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Program

Paul WB9QVV from the Madison Area Repeater Association presented on their repeaters, capabilities and accessing the systems.

MARA Hamfest will be April 27, 2024

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:38

Minutes from November were reviewed. Motion by Nicholas KB9SKW to accept, seconded by Thomas WN1C

Treasurer's report

Recent transactions include Dues received and gift in memory of Bradford Kleeman
Checking Balance is $7452.77

VE Report

There were 8 VEs but no candidates looking for exams this month - a rare occurrence for us.

This was the last session for Ron, K2VB to be coordinator. Frederick, W9GOC is filling in as interim coordinator. If you are interested in taking on the coordinator position, please contact Frederick or Sam. We are unique in that we are doing in-person exam sessions versus many VE organizations doing only online exams. It would be good to keep the sessions running.

Bragging

Thomas, WN1C received WI POTA QRP award. Activated parks in California recently. In Maine soon.

Thomas, AC9BJ received the Kilo award for Parks on the Air for over 1000 activations contacts at Governor Dodge State Park

Field Day Report

Park has been confirmed. More details to come 

Announcements

WI QSO party is coming up soon (in three months). Thomas, Matt, Barry will be heading to Shawno Shawano County.

Business

Budget presented for second time with no changes or discussion. Thomas AC9BJ moved to accept the budget as presented, Sam KG9NG seconded. Passed without objection.

Nominations for Officers
President
Steve W9GZO

Vice President
Thomas WN1C

Secretary
-none-

Treasurer
Andy AC9CB

Board of Directors
Nicholas KB9SKW
Gary KA9SRM - declines nomination
Matthew KD9DZT - declines nomination

Nominations will be open before voting at the January meeting. We will be looking for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 Board Members at Large.  If there is not a full set of officers at the next DFI Annual Report filing in mid-2024, the board that remains will look to dissolve the club.

Conclusion

The next FLARC meeting will be January 16th at Space Place and Zoom.

Meeting adjourned at 20:59

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Program

Rat Pack/K8ZT recording on FT8 and FT4

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:29

No minutes for October Meeting

Treasurer's report

Recent transactions include payments for Class Refreshments and Dues received
Checking Balance is $7182.77
2024 Budget presentation and discussion, return in December for vote.  See the attachment sent to QST for the draft budget and send any comments to Andy AC9CB before the December meeting.

VE Report

All those who came to the most recent regular session passed with a successful exam. 5 Tech, 1 General, 2 Extras.

Ron, K2VB would like to step down as the liaison. We are unique in that we are doing in-person exam sessions versus many VE organizations doing only online exams. It would be good to keep the sessions running.

Field Day Report

Matt is confirming the park reservation for 2024. We are planning to have a picnic.

Technician Class

A Technician Class was held October 21-22. 4 people attended the first day and 3 people on the second day of the class. All 4 people and one additional tested on the Sunday VE session. All of them passed the technician license exam.

Announcements

Lloyd, N9LB fell out of a tree and is working on getting better.

Gary Berliot NG9V had been a president of FLARC in the past is now a silent key.

Peg Haese KB9LIE a previous secretary of FLARC is now a silent key.

Bradford Kleemann, WB9WHI became a Silent Key in September. Kevin Kolpitcke K9EV received his radios and sold one them at the Belvidere Hamfest. He has generously donated $250 to the club in memory of Brad.

Joe Imilkowski W9CWD is a silent key.

Pete Byfield K9VAL is a silent key in the past couple weeks.

Business

Holiday Party - we received no interest of anyone looking to coordinate. The party will be cancelled for 2023. It is not too early to think ahead to 2024

Call for Club Officers. If you are interested in helping to run FLARC, contact the Board. During the December meeting, nominations will be open for vote at the January meeting. We will be looking for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 Board Members at Large.  If there is not a full set of officers at the next DFI Annual Report filing in mid-2024, the board that remains will look to dissolve the club.

Conclusion

The next FLARC meeting will be December 19th at Space Place and Zoom.

Meeting adjourned at 20:53

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Program

Lloyd N9LB presented on Low Frequency Radio Communications

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:15

Recap of Fox Hunt

Thomas WN1C provided this update:
Thomas AC9BJ was the fox and located himself at the Ice Age Trail near 5 Points in Verona.

The first team to locate the fox was WN1C and KK6HJI at 19:57
KB9SKW and W9GZO located the fox at 20:23
KF9AQ using his scanner found the fox as well.
NM9O caught up with the others at Culvers around 10pm local.

Treasurer's report

Recent transactions include payments for Field Day park rental, website hosting, and DFI Annual Report.
Checking Balance is $7030.10
Passed without objection

VE Report

At the regular session on September 2nd there were 4 candidates, leaving with 3 technicians and 1 general.

Technician Class

A Technician Class will be held October 21-22. We have several folks already signed up. If you are interested, contact Paulette - See Tech Class for details

Field Day Report

Band conditions were so/so. Picnic was well received. The event was appreciated by at least one new ham in attendance.

