MINUTES OF LIDXA INC. MEETING— September 17, 2004

Location: Briarcliffe College, Bethpage, N.Y.

The LIDXA President, Marty, NN2C, called the meeting of September 17 to order at 8:13 PM. Marty welcomed all members and guests back after the summer break. Members present (per sign-in on the blackboard) included K2MFY, NN2C, KE2LJ, W2FGD, WA2RB, AB2NT, AG2A, W2VZQ, W2GW and XYL KC2MAU, N2DXJ and XYL. The club also welcomed guest Ken, N2ZN.

OLD BUSINESS

In terms of DX, specific activities were highlighted:

• The postponed DXpedition to Peter 1st Island (3Y) has been rescheduled for January 2005.
• Another DXpedition to a rare country is going to be announced shortly (Note: At the Sunday night net it was reported that this location would be Kerguelen Island (FT8X) during the second half of March 2005).
• A group of U.S. hams are trying to get permission from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for DXpeditions to Navassa Island (KP1) and Desecheo Island (KP5). Although their request has been denied for a number of reasons, they are considering taking the issue to court. A show of hands indicated that about half the LIDXA membership needed one or both of these countries.
• Ed, K2MFY, mentioned that with the Fall equinox approaching it was hoped that the higher bands (15, 12 and 10 meters) might open up to DX. So far only short openings have been noted on 15 meters. The current sunspot cycle, which is on a decline, will reach minimum around the Fall of 2006.
• It was reported that 20 meters has had excellent propagation in the early evening to Europe and the Middle East from about 2100Z to past 0200Z. Also 30 meters opens to the same path until about 0000Z. In the morning, conditions have become spotty with only 20 and 17 meters showing consistent openings.

Starting the business portion of tonight’s meeting was the approval of the June 18 meeting minutes. These minutes were accepted as presented. In addition, the minutes were prepared in advance by the club’s secretary, Ed, K2MFY, and sent out to the membership with the club’s September meeting notice. Thanks to the efforts of KE2LJ, Pat, the minutes appear in the LIDXA web site at: http://www.qsl.net/lidxa.

Club Treasurer, John, W2GW gave a Treasurer’s report. There were no expenses for the present reporting period. Guest Ken, N2ZN was also given an application to join the LIDXA. Ken was reminded that per the club’s constitution, members who join the LIDXA after April 1 need pay only one-half the annual dues rate.

NEW BUSINESS

The club was surprised to hear that long-time member and present LIDXA board member, Lew, W2BIE, was recently admitted into the hospital with stomach pains. The club was not sure if the cause was a bleeding ulcer, or not, but Lew has lost much blood and weight. His condition is stable at the present time. Marv, W2FGD, said he would forward a get-well card to Lew’s family from the club.

It was mentioned that the club now has available two official DXCC QSL card checkers. Besides Emil, KD1F, member Tom, AG2A has also been recognized by the ARRL as an authorized DXCC card checker. One or both members are usually present at the monthly club meetings.

Marty stated that at the end of next month he would be attending the annual RSGB HF Convention at Gatwick, England. Of special importance at the convention will be the 40th anniversary of the IOTA. A special program is being planned that will present major new IOTA developments. In addition a number of DXers will be presenting highlights from their recent trips and DXpeditions.

Pat mentioned that he had recently attended a kick-off planning meeting on the next 2005 Ham Radio University (HRU). HRU 2005 is scheduled for either Sunday, January 9, or January 16, 2005. They will not be having it at the old site at East Woods School in Oyster Bay. A possible site considered is Briarcliffe College. Last year the club hosted the DX Forum at the HRU. Pat said we would probably present the same agenda.

Ed mentioned that he was interested in replacing a few of the ground rods for his tower and was wondering if there were any local supply sources. Several members indicated that Home Depot does carry ground rods and clamps. A discussion then ensued on the proper method to install ground rods and their connection together into an overall ground system for the station. Bob, N2DXJ, indicated that the Web reflector “Towertalk” is a good source of information. This reflector is devoted to the discussion of towers, antennas and transmission lines. It can be accessed at http://lists.contesting.com/_towertalk/.

A video on the recent March–April 2004 DXpedition to Rodrigues Island as was shown. This multi-national DXpedition grossed over 150,000 contacts during their almost one-month DXpedition.

This meeting concluded early at around 9:30 PM after all the scheduled business and entertainment had finished. The next meeting will be held on October 15, 2004.

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Ed Whitman, K2MFY

LIDXA Secretary