Fallbrook Amateur Radio Club
Roy Noon Hall, Fallbrook, California
January 7, 2012

President Jon Bart, K6QVA, called the meeting to order at 1505.  Due to a Fire Department training session the meeting was moved to Fire Department #1.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Visitors and guest were introduced.

There was some discussion about developing a study session for members to upgrade to Extra Class.  Apparently several members have expressed an interest in such an upgrade.  This effort will be pursued.

Ken, W6MF gave the following financial report:


Checking Balance November 30, 2011     $2,720.20
Petty Cash Balance November 30, 2011    $44.67
Total
$2,764.87


DECEMBER INCOME


No Income 
Total $0.00


DECEMBER EXPENSES


No Expenses
Total    $0.00

 
Checking Balance December 31, 2011   
$2,720.20
Petty Cash Balance December 31, 2011
     $44.67
Total
$2,764.87

Ron, KG6HSQ, gave a report on the Christmas Parade.  Ron stated that the Chamber had had its follow-up meeting following the parade.  He indicated that overall the parade was a success and had relatively few problems.  He indicated that the “Pooper Scooper” rule would be better enforced for next year’s parade.  It appeared that the “Low riders” were better behaved this year.  The VIP area at the end of the parade route continues to be a point of congestion and tends to slow the whole parade down.  Ron indicated that next year they would try to split the VIP vehicles at the divided street in the VIP area to one side and allow the parade to move on the other side of the split.  There were not enough barricades this year which caused some problems.  Next year additional barricades will possibly be rented.  He indicated that the Kennedy organization might be contracted to setup barricades and handle logistics for the parade.

Ron said that the Echo link repeater is being interfered with and he has taken some action that will hopefully alleviate the problem.  He also said that the FARC 2 meter repeater was back at full capacity following a desense issue.

Ed, KI6QZB, presented the program.  Ed is a member of FARC and an Ex-Marine who continues to work with the marines.  Ed presented a knot tying demonstration consisting of approximately 8 different kinds of knots.  He demonstrated the use of these knots and how they are commonly used.  He indicated that different Marine jobs required the knowledge of various knot tying skills.  Depending on the marine jobs the requirements for the number of knots to be learned varies.  One group is responsible for learning approximately 20 different knots.  The North County Fire Protection firemen are responsible for knowing and using approximately 20 different kinds of knots in their line of work as well.  Ed indicated that there were approximately a total of 40 knots that could be tied.

The formal meeting was adjourned at 1605.  Following the meeting Captain Rick Rees, KI6NSW, a North County fireman and a FARC member gave members and guest a tour of North County Fire Station #1.  The group found the tour and Rick’s information to be very informative.  Thanks Rick!!

Ken Dickson, W6MF
Secretary/Treasurer
Fallbrook Amateur Radio Club