Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association – Regular Meeting minuets
The regular meeting of the MCWA was called to order Tuesday June 3rd, 2008 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 included a brief statement from each person describing their interests in ham radio. This proved to very interesting and as a result we all learned a little more about each other.
Past Month Meeting Minutes – from the May MCWA meeting, minutes were read by club secretary, Kent K9KMD. Mary, W9MLP made a motion to accept the minutes. Motion was seconded by Ken, KB9I. Motion passed.
President’s opening remarks – Jack, W9MU welcomed everyone in attendance
1st VP report – n/a
2nd VP Report – n/a
Secretary’s Report – We have received the eight World Radio subscription forms that are available to members on a first come basis. The subscription forms can apply to a new or to extend an existing subscription. The cost of this special offering per subscription is just $12 each. The regular cost direct from World Radio is $ 21 per year. This is a great savings for an ever improving ham magazine. - During this meeting, we had four subscriptions purchased by members. This leaves only four available.
Treasures Report – No treasury report
Repeater Report – Ken, KB9I still working has great range.
Amateur Radio History – Ken, KB9I on Field Day history. Field Day is held on the last full weekend in June of each year. Ken chronicled the history of FD by tracing from the first one held in 1933. It lasted 27 hours. Ken discussed how points and multipliers were accumulated. It was so popular a second FD was scheduled in August. Field Day, along with amateur radio in general, was closed during World War II. Field Day continues as one of the most popular amateur radio events held each year.
Old business – Marty, W9MLP discussed programs on the up-coming meetings. Steve, K9DCI will present the July program on APRS. Steve is a retired engineering manager and also taught advanced electronics at one of the local community colleges part time. Steve’s past MCWA presentations have been very good and very informative. The August program will be on IOTA and Jack, W9MU is scheduled to do one on amplifiers in September.
New Business – None
DX/On the bands – Dave, KA9OZP said 6 meters has been open around the country and into the Caribbean. Twenty meters has had some good activity.
Public Service – Wendell, N9ERP said we need about 15 hams next Sunday to support the Utter Century bike run to be held out and around Union, IL They are expecting about 1600 riders. Another bike run, The Harmon 100 will be held in September. Also the ARRL VHF/UHF will be held the 14th and the 15th of June that includes 6 meters and up. Another local UHF club, The Stoned Monkeys will have a setup on the Pioneer Tree farm north off Rt 31. The contest is like a mini- Field Day for VHF/UHF. Anyone (ham) can contribute points on popular frequencies of 146.55 and 446.00.
General Announcements – Al, KB9YMD informed the group that he had passed the Extra Class exam and is now an Extra – Congratulations Al ! The VEC group is functioning well.
Jack, W9MU asked if anyone attended Dayton this year. Joe, K9DMV and Kent, K9KMD indicated they had attended and had a great time. Attendance was a little off from last year (probably the gas prices near $4) but the weather was good with a little threat on Saturday afternoon. Kent came home with a new rig. Also seen from our club/area was Tom, KD6KHK, Kevin, N9JAY and Dennis club Treasurer, N9TZL
Evenings Program – The attendees saw a very informative video on MFJ, Mfg. MFJ is a well know manufacture of amateur radio equipment. The video was centered around the founder and how the company got started. They also own several other ham radio manufactures. Many received a different prospective about MFJ
Attendance: 26 in total with 6 visitor/guests.
Jack, W9MU entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting ended at 9:10.
Respectfully submitted,
Kent, K9KMD – club secretary. June 3, 2008