Muscatine Amateur Radio Club
Meeting Minutes

2009

February 9

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm by club president N2AM. Ten members were in attendance.
Minutes for December meeting read and approved. (January meeting was canceled due to weather.)
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Hamfest - Tom NØLOH received the check from Washington club for the 2008 hamfest.
The amount was $24 more than the 2007 share!

Bruce, WBØGAG noted that the 2009 hamfest information has been published on ARRL.org. The first hamfest was held in 1985, so this year's will be the 25th Annual Southeast Iowa Hamfest! NØLOH will be ordering the tickets from the printer and will be sure to have the 25th anniversary noted on the tickets this year. Also, as suggested by WBØGAG, NØLOH will see if his new influence with the ARRL as Iowa Section manager could help the ARRL provide any special guests or programs to the 2009 hamfest.

Repeater - Jerry KCØWWV echolink is up and running. Hams can now use the repeater to access other links and repeaters worldwide! Jerry handed out a list of DTMF commands.  For more information visit www.echolink.org or contact KCØWWV.

KCØWWV reported that the repeater's 70cm control link is ready for installation when the weather is warmer.

Kevin, N2AM reported that the tone board had not been ordered yet, but that he found one from Artscipub on the web while we were discussing it. Since authorization to purchase a tone board was made at a previous meeting, he used the club's card to order it on the spot for less than originally thought!

New Business:

Treasury -NØLOH requested permission to make the annual tower rental payment. Approved.

NØLOH requested permission to make the annual MCC Scholarship donation. Approved

NØLOH suggested that with the higher dues that members be allowed to make payments through the year if needed and that new members can have their dues pro-rated if they join at different times during the year. For example, a new member would only have to pay $10 if they join after June 30th. The consensus was that it was OK as long as the treasurer had no problem with the extra effort to keep track of such things.

NØLOH suggested that the club look into a Life Membership option, with the excess dues put into a savings account that gathers interest. Dave WAØAUQ suggested checking into community Foundation of Muscatine Endowment Funds. NØLOh has made an appointment to meet with them on February 16th and will report on the options available at the April meeting.

Membership benefits - WBØGAG explained the membership benefit of having your own e-mail address @muscatinehams.org. This email could be setup for direct retrieval or as a reflector.

WBØGAG explained the membership benefit of having your own webpage as a sub-domain on muscatinehams.org

KCØWWV explained the membership benefit of voicemail on the 146.91 repeater

NØLOH explained the membership benefit of inclusion on the email list for meeting minutes. Only dues paid members get the meeting minutes before they are published on the website.

NØLOH explained that he has put together a membership registration form to better keep track of dues, ARRL membership and what membership benefits each member requests.

Public Information Officer - WBØGAG suggested that in recognition for NØLOH's efforts to inform the general public of club activities that the title of Public Information Officer be added to his title. Motion approved, so now Tom NØLOH is the Secretary, Treasurer and Public Infomation Officer for the Muscatine Amateur Radio Club.

Field Day - WBØGAG inquired about Field Day 2009. After discussion, the consensus was that Field Day should be held in the same location with the same setup as last year with the addition of computers for logging and an all mode rig for 2-meters. NØLOH has received permission from MCC to use the same location. A more thorough planning of Field Day will take place during the April meeting.

WAØAUQ and N2AM would like the club to seek a new callsign that is shorter and easier for use during contesting like Field Day. N2AM suggests ABØM, which includes the letter 'M' for Muscatine. WAØAUQ suggests the call of a silent key club member, W0CUQ. The choices will be put to a vote at the April meeting.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Jerry KCØWWV showed everyone the power supply he built from scratch as an assignment with his electronics course he is taking at Hamilton Technical College.

Reminder: There will not be a business meeting for the month of March as the time will be used for SKYWARN weather spotter training. NØLOH will be at the library at 5:30pm on March 9th to begin setting up. The spotter training will commence at 6:30pm and is expected to last until 8:30pm. Anyone can attend!

March 9

No business meeting, we hosted the SKYWARN weather spotter training instead.
65 people signed in!

