January 2023 – HamGab

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Secretary’s Beat – Meeting Minutes

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CQ Field Day

Jim Riley W9JPR

From the December QST, here are the overall results for Field Day 2022:  The total number of QSOs submitted to the ARRL was 1,274,517 which is down 11% from last year. Total entries were 4,929, a decrease of 18%. Participation, including operators, helpers, and visitors was up by 11% to 29,659. 

   Our class, 3A, had 320 entries and we placed 122nd. We came in sixth out of ten from Illinois in the 3A class. We submitted 691 contacts for a total, with bonuses, of 3,280 points. There were no class D scores added. A full report is in last August’s. We finished first overall for stations operating from Southbridge Church in Orland Park. Yay, us!!

   This is not our greatest work but it’s still pretty darn good given the time lost to storms and the untimely demise of our iconic GOTA tent.

    As I write this in the middle of December it’s a time for looking back. As you read this in January it’s time to look forward and prepare for Field Day 2023. There are two items for your consideration. Do we want to get a new GOTA tent or operate from the gym again? A possible new site has been proposed to us. After we check it out, the FD team will report our recommendations to the club. There is no rush. History has proved that we can change FD sites on a minute’s notice. That being said, we will make every effort to provide ample time should we decide a move is in our best interest. A full hour should be enough.

   We won’t be changing the food. Meals were top-notch thanks to Connie and Rick. I hope they’re willing and able to provide their services again.

   As I do every year, I will start begging for pictures from last year. This applies especially to Don, but anyone else who took pictures last year is welcome to send some along. My presentation in June is counting on you. You can email your digital photos to w9jpr2016@gmail.com or bring them to a meeting on a disk, flash drive, or SD card. Prints are also welcome.

   Finally, nominations are open for FD 2023’s GOTA call. Nominees must have a current Extra-class license and his/her call should be one we haven’t used before. Send your nomination to the email above or see me at a meeting.    That’s all for this month. Here’s to a great Field Day 2023.

A Word from the Hamfester of the Year

Rick W9DOQ

I was awarded this handsome plaque at our annual Hamfesters Christmas Banquet on December 2, 2022. Approximately 50 people attended the evening event which was held this year at the Garden Chalet in Worth, Illinois. Beautiful Christmas songs by Artist and Classic Crooner, Mark Demmin, blended with selections from his fine, electronic library of instrumental music.

Our Club’s evening experience truly was one of delightful fellowship and joy. My sincere gratitude to all those involved in making both this evening as well as the other Club events of this year so personally rewarding. Thank You Too Much! 🙂

Rick W9DOQ visits Ed WA9EOL to present him with the 2020 Hamfester of the Year award.

Christmas Party 2022

ARRL 10M Contest Report

Marty WD9ABG

The 2022 ARRL 10m Contest has been completed. Here are my results operating as a ‘single op under 100 watts’ in EN61 using my modest attic antennas which are a Par 10M end fed antenna with performance to an E/W path and a dipole giving me performance to the south enhancing coverage to the Caribbean and South America.

95 Qs total this year, not exactly setting the ham world ‘on fire’ but better performance then the 2021contest.

26 USA states contacted but with both Alaska and Hawaii eluding me. No station Qs from New Mexico, the Dakotas, Colorado or close in states like Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia.

16 countries, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Paraguay, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala,
Dominican Republic, Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Scotland, Canada and Costa Rica.

Signals were mostly S-9+10 with conditions on the 10M band strong. An unusual propagation item, at the start of the contest @ 00:00Z Saturday 12-10-22 we had a band opening from here in from EN61 to the South East USA. That added ~30 domestic Qs to my log.

I heard some stations with Qs confirmed into the 3000 range later today. I expect the 2022 10M contest scores will be quite high when all is ‘said and done.’

