Welcome to the MARC Newsletter a publication of the Michigan Area Repeater Council. This news letter is published quarterly in conjunction with the quarterly business meetings. If you prefer a non-columnized version of this newsletter click here for the columnized version.

President’s Column:

Elections took place at the September meeting near Lansing and the same people were elected again. There were no new candidates to choose from. MARC is running fairly smoothly currently, so now is the time to get involved in the MARC operations. There are many phases of coordination that continue to evolve and input from other sources is welcome. Recently, the possibility of closer spacing on 440 and other bands is being considered. We have a number of close spaced repeater systems operating without interference issues. One member is working on the simulcasting of two or more repeaters. Kenwood is now offering yet another digital system that will have to be checked out. It sounds interesting, as it can replace a standard fm analog repeater and provide automatic switching between digital and analog operation.

If you have some interest in becoming involved MARC operations, your best bet is to go to the web page and look around. (http://www.miarc.com/) The bylaws and standards are available, as well as the band plan for Michigan, and the repeater directory. Check out quarterly activity reports. You will be able to see the almost daily work that takes place. You can read the meeting minutes, see how MARC operates, and discover how you can attend the electronic meetings on your home computer.

I am hoping to see additional involvement from Michigan’s amateur radio community.

73, Phil W8IC

Electronic Meeting Information:

The December 6, meeting is an Electronic Meeting at 1:00pm!

PHONE BRIDGE ONLY:

Dial In Number:    312-777-1449
Event ID:        2202098#
   1. Dial into bridge using Dial In Number
   2. Enter Event ID
   3. If the meeting organizer is already present,
        you'll be connected. If not, you'll be
        placed on hold until the organizer appears.

WEBMEETING & Phone Bridge:

Your browser must be Microsoft™ Internet Explorer Version 4.x, 5.x or Netscape™ Communicator Version 4.x.

   1. Activate your Web Browser
   2. Go To https://www.connectmeeting.att.com/connectmeeting
   3. Enter Meeting Number 3127771449
   3. Enter Participant Code 2202098
   3. Enter your email address and Name
   4. Click on the "Submit" button
   5. Follow the on screen instructions
       

Participation in the webmeeting is only needed for things like slideshow presentations, or use of a whiteboard where someone may need to do an illistration. It also allows us the opportunity to display the actual text of a motion for everyone to read. If you are unable to participate in the webmeeting you may still join in on the phone bridge from wherever you are.

The abilities for MARC to use the Phone Bridge and Webmeeting facilities has been brought to us by Jim K8JK and his employer.

We hope that moving to this format will increase participation by the membership of MARC so that we are better able to serve the amateur community.

MARC Meeting Minutes

Date: September 6, 2014
This meeting took place at Delta Twp, MI Fire Station.

Officers:

President: Phil Manor, W8IC
Vice President: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Secretary: Ann Manor, KT8F
Treasurer: Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
*Director: Fred Moses, W8FSM*
Director: Jim Kvochick, K8JK
Coordinator: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Coordinator: Phil Manor, W8IC
*Coordinator: Jim Poehlman, K8ABZ
Database Manager: Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
Newsletter Editor: Dan Thompson, N8WKM

* Indicates absent:
Visitors: None


Note: call signs of board members are not repeated in the minutes as they are listed above.

Meeting called to order by Phil at: 1:10 PM.

Old Business:

Dan submitted a minor change regarding his repeater information to the ARRL. Dave received a notice from the ARRL within a few hours following this action, so apparently the new system seems to be working well.

Elections:

Dan took over the meeting to run the elections as the president was up for re-election. There were no new nominations or mail in ballots. The incumbents are: Phil, W8IC, President; Ann, KT8F, Secretary; and Fred, W8FSM, board member.

Phil made a motion for the secretary to cast a unanimous ballot for the incumbent candidates. Supported by Dave. Vote, motion passed.

New Business:

The board discussed an inquiry by the K8DAC repeater on a possible interference issue. Discussion. A consensus was that the unusual band openings were the possible problem and that it should clear up as the bands move back to normal propagation conditions. Dave will respond to the inquiry via email unless a written response is requested. Discussion on waivers by the board. Phil will attempt to develop a standard waiver. Once completed it will be submitted to the board for input.

It was determined that MARC will continue to print the newsletter in English only at this time. The board discussed a move for the 444.400, W8DC repeater. The board recommends the repeater should run at 20 watts at the new location. Once this is completed and tested, the coverage needs to be checked. A request for increased power is to be submitted only if the coverage of the repeater is under the coordinated class coverage.

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn made by Jim, seconded by Dan, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 2:05 PM.


Respectfully submitted,
Ann Manor, KT8F, Recording Secretary

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 07/31/14 to 8/31/14

MARC Funds balance on 07/31/2014 was $ 4,501.00

Income for August was $ 20.74 from dues and interest.
Expenses for August were $ 1.18 for PayPal fees.

MARC Funds balance on 08/31/2014 was $ 4,520.56

Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 8/31/2014

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 08/31/14 to 10/31/14

MARC Funds balance on 08/31/2014 was $ 4,520.56

Income for September and October was $ 11.46 from dues and interest.
Expenses for September and October were $ 107.99 for Website Hosting and PayPal fees.

MARC Funds balance on 10/31/2014 was $ 4,424.03

Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 8/31/2014