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Meeting Minutes
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- Created on Friday, 18 April 2003 04:00
- Last Updated on Saturday, 08 March 2008 16:47
- Written by David Engleson
April 17th, 2003 MRCSS Meeting
Swap Meet - Before the meeting began many members participated in a swap meet that from all appearances was a great success. Thanks for the suggestion Ed!Call to Order
Thirty members attended the April meeting along with two guests, Frank Williamson of Burnsville and Tim Folkenson from MARCEE. A new member, Doug Anderson of Minneapolis also was present. Thanks for joining us!
President Bill Rakozy was called away on a top secret…Bill couldn’t join us this night and so Augie McKibben kept everyone in line. Thanks Augie.
Old Business
Membership - Bob Waldridge stated that he has the membership cards with him and if you have not picked yours up from him, please do so.
Intra-Club Fun Fly With MARCEE – Tim Folkenson joined us this evening reporting that a date has been set for the fun fly. August 9th at Jirik Sod Farms. See you there!
New Business
Newsletter – Many members took part in a discussion about the club newsletter. Some felt that the newsletter has been rendered obsolete with the development of our web site that has pages dedicated to articles, photos, events calendar, directions, and more. Others stated that for some time now the newsletter has consisted of only the meeting minutes. Not long ago the newsletter included the meeting minutes, president’s column, articles, cartoons, club flying records, and more. Others felt that members without access to the web, however few, would be left out if the printed newsletter was no longer available. This topic will be brought forward at the next meeting for further discussion and action.
Web Site – The discussion then moved to the web site. Web items batted around included the lack of directions to our monthly meetings (yikes), updating the calendar of events, deleting old information and messages from the site, answering inquiries, passing on information like member passwords and the instructions for joining the Yahoo Group. David Engleson and Bob Waldridge will discuss these items with Ro Hart and work out the problems.
Dome Fly – Tim Folkenson announced another flying event at the Metrodome scheduled for Tuesday, April 22nd from 7 AM to 12 Noon. Check with MARCEE for more information.
April 26th Flying event at Jirik Sod Farms – Augie McKibben will be leading this event so please contact him with any questions and/or to let him know if you plan to participate. Augie plans to use the club laptop along with a program to keep track of the contest. An electric event (9:30-10:30AM) will take place prior to the main event schedule for 10:30 AM. Hope to see you there!
Emil Weiler gave a slope flying update saying that the flying has been very good this year however a few items need to be discussed.
Hagar City – “The site is fantastic, the owner has been equally great, and we need to take special care when flying at Hagar City”, said Emil. “We do not want to do anything to lose this site! Police yourselves, don’t muck-up the field next to the cell tower gravel road, check frequencies with other flyers before turning on your radio, and be more careful when flying”. Ed Berris and Paul Johnson are working on a number of frequency boards for different sites, including Hagar City.
Mounds Park – There has been a few accounts of poor flying at Mounds and according to Emil and Tim Mattson, a citizen will get hurt if the flying habits of a few don’t change. There are too many speed runs, flying around blind corners, and close flyovers. Someone added that by flying this way, the pilot is in effect breaking the basic tenants of the AMA rules, and the AMA will not cover you if an accident occurs.
Kirk Hall discussed his trip to the Toledo model show this year suggesting that if have not been to one these annual events, you would enjoy it.
Augie McKibben closed the meeting and the swap meet continued with extreme prejudice.
Thanks for another good meeting guys!
Engleson
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- Created on Friday, 16 April 2004 04:00
- Last Updated on Sunday, 09 March 2008 14:19
- Written by Webmaster
Minutes of the April, 2004 MRCSS meeting. April 15
April Meeting in Room 351 of Edina Community Center called to order at 7:05 PM by Vice President Augie McKibbon.
Visitors
Tim Johnson of Shakopee, who has flown free flight models with Dave Edmonson for many years, and Jared (Stilwell?), a friend of Ed Berris.
Old Business
The first South Dakota Slope Trip of 2004 is set for Thursday, May 13. through Sunday, May 16. Most members are staying at the Bridge View Motel, formerly known as the Lakeshore Motel. The second trip will be June 17 through 20. No July or August trips, as the weather is simply too hot. A September trip is likely and will be determined in due time.
New Business
Sod condition at Jirik (east of Farmington) is uncertain, but should be good. Ed Berris will inquire next week. Approval has been received to go ahead and use the Fricke Sod Farm near Elk River.
Bill Jones reported the Aerotow group had a good meeting and has set June 5 at Fricke Sod Farm for the Aerotow Fun Fly. All MRCSS members are invited to bring their 2 meter or 1-1/2 meter gliders for piggy-back launches, or simply come and watch the aerotowing of the large scale model sailplanes.
