Longmont Amateur Radio Club - Colorado

3 May 2007

Upon taking office in October 2005, the new leadership understood the challenges.

First, was to identify a clear goal and define the mission of the club. For this, the Basis and Purpose as set forth in Part 97 was simply adopted. It’s perfect and needs no modification.

Second, was to arrange for interesting meetings in keeping with the Basis and Purpose planks like “advancement of the radio art” and “Expansion of the… reservoir… of trained…technicians and electronic experts”. To this end, the club approved the purchase of an LCD computer projector (a wise investment that enabled a whole range of presentation possibilities – slides, VCR, DVD, software demos, etc.).

I am pleased to report that this has been very successful. Topics have included: WiFi, Fox Hunting, Circuit Simulation, Operating on 900Mhz, and more. Meeting attendance has improved and now we have the “problem” that people are volunteering to present their favorite topic (what a nice “problem” to have – don’t you think?). Topics and presenters have been identified all the way out to October (there is no good reason NOT to schedule even farther out)

Third, was to maintain and perform the functions that LARC had done historically. These, included the service events like Turkey Trot and the Triathlon in addition to the annual LARC Fest. Thanks to Don Bessee (KC0QZR) for leading our service events and to a whole host of people who made LARC Fest work.

Forth, the club needed a project. Inasmuch as LARC “lost their lease”, and had to vacate the long held space at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, the club equipment was liquidated and the proceeds reinvested in a portable rig – IC7000. Four phases of a project called “Shack-in-a-Box” define a project around the IC700 which can involve many club members. Implementation of those phases is simply a matter of having the funds. Not only can “Shack-in-a-Box” (even at the phase I) serve at Field Day and Service Events, but there is a vision to drag it to the shut-ins (nursing and retirement homes) to get people on the air who may not have had a chance in a while – there are already several volunteers to provide this service.

What’s Next?

We need to place greater emphasis on providing license (or upgrade) testing. Reports are that the number of people at VE testing sessions has increased dramatically since the Morse code requirement was eliminated. People who come out for testing are candidates for club membership. LARC needs to take better advantage of this opportunity.

But, we need more VEs. Thanks to Jim (N0XDA) for handling the VE testing load for so long. It’s time to get Jim some help. With enough VEs, a person may only need to volunteer for a couple sessions a year. Discussions have started to arrange a VE training session – stay tuned.

Conclusion:

It’s a pleasure to serve the Amateur Radio community in Longmont. The club has come a good distance in the last year and one half. But, there is still a lot yet that can be done.

I hope to see you at a future meeting (or event). Your talents are needed to make the club grow. Come join us.

Ray W9LQM (LARC President, 2005 – 2007)

Thanks go to Ed (KI0RU) for setting up the LARC web site so communications like this are possible.