McHenry County Wireless Association
Propagation report as of Thursday, April 24, 2025 3:37 AM CDT
MCWA Meeting Minutes of April 1, 2025
DRAFT
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the April 1, 2025 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave K9AT.
Board members present were:
President Dan Larson KD9M , VP Wendell Smith N9REP, Treasurer Joe Robin N9OK, Secretary Lyle Giese W9LRG, Director Glenn Otto K9OK, Director Gary Kaatz W9TD, Past President Ralph Iden WB9ICF
There were 32 members in attendance and 9 members via Zoom with 4 guests:
Paul & his son Charley no licenses
Bob Schunter KC0ONY
Sue Nelson (WI9C Dave’s wife)
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the March meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Gary W9TD moved to accept the minutes, Dave NT9E seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Joe Robin, N9OK presented the membership and financial reports for March 2025.
Opening Balance $10,565.91 as of Feb 28, 2025
Deposits $10.00 Dues
Expenditures $608.11 Digital Ocean $6.62
Wintrust check deposit fee $1.50
Dan K9FM for new laptop $599.99
Note: Dan donated MS Office and Sales Tax $72.59 for laptop. Thanks Dan!
Final Balance $9.967.80 03/28/2025
Total membership is 138(was 156) members. That includes 123(was 140) Voting Members, 13 Family members and 2 associate members. Those with un-paid dues(as of the March meeting) werel dropped from the club roster.
Kieth N9QDS moved to accept the Treasurer’s report and John KA9CAR seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
To pay dues or join MCWA:
Choice 1: Dues are payable via PayPal MCWAPaypal@gmail.com $10/year. Be sure to select ‘Friends & Family’ when paying via PayPal. Please include your call sign, it helps the treasurer to credit the correct membership.
Choice 2: Cash given to Joe N9OK in person at a regular club meeting.
Choice 3: Checks can be sent to:
Joe Robin N9OK
4410 Billingsgate Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
Be sure to include your call sign!
Be aware we are now charged $0.50 bank fee per check now.
Field Day 2025
Rush Creek Conservation Area June 28 & 29
Looking for members interested in support of operating stations, Food, and fun.
Contact Dan KD9M@yahoo.com to volunteer
POTA Campout
Angelo KD0QVW and Glen K9OK
Chain O’ Lakes State Park the weekend of April 26th. Honeysuckle campground in the area of site 35.
We plan on congreagating around the site 35 area. A potluck dinner is planned for Saturday at 6pm
All are welcome. Reserve yourself a site if you want to camp. Any questions email Angelo kd9qvw@gmail.com
Activities for 2025:
Louisiana QSO Party April 5 & 6
Mississippi QSO Party April 5 & 6
Georgia QSO Party April 12 & 12
North Dakota QSO Party April 12 & 13
Rookie Roundup – Phone April 13
Nebraska QSO Party April 19
Michigan QSO Party April 19
Florida QSO Party April 26 & 27
BARTG Spring 75 April 27
Future Events
2025 Hamfest Calendar by K9MSG is available at:
https://www.w9dup.org/hamfests.html
Amateur Radio Events also publishs a list at:
https://www.amateurradioevents.com/2025hamfests1
Awards and license upgrades
None
Old Business
None
New Business
New Updates from Membership
Correspondence received form Jack Hudson W9MU:
Thank you for the lifetime honorary membership in MCWA. I enjoyed the friendships and activities for many years and I appreciate this honor.
Sincerely, Jack W. Hudson W9MU
Brent Walls, N9BA Director for ARRL Central Division wrote this to Kevin KD9YYO, who wrote the article about the 415 Field Day activities including hosting the cast of the play Static. The article was the front page leader for the March 2025 QST magazine.
Hi Kevin –
Again, congratulations on having your article chosen for the prestigious QST Cover Plague Award. I have attached the cover of the March 2025 QST that your article inspired. I appreciate your contribution to QST and look forward to seeing future contributions for you or your fellow club members.
Thanks you,
Brent Walls, N9BA
Lyle W9LRG reported that the ARRL is now generating License certificates suitable for framing in 11 x 8.5 format. Price for ARRL members is $12.00, no electronic versions.
