Billerica Amateur Radio Society Meeting 02/03/16
Meeting called to order by Mike Raisbeck K1TWF at 19:10. 16 members attended. Members introduced themselves.
Mike reported on the recent ARRL Board of Directors meeting, an update of MA Bill S 2093 (Hands Free Legislation), and new dates for Boxboro 2016! (September 9-11, 2016).
The club insurance policy will be renewed but the final cost is not known pending the receipt of the bill. The meeting voted to authorize in advance up to $300 as payment by the Treasurer when we get the bill.
Members should join the club mailing list:
Yahoo has appointed a moderator for the BARS Yahoo Group. If you are not already on the list, please join so you will be able to get club information, and use the list to ask questions, or join in club discussions. Members may now join the BARS list by going to: W1HH Yahoo Group Then Select “+ JOIN GROUP”.
Join us on the Weekly BARS Net
Gary, W1GFF, who is net control of the BARS weekly Net reports it is going strong and has good attendance. The group meets every Wednesday, (except on club meeting night) and is fun with very lively discussion centering around the “question of the week”. All are invited to join us at 8 PM using the Billerica Repeater, 147.12, PL/103.5.
Club Presentation and Decisions on NPOTA:
Tonight’s presentation was about the ARRL National Parks On The Air (NPOTA) event that is taking place throughout 2016. The talk focused on ways for BARS to join in on NPOTA by activating nearby National Park Service (NPS) Units. Following the talk, almost all of the members present indicated interested in doing NPOTA as a club activity during 2016!. BARS activations will use the club call sign (W1HH). Individual BARS members are encouraged to register additional activations and invite others to join them.
A number of first steps were decided that include investigating operating locations (e.g., Lowell National Park), Gary (W1GFF) was appointed as a point of contact to maintain information for posting on the BARS Webpage regarding planned club and/or member activations, and registering the club call on LOTW for posting BARS activations.
Where to find information:
Begin at:
NPOTA
NPS Unit List
Next Meeting:
Because LOTW must be used for NPOTA (no paper logs), the March 2 BARS meeting topic (pending a speaker) will address how to register and use LOTW (especially for new users).
Meeting adjourned at 20:45.
