Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
2005

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
December  2005

The evening activities were opened by Pres. Bill W1KKF on December 9, 2005 at 7:15 PM.
 
After a round of introductions, the 33 members and guests enjoyed a culinary banquet put on by our own chef John K1VDF and his able staff. Arrays of fine desserts were provided by many of the attendees. A 6 to 10 inch morning snow storm or a change of venue did not sway our hardy members from joining in the festivities.
 
Following the satisfying feast, the business meeting began. Bill recognized Joel N1JEO for his many years of contributions to MARC. Joel did not run for re-election due to increasing family commitments. Bill presented Joel with an engraved pocket knife in recognition of his service.
 
The 2005 MARC officers were introduced:
Bill W1KKF President
Rich WA1TRY Vice President
Dan W1DMM Secretary
John N1GNV Treasurer
Al N1API Station Facility Manager
Skip KA1EAJ was applauded for securing the First Methodist Church facility for the Holiday Party.
 
 Awards recognize a variety of deeds of the past year. This year we were not without our share. John N1GNV took the floor to moderate the award presentations.
Several were recognized for their contributions in a variety of ways
John K1VDF Chris WA1VXH Dan W1DMM Jim N1ZN
Don KE1AY Rich WA1TRY Haggie KB1HCC  
 
Bill W1KKF was the recipient of a special - engraved desk clock - award in recognition of his 20 years as MARC President.
 
John also presented some specific recognitions
Bob W1HUG (SK) via Sheila Seemann Support & contributions to the Scholarship Fund
Anonymous Member Scholarship Fund contributions
Bob KB1FYL Technical Achievement
Al N1API 10 Meter Dipole for Lightning Avoidance
Tony KB1MKU Rookie of the Year
Bob KB1CIW Contributions & Enthusiasm
 
Competition is usually intense for the renowned H.A. (horse’s derriere) Award. John entertained us with verbal thumbnails of the many candidates for the HA Award.
The coveted HA Award was presented to Dan W1DMM for his command or lack of command of the English language. Included with the award was a grammar instruction book - which will be rewritten by W1DMM.
Dan W1DMM presented certificates and awards for the first annual MARC Marathon Challenges.
Bob KE1AU First Place-Mixed Mode-Low Power
Paul K1SEZ First Place-Mixed Mode-High Power
Skip KA1EAJ First Place- Phone-High Power
Tony KB1MKU Participant
 
Bill W1KKF made the nights highlight awards to the Ham of the Year and Elmer of the Year. These awards are voted by the membership and represent the top praise to MARC members.
Elmer of the Year - Bob Carruthers KB1FYL
Ham of the Year - Chris Sievert WA1VXH
 
The evening closed with a 50/50 raffle and several door prizes donated by Bill KB1GZJ.
 
Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
November  2005

The business meeting was flailed open at 1940 on November 10, 2005 with approximately 28 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

  • Introductions.
  • Next meeting is on Friday December 9th, the annual holiday party.
  • Vinny Sadlowski W1OOC in St Francis Hosp and recovering from cardiac surgery.

 Secretary's Report - Accepted as presented.

 Treasurer’s Report - Accepted as presented.

 Contributions - none

.Correspondence –

  • Letter from K1EIC thanking MARC for Convention and Nutfest.
  • Get well card to W1OOC

Club Station Facilities - (N1API)

  • Town has wired in new electrical service and other cable entrance work.
  • Picnic tent repair/replacement being reviewed.

 Club/Contesting Activities (KB1CIW)

  • Sweeps-CW was held this weekend. About 150 Qs and about 65 of 80 sections.
  • Sweeps-SSB is Nov 19th & 20th. Tony KB1MKU is coordinating operators, loggers, and spotters.
  • Next activity meeting is January 2006. Bob KB1CIW is looking for ideas for 2006 activities.

 Scholarship – KE1AY

  • No activity until next year.

 Nets -

  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 7 +/- check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, averaging about 6-7 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM, 3+/- check-ins.

