Minutes of the East River Amateur Radio Club
August 4, 2003 Ryan’s Steakhouse, Bluefield, VA. http://www.erarc.com
The August meeting of the ERARC was opened at 705pm by George Dietrich 
KF4YGL. There were 22 members and guests in attendance.
Minutes: Hooger mentioned that there was no July meeting at Field Day and 
that the past two previous months were mainly about Field Day activities 
anyway.
Bob Frazier, WB8NRK, treasurer, gave his report Flower fund. Bob reported on
some payments made and of the several 
flowers/donations made due to deaths of member's family. Dues are now being 
taken for the current year for membership to the ERARC. Several people paid 
their dues this evening.
George asked John Riddle N8RIG if there were any plans for use of the 
battery backup system donated by Flowers Baking Co. John said that at this 
time, no plans for use of it. George also mentioned that the next event that 
the club would probably participate in would be the September VHF contest on 
Round Mt. in Bland Co., Va. Also mentioned: ARRL VE TEST SESSION THIS 
SATURDAY, 9AM, AT THE 911 CENTER IN GREEN VALLEY.
Gary Kadar N8GK gave a short report on Field Day 2003. Three radios and 
operators, around 10 amateurs or so came in and out. 15M dead, they did use 
20M and 40M, no 80M. Gary said that this year had the most press coverage 
that we've ever had. There were at least 2 reporters and 1 photographer. The 
crew did shut down at least twice due to lightening storms. Gary mentioned 
that he thought that the large Honda generator, at least, needs to be 
serviced, oil changed, etc. Discussion. Russel Taylor KC8GBE said that his 
brother would be able to service the unit. Discussion ensued about draining 
the gas tank vs. 'stabilizer'/ additives to the tank vs. 'running the 
carburetor dry' at the end of use of the unit. Gary said that if we continue 
to participate in Field Day that the club needs to obtain extension cords 
for use. Discussion. It was decided that we'd need 10 or 12 gauge wire in 
50' sections. No further.
Hooger Fisher said that he'd just talked to Jerry Conley KC8TES on '49 just 
before the meeting and that Jerry wished to bring up that since the ARES net 
is not associated with the ERARC, that he suggests that we think about 
having a "club" net on another night, preferably later than 7pm. Discussion. 
We'll table this until Tom Gordon WW8D, Mercer ARES EC can be consulted.
Bob Frazier won the 50/50 ($18.00) and donated his part back into the flower 
fund.
ARES net controls: 5th George Dietrich, 12th no takers, 19th Hooger Fisher 
W4OF, 26th no takers.
   There being no more business, the meeting was closed at 0740pm
Respectfully submitted, George “Hooger” Fisher 111, W4OF, Sec.
P.S. Deborah Lambert, wife of Steve Lambert N8SNZ, SK, still has 10M and 2M 
radios that she'd like to get rid of. 589-3135.