Category: Minutes

MCWA Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2022

Prior to tonight’s meeting, a pizza party was held in the Algonquin Township meeting room.

President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the December 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:02 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Dan then asked everyone to introduce themselves.

Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD),  Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).

A total of 44 members were in attendance and 4 guests: Keith Schreiter (N9QDS), Warren Pugh (KC9IL), Bob Kieffer (K9FS) and Sue Sayles.

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the November 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to accept the minutes and Ken Farver (KB9I) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Membership and Financial Reports

Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for October and November. MCWA has a membership of 127 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.

October

Opening Balance	$10,712.37
Deposits	$80.00	($40 dues and $40 donation)
Expenditures	$164.31-	(Flag – Mike Metroka (WB8BZK))
	$5.00-	(Digital Ocean)
	$35.00-	(POBox subscription)
Interest	$0.10
Final Balance	$10,588.16

November

Opening Balance	$10,588.16
Deposits	$331.90	(Dues)
Expenditures	$1.53-	(Digital Ocean)
Interest	$0.09
Final Balance	$10,918.62

Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Ken Farver (KB9I) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.

Announcements

The monthly McHenry Ham Breakfast is held the first Saturday of every month at Buddyz in McHenry at 8:00 AM. The latest was this past Sauruday, December 3. Contact Dave (NT9E) for more information.

Hamfest and Event Update

 Past:

Friendly Fest: no reports

Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo: no reports

Upcoming:

WCRA Mid-Winter Hamfest, January 15, 2023, St. Charles, IL

ORC 43^rd Annual Spring Indoor Swapfest, May 6, Cedarburg, WI

DeKalb Hamfest, May 7, Sandwich, IL

Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 4, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds

Midwest Superfest, September 16-17, Chillicothe, IL

Contest Reports

ARRL Sweepstakes (CW): W9TD participated with 83 of 84 sections

 WAE DX Contest (RTTY): NT9E and WB8BZK participated

 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint: no reports

 10-10 Intl Fall Contest (Digital): no reports

 ARRL Sweepstakes (SSB): no reports

 Run for the Bacon QRP Contest: no reports

 SKCC Sprint: no reports

 CQ WW DX Contest (CW): W9TD participated

 160 Meter Contest (CW) December 2-4: KF9D and WB8BZK participated. Mike reported 475 QSO’s

FT Roundup December 3-4: KC9GPY participated

MCWA Field Day Report

5^th place overall 2A
1^st place 2A Central Division
Highest score ever: 9278 for 2118 QSOs

A special thank you went out to the Station Captains, Cook, Site Manager, Greeter & Trainer, setup & teardown team, all operators and visitors and everyone who operated as a Delta station. We also thanked Dan for being the Field Day Chairman.

Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) reported on the 415’s Field Day, highlighting Fun and Food. He also noted that Winter Field Day is coming up on January 28-29.

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

January 3, 2023 QSL’ing, by John Cankar (W9JM)

Awards and license upgrades

Sean Park (KD9VWL) reported that he upgraded to General.

Old Business

 None

New Business

None, but Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) mentioned that he saw several members not wearing name badges tonight and noted that Ken Farver (KB9I) was taking orders for them tonight and on the MCWA website.

Wrap up

Following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting, we will be having a QRP Showcase and Show & Tell by MCWA members. Dan solicited more presentations from the membership.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “QSL’ing” by John Cankar (W9JM). A motion to adjourn was made by John Kalenowsky (K9JK) and seconded by Dean Hettel (WC9C). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:36 PM.

Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.

MCWA Meeting Minutes of November 1, 2022

DRAFT

President Dan Larson (KD9M) called the November 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed. Dan announced that Jerry Heinen (N9AVY) passed away on October 2, 2022. Dan recalled that Jerry was one of Dan’s first contacts and a new ham. Jerry was a founding member of MCWA and its newsletter editor for many years. An avid DX-er, he loved contesting and was a member of the Northern Illinois DX Association (NIDXA). Dan asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jerry. Dan welcomed new member Sean Park (KD9VWL). Dan then asked everyone to introduce themselves.

Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).

A total of 35 members were in attendance and no guests.

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the October 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to accept the minutes and Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Membership and Financial Reports

Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) was not in attendance, so Dan presented the membership and financial reports for October. MCWA has a membership of 127 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.

Opening Balance	$10,712.37
Deposits	$396.00	($30 dues and $366 donation)
Expenditures	$164.31-	(Flag – Mike Metroka (WB8BZK))
	$5.00-	(Digital Ocean)
	$35.90-	(POBox subscription)
Interest	$0.00
Final Balance	$10,588.06

The reported deposits are the same as last month’s and the numbers don’t add up, so Dean will have to amend and report these at the next meeting. Dan reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and John Kalenowsky (K9JK) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.

Announcements

The first Saturday of the month is the McHenry Monthly Ham Breakfast held at Buddyz at 1138 N. Green Street, McHenry. People gather at 8:00 AM and recent breakfasts have had over 20 attendees.

Chicago Marathon Report

Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) provided a recap of the Chicago Marathon that has held on October 9^th. Several months back, MCWA was given the opportunity to assist with radio communications for the event.

Although MCWA didn’t participate as a group, several of our members were part of the 130 plus radio amateurs participating in the event.

Mike (WB8BZK), Roger Scott (KF9D), John Cankar (W9JM), and marathon veteran, George Slominski (W9AUM) were part of the Course Medical Team – 4, located at mile-marker 6.  Setup started at 5 AM, with net check-ins beginning at 6:30 AM. The first of the wheelchair racers appeared 18 minutes after the start of the race, followed by the elite runners at the 27-minute mark, and a near ending stream of runners and walkers for the next two hours. The last walker passed by at 10:30 AM followed by the pace car and Streets & Sanitation cleanup crew.

Consider volunteering as a radio operator at the next Marathon, which will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Sign-up will be in August, with announcements made at meetings. Mike would like to put together a team from MCWA next year, so our club call can be put on the list at being at a station.

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Hamfest and Event Update

PAST

None

UPCOMING

Friendly Fest, November 5, Elks Lodge, Milwaukee

Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo, November 19-20, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

Winterfest, ARRL Midwest Division Convention, January 28, 2023, Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL

Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest, June 4, 2023, Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds

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Contest Reports

There were several reports of participation, but I could not discern who was speaking from the recording.

432 MHz Fall Sprint:

Microwave Fall Sprint:

Oceania DX Contest (CW):

10-10 International Fall Contest (CW):

Illinois QSO Party:

ARRL School Club Roundup:

Stew Perry Topband Challenge:

CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB):

Upcoming:

ARRL Sweepstakes (CW) – November 5-7

WAE DX Contest (RTTY) – November 11-13

10-10 Intl Fall Contest (Digital) – November 11-13

ARRL Sweepstakes (SSB) – November 19-21

CQ WW DX Contest (CW) – November 25- 27

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

December 6 QRP Showcase and Show & Tell

January 3, 2023 TBD

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Awards and license upgrades

Sean Park (KD9VWL) recently earned his Technician license.

Board of Directors Meeting Recap

 President Dan Larson (KD9M) reported on the October 18 Board of Director’s meeting. He reported the club was healthy with a strong and stable membership number. Meeting attendance was lower during the pandemic but is rebounding including more in-person attendance. Finances are also strong due to revenue from equipment auction and under budget spending. The budget and expenses were presented showing that we were $1,200.88 under budget:

 

Item	Budgeted	Spent
Field Day	$750.00	$694.32
Liability Insurance	$225.00	$200
Picnic/Dinner social	$750.00	$0
Outreach (Makers Faire)	$300.00	$246.90
Meeting Room Enhancements	$300.00	$0
Zoom Subscription	$150.00	$149.90
Website	$115.00	$79.00
Misc.	$200.00	$219.00
Totals	$2,790.00	$1,589.12

The proposed 2022-2023 budget is:

 

