McHenry County Wireless Association
DRAFT
President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the November 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Dan announced that Jerry Heinen (N9AVY) passed away on October 2, 2022. Dan recalled that Jerry was one of Dan’s first contacts and a new ham. Jerry was a founding member of MCWA and its newsletter editor for many years. An avid DX-er, he loved contesting and was a member of the Northern Illinois DX Association (NIDXA). Dan asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jerry. Dan welcomed new member Sean Park (KD9VWL). Dan then asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 35 members were in attendance and no guests.
The meeting minutes from the October 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to accept the minutes and Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) was not in attendance, so Dan presented the membership and financial reports for October. MCWA has a membership of 127 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $10,712.37 | |
| Deposits | $396.00 | ($30 dues and $366 donation) |
| Expenditures | $164.31- | (Flag – Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)) |
| $5.00- | (Digital Ocean) | |
| $35.90- | (POBox subscription) | |
| Interest | $0.00 | |
| Final Balance | $10,588.06 |
The reported deposits are the same as last month’s and the numbers don’t add up, so Dean will have to amend and report these at the next meeting. Dan reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and John Kalenowsky (K9JK) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The first Saturday of the month is the McHenry Monthly Ham Breakfast held at Buddyz at 1138 N. Green Street, McHenry. People gather at 8:00 AM and recent breakfasts have had over 20 attendees.
Chicago Marathon Report
Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) provided a recap of the Chicago Marathon that has held on October 9th. Several months back, MCWA was given the opportunity to assist with radio communications for the event.
Although MCWA didn’t participate as a group, several of our members were part of the 130 plus radio amateurs participating in the event.
Mike (WB8BZK), Roger Scott (KF9D), John Cankar (W9JM), and marathon veteran, George Slominski (W9AUM) were part of the Course Medical Team – 4, located at mile-marker 6. Setup started at 5 AM, with net check-ins beginning at 6:30 AM. The first of the wheelchair racers appeared 18 minutes after the start of the race, followed by the elite runners at the 27-minute mark, and a near ending stream of runners and walkers for the next two hours. The last walker passed by at 10:30 AM followed by the pace car and Streets & Sanitation cleanup crew.
Consider volunteering as a radio operator at the next Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Sign-up will be in August, with announcements made at meetings. Mike would like to put together a team from MCWA next year, so our club call can be put on the list at being at a station.
None
Friendly Fest, November 5, Elks Lodge, Milwaukee
Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo, November 19-20, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Winterfest, ARRL Midwest Division Convention, January 28, 2023, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL
Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 4, 2023, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds
There were several reports of participation, but I could not discern who was speaking from the recording.
432 MHz Fall Sprint:
Microwave Fall Sprint:
Oceania DX Contest (CW):
10-10 International Fall Contest (CW):
Illinois QSO Party:
ARRL School Club Roundup:
Stew Perry Topband Challenge:
CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB):
ARRL Sweepstakes (CW) – November 5-7
WAE DX Contest (RTTY) – November 11-13
10-10 Intl Fall Contest (Digital) – November 11-13
ARRL Sweepstakes (SSB) – November 19-21
CQ WW DX Contest (CW) – November 25- 27
December 6 QRP Showcase and Show & Tell
January 3, 2023 TBD
Sean Park (KD9VWL) recently earned his Technician license.
Board of Directors Meeting Recap
President Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the October 18 Board of Director’s meeting. He reported the club was healthy with a strong and stable membership number. Meeting attendance was lower during the pandemic but is rebounding including more in-person attendance. Finances are also strong due to revenue from equipment auction and under budget spending. The budget and expenses were presented showing that we were $1,200.88 under budget:
| Item | Budgeted | Spent |
| Field Day | $750.00 | $694.32 |
| Liability Insurance | $225.00 | $200 |
| Picnic/Dinner social | $750.00 | $0 |
| Outreach (Makers Faire) | $300.00 | $246.90 |
| Meeting Room Enhancements | $300.00 | $0 |
| Zoom Subscription | $150.00 | $149.90 |
| Website | $115.00 | $79.00 |
| Misc. | $200.00 | $219.00 |
| Totals | $2,790.00 | $1,589.12 |
The proposed 2022-2023 budget is:
| Expense | Notes | |
| Field Day | $750.00 | May need to increase based on food and facility ($694 in 2022) |
| Liability Insurance | $200.00 | |
| Pizza Party | $500.00 | For Dec, need motion in Nov meeting |
| Dinner Social | $300.00 | |
| Outreach | $300.00 | Scouts, Maker Faire… |
| Zoom | $150.00 | |
| Website | $130.00 | 35+80+12 |
| Meeting Enhancements | $500.00 | Webcam, tripod, cables, microphones |
| Misc. | $50.00 | |
| $2,880.00 | ||
Dan noted that we still need a Program Chair and a person to handle the Zoom meeting, so Dean can focus on Treasurer duties. David Whiteside (N9BSA) is handling the Zoom meeting tonight.
