Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
December 1998

The December meeting was the annual Holiday Party and started with a fine repast enjoyed by approximately 45 members and guests. The meeting opened at 1900 at December 11, 1998. A quorum was present. The President gaveled the business meeting to order and dispensed with the normal agenda and reports.

General - 1) Introductions of those present. 2) The honored guests were recognized: Tom Frenaya K1KI, ARRL New England Division Director Betsey Doane K1EIC, ARRL Connecticut Section Manager Ernie Frattini , Wallingford Director of Civil Preparedness. 3) A round of applause to the kitchen crew John K1VDF, Dave K1WJL, John N1LGB, and Lou KS1L. 4) 50/50/ Dave K1WJL.

1999 Officers - The 1999 slate of officers were introduced and recognized: Bill W1KKF, President Joel N1JEO, Vice-President Dan KA1SZP, Secretary Don KE1AY, Treasurer Dave KE1AV, Station Activities Manager Outgoing Treasurer Mark N1MKF was congratulated on his well kept books for the past year.

ARRL Recognition - Tom and Betsey, after a few words, presented MARC with a placard honoring 50 years as an ARRL Service Club - May 26, 1948 to May 26, 1998 .

Membership - A motion by N1GNV, Seconded by many to accept the membership of Tim Kirk KB1DNF of Meriden. Passed unanimously.

Annual Awards - Presentation of the annual awards voted on during the November 1998 meeting

Ham of The Year Bill W1KKF

Elmer of the Year Joel N1JEO

Meeting Adjourned 20:43 Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
November1998

Meeting opened at 1938 on Nov12, 1998 24 people attended. A quorum was present.

General - 1) Introductions 2) Next Meeting Christmas Party Dec.8 at 7PM. 3) Sweepstakes SSB contest is November 20,21. 4) VE session 12/8 at 7PM. 5) Some setup and kitchen help needed for Christmas Party. Admission is dues of $15 . Volunteers are needed for Awards at Christmas Party.

Secretaries Report - Accepted as read.

Treasurers Report - Accepted as read

Committes : Station Activities : KE1AV reported that Kenwood Interface Unit in shack, CT program received, N1API donated Video Cassette/Floppy holders, Collins gear has bids up to $1100, Need to have a repair Saturday for misc gear in the shack, shack is operational, W1FD archive material to be placed in Library, and manuals for shack equipment have been purchased.

Club Nets : CW Net Monday's 28275 approx 2 checkins, SSB Net Tuesday's 28375 approx 6-10 checkins, and FM Net Tuesday's 147.36/R approx 5 checkins.

Membership : 87 paid members

Interference/Technical : Nothing to report

Instruction/VE : 7 students and VE session scheduled for 12/8 at 7PM

Candy Store : Old jackets are gone.

Old Business: Nutfest : Many people attended and had a wonderful time. There were many good comments. The clubtable was profitable also grossing $557.05. A Thank You letter is going to K1UFS for his donations.

NCX-5 : Asking $150 , sealed bids will be accepted. KB1CFB had the winning bid at $50.

Collins: Bid of $1100 condition of inspection. Committe of W1KKF and KE1AV are to sell the unit. Motion was by W1KKF and seconded by N1RMA and passed.

Manuals/Case : Motion to reimburse for the purchase of these was accepted.

DX Cluster : Software is going to be received by KC8PE. Equipment has been acquired.

New Business : Club Historian : Materials have been moved from home of W1FD to he Library. W1FD has resigned and the club is looking for a volunteer to do this job.

Treasurer : K1MKF not continuing to be Treasurer. An audit headed by KE1AU will be done for new treasurer.

Meriden YMCA Meeting : WX1D/W1FD are setting up a meeting , possibly for Apr 20, 1999.

QST's available from W1FD if anyone is interested.

50/50 : KE1AV

Elections : All nominees were voted in unamimously.
President : W1KKF Bill
Vice-President : N1JEO Joel
Secretary : KA1SZP Dan
Treasurer : KE1AY Don
Station Activity Manager : KE1AV Dave

Ham of the Year and Elmer of the year votes were also . Results to be revealed at the Christmas Party.