 Castle Craig - (N1API)

  • Next 10/10 Phone QSO party is in February.

 Membership - (N1GNV) 

  • 87 members (85 paid, 2 life).

 Interference and Technical - (W1FD&WA1TRY)

  • No reported problems

 Instruction - (N1JEO)

  • New Tech class has started. Tuesdays October 15th till December 6th.
  • Next VE session is scheduled at the completion of the Tech class Tues December 6th.

 Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF)

  • The preliminary results indicate a positive return. The hall was near full with vendors, but the gate was down.
  • The Alliance fiscal year ends in Feb 2006. The Board will determine any distributions at that time.

 Candy Store - (K1VDF) Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available.

 Key Klix - (WA1MVJ)

  • Rich WA1TRY is now printing KK
  • Need for contributing authors and articles.

 EmComm -

  • ARES members must update their info annually. Check yours on CTARES.ORG. If not updated you will be dropped from the listing.
  • Wallingford is reviewing the use of town buildings. Chris recommended less emphasis on MARC banners in the meeting areas. He will also be working with town officials to insure our use of town spaces.

 Annual Meeting -

  • The November business meeting is the Annual Meeting per our bylaws. K1VDF took the floor as teller. The current officer slate has agreed to run again except for Joel N1JEO who has indicated his wish to step down - Rich WA1TRY has been nominated for Vice-President. Additional nominations were opened, Nominations closed. Motion that the Secretary cast one unanimous vote for the nominees, Passed. Slate elected unanimously.
  • The reelected 2006 officers are:

President

Bill W1KKF

Secretary

Dan W1DMM

Vice President

Rich WA1TRY

Station Manager

Al N1API

Treasurer

John N1GNV

 

 

 

  • Elmer/Ham of the Year -
  • Secret ballots were collected for the Ham of the Year and Elmer of the Year. Results and presentation to be made at December Holiday Party.

  • Motion by WA1TRY second by K1TG to fund annual awards up to $100. Passed

 50/50 - WA1VXH

 Meeting Adjourned about 20:55

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
October  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1936 on October 13, 2005 with approximately 23 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

  • Introductions.
  • Joel N1JEO will not stand for re-election. Bill W1KKF thanked Joel for his excellent years of service to MARC and recognized his many contributions.
  • Next meeting is on Thursday, October 27 at 7:30 PM - an activity meeting will demonstrate the effects of lightning by Rich WA1TRY.

Secretary's Report -

  • Accepted as presented and published.

Treasurer's Report -

  • Accepted as presented.
  • Motion by N1GNV second by N1API to delay the 2006 budget report until the January meeting. Motion passed.

Contributions – None

Correspondence – Sympathy card sent to & thanks received from the family of Bob Seeman W1HUG.

Scholarship – KE1AY

  • No activity until next year

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

  • Beam SWR problem corrected - assembled wrong.
  • Rotor cable on beam snagging - will correct when WX is better - DO NOT ROTATE
  • PC to rig interface still a problem.
  • One of the picnic canopies was damaged. Looking into repair, replacement, alternatives.

Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)

  • November Sweeps is CW November 5 & 6 SSB November 19 & 20
  • November Sweepstakes will have club entries. Contact WA1TRY for your CW times and KB1MKU for your SSB times.
  • There will be a Quinnipiac BSA Camporee in May at the old Bethany Airport Skip KA1EAJ is looking to set up a Ham show & tell and Merit Badge tent.
  • Celebrate Wallingford went off with good weather, good attendance and lots of fun. Thanks to Jim N1ZN and his crew for pulling it together.

Nets - Most nets have been in the summer doldrums

  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, is averaging about 10 +/- check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, is averaging about 4-5 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM, is averaging about 2-3 check-ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API)

  • Next QSO parties: CW/Dig Oct 29/30, SSB Feb 4/5

Membership - (N1GNV) 

  • Motion by N1GNV second by K1SEZ to accept Peter Nemenyi N9OZF/HG5ONP of Wallingford. Passed unanimously.
  • 87 members (85 paid 2005, 2 life) more or less.