April 13

Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by club president N2AM. Nine members were in attendance.
Minutes for February meeting read and approved. March meeting was suspended due to weather spotter class.)
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Library overtime - Tom NØLOH reported that due to the weather spotter training going 30 minutes overtime that he has paid the library for the overtime of three of their employees. He warned the club that meetings have run late on several occasions before and that the library may decide to not allow the club to meet at the library if meeting continue running into overtime. Also he reminded the membership that food and drink is not allowed unless permission is granted by the library. Also that members should refrain from loud talking when arriving or leaving through the library.

Life Membership - Tom NØLOH reported on the life membership option and what to do with life membership dues if the club decides to go forth with the proposal. The Community Foundation of Muscatine might not be an option as that would require an initial deposit of $2500. A money market type account at the bank would not have a substantial return enough to make it worthwhile. There is also the possibility that yearly dues could be decreased at the end of the year by a vote. That may upset a member who already paid life membership at the current rate. Discussion ensued as to if the life membership should be 10x or 20x the yearly dues. Also the possible need for a biennial audit was mentioned. [ FYI: The club is a 501(c)(7) Social and Recreational Club and is not required by the IRS or the State of Iowa to file a tax return or submit an audit unless yearly income exceeds $10,000] A motion was made table the matter. Motion carried by unanimous vote. [Life membership is not an option, but a member may pay for more than one year of dues at any time.]

Field Day callsign- Tom NØLOH suggested that instead of the club seeking a vanity callsign that would be shorter that the current callsign, the club should seek a special event callsign to use during the last half of June in commemoration of the club's 60th anniversary. Motion made and carried by unanimous vote. Tom then accessed an online application form and submitted a request for the callsign WØM. Confirmation must be receive before use of the callsign can proceed.

Field Day duties - After discussion on equipment needed here is the list of who is responsible for what for Field Day:

• Kevin N2AM - TenTec for station 2, power supply, mic, key, paddles, headset, push-up pole, 6m beam, tri-bander, tower, anchor screw, fence posts, post driver, tripod, dupe sheets, 24-hr clock, clip board, ice, coolers & rope.
• Dave WAØAUQ - TenTec for station 1, power supply, mic, key, paddles, headset, tuner and dipole
• Tom NØLOH - rig & antenna for GOTA station, field day sign, power supply, lights, rope PC logger, ground rod, pencils, pens, clip board, 24-hour clock, 6 fiberglass poles, ground strap, coax, table and ARRL materials
• Bruce WBØGAG - a/c power cords, call-sign and FD designator signs for each station
• Jerry KCØWWV - 24-hour clock
• Don KDØDTD - coffee maker, water, coffee, cream, sugar and cups
• Carl KC9NLH - 3 tables & bucket truck if possible.
• George NØLAG & Casey KØBDU - generators, gas, gas can and extra oil.
• Brad - tower
• Everyone else - whatever you want to bring: rigs to show or use, tools, supplies, food drink, chairs, soldering guns, electrical and duct tape, family, friends, and most especially, an upbeat attitude with a genuine willingness to help out and have fun!

Field Day Schedule - Field Day is June 27th & 28th, 2009:

• Friday 1:00pm -NØLOH to stand by at the location to show the tent and port-a-potty people where everything goes.
• Saturday 8:00am - everyone to show up at FD site with the supplies they're assigned to bring and begin setting up the antennas. Monitor 146.910 for ease of communications. Bring your hand-held!
• Saturday 1:00pm - field day begins!
• Sunday 12:00pm - everyone meet to begin taking down everything.

New Business:

Headphone amp - Dave WAØAUQ made a motion that the club purchase a headphone amplifier for use during Field Day. It will enable operators to listen at a comfortable level and for spectators to hear the action as well. Motion carried.

New meeting location - Dave WAØAUQ made a motion that he ask on behalf of the club to acquire permission for the club to meet at the Flickinger Learning Center at 413 Mulberry Avenue. The facility offers meeting and classroom area without time restraints. Motion carried.

New testing location - Jerry KCØWWV and Bruce WBØGAG will also seek permission to use the Flickinger Learning Center as a VE testing site.

Field Day (and beyond) - Kevin N2AM made a motion for permission to purchase 200' rope for the club gin-pole. Motion carried.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

Tom NØLOH made a presentation on "Formal Traffic" using the National Traffic System.

Casey KØBDU made a presentation on "PSK31" and the Signalink USB interface.