Augie McKibben handed out the calendar proposed by the Contest Committee for review by the members tonight. This was the work of Vern Bailey, Ib Jensen, Bill Rakozy, Conrad Sowder and Greg Stinson. After discussion, Dave Edmonson moved and Ed Berris seconded that the proposal be formally accepted. Motion passed. Augie said the document will be a work inprogress, and may be modified as conditions require.
The approved contest schedule includes:
| Builder's Challenge | Jirik Sod Farm | April 24 |
| May Fly | Jirik Sod Farm | May 15 |
| The Big One | Elk River | June 12 and 13 |
| Mid Summer Jam | Jirik Sod Farm | July 10 |
| Dog Days | Elk River | August 14 |
| September Jollies | Jirik Sod Farm | September 11 |
| Final 04 | Elk River | October 9 |
Reports
Treasurer Jack Perecman reported that all membership dues have recently been deposited and that the balance in the treasury is right where it should be at this time of the year.
Dave Edmonson announced there will be an electric event at the April 24fun fly at Jirik Sod Farm.
As a Safety Report, Emil Weiler told of his recent experience with a bad transmitter battery which had an intermittent internal connection which was located by applying pressure to the battery pack. He said he was advised there was also a possibility the connector inside the Hitec transmitter might have an intermittent connection, which was found to be correct. Emil advises you check both the battery and the transmitter for intermittent connections before your first flight this year.
Show and Tell
Dave Edmonson brought a short kit for a Mirage sailplane, sold by member Mark Miller of Isthmus Products. All the tricky parts for the model are included. Builder must furnish the simple wooden parts. Dave also said that Mark is offering a special price on the Hitec Eclipse transmitter of $195 each if purchased in lots of 10 transmitters. MRCSS group buy?
Ib Jensen showed his latest Super G discus-launch glider. He described a new method he is using to increase the rigidity of the wing and another new method which uses a balloon in forming the pod. See Ib for details.
Jack Perecman showed a small-size frequency board which he proposes for use at informal flying sessions when there are not enough fliers to justify going over to the MRCSS locker to get the club frequency board. Jack also demonstrated his new 9-channel Multiplex synthesized transmitter for which he made a very neat fold-up transmitter holder with neck strap. Jack says his flying is now much improved using thumb and forefinger as compared to thumb alone.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:56 PM so the Swap Meet could begin.
Jim Ladwig, Secretary pro tem
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- Created on Monday, 14 May 2007 21:00
- Last Updated on Saturday, 08 March 2008 15:41
- Written by Vern Bailey
Minutes of MRCSS meeting April 26, 2007 7 p.m.
Edina Public Library, Ethel Berry Room
16 members present
NEXT MEETING: May 17, same location
President Ib Jensen called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Visitors, Ray Johnson (2nd visit) and Dan Kutchell (Burnsville) and Kevin (last name uncertain), introduced themselves and their specific interests. They were welcomed by all members.
Treasurer Jack Perecman announced the club financial status was solid. Membership steward, Paul Johnson reported the club numbers had dropped a bit from last year. An effort will be made to urge renewal for those not yet registered for ’07.
Bob Waldridge reported he had met with Pete Jirik, and we have been given the green light for that field’s use – as long as we adhere to the usual procedure: ask at the desk first. Bob also suggested the Club might want to join the Minnesota Turf Association as an associate member. At a small cost, this could smooth the path for future flying permission on other sod farms. The vote was unanimous.
We were reminded that the year’s first “fun fly” contest -- no entry fee, minimal “trophies” -- would be held at Jirik in Farmington on Saturday, April 28 (wind permitting).
Dave Edmondson and others described a large field near the intersection of I35 and Black Dog Road the club may one day use for TD flying.
Plans for the May junket to the So. Dakota slope site were discussed in detail. Motel arrangements were discussed, and some rides arranged.
Bailey distributed copies of an info. sheet on the Eastern Iowa Soaring Society’s TD competition, “Misty Meadows Soaring Classic” in case any member was interested. It is to be held in Solon, Iowa, on May 5 & 6.
The MARCEE club will hold its electric power event on June 21 in Woodbury, MN.
Adam laid out the possibility of a club “One model” build that could easily and inexpensively be focused on the new kit of Mark Drela’s HLG “Apogee Sport.” There was little response.
Mention was made of a possible club name change, but more discussion was urged. Action was deferred to a later meeting when Dave Engelson, who initiated the idea, could be present.
Several members voiced their opinion that our club meetings (and therefore, attendance) might be improved by including a scheduled, pre-announced topic of a new technique or a review of some technical matter of general interest. Something sexy. Vocal support for restoring a topic for each meeting was obvious. Adam said he would lead off next meeting with an explanation of what he has learned about thermals and thermaling in his recent study for full-scale glider flying.
Show-and-Tell then followed with its usual display of recently built models and an abundance of good-natured talk.
Secretary: Vern Bailey
- Details
- Created on Wednesday, 19 April 2006 04:00
- Last Updated on Saturday, 08 March 2008 15:39
- Written by Vern Bailey
Minutes of the April 18 meeting MRCSS
President Adam Koller called the meeting to order and re-introduced a new member, Quinten Speers. Quinten described his attraction to RC modeling and welcomed help from seasoned builders/fliers.
