The members of the projector subcommittee (K8AX, WA8LBZ, KC8DJR, KD8WK)
met at Donatos Pizza, Main and Livingston, on Thursday 13 September 2007.

Requirements for a projector:
George:  min 2000 Lumens; VGA, S-video, composite inputs; 1024x768
screen size.  A bit of research on Tiger Direct reveals projectors
meeting these criteria could be had for slightly more than $500
refurbished, or $650-1200 new.  Average projector life estimated
at six years to obsolescence.  Bulb replacement cost $200-400, but
we'll probably reach obsolescence before requiring a new bulb.  Bulbs
typically don't fail catastrophically if projector is treated well,
but become dim enough over time to warrant replacement.

Points of agreement:
+ We need a projector, or access to one, for our meetings.  Computer
  produced viewgraphs are becoming the norm.

+ If need be, the club can afford a projector.

Concerns:
+ Transporting a projector to our meetings carries a risk.  If there
  is an accident and the projector is broken, who is responsible for
  the repairs or replacement?  Should the club indemnify the provider
  against such events?
 
+ If we own a projector, there are risks as well (the same as above,
  plus the risk of theft and breakage while being stored, fire, etc.).

+ If we acquire a projector, we need to establish a clear set of rules
  for its use.  For instance, should a member be allowed to borrow the
  projector for another event?  (consensus was no.)  For a ham
  presentation?  (Consensus mixed).  These rules could cause hard
  feelings in some instances.

+ Broken down, the cost of owning a projector would be about $25/meeting,
  or about $1.50/person/meeting.  If we have six meeting a year, it
  would mean the cost of the projector would equate to about 1/2 of
  the dues we take in each year.  Alternately the cost per person would
  just about offset the total dues paid by a member who attends every
  meeting.

+ Can insurance be had to cover the loss of our equipment or accidental
  damage to a borrowed piece of equipment?  (ARRL equipment policy?)

Alternatives:
+ Partner with another club.  (A logistical nightmare.)

+ Move our meetings to a facility where a projector is provided
  (Parkview Presbyterian, Redeemer United Methodist).  Downside: The
  facilities are not as well suited to our purpose as the library
  meeting room and may be difficult to book.  They may also have
  other problems, such as noise, and other restrictions.  An aside:
  Some think holding meetings in multiples places is a bad idea,
  others think it is good to move them around.

Conclusions:
+ Dave and George will investigate the policies for holding a ham radio
  meeting at Redeemer.  Dave will ask Dave Woolf for a similar readout
  on Parkview.

+ Rob will check with the Pickerington library to see if they have a
  projector-equipped meeting room.  Al will do the same for Columbus.

+ The committee will make no recommendation for the remainder of the
  year.  (It is anticipated the remaining meetings will not require
  a projector.)  In 2008, we will explore holding meetings at both
  Redeemer and Parkview (and elsewhere if another suitable location
  can be procured) and evaluate the results.  We will then determine
  if we need to revisit purchasing a projector for the club.