May 11

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: KBØVVK, WBØTSG, WAØAUQ, KDØDTD, NØPYG, N2AM, NØLOH, KDØCSX
Guest: KC9NLH

Minutes from April meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Field Day

• Headphone Amp - NØLOH reported that the headphone amp was ordered but is on back order. He will try to find out an estimated time of delivery and may order from another source if it won't be here in time for FD.
• Rope - N2AM reported he purchased 300' of 1/2" rope for the club's gin pole.
• PSK31 - WAØAUQ is planning to bring in interface for PSK31, but wants to know if anyone has a laptop that can run Ham Radio Deluxe to be used for that.
• Bucket Truck or Push-up Pole - KC9NLH reported that he is not able to secure the use of a bucket truck. N2AM reported that the 30' push-up pole he lent to the club is not in a permanent installation. Discussion ensue about someone being able to borrow a bucket truck or if the club should rent a lift for FD.
• Lights - NØLOH asked anyone who has work lights to have them available for FD. He has one and desk lamps.
• Shelter - NØLOH has also reserved a 20' x 20' tent and a port-o-potty. WAØAUQ suggested the club have handi-wipes or hand sanitizer available.
• Signage - NØLOH has the FD sign and will also try for one from the Pepsi distributor.

Special Event Station - NØLOH reported that permission has been granted for the club to use the callsign W0M from 6/15 to 6/30 in celebration of the clubs 60th Anniversary. More details and instructions will be forthcoming at the June meeting.

Repeater - KCØWWV phoned in to report that he has ordered the channel pair for the repeater's UHF control link.

New Business:

Club Callsign -NØLOH suggested the club seek a new vanity callsign. One in particular that is available now. It is shorter that the current call (KCØAQS,) is a lighter CW call than the current, and has a unique property. That call is KI0WA, Kilo India Zero Whiskey Alpha. It spells K-IOWA. The call was previously held by a middle school in Fort Madison. NØLOH proposed that he submit this to an e-mail vote, so all dues paid members can vote.

Hamfest - NØLOH reported that Tom Vavra, WB8ZRL will be provided a table at the hamfest to provide card checking for those seeking DXCC credit from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Tower Tax - NØLOH reported on the plight of Randy, WBØVHB in Mount Pleasant. The tower his repeater antennas are on was taxed for every antenna and the owner of the tower is threatening to take any non-revenue generating antennas off his towers. The ARRL Volunteer Counsels are working to help Randy.

Repeater Beep - WBØTSG reported that he misses having the courtesy beep on the repeater during the Sunday night net. His rig has DTMF capabilities, so it is suggested that he be given the code to disable and enable the courtesy beep, in the case of a repeater via EchoLink creating a beep-loop. Otherwise, he asks all stations checking in to wait a few seconds between giving your callsigns to give him ample time to write them down.

LotW/eQSL - NØLOH reported that he is in the process of transferring all his written logs into ARRL Logbook of the World and eQSL. A roundtable discussion on the subject ensued.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:22pm for a slide show presentation by N2AM of lightning damage his parents' home received.

June 8

Meeting called to order at 7:15pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: KØBVVK, WAØAUQ, NØPYG, N2AM, NØLOH, KCØWWV & WØBGAG

Minutes from May meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Club Callsign - NØLOH reported that the vote to change the club callsign to KIØWA was 9 in favor, 3 opposed and 2 abstained. However the call sign in question has already been requested.

Special Event WØM - The call sign is good from 0000 UTC June 15 through 2359 UTC June 30. NØLOH will be sending an email detailing instructions.

Field Day - NØLOH will be sending an email detailing Field Day operations.

New Business:

Melon City Criterion - NØPYG asked about the club's involvement in the Quad City Criterion. NØLOH said he was not able to help this year, but suggested the club may want to ask the organizers of the Melon City Criterion, which is held on the Sunday before Memorial Day, if the club could assist with communications. It would be good experience to get and it is fun to watch

Hamfest Special Event - NØLOH would like to know if anyone would be interested in having a special event station set up at the 25th Southeast Iowa Hamfest.

Putting the O in Om - Happy 50th to our President, Kevin Kramer N2AM. He brought donuts for everyone!

