Mar Meeting March-2-2012
The Bears March meeting was held Friday March 2, 2012 at the Montpelier fire station. Those present were: Eldon, Jan, Jocelyn, Keven, LeAnn, Joe, Bill, Gary, Alan, Wayne, Delar, Brock and a visitor.
Keven opened the meeting and read the February meeting minutes. He reminded everyone about the weather spotter meeting to be held on April 25th. This meeting will take the place of the May meeting. The wording changes in the bylaws were discussed. Keven had received an email from Buddy Jacobs, the individual in charge of ARES in Idaho, inviting all Bears members to join an internet group to discuss emergency communications. The group is for ARES, RACES, and ACS. The web address is http://group.yahoo.com/group/Idaho-ares-races
Keven passed out the rough draft of a possible frequency list to post on the Bears website.
We are still looking for way to get people interested in Ham Radio.
Keven gave a summary of chapter 2 of the ARRL Emergency Communications Handbook dealing with Network Theory.
In an emergency we want to be able to use any type of communication available including: Phones, cell phones, fax, texting (which can be used with less battery power than a cell phone call) and packet radio for high precision accuracy. Planning and preparation is the key to success.
I was brought up that it would be a good idea to but phone, cell and fax numbers in our go kits.
Gaylen was stranded in Utah by bad weather and unable to get back to do his presentation on off the grid communications. Eldon filled in for him. Power sources in off the grid communications include, solar, wind, generators and batteries. The power supply regulates the flow of power. Two types of batteries can be used, cranking or deep cycle. Deep cycle is the best for running radios but it does produce toxic fumes and needs to be used where well ventilated. A fish finder battery can also be used. It has no toxic fumes and is a good choice. Another good idea is to put fuses in your go kits.
Eldon suggested checking out echoLink.com and allstarlink.com to use with an Android or an I phone.
Bill showed his briefcase style solar Panel and extolled the virtues of Anderson power poles for keeping the polarity straight.
Alan told us the Sedgwick repeater has an Auto Patch. He also suggested putting the frequency list on the back of our call sign cards.
Brock has a new IRLP node, 146.480 with a negative 100 pl .
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