Interference and Technical - (WA1TRY)

  • No reported problems.

Instruction - (N1JEO)

  • Next VE session after Tech Classes in Dec.
  • New Tech class started Tuesday Oct 11th at 7 PM and will run into early Dec.
  • Nutfest VE session had five exam takers – one passed.

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.

  • Appears to have been a success based on vendor and attendees comments.
  • Nutfest Board will be meeting to finalize the results and determine any distributions.

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

  • Store is open. Cups and patches are available. Jackets are available for individual ordering. We are out of hats – if you want one contact John and a new list and supply is being obtained.

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

  • Authors are needed

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

  • No report

Miscellaneous

  • Holiday Party is tentatively scheduled for Thursday Dec 8th.
  • Because of cost increases, we are looking into a new venue – which may change the date because of schedules.
  • N1GNV is award chair. K1VDF is always looking for kitchen and CLEAN-UP help.

Annual Meeting

  • November is the MARC Annual Meeting to elect 2006 officers and vote on Ham of the Year and Elmer of the Year.
  • Nominating committee slate of officers: Bill W1KKF - President; Rich WA1TRY – Vice President, Dan W1DMM – Secretary, John N1GNV – Treasurer, Al N1API – Station Activity/Facility Manager.
  • Additional nominations will be taken from the floor.

Meeting Adjourned about 20:52

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
September  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1940 on September 8, 2005 with approximately 26 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

  • Introductions.
  • Next meeting is on Thursday, September 22 at 7:30 PM - an activity meeting will be an auction of excess club equipment.
  • October activities include the Wallingford Road Race and Celebrate Wallingford during the first weekend and the Nutmeg Hamfest on Sunday October 9th.

Secretary's Report -

  • Accepted as presented and published.

Treasurer's Report -

  • Accepted as presented.

Contributions – None

Correspondence – Sympathy card sent to family of Stan Lipka WB1GRF

Scholarship – KE1AY

  • No activity until next year

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

  • Station operational.

Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)

  • November Sweep Stakes was discussed at length. Many think it is a good idea to operate as a club, but no commitments yet.
  • MARC Marathon - W1DMM reminded all the Mini ends September 30. Get your logs to Dan by November 30th. The new Marathon starts on October 1st and runs a full year.
  • JOTA - No info from BSA people. Lots of discussion and interest to support at the club or at a Scout location.
  • Celebrate Wallingford is Oct 1st & Oct 2nd (Sat and Sun). We will set up near the RR station.

Nets - Most nets have been in the summer doldrums

  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, is averaging about 6 +/- check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, is averaging about 6-8 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM, is averaging about 1-2 check-ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API)

  • No report

Membership - (N1GNV) 

  • 85 members (83 paid 2005, 2 life) more or less.

Interference and Technical - (W1FD)

  • No  Report

Instruction - (N1JEO)

  • Next VE session at Nutmeg Hamfest onSunday Oct 9th at 10 AM
  • New Tech class starts Tuesday Oct 11th at 7 PM and will run into early Dec.

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.

  • Proceeding along and looking good.
  • Jim N1ZN made a plea for volunteers at the gate, morning security and vendor loaders and unloaders.

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

  • Store is open. Cups and patches are available. Jackets are available for individual ordering. We are out of hats – if you want one contact John and a new list and supply is being obtained.

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

  • Doing well.
  • Rich WA1TRY will help with the printing.

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

  • The Wallingford Road Race is Saturday Oct 1st starting at 8 AM. Chris WA1VXH needs about 8-9 volunteer communicators.
  • A SET is scheduled for Saturday Oct 1st. Details unknown.

Miscellaneous

  • None

50/50 – ????

Meeting Adjourned about 20:15

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
August  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1940 on August 11, 2005 with approximately 27 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

  • Introductions.
  • Next meeting is on Thursday, August 25th at 7:30 PM - an activity meeting.

Secretary's Report -

  • Minutes for July 2005 accepted as presented.

