December Minutes

Taos ARC On-Air Meeting Minutes

12/9/2020

 

President Mike K called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM

Check ins: Tim H, Brian, Gary, Dan, Johnny, Greg, John W, Dave, Karen, Jane, Tom

Business:

Brian made a motion to delay election of officers during pandemic  2nd Johnny,  unanimously approved

Election of officers delayed to next month. 1st meeting (January)  for nominations, 2nd meeting (February) for voting

The rest of the meeting is informal, more of a Christmas party on the air

 

Updates:

Glen- as of Sunday recovering slowly.

Tim & Gary put up a new 6-meter antenna.  They asked if the Aurora Borealis will help reception/transmission. Mike thought it wouldn’t,  but sunspot activity is up and that is good for longer distance contacts.

Dave – got his shovel waxed for tomorrows snow. Holiday wishes to all

Johnny- skied opening day then he and Pam rode their horses and then naptime!

Greg not much luck with digital radio programming. He is doing more research. No LEPC info.

Dan is hearing same background noise on the repeater.

Tim has made several contacts, hit Guatemala on 6 meter,  the magic band

John Wheatly visited on his new DMR radio. We talked to him on local DMR. He is looking for help with contact list loading. May need Excel.

Repeater doing better at this time.  Chuckling at the issues.

It was reported that there was a break in at 4 sites on Sandia Mountain. Equipment stolen from RMRC and also from the commercial radio station

Tim- per Bill Bodecker :Sandia Crest has been restored to full service as of this morning (12/8/2020).

Tim Henson made a motion to adjourn at 6:40 PM. 2nd by  Greg, unanimously passed.

 (pdf of meeting attached)

--

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

On-Air Meeting Minutes: October 14,2020

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

Karen Stoldt (KI5AXU) made a motion to approve the August minutes, 2nd by Wayne Rivali (W5GWR), unanimously approved by no objections.

Presidents Report:

Called for LEPC report from Greg Medina (KF5TTO). Greg reported no meeting this month, but they are doing remote meetings..

Mike reported the Rocky Mountain ARC backbone is proceeding well and will soon be connected by direct radio link to Colorado and Wyoming and El Paso.

Tim Henson (W5TNM) announced the next testing date is 11/14/2020, ARRL sanctioned, with 2 people tentatively scheduled. Limited to 5 persons: 2 test takers and 3 VE’s. No walk-ins due to COVID. We will look into remote testing with W%YI.

Treasurers Report: None this month.

Mike reiterated that the approximate coast to replace the aging 76 machine/SAM repeater would be about $1,100 for a good unit. Our current fundraising goal is $1,100. We have collected about $950 in donations from club members. For any wishing to donate, you can do so via Pay Pal. Go to TARC website, scroll to the” Latest News” heading near bottom of the page. Arrow right to find “SAM Help Needed” (posted September 12, 2020) Look for Pay Pal link at the bottom of the article.

Guest David Matesi (KB1WSG) a general, introduced himself and told us he has moved from Vermont and uses radio for background hiking. We hope to hear from him again. Thanks’ David!

Tim Henson made a motion to adjourn at 6:30PM, 2nd by Tom Trojnar (KF5RKM). Unanimous approval by no objections.

Ladder Safety. Taken from Tyler ARC news letter" The Ground Wire."

Ham Shack Safety

By John Armstrong, KG5LWD

I wrote this article for antoher radio club about three years ago, but

thought it important enogh to republish. We all have probably read arti-

cles on electrical and RF safety when putting together our ham shacks.

In fact, these issues are covered in ham radio training materials whether

studying for the Technician, General or Extra licenses. Also covered

are safety concerns about climbing radio antenna towers. But, little at-

tention is really given to ladder safety.

As amateur radio operators, we often use ladders to do maintenance on

our antennas, to install coax somewhere around our home and radio

shack or to climb up on the roof or into the attic of our home to install

an antenna. Most of the time little thought is given to what could hap-

pen to us as a result of a fall from a ladder. And for most of us, we are

no longer spring chickens and don't bounce like we once did in our

younger years. A fall from a ladder from just one or two feet can be cat-

astrophic.

For this writer, ladder safety hits close to home since he experienced a

fall in April 2016 that put him into the hospital for a month and will suf-

fer from the fall for the remainder of his life due to traumatic injury to

the left side of the body with nerve, muscle and tendon damage.

Everyone probably gives little thought when climbing a ladder and

we've probably heard the saying “It's as easy as falling off a ladder”.

That statement is quite true. And what goes up, must come down is an-

other true statement. However, we have the ability to dictate how we

come down from the ladder; either safely or via a fall. The latter part

can be deadly. That last step can be a Lulu with dire results.

Did you know that falls in the United States are the leading cause of un-

intentional death nationwide? And

43 percent of fatal falls over the

last 10 years have involved the use

of a ladder.

In the work place, about 20 per-

cent of the fall injuries have lad-

ders involved, whereas in the con-

struction industry, about 81 per-

cent of the fall injuries involving

ladders required treatment in hos-

pital emergency rooms.

So for amateur radio operators, it

may be guessed that we fall some-

where in-between those percent-

ages seen in the work place though there don't seem to be any statistics

supporting this notion.

According to a Consumer Product Safety Commission report, it sheds

some concerning statistics regarding the number of ladder related acci-

dents in this nation. Those statistics indicate that thousands of people

are injured while hundreds are killed resulting from falls from a ladder.

 In the United States, over 90,000 people go to a hospital

emergency room as a result from injuries sustained while us-

ing a ladder.