73

Marty
WD9ABG

Hamfesters Dues Reminder

I want to thank those of you who paid their dues at the November meeting.   The Dues Desk will be open again at the November meeting.  The funds are used to support the ongoing activities and expenses of the club.  Dues are payable on Jan 1, of the coming year.  Please remember you can pay your dues anytime online at:

https://www.hamfesters.org/main/club-information/

You can check your dues status at:

https://www.hamfesters.org/main/members-only/

The club is pleased that you joined Hamfesters and we trust you will find an area of club activities where you can participate and help support your club. -=Brian, W9HLQ=-

FOR SALE by Owner

FOR SALE by Ayman N9SES:

• Kenwood TS-570D Used Very Good Condition SOLD!
• MFJ-651Microphone Equalizer New
• Icom IC-V8000 VHF Transceiver Used Very Good Condition
• EB-104 HF AMPLIFIER KIT W/EXTRAS New Never Assembled
• Navy Receiver Model R-1051B/URR (Rare) Working But One Dial Slips Sometimes
• Navy Receiver Model R-1051B/URR (Rare) Working 100% Very Accurate HF Receiver
• Navy Transmitter T827B/URT Very Extremely (Rare) Working Condition
• Alinco DJ-175T VHF FM TANSCEIVER Like New Codition
• RM Italy KL703 Liner Amplifier Used Very Little.

Contact Ayman N9SES through his QRZ page.

FOR SALE by Kurtt WB9FMC

Flex 6400 with ATU and extended warranty (good until June 2025). SOLD

Asking $2,200.00 SOLD!

Note: To transfer the warranty costs $89.00

Also: I have a Maestro on order for $1,199.00 with a 2023 delivery date. The price is currently $1,299.00. I don’t know if that price will “hold” until they build them, but I might be willing to split the difference when it becomes available.

Drake Equipment

Note: I have listed here what WB4HFN gathered prices for this equipment in 2009.*

	WB4HFN 2009 prices
2-B receiver	$201
2-BQ speaker & Q multiplier	$160	(both: $435)
T-4XC transmitter	$340
R-4C receiver	$570
AC-4 power supply	$193
MS-4 speaker	$127
FS-4 frequency synthesizer	$585	(complete station: $1,815)
DC-3 power supply	$68

2-B/2-BQ Asking $400

4 Twins w/FS-4: Asking $1,500

Note: I would like to sell the 2B/2BQ as a set as well as the Drake 4 twins and FS-4 as a set. I am open to all offers.

* See: http://www.wb4hfn.com/DRAKE/DrakeSalePriceHistory.htm

Kurtt  WB9FMC kurtt@pinrod.com (773) 284-9500

ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program

from ARRL VEC VE Newsletter

The ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program went into effect on April 19, 2022. ARRL will cover the one-time $35 application fee for new license candidates younger than 18-years old for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program. The $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been issued by the FCC. The reimbursement check will be mailed to the fee payer. Also, candidates younger than 18-years old would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam. The $5 fee is for all candidates under the age of 18 regardless of the exam level taken. Proof of under 18 status is required at the session. Visit the ARRL website for the program instructions and reimbursement form at www.arrl.org/youth-licensing-grant-program<http://www.arrl.org/youth-licensing-grant-program>.

The ARRL Board approved the “Youth Licensing Grant Program” at its July 2021 meeting in Hartford, Connecticut, expanding on the scope of the original motion proposed by ARRL Southeastern Division Director Mickey Baker, N4MB. The new program will cover the $35 FCC license application fee for candidates younger than 18-years old. The Board believes that “the recruitment and training of young amateur radio operators is a necessary and proper mission of the ARRL, and that subsidization of the $35 fee will reduce the number of new amateurs that otherwise would be lost from these groups,” the Board said. Initially the new program would serve up to 1,000 new license applicants under 18 years old. The program length is indefinite; it may be renewed or terminated by the Administration and Finance Committee or by the Board of Directors. The motion carried with applause from Board members.