Winter Field Day planning - contact Matt NM9O

Business

Holiday Party? If you are interested and would be willing to coordinate, contact Board members.

Call for Club Officers. If you are interested in helping to run FLARC, contact the Board

Announcements

Badger Challenge is looking for assistance this Sunday - trying to fill SAG and other positions. Contact Kyle, KC9SDK

Fox Cities ARC is hosting their swap fest on November 5th and sent a couple tickets to FLARC. These will be up for grabs at the next meeting.

HRO Superfest is this weekend in Milwaukee.

The next FLARC meeting will be October 17th at Space Place and Zoom.

Meeting adjourned at 20:30

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In conjunction with this year's ARRL Field Day, the Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club is hosting a picnic and social on June 24th. Please join us at Badger Prairie County Park in Verona for dinner and say hello to everyone you have not seen for a while. Dinner will be served at 5PM.

Compliments of our great grill master Kevin, KF9AQ, FLARC will be providing the standard fare including hamburgers and brats along with vegetarian offerings and assorted side dishes and soft drinks.

As for deserts, we are asking for a few people to step up and bring a few options. If you are willing, please let me know.

So we have an idea on what to bring, we are asking for a RSVP by June 20th. This is the day of the FLARC June meeting at Badger Prairie Park where we will go over final ARRL Field Day preparations for the weekend. Simply send Nicholas, KB9SKW, an email with your information.

Of course this is ARRL Field Day. All are encouraged to pick up a microphone or key and operate the contest. We will begin setup at 8am, start operating at 1pm and run 24 hours until 1pm on Sunday the 25th with a tear town to follow.

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Lloyd N9LB presented on Lightning Protection for Amateur Radio Stations

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:32

April 18, 2023 minutes read by Andy AC9CB, no corrections. Motion to approve by Thomas AC9BJ, seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW. No objections.

Treasurer's report

Checking Balance $7290.28
There is a PayPal balance to be transferred not reflected in above balance
Thomas AC9BG moved to approve, Bob WA9D seconded. Passed without objection.

VE Report

At the regular session on May 6th there were 6 candidates and 8 VEs. Everyone got something. One candidate passed both Tech and General.

We continue to look for a replacement VE Coordinator. Contact Ron K2VB or Sam KG9NG if you have interest.

Changes & Upgrades

Steve KD9WNS has a new callsign W9GZO

Field Day Committee Report

Planning to run 4A with multiple stations and antennas. Trello is being used for tracking logistics. Borrowing battery from Thomas AC9BJ. Generator is being borrowed from Mike KD9BDL. Setup will start at 8am with operating at 1pm Saturday June 24 through 1pm Sunday June 25. Contact NM9O at arrl.net if you would like to participate. Hosting a BBQ picnic for dinner with Kevin KF9AQ cooking. Please RSVP for the picnic to Nicholas at KB9SKW at arrl.net

Old Business

Call for nominations was made for President, Vice President and Secretary, but none offered.

Announcements

The regular FLARC Meeting on June 20 will be at Badger Prairie Park at 7:00pm.

July meeting will be at Space Place along with a Zoom call option.

Motion to close meeting by Matt NM9O, seconded by Thomas WN1C.

Meeting adjourned at 20:42

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Dennis W6DQ presented on Introduction to Amateur Microwave Radio

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:44

March 21, 2023 minutes read by Andy AC9CB, no corrections. Motion to approve by Sam KG9NG, seconded by Matt NM9O. No objections.

Treasurer's report

Checking Balance $7290.28
Recent transactions include dues received.

VE Report

Hamfest had 4 candidates - 2 Tech, 1 General, 1 Extra. Kudos to the Extra as he ended up taking an outdated exam, then the correct version and passed.

We continue to look for a replacement VE Coordinator. Contact Ron K2VB or Sam KG9NG

Field Day Committee Report

Badger Prairie Park has been reserved for Field Day June 24-25.  Special Event Permit needs to be submitted. Matt, NM9O, will be doing such. Nicholas, KB9SKW, has several additional names to add to the fdops list of those who plan to participate.

Announcements

May meeting will be on Zoom, look for an announcement on QST.

The regular FLARC Meeting in June will be at the park (June 20)

It is possible we will  go to in-person meeting in July at Space Place. Look for announcements.

Old Business

Call for nominations was made for President, Vice President and Secretary, but none offered. 

 

Motion to close meeting by Matt NM9O, seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW.

Meeting adjourned at 20:57

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Michael KB9VBR on Solar Power and Amateur Radio

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:18

February 21, 2023 minutes read by Andy AC9CB, no corrections. Motion to approve by Thomas AC9BJ, seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW. No objections.