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

July 13

Meeting called to order at 7:04pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: KCØWWV, KDØDTD,WAØAUQ, NØPYG, N2AM, NØLOH & KBØVVK

Minutes from June meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Field Day - We discussed the results from Field Day. Most feel that a good time was had by all who attended. Some suggestions to improve Field Day. Better publicity utilizing KWPC Talk Shows. Instructions on how to change operating modes and where the CW key plugs in. Having a set operator schedule to insure coverage through all hours of the event. Having networked Field Day software. Some people had trouble typing, so maybe have some practice sessions. Look into receiving donated PC's from group in Cedar Rapids. Borrow or rent a lift truck or crane. Look into satellite QSO. Need a better turn out of operators.

New Business:

Testing - Next testing session will be Sunday, August 9th at 1:30pm at the Flickinger Learning Center. For details contact KCØWWV at kc0wwv@arrl.net or call (563) 607-0793

WalMart Safety Day - KBØVVK suggested the club look into participating in the next "Safety Day" at the Muscatine Wal-Mart next summer. It was suggested a simple PSK31 or EchoLink setup would interest the younger more computer savvy crowd. KBØVVK will contact the Wal-Mart Manager, Stacy Gleason. The conversation turned to other opportunities to recruit new hams and members, including after school programs or license classes at FLC.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.

August 10

Meeting called to order at 7:06pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: WBØTSG, KØMTT, KØBVVK, KØBDU, WAØAUQ, N2AM, NØLOH, KCØWWV, WØBGAG, KDØDTD &

Minutes from July meeting read. KCØWWV asked that minutes be amended to reflect that he will contact Wal-Mart manager regarding Safety Day. Minutes amended as requested and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Repeater - KCØWWV reports he had to resend the crystal for the UHF remote control rig back to the manufacturer. (They shipped the incorrect one.) When that is received, then upgrades to the repeater can commence to install the UHF remote control rig and add PL tone of 192.8 Hz in and out.

Hamfest - NØLOH reports plans are beginning to take shape for the 25th Annual Southeast Iowa Hamfest on Sunday October 4th. Setup will commence at Noon on Saturday, October 3rd. The Wiener Roast will be hosted by KC0WWV at 6:00pm that night. Sunday, WBØTSG will once again serve as PA Announcer. Hourly door prizes consisting of donations from the ARRL and Hamfest Vendors will be given away at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am and 12pm. VE Testing will be from 9:30am to 11:30am at the fair office building. ARRL DXCC card checker Thomas Vavra will be checking cards from 9:30am to 11:30am at the ARRL Table. There will be the presentation of the Iowa Section Youth Amateur Operator Award at 12:30pm. Then at 1:00pm will be the grand prize drawings for $50, $100 and $200. NØLOH plans to contact large commercial vendors to ask for any product or gift certificates they would like to donate as door prizes. Also, he requested approval to add five, $25 "Hamfest Bucks" to the hourly door prizes. The certificates would only be valid at paid, commercial and indoor vendors, not tailgaters. The certificates would list valid vendors. After redemption by the winner, the vendor would be reimbursed by the hamfest. Request approved. NØLOH will ask the Washington Area Amateur Radio Club for its approval.

Field Day PC'sWAØAUQ reported he will be traveling to Cedar Rapids to haul some computers donated to the Flickinger Learning Center, which means the ones currently in use at FLC will be available for donation to the club, if all goes as planned. The PC's will need to have XP installed in them.

New Business:

ARRL Iowa Section Convention - NØLOH reported that he, as Section Manager, is trying to have the 2010 ARRL Iowa Section Convention held at a more central location in the state. The Des Moines Radio Amateur Association has turned down hosting the convention at their hamfest and so Tom has asked the Cedar Vally Amateur Radio Club to contemplate hosting it at their hamfest. If they also turn down the opportunity, then he would like to have the convention at the 2010 hamfest in West Liberty.

Club Rigs & Power Supply - WBØGAG inquired as to if the club should look into replacing the Alinco HF/6m rig as it is in need of repair. NØLOH questioned the need for it. KCØWWV says he's checked the continuity of the wiring for the remote control head and all were OK. He has not powered the rig up to see if there's no audio output, which was the problem at Field Day. A discussion about the club's equipment ensued, including the revelation by WBØTSG that he has the club's Hallicrafters Receiver in his possession. KCØWWV reported the club's Tripplite power supply is in need of repair, too. WBØTSG also noted that the club's 2m rig will not be able to access the repeater once the PL tone is installed. Getting a new 2m or dual band rig was discussed. The following was decided: WB0TSG will bring the Hallicrafters to the next meeting, KØ0WWV will sell the Alinco and Tripplite PS at the hamfest and NØLOH will collect prices on a replacement power supply and 2m or dual band rig with possible purchase from a hamfest vendor.

