Minutes – April 2016

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – April 5, 2016

The April meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on April 5, 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 Mark, WB9MRB from Streamwood, Joe, KD9FHT from Crystal Lake, John from our MCC class, and Jonathan son of Dave KD9ESL.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-six 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 March meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4507.45 in the club treasury. Expenses for the past month included $744 previously authorized by the membership for a new projector. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 85 members. John, KA9CAR made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Mike, KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Jack, W9MU gave the members a wrap-up report on the “Introduction to Amateur Radio” class at McHenry County Community College. The 5 members enrolled attended all sessions to the final class. A demonstration night at Jack’s shack took place the week following the final class.
Dave, K9RUF gave a report on the AES Superfest in Milwaukee, saying it was well attended and featured representatives from the big 3 manufacturers. Dave, KD9ESL added that as a ham gathering it seemed small, but the forum speakers were impressive.

President Jim reminded new members that club call sign badges can be obtained through Ken, KB9I at a cost of $10.

On the subject of public service, Al KB9YMD told the group of upcoming ARES training sessions to be held on April 12 and April 16 at the Mental Health Center in Crystal Lake.

Operating activities and upcoming hamfests, contests, and DX-peditions, are well covered in the club newsletter. Two big DX-peditions are on the horizon, VK0EK and FT4JA to keep members occupied. 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.

President Jim turned the floor over to Vice-President Mike, WB8BZK who give an overview to the membership of the changes to the club constitution that were proposed and distributed last month. Both the current and proposed constitution have also been viewable on the club website. Following the procedure outlined for change given in the current constitution, a quorum, consisting of one-third of current paid members, was necessary to amend the constitution. Thirty-three of the current 85 paid members were present to satisfy the quorum requirement. Ballots were handed out to each paid member present. Thirty-one ballots were collected resulting in unanimous approval for the new constitution.

Ray, N9RWC spoke on behalf of the membership, thanking the officers for their hard work on the new club constitution.

A short Field Day planning update was given by Roger, KF9D.

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

There was no additional new business.

After a short break, Jack W9MU presented a very informative program on non-resonant HF antennas. Using the antenna analysis application EZNEC, Jack showed comparisons of various commonly used non-resonant antennas.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Minutes – February 2016

Subject: Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2016

The February meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on February 2, 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 and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Mike KC9TCW from Woodstock and Craig (no call) from Woodstock were visitors.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-three 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.

The minutes from the January meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave, N9ITE moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of roughly $5,000 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 60 members. Dues for the calendar year 2016 are now being accepted. John, K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer�s report, seconded by Dave, NT9E. The motion passed by voice vote.

Jack, W9MU, reminded the club that the �Introduction to Amateur Radio� class at McHenry County Community College will begin February 18 and continue for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings. Twenty general information amateur radio topics will be presented in the course. Jack has contacted 20 northern Illinois radio clubs to gain publicity for the classes, as well as putting a notice in the NW Herald events section. Cost is $49 for an adult and $15 for a student.

Ray, N9RWC informed the club that the K9ESV emergency services group had recently sponsored a �ham cram� course with 13 people participating. A testing session followed the course with 12 of the attendees successfully passing the licensing test.

President Jim noted that the club has a collection of radio library information, and will contact Marty, W9MLP to confirm that he is in possession of the material.

On the topic of Field Day, a new site is likely needed for this year as most of the area where the club operated the previous 2 years has been turned into farm fields. Club members should research any appropriate sites and discuss these at the March meeting. Ideas can be floated on the club email reflector for comments.

Dave, K9RUF commented that he was given a tour of WB9Z�s impressive station. Dave also noted the great website maintained by WB9Z.

On the topic of operating activities, it was noted that the South Georgia Island Dxpedition, VP8SGI is currently underway. The DXpedition to Palmyra Island, K5P, has recently concluded. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

Upcoming hamfests were discussed, including Radio Expo at Belvidere on Sept. 24th. See QST for further hamfest details.

Under old business, Mike, WB8BZK inquired about who held the file for the club brochure. Dave, N9ITE offered that he has the master file. Mike offered to print some brochures and take them to future radio events that he will attend in order to gain club publicity.

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

There was no new business.

After a short break, Jack, W9MU presented a very informative program on VSWR. Using the computer application SIM Smith, Jack demonstrated how much loss is possible in various transmission lines under certain antenna mismatch conditions.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Minutes – January 2016

Subject: Meeting Minutes of January 5, 2016

The January meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on January 5, 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 and asked if there were visitors or guests present. Fred from Prairie Grove, Andy, Bill and Mark K9PRZ were all visitors.

President Jim stressed that many club members are interested and available to help whoever needs ham radio help. Please contact Jim to help set up a connection.

Introductions around the room followed. 32 people were in attendance for the meeting.

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

President Jim encouraged members to send Jerry N9AVY, our newsletter editor, more club-specific input for the monthly newsletter.

The minutes from the December meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Jerry N9AVY moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of roughly $4,700 in the club treasury. 2016 paid membership is now up to 46 members. Dues for the calendar year 2016 are now being accepted. Send dues checks to Joe N9OK. John K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by John K5JRD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Dave KB9OLD announced that 2016 VE testing sessions will be held in Woodstock on the third Tuesday of each quarter (Feb, May, Aug & Nov). There is the required $15 fee. No advanced appointment is required.