1

 Over 700 occupational related deaths have resulted from falls

and account for about 15% of occupational related deaths.

 OSHA has indicated that virtually all accidents using a ladder

could be prevented if individuals paid attention to the equip-

ment condition and how it was being used via proper training.

 Over the last decade, injuries resulting from using a ladder

have increased by more than 50%.

 Half the accident ladder related injuries involved individuals

carrying something as they climbed. Approximately 50 per-

cent of the ladder related deaths are attributed to head injuries.

 Bone fracture accounted for 32% of ladder related injuries.

There are several types of ladder accidents that can be grouped into dif-

ferent categories. Each of these accidents are completely avoidable if

we pay attention to some basic tips.

1 Many of us use the wrong type of ladder. Many of us use lad-

ders that can not tolerate our weight. Let's face it, lot's of us

are over weight and when we put on those pounds, our weight

can easily surpass the rated capacity of the ladder. The excess

weight can cause the ladder to fail and we end up being in-

jured.

2 Also, we often use ladders that are not appropriate for the job

due to their insufficient height. Using a ladder that is too short

is a recipe for an accident. And often times, a ladder will be

placed on another surface to extend its reach to obtain the

necessary height. Again, this is another recipe for disaster.

3 Many times we use ladders that have some sort of damage or

are worn out. After a few years of use, ladders do wear out

after being put though the stress of people climbing up and

down them. Stress fatigue can occur in the material the ladder

is made of and can fail and break over time. This type of fail-

ure can result in serious injury. Keep in mind that ladders are

like the medications you take. They have a shelf life, expira-

tion life or whatever you want to call it after a couple of years

if used regularly. And even if the ladder is new, it should be

inspected prior to each use to make sure it does not have any

damaged to it. If damaged, the ladder should be either re-

paired to manufacturer's specifications or replace it. Ladders

are easily replaced. But, you, are not so easily replaced.

4 Human error is by far the leading cause of ladder related acci-

dents. Do not use a ladder in any manner that deviates from

what the manufacturer designed the ladder to do. Never try

to lengthen the ladder. When climbing a ladder, always main-

tain three points of contact. Always get down from the ladder

to move it.

5 Ladders should be placed on firm level ground. Nor should

the ladder be placed in front of a door that is unlocked or not

guarded or blocked. A good practice in using a ladder is to

have a second individual hold the ladder as you climb and to

ensure it has proper footing as you climb.

Here s a summary of safety tips.

1 Don't climb ladders if you are feeling dizzy, tired or are prone

to losing balance.

2 Do not climb ladders during stormy weather that have high

winds.

3 Always wear shoes with good slip resistant soles. Shoes that

have leather soles are not a good choice for use with a ladder.

4 Always inspect the ladder before use. If a ladder is damaged,

missing parts or feels wobbly or rickety, it should not be used.

5 Use the correct ladder for the job. Do not use a ladder that

will not hold your weight. The ladder's weight rating should

be more than what you weigh.

6 The ladders length should be sufficient to reach the job. You

should never stand on the top rung of the ladder to accom-

plish a task.

7 Always place a ladder on firm, smooth level ground and

avoid slippery surfaces.

8 Only one person on the ladder at a time.

9 The ladder should never be placed in front of a door that is

unlocked or not guarded or blocked.

10 Always maintain three points of contact on the ladder which

means one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot al-

ways in contact with the ladder.

11 Use towlines to convey materials so that the climber can uti-

lize both hands while climbing. Never carry materials while

climbing.

12 Avoid sudden moves while climbing. Climb slowly. Keep

your belt buckle (stomach) between the ladder side rails while

climbing and performing work. Never overreach or lean to

the side on the ladder.

13 ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR POSITION ON THE

LADDER BEFORE MOVING.

14 ALWAYS LOOK DOWN TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE IN

RELATION TO THE GROUND BEFORE MOVING UP

OR DOWN ON THE LADDER. LOST CONCENTA-

TION WHILE ON A LADDER WILL LEAD TO AN AC-

CIDENT. IT ONLY TAKES A BREAK IN CONCENTRA-

TION FOR AN ACCIDENT TO HAPPEN.

September 2020 Minutes

TAOS AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

On-Air Meeting Minutes: September 9, 2020

 

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

 

Brian made a motion to approve the August minutes, 2nd  by Tim, unanimously approved were approved. 

 

President’s report:

Mike thanked the mountain crews for all their work  in setting up repeaters and maintenance at San Antonio and Picuris Mountains. We currently have 8 DMR users.

 

Tim Henson announced 2 new members who tested W5YI:

Phil Hall our newest Tech and Wayne Rivali our newest general. Congrats guys!

 

Next testing date is 11/14/2020, ARRL sanctioned, with 2 people tentatively scheduled. Anyone with extra handhelds they wish to share, give them to Tim who will gift them to new members who pass their test. Let’s get ‘em on the air!

 

Treasurers Report: $2, 929.53 as of 9/8/2020.

 

New Business:  We will need 1 more mountain trip before the snow flies to link Picuris to Pajarito. Details to follow. Tim thought the shack on SAM needs a new roof and a coat of paint for walls and door.

 

Brian told us the cost to replace the aging SAM repeater would be about $1,100 for a good unit. Three members offered to chip in $100 towards that purchase so as not to deplete our operating account. Anyone else willing to pitch in is definitely welcome. Tax deductible…

 

KF54KU told us the DSAR setup on SAM has a regular international net that is pretty cool. He is willing to assist anyone with setup and navigation

 

Tim Henson made a motion to adjourn at 6:30PM , 2nd by Johnny MacArthur. Unanimous approval by no objections.

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.