Business Meeting May 19, 2022
John Zietlow K9WIC President called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Attendees:
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Virtual Attendees:
| Mike Kondratowicz KD9TKL | Leo Ribordy N9NBH | Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK |
| Scott DeSantis KB9VRW | Doug May W9YFC | Bates Noble N9UVI |
| Pierre Berube K9EYE | Dirk Smith W0RI | Joe Barela KB9RCR
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President’s Report:
John Zietlow K9WIC
There are times, just like you, I get frustrated with one thing or another. But then I look around and realize how great the members of our club really are. If you look at the objectives of the Amateur Radio Service, as envisioned by the FCC, public service and emergency communications are key elements. But in ham radio, another aspect is that of being mentors and helping each other. I’d like to call to your attention some of the many activities our members have been involved with and thank those responsible.
The first shout-out goes to Rob N9MVO and the club members that supported the MS Walk on May 1st. I hope Rob will tell us more later this evening about this event.
When Jack, W9YY passed away, his wife sent me an email informing the club of his passing. She was wondering if SARC would help her dispose of Jack’s radio equipment. I expressed the club’s condolences and assured her that we would help her when she was ready. Unfortunately, when she contacted us, I was heading out of town with my family. Cliff K9QD stepped up to help. He inventoried the equipment, established a fair price for each item, and ran the following auction. He managed to sell all of Jack’s equipment.
Several club members, through the Tech Net and the morning VHF roundtable advocated for several antenna projects. The problem is that good ideas need planning and execution. Prototypes need to be developed and associated costs for materials need to be estimated. A timeline needs to be developed for purchasing materials and constructing the antennas. It’s easy to say the “club should do something; what’s needed is the willingness to participate. From October of last year to this April we discussed the projects. Bates N9UVI developed a prototype of the 6M Squalo antenna and Ron Remus WB9PTA handled the precision copper pipe preparation in a fabulous team effort to supply the production floor [actually it was outside stairway railing]. But it was Cliff, Don, Robert and Ron to get the project off of “start” and scheduled for subsequent construction projects. The results were very successful.
This past weekend, twenty-four hams provided medical communications for the Chicagoland Marathon in Busse Woods. We helped a half-dozen runners that need help back to the finish line. A special thank you to Tyler KD9GOL, Tony WA9PEB, Dennis KD9HIK, Leo N9NBH, Greg KD9MYA, Cliff K9QD, Barry W9FMB, Al KD9FIA, John KD9KSH, Mark WQ9M, Scott KB9VRW, Chris AC9GN, Romel KD9MDM, Dushan KD9HVU, Robert W9RKK, Bill KW9WR, Danny KD9HIL, Daryl KB9RHR, Bill W9WEM, Dave W9VTD, Don KA9RXK, and Jim KC9UFB for giving up their Sunday for this worthwhile event. In addition, I want to thank the four individuals that volunteered but were unable to participate due to extenuating circumstances,
Ham radio is not only focused on helping with public service events, but also helping their fellow members with their challenges. During tonight’s meeting we are going to discuss future events that will require member participation. Field Day is rapidly approaching and my experience says we’re about three weeks behind schedule. We need better communications within the club and members that are willing to help fill key positions.
In addition, the leadership of the club has voids in critical positions. We have members that are willing to offer opinions, but we need members to step up and help with the membership committee and the program committee. I have had positive responses to help with these committees, but we need help with leadership positions.
Simply stated: thank you to all of those that stepped up. But this club belongs to all members. The Projects it pursues is up to you; its success depends on you. Don’t be afraid to volunteer and make a difference. Previous experience is not required!
Secretary’s Report:
Cliff Sowka K9QD: Danny KD9HIL moved to approve the April Minutes as published in the Radio Hill Gazette (RHG). Chris AC9GN seconded. So Moved.
Treasurer’s Report:
Barry Friedman K9FMB provides this report:
Month: May 2022
Checkbook Balance 31-Mar $6,856.11
INCOME MEMO $ 0.00
DISBURSEMENTS MEMO $ 62.82
ACH 6-Apr AT&T $ 62.82
Checks Outstanding
Deposit not included
Account Balance $6,793.29
30-Apr Bank Statement $6,793.29
Checks Outstanding
Adjusted balance $6,793.29
30-Apr Checkbook balance $6,793.29
Petty Cash 30-Apr $ 151.00
Pay Pal 30-Apr $ 165.48
+petty cash – special accounts $7,109.77
120 members on roster
Daryl KB9RHR moved to approve, Ed AC9SD seconded. So Moved.
Public Service:
Rob Glowacki N9MVO reported the MS Walk organizers suffered several planning errors but our team was able to handle the shortcomings. The Hoffman Estates’ July 4th Parade may actually occur on July 2nd and the precise route is not known at the moment. It is likely Hoffman Estates planning team will once again host our early breakfast meeting at IHOP on Barrington Road @ Hassel. More details as we learn them.
