McHenry County Wireless Association
DRAFT
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the June 2022 meeting to order at 7:01 PM via Zoom. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Glenn Otto (K9OK). Ralph then welcomed new and returning members Tom Damiano (KB9PN), Willard Jenkins (KD9PRK) and Ken Field (KO9H).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD) and Dan Larson (KD9M).
A total of 29 members were in attendance and no guests.
The meeting minutes from the May 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 117 full members including 6 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,254.02 | |
| Deposits | $80.00 | ($60 dues and $20 donation) |
| Expenditures | $0.00- | |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $11,334.12 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Those that haven’t yet paid have been dropped from the roster. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The web hosting company, Digital Ocean, has notified us of a price increase effective August 1.
The quarterly VE testing session was held on May 17th and resulted in one new Technician licensee. The next VE testing session will be held on August 16 at 7 PM by appointment only. It will be held at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church at 934 N. Seminary. Contact Steve (KB9OLD) at 847-477-3518 to reserve your spot.
The McHenry County Century Ride was held on Sunday, May 29. Wendell Smith (N9REP) coordinated the effort which involved amateurs from around the area. Those that participated included Roger Scott (KF9D), Harold Burt (W9HB) and John Dewey (KA9CAR). There were between 400 and 500 riders.
The Trek 100 Ride for Hope is coming up on Saturday July 30 in Waterloo, WI. It is a charity event benefitting the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC). Several clubs will be participating, including MCWA. For more information, contact John Cankar (W9JM) – N9GUU@hotmail.com.
The July meeting program will be a QRP Showcase and Show-and-Tell. If you have anything to share, plan on no more than 5-6 minutes due to time constraints. A signup sheet will be posted on the reflector this coming week to gauge how many people will be showing off their QRP gear and other items.
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022: The subject of our program for tonight.
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 5: no reports
Lyons “Freefest”, June 11, Riverside Park, Lyons, WI
South Milwaukee ARC Hamfest, July 9, American Legion Post 434, Oak Creek, WI
KARSFEST, July 17, Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone, IL
Microwave Spring Sprint: K9JK participated
Indiana QSO Party: no reports
50 MHz Spring Sprint: K9JK participated
VOLTA WW RTTY Contest: no reports
CQ WW WPX Contest (CW): N9DJ participated
ARRL International Digital Contest: W9TD participated
ARRL June VHF Contest – June 11-13
Stew Perry Topband Challenge – June 18-19
ARRL Field Day – June 25-26
Thirteen Colonies – July 1-7
July 5 QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell
August 2 Propagation and Amateur Radio
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
September 6 Small Antennas for HF
Jack Hudson (W9MU)
October 4 Youth in Amateur Radio
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 Working the Pileup
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
December 6 TBD
Michael Holtz (KD9VDW) received his General class license.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) reported that the $246.90 of expenses for the Makers Faire will be paid from the outreach budget already approved. He also said that the organizers have already contacted him about our participation next year, on April 15, 2023.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on May 17. This year Field Day is on June 24-26. We have the Rush Creek campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. There is a need for operators for SSB/Digital and if you are a new ham or have not operated on HF, the GOTA station. Contact Gary Kaatz (W9TD) if you want to be scheduled for GOTA, or just show up. If you can’t participate in the in-person event, then get on the air individually and report under the McHenry County Wireless Association. If required, the next meeting will be in the week of Field Day using Zoom.
None
“A Hamvention Recap – Past and Present/ Voice of America Museum” will be presented following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, July 5, 2022 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 a QRP Showcase and Show-and-Tell.
A motion to adjourn was made by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the May 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:09 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 37 members were in attendance and one guest, our speaker for tonight, Dave Cripe (NM0S).
The meeting minutes from the April 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 113 full members including 6 family members and one Associate member.
| Opening Balance | $11,255.93 | |
| Deposits | $20.00 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $22.00- | (3 mo. website hosting) |
| Interest | $0.09 | |
| Final Balance | $11,254.02 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Those that haven’t yet paid have been dropped from the roster. A motion to approve was made by Dave Whiteside (N9BSA) and seconded by John Kalenowsky (K9JK). Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
Due to a known conflict, the meeting room is not available for our use next month. We had the option of meeting in the large garage. But it isn’t ideal for out purposes. Consequently, the June meeting will be held virtually.
The next VE testing session will be held on May 17 at 7 PM by appointment only. It will be held at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church at 934 N. Seminary. Contact Steve (KB9OLD) at 847-477-3518 to reserve your spot.
