The meeting was called to order shortly after 8:30 a.m. by club president Rick, AI1V. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, guests were asked to introduce themselves: Chris, KD8MEZ; Steve, KS1G; George, WB3IGR, and Mike, KJ4KJB. Thirty guests and members were in attendance.

Minutes of the September meeting were approved as posted on the club website. The treasurer's report was approved as presented.

Committee Reports

Rick, AI1V, reported for Training that about a dozen students completed the Technician class on 10/3 and 4. Of those at the VE session on 10/10, all passed at least one exam. Both a General and a Technician class are being planned for 2010.

Several people reported working in or planning to work recent or up-coming contests or events: PA QSO, JA RTTY, Scout Jamboree on the Air, and Glorioso, Midway and Fiji DX.

Jay, KI4TXP, reminded all that Gary, AI4IN, will present a program on digital modes immediately following the November meeting (11/21/09); and in lieu of a December meeting, the annual LARG Holiday Party will be held 12/11/09. This will again be a potluck dinner at the Hamilton Safety Center Hall. Watch for more info on the reflector and/or club website (K4LRG.org).

For Public Safety/Service, Dave, KE4S, read a letter from the Reston Bicycle Club thanking LARG for providing communications for the 27th annual rides through Loudoun County 8/23/09. A check in the amount of $700 was also presented to LARG. Dave also had t-shirts for those working the event who had not received them on the day of the event.

Tom, WB3AKD, presented the history of LARG high altitude weather balloon launch events, and described the current payload and flight plan for the upcoming mission scheduled on 10/24/09 (10/25 rain date). He has given a few lectures at Shepherd University and will have several students assisting in the event. LARG's "customer" for this Flight – Mike McBurnett, KJ4KGB – talked of his affiliation with the Tripoli Rocketry Association Inc., his future goals, and his part of the payload (a GPS unit sending APRS packets on 145.7). The frequency for the balloon telemetry is, as usual, 145.65. Denny, KF4TJI, asked all to check the reflector for information on tracking teams.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Rick, AI1V, then gave a very fine presentation on APRS: what it is, and how it transports data.

Respectfully submitted, Carol L. Boehler, KF4TJJ

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A reminder to all about Holy Trinity's inclement weather policy: if Loudoun County Schools are closed (or would be if it were a school day), all activities at the church are cancelled – this includes outside groups. This policy allows for parking lot clearing so snow is not packed down; and it is also a safety issue.