Jack, W9MU, reminded the club that the “Introduction to Amateur Radio” class at McHenry County Community College will begin February 18 and continue for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings. Twenty general information amateur radio topics will be presented in the course.

Upcoming hamfests were announced for the Waukesha Swapfest this Saturday January 9th and for the WCRA hamfest that will be held at the Kane county fair grounds on January 17th.

Jim, N7US advised club members that club callsign badges can be arranged through Ken, KB9I by sending him a check for $10.

The February program “Standing Wave Ratio” will be the first installation of a three part series to be presented by Jack, W9MU.

Several upcoming operating activities, including contests, were highlighted. See QST for contest details. Up-to-date DX information can be obtained from DailyDX.com.

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

Under the topic of old business, John KA9CAR asked about progress in procuring a new projector for use at club meetings. KB9JP offered his personal projector for club use for the foreseeable future.

There was no new business.

After a short break at 7:30 p.m., Vice President Mike WB8BZK led an interesting panel session with fellow MCWA members Jim N7US, Cornell KK9DX, John K9JK & Dave K9RUF. The program included discussions on a wide variety of ham radio experiences, knowledge and skills. There was something for just about everyone!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Meeting minutes were recorded by WB8BZK and N9ITE in KF9D’s absence.

Respectfully Submitted,

Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Minutes – September 2019

Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2019

The September meeting was called to order by President Mike, WB8BZK at 7:00 p.m. on Sep 3, 2019 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Dave K9AT.

President Mike, WB8BZK extended a welcome and asked if there were visitors or guests present. We had 2 guests: Gary W9TD, and Karen KB9DGN.

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

Introductions around the room followed. 43 members and 2 guests were in attendance for the meeting.

Minutes from the August meeting were posted on the mcwa.org website for review by Secretary Dan KD9M. John K9JK moved to accept the minutes with emailed updates, and the motion was seconded by Mike KC9Q. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe N9OK read the Treasurer’s September report:
Started with $5566.72, Deposits $40.00: Dues $40.00;
Expenses ($220.00):ARRL Insrance for 2019-2020 $200.00, Interest $0.22.
Ending balance: $5406.94
Member count is now 122 Voting members, 114 full members and 8 family members. Joe W9JCS moved to accept the Treasurer report, and the motion was seconded by Mike ND9G. The motion passed by voice vote.

Announcements
President Mike WB8BZK anounced Gary’s KD9FML mother passed August 23rd, President Mike’s WB8BZK Father-in-law passed away. President Mike asked for a moment of silence.

Several Ham Fests/Gatherings recently and upcoming.

Quincy IL Hamfest Paloma, IL Aug 11th
Racine Megacycle Freefest – Racine, WI Aug 11th.  nt alot of stuff.
Ozaukee RC’s Fall Swapfest – Cedarburg, WI September 8th
W9DXCC Convention- St. Charles September 14th
Peoria Superfest – Peoria September 15th
CFMC Radio Expo – Belvidere September 29th
Superfest HRO – Milwaukee September 27th/28th

Contests

See the contest calendar …

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

October Arduino and ESP-8266 in the ham shack Ralph WB9ICF
November MCWA Dinner / Social
December Ham Radio in the mid-1950s Tom W9NBG
January TBD TBD
February TBD TBD
March ARRL Update Kermit W9XA

Other Announcements
Kirk KD9KPA If you are interested in some old QSTs contact him.
Pierre K9EYE anounced Dave KD9ESL returned from Florida and is listening on the repeater but still not able to speak after the stroke. Reach out and say hi.

New Business
Scout Camporee October 5th. Jurassic Island theme. Would like us to setup communications to the outside world “if something went wrong”
Requesting 2 Amateur Radio Stations, Morse Code Demo & Activity
Activity will be on 2 Meters and 6 Meters
Need Volunteers for the following

Projet Co-Leader
Bring & Setup two stations & Antennas
Station Operators
Morse Code Demo & Activity
Quick Introduction to our Activity
Provide ready Local Home / Mobile QSOs
Ham Related Video for 60 inch monitor
Tear Down

Dave K9AT is building a resource list. Please send Dave where you get parts for Ham radio projects and other needs. This will be posted to the web site when finished.

Election of new Officers & Director
Nominating committe:
Chairperson: Kent Dulaney K9KMD
Directors-at-large: Roger KF9D & Gary KD9FML

2 Officers have agreed to serve again if elected:

President – Mike Metroka WB8BZK
Vice President – Dan Larson KD9M (move over from Secretary)

 
Nominating committee has selected these additinoal canidates:
Secretary – Ralph Iden WB9ICF
Treasurer – Dean Hettel WD9FOO
Director (2-year term) – Mike Salak KC9Q

Nominations from the floor
Pierre K9EYE nominated Ralph Iden WB9ICF for President
Ralph declined this nomination to keep the nomination for Secretary
Pierre K9EYE nominated Dave K9AT for Vice President
Dave declined this nomination at this time
Pierre K9EYE nominated Ken KO9H for Director
Ken declined this nomination at this time
President Mike WB8BZK asked for a voice vote of acclamation for the nominations. 1 abstain, 41 Voted Yes

The business meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.
Loren K3RFC moved to adjourn, and the motion was seconded by Dean WD9FOO. The motion passed by voice vote.

Following a short break, President Mike WB8BZK Started the Auction The program wrapped up at 8:52 PM.

Minutes recorded by Secretary Dan, KD9M