Location: Polytechnic University, Farmingdale, N.Y.
The LIDXA President, Marty, NN2C, called the meeting of April
16th to order at 8:12 PM. Marty welcomed the XYLs of members KA2NRR,
N2JE, N2DXJ and K2ENT.
In terms of DX, many members reported about the poor conditions on the HF bands during the past month-especially with the upturn in the sun spot cycle-however Larry, K2LS noted that he found excellent openings to Asia on 160 meters. DX activities mentioned:
Ed, K2MFY, reported that he heard that HR2JEP would be activating
a new IOTA this weekend-for 24 hours only-and signing with the
call HQ6RCH.
The minutes of the March 19th meeting were prepared in advance
by the LIDXA Secretary, Ed, K2MFY, and included in this month's
mailing to the membership. These minutes were accepted as written.
Marty mentioned that it should be noted that the membership cards
that were handed out at the last meeting were made possible through
the efforts of member Ron, KE2UK. Although Ron was not at this
meeting, the membership thanked Ron for his outstanding work.
The LIDXA Treasurer, Russ, W2RL, reported that the amount in the
club's treasury was $1887. This was the first time Russ could
recall that this balance had slipped below $2000. This drop was
partially due to the fact that 12 members, out of the 36 on our
roster, still have not paid their 1999 dues. Marty requested that
Russ inform him of these delinquent members. It was also pointed
out that the main issue for the club is to attract new members
to bring in fresh ideas, and of course, needed revenues. A suggestion
was made to offer members club QSL cards.
In terms of expenses, it was noted that LIPA (ex-LILCO) had charged
the club a surcharge of $50 because they were not able to get
inside our repeater site to read the electric meter. A discussion
then ensued regarding security at the site. Marty said he would
check into this matter with LIPA.
In terms of our repeater (which was not functioning since the
early part of the year), Marty said that the LIDXA has use of
the Grumman repeater, on 146.745 MHz, until the problem cause
is found. Pat, KE2LJ, our Repeater Chairman, said that Bill, N2NFI,
installed a similar receiver board into our Spectrum repeater
unit. It was not certain if any of the duplexer units are bad
until the receiver can be brought up to its proper sensitivity.
Pat is looking for some help, perhaps this weekend, to make the
installation and tests at the site.
Lou, N2TU, brought up the fact that, even when the repeater was
operational, it was not really used by the membership, except
for the Sunday night net. A discussion then developed on the use,
or non-use, of the repeater, and whether the club could afford
this expense. Some members indicated how useful the repeater is
for real-time spotting, auto-calling, and of course, the Sunday
night net. Other members mentioned that packet radio and the Internet
is obsoleting many of these features. It was decided to continue
this discussion at a later date.
A question was raised on the status of the equipment of SK-member
Rich, AC2P, who passed away last month. Marv, W2FGD, said he felt
a little awkward approaching Rich's family. It was mentioned that
KA2D was very close with the family and probably has taken care
of this matter.
The club plans to hold a "Chinese Auction" or "Blind
Auction" during the June 18th meeting. Members of the club
would 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. Marty urged all
members to look around for items that could be auctioned, and
in turn, raise needed revenues for the club. It was hoped that
member, Frank, N2FF, would conduct the "auction" as
he had done in previous times.
A show of hands indicated that at least eight members planned
to attend next month's HamVention at Dayton. Due to this conflict
with the May 21st meeting, it was decided to hold next month's
meeting the following Friday, on May 28th. (Note: At the following
Sunday night net, it was indicated that the original date of May
21 would not conflict with Dayton, which is held over the previous
weekend-however, the Jewish holiday of Shevout falls on that Friday-so
it was decided to still hold the May meeting on the 28th).
It was mentioned that the Hudson Division-NLI Section, would be
holding a picnic this summer in the Bethpage State Park. Details
to be provided at next month's meeting.
A request was forwarded to the membership by KF2O, that he received
word from DXer Slava, RAØFN, that he had obtained all the
necessary cards to apply for 5-Band DXCC; however, Slava could
not afford the $175 processing/plaque fee required by the ARRL.
In his area of Russia, this sum is about one-half of one month's
salary. Slava was requesting that DX clubs send contributions
from their membership, which could help him offset this high fee.
A discussion then developed, with the general opinion that the
LIDXA would take no collective action on this matter and individuals
should contact KF2O directly should they wish to contribute.
Marty, KA2NRR, suggested that the club set up a home page on the
Internet, as is done with most major amateur clubs. Many of the
members were enthusiastic to this suggestion. Ed said he would
assist Marty and provide the creative content, while Pat said
he would perform the technical details and layout of the Web page.
(Note: At the Sunday night net, Pat mentioned that the URL for
the Club Web-site is: http://www.qsl.net/lidxa).
Pat mentioned that he still is compiling a list of member e-mail
addresses. All members were urged to send their e-mail address
to Pat at [email protected].
It was brought up that the club had not yet decided on the recipient
for the 1998 "N2DTW Award." It was recalled that past
member Lenny Albergo, N2DTW, met an untimely death in an accident
in 1990. Out of memory for this active DXer, a plaque was purchased
by Lenny's friends, which has provisions for about two dozen small
engraved entries. It was decided that the plaque would be awarded
yearly on a revolving basis to one member of the club who best
promotes the purposes of the LIDXA as mentioned in the club's
constitution. This member would be selected by the club's Board
of Directors, with the plaque awarded each year, usually in the
December or January meeting. Past recipients of this plaque were:
1991-Bob, K2MT; 1992-Bob, W2SF; 1993-Bob, K2EYJ; 1994-Marv, W2FGD;
1995-Rich, AC2P; 1996-Larry, K2LS; and in 1997-Pat, KE2LJ. As
Vice President of the LIDXA, Pat said he would pole the Board
of Director's to arrive at a recipient of this award for 1998.
This concluded the business portion of the meeting. Since Bob,
W2SF-who was supposed to bring tonight's video-was not at the
meeting, no entertainment was available. The meeting then concluded
at 9:20 PM. Marty wished all members attending the Dayton HamVention
a good time, and reminded the membership that the next meeting
would be held on May 28th.
______________________________________
Ed Whitman, K2MFY
LIDXA Secretary