Category: Minutes

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

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

Subject: Meeting Minutes of March 6, 2018

The February meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on March 6, 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: Bill KD9JYS, Sean KD9HVX, Keith, N9QDS, Kermit W9XA were in attendance.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. Gary KD9FML received WAS on 40meters FT8.

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

Minutes from the February meeting were printed for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. John KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Kent K9KMD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK gave the January report: Started with $4876.64 had $290 of dues with $0.38 in interest ended with $5167.02. Member count is now 83 members. Mike ND9G moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Paul W9DWP. The motion passed by voice vote.

President Mike, WB8BZK encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN. Also visit our Web page.

Announcements
Several Ham Fest over the next couple months. Tri-County ARC Hamfest Jefferson, WI March 18th, Milwaukee Radio Amateurs’ Club March 24th, Madison Hamfest April 7th. Sandwich Hamfest May 6th.

Contest Novice Rig Roundup March 3rd to 11th, Stew Perry Topband Challenge March 10th and 11th, BARTG HF RTTY Contest March 17th ~19th, Russian DX Contest March 17th to 18th, CW WW WPX Contest, SSB March 24th and 25th.

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for October through December. Planed presentations are as follows: April – Biathlon for Geeks: Summits on the Air, May – Inverted-L Installation, June – RT Systems Software for Rigs, August – An Introduction to Raspberry Pi.

Under the topic of old business,
Roger, KF9D talked about 2018 Field day planning. Look to do 2A + GOTA +VHF again. Will be held at Rush Creek Paul W9DWP made a motion to allow for a budget of $750 for field day expenses including site fees. The motion was seconded by Harold W9HB . The motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Show and tell

Dave K9RUF showed his remote rig setup with the IC7100, Piere K9EYE showed his Mag loop antenna that he built and was used to have a QRP contact with Texas, Gary KD9FML read the email from the contact confirming the QSO. Paul W9DWP showed his 2m 6m HT.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Mike ND9G moved to close and the motion was seconded by Roger KF9D
Following a short break, Kermit W9XA gave a presentation of “ARRL UPDATE” Wrapped up the program at 9:05pm.

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9M

Subject: Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2018

The February meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on February 6, 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 3 guests: George KD9JDS with his wife Sherrie, and Eric KC9WRB were in attendance.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for any License Upgrades, New awards etc. issued since Last meeting. Dan formerly KD9AHQ received new call KD9M.

Introductions around the room followed. 28members + 3 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the January meeting were printed for review at the meeting by Secretary Dan, KD9M. Mike ND9G moved to accept the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Roger KF9D. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK gave the January report: Started with $4655.82 had a donation of $80 from family of W4TYO. Dues of $60 with $0.41 in interest ended with 4796.23. Joe also gave the February report: Started with $4796.23 had dues of $80 and $0.41 in interest ending with $4876.64. John K9JK moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by John KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

President Mike, WB8BZK announced that dues for 2018 are now Past Due.

President Mike, WB8BZK encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN. Also visit our Web page.

President Mike, WB8BZK asked for a moment of silence for George Hellmann KD9EIZ SK.

Announcements
Several Ham Fest over the next couple months. LaPorte IN 24th Feb, Sterling Rock Falls 4th March, Jefferson WI 18th March and several others.

President Mike WB8BZK asked if anyone participated in the Winter Field Day. Pierre K9EYE worked QRP with Ham sticks worked several stations. Gary KD9FML worked 442 contacts. Vice President Mike ND9G worked RTTY contest conditions were fair had a few hundred QSO. President Mike WB8BZK had 25 quick QSO just checking.

President Mike WB8BZK asked for people to think about presentations for August through December.
Thoughts of Group IO conversion brought up for discussion looks like most groups are switching from Yahoo to Groups IO with problems and delays with Yahoo.