Hamfesters VE Testings

Important Note: Amateur Radio Exams

1. Bring 2 pencils for the answer sheet, and a Black ink ball point pen for the FCC VEC 605 form we provide.  (FCC registration form)
2. Exam Candidates: Prior to your arrival. You are REQUIRED to register in the FCC CORES system online and receive a FCC Registration Number (FRN) before exam day.
   Once you have obtained the FRN number, please bring it with you to the exam location. To apply for the FRN, please go here.>>>  https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do 
   Already Licensed? Please bring your Official Amateur License and Photo Copy of Your License. The FRN number is printed on your FCC License. (also found on the GMRS license if you have one) ALL Copies are filed with all testing materials. You will keep the originals. The FCC ULS CORES system must have a valid email address.  Otherwise you may not get your License.
   The FRN number is a requirement on the FCC 605 form we provide and your Exam answer sheet.
3. A fee of $15 dollars is charged for the examination. Payment is Cash ONLY — no credit cards or checks accepted.
4. Please bring a photo ID such as a Government Drivers License or US passport.
5. Exam location is at Oak Forest City Hall 15440 S. Central Ave. Oak Forest.  Enter through the Police Station Door and follow the ARRL EXAM Signs to the Exam Area.
6. Yes, You may bring your calculator, however you must demonstrate that all memories are erased.

NOTE:     Starting  April 19, 2022 the FCC $35.00 Amateur Application Fee Starts. This new fee will only apply to applicants for a new 10 year License, renewal, rule waiver or a new vanity call sign.  (The $35.00 Application Fee is non-refundable) There will be no charge for future License Upgrades or administrative updates, such as a change of mailing address or email address.

The New $35.00 Fee will NOT be collected by the VE’s (Volunteer Examiners). ALL Exam paperwork including exam fees, answer sheets and Form 605s are mailed to the ARRL-VEC headquarters.  If you passed your exam the ARRL-VEC will submit your information to the FCC. Once the FCC runs batch processing, they will email you the process to pay the $35.00 fee. (usually credit card) You will have Ten calendar days to pay per instructions giving by the FCC. If payment is properly transferred, the FCC will then email instructions to download your License.  You will have 30 days to download the Amateur license. 

Again, The FCC must have your valid email address in the ULS CORES system.

ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program starts on April 19, 2022

Anticipating the implementation of the fee in 2022, the ARRL Board of Directors, at its July 2021 meeting, approved the "ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program <https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-establishes-program-to-cover-initial-fcc-license-fee-for-young-applicants>." Under the program, ARRL will cover a one-time $35 application fee for license candidates younger than 18 years old for tests administered under the auspices of the ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (ARRL VEC). Qualified candidates also would pay a reduced exam session fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC upon examination.

To give yourself practice on all the questions: Please click on the Website below that contains Exam Flash Cards Go to  >>>  https://hamexam.org/   Click on the Flash Cards for the Class of Exam you wish to study. You can also take the practice Exams found on the same Web Site. It’s free and a good practice prior to any Exam Session.

