Location: Polytechnic University, Farmingdale, N.Y.

The LIDXA President, Marty, NN2C, called the meeting of November 17 to order at 8:20 PM. Marty welcomed the XYL of member N2JE and the guests, Lance, KA2EJD and his XYL Linda; Steve, KB2MJC; Bill, WB2CUK; Gail, KA2RYE; and Ron, WD2AJC.

In terms of DX, specific activities mentioned:

• There are strong rumors that a major operation from North Korea may occur early next year. Also a short operation from the Vatican is expected. Finally, a major DXpedition from Conway Reef is expected in April of 2001.
• Another DXpedition to Bhutan is expected soon. The operators said that they expect to be running kilowatt rigs.
• Several members reported that some of the major DXpeditions have set up on-line log searches and operating information on the Web. Usually these sites can be found through the link: www.qsl.net/(DXpedition callsign).
• A major DX contest, the CQ WorldWide Contest is scheduled for the weekend of November 25–26. This month's contest will be in the CW mode. With improving propagation this year's contest will bring out major DX activity on all bands.
• It was reported that the turn-around time by the ARRL for updates to the DXCC submittals were approximately two months.
• Finally, Marty indicated some of the various IOTA stations that were presently in operation.

The minutes of the October 20 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 October 20 minutes were accepted as issued.

The LIDXA Treasurer, Russ, W2RL, reported that the balance on hand in the club's treasury was $1462. Russ also reminded the club that the annual membership dues of $25 for the year 2001 would be due in January 2001.

The club thanked the Corresponding Secretary, Marty, KA2NRR, for once again putting together a very interesting and informative November club newsletter. Appreciation was also given to Ed, K2MFY, for furnishing the biographical article, along with station photos, for this month's newsletter.

Marty commented that there was no new information concerning the Millennium Tower Corporation's application for a tower construction permit with the Town of Babylon.

It was reported that conversations with ex-member Woody, K2UU, revealed that Woody may be able to obtain a used "Station Master" repeater antenna for the club. The price would be in the neighborhood of $125. This is far less than the expected price of $600 for a new antenna. Marty and Art, N2KA, would be following up on this with Woody. Several members were concerned about putting up a used antenna on the 240-foot tower.

Tonight's meeting featured the club's annual "Chinese Auction" or "Blind Auction." Marty was a little disappointed that more club members were not present for this fun evening. Fortunately there were a number of guests present at this event. Members of the club, and guests, donated various items related to ham radio or computers to be "auctioned" off, sight unseen. These wrapped articles were arranged across the desks in the front of the room. Marty decided to use the standard practice of auctioning off these items, with the highest bidder obtaining the desired product. In some cases the donor indicated what the starting price should be for his article.

At times, the bidding process reached unexpected levels. One item went for $47, while another went for $24. At the conclusion of the auction, Ed collected all the funds and turned them over to Russ. All told, a total of $154 was raised at this time. It is expected that the monies received from this auction would be applied towards the purchase of a repeater antenna when our equipment is moved to the new repeater site.

This meeting concluded at 9:30PM after all the scheduled business and entertainment had finished. Marty indicated that we would probably hold our December 15 meeting, which is the Holiday Party meeting, at the Spartan Diner (at the corner of Route 110 and Conklin Street in Farmingdale). Additional details will be provided during the Sunday night nets. A good holiday was wished for those unable to attend. The next regularly scheduled meeting for the LIDXA is on January 19, 2001.

______________________________________