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 wide version.

President’s Update:

The ARRL is requiring more data from MARC for its repeater directory.

Dave, WD8DJB, our treasurer and database manager, is working on the MARC database and TDS on line application forms. This very time consuming work will allow MARC to supply the ARRL with data like digital repeater color codes. It is possible that the web site may be affected by the work at times. Please fill in the new TDS application as completely as possible when it becomes available so that Dave does not have to spend extra time asking for additional information from you.

73, Phil W8IC

Electronic Meeting Information:

The Dec 5, 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 WB8AZP 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.

Database Manager's Corner:

I have been burning the midnight oil, making a number of “back office” programming changes to store and process a series of revisions to our TDS Form. The changes are required to collect and store additional data for submission to the ARRL. You can take a sneak peak here: New TDS Form, just remember it's not in production just yet so, if you submit the form it will only supply me with TEST DATA.

Repeaters trustees, if you last submitted a TDS form prior to 01/01/2011 your repeater will not be included in our 2016 submission to the ARRL. Your repeater is also a candidate for De-Coordination. So take a minute and check your entry in the MARC Repeater Directory to see if it is time to update your records.

We are attempting to respond to every TDS form we receive by return email so you know that your form has been received and you have a copy of what was submitted. If you submitted a TDS and did not receive an email response please contact us at mail@miarc.com.

Dave Johnson, WD8DJB

MARC Meeting Minutes

Date: September 9, 2015
This meeting took place at the Delta Twp Fire Departemnent (Lansing MI).

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: Coorwin Moore, WB8UPM


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

Meeting called to order by Phil at: 1:00 PM.

The secretary read minutes of the June 6, 2015 meeting. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Dave, seconded by Dan, vote taken, minutes approved.

Treasurer’s report provided by Dave. Motion to accept the report made by Ann, supported by Dan,vote taken, motion carried.

Elections:

Phil stated that elections for the offices of Vice-President, Treasurer, and one Director are to be held today. The incumbents had agreed to run again as follows: Vice-president: Dan Thompson, N8WKM
Treasurer: Dave Johnson, WD8DJB;
Director: Jim Kvochick, K8JK.

Phil opened nominations to the floor. There were no other nominations. Dan made a motion that the secretary cast a unanimous ballot, seconded by Jim. Motion passed. The incumbents were reelected.

Old Business:

Resolution 11: Discussion. Phil called for a vote to include resolution #11 into the bylaws per a motion made at the June 2, 2015 meeting. Vote taken, Resolution #11 passed.
After a discussion it was agreed that each digital splinter repeater would be given Final Coordination status as each repeater submitted its annual TDS Update/Renewal report.

New Business:

Dave informed the board that there will be some changes required for the MARC database submission to the ARRL repeater directory. This is due to to changes in the required format. Dave will have to collect additional information from the trustees as they will need to provide the repeater type and access codes for digital repeaters. Many man hours are required to rewrite the programs MARC uses for TDS submissions and database management. Much discussion on the issue. Dan intends to write a letter to the coordinators of the surrounding states addressing this issue.

Adjournment:

Motion to adjourn made by Dan, seconded by Jim at 1:45 PM, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 1:47 pm.

Note: The December meeting will be conducted electronically on December 5 at 1 PM.

Treasurer's Report
For the Period: 7/31/2015 to 11/30/2015

MARC Funds balance on 7/31/2015 was $ 5,100.01

Income for August, September, October and November was $ 23.16 from dues and interest.
Expenses for August, September, October and November were $128.07 for PayPal fees, software and website hosting.

MARC Funds balance on 11/30/2015 was $ 4,995.10

Respectfully Submitted,
Dave Johnson, WD8DJB
MARC Treasurer

Supporting Detail

MARC Funds as of 7/31/2015