Meeting Adjourned at 2106

Respectfully submitted
Conrad Sheldon N1QDA, Acting Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
October 1998

Meeting opened at 1938 October 8, 1998. Approximately 25 people attended. A quorum was present..

General - 1) Introductions. 2) Next meting, October 22th, is an activity meeting. 3) VE session is planned for December 12th. 4) Joel N1JEO started a Novice/Tech class on September 29th for 10 weeks. 5) The next meeting is the Annual meting with election of officers and the voting for Ham of the Year and Elmer of the Year.

Secretary's Report - The September minutes were accepted as read and published.

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit. Mark noted that the bank will be requiring a minimum charge of about $9/month. The bank did allow a 9 month abatement which has expired. This should go away when we get some kind of non-profit status.

Correspondence - Various ads.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) The equipment used for the Durham Fair is back and running. 2) The Collins equipment will go on the auction block. Motion by N1API second by K1MKF to sell the Collins equipment. Passed Send any bids to Bill W1KKF. 3) After a discussion by N1MKF, motion by KE1AV second by N1API to purchase a CT contest log program. Passed. 4) (WA1TRY) A SET will take place on Oct 24th. Rich needs about four people. 5) JOTA will be set up at Warton Brook on October 17th. Those helping should contact Joel N1JEO 6) October 17th. Bike Race coverage is needed at Cheshire HS between 6PM and 9/10PM. See WA1TRY

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 4 check-ins. SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 3-4 check-ins VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, averaging about 4-5 check- ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API) Not much activity. 10/10 Sprint party Sat Oct. 10th. Europe is picking up.

Membership - (N1RMA) 87 paid members, includes one new member (82paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life). Motion by N1API and second by several to accept Joel Demers N1OFL from Wallingford. Passed unanimously.

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) No report..

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays started on September 29th and run for 10 weeks. There are about 12 students. 2) VE Session scheduled for December 12, 1998 at 7:00 PM

Nutmeg Hamfest All set to go.

Donations Harry Subkowsky K1UFS donated a substantial array of equipment. Motion by W1ATV second KE1AV to sell most at the Nutfest or to members - use the IC 730, Heath Linear and Scope for club use. Passed. Letter of thanks to be sent.

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. One bargain jacket is available for $15 each (it has a name and call that can be removed).

Key Klix - (N1RMA) KK needs authors. A potential gossip columnist is in journalism school - we have tough standards at MARC (HiHi).

BBS - The passing of the W1NRG BBS was discussed at some more .Al N1API has been in touch with folks from the Tri-State DX Cluster. MARC seems to have all the required hardware to get on the air, but the software cost is unknown. Motion by K1VDF second W1KKF to table the final vote on the BBS until Al gets additional information. Passed.

MARC Web Page - The site is in limbo. WA1TRY will house clean it. Subject tabled - We need a webmaster.

Durham Fair - MARC seems to be a success. Thanks to Randy WA1OMZ for his chairmanship for the three days. Randy has recommended that MARC get a case to make these off premise events a little easier to handle. Randy and Dave KE1AV will follow-up.

ByLaws - Motion by KA1SZP second by N1API to accept additions to bylaws (presented last month and published in Key Klix to add working compliant with IRS 501 filing) Passed with two Nays.

Holiday Party Will be Thurs. Dec 10th. Same agenda. K1VDF is head chef

50/50 - WX1D
Meeting Adjourned 21:18
Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
September 1998

Meeting opened at 1940 September 10, 1998. Approximately 22 people attended. A quorum was present..

General - 1) Introductions. 2) Next meting, September 24th, is an activity meeting. 3) VE session is planned for September 17th. 4) Joel N1JEO will also be starting a Novice/Tech class on September 29th for 10 weeks and a Tech cram course on October 3rd and 4th. 5) Volunteers are needed for the Nutfest in October. See John K1VDF or Bill W1KKF. 6) JOTA is October 17th and 18th.

Get Well wishes to Frank W1FD and also to his XYL Harriet.

Secretary's Report - The August minutes were accepted as read and published.

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit.

Correspondence - None.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) The second keyer now works. (Heath w/ Memory) so we now have two keyers working. 2) The library has been cleaned up. 30 The Collins equipment will go on the auction block.

