Author: Ralph

Subject: Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2016

The February meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on February 2, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.

President Jim extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Mike KC9TCW from Woodstock and Craig (no call) from Woodstock were visitors.

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

President Jim 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.

The minutes from the January meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave, N9ITE moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of roughly $5,000 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 60 members. Dues for the calendar year 2016 are now being accepted. John, K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer�s report, seconded by Dave, NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.

Jack, W9MU, reminded the club that the �Introduction to Amateur Radio� class at McHenry County Community College will begin February 18 and continue for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings. Twenty general information amateur radio topics will be presented in the course. Jack has contacted 20 northern Illinois radio clubs to gain publicity for the classes, as well as putting a notice in the NW Herald events section. Cost is $49 for an adult and $15 for a student.

Ray, N9RWC informed the club that the K9ESV emergency services group had recently sponsored a �ham cram� course with 13 people participating. A testing session followed the course with 12 of the attendees successfully passing the licensing test.

President Jim noted that the club has a collection of radio library information, and will contact Marty, W9MLP to confirm that he is in possession of the material.

On the topic of Field Day, a new site is likely needed for this year as most of the area where the club operated the previous 2 years has been turned into farm fields. Club members should research any appropriate sites and discuss these at the March meeting. Ideas can be floated on the club email reflector for comments.

Dave, K9RUF commented that he was given a tour of WB9Z�s impressive station. Dave also noted the great website maintained by WB9Z.

On the topic of operating activities, it was noted that the South Georgia Island Dxpedition, VP8SGI is currently underway. The DXpedition to Palmyra Island, K5P, has recently concluded. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

Upcoming hamfests were discussed, including Radio Expo at Belvidere on Sept. 24^th. See QST for further hamfest details.

Under old business, Mike, WB8BZK inquired about who held the file for the club brochure. Dave, N9ITE offered that he has the master file. Mike offered to print some brochures and take them to future radio events that he will attend in order to gain club publicity.

President Jim invited everyone to join the club member group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

There was no new business.

After a short break, Jack, W9MU presented a very informative program on VSWR. Using the computer application SIM Smith, Jack demonstrated how much loss is possible in various transmission lines under certain antenna mismatch conditions.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Subject: Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2016

The January meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on January 5, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.

President Jim extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Fred from Prairie Grove, Andy, Bill and Mark K9PRZ were all visitors.

President Jim stressed that many club members are interested and available to help whoever needs ham radio help. Please contact Jim to help set up a connection.

Introductions around the room followed. 32 people were in attendance for the meeting.

President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.

President Jim encouraged members to send Jerry N9AVY, our newsletter editor, more club-specific input for the monthly newsletter.

The minutes from the December meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Jerry N9AVY moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of roughly $4,700 in the club treasury. 2016 paid membership is now up to 46 members. Dues for the calendar year 2016 are now being accepted. Send dues checks to Joe N9OK. John K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by John K5JRD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Dave KB9OLD announced that 2016 VE testing sessions will be held in Woodstock on the third Tuesday of each quarter (Feb, May, Aug & Nov). There is the required $15 fee. No advanced appointment is required.

Jack, W9MU, reminded the club that the “Introduction to Amateur Radio” class at McHenry County Community College will begin February 18 and continue for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings. Twenty general information amateur radio topics will be presented in the course.

Upcoming hamfests were announced for the Waukesha Swapfest this Saturday January 9th and for the WCRA hamfest that will be held at the Kane county fair grounds on January 17th.

Jim, N7US advised club members that club callsign badges can be arranged through Ken, KB9I by sending him a check for $10.

The February program “Standing Wave Ratio” will be the first installation of a three part series to be presented by Jack, W9MU.

Several upcoming operating activities, including contests, were highlighted. See QST for contest details. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

President Jim invited everyone to join the club member group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

Under the topic of old business, John KA9CAR asked about progress in procuring a new projector for use at club meetings. KB9JP offered his personal projector for club use for the foreseeable future.

There was no new business.

After a short break at 7:30 p.m., Vice President Mike WB8BZK led an interesting panel session with fellow MCWA members Jim N7US, Cornell KK9DX, John K9JK & Dave K9RUF. The program included discussions on a wide variety of ham radio experiences, knowledge and skills. There was something for just about everyone!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Meeting minutes were recorded by WB8BZK and N9ITE in KF9D’s absence.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary