Subject:  McHenry County Wireless Association – Regular Meeting minuets January 8, 2008

The regular meeting of the MCWA was called to order at 19:30 hrs by club President Jack, W9MU at the Nunda Township Hall north of Crystal Lake.

Introductions

• President’s opening remarks – Jack, W9MU Thanked every one for coming out [rainy night].  Jack previewed the evening agenda that was posted on the white board.
• Self introductions -  Name, Call and QTH – 22 attendees; 19 members and 3 guests
• December MCWA meeting minutes were included in the news letter that was sent out.  A motion was made to accept the minutes by Marty, W9MLP and seconded by Jerry, N9AVY.  Motion passed.
• Jack, W9MU brought up the “Marathon”, a DX contest sponsored by CQ magazine.  The contest is a year-long contest with the objective of working as many DX contacts as possible.  He indicated some radio clubs make internal contests using variations of the Marathon format.  MCWA should consider something similar – so start working DX.
• Field Day topic was discussed.  At this time it was discussed MCWA will not participate in FD.  Carl, N9KL invited those MCWA members wishing to participate in FD to the WelCars club setup, W9WLC.  WelCars will have a FD set up.

Treasures Report    

Treasury has ~ $ 2,335.88 as reported by Treasurer Dennis, N9TZL. It was also stated that the club spends ~ $ 1,700 per year and that club insurance may not be a factor if the club does not participate in Field Day.

Inventory of club items was discussed.  If anyone has club equipment or items they should identify and report. Transport and storage are needed for antenna and coax.  Jim, N7US may have storage available sometime in the future.

Histories moments – Loran, K3RFC presented an excellent book review of “200 Meters and Down” written by Clinton DeSoto and published in 1936. This is the story of the first 30 years of amateur radio and some of the obstacles it overcame. Reading is highly recommended and is still in print and available from ARRL.  ~ $14.

Old Business – None

KB9I Repeater – Ken was not present but the repeater seems to be working fine.

On the Bands – Dave, KA9OZP not present.  Jack, W9MU said the bands are starting to open up.

VE Testing – A session is coming up next week.  Those interested in taking amateur tests, should contact Steve, KB9OLD.  The club would also like to arrange for hand-outs describing the MCWA to those taking the tests and not familiar with the club.

Programs – Marty, W9MLP announced next meetings program will be presented by Jack, W9MU and will be on modulation.  The one after that will be on 12V distribution.   The schedule is the result of the survey the club filled out in December.

Program – Marty, W9MLP presented the evening program on QSLing. What it is and how to do it.  What to do and what not to do.  Marty showed some pictures of QSL cards he has received over the many years he has been a ham.  The program was well received by all in attendance.

John, W9ZE (also the ARES/RACES Director for McHenry County) told of the wall cloud and funnel cloud that developed into tornado(s) on Monday.  Glen, K9GLN saw and reported the very unusual weather to the County.  The tornados came from Boone County into McHenry County, crossed through the northwestern corner and entered into Wisconsin.  It is very unusual for January tornados in this area.

Jack, W9MU announced that he may open up his station to those interested in the up-coming ARRL single sideband contest.

Tom, brought in ham related items for-the-taking.

Jim, W9NB is asking for help to get his Apple iMac interfaced to his rig to operate RTTY.

Loran, K3RFC had some WARC related ‘pop quiz questions that he asked the attendees.   Jim, N9US did very well.

Jack, W9MU asked for a motion to conclude the meeting.  A motion was made by Kent, K9KMD and seconded by Tom, KD6KHK.  The meeting ended at 21:00 hours.

Respectfully submitted, January 8, 2008 – Kent, K9KMD