New Club in Iowa - NØLOH reported that Joe Leto, KJ0L is forming a new DX and Contesting club in the Des Moines area.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.

September 14

Meeting called to order at 7:25pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: WBØTSG, NØPYG, KDØDTD, WAØAUQ, KBØVVK, N2AM, and NØLOH
Guest: KC8TWZ

Minutes from August meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Hamfest - NØLOH reports that he has been quite successful at getting door prizes from national vendor.

Door prizes/donations Tom has been able to acquire:

ARRL - $150 in gift certificates  (www.arrl.org)
Elecraft - a DL1 dummy load mini module kit (www.elecraft.com)
Yaesu - 24 hats (www.vertexstandard.com)
NCG Company - 6 Coffee mugs and a 2m/70cm Slim Gain HT SMA Ant. (www.natcommgroup.com)
DX Engineering - $25 gift certificate and 5 hats. (www.dxengineering.com)
Tigertronics - a Signalink USB sound card interface (www.tigertronics.com)
Electric Radio Magazine - a free subscription (www.ermag.com)
Walcott CB - a  Roadpro Rechargeable Emergency System (www.walcottcb.com)
Radio Society of Great Britain - books (www.rsgb.org.uk)
RigExpert - $50 Registration for MixW software and $25 gift certificate (http://www.rigexpert.net)
CQ Communications, Inc. - A CQ and a CQ VHF magazine subscription (www.cq-amateur-radio.com)

The following are donating free hand outs that will be available at the information table:

ARRL (www.arrl.org)
Radioware  (www.radio-ware.com)
ICOM America (www.icomamerica.com)
Yaesu (www.vertexstandard.com)
QCWA (www.qcwa.org)

Tom also reports the Washington club has given the OK for the "Hamfest Bucks" giveaways. Also they may need additional personnel to help man the gate and the talk-in station. Please contact Mark Lukins, ABØDX at ab0dx@arrl.net if you can help with either or both.

Hamfest schedule of events: {Everyone is needed that can help!}
Saturday, October 3rd

12:00pm - begin setup of tables, p/a system and talk-in station
3:00pm - vendors may begin setting up inside the building
4:00pm - wiener roast table setup at shelter (need 3 rows of 3)
4:30pm - begin roasting wieners
6:00pm - wiener roast
7:00pm - cleanup shelter & tables (leave 2 rows of 3 for hamfest)
8:00pm - vendors may begin setting up at the shelter
11:00pm - building & shelter closed
Sunday, October 4th
5:00am - vendors may begin setting up inside the building & shelter
6:00am - manning of the gate
7:00am - building open to patrons
8:00am - door prize drawing
9:00am - door prize drawing
9:30am to 11:30am - exam session in fair office building
9:30am to 11:30am - ARRL DXCC card checking at ARRL table
10:00am, 11:00am and Noon - door prize drawings
12:30pm - Iowa Section Youth Amateur Operator Award
1:00pm - Grand Prize Drawings
1:15pm - take down
3:00pm - building & shelter closed

Club Rigs & Power Supply - NØLOH shared the specifications and prices for the most current models of 2m and 2m/70cm mobile rigs to replace the club's 2m rig. After discussion, WAØAUQ moved, WBØSTG second and all approved the purchase of an Icom IC-2200H 2m rig. NØLOH moved, WAØAUQ second and all approved that the club not seek to purchase a power supply at this time.

New Business:

Wiener Roast - Jerry KC0WWV will not be able to host the wiener roast this year due to work constraints. Jon KBØVVK has graciously volunteered to take care of the task. Anyone wishing to lend Jon a helping hand should contact him at kb0vvk@gmail.com.

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.

October 12

Meeting called to order at 7:05pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: NØPYG, KDØDTD, WAØAUQ, KAØRIU, KBØVVK, N2AM, and NØLOH

Minutes from September meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

Hamfest Wrap - The 2009 25th Annual Southeast Iowa Hamfest was a HUGE success. Attendance topped 500. Monies raised topped the previous years. All tables were sold out even after a 14-table cancellation. We had many commercial vendors and eeryone seemed to be having fun both Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen people took license or upgrade tests and over half passed. The Hamfest Bucks door prize idea was very well received by both winners and vendors. Plans are to continue it.

