Michigan Net, QMN

Providing quality public service communications since 1935

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2007 Annual Business Meeting:

On Saturday, October 13, QMN members gathered at the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izzak Walton League for our annual business meeting.

A wide variety of issues were discussed, and a number of changes were made to the QMN program in order to insure continued stability within the new FCC regulatory environment.  Complete details will be forthcoming in an upcoming issue of Net News.  However, here are some high points for interested members:

First, the Saturday QMN sessions have been suspended for one year on a trial basis.  This has been done in response to declining participation and fewer volunteers for key liaison and net-control positions.  It is our hope this change will free up our existing staff to provide more reliable service and better visibility for QMN.

Second, QMN members voted to transfer control of the QMN Packet Radio Network to another qualified organization, pending acceptance.  The transfer of assets and control of the network will be based on an agreement that the network will be kept intact and all assets will continue to serve in their existing public service capacity.

New Officers were also elected.  Our congratulations to the following QMN members:

  • QMN Executive Director and Early Net Manager, Anne Travis, K8AE
  • QMN Late Net Manager, Stan Briggs, K8SB
  • QMN Secretary/Treasurer, John Kroll, K8LJG

QMN hopes the policy changes voted on at the annual business meeting will further our recent policy trend toward a "back-to-basics" emphasis, which will further our core service of operating a first-class radiotelegraph network.

Packet Radio Network Changes:

For quite a few years, QMN operated an extensive packet radio network consisting of both standard AX.25 nodes and APRS packet radio systems.  This network continues to operate in many locations.

QMN is very proud of our successes in this area.  In many locations, the QMN packet radio network served as a catalyst and foundation for a wide variety of local and regional packet radio initiatives.  Many of our systems continue to operate 24-hours per day in locations thorughout Lower Michgian.

QMN advocated strongly for the creation of the Digital Radio Group (DRG) Committee, which has taken the lead in the development of improved packet radio facilities and digital communications networks within the State of Michigan.

Our "Introduction to Packet Radio" training classes conducted with the sponsorship of the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division introduced a new generation of radio amateurs to packet radio.

We would like to express our thanks to all those who have supported the QMN Packet Radio Network initiatives.  While we experienced some opposition and obstacles in some very limited areas of the State, overall, the support within the Michigan Section was outstanding and most appreciated.

Calling and Emergency Frequencies

The Michigan Section publishes voice calling and emergency frequencies of 3932 khz (primary) and 7232 khz (alternate).  Radio amateurs involved in ECOM should note that there are also Michigan Section CW calling and emergency frequencies, these being 3563 khz (primary) and 7068 khz / 1812 khz (alternates).  Please pass the word!

73!

 

 

A local emergency manager examines a new QMN digipeater being installed and tested in Clinton County, Michigan.

A portable QMN packet radio station deployed at an Emergency Operations Center during a nuclear power plant exercise.