February 2005 Meeting Minutes

Guys Here is a report of the meeting on Feb 2. We had very good time and
showed several items that the guys enjoyed. I did go to the library today
and Tina (the library lady) is checking for video tapes that we might borrow
for free. I have Justins dues money deposited–anybody know of any thing
else that I am supposed to be doing?

Iroquois County Ama Radio Meeting Feb 2, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sec-Tres at 7:00pm. The meeting was
held at the Red Cross office in Watseka.

Old Business

Sam read the minutes of the Dec 1, 2004 meeting and members present agreed
that they were correct.

Dues were collected from 1 member—Justin KC9GNH

Jerry WB9Z has stepped down as Pres therefore Benny made a motion to fill
with our current Vice-Pres Steve. Carl made a second and the group
unanimously voted for the motion to have Steve be new Pres.

New Business

Benny reported that the site for the 440 repeater has been approved and
Cinglar will donate a outside cabinet, a roll of 1 ¼ in cable, and
connectors. We have to pick up this gear at warehouse in Chicago suburbs.
We are waiting for good weather and when Jerry and his crew will be able to
get the tower work done. None of this would be possible without the push of
Benny KC9GWD.

Justin KC9GNH reported that he is working on new PSA’s both from the league
and some of his own. They will be on WGFA in near future.

Carl K9CS reported a new testing secession will be next month in KKK. Carl
also brought a ad from CQ magazine for 6 videos for $70 for programs. Sam
W9QKF also saw a group of 10 videos from ARRL for $120. Sam was instructed
to check with public library to see about free tech films for programs.

Pres Steve show how IRLP worked by connecting to W4LNQ in NC and talking
over the 03 repeater.

Not to be outdone a guest (Mike Marcier) hauled in a bunch of commercial
gear that will interconnect radios of all freqs over the voip. He will
bring in another demo later with radios
connected. Mike is studying to become a ham once again. As if this would
not be enough for one night Sam brought a Marconi service monitor to check
out radios that people brought in. We also checked a couple of the Red
Cross radios and they put out about 60 watts.

We discussed the four repeaters and agreeded that we would like to do
something to the 2 meter repeater to get better coverage to the east–Maybe
a second antenna on the east side of the tower. That would be a big job.
GMRS repeater is working very well. Red Cross simplex is also up and
running. 440 repeater is back to factory to be worked on to jump up power
to 25 watts.

Many people agreed that this was a very informative meeting and will be
looking forward to new demo from Mike.

At 9:00 pm Sam brought out a dozen maple frosted cookies and and many
stayed until after 10:00 pm

Members present
Sam W9QKF
Carl K9CS
Steve K9TA
Justin KC9GNH
Tim KC9FON
Benny KC9GWD
Mike Marcier (WN9PVH)
Tims friend ?

Sam Ripple
W9QKF KAE7607

Danville Ham Operators Help The Red Cross

By: Brian Huchel

DANVILLE — Area residents easily remember the storm and straight-line winds that plowed across Vermilion County on July 13.

That day offers a perfect example of the importance of amateur radio operators, according to local ham radio operator Harry Seyfert.

“The cell phone system was pretty much gone,” he said. “That’s when we could come to play and provide the services necessary.”

The Vermilion County chapter of the American Red Cross recently realized that importance, putting together an assistance agreement during emergencies with the Vermilion County Amateur Radio Association.

Jamie Davis, disaster service coordinator for the local American Red Cross chapter, said such agreements exist in other counties and both sides talked about the setup for a while.

The radio operators’ main function with the Red Cross consists of reunifications or welfare inquiries between families and victims. “If (family members) have an idea they’re all right, that gives them some peace of mind,” Davis said.

The amateur radio association reports about 40 members, with a little more than half still active.

Local Red Cross officials approached club member Dave Leininger in the days following the Dec. 26 tsunami to help a local mother verify the safety of her son who was in Thailand.

“Anything they need, we’re willing to do,” he said.

Under the agreement between both sides, radio operators either come to the chapter office, 320 N. Franklin St., to help or travel to a particular scene, such as an area damaged by a tornado, to offer assistance.

But according to Red Cross Executive Director Carolyn Schwabauer, the radio operators could even report from their neighborhoods in times of crisis.

“They could give us a good read very quickly,” she said, noting that association members live throughout the county.

Leininger said the organization hopes to work out an agreement with the new director of the Danville/Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency. City and county officials expect to hire a new director for the agency in
the coming weeks.

Since the agreement, many of the amateur radio operators also joined the Red Cross as volunteers.

Every October the association members have situational emergency tests to stay sharp in case an emergency arises.

“We need to hone our own skills under adverse conditions,” Seyfert said.