Category: Minutes

Subject: Meeting Minutes of August 7, 2018

The August meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:01 p.m. on August 7, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 5 guests 2 of which became memebers: Tim KD9LEX, Bob KD9KZW, Tom KD6KHK, Dale KD9LBY, Jen KD9FMJ.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. Mike ND9G completed triple Play All states CW/Phone/Digital, LOTW confirmed.

Introductions around the room followed. 41 members + 3 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the June meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Vice President Mike, ND9G. David N9BSA moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Roger KF9D. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s June report: Started with $5032.70, had $40 of dues, Field Day expenses 330.41, and $1.26 interest. Ended with $4743.55. Member count is now 96 Voting members, and 9 family members. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Mike ND9G. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK Gave the highlights of the Board of Directors meeting highlights.

Approved maintaining MCWA dues at $10 for 2019
Approved non-Field Day K9RN callsign usage (with Trustee permission)
Approved MCWA 40th Anniversary Celebration
Approved the auction of Donated Equipment with proceeds going to the club
Approved planning of a December Social / Diner
Approved MCWA Members Only Reflector starting Jan 1st 2019
Approved the shifting of our January 1st Meeting to January 8th

mcwa.org getting some fresh updates from the Webmasters: Ken Farver KB9I and Mike Ricketts ND9G.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings over the next couple months.

• • Quincy IL Hamfest – Paloma, IL August 11th
  • Racine Megacycle Freefest – Racing, WI August 11th
  • Ozaukee RC’s Fall Swapfest – Cedarburg, WI September 8th
  • W9DXCC Convention – Schaumburg September 14th

Contests

• • WAE DX Contest, CW August 11-12
  • ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest August 18 – 19
  • North American QSO Party, SSB August 18-19
  • ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY August 19
  • Hawaii QSO Party August 25-26
  • 50 MHz Fall Sprint August 25-26
  • See the contest calendar for more…

President Mike WB8BZK anounced the September MCWA Auction with some of the items with a full list to be released on the reflector.
President Mike WB8BZK anounced the Dinner Social at Village Squire Nov 6th. Will be individual checks 6PM starts social and 7PM dinner.
President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for Feb and March 2019. Planned presentations are as follows: September – Auction, October (Jack W9MU) Antenna Analysis Software, December (Dan KD9M) Intro to Software Defined Radios.

September will also be Officer & Director Elections, and the MCWA 40th Anniversary.
Please talk to Jim N7US if you are interested in serving on the board. Jim is chairing the nomination committee.
Please make plans to attend the meeting, and inform your fellow members that may have missed the announcement.

Other Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge Project is on. The District is planning a STEM day for October 20th. Part of this will include the Merit Badge. MCWA will develop a program to ensure that the scouts meet the requirements in an achievable way.

Field Day Update
President Mike WB8BZK gave a quick presentation on Field Day for K9RN.
Kent K9KMD and Wendell N9REP did a great job cooking food for the weekend!
Great turn out for setup operating and tear down.
K9RN totals for Field day were 1369 CW, 0 Digital, 818 Phone, 1160 Bonus Points, total points 8272!
Excellent Teamwork by all!

John K9JK Visited several Field day sites made 67 contacts and had fun!
Gary KD9FML gave results from W9VB Field Day. They performed 2A CW they did old school no macros Used N3FJP for Logging, Worked in pairs to encourage all to participate.
Made 108 CW, 505 Phone for 2458 Pts total. All had Fun!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Following a short break, Ralph WB9ICF gave a presentation on “An introduction to the Raspberry Pi”. The program wrapped up at 9:20 PM.

Minutes recorded by Secretary Dan, KD9M

No meeting this month due to Field Day.

Subject: Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2018

The June meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:01 p.m. on June 5, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 5 guests: David N9BSA (joined during meeting), Dave K9UWB, Chris AC9GN, Warren KC9IL, and Al KB9EQ.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. David N9BSA recently passed General. John K9JK received an award from last year’s VHF contest. Joe N9OK and Mike ND9G completed CW Academy level 1 and level 2 respectively.

Introductions around the room followed. 41 members + 5 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the May meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. David N9BSA moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Kent K9KMD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s May report: Started with $4982.11, had $50 of dues, no expenditures, and $0.63 interest. Ended with $5032.74. Member count is now 89 Voting members, and 7 family members. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Roger KF9D. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
Gov. Rauner has proclaimed June 2018 as Amateur Radio Month in Illinois.

Participant and Logistics support help with the Woodstock Triathlon was requested. Sunday, August 5th. Please contact Ken Farver KB9I.

mcwa.org getting some fresh updates from the Webmasters: Ken Farver KB9I and Mike Ricketts ND9G.