More info and order form is available at:
https:www.arrl.org/License-Certificates
Wendell N9REP reported McHenry Century Bike ride is scheduled for May 25th and they are looking for volunteers to assist with monitoring the route and other related activities in support of this event. Contact Wendell for more information.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Sam KC9QPY motioned to adjourn, and Dave NT9E seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 PM.
Program
Ralph Iden WB9ICF – Maker Faire
Prepared by Lyle Giese (W9LRG), MCWA Secretary.
MCWA Meeting Minutes of March 4, 2025
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the March 4, 2025 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) order at 7:02 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave K9AT.
Board members present were:
President Dan Larson KD9M , VP Wendell Smith N9REP, Treasurer Joe Robin N9OK, Secretary Lyle Giese W9LRG, Director Glenn Otto K9OK, Director Gary Kaatz W9TD, Past President Ralph Iden WB9ICF
There were 31 members in attendance and 11 members via Zoom with 2 guests:
Warren Pugh KC9IL
Mike Simmons N9GHP
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the February meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam KC9GPY moved to accept the minutes, Dave NT9E seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Joe Robin, N9OK presented the membership and financial reports for February 2025.
Opening Balance $10,443.05 as of January 31, 2025
Deposits $130.00 Dues
Expenditures $7.12 Digital Ocean $6.62
Wintrust check deposit fee $0.50
Final Balance $10.565.91 02/28/2025
Total membership is 156 members. That includes 140 Voting Members 140 Full members , 13 Family members and 3 associate members. Those with un-paid dues(as of the March meeting) will be dropped from the club roster.
Sam KC9GPY moved to accept the Treasurer’s report and Roger KF9D seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Members who have not paid dues for 2025:
Choice 1: Dues are payable via PayPal MCWAPaypal@gmail.com $10/year. Be sure to select ‘Friends & Family’ when paying via PayPal. Please include your call sign, it helps the treasurer to credit the correct membership.
Choice 2: Cash given to Joe N9OK in person at a regular club meeting.
Choice 3: Checks can be sent to:
Joe Robin N9OK
4410 Billingsgate Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
Be sure to include your call sign!
Be aware we are now charged $0.50 bank fee per check now.
Board of Directors Update:
New laptop has been purchased.
Field Day 2025
Rush Creek Conservation Area June 28 & 29
Looking for members interested in support of operating stations, Food, and fun.
Contact Dan KD9M@yahoo.com to volunteer
Activities for 2025:
Stew Perry Topband Challenge March 8 & 9
Idaho QSO Party March 8 & 9
Oklahoma QSO party March 8 & 9
Wisconsin QSO party March 9CQ WPX SSB Contest March 28 – 30
Rookie Roundup – Phone April 13
Future Events
2025 Hamfest Calendar by K9MSG is available at:
https://www.w9dup.org/hamfests.html
Awards and license upgrades
None
Old Business
None
New Business
None
New Updates from Membership
Kevin KD9YYO wrote an article about the 415 group’s Field Day Activities that included hosting the cast of the play Static (at the Raue center in Crystal Lake, IL), which was a mystery play using morse code for clues. His article made the front page of the ARRL QST magazine for March 2025.
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Apr 1, 2025, at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Sam KC9GPY motioned to adjourn, and John K9JK seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Program
Illinois QSO Party – Rick KY0Q / Rover
Prepared by Lyle Giese (W9LRG), MCWA Secretary.
MCWA Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2025
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the February 4, 2025 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave K9AT.
Board members present were:
President Dan Larson KD9M , VP Wendell Smith N9REP, Treasurer Joe Robin N9OK, Secretary Lyle Giese W9LRG, Director Glenn Otto K9OK, Director Gary Kaatz W9TD, Past President Ralph Iden WB9ICF
There were 32 members in attendance and 15 members via Zoom with 2 guests:
Warren Pugh KC9IL
Mike Simons N9GHP
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the January meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Gary W9TD moved to accept the minutes, Kieth N9QDS seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Joe Robin, N9OK presented the membership and financial reports for January 2025.