Other items for consideration include possibly holding a Fox Hunt and that September 18, 2023 is the 45th anniversary of the club’s founding. We intend to do something special for the September 2023 meeting.
A new flag and stand was purchased by Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) for use at our meeting location. The cost was $164.31 for the flag, flagpole, base, tassel, and perched eagle. The flag will be offered as a donation to Algonquin Township as a small token of our appreciation for the use of the meeting area.
The December meeting will be a Pizza Social for our members and their guests. Pizza and drinks will be provided with a program following: “QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell”. Look for more information on the K9RN reflector later this month.
John Dewey (KA9CAR) said that a team took down Jerry’s (N9AVY) antennas and has two tri-banders available: a Mosley tribander and Force 12 C3. If there are no MCWA members interested in these items, they will be put on e-Bay or QRZ. Please contact John (KA9CAR) if you are interested in these items.
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO) will be presenting “Working the Pileup”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting. Dan solicited more presentations from the membership.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 6, 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 Showcase and Show & Tell”.
A motion to adjourn was made by Roger Scott (KF9D) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the October 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph informed everyone that at the Portillo’s pre-meeting event; Jack Hudson (W9MU) had a medical event and was taken to the hospital. Subsequently he was released and is resting at home. Ralph welcomed new member Andrew White (KD9VUT). Ralph then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Ralph thanked the prior board members and noted some of the accomplishments of his tenure, then introduced incoming President Dan Larson (KD9M). Dan thanked Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) for stepping up to Director and Vice President, respectively. He also thanked Ralph for his service to the club.
Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 39 members were in attendance and 2 guests, including our speaker for tonight, Anthony Luscre (K8ZT) and Keith Schreiter (N9QDS).
The meeting minutes from the September 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. David Whiteside (N9BSA) moved to accept the minutes and John Cankar (W9JM) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 127 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,134.49 | |
| Deposits | $396.00 | ($30 dues and $366 donation) |
| Expenditures | $663.31- | (Field Day food – Wendell (N9REP)) |
| $5.00- | (Digital Ocean fee for automatic payments) | |
| $149.90- | (Zoom renewal through 9-26-2023) | |
| Interest | $0.09 | |
| Final Balance | $10,712.37 |
Dean thanked W9GD, KC9GPY, WB9ICF and KA9CAR for their assistance in selling donated items at Radio Expo. Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. John Kalenowsky (K9JK) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The Chicago Marathon will be on October 9th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer. The last day to volunteer is Friday, October 7.
There are some items donated by Larry Miglore (KB9DIP) that are looking for a good home (free) and are on the side table.
Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO), our ARRL Illinois Assistant Section Manager, needs help for a Scout Camporee at the McHenry County Fairgrounds on October 8. A Ham radio table needs to be set up and staffed. David Whiteside (N9BSA) noted that it is not for a local scout district council. Any volunteers need to be youth certified.
The annual MCWA Board of Directors meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30PM using Zoom. It is open to all members.
W9DXCC Convention: no reports
Midwest Superfest: no reports
QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo: no reports
HRO Superfest: Several members attended. K9AT noted that RT Systems now support the Anytone DMR radios.
Radio Expo: KC9GPY noted that all items donated to the 415 were sold. K9AT, W9GD, KA9CAR and WB9ICF also attended.
Friendly Fest, November 5, Elks Lodge, Milwaukee
Rt. 66 special event: no reports
Worked All Europe DX Contest: no reports
ARRL September VHF Contest: K9JK participated
Wisconsin Parks on the Air: no reports
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: K9JK participated
144 MHz Fall Sprint: K9JK participated
CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY): no reports
Oceania DX Contest (SSB): no reports
432 MHz Fall Sprint, October 5
Microwave Fall Sprint, October 8
Makrothen RTTY Contest, October 8-9
Oceania DX Contest (CW), October 8-9
10-10 International Fall Contest (CW), October 15-16
Illinois QSO Party, October 16-17
ARRL School Club Roundup, October 17-21
Stew Perry Topband Challenge, October 22-23
CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB), October 29-30
Dan also noted, in the spirit of the presentation for tonight, that there are several CW mini-contests, each lasting one hour.
