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2008
- January 14
- Meeting called to order by club president N2AM. 9 persons were in attendance.
Minutes of Dec. 11 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
NØLOH reported that Muscatine Community College has given approval for the club to use their grassy area along Park Avenue as the Field Day site. The date/times for 2008 Field Day are 1800 GMT (1:00pm CDT) Saturday, June 28 through 1800 GMT (1:00pm) Sunday, June 29. Setup will begin Saturday at 8:00am and take down will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday. We will be using the club call-sign KCØAQS and hope to be a 3A station with 2 HF and 1 VHF.The following have volunteered or assigned to procure equipment or perform tasks for the event:
NØLOH Tom - Tent, Tables, Chairs, Porta-Potty, FD logs and dupe sheets, Drop cords, Lights, Fans, Ground rods, Banner signage, Inform local media and law enforcement.
NØLAG George - generator
WAØVUS Larry - Alinco HF rig
WBØSTG Brad & KDØBDU Casey - Antennas & Tower, 2 meter rig.
N2AM Kevin - Coax, Ropes, Stakes, Rotor, Power supplies
KBØVVK Jon - 300 ohm feed-lineIf you have equipment for us to use, or you can help with setup, operation, or take-down, please let either NØLOH or N2AM know.
NØLOH reported that ARRL Iowa Section Manager Jim Lasley NØJL is planning to attend either the March or April meetings depending on his schedule and weather.
New Business:
NØLOH reported that the Volunteer Examiners have acquired the use of the lower level meeting room at the Muscatine Public Safety Center, 312 5th Street for exams. The following dates are for 2008. All exam times are at 1:30pm. April 12, June 14, August 9 and December 13. In October, exams will be held as usual during the Southeast Iowa Ham-fest.WBØGAG Bruce is the coordinator and KCØWWV Jerry is the contact person.
The club welcomed KØMTT Doug who was visiting his son-in-law, KDØBDU Casey.
NØLOH reported that the next regularly scheduled DRAC exam session will be Sunday, Jan 27th, beginning at 1:00pm. You can preregister for any session by sending an e-mail to K9AYK@arrl.net. Alternatively, you can call Roger, K9AYK, during the 10 days that precede any session at (563) 355-5517.
WBØTSG reported that the club still has a working 2-meter antenna installed at the Muscatine Public Safety building. It was decided that it shall remain and possibly come into use for weather spotting or other emergency communication needs.
Business meeting closed at 7:50 pm.
Those in attendance enjoyed a video tour of the Ameritron Amplifier factory, presented by N2AM.
We also enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation on a massive antenna and tower project at K9TLN.
- February 11
- Meeting called to order by club president N2AM. 8 persons were in attendance.
Minutes of January 14 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Field Day - NØLOH has arranged for rental of a Porto-potty, tables and chairs. Will secure tent rental soon.
WAØVUS advised that the club call is an Advanced class, since he is trustee.(After the meeting, WBØGAG and WAØVUS went to the rules and regulations and determined that the club license has no operator privelege assigned to it and that the control operator's license determines the Field Day operating privelges. The control operator must be assigned by the trustee and records kept of who was control operator to fully satisfy the rules and any challenge that might occur.)
New Business:
Hamfest - NØLOH has volunteered to be Hamfest Chair this year.
Ticket and table prices will remain same as last year.
New this year, tables will be available in the shelter next to the main hall for those wishing to rent them. Price will be the same as indoor tables.
There is electricity available, too.
Fliers have been provided courtesy of WAØVUS. (Thanks, Larry!) Tom, NØLOH has them.
Tickets have been ordered from the printer.
NØLOH will get ham-fest ARRL affiliation.
Tom also plans to attend the Washington club's meeting on February 21 (since postponed to February 28). Anyone wishing to join Tom should contact him.KBØTFT(SK) - NØLOH passed around a thank you from Mike's mother regarding the gift made to his memory. Also, his monument will include his CB Handle, "Pokey" as well as his call-sign, "KBØTFT".
The club still has property remaining at Mike's QTH and will need to get together with the executor of his estate to reacquire them.March meeting - NØLOH reported that the library will not be available for the March meeting due to remodeling, therefore the meeting will be held at the Public Safety Building on March 10th.
Business meeting closed at 7:50 pm.
For those who missed last month's meeting, N2AM replayed a video tour of the Ameritron Amplifier factory and a massive antenna and tower project at K9TLN.
N2AM also shared interesting internet links with the members in attendance:
- March 10
- Meeting called to order by club president N2AM. 13 persons were in attendance.
Minutes of February 11 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Hamfest - Tom, NØLOH reported that Southeast Iowa Ham-fest fliers and tickets are now printed and available from him for those wishing to sell them. Tickets are available to buy from: Tom, NØLOH; Bruce, WBØGAG; Jerry, KCØWWV; LeRoy, KDØCSX; and Pat's Sport & Barber Shop in Davenport.KBØTFT-SK - Tom, NØLOH reported that the club equipment that was kept at Mike, KBØTFT-SK QTH has been moved to Kevin, N2AM's QTH, with the exception of the power supply, which is in his possession. He also states that there are some 11 meter and scanner antennas, as well as Mike's tower with tri-bander, some beams and a vertical that are available for purchase. To arrange a visit, contact the executor of Mike, KBØTFT-SK estate, Don Maylone at (563) 571-1508. Don wishes to have everything cleared out by the end of March.
