July 2008

METRO DX CLUB MEETING MINUTES – July 18, 2008

President Bob Adamitis, K9MDO, called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM and then led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. Since our Secretary/Treasurer Jack Nienhaus,W9NJB, was out of town and, Vice President John Holmes, W9ILY, read the minutes of the last meeting and Treasurer’s report.

John, W9ILY, reported on our Field Day activities and included a comparison of the 2008 and 2007 results. In 2008 we completed 1,441 Q’s (494 CW and 947 SSB) for 4,520 points. In 2007 we finished with 1,075 Q’s and 4,102 points. Bob, K9MDO, made a detailed report of the unusual conditions that were encountered this year. Early Sunday morning when there are normally few stations on the air, W9TY with K9MDO operating generated a pileup that continued for a long time.

Bob, N9AKR, discussed a fix that he found for the voice keyer problem encountered at Field Day. A revised jumper configuration corrected the problem.

W9ILY reported that our Metro Muttz team finished in 18^th place for the February 2008 running of the NAQP-RTTY contest. This finish was midway in the list of team results. Upcoming contests include the CQWW VHF Contest and the NAQP-RTTY, both beginning on July 19. The “Metro Mutzz” team will be competing in the NAQP.

Dave, WG9J, and Bob, W9LNQ, noted various generators that are currently for sale at good prices.

DX operations from ZS8 Marion Island and Bouvet were discussed. Bob, K9MDO, mentioned that he had spoken with Bill, N2WB. Bill will soon be going “somewhere” soon on a DXpedition. Bill will be with a new group, not the same as his last two trips. Undoubtedly this trip will be to a highly desired location.

The Club QSL album was passed around so that the members could see an assortment of the cards that we have received.

John, W9ILY, reported that K9AJ and K9BWQ were listed in the August QST DXCC Top of the Honor Roll. Both W9LNQ and AI9L noted that the listing was incomplete and will be updated.

Health & Welfare:

K9MDO reported that Roger, K9RB, who had part of his right leg below the knee amputated, is being fitted for prosthesis. Note- K9RB received his prosthesis the day of the meeting and is now back on two feet.

Old Business:

Field Day – All members who have expenses for Field Day were asked to turn in their receipts for reimbursement. Payments have been made to members who already have done so.

Picnic – Picnic Chairman Bob, N9ORD, gave a detailed report. The Second Annual Club Picnic will be held on Saturday, August 16, at 2:00 at the residence of AF9H and AI9L in Braceville. Bob, N9ORD, had prepared an extensive list of all items needed for the picnic and asked members present to indicate which ones they would be bringing. He will then email a list of the remaining needed items to the membership so that nothing is omitted. The picnic will be a “pot luck” arrangement the Club paying for any additional food or beverages not brought by participants.

New Business:

	There will be no August meeting due to the picnic being held on the 16^th.
	The September meeting will tentatively be held on the second Friday of the month so that we will not conflict with W9DXCC on the 19^th. Use of the meeting room will need to be confirmed for the revised date. Phil, N9LAH, and his XYL, Cindy, will provide snacks for that meeting.

Thanks to K9MDO for his providing cookies and soda for the meeting. The business meeting was adjourned at 8:15 and the program “The N9JA Bhutan DXpedition” video was presented by program chairman W9ILY.

Those present tonight were: W9LNQ, N9ALC, N9AKR, WG9J, K9MDO, N9LAH, N9ORD, AI9L, AF9H and W9ILY.

Respectfully submitted by John Holmes, Vice President