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 8 check-ins.-Lots of visitors SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 3-4 check-ins VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, averaging about 5 check-ins.

Castle Craig - (N1API) No activity..

Membership - (N1RMA) 85 paid members, includes one new member (80- paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life). Motion by WX1D and second by several to accept Vinny Sadlowski W1OOC - a returning charter member. Passed unanimously.

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) No report..

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays will start on September 29th and run for 10 weeks. 2) VE Session scheduled for September 17, 1998 at 7:00 PM. 3) Cram session for Techs on October 3rd and 4th.

Nutmeg Hamfest - Vendor sign-ups are far ahead of previous years - 60 already.. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. One bargain jacket is available for $15 each (it has a name and call that can be removed).

Key Klix - (N1RMA) KK needs authors - especially a gossip columnist.

BBS - The passing of the W1NRG BBS was discussed at length. Packet is still alive and well in other areas of the country and Northeast. At present, we have no SysOp. N1API suggested the possibility of becoming an area X cluster node - (The Cheshire node has long been terminus). WA1TRY pointed out the changing to a DX cluster would effectively eliminate our use to the town as a CD point of emergency communications (and reduce our viability as a town needed asset. Ernie has been our strong lobby with the town hall). Any additional cost for a cluster operation ( software) would be paid for by the club. Question: can we change hats during an emergency? These seem to be tee options: 1) Local BBS only - as it is now. 2) DX Cluster (N1API has volunteered to be SysOp) 3) Glorious BBS with statewide/area wide connecting links Motion by KA1SZP and second by KE1AV for Al N1API to return with needs and cost list for DX cluster operation so we can decide. Passed

MARC Web Page - The site is in limbo. WA1TRY will house clean it. Subject tabled - We need a webmaster.

Durham Fair - MARC is on for the Fair. Sign-up sheet passed around..

ByLaws - KA1SZP presented a recommended addition (attached) to the MARC ByLaws necessary to complete our IRS 501 filings. These will be moved and voted durng the October business meeting. Publication will also be in Key Klix

50/50 - N1LGA
Meeting Adjourned 21:15
Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
August 1998

Meeting opened at 1942 August 13, 1998. Approximately 23 people attended. A quorum was present..

General - 1) Introductions. 2) Next meting, August 27th, is an activity meeting. 3) VE session is planned for September 17th. 4) Bill W1KKF is to be honored at the New England ARRL Convention as the Ham of the Year. Congratulations Bill. 5) Tom Mik WY1U brought in a May 1976 copy of Key Klix and an old QST photo of W1NRG at Field Day about the same vintage.

Secretary's Report - The June and July minutes were accepted as read and published, after noting a correction to Dan's call WX1D.

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit.

Correspondence - Miscellaneous.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) The Heath keyer has been modified to accept Bencher Paddles. 2) The Collins rig is in the Library. 3) The chairs in the shack have been returned to the owner.

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 4 checkins. SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 9 checkins VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, averaging about 4 checkins.

Castle Craig - (N1API) Some certificate activity from the QSO party. The band was generally open during the QSO party. Things are looking up for Ten.

Membership - (N1RMA) 84 paid members, includes one new member (79-paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Don W1NFG is still chasing his AC noise problem.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays will start on September 29th and run for 10 weeks. 2) VE Session scheduled for September 17, 1998 at 7:00 PM. 3) Cram session for Techs on October 3rd and 4th.

Nutmeg Hamfest - Just completed a huge mailing of 2500 pieces. The clubs will have a table. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS.

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. One bargain jacket is available for $15 each (it has a name and call that can be removed).

Key Klix - (N1RMA) The July issue will be slightly delayed

BBS - The passing of the W1NRG BBS will be discussed at the September meeting.

Durham Fair - To be discussed at the September meeting.

Employment Opportunity - Activity Chairperson or persons.