Expense		Notes
Field Day	$750.00	May need to increase based on food and facility ($694 in 2022)
Liability Insurance	$200.00
Pizza Party	$500.00	For Dec, need motion in Nov meeting
Dinner Social	$300.00
Outreach	$300.00	Scouts, Maker Faire…
Zoom	$150.00
Website	$130.00	35+80+12
Meeting Enhancements	$500.00	Webcam, tripod, cables, microphones
Misc.	$50.00
	$2,880.00

Dan noted that we still need a Program Chair and a person to handle the Zoom meeting, so Dean can focus on Treasurer duties. David Whiteside (N9BSA) is handling the Zoom meeting tonight.

Other items for consideration include possibly holding a Fox Hunt and that September 18, 2023 is the 45^th anniversary of the club’s founding. We intend to do something special for the September 2023 meeting.

Old Business

A new flag and stand was purchased by Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) for use at our meeting location. The cost was $164.31 for the flag, flagpole, base, tassel, and perched eagle. The flag will be offered as a donation to Algonquin Township as a small token of our appreciation for the use of the meeting area.

New Business

The December meeting will be a Pizza Social for our members and their guests. Pizza and drinks will be provided with a program following: “QRP Showcase & Show-and-Tell”. Look for more information on the K9RN reflector later this month.

John Dewey (KA9CAR) said that a team took down Jerry’s (N9AVY) antennas and has two tri-banders available: a Mosley tribander and Force 12 C3. If there are no MCWA members interested in these items, they will be put on e-Bay or QRZ. Please contact John (KA9CAR) if you are interested in these items.

Wrap up

Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO) will be presenting “Working the Pileup”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting. Dan solicited more presentations from the membership.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “QRP Showcase and Show & Tell”.

A motion to adjourn was made by Roger Scott (KF9D) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 PM.

Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.

MCWA Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2022

President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the October 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:01 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph informed everyone that at the Portillo’s pre-meeting event; Jack Hudson (W9MU) had a medical event and was taken to the hospital. Subsequently he was released and is resting at home. Ralph welcomed new member Andrew White (KD9VUT).  Ralph then asked everyone to introduce themselves. Ralph thanked the prior board members and noted some of the accomplishments of his tenure, then introduced incoming President Dan Larson (KD9M). Dan thanked Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) and Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) for stepping up to Director and Vice President, respectively. He also thanked Ralph for his service to the club.

Board members present were Kent Dulaney (K9KMD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M), Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and David Whiteside (N9BSA).

A total of 39 members were in attendance and 2 guests, including our speaker for tonight, Anthony Luscre (K8ZT) and Keith Schreiter (N9QDS).

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the September 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. David Whiteside (N9BSA) moved to accept the minutes and John Cankar (W9JM) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Membership and Financial Reports

Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 127 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.

Opening Balance	$11,134.49
Deposits	$396.00	($30 dues and $366 donation)
Expenditures	$663.31-	(Field Day food – Wendell (N9REP))
	$5.00-	(Digital Ocean fee for automatic payments)
	$149.90-	(Zoom renewal through 9-26-2023)
Interest	$0.09
Final Balance	$10,712.37

Dean thanked W9GD, KC9GPY, WB9ICF and KA9CAR for their assistance in selling donated items at Radio Expo. Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. John Kalenowsky (K9JK) moved to accept the treasurer’s report and Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) seconded the motion. Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.

Announcements

The Chicago Marathon will be on October 9^th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer. The last day to volunteer is Friday, October 7.

There are some items donated by Larry Miglore (KB9DIP) that are looking for a good home (free) and are on the side table.

Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO), our ARRL Illinois Assistant Section Manager, needs help for a Scout Camporee at the McHenry County Fairgrounds on October 8. A Ham radio table needs to be set up and staffed. David Whiteside (N9BSA) noted that it is not for a local scout district council. Any volunteers need to be youth certified.

The annual MCWA Board of Directors meeting will be on Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30PM using Zoom. It is open to all members.

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Hamfest and Event Update

PAST

W9DXCC Convention: no reports

Midwest Superfest: no reports

QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo: no reports

HRO Superfest: Several members attended. K9AT noted that RT Systems now support the Anytone DMR radios.

Radio Expo: KC9GPY noted that all items donated to the 415 were sold. K9AT, W9GD, KA9CAR and WB9ICF also attended.

UPCOMING

Friendly Fest, November 5, Elks Lodge, Milwaukee

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Contest Reports

Rt. 66 special event: no reports

Worked All Europe DX Contest: no reports

ARRL September VHF Contest: K9JK participated

Wisconsin Parks on the Air: no reports

ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: K9JK participated

144 MHz Fall Sprint: K9JK participated

CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY): no reports

Oceania DX Contest (SSB): no reports

Upcoming:

432 MHz Fall Sprint, October 5

Microwave Fall Sprint, October 8

Makrothen RTTY Contest, October 8-9

Oceania DX Contest (CW), October 8-9

10-10 International Fall Contest (CW), October 15-16

Illinois QSO Party, October 16-17

ARRL School Club Roundup, October 17-21

Stew Perry Topband Challenge, October 22-23

CQ Worldwide DX Contest (SSB), October 29-30

Dan also noted, in the spirit of the presentation for tonight, that there are several CW mini-contests, each lasting one hour.

K1USN Slow Speed Test (SST) (<20 WPM): Fridays and Sundays

International CW Council Medium Speed Test (MST) (20-25 WPM): three times on Mondays

CWops Test (CWT) (>25 WPM): three times on Wednesdays

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)

December 6 TBD

January 3, 2023 TBD

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Awards and license upgrades

None reported.

Old Business

None

New Business

Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) made a motion that the club spend at most $300 on a new flag and stand to be gifted to the Algonquin Township for use at our meetings. The motion was seconded by Gary Dembski (W9GD) and was approved unanimously.

Wrap up

Anthony Luscre (K8ZT) will be presenting “Having Fun with Morse Code”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting. Dan solicited more presentations from the membership.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Working the Pileup” by Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)

A motion to adjourn was made by Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) and seconded by Dave Whaley (NT9E). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 7:49 PM.

Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.

MCWA Meeting Minutes of September 6, 2022

President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the September 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:09 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Dave Holmgren (K9AT). Ralph then asked for a minute of silence for Rob Leveranz (KA9RBI). He welcomed new member Stan Safranski (WJ9U). Ralph then asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves.

Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).

A total of 38 members were in attendance and one guest: Andrew White.

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the August 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. John Kalenowsky (K9JK) mentioned a typo that was subsequently corrected. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Membership and Financial Reports

Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for August. MCWA has a membership of 126 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.

Opening Balance	$11,249.39
Deposits	$85.00	($45 dues and $40 donation)
Expenditures	$200.00-	(MCWA Liability Insurance)
Interest	$0.10
Final Balance	$11,134.49

Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 or 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting.  Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.

Announcements

The Chicago Marathon will be on October 9^th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer. John Cankar (W9JM) reported that he was short one volunteer for his team.

A number of items were donated by Mike Mailloux. Gary Dembski (W9GD) is temporarily storing them. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) inventoried the items and put it out on the reflector. Having no takers from MCWA the items will be taken to Radio Expo if the club has a table. Otherwise some could be donated to new High School station or auctioned off in the future.

There are some items donated by Larry Miglore (KB9DIP) that are looking for a good home (free).

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Hamfest and Event Update

PAST

Jefferson Outdoor Fest 2022: no reports

Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest: no reports

W9UDU Free Fest 2022: no reports

SMCFest: K9JK reported good attendance and good presentations.

