Author: Ralph

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – April 8, 2015

The April meeting was called to order by President Kent, K9KMD, at 7:00 pm on April 8, 2015 in the Crystal Lake Colonial Café Restaurant. The regular meeting room was unavailable.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave, KA9OZP.

Introductions around the room followed. Twenty-eight people were in attendance for the meeting, including 2 new hams.

Minutes from the March meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Jerry, N9AVY, moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Mike, KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Dave, N9ITE, reported an account balance was published in the monthly newsletter. John, KA9CAR, made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Steve, KB9OLD. The motion passed by voice vote. There are currently around 50 paid members for the year, so those outstanding need to see Dave to pay dues.

VP Dave, KA9OZP reports great DX band conditions and many good stations available to contact.

Webmaster Dave, NT9E, is having health issues and was not present for a report.

Jerry, N9AVY, newsletter editor had nothing new to report but thanks those contributing.

Under old business, Jack, W9MU reports the MCC Introduction to Amateur Radio classes have concluded with good success. For future classes, we need to do more active recruiting to achieve higher enrollment.

Dave, N9ITE, had previously update a club brochure and passed around copies.

A brief Field Day update was given by Chairman Roger, KF9D.

Under new business, Mike, KC9Q, gave a show and tell on a small, inexpensive software defined receiver USB port dongle. This particular unit covered 24 Mhz – 1.7Ghz. Several others are on the market and have various applications.

Dave, KA9RUF, mentioned that new episodes of Hamnation are available on Wednesday nights for downloading or viewing.

Paul, W9DWP, reminded the club members of the Stoughton, Wi hamfest, along with the DeKalb hamfest at Sycamore on May 3.

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – March 3, 2015

The March meeting was called to order by Vice-President Dave, KA9OZP, at 7:05 pm on March 3, 2015 in the Crystal Lake Bank building meeting room.

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

Introductions around the room followed. Twenty-eight people were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the February meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Randy, KC9UTM, moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John, KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Dave, N9ITE, reported an account balance of $4844.07. John, K9JK, made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by J-P, KD9JPC. The motion passed by voice vote.

A proposed change to the club constitution was prepared by Larry, KB9DIP, following the February meeting. A copy of the changes was distributed to the officers and the matter was referred to a board meeting for tweaking.

The subject of Field Day was raised, but will be covered in the program segment for the evening.

Dave, N9ITE, has prepared a revised MCWA club brochure, and several copies were distributed to the members.

Jerry, N9AVY had nothing new to report on the club newsletter.

Jack, W9MU gave an update on the MCC class “Introduction to Amateur Radio” being presented by club members. Nine people enrolled and eight remain in attendance with 3 sessions remaining. Classes conclude on March 19.

John, K9JK, announced the June 21st Hamfest sponsored by the Six Meter Club of Chicago, held at the DuPage County Fair Grounds in Wheaton. John has advanced tickets available to sell.

VP Dave reported fantastic band conditions with several good Dxpeditions currently in operation.

Other announcements included the AES Superfest in Milwaukee on March 21st and the Algonquin Ham Breakfast at the Golden Corral on Randall Road at 8 am on March 28th.

A VEC testing session will be held on March 17th a 7:00 pm at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock.

Under New Business, our regular meeting room will not be available for the April meeting, and we need to find an alternate site for next month only. W9RAK suggested that the Senior Center in McHenry might be a suitable site. Watch the reflector and newsletter for an announcement on the April meeting location.

VP Dave suggested that the club might hold a “junk night” at a future meeting where members bring in items to sell cheap or give away.

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Following a break, Jack, W9MU, and Roger, KF9D, presented a short program on emergency operations. This led into a discussion on Field Day. A show of hands indicated significant interest in an MCWA 2015 Field Day. The club will investigate securing the Harvard Moose Lodge site again, as was used in 2014.

Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott KF9D, MCWA Secretary