Opening Balance $10,596.75 as of 12/31/24
Deposits $140.00 Dues
Expenditures $293.72
Digital Ocean $6.62
WinTrust Bank $0.50
Stamps $14.60
Field Day Res. $272.00
Final Balance $10,443.03 01/31/2025
Total membership is 155 members. That includes 153 Voting Members (140 Full members , 13 Family members and 2 associate members.
Dave NT9E moved to accept the Treasurer’s report and John K9JK seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Members who have not paid dues for 2025:
Choice 1: Dues are payable via PayPal MCWAPaypal@gmail.com $10/year. Be sure to select ‘Friends & Family’ when paying via PayPal. Please include your call sign, it helps the treasurer to credit the correct membership.
Choice 2: Cash given to Joe N9OK in person at a regular club meeting.
Choice 3: Checks can be sent to:
Joe Robin N9OK
4410 Billingsgate Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
Be sure to include your call sign!
Be aware we are now charged $0.50 bank fee per check now.
Honorary Member:
Motion made to make Jack Hudson W9MU an honorary life member by Keith N9QDS, seconded by Joe KD9KTA Approved.
Board of Directors Update:
Budget (2024-2025)
|
Item |
Budgeted |
Actual |
Notes |
| Field Day |
$750.00 |
Approved by membership Feb 2025 | |
| Insurance |
$200.00 |
$200.00 |
|
| Pizza Social |
$300.00 |
Projected April/May Donations will be accepted | |
| Outreach Activities |
$400.00 |
Scoutn, POTA, FoxHunt, Maker Fair | |
| Zoom Pro Subscription |
$150.00 |
$149.90 |
Renewed |
| Website |
$130.00 |
DigitalOcean, Google Domains, POBox(email) | |
| Laptop |
$600.00 |
||
| Miscellaneous |
$50.00 |
||
|
$2580.00 |
Motion to approve Budget Gary W9TD, Second Dave NT9E. Approved.
Activities for 2024-2025:
North American QSO Party, Cw 1200Z, Jan 11 to 2400Z, Jan 12
VHF – UHF FT8 Activity Contest 1700Z-2100Z, Jan 15
North American QSO Party, SSB 1800Z, Jan 18 to 0559Z, Jan 19
ARRL January VHF Contest 1900Z, Jan 18 to 0359Z, Jan 19
CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW 2200Z, Jan 24 to 2200Z, Jan 26
Int Winter Contest, SSB 0001Z, Feb1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
Awards and license upgrades
None
Old Business
None
New Business
Approval for expenses related to 2025 Field day ($750): Motion to accept John K9JK, seconded Keith N9QDS. Approved.
Approval for a new laptop ($600) Motion to accept John K9JK, seconded Glenn K9OK. Approved.
New Updates from Membership
Dave NT9E got his 40 year pin from ARRL.
Eric KC9CUK has installed a MESHTASTIC node and it’s on the air in Spring Grove.
Gary W9GD reported that the Winter Field Day operations at his farm was a great success and wanted to thank all that helped in putting it together especially: Seth, Ken, Erich, Kevin, Mark
Future Events
Ham Fests
LaPort Cabin fever Hamfest 02/22/25 LaPorte, IN
Sterling Rock Falls Amateur Radio Society Hamfest 03/16/25 Dixon, IL
Tri-County WI Hamfest 03/16/25 Fort Atkinson, WI
2025 Hamfest Calendar by K9MSG is available at:
https://www.w9dup.org/hamfests.html
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Mar 4, 2025, at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Joe KD9KTA motioned to adjourn, and Bill AF9I seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:32PM.
Program
AREDN MESH presented by Dan KD9M
Prepared by Lyle Giese (W9LRG), MCWA Secretary.
MCWA Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2025
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the January 7, 2025 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave K9AT.
Board members present were:
President Dan Larson KD9M , VP Wendell Smith N9REP(Z), Treasurer Joe Robin N9OK(Z), Secetary Lyle Giese W9LRG, Director Glenn Otto K9OK, Director Gary Kaatz W9TD, Past President Ralph Iden WB9ICF
There were 28 members in attendance and 18 via Zoom with 1 guest:
Robert Smetana KE9CFO
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the December meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam KC9GPY moved to accept the minutes, Keith N9QDS seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Joe Robin, N9OK presented the membership and financial reports for December, 2024
Opening Balance $10,340.03 as of 11/30/24
Deposits $326.90 Dues & Wintrust Reimbursment
Expenditures $70.18 Digital Ocean $6.62
WinTrust Bank $7.50
File Cabinet Keys $56.06
Final Balance $10,596.75 12/31/2024
Total membership is 152 members. That includes 139 Full members , 13 Family members and 2 associate members.