A brief recap of MCWA presence at Hamvention was discussed with pictures. There was a fairly large contingent of MCWA members at Hamvention. John K9JK did a presentation on VHF. Overall attendance seemed to be up from last year, perhaps due to the fantastic pork chop sandwiches.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings over the next couple months.

• • Six Meter Club of Chicago, Antique Radio Club of Illinois, & Midwest Classic Radio Net June 17th
  • John K9JK had advanced tickets for sale.
  • South Milwaukee ARC Hamfest July 7th
  • Hamfesters Hamfest – Peotone, IL August 5th

Contests

• • 10-10 Int. Open Season PSK June 2-3
  • DigiFest June 2-3
  • ARRL June VHF Contest June 9-11
  • Stew Perry TopBand Challenge June 16-17
  • ARRL Field Day June 23-24
  • See the contest calendar for more…

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for October through December. Planned presentations are as follows: July – Field Day (Join us for weekend fun!), August (Ralph WB9ICF) An Introduction to Raspberry Pi, September (John N9DJ) Tower Grounding Techniques. A brief discussion was had about a program devoted to Show & Tell, as well as a possible equipment auction. These ideas are being entertained for a possible late year program.

September will also be Officer & Director Elections, and the MCWA 40th Anniversary.
Please talk to Jim N7US if you are interested in serving on the board. Jim is charing the nomination committee.
Please make plans to attend the meeting, and inform your fellow members that may have missed the announcement.

Other Announcements
John K9JK announced that CQWW VHF contest is held in July.

John KA9CAR announced that the monthly ham breakfast is moving from the first Saturday of the month to the third.

Wendell N9REP gave a report on the Udder Century Bike Run. There were over 1300 riders. This was the largest turnout of MCWA members for helping. Thanks to Noel KE9AU, April N9GYG, George KD9JBS, John N9SPG, Donna KD9SKY, Robert K9RXC, John KA9CAR, Mike KC9Q for volunteering.

Dave K9RUF announced the passing of Dan WA9WVX.

President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge Project is on. The District is planning a STEM day for October 20th. Part of this will include the Merit Badge. MCWA will develop a program to ensure that the scouts meet the requirements in an achievable way. The following have volunteered to help, in addition to those that previously volunteered: Ralph WB9ICF, David N9BSA, Dennis KA9PUC.

Field Day Update
Roger KF9D gave an update of plans for Field Day. We have a food captain. More members indicated an interest in attending.
Wendell N9REP advised that the county does not treat for mosquitoes, so be prepared and bring your own repellent.

Show & Tell
Pierre K9EYE showed his Super Antenna.
John KA9CAR showed his home brew cup holder radio mount.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM. Joe N9OK moved to close and the motion was seconded by Dave K9RUF.

Following a short break, Mike WB8BZK gave a presentation on his 80m Inverted-L installation. The program wrapped up at 9:13 PM.

Minutes recorded by Vice President Mike, ND9G

Subject: Meeting Minutes of May 1, 2018

The May meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on May 1, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 4 guests: Joe Witkens KD9KTA, Annite Candle, Donna (just passed Technician exam), Bob (just took and passed tech and General).

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. 2 Guest passed General testing, 1 passed Technician.

Introductions around the room followed. 34 members + 4 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the April meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. John KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Pierre K9EYE. The motion passed by voice vote.

Vice President Mike ND9G read the treasure report submitted by Treasurer Joe, N9OK gave the April report: Started with $4987.45, had $20 of dues, $25.98 for Domain renewal, and no interest yet. Ended with $4981.47. Member count is now 83 Voting members, and 7 family members. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by John K9KDM. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
mcwa.org getting some fresh updates from the Webmasters: Ken Farver KB9I and Mike Ricketts ND9G.

Dave Coooper KA9OZP retirement

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings over the next couple months.

• • The DeKalb Hamfest, Sandwich, IL May 6th
  • Hamvention May 18-20
  • Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest June 3rd

Contests

• • 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, CW May 5-6
  • Microwave Spring Sprint 5-May
  • Indiana QSO Party May 5-6
  • VOLTA WW RTTY Contest May 12-13
  • 50 MHz Spring Sprint May 12-13
  • RSGB 80m Club Championship, Data May 16
  • RSGB 80m Club Championship, CW May 24
  • CQ WW WPX Contest, CW May 26-27

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for October through December. Planned presentations are as follows: June (Mike WB8BZK) RT Systems Software for Rigs, July – Field Day (Join us for weekend fun!), August (Ralph WB9ICF) An Introduction to Raspberry Pi, September (John N9DJ) Tower Grounding Techniques.

