Location: Polytechnic University, Farmingdale, N.Y.

The LIDXA President, Marty, NN2C, called the meeting of April 28 to order at 8:05 PM. Marty welcomed the XYLs of members N2DXJ and KB2CB to tonight's meeting.

In terms of DX, specific activities mentioned:

• Jim Smith has been heard operating from Bhutan as A52JS. He was also with a resident Bhutanese, A51TY. This is the first activity from this remote country since Jim's brief operation in 1992. A major multi-national DXpedition from Bhutan is expected to start around May 3. All operations are limited to under 150 watts, so relatively low-level signals are expected.
• It appears that the recent DXpedition to Yemen (7O1) may not have the proper licensing credentials. They said they are awaiting formal paperwork from the government.
• Good long path openings to Asia and Western Australia have been occasionally reported in the mornings on ten meters.
• The recent DXpedition to Chesterfield Island as TXØDX, has satisfied the requirements for a new DXCC entity. Cards for this new one may be submitted after October 1, 2000.
• Effective March 1, the country of East Timor has been granted separate DXCC status. The only operation so far has been from some of the UN peacekeepers. Operators 4W6UN, 4W6MM, 4W/N5KR, and 4W6EB have been noted. Several other portable operations may be imminent. Cards for this new one may be submitted after October 1, 2000.
• The addition of TX and 4W to the DXCC Program brings the current country entity total to 334.

The minutes of the March 17 meeting were prepared in advance by the LIDXA Secretary, Ed, K2MFY, and included in this month's mailing to the membership. In addition, thanks to the efforts of LIDXA Vice President, Pat, KE2LJ, these minutes also appear in the LIDXA Web site: http://www.qsl.net/lidxa. The March minutes were accepted as written.

The LIDXA Treasurer, Russ, W2RL, presented a Treasurer's Report. Current balance is at $1983.44. At present 30 members had paid their 1999/2000 membership dues, with two submittals in question Russ also mentioned that with the club's present expenses, a total of 44 dues-paying members were required for the club to break even. Marty said he would check into the members that still had not yet paid their dues.

Marty reported that since the first "Ham Radio Forum," which was held in the Babylon Town Hall Annex in North Babylon on January 23, was so successful, it was decided to plan for another forum in the early part of 2001. This forum would feature additional seminars, such as RTTY, and PSK31 modes of amateur transmission.

Ed mentioned that the new, widely distributed film "Frequency" is an interesting sci-fi blending of ham radio, time travel, and a touch of the "Back to the Future" themes.

Marty mentioned that the June 16 LIDXA meeting is scheduled to have a "Chinese Auction" or "Blind Auction." Members of the club will donate various items related to ham radio, computer software, electronics, test equipment, etc. to be "auctioned" off, sight unseen. Bids for these items would start 50 cents and higher. Marty said he would try to coordinate efforts so that the sufficient advertising could be generated. Recommended forums include packet radio, the Internet, local nets, etc. Marty urged all members to look around for items that could be auctioned, and in turn, raise needed revenues for the club. Since our past "auctioneer" Frank, N2FF, would not be able to make this meeting, Marty said he is looking for another volunteer to conduct the session.

Candidates for new officers were now brought up for discussion. It is necessary that at least two candidates be nominated for each executive position. Based upon recommendations from the floor, the following members are running for the office indicated:

• President: Marty, NN2C
• Vice President: Pat, KE2LJ; Marv, W2FGD
• Secretary: Ed, K2MFY
• Treasurer: Russ, W2RL
• Directors: Lou, N2TU; Larry, K2LS; Dave, W2UQ; John, N2QW; Art, K2ENT (nominated in absentia)

Members were reminded that the May meeting, which is scheduled for May 19, falls out during the Dayton HamVention, and it was decided to postpone this meeting one week to May 26, at which time LIDXA elections would occur. The new officers of the club would be effective at the June meeting.

The video planned for tonight's meeting was not shown since the member, who was to bring in the tape, was not present.

This meeting concluded at around 9:30 PM after all the scheduled business had finished. Members going to the Dayton Hamvention promised to bring back "goodies," information on new equipment, and the latest in "DXCC gossip."

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