EMCOMM:
John Zietlow K9WIC reported there is a Hot Wash ZOOM meeting Sunday May 22nd at 7PM to review our support of the ChicagoLand Marathon last week.
Repeaters:
Rob Glowacki N9MVO mentioned the ongoing Wires-X installation at the Barrington Road site is likely to enjoy some further configuration effort in the next few weeks.
Construction Project (CP):
Cliff Sowka K9QD conducted a cursory survey last month and found there is sufficient interest in holding CP meetings during the newly-authorized summer-months’ access. Therefore CP will continue year-round. The ladies at the front desk are not sure when the re-roofing of the Tennis Club will occur but we’ll be monitoring the activity to insure we’ll have access to recover out VHF antenna connection.
VE Testing:
No Report.
Nets:
Barry Friedman K9FMB continues to search for a consistent host for the second Tuesday TechNet.
Radio Hill Gazette RHG:
Mike K9KMV No Report.
Field Day:
Danny Kafka KD9HIL is working to define resources needed:
Food coordination for Friday night set-up, Saturday evening meal, and Sunday morning breakfast.
- We’ll do the pizza thing again this year for Friday night set-up. Potential to obtain special price?
- John K9WIC, Barry K9FMB, and Leo N9NBH will assist with the Saturday evening meal.
- Cliff K9QD will figure-out something for Sunday morning breakfast.
Staffing for a Welcome Table needs to be determined for the entrance to the site, as well as Security, Safety Officer, Literature (Scott KB9VRW will send his inventory to Danny), club information display, tent flags (Bob W9GEW), and qualified tower climbers. Haven’t found a pallet to hold the generator yet.
- GOTA tent managed by Robert Kocourek W9RKK
- Leo N9NBH will collect HF equipment stored at Schaumburg PD
- Tables & Chairs from Tennis Club basement same as in the past Daryl will have van for Friday
- Logging PCs appear to be available; software N3FJP on Daryl’s PC.
- Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK will publish announcement in Daily Herald
- Working to include Educational Session
- Rob N9MVO has 11-Element on 2M, just needs some assembly
- Daryl KB9RHR donated three, 150’ feed lines: check inventory after Maxfield’s June 4th
- Dirk W0RI offers his Go-Box for the GOTA tent
- CW Captain will be Bob McIntyre W9DXR
- SSB Captain will be Daryl KB9RHR
- GOTA tent managed by Bob Zuttermeister W9GEW
- Leo N9NBH will collect HF equipment stored at Schaumburg PD
Safety Officer needed – requirement is to be versed in First Aid and staffed for duration. Staffing for a Welcome Table needs to be determined for the entrance to the site, as well as Security, Safety Officer, Literature (Scott KB9VRW will send his inventory to Danny), club information display, tent flags (Bob W9GEW), and qualified tower climbers.
Pierre Berube K9EYE submitted some thoughts for the free VHF:
As far as a VHF/UHF station, if there is a VHF/UHF contester/rover in the club, perhaps that person can have a complete setup in his van or car with all the equipment installed. All that person has to do is be in the parking lot put up a push up mast with his antennas up and rock and roll. This way he can operate 6 meter , 2 meter and 432. B And the club should receive bonus points. Note most of the activity in this area can be phone, CW and or FT-8. Does the club have a Contester/ rover? I am sure that the car or van will be within the 1000 feet from the main area.
Membership:
Recruitment efforts continue.
Publicity:
Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK will contact Daily Herald to announce the public is welcome to visit our Field Day site between the hours of 1PM~4PM on Saturday.
Social:
John Douglas KD9KSH discussed the selection of the Log Cabin facility in Bartlett for the club picnic scheduled for the end of July 23rd. Details will be published as we get closer to July.
Special Events Committee:
No report. A Bike Ride may be organized without public exposure to avoid non-Hams wishing to join. We may hear an update from Dirk Smith W0RI.
Education:
Leo Ribordy N9NBH has organized a Technician class for September. The Library District will be publishing the event in their catalog.
Programs:
Don Dewar KD9NJR presented a slide show of several members’ Ham stations tonight. John K9WIC said June’s presentation could be focused on FD preparation and how to perform Logging.
Old Business:
Leo Ribordy N9NBH suggested we address the currently-limited membership access situation to the Schaumburg Police Department (PD) EMCOMM Equipment we have in storage there. Rob N9MVO and Leo are the only two members who are known to the PD for immediate access.
Don Dewar KD9NJR said he’s working on a potential build effort for the Tape-Measure Yagi /attenuator. We’ll plan a Fox Hunt during the July Picnic.
New Business:
Scott KB9VRW mentioned it may be good to create a Welcome Kit for new members.
Adjourn: 8:36 PM.
Submitted May 20, 2022. Cliff Sowka K9QD Secretary