Author: Ralph

Subject: Meeting Minutes of Dec 6, 2016

The monthly December meeting was called to order by Vice-President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on December 6, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

VP Mike led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

VP Mike extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Bill W9DD from Woodstock, and Ben, son of K9RUF were visiting the group.

Introductions around the room followed. Forty people were in attendance for the meeting.

VP Mike encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, and members not receiving the newsletter via email should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the November meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Kent, K9KMD moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Jerry, N9AVY. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK passed along a report of $4349.88 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 93 plus 1 associate member. Three new members had paid this evening. Dues for the year 2017 are being accepted at this time. Olaf, W9FY made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Ken, KB9I. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, VP Mike announced a VE test session to be held in February 2017 at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. Contact Steve KB9OLD at KB9OLD@arrl.net for further information.

Mike asked the group if anyone had upgraded in the past month. The group congratulated Dave, KD9ESL on his upgrade to general class.

Under the topic of hamfests, reports, and announcements, the group was reminded of the Waukesha hamfest on Saturday January 7th. The Wheaton hamfest will be Sunday January 22nd at the Kane Co. Fairgrounds in St. Charles.

Dave, NT9E gave a report on the recent ham breakfast in McHenry, with record attendance. The breakfast is held the first Saturday of each month at 8:30 am at the Green Street Café. VP Mike reported on the Algonquin ham breakfast that was held at the Golden Corral on November 5th.

Several members reported on their recent contest experiences and band conditions in ARRL Sweepstakes, CQWW CW and ARRL 160 contests.

Bob, K9FS told the group about the CW Operators Club and invited those interested in improving their CW skills to register and join SKYPE practice sessions. Bob will be running sessions beginning in January, 2 times per week. For more information see K9FS.cc or cwops.org.

VP Mike announced several contests and operating events coming up in December. See the newsletter or QST for further details.

Under the topic of old business, Roger, KF9D gave the group a briefing on the 2016 ARRL Field Day results, in which MCWA placed 34th overall in the 2A category, 6th in the Central Division, and 1st in Illinois. Thanks to all who participated.

Dave, NT9E is the club Field Day chairman for 2017 and gave an update on the plans for the upcoming year.

VP Mike asked again if the club was interested in having a flea market table at the Wheaton hamfest on January 22. Tables cost $30 and chairs are $2 each. It was determined that not enough interest existed to pursue further.

Under new business, webmaster Ken, KB9I asked members using the barter page on the website to send him a note when listed equipment has sold so the listing can be removed.

Jack, W9MU informed the group that next month’s program will be from Dave, K9RUF on System Fusion. Sanjay, KG9FA is scheduled to present a program on modulation techniques at the February meeting.

Everyone was invited to enjoy pizza at the Cottage restaurant following the meeting.

Dave, KD9ESL expressed thanks to John, KA9CAR and Pierre, K9EYE for their assistance in erecting Dave’s antenna. VP Mike reminded the group not to be shy in asking for help or advice from fellow club members.

Ken, KB9I informed the group about a 60 foot aluminum Heights tower for sale by W9OS.

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by Dave, NT9E and seconded by Ken, KB9I was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.

After a short break, Kermit, W9XA gave a presentation on the ARRL. Kermit is the Central Division Director for the ARRL, and he gave the group insight into the faces, functions, and interworking of the staff at headquarters. He also explained the field organization and major concerns, initiatives, and changes within the League.

Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Subject: Meeting Minutes of November 1, 2016

The monthly November meeting was called to order by President John, KA9CAR at 7:00 p.m. on November 1, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

President John extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Paula K9IR, guest speaker, was introduced to the group. Also Francis, KC9ZSC from Huntley and Mark from Lakemoor, not licensed yet, were visiting.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-four people were in attendance for the meeting.

President John encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, and members not receiving the newsletter via email should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the October meeting taken by Mike, WB8BZK were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Mike, KC9Q moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Dave, NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK passed along a report of $4275.80 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 93 plus 1 associate member. John, K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

President John announced a VE test session to be held Tuesday November 15th at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. Contact Steve KB9OLD to reserve a spot.

Under the topic of hamfests, reports, and announcements, the group was reminded of a Milwaukee hamfest on Saturday Nov. 5th near the HRO store.

Paul, W9DWP told the group of the upcoming Ft. Wayne, In. hamfest on November 12 – 13. Also on Saturday Nov. 5th there will be a ham breakfast at the Golden Corral in Algonquin on Randall Road at 8:00 am for all to attend.

President John noted that contest season is underway and to check QST for contest details.

President John also announced that he will be unavailable for the December meeting and VP Mike, WB8BZK will be filling in.

Under Old Business, Dave NT9E volunteered to be Field Day Chairman for 2017. Mark, K9MS volunteered to champion the HF SSB station. A cw station captain is still being sought.

President John asked again if the club was interested in having a flea market table at the Wheaton hamfest on January 22. Tables cost $30 and chairs are $2 each. It was suggested to leave the final decision for the December meeting.

For show and tell, Dave, K9RUF brought his Elecraft KX3 all mode, 15 watt, 160 – 6 meter radio.

Mike KC9Q brought a 220 MHz Moxon, a 6 meter halo, and a 2 meter halo antenna which he had constructed and are for sale on his website.

The group was reminded of the club 6 meter SSB net every Wednesday night at 7:00 pm on 50.130 Mhz.

Everyone was invited to enjoy pizza at the Cottage restaurant following the meeting.

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by Jerry, N9AVY and seconded by John, KE9NDY was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 pm.

After a short break, Paula, K9IR gave a very interesting and informative program entitled “Before and After the Q”, which gave members great tips on preparing for, working, and following up on those DX contacts.

Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary