METRO DX CLUB MEETING MINUTES – Sept. 18, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:32 PM by V.P. John Holmes W9ILY as Pres. Bob Adamitis K9MDO was absent and vacationing in the Dominican Republic.  W9ILY then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. There was no meeting in August as our annual picnic was held, so there were no minutes for Sec/Treas. Jack Nienhaus W9NJB to read.  A treasurer's report will be given next month. 

Picnic Chairman Bob Berger N9ORD reported that the annual picnic was a success with 25 attendees enjoying the great weather, food and fun. A 50/50 drawing netted $44.00 for the club treasury.   

John Holmes W9ILY reported on DX and contests:  FT5GA Glorioso will be in operation until October 5. In the CQWWCW contest, John W9ILY came in 1^st in the 9^th area  on 20 meters, Bob K9CJ came in first in the 9^th area  on 40 meters, and Jerry WB9Z came in first in all band-assisted in the  9^th area.  In the North American RTTY QSO Party the Metro Muttz team finished #35 out of 46 teams. Members of the team were N9LAH (who finished 3^rd in the 9^th area), W9ILY, AI9L, N9AKR, K9PY and W9OA. 

In the ARRL International DX contests, the ARRL combines the scores from the CW and SSB contests for the club competition. In the Local category, Metro finished an impressive #5 out of 17 clubs with a score of 491,634. In the CW contest, W9OA led the Metro club with 293,832 followed by W9UM, W9ILY, K9CJ and N9WK. In the SSB contest, W9TY (operated by K9MDO) and W9ILY participated.

Special Event Station:  Our Special Event will be held using the special call sign W9M on October 3^rd at the QTH of Jack Nienhaus W9NJB from 10 AM to 7 PM .  Please watch for details.  Unfortunately, the ARRL omitted publishing our event in QST, but it is listed on the ARRL WEB site. Details of our event and how to request a certificate or QSL card will be posted on our WEB site, so an on-air reference to our WEB site will answer the QSL questions.

Bob N9ORD suggested that the 2010 Winterfest Banquet be held at the same place as in 2009.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM and the DVD TX5C Clipperton Atoll 2008 was shown.  Refreshments were provided by Bob, K9CJ. 

Although our meeting conflicted with the W9DXCC doings, the following members were in attendance this evening:  W9NJB, W9ILY, N9LAH, W9NKV, W9PDS, N9ORD, N9AKR, K9PY and K9CJ.