March 2024 – HamGab

Secretary’s Beat
Meeting Minutes

de Patti Gulick KC9LYE

Hamfesters amateur radio club W9AA minutes February 2, 2024, 7:43 pm.

Please check Hamfesters.org for club updates.

Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Steve W9KXT, Gene W9PNG, Don KC9EQQ, Bob N9WDV, Cindy N9CAS, Patti KC9LYE

There were 31 members, and 3 visitors here, welcome all.

License Upgrades: Keli KD9YDT, Brian KD9ZGT and Tim KD9ZMW, all to General. Congratulations!

President’s Report: by Nora KC9MLV, Gene W9PNG, remains our club’s
website editor. Dennis KC9DSP, is our HamGab
editor. Thank you!
A moment of silence for the three soldiers
who were killed in Jordan this week.

Treasurer’s Report: by Kurt WB9FMC, (amounts are approximate)
Last month spent $400.00 on club merch.
Checking acct. $8,000.00 Savings $10,000.00
Hamfesters also has two CD’s.

Hamfest Aug. 4, 2024: by Jim W9JPR, he has Hamfesters tickets,
and flyers.
Please take some, buy them, sell them, take them to
other hamfests to sell. It’s never too early!

Field Day: by Jim W9JPR, June 22-23 held here at Southbridge Church.

Programs: Tonight, Sunspots, and Ham Radio. by Connie AC9CK

March 1st White Elephant Sale
setup 6:00 PM
Bring your own power strips or cords. Bring change.
If you don’t sell it, you must take it back home!

April’s program: Weather Spotter’s

Club Minutes: January club minutes approved by; Cindy N9CAS.
& Bob N9KWG.

New Business: Ron KD9IOP, is taking orders for Hamfesters
(your call sign) ID badges. Delivery at March
meeting.
Al N9ZD, Hamfesters VE sessions are held on the 2nd.
Saturday of the month. See Hamfesters.org for important
details. Also, the Extra Class question pool will change
in July.

Adjournment: Don KC9EQQ, and Bob N9WDV at 9:11 pm

Split-The Pot winner: Cindy N9CAS
Door Prize winners: Larry KB9REV, Mike K9ACM, Tim KD9ZMW, Peggy K9QLM.

Health & Welfare

Rick W9DOQ, is in hospital.

Gregg AB9MZ

CQ Field Day

de Jim Riley W9JPR

As I write this, we’ve just had an amazing stretch of beautiful weather. We can only hope to have the same for Field Day. We’re overdue after the last four years.

In the last month, I listed our site in the ARRL Field Day locator. You can access it at

ARRL Field Day Station Locator. Just enter W9AA where it asks for a location or call sign.

Nominations are now open for GOTA station call. The nominee should be a regular Field Day operator whose call we haven’t used previously. No offense to other classes but we prefer our nominees to be Amateur Extra licensees so we have access to all the bands.

I need pictures for my Field Day presentation. If you took any pictures at last year’s fiasco, I mean Field Day, get them to me ASAP. I prefer digital but can work with slides, prints, or drawings. We have someone who is willing to do Sunday breakfast if no one else wants to. If you are that someone else, see me at the meeting or call at my roster number.

Field Day is June 22 and 23 at Southbridge Church, 15500 73rd Ave. in Orland Park.

Hamfest Ticket Sales

de Jim Riley W9JPR

No one has come forward to assume the position of Hamfest ticket sales chair, it looks like I’ll do it for another year. Besides, my name and info are on the flyer.

The day before the February meeting, I picked up our Hamfest tickets and flyers from the printer and put them out at the meeting. A bunch of flyers were distributed to several members, and twenty tickets were given to one of our members to sell. AND, we sold two tickets, so we’re on our way.

If you would like to help us get farther along the way, see me at the meeting to buy a Hamfest ticket or two for yourself, take some tickets to sell to others, and grab some flyers to help spread the word. As I’ve said in years past, they don’t do any good sitting in my garage.

My Coolest POTA Contact

de Jim Riley W9JPR

Many of you know that I’ve dabbled in Parks On The Air over the last eight or so years. During that time, I’ve racked up more than 3,500 unique parks as a hunter in all fifty states and more than a dozen DXCC entities on three continents. I’ve activated a few parks too.

Outside of POTA, I’ve made many more contacts in contests, ragchews, and special events. I’ve operated from W1AW, the radio room of the U-505 submarine, and the SS Badger car ferry. In all that time and over all those contacts I’ve never had one like this.

