Saratoga Amateur Radio Association

Minutes of the monthly meeting of May 8, 2002

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Don Anastasia, AA6W at 8

PM with 10 people present.

We started a bit late because Paula Reeve and Laurie Burns from the city were

issuing new ID badges to our members, which we really appreciated!

Don mentioned that we are planning to have a QRP field day at El Quito park on

Saturday June 22. All members are welcome to participate, and we will have more information at the June club meeting.

Don Farwell told us that Dan Smith is planning to move within the next year, and we will need to find a new home for the repeater. We may put it back in to the fire station, once it has been re-built.

The county has had a few drills recently, and our packet station at city hall was put to use. Don Anastasia took the new online ARRL Emergency Communications course, and said that it contains a lot of valuable information. Information about this course is available on the ARRL web site, www.arrl.org.

Our speaker for the evening was Ted Dunbar, KF6WPO, Communications Officer for the 11 District Coast Guard region. His district comprises northern California, Nevada, and Utah, and has 22 hundred members. They are responsible for 6 repeaters, 125 base stations, and many modified ham rigs that use the CAP modifications. This group works closely with hams, and the Office of Emergency Services for emergency preparedness.

Ted provided a list of frequencies that are used by the Coast Guard for emergency communications.

He talked about their response on September 11, which was quite extensive! Anyone interested in participating with the Coast Guard's emergency program is encouraged to get in touch with Ted.

There being no further business before the association, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Submitted by John Glass, NU6P, Club Secretary for 2002.