Treasurer's report

Checking Balance $7265.28
Recent transactions include payment of insurance premium,
Report received with motion by Thomas AC9BJ, seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW

VE Report

6 candidates walked away with successful exams.  There were more VEs present than candidates. We continue to look for a replacement VE Coordinator. Contact Ron K2VB or Sam KG9NG

Bragging

Matt NM9O and Thomas AC9BJ did not freeze to death while operating outdoor in Jackson County for the Wisconsin QSO Party

Nicholas KB9SKW made about 160 contacts in the Wisconsin QSO Party

Matt KD9DZT received an award from Wisconsin Parks on the Air for 1st Place as Not in a Park Operator

Call sign changes & Upgrades

Thomas WN1C was previously AB1YW

Steve KD9WNS is a new Extra and will be getting a new call sign

Field Day Committee Report

Badger Prairie Park has been reserved for Field Day June 24-25

The regular FLARC Meeting in June will be at the park (June 20)

Matt NM9O will be sending an email to the fdops list to set up a committee meeting.

Announcements

MARA Hamfest is returning April 15th in Stoughton. They are looking for volunteers to assist. There will be a VE session at 10am - also looking for a couple more VEs to assist, contact Sam KG9NG.

There is a Hamfest this weekend in Milwaukee at the Elks Lodge on Good Hope Rd across from HRO. March 25th. w9hr.org

It is possible we will  go to in-person meeting in July at Space Place.  The room is currently occupied during our meeting time. Look for announcements.

New Business

Call for nominations was made for President, Vice President and Secretary, but none offered. 

Applause for Nicholas KB9SKW for lining up great presenters over the past few months. Thank you.

Motion to close meeting by Nicholas KB9SKW, seconded by Matt NM9O.

Meeting adjourned at 20:32

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W9XT Gary on Antenna takeoff angles, terrain effects and modeling

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:24

January 17, 2023 minutes read by Andy AC9CB, no corrections

Treasurer's report

Checking Balance $7660.28
Recent transactions include dues payments received
Our previous insurance carrier stopped offering business line of insurance. We shopped several and selected AmFam subsidiary USLI at $395/year and proceeding with this option

Bragging

Lloyd made contacts to the Caribbean

Field Day Committee Report

There was participation for Winter Field Day - Thomas AC9BJ made several hundred contacts.
Reservation has been made for Badger Prairie Park. More details to come

Announcements

Wisconsin QSO Party is coming in 3 weeks - March 12. See the West Allis Radio Amateur Club website https://www.warac.org/wqp/wqp.htm for more details. Everyone is encouraged to get on.

Tri-county Hamfest coming up in Jefferson March 19th

MARA Hamfest is returning April 15th in Stoughton. They are looking for volunteers to assist

New Business

Call for nominations was made for President and Secretary, but none offered. 

Next meeting will be via Zoom with an in-person option for a few attendees. Contact Sam or Nicholas if you are interested in attending. Please encourage your ham friends to join us on the Zoom. Topic is to be determined

Motion to close meeting by Thomas AC9BJ, seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW.

Meeting adjourned at 20:38

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Open discussion on how you have been getting on the air.

New Member introduction - Steve Ujvarosy previously WA9GZO. Formerly from the West Allis area, studying to pass his license exam in February and interested in 2m operating to get back into things.

SPARC Station

SPARC Station at UW Space Place recent upgrades

Nicholas's HF radio died, he is going to work with Sam to borrow one indefinitely.

Business meeting

Called to order by Sam KG9NG at 20:01

December 20, 2022 minutes read by Sam KG9NG, several corrections made

Treasurer's report

Checking Balance $7009.79
PayPal Balance $514.67
Recent transactions include dues payments received

VE Report

Passed exams: 3 Technician and 4 General
Next session on February 4th at Space Place

Ron K2VB is stepping down as VE Liaison, if interested in filling this role please contact Sam at KG9NG@arrl.net, Ron or Frederick

Bragging

Thomas AB1YW was awarded Gold Parks on the Air Activator while traveling across 5 states in the cold

Field Day Committee Report

Winter Field Day is coming up and we encourage at-home participation, listing FLARC as your affiliation

Announcements

Contact Mark Bellazzini N9WIB if you would like to information on how to join the Madison Area Hams Discord

New Business

Jeff presented procedures for voting using online form

Sam recommended for ballots to be returned by midnight Saturday

Nominations from December:

President
open

Vice President
open

Treasurer
Andy AC9CB

Secretary
open

Board Member at Large
Paulette WB9VHF
Nicholas KB9SKW
Sam KG9NG
Thomas AB1YW

Andy AC9CB moves to reopen nominations. Jeff KC9UNZ seconded

Thomas AB1YW nominated for Vice President by Nicholas KB9SKW, accepted contingent on President being nominated

Ted K9IMM nominated for President by Nicholas KB9SKW, Ted was not present to accept

Gary KA9SRM nominated for President by Sam KG9NG, declined
Gary KA9SRM nominated by Sam KG9NG, declined

It was generally determined that not enough membership was present to continue nominations.

Jeff KC9UNZ moved to proceed with election of Treasurer and Board Members at Large with other officer elections to occur after the February meeting where nominations can continue.  Seconded by Nicholas KB9SKW

Discussion on what “Saturday midnight” means. Jeff moves to close voting at 11:59 pm on Saturday. Seconded by Thomas AB1YW, passed.

Motion to close meeting by Nicholas KB9SKW, seconded by Jeff KC9UNZ.

Meeting adjourned at 20:38