Florida Parishes VE Group - Testing sessions are scheduled for the last Sunday of each month [with the exception of holiday conflicts] at AmVets Post #68; 26890 Hwy 42 (jct. of Hwys 42 and 43) - Springfield, La. 70462 (approximately 3 miles south of I-12 at exit 32) at 2pm with $15 testing fee. Bring photo ID and any appropriate CSCE. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Find an Amateur Radio License Exam in Your Area.

Birthday Wishes for July go out to Michael Mason KE5KMH
If we missed your birthday, then please let us know.

SELARC Meeting Minutes

(Meeting Type: In-Person)

(Ponchatoula Community Center, LA)

June 11th, 2024

Call to order: Russ Plyler (WI5ARD) at 7:09 pm

Pledge of Allegiance: Russ Plyler (WI5ARD)

Introductions: Done

Minutes of previous meetings: Russ Plyler (WI5ARD)

• 1st motion to accept meeting minutes as posted by Tyrone Burns (N5XES)
• 2nd motion by Ed Mason (KE5GMN)
• All Approved

Members present: Russ Plyler (WI5ARD), Mike Jackson (KI5GGP), William Harris (KF5YBY), Terry Williams (N5TDW), Tyrone Burns (N5XES), Timothy Lynch Jr. (AG5XK), Timothy Lynch III (KJ5BRD), Ralph Shaw (K5CAV), Pat Mason (KE5KMM), Ed Mason (KE5GMN), Keith Samrow (KF5VLX), Aaron Davis (N5OMM), Nathan Daigrepont (KF5HXB), Bob Spahn (WB5BJW), Robert Jaeger (KI5TYD), Mark Lacey (WX5RN)

Guest present: Leslie Reno Hutchinson (KJ5BJZ), Deborah Young, Ryan Patterson (KI5TJL)

Treasurers’ report: Mike Jackson (KI5GGP)

• 1st motion to accept the treasurer's Tyrone Burns (N5XES)
• 2nd motion by Pat Mason (KE5KMM)
• All Approved

Bills / Correspondence:

• N/A

New member applications / renewals: Russ Plyler (WI5ARD)

• Ken Clouse of Covington - Not Licensed Yet (Paperwork at Ponchatoula Caboose)
• Mel Lamp of Ponchatoula, LA - Not Licensed Yet (Paperwork at Ponchatoula Caboose)
• 1st motion to accept by Tyrone Burns (N5XES)
• 2nd motion to accept by Mark Lacey (WX5RN)
• All Approved.

Health and Welfare:

• No updates

ARES report: Pat Mason (KE5KMM)

• 97 total check-ins for the month, 3 nets, average of 26/27, Memorial weekend short with 19.
• Hurricane Kick-Off Meeting for Tangipahoa Parish.
• Hurricane Tracking Sheets with information were brought for the taking.
• Weather Service
• If you hear of a storm approaching fill up your propane so the requirements of your provider may prevent you from getting topped off. Mike Jackson KI5GGP commented that his provider will not fill up unless he drops to a certain percentage. There are requirements placed on the providers to also service folks that have life support type equipment they need to service first after the passing of a storm.
• The ARES Louisiana Section is having a leadership meeting this month.

Hamfest Committee: Tyrone Burns (N5XES)

• Speaker System
  • The issues with the speaker system in PCC have been identified. Tyrone will be replacing the 90 degree plug when available.

Repeater Committee: Tyrone Burns (N5XES) & Russ Plyler (WI5ARD)

• Tickfaw
  • Waiting to see when the grounding is down at the tower.
  • Future Steps
    • The Crescend Amplifier is in and ready to be installed.
    • Power distribution in the cabinet.

• Hammond
  • Henry Amplifier came in and was not working correctly and went through a smoke test. The manufacturer offered to send the capacitor to Mike to fix ourselves. Mike will be sending back to Henry to make repairs. During his discussion it was commented that they had a bad batch of capacitors that could have been the problem.
  • Waiting on Pete to complete the work on the 6 meter repeater.
  • Future Steps
    • Install new Kenwood repeater donated by Pete Liuzza (WB5ERM). Output power set to 15 watts.
    • Duplexer needs to be tuned. Noticed more loss than desired.
    • The Henry Amplifier was received but needed to be returned since it was not working correctly and let out some smoke during testing.
    • Power distribution in the cabinet.
    • Install power supply which has been ordered.

Packet:

• HMU (Hammond, LA, North Oaks Hospital)
  • Operational
• PCC (Ponchatoula Community Center)
  • Operational
• W5TEO (Hammond)
  • Operational

Old Business:

• N/A

Field Day: Mark Lacey (WX5RN)

• June 22nd and 23rd
• Bring your own headsets to the event with an adapter if you have one.
• Bring your CW key if desired.
• Try to drag conversations outside.
• Work from your house if you want and keep a log.

Swapshop

• Tyrone N5XES has some UHF stuff he is trying to sell.

Training - N/A

• Heat shrink solder for sizes 22-10 stranded gauge. Keith for June.
• Morse Code study options.
• LOG4OM (Logbook for Old Men)

New Business:

• Congratulations on the new licenses and/or upgrades from the VE Session of the Florida Parishes VE Group.
  • Technician
    • Robert Jordan (KJ5GXZ), Walker, LA, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    • Austen Rodrique (KJ5GND), Ponchatoula, LA, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • General
    • ???
  • Extra
    • ???
• Ponchatoula Country Market (May 25th - Back Porch)
  • 5 hams showed up for the event and it was shut down at around 1PM because of the heat.
• Fox Hunt
  • Please reach out to Ryan Delkucky (KI5NMJ) if you are interested in doing a Fox Hunt.

• July Meet & Greet (5 PM to 7 PM)
  • Amite EOC (114 N. Laurel St., Amite City, LA 70422)
• July Meeting (7 PM to 8 PM)

○ Commodore’s Pizza (114 NE Central Ave., Amite, LA 70422)

Upcoming events / Hamfest / Cancellations:

• Huntsville is in August 17th & 18th
• Ocean Springs September 7th
• Slidell is in September 13th

General discussion, presentation, or training:

• Club asked to host Cub Scouts Pack 100 on October 19th at Jamboree on the Air here at the Clubhouse. 22 people in the pack. They would like to have us also do a CW presentation at a meeting on a Tuesday in September at 6PM.

Motion to adjourn:

• 1st motion to adjourn meeting by Tyrone Burns (N5XES)
• 2nd motion by Mike Jackson (KI5GGP)
• All Approved.