Adam explained the costs and advantages of maintaining our AMA charter.
Treasurer Jack Perecman reported our finances are in proper order.
Kevin Kavaney, membership officer, announced the club membership is now at 71.
Jim Ladwig has volunteered to meet with several grammar school classes and explain the fundamentals of flight. Adam urged any member who could possibly do so to assist Jim in this once-only meeting with school kids.
Several slopers who are planning the next trip to the South Dakota site provided planning details and urged early motel reservations. Next trip is set for May 18-21. Approximately 20 will be there. Another junket is being planned for June 16-18.
Adam urged us all to get on the web, get through the link Mike has set up and report the useful info on which channels we use or plan to use.
Contest coordinators Greg Stinson and Vern Bailey then distributed copies of the Thermal Duration Contest Calendar for 2006.
Greg, CD of the year's first competition, The Spring Tune Up, reminded us it is set for Jirik
sod farm, Saturday, May 13 (weather permitting). There will be four categories:
- 1.5 meter HLG/mini-start
- 2 Meter sailplanes
- RES (any size)
- Open for the big birds
Scores will be based on a ladder of duration target times with accompanying landing points. Each competitor will pay a $5 fee to enter one or all classes.
Highlight of the meeting: show and tell.
A virtual parade on newly-completed or in-process models capped off by XXXXXX flying his electric in-door mini-helicopter.
Vern Bailey, secretary
- Details
- Created on Sunday, 27 April 2008 21:56
- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 April 2008 22:36
- Written by Webmaster
Minutes of the April 24, 2008 MRCSS Meeting
Vern Bailey could not attend, so here are my recollections (P. Johnson)Call to Order
President Dave Engleson called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 pm.
Old Business
Dave recapped the soaring PowerPoint slideshow he and Adam Koller presented at the U of M recently. More than 25 grad and undergrads were in attendance. They discussed model soaring as well as full-scale soaring. They generated 3 interested parties and tons of questions. The presentation will be made available to the club at large through the website.
Dave is also in contact with a Civil Air Patrol squadron. A great idea, as model building is part of the advancement of cadets. If you know of any groups that would be interested in a presentation, please let the board know.
Membership Report
There are about 50 paid members. Discussion for cutting unpaid members from the email list has been tabled. We want y'all in the club! If you don't send in your dues, we'll assume you don't like us. Don't do that.
There was a motion to have half price membership for full time students. Motion passed. Question for further debate: Shall the club accept AMA's ParkFlyer membership as adequate?
Library report
Paul Johnson is handling the (heavy) library. It is present at all meetings. Donations are strongly encouraged. Share your library with the club.
New Business
Vern is the CD for the Jirik Spring Tune-up. Al Nephew is talking about holding a Gambler & handlaunch contest May 4. South Dakota Trip is May15. All roads are in good condition out there.
Presentations
Steve Leitgen presented some tools and shortcuts, to wit: by affixing a loop of string to the fuselage and then along the underside of the wing along the spar and then perhaps another 1/4 to 1/3 the half wing span out, you can "string launch" discus style a plane with weak wings. In essence Steve has converted a classic Javelin launch to a discus launch. A great way to get your Zephyr, Monarch or other light handlaunch in the air. Contact Steve for more info.
Steve showed how to make a control horn for light aircraft from spectra and carbon rod. This is also how Scobie Puchtler designed the control horns in the famous Red Herring.
Next he demonstrated the use of thin Teflon tubing inserted directly into the nozzle of your CA bottle. A great way to accurately direct the adhesive. You can get Teflon tubing from Bob Smith and others. It is also available at local hobby shops.
Finally Steve showed the use of an archers glove to save wear n' tear on your discus launch hand.
Show N' Tell
Dave showed off his 60" red Swift. This model was purchased on ebay by Kevin K. and was in very poor condition. Kevin donated to Dave, knowing his love of engineering and craftsmanship would be the models only salvation from the trash bin. Beautifly restored with Swiss markings, the bird is ready to fly. Dave cut new wings, extending the planform and repaired the fuselage parts into one nice looking plane.
Kevin showed his 8-pound 3 meter Pilatus he purchased from Simmons in San Diego. This 20 year old German kit previously flew at Torrey. Kevin replaced the canopy latch system with hidden magnets and a detailed pilot with hand crocheted outfit and installed a Maxx Products LED switch for safety.
Dave Edmonson showed his F1A sailplanes and custom wood crate that carries up to 12 models and is no larger than a double gun case. F1A sounds more complicated than any class I've heard of before.
Meeting was adjourned, and a number of folks went to Sandy's Tavern to talk gliders over suds.
Respectfully submitted by Paul Johnson in lieu of Vern Bailey, Club Secretary.