50/50 - W1KKF
Meeting Adjourned 20:40
Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
July 1998

MARC Meeting Minutes for 9 July 1998 Meeting started at 1940

Announcements: 1) Next Meeting 23 July Activity: None planned 2) Introductions 3) Attendance : 21 Members present 4) Crash course at ARRL 31 July, 1 Aug, 2 Aug 5) Crash course on CW 8 Aug, 9 Aug 6) VE Test Session 17 Sept 7) W1KKF reported a 30 foot tower available, 10 yrs old not set up for $200 8) Boxboro Convention 29 Aug, 30 Aug NE Division 9) KS1L Mother passed away at 89, Secretary to send letter

Secretary's Report: minutes not available

Treasurers Report: accepted as read

Correspondence: 24/th Annual Eastern VHF/UHF Conference Enfield,Ct 21 Aug, 22 Aug

Station Activities: KE1AV reported station is all put back together from Field Day and operational. No further work done on Collins

Club Nets: SSB Net 8-10 checkins Wed 8PM 28375 CW Net 3 checkins Tue 8PM 28275 FM Net 7-8 checkins Wed 7:30PM 147.36 R

Castle Craig: No certificate activity reported by N1API 10-10 QSO Party 1 Aug, 2 Aug

Announcements: Membership Chairman WA1TRY resigned - Joyce N1RMA volunteered to take over job. Currently 83 members. The PO Box was momentarily out of service due to rent not being paid, but is back in service

Committees: Interference and Technical - W1FD had nothing to report, no problems

Instruction/VE - Thursday 17 Sept VE Session , Novice/Tech course starting 29 Sept.

Nutfest - W1KKF reports tables dont need to be setup. Good progress is being made of purchase of tables.

Candy Store - WA1OMZ reports store is open, shirts and a Large jacket is available for $15

Key Klix - W1ATV resigned as KK editor. Joyce has volunteered to be the new editor.

Old Business:
Field Day - Class 2A 

                 230   VHF SSB      QSO's x2
                 240   HF SSB       QSO's x2
                1116   HF CW        QSO's x4
                  94   Novice Phone QSO's x2
                   3   Novice CW    QSO's x4
                   3   Satellite    QSO's x4
                ----
                5616
                 800   Bonus points
                ----
                6416   Score
Compliments go to Rich, WA1TRY for his logging program. Very elegant and easy to use.

Durham Fair - tabled

Frequency Counter - Auction was held and sold for $30 to N1YGL. Thanks go out to W1VCU for his donation.

New Business:

Activities Chairman WA1TRY resigned from his post. The club is looking for a volunteer to take over. KB1CIW suggested that the committee should be made up of 3-4 persons possibly. WA1TRY suggested that people within the club should consider doing an Activity session.

Packet BBS - the question is what should we do? The following comments were made but a decision is tabled until next meeting to allow for people to prepare for discussion. WA1TRY - Tower can be lengthened for link to North WA1TRY - There is interest in using equipment for DX Cluster N1API - YCCC will help with software if club aligns W1KKF - Is DX Cluster helpful for emergency? W1KKF - Suggest finding out how equipment belongs to club and K1MKF publishes results of survey in K/K and the club decides what to do at next meeting. Article should be written in K/K.

50/50: N1WKT Ed
Meeting Adjourned : 2050
Respectfully submitted
Conrad Sheldon N1QDA, Acting Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
June 1998

Meeting opened at 1943 June 11, 1998. Approximately 23 people attended. A quorum was present..

General - 1) No introductions this month - we all knew each other. 2) Next meting, June 25th, is the final Field Day planning meeting. 3) Frank W1FD received his certificate number 5111 from F.I.S.T.S. (The International Morse Preservation Society) 4) Thanks to Denny W1VCU for his donation of a HP5221B Frequency Counter 5Hz-10MHz.

Secretary's Report - The May minutes were accepted as read and published, after noting a correction to the Treasurers report (see below).

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit.

Correspondence - Flyer about the NARA Flea Market.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) MFJ Multi-mode TNC on loan from Walt W1ATV. 2)MFJ 1K tuner back in working order thanks to some maintenance by Frank W1FD. 3)Thanks to the Wallingford CD for the fan. 4) Thanks to Dan W1XD for the install of the light fixture. 5) Collins rcvr may require heat to work on the face dial problem. Could be a touchy wicket. 6) Rotor was working but broke again.

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about abt 2 checkins. SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about abt 14 checkins VHF 147.36R Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, 11 on the 1st week and 9 on the 2nd week.