New Business:
Tom, N0LOH requested approval for expenditures for the following: renewal of the club website, rental of a tent for field day, rental of a port-a-potty for field day, rental of 2 tables and 12 chairs for field day, and to order more checks for the club checking account. All were approved.LeRoy, KDØCSX asked Brad, WB0TSG about adding a "swap net" to the Sunday night net on the 146.910 repeater. (The net is supported, but not sponsored by the Muscatine Amateur Radio Club.) Brad, WBØTSG said a "swap shop" would be acceptable after formal and informal traffic has been passed.
Tom, NØLOH reported he will again try to attend the next Washington Area Amateur Club meeting to learn more about what participation can be expected of their membership in this year's Southeast Iowa Ham-fest.
Larry, WAØVUS reported that the battery for the 146.910 repeater needs replacing. Expenditure for a new battery was approved.
Tom, NØLOH suggested club member think about changing the club call-sign to KBØTFT to honor the memory of Mike Hayden. He is sure the club would receive permission to do so by Mike's family. As it will be a vanity call-sign, there would be an added expense. Discussion was tabled until the April meeting.
Business meeting closed at 8:02 pm.
Following the meeting we had presentation on Digital Television by Kevin, N2AM.
- April 14
- Meeting called to order by club president N2AM.
Minutes of March 10 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Field Day 2008 - It was decided on the 3 stations that the club will use for Field Day 2008:Hamfest - Tom, NØLOH reported that he attended the Washington Club meeting in March and has assurances from them that they will provide people to man the gate as well as equipment and operators for the talk-in station at this year's ham-fest.
- Station 1 will be for 40m, 75/80m & 160m.
- Transmitter, tuner and dipole provided by WAØAUQ Dave
- Power supply and push-up pole provided by N2AM Kevin.
- Needed: Rope and stakes for support.
- Station 2 will be for 20m, 15m & 10m.
- Transmitter and power supply provided by N2AM Kevin.
- Tri-Bander provided by MARC/N2AM Kevin.
- Tower provided by KCØWWV Jerry.
- Needed: Rope for turning beam and ropes & stakes for support.
- Station 3 will be for 6m.
- Transmitter provided by MARC/WAØVUS Larry.
- Power Supply provided by MARC/NØLOH Tom.
- Beam and Tripod provided by N2AM Kevin.
- The generator will be provided by NØLAG George.
- Help setting up and taking down will be provided by everyone, right?
Tom also reported that he and his wife will be providing the $4/person all-you-can-eat wiener roast for Saturday night. Tom has hamfest tickets for anyone wishing to purchase them or if they would like advance ticket packs to sell, contact Tom.
New Business:
A discussion about the lack of storm spotter training in the city of Muscatine was discussed. It is understood that the National Weather Service has concluded their training for this year and that an effort will be made to bring storm spotter training to one of the club meetings next year. If you are a certified storm spotter and you see severe weather, be sure to contact the National Weather Service office in the Quad Cities and report it.NØLOH Tom shared a thank you note from Phillis Korschot for the clubs donation to the memory of Paul WAØZUL/SK.
NØLOH Tom shared a letter of congratulation from Central State Bank on the clubs having been chosen as recipient of the Hometown Hundreds contest. The club receive a $100 donation courtesy of CSB and KWPC.
The next club meeting will feature a presentation by N9CI Dr. Ken Colwell. Ken is on the speakers bureau for the Digital Television Conversion slated for early next year. Since the general public will be invited to attend, it was decided that the business portion of the meeting in May will be held following his presentation.
The Club welcomed KCØMTG Linda to the meeting. Linda used to live near Des Moines and has recently moved back into the area.
There were 2 new members added to the club roster: WAØAUQ Dave and Don Blake, who just passed his tech exam last Saturday.
No further business. Meeting adjourned at 7:53pm for a video presentation on a tornado hitting a factory in Illinois from KDØBDU Casey. WAØAUQ Dave brought a working replica pocket telegraph apparatus that he built. N2AM Kevin shared a a slide show of photos from the AES Super-fest, as well as a humorous Dilbert video.
- May 12
- 7:05pm Business portion of the meeting postponed as all enjoyed a thorough presentation on the DTV conversion by Dr. Ken Colwell N9CI as well as Terry Curry & Dave Fife of MPW Cable.
8:15pm Business Meeting called to order by Kevin, N2AM
Minutes of April 14 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Field Day - Tom, NØLOH gave a short update on Field Day. The tent and port-a-potty will be setup by the respective vendors on the Friday night before Field Day. Club members and others able to lend a hand to setup will begin setup at 8am on that Saturday morning.