UPCOMING

W9DXCC Convention, Chicago Marriott Naperville, September 16-17

Midwest Superfest, Expo Gardens, Peoria, IL, September 17-18

QSO Today Virtual Ham Radio Expo, September 17-18

HRO Superfest, Ham Radio Outlet, Milwaukee, WI, September 23-24

Radio Expo, Boone County Fairgrounds, Belvidere, IL, September 25

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Contest Reports

10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB): no reports

 ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest: no reports

 North American QSO Party (CW): KC9GPY tried out a new 40-meter rotary dipole and made 432 QSOs with 92 multipliers in ten hours of operating

 ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest: no reports

 North American QSO Party (SSB): no reports

Upcoming:

Rt. 66 special event, September 10-18

Worked All Europe DX Contest, September 10-11

ARRL September VHF Contest, September 10-12

Wisconsin Parks on the Air, September 17

ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest, September 17-18

144 MHz Fall Sprint, September 19

CQ Worldwide DX Contest (RTTY), September 24-25

Oceania DX Contest (SSB), October 1-2

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

October 4  Having Fun with Morse Code – Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)

November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)

December 6 TBD

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Awards and license upgrades

Gary Kaatz (W9TD) was awarded DXCC-Digital, VUCC and WAS, 40-10 FT8.

Old Business

The club officer’s election was held. The nominating committee consists of Gary Dembski (W9GD), David Whiteside (N9BSA) and Roger Scott (KF9D) – Chairman.

The current slate consists of:
President: Dan Larson (KD9M)
Vice-President: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)
Secretary: Gary Kaatz (W9TD)
Treasurer: Dean Hettel (WC9C)
Director: To fill opening created by expiration of Gary Dembski’s 2-year term.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD)
Wendell Smith (N9REP)

Nominations were solicited from the floor. None were heard.

A motion to close the nominations was made by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM) was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) moved to elect the non-contested offices by acclamation. John Dewey (KA9CAR) seconded the motion and it was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Kent Dulaney (K9KMD) was elected to the open Director’s position.

New Business

President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) brought up the concept of building a vibrant youth community. He had been listening to the East Coast reflector on Allstar and heard many youths carrying on a professional sounding net. He challenged the membership to figure out how we can introduce that here. He suggested helping to sponsor a High School Amateur Radio Club.

Wrap up

Jack Hudson (W9MU) will be presenting “Small Antennas for HF”, following the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Having Fun with Morse Code” by Anthony Luscre (K8ZT).

A motion to adjourn was made by John Kalenowsky (K9JK) and seconded by John Cankar (W9JM). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.

MCWA Meeting Minutes of August 2, 2022

President Ralph Iden (WB9ICF) called the August 2022 hybrid meeting (in-person and by Zoom) to order at 7:03 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by John Cankar (W9JM). Ralph then welcomed new and returning members David Peterson (KD9VEJ), Dennis Limosnero (KD9VKX), Daniel Limosnero (KD9VLD) and Dean Limosnero (KD9VLE). Ralph then asked everyone in the room to introduce themselves.

Board members present were Gary Dembski (W9GD), Dean Hettel (WC9C), Ralph Iden (WB9ICF), Gary Kaatz (W9TD), Dan Larson (KD9M) online, Mike Metroka (WB8BZK) and Dave Whiteside (N9BSA).

A total of 46 members were in attendance and 4 guests; David White, Rob Orr (K9RST), Lyle Giese (KD9RCN) and our speaker this evening, Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA).

Approval of Minutes

The meeting minutes from the June 2022 meeting were previously posted to the MCWA website for review. Hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Membership and Financial Reports

Treasurer Dean Hettel (WC9C) presented the membership and financial reports for June and July. MCWA has a membership of 124 full members including 8 family members and no Associate members.

June

Opening Balance	$11,334.12
Deposits	$180.00	($30 dues and $150 donation)
Expenditures	$43.01-	($12 domain renewal, $31.01 FD breakfast)
Interest	$0.09
Final Balance	$11,471.20

July

Opening Balance	$11,471.20
Deposits	$25.00	(dues)
Expenditures	$246.90-	(Maker Faire CPO parts)
Interest	$0.09
Final Balance	$11,249.39

Dean reminded the membership to pay their 2022 or 2023 dues by PayPal, check or cash tonight at the meeting. Those that haven’t yet paid have been dropped from the roster.  Hearing no objections, the treasurer’s report was approved.