Volunteers are needed for the McHenry County Century Ride which will be held on Sunday, May 29 from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It starts in Lake in the Hills, to Union and then 4 loops. Volunteers will supply rider and logistics support and be reimbursed for mileage. For more information, contact Wendell Smith (N9REP) at wjsmith@ameritech.net or 815-245-9325.
John Cankar (W9JM) asked for volunteers for the Trek 100 Ride for Hope. It starts at the Trek Corporate headquarters in Waterloo, WI at 7:30 AM on Saturday July 30. He explained that it is a “Classic” type cycling event, the largest in the Midwest, attracting national participants. It consists of four loops of different length. He also made the point that it is a charity event benefitting the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer (MACC). He needs 33 volunteers; 10 to man the rest areas, 20 for SAG drivers (must be able to transport a bike and rider) and 3 for pickup vehicle. Please contact John if interested in helping.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, on-line: NT9E and W9TD attended
OzarkCon 2022 (QRP Conference): no reports
DeKalb Hamfest: John (KA9CAR) attended
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 5, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds, Mendota, IL
Lyons “Freefest”, June 11, Riverside Park, Lyons, WI
ARRL Rookie Roundup (SSB): no reports
Ftx DX Contest: no reports
144 MHz Spring Sprint: K9JK made 15 contacts
220 MHz Spring Sprint: K9JK made 64 contacts
10-10 International Spring Contest (Digital): no reports
432 MHz Spring Sprint: K9JK made 43 contacts
Microwave Spring Sprint – May 7
Indiana QSO Party – May 7-8
50 MHz Spring Sprint – May 14-15
VOLTA WW RTTY Contest – May 14-16
CQ WW WPX Contest (CW) – May 28-29
ARRL June VHF Contest – June 11-13
Stew Perry Topband Challenge – June 18-19
ARRL Field Day – June 25-26
June 7 Working the Pileup
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
July 5 QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell
August 2 Propagation and Amateur Radio
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
September 6 Small Antennas for HF
Jack Hudson (W9MU)
October 4 Youth in Amateur Radio
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 TBD
December 6 TBD
Joe Witkins (KD9KTA) achieved WAS on 40 meter FT8.
The Lake County Maker Faire was held Saturday, April 9. MCWA had an exhibit titled “Morse Code: The “New” old technology”. The exhibit included three tables; an IC-705 plus iPad decoding CW by Dave (K9AT), two Morse Tutors (straight key and paddle), Morseinos and QRP radios by Andy (WB7DKZ) and Ralph (WB9ICF); an FT8 on-air demonstration by Gary (W9GD) and Sam (KC9GPY); and Code Practice Oscillators that were given to people who showed an interest in amateur radio and Morse code. Dan (KD9M) supplied the Morseinos and Cricket QRP transceiver.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on April 12. This year Field Day is on June 24-26. We have the Rush Creek campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to operate CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. Dan noted that the rules limit all stations to 100 W PEP. There is a need for both GOTA and food captains as well as operators for SSB/Digital. If you can’t participate in the in-person event, then get on the air individually and report under the McHenry County Wireless Association. The next meeting will be on May 10 at 8 PM using Zoom.
None
David Cripe (NM0S) will be presenting “QRP Radios” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, June 7, 2022 by Zoom meetings. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Working the Pileup” by Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO).
A motion to adjourn was made by Dave Holmgren (K9AT) and seconded by Kent Dulaney (K9KMD). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the April 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:05 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK).
A total of 32 members were in attendance and 3 guests; Dawn Hull (KA9ERS), James Hull (W9JGH) and Will Jenkins (KD9PRK).
The meeting minutes from the March 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 111 full members including 6 family members.
