Minutes – June 2018

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

Minutes – May 2018

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

Minutes – January 2018

Subject: Meeting Minutes of January 2, 2018

The January meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:01 p.m. on January 2, 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 1 guests: Fred AC9RQ was in attendance.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc issued since Last meeting; Terry AC9RW upgraded to extra and Hannah KD9JUN took and passed his General. Gary KD9FML received worked all states mixed Digital / FT8. Mike WB8BZK received 5 Band DXCC.

Introductions around the room followed. 33 members + 1 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the December meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Dan, KD9AHQ. John K9JK moved to accept the minutes with correction of missing attendance of 26 members and 2 visitors, and the motion was seconded by Roger KF9D. The motion passed by voice vote.

In Treasurer Joe, N9OK absence there was no treasury report for January.

President Mike, WB8BZK announced that dues for 2018 are now being collected but with Joe N9OK not being present you could mail the dues in or wait till next month.

President Mike, WB8BZK encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.

Several upcoming operating activities, Winter Field Day, Ham Breakfast Algonquin Golden Coral Jan 27th Waukesha Jan 6th.

Desmond KB3LKM will be traveling to Ireland and looking to operate. He is interested in ideas for portable antennas.

Under the topic of old business,
President Mike, WB8BZK talked about 2018 Field day planning and Roger KF9D will chair a committee and check the previously used location to see if noise issue is still present.

President Mike, WB8BZK is waiting for an update for the Boy Scouts for a merit badge event.

Under the topic of new business,
The radio donated by Kathy Pease was a Drake TR7 with power supply.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m. John KA9CAR moved to close and the motion was seconded by Dave NT9E

Following a short break, President Mike WB8BZK presented an interesting program: “Antarctic RF Adventure”.

All members left the bank facility at approximately 9:10 pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, (KD9AHQ), KD9M

Minutes – December 2017

Subject: Meeting Minutes of Dec 5, 2017

The December meeting was called to order by Vice President Mike, ND9G at 7:00 p.m. on December 5, 2017 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Joe K9DMV.
Vice President Mike ND9G extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 2 guests: Fred AC9RQ and John N9GU was also in attendance.

Vice President Mike ND9G asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc issued since Last meeting; Fred AC9RQ took license and went from no license to extra in his sitting. Hannah KD9JUN took and passed his tech and General.

Introductions around the room followed. 26 members + 2 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the August meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Dan, KD9AHQ. Mike KC9Q moved to accept the minutes as published, and the motion was seconded by John KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported starting balance of $4475.44, dues were paid in, and bank interest of $0.38 for a balance of $4655.82 in the treasury. The new member brought the paid membership to 96 full members. Dave NT9E made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report which was seconded by Cornel KK9DX. The motion passed by voice vote.

Vice President Mike ND9G encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.

Vice President Mike ND9G gave the 2017 K9RN Field day results showing for 2A we placed 1st in IL 4th for central area and 26th overall. Great job!

Several upcoming operating activities, Waukesha Jan 6th and Wheaton Jan 21st at the Kane county fair grounds.

Under the topic of old business,
John KA9CAR announced the club has radio equipment for loan and some misc. parts on the table for people to grab if wanted.

Vice President Mike ND9G talked about his setup for CQ World Wide 160 using only 50 watts and his gutter for an antenna. Making over 600 contacts and 4 countries.

Vice President Mike ND9G said planning for 2018 Field day will begin in January.

Vice President Mike ND9G said President Mike WB8BZK is working with the Boy Scouts for a merit badge event after the holidays.

Under the topic of new business,
KB9I repeater will migrate to P25 Only.
Dan KD9AHQ talked about Furman power filter that helped to clean up noise floor in his shack.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. John KA9CAR moved to close and the motion was seconded by Mike KC9Q.

Following a short break, Tom presented an interesting program: “FM Operations & FT70DR Talkie”. All members left the bank facility at approximately 9 pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9AHQ

Minutes – November 2017

Subject: Meeting Minutes of November 7, 2017

The November meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on November 7, 2017 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: John Denore no license, Tom Schmitt no license, Kyler Baker (Boy Scout Leader), David Beeson (Boy Scout Leader), Richard Quaas NQ9R were visitors.

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

Introductions around the room followed. 30 members + 5 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the August meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Dan, KD9AHQ. John KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes as published, and the motion was seconded by Dave NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported starting balance of $4378.99, $180 in dues paid in, the purchase of a projector bulb $83.94 and bank interest of $0.39 for a balance of $4475.44 in the treasury. The new member brought the paid membership to 96 full members. John K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer�s report which was seconded by Joe K9DMV. The motion passed by voice vote.

President Mike WB8BZK encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN.

President Mike WB8BZK called for a moment of silence for ex member SK Leo Hunter K9GDI, and Neil Kern W9CNC.

President Mike WB8BZK and John KA9CAR gave a report on Jamboree on the air.

Boy Scout leaders Kyle Baker and David Beeson thanked the club and handed out patches to the club members that supported the event. They also said the feedback from the scouts was very positive. Kyle and David also asked about doing a session for the Radio merit badge next year some time. Will get more details off line.

Several upcoming operating activities, including contests, were highlighted. Algonquin Area Ham Breakfast report, Fort Wayne Ham fest, Milwaukee repeater Club Swap Fest See QST for additional contest details. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

Under the topic of old business, John KA9CAR announced the club has radio equipment for loan and some misc. parts on the table for people to grab if wanted.

Under the topic of new business, President Mike WB8BZK and Gary KD9FML brought up noise issue at field day location and to think about suggestions for new location, or help to find the noise source.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Olaf W9FY moved to close and the motion was seconded by Gary KD9FML.

Following a short break, John KA9CAR presented an interesting program: “Non-resonant Antennas”.

All members left the bank facility at approximately 9 pm. Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9AHQ