Under the topic of old business,
Roger, KF9D talked about 2018 Field day planning. Look to do 2A + GOTA +VHF again. Monitoring the site for noise but looks good now. Looking for other places for backup. Always need help with all areas. Setup, Tear down, Operate, Safety, just being around to interface with public etc.
Boy Scouts for a merit badge event. President Mike WB8BZK is waiting for them to get back.

Show and tell
Gary KD9WFL group of people always listening to 146.415 simplex waiting for QSO.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Dave K9RUF moved to close and the motion was seconded by Mike KC9Q

Following a short break, Kent Dulaney K9KMD gave a presentation of “Keep Lightning Outdoors”

Minutes recorded by Club Secretary Dan, KD9M

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – May 3, 2016

The May meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on May 3, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Jim, N7US.

President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Visitors and guests included Don N4TTD from St. Charles and Mark WB9MAI from Crystal Lake.

Introductions around the room followed. Forty-two people were in attendance for the meeting.

President Jim encouraged all to join the club Yahoo reflector, K9RN, visit the club website at mcwa.org, and join the MCWA Facebook page to keep up on club news and information. Jerry N9AVY is the newsletter editor, Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the April meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Ken, KB9I. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4567 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 88 plus 2 associate members. Kent K9KMD made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Dave, NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Jim reported the passing of Ed Stipulin, KB9GIN of Cary. Ed had been a regular at meetings until recently. Jim sent a sympathy card to the family on behalf of the club and received an appreciation note in return.

Regarding public service, in exchange for the use of the shelter Emricson Park for Field Day, MCWA has agreed to provide communications for the Woodstock Challenge Run on June 11. Ken KB9I volunteered to coordinate the communications event for the club. Members who indicated interest in participating included N7US, WB8BZK, K5JRD, KA9OZP, KA9TVU, N9ITO, KA9CAR, KC9Q, NT9E, and KC9WSJ. Ken will coordinate preparation for the activity via email.

Paul W9DWP announced that there will be a meeting of parties associated with the Valley Amateur Repeater Association (VARA) at the Colonial Café on McLean Blvd in Elgin on May 6th with dinner at 7:00 pm.

Further announcements, Gary KD9FML has upgraded to general. The members congratulated him on the accomplishment.

VE testing will be conducted on May 17th at the usual location.

Jack W9MU announced the W9DXCC Convention in Schaumburg on Sept. 17th which will be proceeded by DX University and Contest University on Sept. 16th. A great line-up of speakers has been planned for these events.

Operating activities and upcoming hamfests, contests, and DX-peditions, are well covered in the club newsletter.

Jeff, KC9WSJ, has previously volunteered to take over the position of club librarian. The material has been cataloged and a list of available material is on the club website. Members wishing to check out material should contact Jeff in advance so he can bring the requested material to the monthly meeting.

A short Field Day planning update was given by Roger, KF9D. Sign-up sheets for time slots on the 4 planned stations were circulated. John KA9CAR made a motion that the club authorize up to $500 to be spent on Field Day expenses at the discretion of FD Chairman Roger, KF9D. The motion was seconded by Joe N9OK and approved by voice vote.

The Dayton Hamvention is quickly approaching on May 20-22. President Jim asked for a show of hands on members planning to attend the event.

Jack W9MU informed the members about programs in the planning stages for future meetings. These include Field Day preparation at the June meeting, and further future programs on digital modulation modes, power amps, software defined radio, and a program from the ARRL division Vice-Director, W9XA.

President Jim invited everyone to join the group that meets at the Cottage in Crystal Lake immediately after the club meeting for pizza and camaraderie.

There was no old business.

For new business, our new club Constitution approved last month establishes a Board of Directors. This includes the current officers, past president and 2 directors to be elected by the membership. Dave KA9OZP has volunteered to head the nominating committee for the director positions. If interested in a club director position, contact Dave. The election will be held at the June meeting.

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John K9JK and seconded by Harold W9HB was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

After a short break, Jack W9MU hosted a question and answer session which included various topics of interest.

Respectfully Submitted,
Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary