[HATS] April HATS Meeting Report

[MacAllister, Andrew [EPM/HOU]]

HATS Members,

Per our schedule of meeting on the second Wednesday of each month, HATS had
its April meeting on April 14th - 7 PM - at the Square D offices on Clay
Road near Beltway 8.

HATS President Don Pappas, WB2GWV, reported on the state of our bank
account, and it shows just over $1000.  Four members paid their 2004 dues at
the meeting.  If you would like to pay yours via mail, please send a check
for $25.00, made out to The Houston Amateur Television Society, to: 4734
Shetland Lane, Houston, TX 77027-6210.  Don WB2GWV is also prepared to
accept 2004 membership dues sent to:  Don Pappas, 10615 Eagle Glen Dr.,
Houston, TX 77041.

The repeater is still off the air, even though there have been several trips
to the site.  Apparently ALL THREE of our modulators are suspect.  The
search is on for a "like new" modulator capable of continuous operation on
cable-channel 57.  A few marginal units have appeared on eBay, but ANY leads
would be appreciated!

Andy W5ACM has repaired the aural transmitter received from Fred N5JXO, and
Ed N5EM is working on a new unit.  All of the antennas are in place and the
cables have been tested.  With the exception of the modulator, and
on-the-air tests, we are ready to go!

In addition to the business side of the meeting, and the report on the
repeater status from two of those that have been working at the site, we had
a video presentation by Don about an interesting, and rather amazing WFOV
(Wide Field Of View) scanning camera, built by Lockheed Martin for
near-future deployment in USPS sites using ultra-high-speed optical
scanners.  This was a "different" kind of presentation for HATS.  You just
never know WHAT will happen!  Don't miss the May meeting (May 12, 2004).
Tony N5RPQ will keep us up-to-date concerning meeting site availability.

P5 Pix de Andy W5ACM

Eyes Open For A Good CH-57 Modulator!!!