Don’t forget to arrive early at the Clubhouse (around 7 PM) for the informal half-hour social period prior to the regular monthly Club Meeting—for refreshments and mingling with fellow Club members and guests.

By Janet Graham, W8ICQ, Secretary

Following pre-meeting fellowship and pizza, the meeting was called to order by Club President Chris Stauter (KD8APN) at 7:40 PM. There were 27 members and guests present.

Due to technical difficulties with the PowerPoint file, the regular business meeting was conducted first followed by the program. See description of Program below after "New Business."

The minutes from the July 21, 2011, meeting were approved as published in the newsletter.

Treasurer's Report By Dave Walton, WD8GCR

The Treasurer's report was accepted and approved.

Activities/Refreshment Coordinator

Todd Rardon, KD8LCW, provided a special treat of pizza this month for our pre-meeting gathering. Thanks, Todd.

Planning Committee Chair Darryl Fowler, KD8LCW, reported that it was decided to have the Executive Committee undertake the review and revision of the Constitution and By-laws as it is too time consuming for the Planning Committee meetings. Jr. Director Steve Siwecki, KD8NUC, will be leading that project. When completed, the "DRAFT" document then will be presented to the Club membership for review, discussion and eventual approval.

The Planning Committee is working on a policy and procedures for handling donated equipment.

Three sections of antenna tower are secured to the building up to the roof line. Four additional sections will be installed putting the tower approximately 39 feet above the roof. John King, KA8OYH, is organizing the work parties for the project. A technical committee has been discussing guying, grounding and type of coax to purchase.

Darryl Fowler reported that 75 units have replied for participation in the Lion's Club parade. A Corvette club has been lined up for transportation of dignitaries. Club members should report to Bellbrook Community Church at 2:30 on August 20, for assignments.

Clubhouse Manager No report

The BARC Clubhouse library is being organized. If you have any ham radio related books to donate, contact Tink Siwecki, KD8NUA.

Ken Gunton, W8ASA, said once the tower and antennas are up, additional stations could be set up and running within 2 days.

Contact Ken if you are interested in working the Ohio QSO Party on Saturday, August 27,

Repeater Coordinator No report

Youth Coordinator No Report

Fred Stone reported that the fall license classes will be starting September 11, followed by an exam session on November 13. It has been decided by instructors that there will need to be a minimum of 5 or 6 students for the General and Amateur Extra classes and 3 or 4 students for the Technical class.

The Greene County Mounted Search Patrol has asked for a 1-day course for 12 to 14 members interested in being licensed. This class has been set for September 24, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with test session to follow. Bellbrook Fire Department has also shown interest in members being licensed. They will be invited to attend on September 24. If you know of anyone else interested, contact Fred Stone.

Fred Stone made a motion to install a PA system within the clubhouse for use during meetings. The club has an amp and mic that could be used and Fred has speakers and ceiling baffles that he would donate. The motion was seconded and approved.

Darryl Fowler presented a photo review of BARC's 2011 Field Day Exercise. The presentation included photos from several members and showed the set-up, operating positions and equipment as well as the people working and enjoying the food and fellowship. Thanks, Darryl, for putting together an entertaining show.

The August BARC general meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

DIGITAL STUDY GROUP

The Digital Modes Group will meet again next Monday, September 19, after taking a break since early August. The Group will focus on setting up one of the Club stations to use as a training lab to learn about and operate other digital modes. The current group looks forward to working with other Club members in setting up equipment and operating procedures.

The Antennas group, having completed the classroom sessions, has been meeting at Group members’ home to conduct site surveys and suggest ideas for antennas installation. The group also plans to help install connectors on coax and support the construction of dipole antennas for the BARC Communications Center. Other Club members also are invited to participate in the antennas project.

The Morse Code Study Group will continue meeting at 0900 on Saturday mornings led by Henry Bussey W8TOG, with self study between Saturday morning sessions.

Jack Cotterman has been developing a Basics Electronics curriculum to be launched yet this month. Further details available at this month’s meeting and via future email announcements. Dave Walton will assist Jack in presenting this program which will include exhibits, demonstrations and lots of "hands-on" activities. The course is aimed a new hams without much electronics background and experience but the topics covered will be interesting and useful as a refresher for more experienced hams also. So, don’t be shy – come one, come all!!

What ham radio related topics are you interested in learning more about? All we need are several members with a common interest and someone to lead or help coordinate the group. Give it some thought and email Fred with your suggestions and/or your interest in leading a group.

BARC continues to participate with the other Greene County Clubs and Greene County ARES in conducting all three levels of amateur radio license courses. Fall 2011 Courses began Sunday 11 September with 20 students—8 Technician, 5 General and 7 Extra. Courses meet concurrently from 7-9 PM on Sundays at three different locations.

Please plan to participate by volunteering to go to one of the served agency’s EOC’s or other strategic served agency sites, or simply check into the net from home, mobile or handheld location.

The SET will start on the Greene County Primary Information & Alerting Frequency, 147.165 MHz, the XWARN Repeater (+ offset with 100.0 Hz PL). In the event of weather net on that frequency, the backup frequency will be the BARC 2m Repeater, 147.045 MHz (+ offset, No PL). LISTEN and follow instructions of the Net Control Station. Keep transmissions brief.

The next Greene County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (GCARES) meeting will be October 24th (fourth Monday), 7:30 PM, in the Training Room at Beavercreek Township Fire Station 61 (Dayton-Xenia Road just west of Orchard Lane). All Greene County hams are encouraged to be Active members of GCARES. ID Card photos will be taken.