Monthly Newsletter Supporting the Advancement of Amateur Radio May 2002

THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER Brian Carter, KCØDWX I'll keep things really short this month. Currently MAARS members are in the process of making plans for Field Day. On May 3, several members got together and checked out the club's HF antenna and decided what we will need in order to operate using this antenna. Some other discussion of Field Day took place as well. The old Novice station that used to be allowed during Field Day is now replaced with GOTA or "Get On The Air" station. This station is intended for hams who have not been active in Amateur radio and for persons who are not licensed. Of course there must be a control operator in this case. We still have some discussion left and need to decide on several things. I hope this will bring those of you interested in Field Day in. As usual our normal club meeting will be held the second Friday of the month, which will be May 10, at 7:30 P.M. at the Red Cross Building in Manhattan, KS. 2601 Anderson. All members and guests are also welcome to join us for dinner at Sirloin Stockade around 5:00 to 5:30 P.M. We usually try to sit toward the southwest corner of the building. I hope to see you there. Brian Carter, KCØDWX

VICE-PRESIDENT'S REPORT Bob Bartholic, KBØZWK Hello Everyone, It looks like April and May have been a little wet. That is good for the plants and our lawns. I know that I have had to cut mine almost twice a week just to keep it down. With all of the rain we have been getting, it may be time to start looking for a little bit of flooding. I am sure the ground is getting saturated. Last month some of the WARN members traveled down to Wichita to visit the Severe Weather Expo at the Kansas Coliseum. We thought this would have been a huge Expo. Unfortunately, it was not. There were a few booths there that did have some good information, but there was not a lot there and not that many visitors. It is my opinion that the Home Safe Expo that we had in Manhattan was a huge success, much better than the Wichita Expo. We did have a good time together. With all of the thunderstorms that we have been getting, I would like to remind everyone about lightning safety. Make sure that your antennas and radios are grounded. I like to disconnect my antennas from my radios and I like to shut down my computer. If you shut down your computer, remember to disconnect your telephone or modem line. Electricity can and will travel through the telephone line and zap your computer. Of course try not to use corded phones, wash dishes, take showers or baths, or use electrical appliances during thunderstorms. Even though most thunderstorms are not severe, lightning does accompany all thunderstorms. Please be cautious and safe. Well, I cannot find anything else of interest to inform you except WARN has been pretty active. As of right now we just went into another tornado watch. So, it is time to do my duty. Have fun and please be safe during our severe weather season. Enjoy & 73 Bob Bartholic, KBØZWK

SECRETARY'S MINUTES Francis Sable, WØEVJ The MAARS meeting for 4-12-2002 began at 7:30 P.M. Brian, KCØDWX, presides. Brian passes around an email from Norm, NØJCC, about Internet ham radio system. There is discussion about procuring a tent for Field Day use. There is discussion about other FD items, including doing repairs on the HF beam antenna belonging to MAARS. The meeting is closed at about 9:00 P.M. with 8 people attending.

TREASURER'S REPORT Erin Crouch, KBØTXL April 2002 Cash on Hand, 4/01/02 13.33   Checking Account Balance, 4/01/02 35.84   Savings Account Balance, 4/01/02 1,300.72   Total on Hand, 4/01/02   $ 1,349.89   Receipts:       Dues 10.00       Interest 4.98 Total Receipts      + 14.98   Expenditures:       Equipment Insurance 69.00       Telephone 25.25       Liability Insurance 325.00 Total Expenditures      - 419.25   Cash on Hand, 4/30/02 23.33   Checking Account Balance, 4/30/02 116.59   Savings Account Balance, 4/30/02 805.70     Total Cash on Hand, 4/30/02   $945.62

ARRL DUES NEW FROM ARRL - Beginning October 1, 2001, our club will receive $15 for each new member joining the ARRL through our club. This is for new members or those who have not been a member for two or more years. There will be no commission for renewals but we still may submit your renewals, if you wish. Since the club retains the dues, it is necessary for you to write your check to MAARS, and then the treasurer writes a check to ARRL. MAARS DUES Dues will be due by Oct. 31 and are: regular membership $20, full-time student $10, family $30. Please complete the following when renewing your membership, even if you did so last year. Return to the Treasurer, at a meeting or to MAARS, P. O. Box 613, Manhattan, KS 66505-0613. NAME _______________________________________  CALLSIGN ____________ MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________  DATE _____________ CITY _______________________________ STATE _____  ZIP CODE _____________ TELEPHONE # (____)_______________  E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________ FOR FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: NAME _______________________________________  CALLSIGN ____________ NAME _______________________________________  CALLSIGN ____________ CHECK THE FOLLOWING WHICH APPLY: ____ ARRL member    ____ It is alright to list my e-mail address on the homepage. It is alright to list my address and telephone number for distribution only to our members. ____ How do you prefer to receive your newsletter? ____ e-mail    ____ U.S. mail    ____ both Print a PDF file copy of the above form. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view and print) Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.