Club Newsletter – The Exciter

About The Exciter

The Exciter is published monthly by DCARA as an official record of Club activities and business.

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Current Contents of The Exciter

  • Officers’ Meeting Minutes – February 4, 2025

    Tuesday February 4, 2025, prepared by Nancy Graff AG5MQ

    Present: Eric Gildersleeve KD7CAO, Gerald Marchant WB5NZV, Landon Elfenbein N5AET, Sara Ann Stevens KE5MZT, Bob Storey AF5RS, Laurie Hemming KG5QIX, Cliff Hemming KG5HHL, Curtis Anthony KF5PGM, Andrew Koenig KE5GDB

    The power point slides for the February 24, 2025 meeting were reviewed.

    Presentation: Future presentations were discussed. February’s presentation will be Geochron by Patrick Bolan KJ7ZSU.

    May Meeting: The May 26, 2025 meeting will not be at the usual location because the courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day. Alternate plans will be announced later.

    Work Projects: Several work projects were discussed including work needed on Georgetown, ecomm, inventory and auction.

    Meeting Adjourned

  • Club Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2025

    Recorded by Nancy Graff AG5MQ

    Eric Gildersleeve KD7CAO welcomed 5, 1st time members and guests.

    ARRL: Eric announced that Mike Nelson K5YX is the new ARRL North Texas Section Emergency Coordinator.

    Upcoming Events: Irving Hamfest March 1; Go Kit Challenge March 15; Belton April 4-5; Texas State Parks on the Air April 12-13; DFW Ham Expo June 6-7.

    Elections: Eric asked for volunteers for the election committee. Steve Mitchell W5STC, Richard Anson KJ5ESC and Randy Rippy KG5QNR volunteered. Nominations will be accepted after the February meeting. The officers up for election are Vice President, Treasurer, and Operations/Programs Director. Ballots will be emailed after the March meeting.

    Recognition: Bob Storey presented an appreciation certificate to Eric Gildersleeve KD7CAO for his service to the club.

    Presentation: Presentation was Andrew Koenig KE5GDB September 21, 2024 Balloon Launch.

    Meeting Adjourned.    

  • Club Financials – January 2025

    $8014.87    DATCU operational balance
    $7000.00    DATCU reserve balance
    $4020.60    PayPal operational balance
    $  996.01    Veritex Bank operational balance
    $4003.99    Transfered from Veritex bank to the DFW HAM EXPO account

  • Amateur Test Session – Mike, K5YX

    Monthly amateur radio license testing is conducted the fourth Sunday of the month at 3 pm.  Testing location is 9060 Teasley Lane, Denton, TX 76210.

    This is the old Denton County Emergency Services building.  Please register for the exam at hamstudy.org/sessions/k5yx.  Walk ins are welcome but we do recommend registering in advance to get you started quicker when you arrive at the test session.  Please contact Mike Nelson, K5YX with questions by emailing him at k5yx@arrl.net

  • Officers’ Meeting Minutes – January 7, 2025

    DCARA Officers’ Meeting Minutes

    Tuesday January 7, 2025

    Prepared by Nancy Graff AG5MQ

    Present: Eric Gildersleeve KD7CAO, Gerald Marchant WB5NZV, Landon Elfenbein N5AET, Sara Ann Stevens KE5MZT, Bob Storey AF5RS, Laurie Hemming KG5QIX, Cliff Hemming KG5HHL, Mike Chittenden AE5IV, Fred Keen KC5YN, Curtis Anthony KF5PGM

    The power point slides for the January 27, 2025 meeting were reviewed.

    Presentation ideas were discussed. Eric sent messages to possible presenters.

    Winter Field Day preparations were discussed. Gerald and Curtis are in charge of getting the assets to the location: eComm, Georgetown, Generators, Antenna trailer. So far we don’t have any food planned, volunteers needed. Nancy will confirm the park reservations and gate code. Update DCARA’s field day will not be at Pilot Knoll Park as we received notice that the park will be closed for maintenance. Membership will be notified when alternate plans are made.

    Elections are coming up so an election committee is needed. Volunteers needed.

    Donated and surplus equipment needs to be organized and inventoried in preparation for a future auction.  Plans will be made to do this once the weather is warmer, maybe March.

    DFW Ham Expo planning was discussed. The website has been updated. Getting the word out about the event was discussed. This may include flyers, contacting other clubs, businesses and ARRL.

    Meeting Adjourned