Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association

Regular Meeting minutes – February 2009

Because of the local elections, the meeting of the MCWA was called to order Tuesday February 3, 2009 at 07:35 pm local at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church in Woodstock by club president Jim, N7US.

Introductions – Club president Jim, N7US led self introductions asking everyone to say what they have been doing during the last month in ham radio. There were many interesting experiences. Several of the attendees are pursuing the ARRL/LoTW "Triple Play" by working all 50 states on three modes; phone, cw and digital.

Treasure's Report – Marty, W9MLP Club Treasure reported the balance of $3,009.18 in the treasury with $120 received during January and $1.22 interest made on the account. One expenditure of $50 to the Free Methodist Church.

Secretary's Report – The January minutes were sent out (emailed) to all members. Marty, W9MLP made a motion to accept the secretary's report. Seconded by Ken, KB9I. Motion passed.

Club Member Badges – Much discussion on club member badges. Marty, W9MLP showed an example of a clear plastic housed card with pin available from Avery for a cost of about $1.00 each. He suggested purchasing and keeping them in a box for distribution and return at each meeting. Jerry, N9AVY said Harlen Technologies is still in business and offers the more durable name badges for about $10 with the club logo. Jerry indicated that once the badges are set up, members could order direct from their web site. Jack, W9MU made a motion that we purchase the Avery badges at least temporarily. Seconded by Glenn, K9GLN. Motion passed.

New Business – No new business

KB9I Repeater Report – Ken, KB9I reported that the repeater has improved but is uncertain why. He didn't think the power company had done anything as of yet.

Future Programs – Marty, W9MLP is planning on doing a program on dB in April. Rich, K9PK is doing one on DF (Direction Finding) in May. We need someone to do a program on RTTY and / or PSK31. Jack, W9MU suggested hams visit local "expert" hams shack to increase ham knowledge. Jack also indicated he has another presentation he will do.

VE Testing – Scheduled by appointment (just call) every third Tuesday at the Woodstock Free Methodist Church. Those interested should contact Steve, KB9OLD at (815) 516-1292 beforehand. Keith, N9QDS announced the Welcars club has "walk-in" testing at their meeting. They will also be testing at their "Tech Fest" being held February 21 at which Steve, K9DCI will be presenting a program on APRS. More information is available at welcars.org. Marty, W9MLP will support a table for MCWA members at the Tech Fest.

Keith, N9QDS and Lee, KC9JQX said the welcars group is starting a ham radio class this coming Thursday for Boyscouts.

Club Promotion – Marty, W9MLP discussed investigating local libraries in McHenry County for availability of ham related material. Libraries should have information available for those wishing to learn more about ham radio and to pass their test. He will look into it and report back to the club. Someone commented that last year the club was going to develop a brochure, a tri-fold, to help promote the club. Jim, N7US club president asked if anyone wanted to volunteer for the project – no takers.

Jack, W9MU and Alan,W9HOG announced that the Northern Illinois DX Association (NIDXA) Winter Dinner will be held this coming Saturday in Itasca, IL it starts 6:00pm for the price of $25. Give Jack a call for more details.

Special thanks to Bill, KC9KOJ for donating the very nice and enlarged color world beam heading maps and the color band plan charts. They served nicely for the club raffle.

Also special thanks to Jack, W9MU for supplying the cookies and coffee and to Dave, KA9OZP for the use of the church.

Evening Program – Jack, W9MU gave a really great program on what to look for in HF rigs. He discussed the many parameters of current technology and included the various advantages and disadvantages for DXing and contesting.

23 in attendance – 18 members and 5 guests

Meeting was adjourned at ~ 9:30pm

Respectfully submitted,

Kent, K9KMD – club secretary. February 3, 2009