K1USN Slow Speed Test (SST) (<20 WPM): Fridays and Sundays
International CW Council Medium Speed Test (MST) (20-25 WPM): three times on Mondays
CWops Test (CWT) (>25 WPM): three times on Wednesdays
November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
December 6 TBD
January 3, 2023 TBD
None reported.
None
Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) made a motion that the club spend at most $300 on a new flag and stand to be gifted to the Algonquin Township for use at our meetings. The motion was seconded by Gary Dembski (W9GD) and was approved unanimously.
Anthony Luscre (K8ZT) will be presenting “Having Fun with Morse Code”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting. Dan solicited more presentations from the membership.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 1, 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 “Working the Pileup” by Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
A motion to adjourn was made by Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) and seconded by Dave Whaley (NT9E). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the September 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:09 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph then asked for a minute of silence for Rob Leveranz (KA9RBI). He welcomed new member Stan Safranski (WJ9U). Ralph then asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves.
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 38 members were in attendance and one guest: Andrew White.
The meeting minutes from the August 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. John Kalenowsky (K9JK) mentioned a typo that was subsequently corrected. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.
Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 126 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.
| Opening Balance | $11,249.39 | |
| Deposits | $85.00 | ($45 dues and $40 donation) |
| Expenditures | $200.00- | (MCWA Liability Insurance) |
| Interest | $0.10 | |
| Final Balance | $11,134.49 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 or 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.
Announcements
The Chicago Marathon will be on October 9th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer. John Cankar (W9JM) reported that he was short one volunteer for his team.
A number of items were donated by Mike Mailloux. Gary Dembski (W9GD) is temporarily storing them. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) inventoried the items and put it out on the reflector. Having no takers from MCWA the items will be taken to Radio Expo if the club has a table. Otherwise some could be donated to new High School station or auctioned off in the future.
There are some items donated by Larry Miglore (KB9DIP) that are looking for a good home (free).
Jefferson Outdoor Fest 2022: no reports
Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest: no reports
W9UDU Free Fest 2022: no reports
SMCFest: K9JK reported good attendance and good presentations.
W9DXCC Convention, Chicago Marriott Naperville, September 16-17
Midwest Superfest, Expo Gardens, Peoria, IL, September 17-18
QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo, September 17-18
HRO Superfest, Ham Radio Outlet, Milwaukee, WI, September 23-24
Radio Expo, Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL, September 25
10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB): no reports
ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest: no reports
North American QSO Party (CW): KC9GPY tried out a new 40-meter rotary dipole and made 432 QSOs with 92 multipliers in ten hours of operating
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: no reports
North American QSO Party (SSB): no reports
Rt. 66 special event, September 10-18
Worked All Europe DX Contest, September 10-11
ARRL September VHF Contest, September 10-12
Wisconsin Parks on the Air, September 17
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest, September 17-18
144 MHz Fall Sprint, September 19
CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY), September 24-25
Oceania DX Contest (SSB), October 1-2
October 4 Having Fun with Morse Code – Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)
November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)
December 6 TBD
Gary Kaatz (W9TD) was awarded DXCC-Digital, VUCC and WAS, 40-10 FT8.
The club officer’s election was held. The nominating committee consists of Gary Dembski (W9GD), David Whiteside (N9BSA) and Roger Scott (KF9D) – Chairman.
The current slate consists of:
President: Dan Larson (KD9M)
Vice-President: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)
Secretary: Gary Kaatz (W9TD)
Treasurer: Dean Hettel (WC9C)
Director: To fill opening created by expiration of Gary Dembski’s 2-year term.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD)
Wendell Smith (N9REP)
Nominations were solicited from the floor. None were heard.
A motion to close the nominations was made by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM) was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to elect the non-contested offices by acclamation. John Dewey (KA9CAR) seconded the motion and it was approved by unanimous voice vote.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) was elected to the open Director’s position.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) brought up the concept of building a vibrant youth community. He had been listening to the East Coast reflector on Allstar and heard many youths carrying on a professional sounding net. He challenged the membership to figure out how we can introduce that here. He suggested helping to sponsor a High School Amateur Radio Club.