Castle Craig - (N1API) Some certificate activity. 10/10 summer SSB QSO party on Aug 1st and 2nd.

Membership - (WA1TRY)82 paid members (77-paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Same status. Don W1NFG is still chasing his AC noise problem - very elusive.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Crash courses: Aug 8 & 9 CW practice; Jul 31 to Aug 2 Tech license at ARRL headquarters. 2) VE Session scheduled for Sept 19, 1998 at 7:00 PM 3)New NOVICE/TECH course starting Sept 29th.

Nutmeg Hamfest - The 1998 event is on track. In the full advertising. Flyers are available. The Alliance also has a web site at : http://www.qsl.net/nutmeghamfest (nutmeghamfest is one word)

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. One large jacket is available for $15 ( these have names and calls on them that can be removed).

Field Day - More deep discussions on this years type of operation. 1) Reviewed all the preparations and all is in full sync. Gosh! We are good at this.

Key Klix - (W1ATV) 1) Advertising Rates - - Motion by K1TG with Second by KA1TMN to set the Key Klix ad rates at: $36.00 inside quarter (1/4) page per year; $48.00 outside quarter (1/4) page (max 2) per year; rates to be prorated for different sizes and time periods. Passed with 1 Nay Should KK ads be edited? A discussion followed on both the ad content and if KK ads should be excluded from Web page publication. The results were content and distribution of KK ads should be at the discretion of the editor.

Misc - N1MKF Is looking to responses to his BBS survey (from last months KK) The Cook Hill packet tower is gone, due to changes in ownership and owner attitudes. Motion by K1TG with second by W1XD to place a notice in KK about the auctioning of a donated HP 5221B Frequency Counter at the business meeting. Motion passed.

50/50 - K1TG
Meeting Adjourned 20:55
May Activity Meeting: Review of phone (SSB & FM) / Repeater two-way procedures by WA1TRY, especially during emergencies and control station activities such as bike races, SETs, etc.
Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
May 1998

Meeting opened at 1940 May 14, 1998. Approximately 23 people attended. A quorum was present.

General - 1) No introductions this month - we all knew each other. 2) Next meting, May 28th, is a suprise. 3) VE session on May 19th. 4) Wallingford Road Race on May 17th. 5) The 440 band is under siege from commercial mobile interests - write your representatives and express your concerns. FCC petition to reassign has a comment deadline of June 1st. 5) A tower project is being scheduled for June 13th and 14th at the firehouse.

Secretary's Report - The April minutes were accepted as read and published.

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit. Correction to the March report.

Correspondence - Flyer about the NARA Flea Market.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) All is in OK shape except the MFJ 1K Tuner. 2) Collins receiver seems to be in good shape, maybe even A-1 shape. There is a need to remove the front panel to work on the dial selection mechanism. 3) The MFJ 1K Tuner is still broke - appears to be the roller inductor. W1FD will look at.

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 3-4 checkins. SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 6-7 checkins VHF High probability of Tuesdays on the Wallingford Repeater 147.36R at 7:30 PM starting on June 1st.Contact Bob KB1CIW

Castle Craig - (N1API) No report.

Membership - (WA1TRY) 82 paid members (77-paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Don W1NFG is still chasing his AC noise problem - very elusive. Bad hash at 80 and 20 meters. Working with Ed Hare of the ARRL and various utility companies..

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays is finishing up. 2) VE Session scheduled for May 19, 1998 at 7:00 PM

Nutmeg Hamfest - The 1998 event is on track. With the change to Mountainside, there will be full beverage and food service available. Flyers are available. The Alliance also has a web site at : http://www.qsl.net/nutmeg hamfest

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. Two (1-large & 1-medium) jackets are available for $15 each ( these have names and calls on them that can be removed).

