February, 2005 Meeting Minutes

President Fred (W6BSF) called the meeting to order at 1938 CST, February 9, 2005.  The January, 2005 meeting minutes as published in Badger Smoke Signals were accepted by motion from Steve (KB9GPN) and second by Travis (KB9YRC). Treasurer Dick (N9QFY) gave the treasurer’s report, which was accepted by motion from Gene (WB9DQD) and second by Chris (KB9VLS).

Introductions were made since a new ham joined the meeting; Bob, KC9HBA.  Congratulations, Bob, and welcome to MANCORAD.

 Fred thanked the membership for the funds collected to date for Sri Lanka ham radio equipment what would have been very helpful had it been available in the recent Tsunami disaster.  A total of $575.00 has been raised, club donated and individuals also.

   Upcoming events of interest;

• AES Superfest – April 1 and 2, 2005 at the AES headquarters in Milwaukee .
• WI QSO party on March 13, 2005; 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The club shack will be open for W9DK participation.
• The Leukemia – Lymphoma Bike-a-thon will be held on July 23 – 24, 2005. We need a new coordinator as N9PBL has indicated he will not be doing it this year.  Thanks, Steve, for your efforts in all of the previous years. This is a worthy event and should be considered by all for support.

   The Ham-of-the-Year committee for this year was decided at the last meeting to include a previous recipient and two additional persons. Dick, N9QFY, will be the previous recipient member, and two additional members are needed.

 Dan (N9NCU) reported on the library book project status. The final book delivery, to the Manitowoc Public Library, was made last Friday.  The only remaining item is to arrange for a Public Relations meeting with MPL, and provide a recommendation for circulation removals since new books have now been donated. A very nice acknowledgement by the Two Rivers Lester Public Library was read and circulated among those present.

   Badger Smoke Signals has billed Mancorad for the 2004 club subscription. The bill will be paid after corrections are made for individuals who are no longer Mancorad members.

   Dan made a presentation on the inventory that has been made of radio equipment available for loan to Mancorad member “new” licensed hams; the inventory list was routed to those present.  “Lend-a-rig” is intended to be an incentive to bring new hams into the club. Dan, as club secretary, will maintain a book of loaned equipment, both club owned and club member owned.  Carl, KA9WYK, will add that loaned equipment is available to new ham members on the W9DK website.  The inventory includes 3 HF transceivers, 2 HF general coverage receivers, 1 HF antenna tuner, 6 VHF FM base stations, 5 VHF HT’s, 4 12VDC power supplies, and 1 variac. After discussion, it was suggested that a similar inventory of test equipment held at the club shack should be made; Dan agreed to make such a list.

   Travis gave a brief presentation on the upcoming March, April and May meetings, which will focus on Skywarn.  Travis asks everyone for support to Skywarn this upcoming severe weather season, and asks that we sign up to receive Manitowoc Skywarn information by sending an email to manitowocskywarn@yahoo.com .

   Fred announced that a DSL connection has been installed in the club shack. Carl is working on computer hookup.

   The attendance drawing was won by WS9X/N9IQZ who were not present; prize goes to $8.00 for next month.

   The meeting was adjourned at 2043 CST, lunch was served (thanks Gene), and the group watched an ARRL download on BPL.

   Respectfully submitted,

   Dan (N9NCU), Secretary

   Meeting Attendance (14):

   Dan (N9NCU)            Dick (N9QFY)           Bill (K9DUX)              Carl (KA9WYK)

Steve (KB9GPN)        Winston (KC9FVR)     Gene (WB9DQD)       Fred (W6BSF)

Bob (KC9HBA)         Travis (KB9YRC)       KB9VLS (Chris)         Liana (N9YNV)

Roger (W9NPX)         Dan (N9FVZ)