL testing occurred March 7 with five licenses earned, 2 Tech, 2 General, and 1 Extra.

The next test is June 13, 2020 right before the Extra questions change.

Mike led the discussion on the need to have ARRL books to lend to members for license study. The suggestion was to buy 4 books for each license type, each time the questions changed, that way we will have the books for their 4 year life. Also suggested we should start with the new extra questions when they rollout 7/1/2020. Then is subsequent years Tech and General purchases of 4 books each. General agreement, but we did not vote on the discussion.

501c3 Status is we will use the postcard form to file our taxes for the 9 questions on the form and will become an IRS recognized non-profit. Thanks to Tom T for the research on this topic.


Treasurer’s Report:

Glen Romero, we have $2,531.75 in the bank. We paid 2 government bills.


New Business:

Brian Williams gave us an update on future happenings on Picuris and San Antonio (SA) Mountains. Rocky Mountain Radio Club is putting up a D-Star repeater on SA mountain. Digital UHF. There is fiber to SA mountain. TARC would like to piggyback as much as possible.

Brian also indicated there is a broken microwave link from SA to Picuris to be fixed this summer.

Brian continued to discuss the plan to add a DMR repeater on Picuris linked to Colorado and New Mexico. Brian also stated the need for solar backup update on SA.

In general discussion noted repeaters with the call sign NM5ML in the repeater book are linked for the state megalink, when you transmit on “1” you transmit on perhaps “30” repeaters all over the state.

Mike reminded us that the TaosARC Net is on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Tune in to the Picuris repeater “Taos (Picuris Mountain)  147.120+, 67.0 “ and join in.


Craig Grillio made a motion to adjourn at 7:01 PM, 2nd by Shelia Shortell, unanimously approved.


The formal meeting ended and many members continued into a workshop for about 40 minutes with Chirp programming HT’s and Q&A.

TARC Testing - 03/07/2020, FIVE New Licenses Earned

It was a wonderful day for TARC and a beautiful weather day also. We will soon have more friends on the air.

Today, 3/7/2020 we had 5 local candidates test for licenses and all 5 candidates obtained a new license.

The new licensees are as follow:

Shelia Shortell    Technician

Dan Pritchard     Technician

Gary Ferguson    General

Matthew Rogers General

Dillon Grahn       Extra

Special thanks for the club support today with Mike Kittredge, John Wheatley, Tom Trojnar, Brian Williams, and Glen Romero.

See you all at the Wednesday meeting, 3/11/2020. Remember the 4th Wednesday 19:00 informal net.

The next ARRL test is 6/13/2020, but we can do W5YI 1-off tests if anyone gets sick of studying and has to “get it over with” and take the test.

Seems I forgot to take a picture this time of licensees holding certificates. The return packet is all prepared and will go into the mail Monday a.m.

73, W5TNM

Tim Henson


TARC Meeting Minutes February 12, 2020

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting Minutes: February 12, 2020

The meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM by President Mike Kittredge, at the Taos County EOC.

Welcomed guests: Brian Papworth, Earnest Martinez, Shelia Shortell

Club members: Mike Kittredge, Gary Ferguson, Dillon Grahn, John Wheatly, Glen Romero, Tim Henson, Stephen Pace, Brian Williams

Tim Henson summarized the minutes from January 8, 2020, the minutes were accepted, Stephen Pace made the motion, Glen Romero 2nd,

President’s report:

We need club members to gain experience with club HF equipment. There are some procedures with the equipment that require specific knowledge to operate. It was mentioned perhaps a Saturday session sometime.

Mike reminded us that the TaosARC Net is on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Tune in to the Picuris repeater and join in.

ARRL license testing will be March 7, 2020. Future sessions are June 13, and November 14, 2020. It was mentioned becoming an ARRL VE is easy if you are an W5YI VE, there is an instant approval form.

New Business:

We had radio show and tell. Mike brought HT examples, cheap and better than cheap, plus a 10W station. Glen brought a 25W Triband with a battery and antenna setup with about $140 invested. Mike encouraged club members to discuss with others before making significant purchases.

