August 2002 Ground Wave

NOTE: DUE TO THE INCLUSION OF THE PICNIC FORM, THIS EDITION OF THE GROUND WAVE IS BEING REGULAR MAILED TO ALL MEMBERS THIS MONTH.

AUGUST MEETING...

Try and attend the next meeting on Thursday August. 8^th at 7:00pm in the cafeteria at BAMC Menominee. Remember 11 members constitute a quorum. The nominating committee will present their report at that time.

PICNIC AROUND THE CORNER...

The annual picnic will be held on Sunday, August 25th in the new west pavilion at Henes Park in Menominee. For further information see the form in this month's Ground Wave.

REPEATER POLICY…

At the July meeting, the club had a good discussion on the proper procedures for use of our repeaters. The issue resulted from a recent demonstration of the EchoLink system on the repeater. EchoLink is one of the emerging technologies that uses a combination of ham radio repeaters and internet links to allow hams to contact other hams around the world. While club members are interested in this and other new modes, there were concerns raised that if an internet or radio link is established on our club repeater, there should always be someone in control who is able to terminate the link if necessary. The club approved a repeater policy at the July meeting, which also incorporated a long-standing concern about keeping the language used on the repeater appropriate. The new policy is as follows:

If any control operator initiates a link from the M&M repeater to another repeater via radio or internet, that control operator shall remain present to monitor the repeater during the time the link is activated.

During the time such a link is active, the control operator shall make periodic announcements that the link is activated.

At all times users of the M&M repeaters shall avoid profane language

All club members are encouraged to bring this policy immediately to the attention of offenders if they hear violations of it on the repeaters.

To make it easier to use EchoLink and other modes, the club also voted to program the repeater controller to pass DTMF tones. The tones had been suppressed for autopatch security reasons.

ECHOLINK GOING GREAT…

Through the efforts of Ken, K9KJM, many of our members have been able to experience world-wide conversations through local repeaters via the EchoLink system. Ken now has it running on the 146.730 repeater in Door County. Using EchoLink, you may hear conversations with other hams and repeaters throughout the US, North America, South America, New Zealand, Europe, Africa, Australia, to name a few areas. KG8CX has been able to converse with hams from Germany, New Zealand, Texas, Oklahoma, Maine, and Ohio, to name a few locations. Try the system any time. It is open to all, and Ken, K9KJM is eager for you to give it a try. Hundreds of repeaters around the world are connected to Echo Link, as well as many thousands of hams. It is a growing new facet of amateur radio. A great way to show off amateur radio to all, and a great way to make new friends worldwide.

By the way, you can also access EchoLink directly from a computer. For the free software, and lots of information on the EchoLink system, browse to:

http://www.echolink.org/el/ .

MARINETTE CO. EMERGENCY DIR. LEAVES POSITION...

Marinette County has lost an asset to local government. Renelle Schaffer, KB9WKD, has resigned her position as Marinette County Emergency Management Director and moved to a different area of the country.

When Renelle came to Marinette she graciously met with four members of our local radio club and was most enthusiastic about having local amateur radio operators available to her office. Throughout her years with Marinette County, she always included our group in emergency exercises, the Y2K exercise and became a licensed amateur radio operator. She was always appreciative of our participation, thanked us and told us she knew she could count on our group for help whenever the need should arise.

Renelle joined our radio club and attended club meetings, picnics, Christmas parties, Charter Night Banquets and field day activities whenever her busy schedule permitted.

During her all too short time in Marinette County, she was instrumental in numerous training activities, emergency exercises, the implementation of many mandates of State and Federal law, the funding for the NOAA Weather Radio warning system in Marinette County, procuring radios for local fire departments and far too many other projects to list.

At the time she resigned, Renelle had been working to have Marinette County declared as a disaster area because of the recent flooding. This flooding had caused one of our own club members, his family and pets to evacuate their home.

Everyone in our radio club will miss her very much! Best of luck, Renelle.

The Marinette County Board is considering making the emergency government director position part time for Marinette County OR asking Oconto County’s director to work for Marinette County on a part time basis in addition to his duties for Oconto County.

MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURE/BYLAWS REVIEW…

It was recently brought to the attention of the officers that the club’s Bylaws call for a vote on new members, something that had not been done formally for some time. Therefore, future applications for new members will be received and put on the agenda for a vote at the next meeting.

During the discussion on this matter at the July meeting, it was suggested that a committee conduct a complete review of the Constitution and Bylaws to determine if any changes should be recommended to the membership. Eric, KG9GH volunteered to head the committee, and Dave, NS9R, and Dwight, W9YQ volunteered to help on the committee.

