Minutes – May 2018

Subject: Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2018

The May meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on May 1, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 4 guests: Joe Witkens KD9KTA, Annite Candle, Donna (just passed Technician exam), Bob (just took and passed tech and General).

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. 2 Guest passed General testing, 1 passed Technician.

Introductions around the room followed. 34 members + 4 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the April meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. John KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Pierre K9EYE. The motion passed by voice vote.

Vice President Mike ND9G read the treasure report submitted by Treasurer Joe, N9OK gave the April report: Started with $4987.45, had $20 of dues, $25.98 for Domain renewal, and no interest yet. Ended with $4981.47. Member count is now 83 Voting members, and 7 family members. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by John K9KDM. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
mcwa.org getting some fresh updates from the Webmasters: Ken Farver KB9I and Mike Ricketts ND9G.

Dave Coooper KA9OZP retirement

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings over the next couple months.

    • The DeKalb Hamfest, Sandwich, IL May 6th
    • Hamvention May 18-20
    • Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest June 3rd

Contests

    • 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, CW May 5-6
    • Microwave Spring Sprint 5-May
    • Indiana QSO Party May 5-6
    • VOLTA WW RTTY Contest May 12-13
    • 50 MHz Spring Sprint May 12-13
    • RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data May 16
    • RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW May 24
    • CQ WW WPX Contest, CW May 26-27

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for October through December. Planned presentations are as follows: June (Mike WB8BZK) RT Systems Software for Rigs, July – Field Day (Join us for weekend fun!), August (Ralph WB9ICF) An Introduction to Raspberry Pi, September (John N9DJ) Tower Grounding Techniques.

September will also be Officer & Director Elections, and the MCWA 40th Anniversary.

Other Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK announced the donation of the Atlas & Dentron Power Amp from Roger McGregor.

President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone that Paul W9DWP is recovering from surgery and is monitoring the VARA 146.790 repeater if people would like to contact him

Leo Hunter K9GDI SK 4th of October 2017 is having a memorial service May 13th at 1pm. (this would have been his 100th birthday)

Wendell N9REP Announced there will be a Bike run June 3rd starting at McHenry County College from 7am to 5pm please talk with Wendell to sign up to help

President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge Project is on. The District is planning a STEM day for October 20th. Part of this will include the Merit Badge. MCWA will develop a program to ensure that the scouts meet the requirements in an achievable way. The following have volunteered to help: John K9JK, Mike ND9G, Dave K9RUF, Jack W9MU, Mike KC9Q, Sean KD9HVI, Dan KD9M, Dave NT9E, Erich KC9WRB.

Field Day Update
Roger KF9D gave an update of the site for Rush Creek with locations for the stations.

Show & Tell
Fred AC9RQ showed his 2m 70cm antenna using 300-ohm twin lead to create a folded dipole.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Mike ND9G moved to close and the motion was seconded by Keith N9QDS.

Following a short break, Dave K9RUF gave a presentation of “RT Systems Software for Rigs” Wrapped up the program at 8:43pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9M