| Opening Balance | $11,235.83 | |
| Deposits | $20.00 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $0.00- | |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $11,255.93 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Those that haven’t yet paid have been dropped from the roster. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
Effective April 19, 2022, the FCC will be a imposing a $35 application fee for new or modified license applications. This includes upgrades and call sign changes including vanity call signs. There will be no charge for administrative updates such as change of name, address or email address. Fees are to be paid directly to the FCC via the CORES FRN Registration system.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, on-line: NT9E and W9TD attended
Jefferson Hamfest, March 30, Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center, Jefferson, WI: K9JK and K9OK attended
DeKalb Hamfest, May 1, Sandwich Fairgrounds, Sandwich, IL
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 5, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds, Mendota, IL
ARRL International DX Contest (SSB): WB8BZK and KC9GPY participated
Stew Perry Topband Challenge: no reports
Wisconsin QSO Party: WB8BZK participated
BARTG HF RTTY Contest: WB8BZK participated
CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB): WB8BZK participated
ARRL Rookie Roundup (SSB) – April 10
Ftx DX Contest – April 10
144 MHz Spring Sprint – April 11
220 MHz Spring Sprint – April 19
10-10 International Spring Contest (Digital) – April 24
432 MHz Spring Sprint – April 27
Microwave Spring Sprint – May 7
Indiana QSO Party – May 7-8
May 3 Inexpensive QRP Radios
David Cripe (NM0S)
June 7 Working the Pileup
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
July 5 QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell
August 2 Propagation and Amateur Radio
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
September 6 Small Antennas for HF
Jack Hudson (W9MU)
October 4 Youth in Amateur Radio
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 TBD
December 6 TBD
None reported
The Lake County Maker Faire is this Saturday, April 9, from 10AM to 2PM at the College of Lake County PE Center. Our application, “Morse Code: The ‘New’ Old Technology” was approved. We will be demoing the Morse Code Tutor project and making on-the-air FT8 contacts. There will also be a limited number of code practice oscillators given away to interested parties. 30 will be pre-built and 20 will be available as kits. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) assembled the 50 3D printed keys.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on March 15. This year Field Day is on June 24-26. We have the Rush Creek campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to operate CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. Dan noted that the rules limit all stations to 100 W PEP. There is a need for both GOTA and food captains as well as operators for SSB/Digital. If you can’t participate in the in-person event, then get on the air individually and report under the McHenry County Wireless Association. The next meeting will be on April 12 at 8 PM using Zoom.
Ralph noted that there have been no volunteers to help organize the picnic. If no one steps forward, we will table the idea until there is more member interest. A suggestion was made to hold the picnic on the Friday of Field Day at Rush Creek. The suggestion was acknowledged, but since Harvard is somewhat further away, a caterer would need to be found that services that area.
Gary Kaatz (W9TD) motioned to reimburse Ralph for the code practice oscillators. President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) tabled the motion due to the current technical difficulties.
Tom Pusateri (W9NBG) will be presenting “Lightning and its Aftermath” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 3, 2022 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 “QRP Radios” by David Cripe (NM0S).
A motion to adjourn was made by John Kalenowsky (K9JK) and seconded by Ronald Delpiere Smith (KD9IPO). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the March 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:03 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph reported the passing of Pete Gedvilas (K9MG). Ralph also welcomed new members Bob Temes (KD9IDD), Bob Kerpec (WA9JOQ) and Sid Siddalingaiah (KC9JPJ).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK).
A total of 30 members were in attendance and 4 guests; Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA), Brent Walls (N9BA), Will Conley (WA9BRC) and Thomas Beebe (W9RY).
The meeting minutes from the January 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 137 full members including 7 family members.
| Opening Balance | $10,789.45 | |
| Deposits | $446.30 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $0.00- | |
| Interest | $0.08 | |
| Final Balance | $11,235.83 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting or they will be dropped from the roster. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The February VE testing session was very successful with four new Technicians and three new Generals.
Orlando Hamcation, ARRL National Convention: Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) said it was well-attended by vendors and the flea market sellers. There were several forums and the ARRL held training sessions on Thursday.
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, 2022, on-line
Jefferson Hamfest, March 30, Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center, Jefferson, WI
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 5, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds, Mendota, IL
North American Sprint (CW): W9TD reported that it was confusing with stations having to change frequency after each QSO.
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest: NT9E and W9TD participated
ARRL School Club Roundup: no reports
ARRL International DX Contest (CW): W9TD participated
Russian PSK WW Contest: no reports
CQ 160-meter Contest (SSB): no reports
North American QSO Party (RTTY): NT9E and W9TD participated
ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) – March 5-6
Stew Perry Topband Challenge – March 13
Wisconsin QSO Party – March 13-14
BARTG HF RTTY Contest – March 19-21
CQ WW WPX Contest (SSB) – March 26-27
April 5 Lightning and its Aftermath
Tom Pusateri (W9NBG)
May 3 Inexpensive QRP Radios
David Cripe (NM0S)
June 7 Working the Pileup
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
July 5 QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell
August 2 Propagation and Amateur Radio
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA)
September 6 Small Antennas for HF
Jack Hudson (W9MU)
October 4 Youth in Amateur Radio
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 TBD
December 6 TBD
For the 2021 Iowa QSO party, KA9OZP placed third in the high power class.