Field Day - More deep discussions on this years type of operation. 1) K1VDF offered his linear, but was decided against because of safety and effort vs. gain. 2) 2) 1A Batt rules changed and seem to penalize our type of single transmitter operation. We would have to toggle between HF and VHF transmitters to stay in the 1A class. 3) 3) Another straw vote: Stay in 1A class - 2, 2A class - 6, others abstain or don't care. 4) KA1TMN will handle the AC generators. 5) Operators see Dave KE1AV for scheds. Remember you SSB guys can get in there. Dave is also chairing a planning committee. Meetings are on Saturday mornings at the club shack. 6) N1JEO will set up the computers for those monstrous logs. 7) N1LEZ and WA1OMZ will do the VHF setup. 8) Need a satellite garu, especially the newer 440 stuff. 9) N1GNV and KA1SZP will do their food stuff again.

Key Klix - (W1ATV) There is a continuous need for authors. Not the great American Novel, just a small article. Committee/Activity chairs, please submit a summary of your event to Walt. Best format is plain text (ASCII).

Misc - WA1TRY, the Wallingford EC, is looking for a second in command to work with the town Civil Preparedness (Ernie). Also some help on the BBS as SysOp.

50/50 - KE1AV
Meeting Adjourned 21:22
April Activity Meeting: Old Field Day slides and pictures - Great fun.
Submitted Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary

Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
April 1998  

Meeting opened at 1923 April 9, 1998. Approximately 27  people attended. A quorum was present..

General - 1) Introductions .

Secretary's Report - The March minutes were accepted as read and published.    

Treasurers Report - Accepted as presented pending final audit

Correspondence - Flyer for low cost group equipment insurance..   

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) CW filters have been installed and work fine.. 2) Collins receiver is still being worked on. 3) The MFJ 1K Tuner is still broke - appears to be the roller inductor.

Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 2-3 checkins.
    SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 6-7 checkins
Any interest in a 2 meter net? Some. Contact Bob KB1CIW

Castle Craig - (N1API) The 50th Anniversary non-MARC winners were published in the March Key Klix. 5 US and 2DX.

Membership - (WA1TRY) Motion by WA1TRY to accept Greg Butler N1OKH of Wallingford, Second by N1API. Passed unanimous. 82 paid members (77-paid 1998, 2 paid 1998-9, 3 life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Nothing new.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays is underway with 8 students. 2) VE Session scheduled for May 19, 1998.

Nutmeg Hamfest - The 1998 event is on track. With the  change to Mountainside, there will be full beverage and food service available. The Alliance also has a web site at : http://www.qsl.net/nutmeg hamfest
Give it a try.

Candy Store - Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available. Motion by N1API to sell four old jackets at $15 as is (These are jackets the club ended up with for various reasons). Second N1TXX. Passed unanimous.

Field Day - It’s that time again!!!
1)     KE1AV will chair a planning committee. Meetings are on Saturday mornings at the club shack.
2)      A straw vote was solicited after considerable discussion to determine the type of Field Day station ARC will run. Four (4) favored Class 1Abatt, Eight (8) plus favored “Something else”
3)     N1GNV and KA1SZP will do their food stuff again.

Durham Fair - MARC has shown an interest in having an informational/educational booth at this years Durham Fair in September. Randy WA1OMZ is the coordinator.

Misc - WA1TRY ran a survey at  the last activity meeting. Some of  th results indicated a need to educate members on the club resources (available equipment in the shack, etc). The majority (two-thirds) of those surveyed are MARC members for less than five years. Rich has additional data.

50/50 - N1LEZ    

Meeting Adjourned  2110      

Submitted    Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
March 1998

Meeting opened at 1938 March 12, 1998. Approximately 27  people attended. A quorum was present.

General - 1) Introductions 2) The next meeting is an activity meeting on March 26. 3) Geoff N1LGI is selling his trailer - the one used during several of the last Field Days for the VHF station. 4) The Hanover PTO is sponsoring a blood drive will be held at Hanover School. The drive is in memory of Corrina DeFelice N1SBC is on Friday March 20th at 1:30 to 6:30 PM.

Secretary's Report - (KA1SZP) Stand as read.

Treasurers Report - (N1MFT) Report attached Accepted as presented pending final audit.
 