Treasurer's Report -

  • Accepted as presented.

Contributions – Scholarship SBC/SNET phone user matching funds $75.26.

Correspondence –

  • Check from SBC/SNET
  • Various flyers and newsletters.

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

  • Generally recovered and restored from Field Day
  • The ICON rig the club owns as a member loaner works OK – despite the report of problems.
  • Discussion on disposition of old equipment etc in shack. Motion by N1YGL second by KE1AY to auction to members at Sept 22nd activity meeting. Sealed bids will be accepted. Items to be listed in Key Klix. Remainder will be either placed on MARC table at the Hamfest, offered on eBay, or TBD.

Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)

  • Bob KB1CIW has several Activity Meeting ideas in the cauldron.
  • Let Bob know if you have any suggestions and/or wish to volunteer for an activity.
  • The MARC Mini Marathon Challenge is in full swing. Some members reporting multi-page logs.
  • Celebrate Wallingford is Saturday and Sunday October 1st and 2nd. We will operate a Special Event and Public Information booth during the festivities. This year we will be back by the RR station. Contact Jim N1ZN or Bob KB1FYL to provide assistance.

Nets -

  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, is averaging about 10/12 check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, is averaging about 8 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM is averaging about 2/5 check-ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API)

  • Several members gave the Summer 10/10 QSO party a try, but conditions were very poor.

Membership - (N1GNV) 

  • Motion by John N1GNV second by Al N1API to accept Marty Staffa N1TGP of Northford. Passed
  • Members 86 (84 paid 2005, 2 life) more or less.

Interference and Technical - (W1FD)

  • No report.

Instruction - (N1JEO)

  • Next VE session At the Nutmeg Hamfest at 10:00AM October 9th.
  • New Tech class to start on Tuesday after Hamfest – 7 PM October 11th.

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.

  • New season is developing on schedule.
  • Skip KA1EAJ to assist Bob KB1FYL with vendors.
  • N1ZN needs volunteers in several areas, especially loaders at end of affair (just about 90 minutes of your time.)

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

  • Store is open. Cups and patches are available. Jackets are available for individual ordering. We are out of hats – new order underway.

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

  • Doing well.

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

  • Wallingford Foot Race is Sat October 1st and Chris WA1VXH & Rich WA1TRY needs some communicators.

Miscellaneous

  • Skip KA1EAJ is in discussions with local BSA leaders about a Radio Merit Badge clinic at Camp Sequassen during a week in July 2006. The idea is to go to Sequassen and set up a station and teach a Tech class (the MB requirements do not mandate a license; some may elect to make contacts with a control op).

50/50 – N1YGL

Meeting Adjourned about 20:35

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
July  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1940 on July 14, 2005 with approximately 23 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

Secretary's Report -

Treasurer's Report -

Contributions -

Correspondence –

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

Club/Contesting Activities -

See Field Day

Nets -

Castle Craig - (N1API)

Membership - (N1GNV) 

Interference and Technical - (W1FD)

Instruction - (N1JEO)

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 10, 2004

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

Field Day – June 24-26th

QSO Counts

2005

2004

QSO Counts

2005

2004

80 Meters – CW

82

133

80 Meters – SSB

69

151

40 Meters - CW

325

295

40 Meters – SSB

156

121

20 Meters – CW

534

522

20 Meters – SSB

69

26

15 Meters - CW

0

22

15 Meters – SSB

0

129

10 Meters – CW

0

0

10 Meters – SSB

0

0

Total CW

941

972

Total HF SSB

294

427

Satellite - CW

0

0

GOTA Station – all bands

4

97

6 Meters – VHF

48

69

Total All SSB

351

613.

2 Meters - VHF

5

20

Total All QSOs

1292

1585.

 

 

 

Bonus Points

1350

1150

 

 

 

Total Points Claimed

5816

6264

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

50/50 – W1DMM

Meeting Adjourned about 20:45

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
June  2005

Business meeting of the Meriden Amateur Radio Club held on Thursday, June 9, 2005
 
The president, Bill Wawrzeniak (W1KKF) opened the meeting at 7:41pm.
There were 21 members present as indicated on a sign-up sheet that was passed around.
 

