[NLRS] Aurora 2013 Report

[w0zq at aol.com]

Hello NLRS-land
 
Although the morning antenna range was closed due to gusty winds and cool temperatures (!!) there was the traditional exchange of boat anchors and lots of eye-ball QSO's in the morning.  VE4MA found a nook away from the wind and was able to set up his sun noise system for a few people that had brought along their dish system for testing.  The conference attracted members from both Dakotas, VE4, VE3, Wisconsin, and Iowa.  We had 42 club members in attendance with three of those being first time attendees.  In the afternoon, Bill, K0AWU, with A/V support from Jim, K0MHC, provide us with a great technical program.  A tip of the hat to all presenters .... I was impressed with the quality of all of the presentations, I learned some things, and I came away charged up with a renewed interest and appreciation of this great hobby that we have.   Boy, are lots of guys doing lots of interesting and fun stuff.   
 
Some of the key points from the NLRS business meeting included:
1.  Review and approval of the treasurers report.   The club will be sponsoring the following four contest plaques for the next ten years.  For the ARRL June VHF Contest the Dakota Division SOLP plaque, top score in the nation for the new Single-Op Three Band catagory, a divisional SOLP plaque that will be rotated to a new division each year by KX9X  (for 2012 it will be Canada), and finally the NLRS will be sponsoring the CQWW VHF top rover score in the nation, also for the next ten years.  In addition the club provided donations to the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund and ARRL Technology Education fund.
2.  W0JT will be joining me as a webmaster for the clubs reflector.   I will be following up with John on this (and thanks John !!!!!).
3.  The Sunday night nets on 6 and 2m will continue but the 222 and 432 nets will be closed down for the summer.  Thanks to all net controls.
4.  The NLRS club call sign, W0AUS, is available to all NLRS members for their use; HF or VHF.   Drop an email to trustee W0ZQ to secure.
5.  The club will be donating $50 to QTH.net and $100 to the 2014 CSVHFS conference to support their hospitality suite.
6.  A new standing committee was formed to promote VHF weak signal.   Jim, K0MHC has volunteer to chair the committee and Bruce, W9FZ, has agreed to help.  Any other NLRS club members who are interested please drop a note to them.  I hope to see more chatter on this topic.   
 
At the conclusion of our NLRS business meeting we presented two award.   The 2012 NLRS Limited Rover Award for 2nd place was given to Darryl Holman, WW7D/R, of Redmond, Washington, while 1st place was given to John Kalenowsky, K9JK/R.   The winner of the 2013 NLRS Wesslund Award was Gary Danelius, WB0LJC, sighting his efforts through the years to encourage others in the World Above.  Congradulations to all.
 
Next years Aurora, Aurora 2014, will be moving back into April, April 26 to be exact.   As we proceed through what is going to be yet another fun VHF+ season, please give some thought to how you can support weak signal VHF work and help grow Aurora.  Sharing learned experiences at Aurora is a tradition and its a part of what we are as NLRS.  As a club member consider documenting your roving trips, VHF DXpeditions, construction projects, etc., and sharing this with us at Aurora.   Jim, K0MHC, during one of the afternoon presentations provided us with a great overview of how, historically, NLRS VHF advocates have added to our fun and enjoyment of this fun hobby.   Think about becoming an advocate for a topic (contesting, EME, 6m DXing, digital, MS, AU, etc) and present and promote.

Finally, thanks to all the guys who make Aurora come together.   
 
73, Jon
W0ZQ


See you at the 47th Central States VHF Society Conference, July 25–27, in Elk Grove Village, IL