Twenty-nine members and friends gathered on a snowy morning at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Leesburg for the January 19, 2002, meeting of the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group. President for 2001 Denny Boehler, KF4TJI, welcomed all in attendance. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, all were asked to introduce themselves.

The secretary's minutes of the 11/17/01 meeting were approved as read.

The treasurer's report for 11/18/01-1/18/02 was approved as presented by Tom Garasic, NA4MA. Tom was receiving 2002 LARG dues as well as dues for new ARRL memberships.

Balloon Committee Chairman Tom Dawson, WB3AKD, noted that air space restrictions seem to be loosening up. Watch the reflector and or web site for notice of balloon committee meetings to get ready for a possible late March or early April launch date.

For the Contest Committee, John Unger, W4AU, encouraged all to start gearing up for the VA QSO Party in mid-March. We'll discuss strategies at the February meeting.

Erik Werner, KD5CTJ, had nothing to report for the Emergency Services Committee. He did, however, have a box of rechargeable 16 V gel cell batteries for distribution.

Field Day 2002 is the weekend of June 21-23. A chairman is needed (no-one volunteered).

Training Committee Chairman Bill Buchholz, K8SYH, has reserved several nights at the Balch Library for a class this spring. A show of hands revealed equal interest in courses for General as well as Extra licenses. Tapes ordered last fall for the Technician course are more for individual study than class support. Bill was asked to be curator for these videos. At least two students from the fall class have attained Technician licenses. Congratulations to Hilary Unger, KG4RDI, and Gary Rohrbaugh, KG4QXG.

Because of weather it was decided to forego the planned discussion regarding a club repeater. Repeater Committee Chairman Dave Putman, KG4KZZ, stated a few points that need to be considered: initial as well as recurring costs; means of funding the project (e.g., individual dona-tions and/or increased dues) and possible membership in TMARC (see below). John Steinberger described machines he has available for possible repeater use by LARG.

A short discussion did ensue regarding the frequency to be used for LARG's Sunday night net. A repeater allows for wider coverage and is, hence, more inclusive. Sunday night nets do provide practice in using whatever system will be available in emergencies. Is simplex more appropriate for this? It was announced that the DARG repeater (145.310) will be used through mid-February.

CW Committee Chairman Norm Styer, AI2C, noted that the FCC will not be able to eliminate the Morse Code requirement before 2005. He and Jim Banks, W0MAZ, repeated their support for this mode as essential for emergency communications. Temp, W4HZV, commented that he found CODE the only consistently reliable mode on travels in Alaska and Rving last spring.

A motion to elect 2002 LARG officers by acclamation was defeated. Ballots prepared by the nominating committee (thanks John, W4AU) were used. There were no nominations from the floor. Elected by unanimous counts (thanks for counting John and Paul, N4PD) are:

President - Mark Gillam, N3GMW                Secretary - Carol Boehler, KF4TJJ

Vice President - Larry McCaig KC1YC         Treasurer - Tom Garasic, NA4MA

A motion made by Dave, KG4KZZ, that LARG apply for membership at $25 annually to TMARC, (The Middle Atlantic FM and Repeater Council) was seconded and approved. Joe Sheinman, W2BHK, volunteered to serve as LARG's representative to TMARC.

The meeting was adjourned about 9:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol L. Boehler,
KF4TJJ, Secretary

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