OLD BUSINESS

The next meeting would be held on June 23rd, will be an Activity meeting, probably devoted to the final details of Field Day 2005 planning.
There will be a VE meeting on Tuesday, June 21st.
The Secretary’s Minutes from the last meeting, as presented in Key Klix, were accepted with several corrections as noted verbally.
The Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted by voice vote.
Bill reported on correspondence received, including several checks for the annual dues, and the bank statement.
Various Committees reported:

New Business

 
The 50/50 award was won for the first time by Paul Ciezniak (K1SEZ), who was the acting-Secretary for the evening.
 
The meeting was adjourned by acclimation at 8:47pm.
 
Minutes taken and submitted by Paul Ciezniak (K1SEZ); 6/12/05
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
May  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1938 on May 12, 2005 with approximately 23 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

  • Introductions.
  • Next meeting is on Thursday, May 26 at 7:30 PM - an activity meeting on Field Day.

Secretary's Report -

  • Accepted as corrected - Field Day site is Ashlar Village

Treasurer's Report -

  • Accepted as presented.

Contributions – None

Correspondence – None

Scholarship – KE1AY

  • One application received

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

  • Tuner testing still in progress.

Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)

  • May activity meeting is on Field Day

Nets -

  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, is averaging about 9 +/- check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, is averaging about 6-8 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM, is averaging about 2-4 check-ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API)

  • No report

Membership - (N1GNV) 

  • Motion by N1GNV second by W1NHS to accept Jim WA1NBS of Middletown Passed unanimously
  •  members (76 paid 2005, 2 life) more or less.

Interference and Technical - (W1FD)

  • No report

Instruction - (N1JEO)

  • Next VE session onTuesday June 21st at 7:00 PM
  • Upgrade classes for General and Extra is running on Tuesday evenings .

Field Day – June 24-26th

  • There is some question as to what may be available at Ashlar Villiage (they have prior commitments). Alternate sites are being reviewed.
  •  Field Day honchos are: HF-CW Bill W1KKF, HF-SSB Bob KB1CIW & Jim N1ZN, VHF Dan W1DMM, GOTA Station Steve KB1KEA, Food? Services? John N1GNV & Fred KB1JDL, ARRL Message-Receive Joel N1JEO, Public Ambassador and visitor/operator sign Bob KB1FYL., Satellite Fred W1NHS, Special Modes: Solar Bob KB1FYL, APRS Haggie KB1HCC, Dfing John N1GNV.
  • Need Field Day honcho for: ARRL Message-Send (EMCOMM ?), See any honcho to find your perfect niche..
  • Set up and take down help is always needed We start set up at 2 PM Friday and continue till it is finished. We start break down at 2:01 PM Sunday and continue till it is put away at the MARC headquarters.
  • Smokers and litters - Remember if you bring it in take it out.

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.

  • Proceeding along.

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

  • Store is open. Cups and patches are available. Jackets are available for individual ordering. We are out of hats – if you want one contact John and a new list and supply is being obtained.

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

  • Doing well.

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

  • Chris will be testing equipment before FD. Meet on June 16th.
  • Andy N1XXU is the new EC for Meriden.

Miscellaneous

  • None

50/50 – KA1EAJ

Meeting Adjourned about 20:35

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club

April 2005

OLD BUSINESS

 NEW BUSINESS

 The meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Paul Ciezniak (K1SEZ) Acting Secretary


Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
March  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1940 on March 10, 2005 with approximately 22 people in attendance. A quorum was present.
General -
  • Introductions.
  • Next meeting is on Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 PM - an activity meeting.
  • Frank W1FD is reported improving and ambulatory.
  • Antenna bill (SB-92) - no activity since Feb.5 public hearing.
Secretary's Report -
  • Minutes for January 2005 accepted as presented with corrections. Date was Feb 10, 2005. Scholarship moneys are in a Mutual Fund not a Money Market Fund.
Treasurer's Report -
  • Accepted as presented.
  • John N1GNV gave presentation on Mutual recommendation from last month. Motion by Rich WA1TRY second AL N1API to transfer $1000 to Mutual Fund from general accounts. Future amounts transferred will be voted on by membership. Treasurer is responsible to maintain account detail (general vs. scholarship). Passed 20-2
Contributions – MARC – Donation of $711.07 from the Nutmeg Hamfest Alliance.
Correspondence –
  • Sympathy to family of Dick Hook N1XIU.
  • Hello message from Denny W1VCU
Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)
  • TenTec 238B Tuner on order – due in soon.
  • First floor is being remodeled. EMCOMM/EC and other town related offices to move to 1st floor.
  • Making up COAX jumpers.
Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)
  • No report
Nets -
  • SSB 28.375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, is averaging about 10/12 check-ins.
  • VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, is averaging about 7 check-ins.
  • CW 28.275 Mondays at 8 PM is averaging about 2/5 check-ins.
Castle Craig - (N1API)
  • Not much activity
Membership - (N1GNV) 
  • Motion by John N1GNV second by Al N1API to accept Jeff K1ZJ of Naugatuck. Passed
  • Members 75 (73 paid 2005, 2 life) more or less.
Interference and Technical - (W1FD)
  • No report.
Instruction - (N1JEO)
  • Next VE session on Tuesday March 29th at 7:00 PM
  • Upgrade classes for General and Extra start on April 5th 7-9 PM. About 10 weeks. See Joel N1JEO. VE session to follow.
Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.
  • New season is underway.
  • BOD voted $711.07 contribution to MARC leaving residual seed funds for 2005 start up.
  • Mountain Side contract renewal in progress.
Candy Store - (K1VDF)
  • Store is open. Cups and patches are available. Jackets are available for individual ordering. We are out of hats – new order underway.
Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)
  • Doing well.
  • Discussion on electronic delivery continued from last month. Survey to be done by Paul K1SEZ
Field Day (June 24-26, 2005)
  • Starting the process.
  • Honchos – so far
    • Bill KB1GZJ will confirm with Ashlar Village
    • Public Liaison – Bob KB1FYL
    • VHF Station – Dan W1DMM
    • PIO – Jim N1ZN
EmComm - (WA1VXH)
  • TOPOFF scheduled for first week in April. Volunteers must be pre-registered for security reasons.
Miscellaneous
  • Jim N1ZN has agreed to be the MARC Public Information Officer.
50/50 – KB1JDL. Dinner wine (donated by Bill KB1GZJ) Art K1WMQ
Meeting Adjourned about 21:00
Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
February  2005

The business meeting was gaveled open at 1940 on February 14, 2005 with approximately 22 people in attendance. A quorum was present.

General -

Secretary's Report -

Treasurer's Report -

Contributions – Scholarship – SBC/SNET $30.05

Correspondence –

Club Station & Facilities - (N1API)

Club/Contesting Activities – (KB1CIW)

Nets -

Castle Craig - (N1API)

Membership - (N1GNV) 

Interference and Technical - (W1FD)

Instruction - (N1JEO)

Nutmeg Hamfest - (W1KKF) October 9, 2005.

Candy Store - (K1VDF)

Key Klix - (WA1MVJ & KB1FYL)

EmComm - (WA1VXH)

Miscellaneous

50/50 – ?????

Meeting Adjourned about 20:35

Submitted Dan Murphy, W1DMM, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club

January 2005

General meeting of the Meriden Amateur Radio Club held on Thursday, January 13, 2005

The president, Bill Wawrzeniak (W1KKF) opened the meeting at 7:50pm.

There were 23 members present as indicated on a sign-up sheet that was passed around.

