MERCER COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

 Minutes of the Regular Meeting

 January 27, 1998

 The regular January meeting of the Mercer County Amateur Radio Club was called to order on January 27, 1998 at 7:30 PM by President Tom Galloway, KA3MYM. There were 24 members present and 3 guests: Jim Thompson, Mercer County EMA Director; Jerry Viele, W8JV; Bonnie Viele,N8MCX. Sicknesses: Duane Riggs, AA3LI, had surgery; Tom Brenneis, K3PFV, is not getting around good. All received the Jan. Carrier Wave. Tim Duffy, K3LR, pointedout that Bill Fleckenstein's call was incorrect in last month's minutes. It should read W3CXO. A motion by BlaineSmith, N3UGN, and seconded by Major alessandra, K3IGO, to accept the ammended November 1997 minutes passed.

 Treasurer's Report: The Nov. and Dec. Treasurer's reports were read and discussed by the Treasurer. Tom Junk, N3ZLV, moved to accept the reports. Jerry Parkany, KB8YBE, seconded the motion. The motion carried.

 Membership Committee: It was reported that there were two fully-paid membership applications on file: Richard Bish, KC8FWT, an electrician and ARRL member; Jerry Viele, W8JV, who is a general manager of a Youngstown radio station, is the president of the Mahoning Valley Amateur Radio Association, and holds an FCC General Radiotelephone license. Chuck Paddock, AB8BR, moved to accept both into membership. Steve Shemancik,AA3EW, seconded the motion. The motion was passed.

 EMA: Jim Thompson, EMA Director, reported that this year's grant from the County to the MCARC was approved. The move into the new radio room at the EMA building is virtually complete. Cattron has

run the hardline and grounded the tower. Countertops and furniture have been purchased and installed. The equipment just needs to be moved. This will be done Sat., Jan. 31. SKYWARN needs to be

revitalized. Jim believes that the county can come close to the old radar system by using the DNK satellite radar, which gives updates approximately every 10 minutes. It will be possible to predict when

a storm will hit the county. Jim would like to get the hams involved in reading the radar as well as doing the field work. EMA, RACES, 911, and SKYWARN should be able to work very well together.

Mr. Thompson was thanked for all his help, including assistance in obtaining the grant. He was given a round of applause.

 Repeater Committee: The claim has been submitted to Albert Wohlers and Co. for the Aug 16, 1997 lightning strike. It was noted that the address Wohlers had on file was Barney Scholl, K3LA, at P. O. Box 673. They have been informed of the Club's present address.

 Constitution & Bylaws Committee: Nothing to report.

 RFI/TVI Committee: Nothing to report.

 VE Testing: The next VE session at the EMA office in Mercer is on Sat., February 21 with registration at

9:00 AM and testing at 10:00 AM. Contact Dennis Gregory, WM3H, for details. The fee for 1998 is $6.35.

 Net/Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner: There were 19 checkins into last week's Emergency Communications Net (Thurs. at 9 PM). All are encouraged to check-in. Three (3) met at last Saturday's 8:30 AM breakfast at Mr. Hero's across from Farrell High School. Six (6) attended the Wed. 11:30 lunch, also at Mr. Hero's; 10 or 11 attended the 8:30 PM dinner at The Suburban on Friday. Stay tuned to the repeater for any changes in meeting place since it was reported that Mr. Hero's may close soon.

 OLD BUSINESS: Foxhunt: The next Foxhunt is rescheduled for Saturday, March 21. New Rule: There must be at least two (2) participants in a vehicle. Tim Duffy, K3LR, will be the fox. Details will be given at the next Club meeting.

 Equipment: It was reported by Tim Duffy, K3LR, that the equipment from the Chet Doersch estate was no longer available when the Club asked for it.

 NEW BUSINESS: Elections: Club elections will take place at the March meeting. There may be some openings in positions. Refer names to Tim Jellison, W3YQ, Nominating Committee Chairman.

 Field Day: The Club needs to be thinking about Field Day again. This year it is on June 27 & 28. In the past, the Club has had FD at Buhl Park, which has a good elevation, is a public place, and is good for media.

 Plaques: It was mentioned that plaques need to be sponsored for the PA QSO Party. Tim Duffy, K3LR, moved that the Club sponsor a Rover Plaque for the PA QSO Party by sending thirty dollars ($30)

to the Nittany Amateur Radio Club in care of W3HDH. The motion was seconded by Steve Shemancik, AA3EW. The motion carried.

Hamfests: Feb. 8 - Mansfield, OH; Latrobe, PA (American Legion); Feb. 22 - Cuyahoga Falls; Dayton Hamfest is May 15, 16, 17. Joe Vaccaro, WA3YAO, had an aerial photograph of Dayton from their webpage.

 Contests: Feb. 14 & 15 - WW RTTY Contest; Feb. 21 & 22 - ARRL CW; Feb. 28 - Breezeshooters 10m Contest.

 Program: Jerry Viele, W8JV, presentation on AM HF-band DXing.

 Raffle: Issue of World Radio, 1 year subscription of World Radio, 1998 Calendar, issues of QST's.

 The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.

 Respectfully submitted by Michael S. Varga, NR3C, Secretary