Sam KC9GPY moved to accept the Treasurer’s report and John W9JM seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
To Pay Dues:
Choice 1: Dues are payable via PayPal MCWAPaypal@gmail.com $10/year. Be sure to select ‘Friends & Family’ when paying via PayPal. Please include your call sign, it helps the treasurer to credit the correct membership.
Choice 2: Cash given to Joe N9OK in person at a regular club meeting.
Board of Directors Update:
No updates at this time. Due to work restraints and Holidays, no progress on budget to report.
Activities for 2024-2025:
North American QSO Party, Cw 1200Z, Jan 11 to 2400Z, Jan 12
VHF – UHF FT8 Activity Contest 1700Z-2100Z, Jan 15
North American QSO Party, SSB 1800Z, Jan 18 to 0559Z, Jan 19
ARRL January VHF Contest 1900Z, Jan 18 to 0359Z, Jan 19
CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW 2200Z, Jan 24 to 2200Z, Jan 26
Int Winter Contest, SSB 0001Z, Feb1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
Hamfests:
Sterling Rock Falls Amateur Radio Society 03/16/2025
Dixon, IL
Tri-County WI Hamfest 2025 03/16/2025
Fort Aktinson, WI
Awards and license upgrades
New licensee Robert Smetana KE9CFO
Old Business
None
New Business
None
New Updates from Membership
Sam KC9QPY reported on his activitied for the CQ Marthon for last year.
Eric KC9CUK is working with other hams in the area to build a MESHTASTIC networks. Be on the lookout for further updates in the near future.
Future Events
Sam KC9GPY announced that the 415 group will hold a Winter Field event Jan 25th & 26th at the Bay Road Farm, 3208 Bay Road, Crystal Lake. All are welcome. Please sign up and register for operating or attending VIA their new website https://the415arc.com/events/winter-field-day/ so they can plan operations and food!
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, Feb 4, 2025, at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Sam KC0QPY motioned to adjourn, and Andy N7IDE seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM.
Program
Gary K9TD – RTTY with N1MM+
Prepared by Lyle Giese (W9LRG), MCWA Secretary.
MCWA Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2024
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the December 3, 2024 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave K9AT.
Board members present were:
President Dan Larson KD9M , VP Wendell Smith N9REP, Treasurer Joe Robin N9OK, Secetary Lyle Giese W9LRG, Director Glenn Otto K9OK, Director Gary Kaatz W9TD, Past President Ralph Iden WB9ICF
There were 41 members in attendance and 15 via Zoom with 3 guests:
Warren Pugh KC9IL, Erich Grauke W9RX, Josh G.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting minutes from the November meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Gary W9TD moved to accept the minutes, Roger KF9D seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Membership and Financial Reports
Joe Robin, N9OK presented the membership and financial reports for November, 2024
Opening Balance $9845.24 as of 10/31/24
Deposits $594.40 Dues & Wintrust Reimbursment
Interest $0.00
Expenditures $99.61 Digital Ocean $6.62
WinTrust Bank $7.50
Fox Hunt $85.49
Final Balance $10,340.03 11/30/2024
Total membership is 154 members. That includes 138 Full members , 14 Family members and 2 associate members.
Sam KC9GPY moved to accept the Treasurer’s report and Dave NT9E seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
To Pay Dues:
Choice 1: Dues are payable via PayPal MCWAPaypal@gmail.com $10/year. Be sure to select ‘Friends & Family’ when paying via PayPal. Please include your call sign, it helps the treasurer to credit the correct membership.
Choice 2: Cash given to Joe N9OK in person at a regular club meeting.
Choice 3: Checks can be sent to:
Joe Robin N9OK
4410 Billingsgate Lane
Woodstock, IL 60098
Be sure to include your call sign!
