TCG Meeting Minutes - February 1, 2003
Old Country Buffet in Nashville.  10AM.

The day began with the tragic loss of the
space shuttle Columbia.  Our heart goes out
to the crew and their families.

Attending the meeting were:

KE4OAR  Chuck   Philadelphia, TN
K4AMC   Jim     Madison
WB4LHO  Dave    Smyrna
W1KLM   Kevin   Old Hickory
W1ARN   Mike    Gallatin
K1KY    Tom     Smyrna
K4RNT   Alex    Murfreesboro
W4NI    Russ    Nashville
K4WX    Don     Nashville
K4RO    Kirk    Pegram

Elections
---------
K4RO and Wo4o officially assumed over TCG leadership today,
with a final vote of 33/0.  We thank you for your support
in the upcoming year.  K4AMC updated the group on Wo4o's
condition.  Please keep Ric in your thoughts and prayers.

Radioactive Report
------------------
KE4OAR presented the RadioActive awards certificates to
those present.  Please refer to the 2002 Radioactive Report
on the TCG web page for the complete list TCG RadioActivity.
TCG alone was likely responsible for over 100,000 QSOs in 2002!

Recent License Upgrades
-----------------------
Congratulations to W1ARN and W1KLM who both recently passed
their license examinations.  Both operators have upgraded to
General Class.  See you guys on the HF bands!  K4RNT could
use a code practice partner.

Recruitment
-----------
Word is that KM4H Mike and KG4WWN David are interested in
playing with the TCG.  KM4H has already joined the reflector
(everybody say "Hello Mike!") and we are waiting to hear
from KG4WWN.

Technical Discussion
--------------------
Topics of a technical nature included PTT switching schemes and
two-radio controllers.  K4RNT and others could use some help
getting the MTSU station W4EFQ contest-ready.  Contact Alex
if you want to lend a hand.  K4RO has had good luck with an
auxiliary cooling fan on his AL-1200 amplifier, especially
in RTTY contests.

Upcoming Contests
-----------------
The SSB Sprint was scheduled for the evening of the meeting.
A few TCers planned to operate, at least part time.  Next weekend
(Feb 8) is the CW Sprint.  Several TCG ops plan to join the
SESC (South East Sprint Coalition) again.  Perhaps the SESC
will pull a three-peat and take home the #1 team slot again?
W4PA will be at K5ZD for the ARRL DX CW contest, trying for
his second consecutive title.   K1KY will host a multi for
the ARRL DX SSB.  Contact Tom if you want to play contest.

Operating Discussion
--------------------
Some discussion of ten meter privileges, and whether or not
there were power restrictions in certain parts of the band.
K4RNT is waiting for his PA QSO party mug.  K4RO pointed out
the importance of working your fellow TCGers in contests.
Each TCG-TCG QSO counts DOUBLE for the club, if you stop and
think about it.  So even if you get on for an hour, be sure
to work your fellow TCGers in any contest!  K4RO has been
enjoying some fine sunrise DX openings on the low bands.

Miscellaneous
-------------
Don't forget to submit your NAQP logs!!!!

The meeting concluded at 12 Noon.

The TCG Meeting Calendar can be viewed at this link:
http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/TCG_2003_Calendar.htm


Respectfully submitted,

-Kirk  K4RO