The meeting
was called to order by Vice President, Dave Putman, KE4S, at 8:40am with 25
members present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The minutes
of the June meeting and the Treasurer's Report were both approved as submitted.
Committee Reports
Balloon - Tom, WB3AKD, reported that the
balloon manufacturer we used in now out of business. New sources for balloons
are available, but they will be more expensive. Henry, K2BFY, donated a weather
balloon to the club.
Emergency/Public Service - Tom, WB3AKD, had nothing new to
report from this past month.
The
Reston Bike Ride in August is the next regularly scheduled public service
event.
The
Octoberfest in Lovettsville, which is held at the end of September/first of
October, is looking for radio support. More information will be forthcoming.
Contests - nothing to report
Interference - Mark, W3ZI, reported an Echolink
transmission speaking exclusively a foreign language has been picked up. This
shows future problems that could be possible in VOIP communications. He also
reported that a new OO is needed for the Section.
Old Business
Coax - Tom, WB3AKD, reports that he still has coax available
for those who signed up.
Field Day - Jeff, KE5APC, gave an after-action
report on Field Day 2006:
- The final report to be submitted
to the ARRL is underway and needs to be in this week. More photos are
needed.
- He reported that, due to the
excellent work by the station captains and other volunteers, his job as
chairman was very easy.
- This was a successful Field Day
- We set up respectable stations
under battery power.
- We made a lot of contact in
spite of the weather.
- We made progress in the area of
community relations, including a visit by State Sen. Mark Herring. Our
thanks to Randy Sly for making that happen.
- Two-thirds of the club
membership participated in Field Day in some manner.
- Recognition Awards were handed
out.
- Tom Dawson - WB3AKD In grateful
appreciation for working diligently to log those "hardest to chase,
weakest and most elusive signals"
- Angi Garasic - KG4AVR In
grateful appreciation for getting up before dawn and preparing a
wonderful pancake breakfast
- Tom Garasic - NA4MA Greatest
team player - Signs, Antennas, Operator, Set-up, Tear-down
- Paul Dluehosh - N4PD
Multi-tasking award -- for managing the logging function, managing
station 3, copying the W1AW message, and being among the last to leave
- Kurt Reber - KI4FWB Best
recruiter
- Charlie Preston - K4LJH Best
long range planning and superb execution as Food Captain
- Mary Preston Most indispensable
Field Day team member
- Gary Quinn - NC4S "Mr.
Multi-tasker" - Antennas, CW operation, support of all facets of Field
Day
- Randy Sly - W4XJ For outstanding
contributions as publicity captain, public information, and for bringing
a Virginia State Senator to the field day site
- Special Recognition Award to Norm
Styer - AI2C For significant contributions to the success of Field Day
2006 including special antenna design, management of 80M/15M CW station,
supporting all other operators, & being "the first to arrive and the
last to leave"
Donated Station - Merc, N4TGA stated that we are
still looking for suggestions on how to use the donated equipment. The TS-930S
was checked out and is in working condition. A storage location for the
equipment is also needed.
Holiday
Dinner - Meg, N4OGE,
our Holiday Dinner Coordinator has set the date of December 5 for the dinner at
That's Amore Restaurant in Cascades. She needs an
estimated count soon.
New Business
Antenna Project - Stevens Miller, WA4LDA, told the
club that he was looking for other hams to help work on an antenna restriction
project for the HOA Board in the Broadlands.
Photos - Norm, AI2C, made a call for any
additional pictures of Field Day that could be posted on our website.
The motion to
adjourn was heard and seconded. The meeting was dismissed at 9:20am.
Respectfully
submitted,
Randy Sly,
W4XJ
Secretary