A picnic Committee needs to be formed now if this event can take place:
Later, the menu needs to be finalized, budget made and approved and the activities planned in detail.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on February 15. We have the Rush Creek campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to have possibly three stations, CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. The satellite station is in jeopardy as those contacted are not available for Field Day. There is a need for both GOTA and food captains. The next meeting will be on March 15 at 8 PM using Zoom.
A budget of $750 was approved at the February MCWA meeting.
The organizers of the Lake County Maker Faire have reached out to us to participate. It is to be held at the College of Lake County PE Center, April 9, from 10 AM until 2 PM. They asked us to have a booth where we can actively show and explain how the “project” was created and the technology involved and a hands-on experience for the attendees, if possible.
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) will be presenting “ARRL Update” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 5, 2022 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 “Lightning and its Aftermath” by Tom Pusateri (W9NBG).
A motion to adjourn was made by Dennis Ryan (KA9PUC) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the February 2022 meeting to order at 7:03 PM by Zoom. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph noted that the program will be recorded and that the approval of the minutes and treasurer’s reports will be streamlined without motions unless there are objections. Ralph reported the passing of Dave Stump (KD9ESL), a former member. Ralph also welcomed new member David Cushman (KC9CTI) and returning member JoAnne Maenpaa (K9JKM).
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 40 members were in attendance and four guests; Thomas Beebe (W9RY), John Zietlow (K9WIC), Sid Siddalingaiah (KC9JPJ) and our speaker for tonight, Tim Duffy (K3LR).
The meeting minutes from the January 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for December. MCWA has a membership of 134 full members including 7 family members.
| Opening Balance | $10,838.94 | |
| Deposits | $169.41 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $162.00- | (Field Day Pavillion Rental) |
| $57.00- | (Field Day Campsite Rental) | |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $10,789.45 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
Although some programs are in the works, a program is needed for the March meeting and possibly April.
Dave Whaley (NT9E) reminded everyone via chat of the monthly ham breakfast, this coming Saturday, February 5, 8 AM at Kim & Patty’s Café, 731 Ridgeview Dr, McHenry.
Winterfest, ARRL Midwest Division Convention: Thomas Beebe (W9RY) noted that the attendance and presentations were good.
Orlando Hamcation, ARRL National Convention, February 10-13, 2022, Central Florida Fairgrounds & Convention Center, Orlando, FL
QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, March 12-13, 2022, on-line
Jefferson Hamfest, March 30, Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center, Jefferson, WI
Dayton Hamvention 2022, May 20-22, 2022, Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Xenia, OH
ARRL RTTY Roundup: WB8BZK and W9TD reported good scores
North American QSO Party (CW): WB8BZK and W9TD participated
ARRL VHF Contest: K9JK in a couple of hours roving made 224 QSO’s on 5 bands and 66 on Sunday, all on SSB
North American QSO Party (SSB): KD9M participated in the last few hours
CQ 160-meter Contest (CW): WB8BZK reported 576 QSO’s and all states
Winter Field Day: W9GD reported that “The 415” group of 13 ops made 713 QSO’s on SSB. K9OK, KD9FMJ and K9AT all commented on how enjoyable it was.
10-10 International Winter Contest (SSB) – February 5-6
North American Sprint (CW) – February 5-6
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest – February 12-13
ARRL School Club Roundup – February 14-18
ARRL International DX Contest (CW) – February 19-20
Russian PSK WW Contest – February 19-20
CQ 160-meter Contest (SSB) – February 25-27
North American QSO Party (RTTY) – February 26-27
ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) – March 5-6
None scheduled
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.
For the 2021 Illinois QSO party, K9RN (OP N7US) placed second in the fixed low power category, KA9OZP placed first for Iowa and Roger Scott (KF9D) placed first in the single county portable category.
Angelo Franzone (KD9QVW) upgraded to General in January.
A picnic Committee needs to be formed now:
Later, the menu needs to be finalized, budget made and approved and the activities planned in detail.
Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the 2022 Field Day planning meeting held on January 27. We have the campground reserved for Saturday night and all are invited. The plan is to have three stations, CW, SSB and digital with free VHF, GOTA and satellite stations. The next meeting will be on February 15 at 8 PM using Zoom.
The board approved a Field Day budget of $750 at the October 2021 meeting. The MCWA Constitution requires membership approval for expenses above $300. Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) motioned to approve the Field Day budget and John Dewey (KA9CAR) seconded it. The motion passed by a unanimous voice vote.
Tim Duffy (K3LR) will be presenting “Antenna Construction” following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 1, 2022 hopefully 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 TBD.
A motion to adjourn was made by Joe Robin (N9OK) and seconded by Dan Larson (KD9M). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.