CARBON AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

W3HA

MEETING MINUTES 20 AUGUST 2026

The Board of Directors:

President:               Michael McNamara wa3tt@carbonamateurradioclub.com

Vice President:        Donna Kattner        dkattner@ptd.net

Treasurer:               Eric Bott                 n3tvv@ptd.net

Secretary:               Glenn Schnell          ges1@ptd.net

Directors:

Randy Hinkle                    randyhinkle26@gmail.com

Chris Shand                      w2cps@outlook.com

Vacant Position

Members present: Mike M. WA3TT, Eric N3TVV, Randy N3OWC, Donna N3RXL, Dan KQ4SYE, Diane KD3DAM, Chris W2CPS, and Glenn KC3LBI. There Were 3 guests, Paul Lech KD3DKM, Matthew Hendricks KD3DQX, and James Zegley KC3WTB.

President Mike called the meeting to order at 19:36. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was held.

Introduction and Welcome to new members and visitors: Introductions were made and all were welcomed.

Things to share for the good of the hobby: Chris shared the Wednesday evening nets are going well and attendance is great, averaging 17 hams. Some upcoming hamfests were discussed, the closest being EPARA in East Stroudsburg, September 20^th.

Secretary Report: Glenn asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the 16 July 2026 meeting as emailed to the membership and published on the clubs’ website. A motion was made to approve the minutes by Eric and seconded by Chris, all approved.

Treasurers Report: Eric reported the balance in the checking account is $3,526.00. The only outstanding bill is for what Mike will be submitting for the food for Field Day and the PWRgate approved at last months’ meeting. Donna made a motion to approve the Treasurers Report seconded by Dan, all approved.

Reports of President and Officers: V.P. Donna reported the Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 12^th at either Macaluso in Nesquehoning or Lorenzo in Lehighton. Final decision will be made as the date gets closer. The next club breakfast will be on Saturday, Sept. 5th at the Beacon 443 Diner starting at 9:00 A.M.

President Mike reported he will contact EMA Zach to get permission to use the Radio Room for the PA QSO Party on Sat. and Sun. Oct. 10 and 11. Planning and scheduling will take place at next month’s meeting. Mike will also inquire on the status of the UPS replacement/batteries when he contacts Zach.

Mike reported there is a lot of interest in opening the apparel store again, as a lot of members missed out on the last sale. Chris made a motion to open the store again at a cost to the club of $75.00 in September. Dan seconded the motion, all approved. Dan asked that a Polo type shirt be included for sale.

Nominations for officers and board members: Mike opened nominations for all officers and board members to be elected at the September meeting for the next year.

Mike nominated Dave KC3VWB, as a director. Mike noted he talked to Dave, and Dave will accept the nomination.

The slate is as follows.

President, Mike

Vice President, Donna

Treasurer, Eric

Secretary, Glenn

Director, Randy

Director, Chris

Director, Dave

There being no further nominations, Mike closed Nominations to be opened again at the September meeting. The election will be held at the September meeting.

Old Business:

Repeater: Eric reported Jim M. may not be available to assist in the near future due to other obligations. Some items needing to be addressed are the weather station, antenna maintenance, cable replacement, battery maintenance, and adding the PWRgate.

Operations Manual: Dan reported he is actively working on the manual. He will make copies of some of the club records after the meeting to add to the 15 pages he has already completed. Mike suggested we work on the club Mission Statement after Christmas.

New Business: Eric expressed the need for 3 additional lightning arresters for the 10 meter project and the weather station radio which is currently unprotected. Eric made a motion to purchase 3 Alpha Delta lightning protectors at an approximate cost of $230.00, Donna seconded the motion all approved.

Glenn reported he will be unable to attend the next 2 monthly meetings and will need someone to take the minutes.

Dan reported he believes his credit card was hacked during a purchase from Ham Radio Outlet. After doing research and talking to the President of HRO he believes it is an ongoing problem. He suggested not using a credit card if making any online purchases with HRO.

Eric offered to hold a presentation on Repeaters after a club meeting. All agreed on having him do the presentation after the October meeting.

Glenn displayed a feed line adaptor for supporting the feed line of the 40 meter dipole Jim KC3WTB made using 3D Printing. It will be installed during the next Hands On Night to improve on maintaining the height of the antenna.

Motion to adjourn: Diane made a motion to adjourn at 20:20 seconded by Chris, all approved.

Presentation: Members worked on some outstanding projects and fellowship was had by all.

Submitted by Glenn KC3LBI CARC Secretary