MCWA Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2021
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the September 2021 meeting to order at 7:02 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed led by Harold Burt (W9HB). Ralph noted that the meeting will be recorded. Ralph also congratulated Fernando Yepez (KD9TIB) on receiving his ticket.
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and Mike Salak (KC9Q).
A total of 44 members were in attendance and no guests.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the August 2021 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) motioned to approve the minutes with Pierre Berube (K9EYE) seconding the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Membership and Financial Reports
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 125 full members including 7 family members.
| Opening Balance | $7,255.51 | |
| Deposits | $40.00 | (dues) |
| $3,925.00 | (auction proceeds plus $600 change) | |
| Expenditures | $600.00- | (change for auction) |
| $236.96- | (Field Day food expense) | |
| $8.73 | (Auction item list copy expense) | |
| Interest | $0.08 | |
| Final Balance | $10,374.90 |
A motion to approve the financial report was made by Roger Scott (KF9D) with a second by Ken Dulaney (K9KMD). The motion was approved by voice vote.
Announcements
The August VE session resulted in four new Technicians, one upgrade to General and one upgrade to Extra.
Hamfest and Event Update
PAST
Tri-County ARC Hamfest: no reports
West Central Illinois Hamfest: no reports
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo: KC9GPY and W9TD reported attending several of the sessions.
UPCOMING
W9DXCC Convention September 10/11, Chicago Marriott, Naperville, IL
DX University and Contest University on Friday
Peoria Superfest September 18/19
Radio Expo September 26 (6 AM – 3 PM), Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL, Tickets $8/$10 at the gate
Loren Burkett (K3RFC) asked if there will be a club table. The answer was, no.
Contest Reports
North American QSO Party (CW): Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) had fun
North American QSO Party (SSB): Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) had fun
Upcoming:
ARRL September VHF Contest – September 11-13
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest – September 18-19
CQ WW DX Contest (RTTY) – September 25-26
Upcoming MCWA Presentations
October 5 SDR Advantages for Contesting and High QRM presented by Michael Walker (VA3MW)
November 2 TBD
December 7 HamSCI Personal Space Weather project presented by Bill Engelke (AB4EJ)
January 4 TBD
February 1 Antenna Building presented by DXEngineering
Awards and license upgrades
Tom Pusateri (W9NBG) reported finally achieving WAS the old-fashioned way, with QSL cards.
Old Business
Auction wrap-up: The club netted $3,325.00 with only a Drake R4A/T4X pair and a few small items left.
Member feedback about the new meeting space at the Algonquin Township was positive. Glenn Otto (K9OK) thought it was great. Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) thought the ventilation and the room to spread out was excellent.
Ralph announced that the November Dinner/Social is postponed. There will be a Spring or Summer picnic instead.
A program coordinator is still needed since programs are an important part of our monthly meeting. Please contact Ralph (WB9ICF) or Mike (WB8BZK) for more information as to what is involved.
Officer elections: Glenn Otto (K9OK) read the bios of the nominees, Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) for President, Dan Larson (KD9M) for Vice President, Dean Hettel (WC9C) for Treasurer, Gary Kaatz (W9TD) for Secretary and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA) for Director. Gary Dembski (W9GD) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) will remain in their positions. There were no nominations from the floor and Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to close the nominations and was seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The election was unanimous by voice vote.
New Business
Scout Camporee October 23 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds. Gary Dembski (W9GD), Bill (KD9WEW) and Doug (KD9PQI) are coordinating the activities and will be sending updates to the K9RN Groups.io reflector. Need stations ready to talk to the Scouts on 6 and 2.
Wrap up
Gary Kaatz (W9TD) will be presenting “Software Defined Radio” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “SDR Advantages for Contestintg and High QRM” by Michael Walker (VA3MW).
A motion to adjourn was made by John Cankar (W9JM) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.