NØLAG reminded everyone about the proper use and refueling of his generator.New Business:
Tom, N0LOH requested permission to order Field Day education material from the ARRL. While the materials are free, there is a shipping charge. A motion was made, seconded and vote giving approval.Interested club members are invited to take a look at the Field Day site for suggestions of antenna locations, etc. NØLOH & N2AM will meet all interested parties on Sunday, May 18 at 1:00pm at the Field Day site in front of MCC in the location of the old Heinz Field. Talk-In on 146.910- repeater.
NØLOH requested that all hams in the area check the website www.muscatinehams.org to find the NCS Script and print out a copy so they could fill-in as Net Control whenever Brad WBØTSG or Tom NØLOH are unavailable. Being a net control station operator is good practice for emergency communications and since the Sunday net on 146.910- is not sponsored, but supported by MARC, any Amateur Radio Operator can help out as NCS.
Business meeting closed at 9:00 pm.
- June 9
- 7:03pm Business Meeting called to order by Kevin, N2AM
Minutes of May 12 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Field Day was the only topic of discussion. We learned about the exchange, the logs, dupe sheets, bonus points, how to call CQ, how to reply to a call, how to operate the generator and TenTecs. Thanks to Kevin N2AM and Dave WAØAUQ.
After a brief discussion it was decided that since George, NØLAG is the "Power" behind our Field Day effort, we will use his callsign for the FD stations. We will be NØLAG 2A IA. That's November Zero Lima Alpha Golf, Two Alpha, India Alpha!For a map, click here and search for Muscatine.
Who brings what:
- Kevin N2AM — TenTec for station 2, power supply, mic, key, paddles, headset, push-up pole, 6m beam, tri-bander, tower, anchor screw, fence posts, post driver, tripod, dupe sheets, 24-hr clock, clip board, ice, coolers & rope.
- Dave WAØAUQ — TenTec for station 1, power supply, mic, key, paddles, headset, tuner and dipole
- Tom NØLOH — power supply, lights, fans, logs, ground rod, pencils, pens, clip board, 24-hour clock, 6 fiberglass poles, ground strap, gas can, 4' table and ARRL materials
- Bruce WBØGAG — callsign and FD designator signs for each station
- Jerry KCØWWV — 24-hour clock, coffee maker, coffee, cream, sugar and cups
- Jon KBØVVK — 300' of ¼ inch nylon rope
- Larry WAØVUS — Alinco for station 3, field day sign, a/c power cords
- George NØLAG — generator, gas, gas can and extra oil.
- Everyone else — bring whatever else you want to bring… rigs to show or use, tools, supplies, food drink, chairs, soldering guns, electrical and duct tape, family, friends, and most especially, an upbeat attitude with a genuine willingness to help out and have fun!
Schedule:
- 6/27 Friday afternoon 1:00pm — NØLOH to stand by at the location to show the tent and port-a-potty people where everything goes.
- 6/28 Saturday morning 8:00am — everyone to show up at FD site with the supplies they're assigned to bring and begin setting up the antennas. > NØLOH will be getting tables and chairs from rental store at 8am. > NØLAG be showing up with the generator at around 9am. Monitor 146.910 for ease of communications. Bring your hand-held! 1:00pm field day begins!
- 6/29 Sunday at noon — everyone meet to begin taking down everything.
See you there!
Meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.- July 14
- 7:05 pm meeting called to order by Kevin, N2AM
Minutes of June 9 meeting and treasurer's report read by NØLOH. Approved by voice vote.Old Business:
Field Day 2008: NØLOH reported that the club, using the callsign NØLAG, made the following numbers of contacts:
80 meter phone 54 40 meter cw 40 40 meter phone 202 20 meter cw 20 20 meter phone 154 15 meter phone 39 10 meter phone 49 6 meter phone 59 Total QSO points,
with mulitpliers1362 Bonus points 540 Total score 1902 Field Day Comments:
The club needs a 6 meter rig with better receive, less open to interference from the other radios.
The generator had a leak in the tank and the tarp over the generator fell in the wind and was melted by the exhaust.
What happened to the coffee maker someone was going to bring?
There should be a way for the headphones and the speakers to work at the same time so all in the tent could enjoy listening to the operators make contacts.
Someone forgot to put out the Section Abbreviation and Band Plan Sheets.
The dupe sheets need to be smaller and need to be used.
Need to have a rotor for the tri-bander instead of rope.
Need 4 sets of guy rope for the push-up.
Should get a US flag for the top of the push-up.
Next year look into having 2 meter SSB and PSK31 capabilities.
Maybe next year have laptops for logging.New Business:
NØLOH and N2AM will be away and unable to attend the next meeting on August 11th. Jon, KBØVVK said he will step up and preside over the meeting.
Business meeting adjourned to watch a slide show of Field Day photos beautifully done by Anton, KØRLX.
N2AM shared a slide show of photos he also took at Field Day.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm
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Last updated August 6, 2008.