Metro DX Club Meeting Minutes---Alternate meeting via repeater and Skype

March 20, 2020

The Club board cancelled our regular meeting due to the Corona pandemic and decided to try getting together via a local repeater and via Skype. Jim N9TK volunteered to act as net control.

We would like to thank Paul K9NU for the use of his fine repeater. NC9T 442.025 tone is 100hz, up 5 Mhz.

Also, thanks go out to John K9EL who arranged for those without repeater access to call into him via Skype and then be relayed on the repeater to check in.

The meeting was called to order by our President Jim N9TK who then asked for check-ins. Those checking in were K9AJ, K9XYL, W9MK, W9AEB (checking in from Florida remotely to his home station), W9ILY, W9KXT, W9PDS, N9LAH, K9PY (via Skype), K9EL (checking in remotely from Florida to his home station), K9ZO (via Skype), WT2P (via Skype), K9PMV, WA9LEY, KA9IUC, K9NB, W9OA, K9CJ (checked in with Jim via text msg), K9DRS.

With Jim, we had a total of 20 check ins (a good turnout). Each person got a chance to say a few words. Some of the topics were the rare IOTA RI0B that's on the air, possible Metro/NIDXA joint meeting in April, chasing countries for the CQ Marathon, new equipment purchased, FT8 DX on the air, Parks on the Air, and Jim getting some excess gear ready for E Bay auctions.

OLD BUSINESS

TREASURER'S REPORT John W9ILY gave a report of the Club income/expenses for the month. We had income of $80.40 which included some dues payments and no expenses. Detailed Treasurer reports are filed on our groups.io site.

WUST WA4WKL was awarded endorsements 15 & 16.

NEW BUSINESS METRO PICNIC May have to cancel. More info will follow.

W9C SPECIAL EVENT Our special event is going on as planned, probably using W9C from home. Our plans have been submitted to QST. We believe Matt K9BBQ has volunteered to design a QSL and certificate for the event. More info to follow.

2020 FIELD DAY SITE Our old site in Tinley is not available. We are actively looking for an alternate site. Bob K9CJ has reached out to several venues and is actively seeking a location.

HAMFESTS Due to the Corona outbreak, many popular hamfests have been cancelled including Dayton and Visalia.

DXPEDITIONS Many have been cancelled or postponed. Check DXWorld.com for current info.

CONTESTING Metro has fielded teams for most NAQP events (CW, SSB, and RTTY). We generally finish middle of the pack but they are fun and more members are encouraged to join in. K9ZO and NV9L were highlighted for their fine results in recent contests. Russian DX 12 hour contest this weekend BARTG RTTY 24 hour contest this weekend Virginia QSO Party this weekend WPX SSB Next weekend

After additional discussion, the net was closed. Seemed like a success with a good turnout.

Submitted by Lee WA9LEY