Jack Hudson (W9MU) will be presenting “Small Antennas for HF”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 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 “Having Fun with Morse Code” by Anthony Luscre (K8ZT).
A motion to adjourn was made by John Kalenowsky (K9JK) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the August 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:03 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by John Cankar (W9JM). Ralph then welcomed new and returning members David Peterson (KD9VEJ), Dennis Limosnero (KD9VKX), Daniel Limosnero (KD9VLD) and Dean Limosnero (KD9VLE). Ralph then asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves.
Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) online, Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).
A total of 46 members were in attendance and 4 guests; David White, Rob Orr (K9RST), Lyle Giese (KD9RCN) and our speaker this evening, Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA).
The meeting minutes from the June 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 June and July. MCWA has a membership of 124 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.
June
| Opening Balance | $11,334.12 | |
| Deposits | $180.00 | ($30 dues and $150 donation) |
| Expenditures | $43.01- | ($12 domain renewal, $31.01 FD breakfast) |
| Interest | $0.09 | |
| Final Balance | $11,471.20 |
July
| Opening Balance | $11,471.20 | |
| Deposits | $25.00 | (dues) |
| Expenditures | $246.90- | (Maker Faire CPO parts) |
| Interest | $0.09 | |
| Final Balance | $11,249.39 |
Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 or 2023 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 next VE testing will be held on August 16 at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. See https://mcwa.org/license-exam for details and contact Steve Maresso (KB9OLD) at 847-477-3518 to reserve your spot.
John Cankar (W9JM) reported on the Trek 100 – Ride for Hope. He had 21 operators assisting, about 1785 riders and ~$1.2 million raised for the charity.
Rob Orr (K9RST) made an appeal for the next service opportunity which is the Chicago Marathon on October 9th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer.
Lyons “Freefest”: W9TD reported only about 20 sellers
South Milwaukee ARC Hamfest: W9TD reported that there were many sellers and the prices were good.
KARSFEST: no reports
Jefferson Outdoor Fest 2022, August 6, Spangler Campgrounds, Jefferson, WI
Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest, August 7, Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone, IL
W9UDU Free Fest 2022, August 14, Greater Racine Kennel Club, Racine, WI
SMCFest, August 27, Chicago Marriott Naperville, Naperville, IL
ARRL June VHF Contest: no reports
Stew Perry Topband Challenge: no reports
ARRL Field Day: Subject of later report
Thirteen Colonies: N9BSA and others participated noting that the French station was elusive
IARU HF World Championship: no reports
CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: no reports
North American QSO Party (RTTY): WB8BZK participated as well as several other members
10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB) – August 6-7
ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest – August 6-7
North American QSO Party (CW) – August 6-7
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest – August 20-21
North American QSO Party (SSB) – August 20-21
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.
The Club Field Day Report from Rush Creek was presented by Dan Larson (KD9M). There were 1467 CW, 272 SSB and 379 FT8/FT4 QSOs. We had 1350 Bonus points. The final score was 9278, an all-time high. We operated 2A and contacted 80 of the 85 sections.
The McHenry County RACES/ARES, operating out of the Government Center in Woodstock operating as K9ESV had 791 CW and 38 Phone QSOs also operating 2A.
The 415 Club was operating from Gary Dembski’s (W9GD) acreage as N9WH. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) reported 481 CW and 652 SSB QSOs for a final score of 3232. They had 23 visitors, 12 unlicensed and 9 under 18 youths.
The club officer’s election will be held at the September 6 meeting. The nominating committee consists of Gary Dembski (W9GD), David Whiteside (N9BSA) and Roger Scott (KF9D) – Chairman.
The current slate consists of:
President: Dan Larson (KD9M)
Vice-President: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)
Secretary: Gary Kaatz (W9TD)
Treasurer: Dean Hettel (WC9C)
Director: To fill opening created by expiration of Gary Dembski’s 2-year term.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD)
Wendell Smith (N9REP)
Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) will be presenting “Propagation and Amateur Radio” will follow the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, September 6, 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 “Small Antennas for HF” by Jack Hudson (W9MU).
A motion to adjourn was made by John Cankar (W9JM) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.
The July meeting was canceled due to a tornado warning issued for our immediate area forty-five minutes before the start of the meeting. Fortunately, the warning was canceled, but not before members return home.
Some members were able to chat via Zoom, but no official meeting was held.