We need 2 new directional signs for out on the main road. WAØAUQ offered to make some, but NØLOH said with the extra funds raised he could get Sign-Pro in Muscatine to make a couple. They'll be simple lightweight signs, easy to put up and take down. The hamfest banner is in bad shape, but don't know if it is as valuable to have as the directional signs.

Liberty Communications provided DSL Internet connections in the hall and the shop, but not wireless. No one complained about no Internet in the hall, so may just have the shop hookup as it is needed for the VE Team.

NØLOH reported that his experiment at having reduced prices for advance tables didn't seem to really encourage earlier reservations, so indoor table prices will revert back to previous year's price at $8 each, but all will include electricity. It makes setup easier to have electricity already wired up. Outdoor shelter tables will be $6 each and will also include electricity, but vendors there will be responsible for their own hook up. We'll provide them access to the ladder as the outlets are up high. All vendors will be responsible for providing their own extension cords or power bars. And absolutely, positively no tables will be reserved without my receiving a prior payment. No refunds on cancellations unless substitutions are found, either.

Persons camping and tailgating should have tickets. Electricity fee for campers and tailgaters will be $6.

Tickets will remain the same $5 for advance and at the door with the difference still being the number of chances per ticket. Two for advance and one at the door. (Advanced means between now and the end of the wiener roast.) Everyone must have a ticket, except those that are going to take license exams at the hamfest and those age 14 or under. Persons may purchase as many tickets as they want, but no refunds on unused, lost or stolen tickets.

Setup will commence at Noon on Saturday. Vendors may start setup in the hall beginning at 3:00pm and will have until 11:00pm. The hall will close at 11:00pm Saturday and reopen Sunday at 5:00am. The hall will open to the public at 7:00am.

The gate should be manned beginning at 6:00am on Sunday and continue until 11:00am.

The Weiner Roast had about 25 to 30 people show up to eat. There was a lot of leftover side dishes, so we should look a reducing the menu again. Jon Ericson KBØVVK has volunteered to gather the supplies and food for next year. We should budget about $130 for it. Any help anyone can give will be greatly appreciated. The Weiner roast will be at the same time, 6:00pm and at the same price, $4.

New Business:

None

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.

REMINDER: The November meeting's agenda includes nominations of club officers and suggestions for club dues for 2010.

November 9

Meeting called to order at 7:05pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: KDØCSX, NØPYG, WAØAUQ, N2AM, KDØDTD, NØLOH, KBØVVK, & WBØTSG

Guests present KV1E & NØRLX

Minutes from October meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved

Old Business:

New Club 2m Rig - NØLOH reported that he has yet to order the new club rig as he was hoping to find it for sale at the Davenport Hamfest, but it was not. Also, he misplaced the club checkbook and debit card a couple weeks ago and immediately called the bank to stop payment on any checks above the number last used and cancel the debit card. They were found at his home just a hour later. The bank policy is to issue a new debit card at no charge. The new debit card has not arrived yet..

Old Club 2M Rig - NØLOH has asked that when the new club arrives, if he could have use of the old rig to provide broadcasts of ARRL Audio News, Amateur Radio Newsline and the RAIN Report via a simplex frequency.

Old Club Receiver - WBØTSG brought the club's Hallicrafters receiver to the meeting. WAØAUQ recalled he installed the meter on the unit. The receiver appears in great shape, but is not used anymore. It was decided that N2AM would take charge of the receiver with the purpose to sell the unit on behalf of the club.

Repeater Update - WAØAUQ reported that the repeater's UHF receiver crystal is finally in. Now it is just a matter of finding the time for him and KCØWWV to take the repeater to Dave's shop for a check-up, install the tone board, and then reinstall the repeater with the UHF control receiver at the tower. On another note, the Iowa Repeater Council has been non-responsive to requests for coordination.

