Category: Minutes

Subject: Meeting Minutes of Aug 2, 2016

The monthly August meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on August 2, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

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

President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. New member Jim, NB9Y from Huntley was introduced to the group.

Introductions around the room followed. Twenty-seven 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, and if you are not receiving the newsletter via email, you should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the July meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave, NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by John, KA9CAR. The motion passed by voice vote with one abstaining.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK was absent but passed along a report of $4468.81 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 92 plus 1 associate member. Kent, K9KMD made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Joe, K9DMV. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Club Librarian Jeff, KC9WSJ brought several older license manuals to the meeting to give away to anyone interested, along with several publications to lend out.

It was noted that Marty, W9MLP is in an assisted living home in Crystal Lake. Several members have made visits and have brought radio magazines to him.

Ken, KB9I announced that the 145.41 Mhz repeater now operates in Moto P25 digital mode as well as analog FM. Ken will also arrange to get members a club name badge for the cost of $10.

A VE testing session will be held August 16th at 7 pm at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. Steve, KB9OLD is the contact person.

Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.

Further on the topic of announcements, several contests and operating events of interest were discussed including the NAQP, 50 Mhz sprint, and UHF contest (AugustUHF.org). See the newsletter and QST for further details.

John, K9JK and Mike, WB8BZK recently returned from the Central States VHF 50th Conference in Rochester, Mn. They reported several interesting seminars, exhibits and demos, including portable moonbounce.

Dave, K9RUF advised the group that the Dayton Hamvention will relocate this year to the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio. Dave also mentioned the closing of the Amateur Electronics Stores (AES), with the Milwaukee location planned to reopen as a Ham Radio Outlet store.

Dave, NT9E informed club members that a ham breakfast has been scheduled at Kim and Patties Restaurant in McHenry on August 6th at 8:30 am. All are invited to attend.

Under the topic of New Business, Gary, KD9FML had previously suggested on the reflector that it might be of interest for members to have hats, shirts, or jackets containing the club logo. Gary had checked into a shop in Huntley called “Just for You Embroidery” that could supply embroidered articles, and had a copy of their catalog available. Gary will set up a digital copy of the club logo with them for those members interested.

John, KA9CAR had checked on pricing with a local screen-printing shop for club logo attire and will show a sample of their product at the next meeting.

President Jim reminded the membership that the September meeting will be election of officers. Dave, KA9OZP chairs the nominating committee with BOD members John, KA9CAR and Jack, W9MU. Anyone interested in running for a club office, should contact KA9OZP. 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.

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John, K9JK and seconded by John, K5JRD was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 pm.

After a short break, Mike, WB8BZK gave a very interesting and informative program on the ARRL’s National Parks on the Air (NPOTA) program, which celebrates 100 years since inception of the National Park Service. Mike is actively chasing the Parks on the Air stations.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

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

The July meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on July 5, 2016 in the Crystal Lake Bank meeting room.

The Pledge of Allegiance kicked off the meeting, led by Kent, K9KMD.

President Jim extended a welcome to all and asked if there were visitors or guests present. There were none present.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty 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, and if you are not receiving the newsletter via email, you should notify Jerry. Dave NT9E keeps the Facebook page up to date while Ken KB9I is the webmaster.

The minutes from the June meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. John, KA9CAR moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Joe, N9OK. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4668.60 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 91 plus 1 associate member. Dave, NT9E made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Dave, KD9ESL. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.

It was noted that the Peoria Hamfest is the same weekend as the W9DXCC Convention. Also mentioned was the upcoming hamfest at Aurora CC High School on Sunday July 10 sponsored by the FRRL group.

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. It was noted that there are several old, out of date license manuals in the collection. Tom, W9NBG made a motion to give the old license manuals to anyone interested. The motion was seconded by Gary, KD9FML and approved by voice vote.

Further on the topic of announcements, several contests and operating events of interest were discussed. See the newsletter and QST for further details.

Under the topic of Old Business, President Jim thanked the members of the club that participated in providing communications for the Woodstock Challenge Run in June.

There was no new business brought before the club.

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.

On the topic of future programs, N9OK felt that a presentation on DX Clusters would be of interest to the group.

Mike, KC9Q showed the latest product to his SAL-electronics.com product line, a 6 meter Halo antenna

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by John, K5JRD and seconded by Jeff, KC9WSJ was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 pm.

After a short break, Roger, KF9D gave a summary and wrap-up on the MCWA field day that was held June 25/26, 2016 at Emricson Park, Woodstock.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association
Regular Meeting minutes – June 7, 2016

The June meeting was called to order by President Jim, N7US at 7:00 p.m. on June 7, 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. There were none present.

Introductions around the room followed. Thirty-one 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 May meeting were published for review on the club website by Secretary Roger, KF9D. Dave NT9E moved to accept the minutes as published, seconded by Kent, K9KMD. The motion passed by voice vote.

Treasurer Joe, N9OK reported a balance of $4628.22 in the club treasury. Paid membership for 2016 is now up to 90 plus 1 associate member. John, K9JK made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by Glenn, K9GLN. The motion passed by voice vote.

Under the topic of announcements, Jim noted that VE testing, hamfest and Dxpedition calendars are well covered in the club newsletter by Jerry, N9AVY. Contact Jerry if you are not receiving the newsletter via email.

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. Eight club members had previously volunteered to assist in the event.

Further announcements, Jim reminded the group that the W9DXCC Convention will be held on Sept. 17, 2016 at the Hyatt Woodfield in Schaumburg, preceded on the 16th by DX and Contest University sessions. See W9DXCC.com for further details.

The most recent VE test session resulted in 2 passing license exams, one for Technician and one for Extra class licenses. John,

K9JK informed the group that the Central States VHF Society will hold its annual conference in Rochester, Mn. at the end of July. John also has tickets available for purchase for the Six Meter Club of Chicago hamfest at the Dupage Co. Fairgrounds to be held on June 19th.

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 brief update on the recent Dayton Hamvention was given by several members that attended.

Under the topic of Old Business, the new constitution requires that 2 positions be filled on the Board of Directors for the club. President Jim had nominated Dave, KA9OZP to chair the nominating committee with the assistance of the current officers. Dave presented two candidates for the positions; John, KA9CAR for a one year term expiring September 2017, and Jack, W9MU for a two year term expiring September 2018. Following these nominations, President Jim asked for further nominations from the floor. There were none. John, K9JK moved the nominations be closed, seconded by Joe, N9OK. The motion passed by voice vote. President Jim declared both nominees elected to the board for the terms noted above.

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 new business

A motion to adjourn the business meeting by Al, KB9EQ and seconded by Joe, K9DMV was made and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

After a short break, Roger, KF9D gave a presentation on the plans for the MCWA field day to be held June 25/26, 2016 at Emricson Park, Woodstock.

Respectfully Submitted, Roger Scott, KF9D, MCWA Secretary

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

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