OLD BUSINESS

Bill mentioned the next gathering of the MARC would be an Activity meeting on January 27th and Bob Stephens (KB1CIW) would be responsible for the evening. The subject of wearing easily viewable name tags was brought up by Paul Ciezniak (K1SEZ , ex KB1LRX) and was discussed briefly. He volunteered to produce large badge-type name tags at no cost to the club, and only needs a current list of club members. Badges would be worn at each meeting to facilitate a casual atmosphere with everyone’s names clearly visible.

With the topic this evening on the 2005 MARC budget, Bill mentioned that any club member who joins the ARRL should do so through the club secretary, since we receive a commission from the League.

 A 50/50 raffle was begun just prior to the business meeting.

 The latest issue of Key Klix was discussed and it was noted there were some errors in the information on the historical facts about steamed cheeseburgers. Otherwise, the team producing the newspaper was thanked for their continued efforts. Distribution costs were openly discussed as being the biggest expense, and considerations were given to limiting the post office mailing and using Email as the preferred method to reduce costs. Further discussions would be needed to confirm the change in distribution.

John Bartscherer, N1GNV, read the treasurer’s report… the “Year End Rear View” and explained the various expenditures and balances. The central figure was the Club funds as of 1/13/05 being $3,254.13.

 John introduced a resolution to move $500 of this amount to the Scholarship fund, which was seconded and confirmed by hand vote of the assembly.

By voice approval, his informal verbal report was moved and accepted by unanimous vote of the 23 members present. Bill noted that the 2004 audit of the treasury had not taken place yet, and the two members who volunteered to do the review were requested to finalize the process before the next business meeting in February.

 Bill then developed the 2005 financial budget for the MARC on the white-board, reducing it to a summary of $1,975 prospective income and $1,975 of budgeted expenses. The possibility of raising MARC club dues was briefly discussed with a general consensus not to change them at this time.

 Bill discussed a letter received by the club from SBC, the telephone service provider, and considered different options we may investigate for these services.

The Scholarship Committee person, Don Mitchell (KE1AY) reported the fund rose from $2,500 to $2,795.88 indicating the accrued yearly interest.

Al Kaiser (N1API) gave the Station Activity report with the following quotes noted:

1)   There’s a PS2 mouse missing; who has it?

2)   Several computers at the club shack need work.

3)   RF energy noted in the shack; will fix in the spring.

4)   Power supplies rework

5)   The MFJ antenna tuner in the club shack is not worth fixing, and we need to buy a new one.

a.   Rich Aubin (WA1TRY) in the New Business section discussed this topic at length.

Al also brought up the membership drive on the Castle Craig Net for February 1st and to check the web page for details. In addition, the February 5-6 Ten-Ten Winter QSO party was presented, and that the club’s shack would probably be manned for the event. He presented a comprehensive memo on Station Activities with 10 copies available at this meeting.

 The Membership Committee chairman John Bartscherer (N1GNV) introduced two new members, Fred Scimone (KB1GWM) and his son John (KB1GWN). Both were unanimously approved by all present.

John announced there were 47 paid members and 2 life members for a total of 49 as of this date, 1/13/05.

 The Instructions & VEC chairman, Joel Curneal (N1JEO) said the next session of the VEC at the clubrooms would be on March 29, 2005 at 7:00pm. Also, he would start new classroom instructions for both General and Extra class licenses on April 5th.

The Nutmeg Hamfest committee did not report but said planning would begin in March.

Chris Sievert (WA1VXH) gave a report on the Emergency Communications activity noting the big, national event being held in New London, CT on April 4- 10 with extensive interrelationships being tested between all local and national organized emergency responders. Hams interested must be signed up with ARES before the event to receive certification for admittance to the event.

 NEW BUSINESS

Rich Aubin (WA1TRY) presented an extensive discussion about antenna tuners with printouts of various commercial offerings from:

      LDG Electronics, Palstar, TenTec, Vectronics, Ameritron

Rich will chair a group of three, including Al (N1API) and Bill (W1KKF) and report on their recommendations at the February business meeting.

 The 50/50 pot of $14 was won by Charlie Dudac (KB1LAF).

 The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.

Submitted by Paul Ciezniak (K1SEZ) Acting Secretary