Be aware we are now charged $0.50 bank fee per check now.
Board of Directors Meeting Recap:
Membership is stable and growing – Had some SKs and many new members.
Being a general interest Club with many diverse interests, we want to grow the knowledge of all interests.
Finances are stong due to revenue from previous equipment auctions and spending being under budget overall, but need to focus efforts to keep numbers in check.
Activities for 2024-2025:
Possible Dinner Social for Nov 2025, need a person to chair this activity.
Pizza Party with program after (April or May). Volunteer donations to keep amount paid out in check.
Volunteer coffee donation to help keep expences down.
Once per quarter activities, Fox Hunt, POTA, Radio in the Park and others.
Budget (2023-2024):
|
Item |
Budgeted |
Actual |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Field Day |
$750 |
$961.62 |
Requires Club raification for over $300 |
|
Insurance |
$200 |
$200 |
|
|
Pizza Social |
$300 |
$374 |
Considering Pizza Social. Board decided to pay $300 for the pizza and to request a per person donation. |
|
Spring Social |
$300 |
$251 |
Family friendly, ticketes sold to cover the balance of cost |
|
Outreach Activities |
$500 |
$427 |
Scouts, etc. |
|
Zoom Pro |
$150 |
$149.90 |
Renewed |
|
Website(MCWA.ORG) |
$130 |
$130 |
Digital Ocean, Google Domains, PO Box |
|
Meeting Enhancements |
$500 |
0 |
Need to replace club’s laptop and enhance sound system |
|
Misc Expenses |
$50 |
||
|
Totals |
$2,880 |
$2369.94 |
Estimated |
Budget (2024-2025):(Preliminary)
|
Item |
Budgeted |
Actual |
Notes |
|
Field Day |
$750 |
Requires club ratification for over $300 |
|
|
Insurance |
$200 |
||
|
Pizza Social |
$450 |
Considering Pizza Social. Board decided to pay $300 for the pizza and to request a per person donation. |
|
|
Outreach activities |
$800 |
Scouts, POTA, FoxHunt, Maker Fair |
|
|
Zoom Pro |
$150 |
||
|
Website(MCWA.ORG) |
$130 |
Digital Ocean, Google Domains, PO Box |
|
|
Meeting Enchancements |
$500 |
Need new laptop , Need sound enchancements |
|
|
Misc Expenses |
$50 |
||
|
Total |
$3,030 |
Board of Directors need to finish working on Budget soon.
Awards and license upgrades
New MCWA member – Paul Gariepy KC9NME
Old Business
None
New Business
John KA9CAR will investigate cabinet to keep club equipment and keep it at the Algonquin Township office.
Need Program Coordinator to assist in scheduling and planing meeting programs.
New Updates from Membership
Lyle W9LRG reported on getting a free replacement antenna from LDG Electronics after his fryed.
Ralph WB9ICF reported on building a single band 5 watt CW transceiver from Midnite Designs
Gary W9TD reported on his CW Ops activities
Roger KF9D reported on his POTA activities including in the state of Oreon and from Morrison-Rockwood state part.
Future Events
Sam KC9GPY announced that the 415 group will hold a Winter Field event Jan 25th & 26th at the Bay Road Farm, 3208 Bay Road, Crystal Lake. All are welcome. Please sign up and register for operating or attending VIA their new website https://the415arc.com/events/winter-field-day/ so they can plan operations and food!
Hamfests
Sterling Rock Falls Amateur Radio Society Hamfest Dixon, IL 03/16/2025
Tri-County WI HamFest 2025 Fort Atkinson, WI 03/16/2025
Contests and Activities
Too many to mention. List has been posted on the reflector at https://Groups.io
Wrap up
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. Formal program is TBD.
Sam KC9GPY motioned to adjourn, and John W9JM seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM.
Program
Meshtastic by Paul Gariepy KC9MNE
Here is the link for the slide show of KC9MNE’s presentation on Meshtastic:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sZOYeo9djrnSQjG3vp6L5vA_LxXvd-yMTfQzuQ0X0eo/edit?usp=drivesdk
Prepared by Lyle Giese (W9LRG), MCWA Secretary.