If anyone would like to see any changes or additions to the Constitution and Bylaws, please bring them to the attention of one of the committee members. For those who would like to see the Constitution and Bylaws, please see the end of this newsletter, or contact an officer, and we can send you one.

FROM THE ARRL LETTER…

George Race, WB8BGY, of Albion, Michigan, unexpectedly stepped down as Great Lakes Director during the ARRL Board of Directors meeting on July 20. Race, 66, had served on the Board for 12 years. Prior to that, he'd held numerous other field organization positions over the years, including several terms as Michigan Section Manager. Great Lakes Vice Director Gary Johnston, KI4LA, was declared the new Great Lakes Division Director.

Legendary within the ARRL field organization for his travels around the Great Lakes Division, Race said he's spent some 45,000 to 50,000 miles a year on the road on the League's behalf and "wore out three cars."

ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, has appointed Michigan Section Manager Dick Mondro, W8FQT, to be the new Great Lakes Vice Director.

ARRL Field and Educational Services Manager Rosalie White approved the appointment of Debbie Kirkbride, KA8YKK, of Bay City to replace Mondro as Michigan SM. An Extra class licensee, Kirkbride served as an Assistant SM under Mondro and was Section Emergency Coordinator from 1997 until 2001.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES…

Congratulations to:
3 Bob and Marge Schrader anniversary
15 Nathan Luthardt birthday
17 Jim and Joan Callow anniversary
22 Dwight Bosselman birthday
22 Dwight and Connie Bosselman – anniversary
23 Bob and Carolyn Johnson anniversary
24 Gary Luthardt birthday
27 Maxine Drees birthday

CREDITS…

Thanks to Peninsula Office Equipment of Menominee for printing the Ground Wave.

Thanks to Jim, KC8DOA for hosting the W8PIF 147 Repeater on his tower.

MARINETTE AND MENOMINEE AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

MINUTES FOR JULY 11, 2002

The July 11, 2002 meeting of the Marinette and Menominee Amateur radio club was called to order by Jim K8IR, President at 7:11 PM.

With some guests at the meeting Jim had everyone introduce themselves.

The minutes for the June meeting were in the July Groundwave and a motion was made by Dave NS9R and seconded by Larry N9OSF to approve the minutes as printed. All in favor.

The Treasurer's report for July 11, 2002 shows a balance of $208.62 in the checking account and $348.08 balance in the savings account for total assets of $556.70. A motion made by Dave NS9R to approve the Treasurer's report and seconded by Noel K8NB. All in favor.

Noel reported that he talked on both repeaters today and they are up and running. Noel reported that at this time the 2-meter repeater does not pass the DTMF tones because it was set up this way for dialing through the auto patch but this can be changed and will take about five minutes to make this change. Members need to decide on this and Noel said he would make the change.

OLD BUSINESS:

Jim K8IR reported for Field Day 39 persons attended and 423 radio contacts were made. It was fun for all who attended. Food also was excellent.

NEW BUSINESS:

The officers of the club had a meeting earlier this week to discuss procedure for membership in the club. By-Laws of the club reads:

MEMBERSHIP: Applications for membership shall be submitted at a regular meeting in writing and each application must express a willingness of the applicant to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws and such rules as shall from time to time be promulgated by the Club. Two-thirds (2/3) of those present shall approve the applicant before he/she shall be considered elected to the membership.

Jim K8IR remarked thinking about making this effective for the new year. Some remarks were made concerning this membership By-Law. Jim asked about a By-Laws committee being formed to go through all of the By-Laws.

Eric KG9GH volunteered for this committee along with Dave NS9R and Dwight W9YQ.

Echo Link usage on the repeater that was placed on the 147.000 repeater prior to the meeting about a week ago presented some problems that needed to be discussed at the meeting tonight. A long debate did take place on usage procedure of the repeater and a policy was developed.

M & M Amateur Radio Club Repeater Policy:

During the time such a link is active, the control operator shall make periodic announcements that the link is activated.

At all times users of the M&M repeaters shall avoid profane language

A motion was made on the above by Jeff KE9S and seconded by Dave NS9R. All in favor.

Anyone hearing inappropriate language/conversation, should admonish the person immediately. It is not just the amateurs listening many scanner listeners too monitor the repeaters.