September will also be Officer & Director Elections, and the MCWA 40th Anniversary.

Other Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK announced the donation of the Atlas & Dentron Power Amp from Roger McGregor.

President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone that Paul W9DWP is recovering from surgery and is monitoring the VARA 146.790 repeater if people would like to contact him

Leo Hunter K9GDI SK 4th of October 2017 is having a memorial service May 13th at 1pm. (this would have been his 100th birthday)

Wendell N9REP Announced there will be a Bike run June 3rd starting at McHenry County College from 7am to 5pm please talk with Wendell to sign up to help

President Mike WB8BZK informed everyone the Boy Scout Radio Merit Badge Project is on. The District is planning a STEM day for October 20th. Part of this will include the Merit Badge. MCWA will develop a program to ensure that the scouts meet the requirements in an achievable way. The following have volunteered to help: John K9JK, Mike ND9G, Dave K9RUF, Jack W9MU, Mike KC9Q, Sean KD9HVI, Dan KD9M, Dave NT9E, Erich KC9WRB.

Field Day Update
Roger KF9D gave an update of the site for Rush Creek with locations for the stations.

Show & Tell
Fred AC9RQ showed his 2m 70cm antenna using 300-ohm twin lead to create a folded dipole.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Mike ND9G moved to close and the motion was seconded by Keith N9QDS.

Following a short break, Dave K9RUF gave a presentation of “RT Systems Software for Rigs” Wrapped up the program at 8:43pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9M

Subject: Meeting Minutes of April 3, 2018

The April meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on April 3, 2018 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9RUF.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 5 guests: Charlie KD9KEX, Terry AC9RW, Jen KD9FMJ, Dan W9DPP, Joe taking test April 9th were in attendance.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. None Noted.

Introductions around the room followed. 38 members + 5 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the March meeting were posted for review by Secretary Dan, KD9M. Harold W9HB moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Ken KB9I. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK gave the February & March report: Started with $5167.02 had $90 of dues $270 for Field Day Site reservation with $0.43 in interest ended with $4987.45. Member count is now 81 Voting members, and 7 family members. Paypal is also setup now to pay dues. Make payment as send money to friend. Will send instructions out to the reflector. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Olaf W9FY. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
mcwa.org getting some fresh updates from the Webmasters: Ken Farver KB9I and Mike Ricketts ND9G.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings over the next couple months.

• • McHenry Monthly Ham Breakfast April 7th
  • Madison Hamfest April 7th
  • Algonquin Area Ham Breakfast, Golden Corral April 21st
  • The DeKalb Hamfest, Sandwich, IL May 6th
  • Hamvention May 18-20

Contests

• • PODXS 070 Club PSK 31 Flavors Contest Apr 7 – 8
  • SP DX Contest SSB & CW Apr 7 – 8
  • EA RTTY Contest Apr 7 – 8
  • 144 MHz Spring Sprint Apr 9 7pm till 11pm local
  • ARRL Rookie Roundup, SSB Apr 15
  • 222 MHz Spring Sprint Apr 17 7pm till 11pm local
  • 432 MHz Spring Sprint Apr 25 7pm till 11pm local
  • 10-10 Int. Spring Contest, Digital 28-Apr-29
  • SP DX RTTY Contest Apr 28-29
  • BARTG Sprint 75 29-Apr

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for October through December. Planed presentations are as follows: May – Inverted-L Installation, June – RT Systems Software for Rigs, July – Field Day (Join us for weekend fun!), August – An Introduction to Raspberry Pi.

Other Announcements
Ken KB9I announced 145.41 is back to analog open to all.

Pierre K9EYE Wed night 6 meter net 7:30 to 8:30, KD9FML volunteered to help people get on the net from his house.

Under the topic of old business,
Jim N7US announced the move to groups.io was very smooth 151 members on the reflector and almost all club members are on the reflector.

Roger KF9D gave an update of the site for Rush Creek with locations for the stations. About 24 of the attendees will be supporting Field Day activities for different groups, of which 12 will support the MCWA Rush Creek Site.

Mike WB8BZK announced the Boy Scout Merit Badge project is on. The district is planning a STEM day for October 20th. MCWA needs to develop a program and about 10 people agreed to help. More details will come future months.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Olaf W9FY moved to close and the motion was seconded by Mike ND9G.

Following a short break, Paula K9IR gave a presentation of “Biathlon for Geeks: Summits on the Air” Wrapped up the program at 9:22pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9M