Subject: McHenry County Wireless Association

Regular Meeting minutes – March 2009

Introductions: MCWA President Jim, N7US opened the meeting by asking
for visitors and guests to start the self introductions: Joe, N9OK;
Chris, KC9MKL – interested in digital; Erik, KB9BNY – interested in
PSK31; Dennis, K9WMS and Peggy,K9PEG – interested in HF, HF Mobile;
and Joe, N9KEL NEW HAM! – looking to see what rig to buy.
All other attendees introduced themselves with call and QTH.

President introductory remarks: If anyone needs help with
understanding of equipment, antennas or any other ham related issues,
talk to some of the other hams and also sign up for the K9RN
reflector. A good place to exchange information for MCWA members and
others in the area.

Vice Presidents reports – None – it was reported that Ken, KB9I was sick.

Treasures Report – Marty, W9MLP gave financials that included income,
expenditures and balance.

Badges – Marty, W9MLP arranged for membership badges to be made and
were $63. Alan, W9HOG said he got a badge made in Antioch for $10 and
received it in less than week. See Marty if you are interested in a
badge.

Marty, W9MLP reminded everyone that because of elections, next months
meeting will be held at the Free Methodist Church on route 47 in
Woodstock.\

Again this month we have two wall poster type maps compliments of
Bill, KC9KOJ: one is azimuth originating from EN52 and the other is
the amateur band plan. Both in color.

Kent, K9KMD has started developing a tri-fold brochure targeted for
the general public and in particular anyone who might be interested in
obtaining a ham radio license. The brochure describes some of the
various interests that make up amateur radio. It will also introduce
them the McHenry County Wireless Association and its meetings etc. A
rough draft will be placed on the K9RN reflector for review, comment
and suggestions per Wendell, N9REP’s recommendation.

Marty, W9MLP had visited several libraries in McHenry Co to see what,
if any, ham related reference material might be available for those
seeking information about becoming an armature radio operator. The
results were quite positive. Wendell, N9REP suggested replacing any
“Now Your Talking” booklets in that licensing requirements have
changes over the last few years. “Now Your Talking” is an ARRL
publication designed for those interested in learning about ham radio
and obtaining a license – it’s a great book.

New Business –
Marty, W9MLP stated that the monthly raffle, by his best estimates,
cost the club about $200 a year. Marty said we had poor records of
raffle operation over the past few years. John, K9CAR was of the
opinion that the raffle brings in membership. Wendell, N9REP ,that
oversees the raffle, said he thought it was within 5 to 10% with in
breaking even. Wendell would like help with obtaining items for the
raffle. Ed, KB9GIN recommended we continue on with the raffle.
Agreement was made that the money should go through the club
treasurer.

DX
Jack, W9MU said DX has been good on 30 and 40 meters – “it is coming
back”. He worked Desecheo 17 times on different modes and bands.
Dennis, K9WMS worked them 16 times. Roger, KF9D and Kent, K9KMD both
work them a number of times.

Discussion ensued about operating low bands via remote control from a
computer. Bill, KC9KOJ has been operating remote. This is becoming
popular extension of operating.

Other subjects: Alan, W9HOG was interested if anyone had knowledge
about RF interference with digital hearing aids. Ed, KC9GIN said he
had no problems with analog. Jack, W9MU suggested contacting ARRL.

Public Service – no report

Raffle – Wendell, N9REP announced tickets were $1 each or 6 for a $5.

VE Testing – Two weeks from tonight at the Free Methodist Church in
Woodstock. Contact Steve, KB9OLD.

Jack, W9MU provided an excellent program on RTTY, PSK31 and other
various modes relating to FSK. Jack has been doing RTTY for over
30years.

Respectfully submitted

Kent, K9KMD Club Secretary
March, 3, 2009