Correspondence - Misc flyers, ads, etc.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) Motion by N1LGI second by KE1AV for CW filters for Kenwood $242.25. Passed unanimous. 2) The G5RV wasn’t bad after all, but the MFJ 1K tuner has an intermittent roller inductor. The 300 watt tuner is available to use with the G5RV - no heavy hitters. 3) The HF amplifier is back with the owner. 4) The old/used TS450 auto tuner did not work - it hunts continuously for a match. Since we had a money back guarantee that the tuner would work - it will be returned. The owner asked $60 for the carcass. Motion by WX1D Second by N1RMA to get the carcass for $60, since the remaining parts (pwr cord, mike, etc) are worth that much. Passed.
 
Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 2 checkins.
    SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 6+/- checkins    

Castle Craig - (N1API) the Castle Craig 50th Anniversary non-member award is finished and delivered.

Membership - (WA1TRY) 80 paid members (75-paid 1998, 2 paid 1999, 3-life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Frank is in Florida. No report.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays 7 PM to 9PM from March 10th to May. 2) VE Session scheduled for Tuesday May 19th at end of classes.

Nutmeg Hamfest - The Alliance has negotiated a contract with Mountain Side for a new venue for the 1998 event.

Candy Store - (WA1OMZ) Store is open. Cups, hats and patches are available.

Contests - Novice/Tech QRP Sprint March 15 1500Z-2400Z. Recommended frequencies: 3710khz, 7110khz, 21110khz, 28110khz. Exchange: RST, State/Prov/Country, Name. Details are available from W1KKF.

Civil Preparedness - (WA1TRY) Changes in the State Region II personnel may have impact on packet backbone between NJ and Mass. Rich will keep on top of the situation.

50/50 - W1KKF   

Meeting Adjourned  2139     

Submitted    Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
February 1998

Meeting opened at 1944 February 12, 1998. Approximately 25  people attended. A quorum was present.

General - 1) Introductions 2) The next meeting is an activity meeting on February 26.

Secretary's Report - Stand as read.

Treasurers Report - (N1MFT) Report attached Motion by N1RYO, Second by KA1TMN to accept the Treasurers report as presented subject to final audit. Passed
  
Audit Report - WA1TRY Report attached) Extensive discussion followed presentation. Several suggestions were put forth to make the tracking, balancing and follow up audit easier.  Motion by N1RMA Second by N1TPE to accept the audit report. Passed

Correspondence - Thank you card from Cub Scout Pack 23 Den  1 after a recent visit to MARC. Misc flyers, ads, etc.

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) Still organizing the shack. Overall, things look good. The G5RV and the HF Amplifier remains out. The 75-A4 Collins looks good - have not put full power to it yet..
 
Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 2 checkins.
    SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 8+/- checkins    

Castle Craig - (N1API) Very poor conditions on recent 10/10 QSO party.

Membership - (WA1TRY) Motion by WA1TRY to accept Gerry WB1GGT of Wallingford and Steven of New Haven KB1CIW . Second by W1xd/WA1OMZ. Passed unanimous About 62 paid members (58-paid 1998, 2 paid 1999, 3-life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Frank is in Florida. No report.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays 7 PM to 9PM from March 10th to May. 2) VE Session scheduled for Tuesday March 3rd at 7 PM and at the end of the Novice/Tech class.

Nutmeg Hamfest - The Alliance is negotiating for a new venue for the 1998 event. Mountainside looks promising - lots of potential.

Candy Store - Randy WA1OMZ has volunteered to be the manager. Store is open. Jackets orders were distributed. Cups, hats and patches are available.

Contests - Novice/Tech QRP Sprint March 15 1500Z-2400Z. Recommended frequencies: 3710khz, 7110khz, 21110khz, 28110khz. Exchange: RST, State/Prov/Country, Name Details may be available in KK or from W1KKF.

GOTAP - Conrad N1QDA has volunteered to be the liaison with the ARRL GOTAP program to encourage licensed, but inactive/never active hams to get over the first time butterflies.  Since this is effectively an Elmer program, give Conrad a call and get on his “GOTAP Elmer” list.

Civil Preparedness - WA1TRY Expect a FEMA exercise possibly in April. Rich will put additional info in Key Klix.

50/50 - N1JEO   

Meeting Adjourned  2145     

Submitted    Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary
Minutes of Meriden Amateur Radio Club
January 1998

Meeting opened at 1940 January 8, 1998. Approximately 29  people attended. A quorum was present.