Also discussed equipment suppliers, mentioned MFJ, Alexon, DX Engineering.

Mike explained the Mickey repeater at Holly Cross Hospital. You can get on the repeater and dial a local phone number that will identify you as Holy Cross Hospital. The access pattern to dial is 5419 770 1961 (Tim’s cell example) and to hangup dial 540. Make sure you hang up.

Treasurers Report:

Glen Romero gave the report, we have $2,626.38.

Glen Romero made a motion to adjourn at 7:45 PM, 2nd by Brian Williams, unanimously approved.

It’s never too late to upgrade! Next exam - March 7

TaosARC will be hosting our next exam on March 7 from 10:00-12:00 at the Taos County EOC. We hope many future hams will come and wish them good luck!

The Latest Story from ARRL:

IMG_6884.jpeg

George “Buck” Miner, K6RFE, of Sun City, Arizona, has been an active ham since earning his first license in 1956, upgrading to a General-class license 10 months later. It wasn’t until January 26, however, that he upgraded to Amateur Extra — at the age of 94.

Miner began losing his sight at a young age and became totally blind when he was 27. That never slowed him down, however. Over the intervening years, he repaired TVs and sold, repaired, and installed two-way radios. He even managed a 200-acre ranch on the northern California coast, where he fished and dived for abalone.

Miner was a local celebrity, too, producing and hosting a live radio show in Eureka, California — “Chuck Star and his Rambling Guitar” — on which he told stories, sang, and played guitar. To survive living alone, he learned to cook for himself and has produced several “Buck’s Miracle Kitchen” YouTube videos that humorously demonstrate how he cooks without sight.

Miner has written several books, including an autobiography, My Darkness under the Sun. He’s also composed hundreds of songs, including “CQ Boogie,” and he continues to play his guitar and sing for fun and profit. — Thanks to Bob Ringwald, K6YBV

New Hams?

If you have questions about how to get started in ham radio, On the Air has the answers. On the Air, ARRL’s new bimonthly magazine for beginner and intermediate hams, is here! All ARRL members can access the digital edition through the new ARRL Magazines app (see details below). 

In the first issue of On the AirJanuary/February 2020, you'll get:A guide to buying your first handheld radioStep-by-step instructions for building simple antennas for VHF and HFA full-page infographic that explains how the ionosphere makes long-distance radio communication possibleAn “Up Close” Q & A with Jeremy Hong, KD8TUO, who reveals his favorite resources for new hams.        …and much more!Download the NEW ARRL Magazines App!The perfect companion for members on the go! The new ARRL Magazines app replaces the QST app. Use the app to access current and back issues of On the Airmagazine and QST, ARRL’s monthly membership journal. The ARRL Magazines App is available free for download in Apple’s App Store and Google Play, or visitwww.arrl.org/ota for more info. If your device is setup to update apps automatically, the ARRL Magazines app will replace the QST app.Comments. Share your feedback about On the Air magazine. Go NowForgot password? Go to www.arrl.org/forgot-password to reset your password.Not a member? Join today and get access to the current digital edition now.

Need help? Visit the digital edition help page for frequently asked questions.

Need more help? Contact Member Services by telephone 860-594-0200 or 888-277-5289 (US only) or email circulation@arrl.org.

Go Green! Go Digital-Only.
You can choose to opt out* of the mailed print edition of On the Air at any time. Complete our online opt-out form. Due to the lead time required to prepare On the Air for mailing, you may receive one last printed issue.* Disclaimer: Choosing to opt out of the print edition of On the Air is voluntary and will not result in a refund or reduction of ARRL membership dues. Any savings will be used to extend the ARRL’s reach in the areas of public service, education, advocacy, technology and membership.
Connect with ARRL
Stay posted on the latest Amateur Radio news, events, photos, and videos through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.ABOUT THIS E-MAIL
You are subscribed to receive monthly notification of the digital edition of ARRL Magazines. If you have an ARRL website user account, you can manage all of your e-mail preferences at www.arrl.org/myarrl.

ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio®
225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1400 USA
www.arrl.org
~