Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association – Regular Meeting minutes

The regular meeting of the MCWA was called to order at 19:30 hrs local at the Nunda Township Hall north of Crystal Lake by Jack, W9MU club president.

Introductions – Around-the-room self introductions was started by Jack, W9MU

The Introductions identified and welcomed two new hams - Jay, KC9NJZ and Bill, KC9MVW.  Congratulations!

Past Month Meeting Minutes – from the April MCWA meeting, minutes were red by club secretary, Kent K9KMD.    Ed, KB9GIN presented a motion to accept the minutes.  Motion was seconded by (?).  Motion passed.

President’s opening remarks – We as a club should be thinking about club offices for next year.  Jack mentioned that one of the other ham radio clubs in the area, W9CA initially indicated that they were not doing Field Day this year.  Each year in the past few years, W9CA has been one of the top scoring clubs in the nation.  Jack asked if they were not setting up this year, could they work with MCWA in some manor for FD.   But as of late, they now plan to operate FD.

Jack also encouraged Rich, K9PK to expand on his last months excellent Ham Radio History presentation.  Rich talked about the radio operation on board the Titanic.  Jack asked if he would do one of the monthly programs on the Titanic radio involvement.

1^st VP report –  n/a 

2^nd VP Report –  n/a

Secretary’s Report – We received an email from the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club announcing that Bob Galvin, former Motorola CEO and the founder’s son would present a program on “Radio” for the Thursday May 15^th monthly meeting.  All are invited.

Treasures Report –   Dennis, N9TZL $ 2,266.63

Repeater Report  – “It’s working”

Amateur Radio History – Dave, K9OZP showed a DVD of an old news reel – pre World War II  with young “Jimmy” working ham radio,  15,000 miles from Alaska to New Zeeland,  Told of the Alaska  ham being overcome with stove fumes  and giving out a “MAYDAY”, a young ham near Teller, Alaska responded,  Morse code received from a plane far out at sea with difficulties.   A search was on looking for the missing plane while a wife and son waited and listened.  – How exciting.

Old business – Marty, W9MLP reminded us at the March meeting a motion was passed to purchase space in the “Visit Your Local Radio Club” column in WorldRadio magazine.  As part of the agreement, the club would receive 8 subscriptions to the magazine.  A motion was passed to have the subscriptions raffled to the membership at $12 each.  WoldRadio is turning into a really good ham radio magazine.  Kent, K9KMD club secretary will follow up.

New Business – Question for next year –  the club is not participating in Field Day, not mailing out the newsletter and not spending much on anything.  Membership should think about reducing the membership dues back to $15 beginning next year.  

DX – Dave, KA9OZP said 80 meters, with noise levels high,  30 meters has been good. 

Public Service – No report

General Announcements – 6 meter sprint contest, this weekend, four hours long.

Future Club Programs – Marty, W9MLP –  Asked  Jack, W9MU to do one on Amplifiers, proper use, how to set the drive level, ALC levels, and for a reasonable SWR.  Jack will put something together.

Other possible club programs:

Loren, K3RFC – maybe the history of Amps.

Marty, W9MLP – APRS

Bruce on IOTA

Evenings Program –  Marty, W9MLP presented an excellent program on 12 VDC Distribution.   The presentation covered in detail everything a ham needed to know regarding installation and rig operation from 12 Volt DC sources.  Marty covered: the various types of batteries, how to charge them,  different types of power supplies, backup systems, measuring equipment, DC connectors, conductors, fuses and much more.  A very informative May program.

Attendance: 29 in total with 8 visitor/guests.

Jack, W9MU entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting ended at 9:25.

Respectfully submitted,
Kent, K9KMD – club secretary.  June 3, 2008