Announcements

The next VE testing will be held on August 16 at the Free Methodist Church in Woodstock. See https://mcwa.org/license-exam for details and contact Steve Maresso (KB9OLD) at 847-477-3518 to reserve your spot.

John Cankar (W9JM) reported on the Trek 100 – Ride for Hope. He had 21 operators assisting, about 1785 riders and ~$1.2 million raised for the charity.

Rob Orr (K9RST) made an appeal for the next service opportunity which is the Chicago Marathon on October 9^th. Contact Rob Orr (K9RST@arrl.net) to volunteer.

 

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Hamfest and Event Update

PAST

Lyons “Freefest”: W9TD reported only about 20 sellers

South Milwaukee ARC Hamfest: W9TD reported that there were many sellers and the prices were good.

KARSFEST: no reports

UPCOMING

Jefferson Outdoor Fest 2022, August 6, Spangler Campgrounds, Jefferson, WI

Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest, August 7, Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone, IL

W9UDU Free Fest 2022, August 14, Greater Racine Kennel Club, Racine, WI

SMCFest, August 27, Chicago Marriott Naperville, Naperville, IL

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Contest Reports

ARRL June VHF Contest: no reports

Stew Perry Topband Challenge: no reports

 ARRL Field Day: Subject of later report

 Thirteen Colonies: N9BSA and others participated noting that the French station was elusive

 IARU HF World Championship: no reports

 CQ Worldwide VHF Contest: no reports

 North American QSO Party (RTTY): WB8BZK participated as well as several other members

Upcoming:

10-10 International Summer Contest (SSB) – August 6-7

ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest – August 6-7

North American QSO Party (CW) – August 6-7

ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest – August 20-21

North American QSO Party (SSB) – August 20-21

Upcoming MCWA Presentations

September 6 Small Antennas for HF – Jack Hudson (W9MU)

October 4  Youth in Amateur Radio – Anthony Luscre (K8ZT)

November 1 Working the Pileup – Ron Delpiere-Smith (KD9IPO)

December 6 TBD

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Awards and license upgrades

Michael Holtz (KD9VDW) received his General class license.

Old Business

The Club Field Day Report from Rush Creek was presented by Dan Larson (KD9M). There were 1467 CW, 272 SSB and 379 FT8/FT4 QSOs. We had 1350 Bonus points. The final score was 9278, an all-time high. We operated 2A and contacted 80 of the 85 sections.

The McHenry County RACES/ARES, operating out of the Government Center in Woodstock operating as K9ESV had 791 CW and 38 Phone QSOs also operating 2A.

The 415 Club was operating from Gary Dembski’s (W9GD) acreage as N9WH. Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY) reported 481 CW and 652 SSB QSOs for a final score of 3232. They had 23 visitors, 12 unlicensed and 9 under 18 youths.

New Business

The club officer’s election will be held at the September 6 meeting. The nominating committee consists of Gary Dembski (W9GD), David Whiteside (N9BSA) and Roger Scott (KF9D) – Chairman.

The current slate consists of:
President: Dan Larson (KD9M)
Vice-President: Mike Metroka (WB8BZK)
Secretary: Gary Kaatz (W9TD)
Treasurer: Dean Hettel (WC9C)
Director: To fill opening created by expiration of Gary Dembski’s 2-year term.
Kent Dulaney (K9KMD)
Wendell Smith (N9REP)

Wrap up

Carl Luetzelschwab (K9LA) will be presenting “Propagation and Amateur Radio” will follow the adjournment of tonight’s meeting.

The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at the Algonquin Township meeting room. Open “eyeball” QSOs start at 6:30 PM, with the meeting starting at 7:00 PM. The program is “Small Antennas for HF” by Jack Hudson (W9MU).

A motion to adjourn was made by John Cankar (W9JM) and seconded by Sam Haldiman (KC9GPY). The motion was approved by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Prepared by Gary Kaatz (W9TD), MCWA Secretary.