Carl, KI4MJW, presented the ideas gleaned from the board meeting in February.
1) Folks say we just don't enough fun stuff. Well, some things are going to be planned (that don't cost tons of money) for folks to enjoy. Some of these will be public events, some will be events just for club members. And, we are going to try to have interesting programs at club meeting.
2) There are some 190 hams in McMinn County. Only 20 some odd are members of the MCARC. We need you. We'd like to have you be part of us. Let us know what we can do to get you back!
3) The MCARC is not all about EMCOMM. Sure, we need to stay up to date and practiced should on of our agencies need us, but we fully understand there is a hobby aspect of amateur radio also. So, come out to club meeting and fill us in on what interests you. And, if you want to do a program, contact Carl KI4MJW or Daris K4RST.

Roger's Creek School amateur radio:
By vote of the club, Daris K4RST is going to work with the school to get the amateur gear there installed in a way that it can be used more readily, and try to increase interest of our young folks.
BUT... he will need help for other members, and Daris indicated he would like to get the station setup for digital modes, as it may very well draw more younger folks into the hobby.

This month's program:
Scott NA4IT and Kenny KC4OJS did a demonstration of packet radio, and equipment. Kenny brought out his well appointed go-kit, which is capable of HF, VHF and UHF operation, voice and digital. Scott demonstrated the Outpost PMM, AGWPE and Winpack softwares, as well as operations with a true hardware TNC and the new Signalink USB external USB sound card and radio interface. Scott will be renovating the web page sections on packet radio to include so more info on software, TNCs, and sound card devices.

Repeaters
The lease agreement with AUB is close to being finalized. The 442.275 (+) 141.3 will go on this site, and is currently in operation at KC4KUZ's home. It can be heard all over Athens, and some other locales too. Try it out! Scott does have a little more work to do, but hopefully will be finshed by March 13th.

We are working on getting the 145.150 (-) 141.3 back on No Pone. We will post future developments as they happen.

FLASH FLASH FLASH
We have a new ham radio store in our area! The AudioGuru is located in Maryville TN. His website is http://www.theaudioguru.net. Check him out! His site is very well laid out!