A motion was made by Eric KG9GH to pass DTMF tones on the repeater to make it easier for ILink and Echo Link and other type of operations that use these tones and seconded by Dwight W9YQ. All in favor. Noel K8NB replied he will make the change for passing the DTMF tones through the repeater in a week.

August 25 is the date for the picnic this summer and information will be in the August issue of the Groundwave.

The time of the year is here for a nominating committee for a slate of officers for next year. Tom N8LHB has volunteered and is looking for some help. Report findings in August and September voting will take place and in October the new slate of officers take over for the next year.

Lynne N8OSK reported that Ed KG8CX and herself will be attending a Michigan Safety meeting on July 30 in Escanaba. This is for Michigan residents.

Motion made by George N9UGG and seconded by Dwight W9YQ to adjourn. All in favor.

Meeting adjourned by Jim K8IR at 7:59PM.

Submitted by Gary W Luthardt KG9AD Secretary

Present at the meeting of July 11, 2002

Gary Luthardt.............................KG9AD
Lynne Rynish..............................N8OSK
Jim Callow......................................K8IR
Nathan Luthardt.......................KB9NNV
Jeff Rymer...............……...............KE9S
David Cunningham........................NS9R
Dwight Bosselman.......................W9YQ
George Benoit.............................N9UGG
Louis Parkansky...........................AA9JH
Bob Osier......................................AA9IB
Bill Becka.................................WA8WG
Kurt Berge..................................K8BKA
Larry Buchholz............................N9OSF
Nancy Buchholz.......................KA9UZC
Aaron Buchholz
Amy Buchholz
Anne Buchholz
Fritz Sorensen..........................KC8UHU
Tom Rynish.................................N8LHB
Noel Beardsley..............................K8NB
Dave Arnold..............................W8DXX
Eric Janssen................................KG9GH
Cheryl Janssen..........................KB9NTN
Randy Zandt..............................KB9ZES
Linda Zastrow
Steve Mellenthin......................KB9ZKO
Willis Wiedemeier..................WA9BUD
Keith Tonn..................................N9PQV

Club members & guests are cordially invited to attend the annual M & M Amateur Radio Club Family Picnic

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2002
Place: John Henes Park
Menominee, MI 49858
Time: 12:00 p.m. social
1:00 p.m. lunch

The club will provide meat, soda, beer & table service. Each club member is asked to provide a food item to share. (see below) There will be a few surprises this year!

IF YOUR FOOD ITEM REQUIRES REFRIGERATION, PLEASE TAKE ALONG A COOLER WITH ICE!!!

Reservations are required and must be submitted with your check no later than Friday, August 16, 2002. Make check payable to the M & M Amateur Radio Club and mail to:

Lynne Rynish N8OSK
M & M Amateur Radio Club
N 2158 Highway M-35
Menominee, MI 49858

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I will take the following to share: pasta salad _____ fruit salad _______ fresh fruit ________ cheese tray _______ fresh veggie platter ________ pan of bars ________ home made cake _______ home made cookies _______ home made pie _________ 3 jars of pickles _________ 3 bags of snacks (chips, pretzels, Cheetos, Fritos, party mix, etc.) ___________

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

MARINETTE-MENOMINEE

AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

The objects of this club are the promotion of interest in amateur radio communication and experimentation, the relaying of messages by radio without charge, the furtherance of the public welfare, the advancement of the radio art, the representation of the radio amateur in legislative affairs, the maintenance of fraternalism and a high standard of conduct among its members, and the promotion of such other activities as are allied thereto.

All persons interested in amateur radio shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as the club shall by its By-Laws provide.

There shall be elected for a term of one year, a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

The immediate Past-President and an Activities Manager (who shall be appointed by the newly elected President), together with the Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be the Executive Committee.

In the event the immediate Past-President is unavailable to serve on the Executive Committee, the newly elected President shall appoint a person to serve on the Executive Committee.

1. PRESIDENT. The President shall preside at all meeting of this club and shall conduct the same according to the rules adopted; he/she shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents that are adopted by the club, and none other, and perform all customary duties to the office of President.

2. VICE-PRESIDENT. The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence. He/she shall be responsible for all meeting programs.

3. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall receive and keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended. The Treasurer shall pay no bills without proper authorization. At the end of each quarter, the Treasurer shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. In addition, the Treasurer shall maintain an accurate and up-to-date club roster. A copy of the club roster shall be submitted to the editor of the club newsletter each month in which there are changes in membership and/or addresses.