73’s   Al – N9ZD   VE examiner

December 2022 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

                                Jan-23
+ AGB New Year Snowball Contest       0000Z-0100Z, Jan 1
+ SARTG New Year RTTY Contest         0800Z-1100Z, Jan 1
+ AGCW Happy New Year Contest         0900Z-1200Z, Jan 1
+ AGCW VHF/UHF Contest                1400Z-1700Z, Jan 1 (144) and
                                        1700Z-1800Z, Jan 1 (432)
+ ARS Spartan Sprint                  0200Z-0400Z, Jan 3
+ VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest        1700Z-2100Z, Jan 4
+ UKEICC 80m Contest                  2000Z-2100Z, Jan 4
+ Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest      0000Z-0100Z, Jan 5 and
                                        0200Z-0300Z, Jan 6
+ NRAU 10m Activity Contest           1800Z-1900Z, Jan 5 (CW) and
                                        1900Z-2000Z, Jan 5 (SSB) and
                                        2000Z-2100Z, Jan 5 (FM) and
                                        2100Z-2200Z, Jan 5 (Dig)
+ SKCC Sprint Europe                  2000Z-2200Z, Jan 5
+ PODXS 070 Club PSKFest              0000Z-2400Z, Jan 7
+ Marconi Club ARI Loano QSO Party Day0700Z-2100Z, Jan 7
+ WW PMC Contest                      1200Z, Jan 7 to 1200Z, Jan 8
+ SKCC Weekend Sprintathon            1200Z, Jan 7 to 2400Z, Jan 8
+ RSGB AFS Contest, CW                1300Z-1700Z, Jan 7
+ Original QRP Contest                1500Z, Jan 7 to 1500Z, Jan 8
+ ARRL RTTY Roundup                   1800Z, Jan 7 to 2400Z, Jan 8
+ ARRL Kids Day                       1800Z-2359Z, Jan 7
+ EUCW 160m Contest                   2000Z-2300Z, Jan 7 and
                                        0400Z-0700Z, Jan 8
+ NRAU-Baltic Contest, SSB            0630Z-0830Z, Jan 8
+ DARC 10-Meter Contest               0900Z-1059Z, Jan 8
+ NRAU-Baltic Contest, CW             0900Z-1100Z, Jan 8
+ Midwinter Contest                   1000Z-1400Z, Jan 8
+ 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Spr0100Z-0300Z, Jan 9
+ VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest        1700Z-2100Z, Jan 11
+ EACW Meeting                        1900Z-2000Z, Jan 12
+ YB DX Contest                       0000Z-2359Z, Jan 14
+ WAB 1.8 MHz Phone                   0600Z-2200Z, Jan 14
+ UBA PSK63 Prefix Contest            1200Z, Jan 14 to 1200Z, Jan 15
+ North American QSO Party, CW        1800Z, Jan 14 to 0559Z, Jan 15
+ RSGB AFS Contest, Data              1300Z-1700Z, Jan 15
+ Run for the Bacon QRP Contest       2300Z, Jan 15 to 0100Z, Jan 16
+ VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest        1700Z-2100Z, Jan 18
+ Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest      0000Z-0100Z, Jan 19 and
                                        0200Z-0300Z, Jan 20
+ NAQCC CW Sprint                     0130Z-0330Z, Jan 19
+ NTC QSO Party                       1900Z-2000Z, Jan 19
+ Hungarian DX Contest                1200Z, Jan 21 to 1159Z, Jan 22
+ PRO Digi Contest                    1200Z, Jan 21 to 1159Z, Jan 22
+ RSGB AFS Contest, SSB               1300Z-1700Z, Jan 21
+ NA Collegiate Championship, SSB     1800Z, Jan 21 to 0559Z, Jan 22
+ North American QSO Party, SSB       1800Z, Jan 21 to 0559Z, Jan 22
+ ARRL January VHF Contest            1900Z, Jan 21 to 0359Z, Jan 23
+ Feld Hell Sprint                    2000Z, Jan 21 to 0559Z, Jan 22
+ SKCC Sprint                         0000Z-0200Z, Jan 25
+ UKEICC 80m Contest                  2000Z-2100Z, Jan 25
+ Australia Day Contest               2200Z, Jan 25 to 1000Z, Jan 26
+ AWA Linc Cundall Memorial CW Contest2300Z, Jan 25 to 2300Z, Jan 26 and
                                        2300Z, Jan 28 to 2300Z, Jan 29
+ NAQCC CW Sprint                     0130Z-0330Z, Jan 26
+ CQ 160-Meter Contest, CW            2200Z, Jan 27 to 2200Z, Jan 29
+ REF Contest, CW                     0600Z, Jan 28 to 1800Z, Jan 29
+ BARTG RTTY Sprint                   1200Z, Jan 28 to 1200Z, Jan 29
+ UBA DX Contest, SSB                 1300Z, Jan 28 to 1300Z, Jan 29
+ Winter Field Day                    1900Z, Jan 28 to 1900Z, Jan 29
+ QCX Challenge                       1300Z-1400Z, Jan 30
+ QCX Challenge                       1900Z-2000Z, Jan 30
+ QCX Challenge                       0300Z-0400Z, Jan 31

Club Information

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