General - 1) Introductions 2) The next meeting is an activity meeting on January 22nd. 3) NE Directors meeting will be held in Boxboro on Sat Jan. Bill or Joel will not be able to attend - any takers? None. 4) MARC received its Special Service Club seal for 1997. 5) Walt KA1SYO is recuperating at home after a period of hospitalization. W1KKF reports that Walt is looking good and on the mend.

Secretary's Report - The November & December minutes were accepted as corrected. December omissions: Rich WA1TRY received a certificate of appreciation for Dedicated Organizer. The 1998 officers were installed at the December meeting.) The minutes have been published in Key Klix and on the W1NRG BBS.

Treasurers Report - WA1TRY (report attached) indicated an audit is in progress in accord with the bylaws and he expects completion in February. Mark N1MFT (was N1WES) has opened a new account with $200.00 seed money. Accepted as presented

Correspondence - QSL cards from recent events. Letter from Denny W1VCU and XYL thanking for the invite to the Holiday Party and the opportunity to meet with old friends.  

Station Activities - (KE1AV) 1) G5RV has a feed line problem. 2) Amplifier possible needs RF choke 3) 486 PC is in shack on loan from N1WES. 4) General shack housecleaning in progress. 5) MARC will host a TCP/IP packet meeting on Saturday Jan 10th.
 
Nets - CW 28275 Mondays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 2-4 checkins.
    SSB 28375 Tuesdays at 8:00 PM, averaging about 12 checkins    

Castle Craig - (N1API) Has been a lot of on and off air activity, including some DX activity. Al is finalizing the data for the 50th anniversary award for non-MARC members and will announce the results shortly. The next 10/10 QSO party is a SSB event on the first weekend of February - details available in the 10/10 newsletter or from N1API.

Membership - (WA1TRY) Motion by K1TG to accept Herb W1QPD of Ft. Pierce Fla, Jim N1ZXT of Prospect, and Dottie N1ZXU of Prospect. Second by K1VDF. Passed unanimous. Motion by K1TG to recognize Manny W1STT for his past presidency and contributions to MARC as an honorary life member. Second W1NFG. Passed unanimous.  58 paid members (53-paid 1998, 2 paid 1999, 3-life)

Interference and Technical - (W1FD) Frank is in Florida. No report. W1NFG is still working with CL&P in the area of his residence, although recent power outages seemed to point to a continuing CL&P problem.

Instruction - (N1JEO) 1) Novice/Technician Class on Tuesdays from March 10th to May. 2) VE Session scheduled for Tuesday March 3rd at 7 PM. 3) As of January 1, 1998 a new form 610 is to be used. The old version is no longer valid. 4) Joel will be available on Tuesday eves 7-9 for upgrade refresher through February

Nutmeg Hamfest - The Alliance is negotiating for a new venue for the 1998 event. Final meeting and accounting for 1997 event not complete. The three MARC directors for 1998 have agreed to remain from 1997 Bill W1KKF, Joel N1JEO, and Rich WA1TRY.

Candy Store - Store is open. Jackets orders are almost complete - some have been delivered and some are in the mail. Cups, hats and patches are available.

Contests - The next 10/10 QSO party is a SSB event on the first weekend of February - details available in the 10/10 newsletter or from N1API. The club station is also available for the QSO party.

Donations - Manny W1STT ( MARC Past President) has donated a Collins KW-S1 Transmitter and Collins 75-A4 Receiver to the club. A straw vote whether to put on the auction block or evaluate, refurbish and then keep or sell was taken ( 8-on the block, 10-off the block, abt 2-abstain). Several volunteered to evaluate and try to put in operating condition. Manny had not used the rig in many years, but there is a large Collins following in the ARS that would be interested in the equipment.

Key Klix - (W1ATV former N1CJB) Walt asked for articles. Just don’t suggest an article - write it. All club members DO have important ideas to contribute. Please submit to Walt early to meet the publisher’s deadline - he usually goes to press about the first of each month.

50/50 - (I missed the winner, but it wasn’t me)   

Meeting Adjourned  2115     

Submitted    Dan Murphy, KA1SZP, Secretary