The Treasurer shall also advise members by mail early in October that the membership fees and the autopatch fees of the Marinette-Menominee Amateur Radio Club are due and payable to the Treasurer. When dues are paid, the Treasurer will promptly issue a new membership card to the member.

Any member failing to pay dues by December 31st will be dropped from the club roster.

4. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall keep a written record of the proceedings of all meetings, submit a written copy of the minutes of the club to the Editor of the club newsletter within one week of the meeting to ensure inclusion of the minutes with the mailing of the club newsletter each month, carry on all correspondence of the club, read communications at each meeting, except when excused by action under the By-Laws.

5. ACTIVITIES MANAGER. The Activities Manager shall organize club member radio station activities, contests for enjoyment and general interest maintenance. He/she shall maintain close liaison with the ARRL Emergency Coordinator of SEC, who has jurisdiction, in order to further the fullest possible club participation in ARRL Emergence Corps. He/she shall keep informed by questionnaires or other means as to which members possess station equipment to facilitate emergency organization and to help in planning general interest activities. He/she shall encourage new stations in reporting activities to the club and to the elected section communications official of the ARRL; all these things to make the standing of the club and amateur radio activities in the community as outstanding as possible. He/she may appoint traffic committees or assistants to aid him/her in specific branches of activity.

The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At the meetings, twenty (20) percent of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Elections for the officers of the club will be held annually in September with new officers taking office by the first meeting in October.

The Club by a majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization within its objects as set forth in Article II. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the Club within the discretion of the membership.

The Constitution or the By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at a regular meeting provided there is a quorum present. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and may not be voted on until the next regular session.

SECRETARY: It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the Constitution and By-Laws of the Marinette-Menominee Amateur Radio Club and have the same with him/her at every regular and special meeting. He/she shall cause all amendments, changes and additions to be noted thereon and shall permit the same to be consulted by members upon request.

MEMBERSHIP: Applications for membership shall be submitted at a regular meeting in writing and each application must express a willingness of the applicant to abide by the Constitution and By-Laws and such rules as shall from time to time be promulgated by the club. Two-thirds (2/3) of those present shall approve the applicant before he/she shall be considered elected to the membership.

MEETINGS: Meetings shall be held on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (local time) at a place designated by the President.

Special meetings may be called by the President or upon written request of any five (5) members of the Club in good standing. Notices shall be sent to all the members of the Club in good standing informing them of the special meeting and the business to be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that in ordinary postal delivery, they shall arrive at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time therein set for the meeting. Only such business as is designated in said notice shall be transacted at such special meetings.

DUES: A regular annual assessment of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per member is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of ARTICLE VIII of the Constitution for the purpose of providing funds. Autopatch privileges are included in the above assessment.

Where as a large part of the Clubs' expense is from the newsletter, the Club will reduce any additional memberships one-half (1/2) of the primary membership fee for members of same family residing at the same address requiring only one newsletter.

(Editors note: I believe this was modified at some point to make family memberships $22.50, regardless of the number of additional family members)

(Editor’s note: the following paragraph from the 1993 version was eliminated in 1995)

In addition to regular club membership dues, anyone wishing to participate in the autopatch portion of the Marinette- Menominee Amateur Radio Club will pay the autopatch dues consisting of a one time charge of Ten Dollars ($10.00) to join the autopatch portion of the club, and a fee of Twenty-eight Dollars ($28.00) per year, per person, to maintain active membership in the autopatch portion of the Marinette-Menominee Amateur Radio Club. Dues for the autopatch are due and payable at the November meeting of the Club. Persons wishing to participate in the autopatch must be members in good standing of the Marinette-Menominee Amateur Radio Club and follow the current Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations regarding use of an autopatch.

1. HOUSE COMMITTEE: This committee shall see that the meeting place is in good order for a meeting and see that it cleaned up after the meeting. It shall see that properties normally stored at the meeting place shall be properly stored before leaving.

2. PROGRAM COMMITTEE: This committee shall function under the direction of the President and shall provide interesting and educational programs for Club meetings. Information of the programs shall be furnished in advance to the newsletter editor so that he/she may include it on the meeting notice.

3. PICNIC COMMITTEE: While this activity is a whole Club activity, it shall be under the direction of the Chairman who will be directly assisted by the Activities Manager and the other members as he shall select.

4. CHARTER NIGHT COMMITTEE: This committee shall make all arrangements for the Charter Night Banquet, such as location, food and menu arrangements, program, tickets, notices, publicity and other details of Charter Night.

5. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Such committees shall be appointed as required/necessary by the President.