August 2026 Meeting Minutes

Purpose:   Monthly meeting:  Virtual group meeting, continued planning for activities, education

INVITED:     MEMBERS AND GUESTS:    7 members

Host:  Benton County Radio Operators

Facilitator:    PRESIDENT   moderating:   Paul Blomgren

AGENDA

1.

OFFICERS REPORTS

Vice President: Will Rogers – Please if you “Key up”, (even for just a small test) please give your call sign or identification.  Furthermore, when talking on the air, please hold the microphone closer to your mouth; at an angle and speak loud enough.

Treasurer’s Report: Susan Walker read the financial report ending July 31,2026. The report was voted on and accepted unanimously.

Secretary Report:   Susan Walker, Minutes voted upon and accepted unanimously.  

Treasure report voted upon and accepted unanimously.

 2.

OLD BUSINESS

Repeater Report:  Steve Werner reported both repeater sites are working. Centerton generator has been off-line but now repaired. Its emergency switch shut off. 

 3.

NEW

BUSINESS

Net Report:  Weekly net lineup was reviewed.  Net Controls: 1st Darryl Wagoner;

2nd Susan Walker; 3rd Steve Werner; 4th Van Allen; 5th Darryl Wagoner

Net Controllers, please publicize that BCRO meetings are virtual via the BCRO website.

FREE Testing: Testing continues on the 3rd Saturday of each month.  The upcoming test will be held at the Bentonville Public Library at 10:00 AM.   There is always the need for more “VE’s.”

Contact Darryl Waggoner.  Email:    darryl@wagoner.me

FACEBOOK:  Feel free to “check out” the BCRO Facebook page.  There are all kinds of things, from education to the humorous.  Join the group…Make a post!

PRESENTATION BY STEVE WERNER: QSO1 SOFTWARE PACKAGE

QSO1 program is a fairly new package and is free for now.  There are a simpler version and a more advanced version. There are Windows and Android versions now.  MAC and Linux versions are expected soon. The program is easy to use; you can look up Call Signs and see who is on the air currently.  You can listen and interact locally or worldwide.

You do not have to buy a radio to listen. Therefore, the cost of entry to Amateur Radio is lower if you already have a computer.  However, if you want to interact and talk to other operators, FCC Licensures are necessary.

    General conversation occurred, questions and answers.  DMR wants everyone to update their information on RadioId.net because they are cleaning up their rosters.

Online Meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

7 pm available via BCRO.org website