The International Repeater Group held its annual general meeting in Doaktown on Sunday, April 27. In addition to discussing repeater updates, regular nets and other items, election was held for officers.
Appreciation was shown to members VE9MP Nick Robinson, VE9GM Gino Mazerolle and others for their help in the complete upgrade of the repeater system undertaken over the last couple of years. All older crystal-based repeaters have been replaced with newer Tait and Motorola models, with all audio bridges replaced and rewired. There still remain some adjustments and programming of the linking. There was discussion on future challenges as there may be changes to the microwave system, still unknown.
There was discussion on additional nets (national and out-of-province) being linked to the system. The consensus was that there is no issue with linking a zone to take part in such nets, and that use of the repeaters is encouraged. Members were reminded to respect all users, and not to leave them linked for long periods, especially the entire system. It was discussed that a "best practice" protocol be followed.
The meeting was attended by about 30 members, and chaired by Vice-President Dennis MacDonald VE9AAE, as President Al Thurber VE1RG was unable to attend. The financial report was given by Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Boone VE9GB.
Election of officers was held, and the following were nominated and elected by acclamation:
President: Rick MacMillan VE9MTB
Vice-President: Bert St-Onge VE1PIN
Secretary-Treasurer: Scott Sanford VE9TN
Local clubs will be asked to appoint a member to be their local area representative to act as liaison to the IRG on behalf of their club.
Some other items included: need to have some remaining EOC radios reprogrammed with new CTCSS tones; work on an MOU with Aroostook County EMA (Maine); making members aware of emergency HF frequencies in case of need (3.675, 7.135 and more); simplex nets from various locations; summary of the Point Lepreau nuclear exercise; and other issues.
Those present enjoyed draws for door prizes and snacks and pizza at the conclusion of the meeting.
More information arising from the meeting will be passed along as the year progresses via the web site and on nets.
