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David Laustsen, W3LAW, called
the meeting to order at 12:15 pm. First on the agenda was to vote in
new members of ARCC. Lawrence Gasperone, W2CAM, was voted in as
Secretary. The first nomination was by Gene Pressler, W3ZXV, and second
nomination by Robert Pantazes, W2ARP. Next Bill Powell, WB1GOT was
voted in as VP of Coordination, the first nomination by Kevin Woolard,
KW3P, seconded by Gene Pressler, W3ZXV. Both were voted in unanimously.
Next on the agenda was a discussion on "Digital Repeaters." Jeff DePolo, WN3A, sent a request for the FCC to clarify the term "Digital Repeater" and the coordination requirements to assign frequencies within the current bandplan. Therefore, the applications we have for digital repeaters have been delayed. Dave Laustsen asked Jeff DePolo whether we should move forward on coordinating "Digital Repeaters" or waiting for the FCC clarification. Jeff DePolo requested we move ahead. A lively discussion began on what would be needed to move ahead with Bill Powell and Jeff De Polo. Dave Laustsen requested Jeff and Bill set a plan for policy involving "Digital Repeaters" to be taken under advisement. At this time, two guests from the Philadelphia Digital Radio Association, Jack Coupe, WA3BXH, President and Chris McCormick, N3JHR, Secretary gave an informative and educational presentation on "New Digital Modes, New Amateur Opportunities." They have 20 members in the group who are exploring digital radio modulation and their applications. Chris McCormick explained they are "looking to the future to connect D-Star between different counties in Pennsylvania." He then stated, "The applications for Digital Communications are limited only by your imagination." Jack Coupe' power point presentation took us through a bit of history, identifying ICOM as the only developer and manufacturer of the digital radio at this time. Others are expected to follow suit in time. He explained how the system works and the opportunities for advancement in communications with the system. He identified differences in approach to the coordination of digital frequency allocations and their solutions, comparing other states currently using the "D-Star" system. In Texas, for example, the W5TIT D-Star system is currently fitting within 10 Khz, analog on each side with no interference received or generated. The fact is new digital formats can fit and co-exist along side analog communication systems without interference. As stated before, an informative and educational presentation! For more information on Digital Communications: HTTP://groups.yahoo.com/group/k3pdr The last portion of the agenda involved response time for applications. Jeff DePolo, WN3A, explained the long process of reviewing each application after being received, checking details, verifying accuracy, researching the request submitted and more. If errors are made or information is missing the application must be returned for corrections adding time to the process. Once different options were suggested through discussion, it was determined Kevin Woolard, KW3P, add an explanation of the application process to the speedy reply to make applicants aware. Jeff DePolo will notify the party involved if the application request is delayed for an extremely long period of time. Dave Laustsen closed the meeting at 2:35 pm. |
| Attending Members: |
Guests: |
| Dave Laustsen, W3LAW Kevin Woolard, KW3P Bob Freer, W3YLT Jeff DePolo, WN3A Gene Pressler, W3ZXV Robert Pantazes, W2ARP Pete Rossi, WA3NNA Dick Stewart, K3ITH Bill Powell, WB1GOT |
Chris McCormick, N3JHR Jack Coupe, WA3BXH Kerry Smeltzer, KA3KAR Charles Schmell, KS3Z Karen Woolard, N3QQT |