New Business:

Nomination Of Club Officers - All of the incumbents have decided to stay and there were no other nominations, so the club officers for 2010 will remain:

• President - Kevin Kramer, N2AM
• Vice President - Jon Ericson, KBØVVK
• Secretary/Treasurer - Tom Brehmer, NØLOH

2010 Club Dues Suggestions - There were three suggestions for the club dues for 2010. The current dues are set at $20. Therefore, at the December meeting, there will be a ballot to set the dues for 2010. There are 4 choices:

• $1.00 per year
• $6.00 per year
• $10.00 per year
• $20.00 per year

No further business. Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

December 14

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: NØLOH, NØPYG, N2AM, WAØAUQ, KBØVVK & WBØTSG
Guests present: KV1E

Minutes from November meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved. NØLOH noted he has paid the club's insurance for 2010. Also he has paid the club's tower rent as well as made the usual donation to the MCC scholarship fund.

Old Business:

Vote On 2010 Club Dues - There were three suggestions for the club dues for 2010. The current dues are set at $20. There was a ballot to set the dues for 2010. The 4  choices were: $1, $6, $10 & $20. Two absentee ballots were received. The results were 6 votes for $10, 2 votes for $20. Club dues for 2010 are $10. KV1E, WBØTSG, WAØAUQ, N2AM, KBØVVK AND NØLOH then paid their dues for 2010.

New Club Rig - NØLOH presented the club with the new Icom IC-2200H 2m rig. Sunday Evening net control WBØTSG now has the rig to use for the Sunday Evening net. He will give possession of the old club 2m rig to NØLOH, who plans to use it for bulletin transmissions on a simplex frequency.

New Business:

Old Club Receiver - N2AM reported that he has yet to list the Hallicrafters on eBay, but plans to do so soon.

Meeting Location - Due to a conflict with the Flickinger Learning Center, the club will no longer meet at that location. After a discussion those present agreed to revert back to meeting at the Musser Public Library. However, the Library will be closed during the time the club normally meets in January, so it has been suggest that the January meeting will be held at the Pizza Ranch on Ford Avenue or at Wendy's on Park Ave. (Attendees would be responsible for purchasing their own dinners.)

VE Testing Location - NØLOH reported that most likely, VE Testing will no longer be held at the Flickinger Learning Center, but that the VE Team has yet to schedule testing dates for 2010.

Weather Spotting - NØLOH reports that he will be contacting the Weather Service to once again schedule a Severe Weather Spotting class. However, due to last year's class running late, he will not schedule the class on a meeting night.

No further business.  Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm

2010

January 11

Meeting called to order at 7:25pm by club president N2AM.
MARC members present: KBØVVK, NØPYG, WBØTSG, KDØDTD, WAØAUQ, NØLOH & N2AM

Minutes from December meeting read and approved.
Treasurer's report read and approved.

Old Business:

Club Rig - WBØTSG brought the newly purchase club rig back to send in for repair or replacement. The rig blew out his old power supply and would not operate on his new power supply either. NØLOH will ship it back to the dealer.

VE Testing Location - NØLOH reported that he noticed on the club website that VE Testing will be held at the Musser Public Library. The next session is scheduled for Sunday, February 14th at 1:30pm.

Weather Spotting - The club has yet to receive word from the National Weather Service regarding when we could host a weather spotting class this year.

WalMart Safety Day - WAØAUQ offered the use of the Pine Creek Grist Mill tables and EZ-up tents for use. KBØVVK is to contact the Walmart manager for the date of the event. The club plans to have a station set up with voice and digital capabilities to demonstrate.

New Business:

Wiener Roast - NØLOH reported that he has arranged for West Liberty Boy Scout Troop 141 to provide us with the wiener roast at the 2010 hamfest. This will free club members from the responsibility and will provide the scouts with a fund-raising opportunity. Tom plans on having an HF Station setup up for the scouts to check out, too. They'll be inviting their family and friends to attend, so this will be a chance to recruit some new hams.

AR Newsline - The club received an appeal to consider making a donation to Amateur Radio Newsline. They provide new about amateur radio from around the world via their website www.arnewsline.org. NØLOH made a motion that the club make a donation of $100. Motion approved.

County Hunter Award - The club received an inquiry as to if the club would be interested in sponsoring a county hunter award for the state of Iowa as no such award exists. After discussion about the work involved it was decided that further investigation into how this could be accomplished with a minimal workload, utilizing ARRL's Logbook of the World and/or eQSL.

No further business.  Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm

February 8

Meeting canceled on account of inclement weather.

Last updated February 18, 2010.