It was February third of this year, and I was having a great day on POTA. As the sun started to set, I heard Simon VA7BIX out of VE-3688, Mount Douglas Park in British Columbia on ten meters. He said he was livestreaming on his You Tube channel. I checked it out and there he was. When I contacted him at 2223Z, there was a little delay, and I could hear myself talking to him as he waved to me. That was a first.If you’d like to see how an excellent POTA activator operates, you can watch Simon’s two-hour activation video at HamJazz Simon POTA. If you’d like to hear a mediocre POTA hunter operate, my part is around the 21-minute mark.

Hamfester’s 89th Hamfest

Hamfesters Hamfest PDF

New Quartermaster

Keli Calderone, KD9YDT, has graciously volunteered to be the new quartermaster. She will have club T-shirts, sweatshirts and polos if you need them. If your size is not on hand, she can order them. You can reach her at KD9YDT@gmail.com.

General Meeting Security Update

de Jim Riley W9JPR

At the request of Pastor Dean, the front door of our meeting place at SouthBridge Church will be kept secure before, during, and after our meetings. The door will be unlocked at 7 p.m. with someone posted there. It will be locked at 7:30PM. If you arrive after that time, you can call W9AA on 146.43 MHz or call Jim at 708-218-0695.

The new changes in Illinois law require this policy for the security of the facility and safety of all meeting attendees.

Upgrades

Congratulations Timothy Robieson, KD9AMW, on upgrading to General.

Congratulations Keli Calderone, KD9YDT, on becoming an ARRL, WY5I and Laurel VE.

Congratulations Brian Guerin, KD9ZGT, on becoming an ARRL, WY5I and Laurel VE.

Amateur Radio News

Amateur Radio Newsline podcast can be found here.
New episodes air every Friday.

ARRL Audio News can be found here.
New episodes air every Friday.

ARRL On The Air can be found here.
New episodes air usually every second Thursday of the month.

You do not need to login to listen to any of these podcasts, Amateur Radio Newsline, ARRL Audio News or ARRL On The Air. Give them a listen to stay involved and keep up to date with things in the Amateur Radio hobby.

If you ever watched Ham Nation, it went off the air in December 2020. It aired on TWiT. After 8 years and 485 episodes, the show moved to the Ham Radio Crash Course YouTube channel. January 6, 2021 was the first episode on HRCC. The transition has brought many changes to the show but it remains very informative. You can subscribe for free and get notified when new episodes are available. Ham Nation airs every other Wednesday.

Ham Nation on HRCC can be found here.

Upcoming Hamfests

Sterling-Rockfalls ARS Hamfest March 17, 2024
Rockfalls Community Center
601 West 10th Street
Rockfalls, IL 61071

Tri-County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest March 17, 2024
Jefferson County Fair Park Activity Center
503 North Jackson Ave.,
Jefferson, WI 53549
Tri-County ARC Hamfest
W9MQB Tri-County ARC Hamfest Flyer

Madison Hamfest April 13, 2024
Mandt Community Center
400 Mandt Parkway
Stoughton, WI 53589
8AM-12PM
Talk-in MARA’s wide Area Repeater 147.150 MHz (+600) pl 123.0
Madison Hamfest 2024

The Ozaukee Radio Club 44^th Annual Indoor Swapfest
April 27, 2024
Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Center
W67N890 Washington Ave.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
8AM-12PM
Talk-in 146.970 MHz pl 127.3
The Ozaukee Radio Club Indoor Swapfest

Henry Co Hamfest April 29, 2024
New Castle Armory
1537 Grand Ave.
New Castle, IN 47362
8AM-12PM
Talk-in W9OB repeater 147.390 MHz pl 127.3
Henry County Hamfest

DeKalb Hamfest May 5, 2024
Sandwich Fairgrounds
1401 Suydam Road
Sandwich, IL 60548
8AM-1PM
Talk-in KARC Repeater 146.730 MHz pl 100 or 146.520 MHz Simplex
DeKalb KARC Hamfest

Dayton Hamvention May 17-19,2024
Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
210 Fairground Road
Xenia, FL 45385
Talk-in DARA Repeater 146.940 MHz pl 123.0
alternative 146.985 MHz pl 123.0
Dayton Hamvention

Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest June 2, 2024
Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds
503 1^st Ave.
Medota, IL 61342
8AM-1PM
Talk-in SRRC Repeater W9MKS 147.120 MHz pl 103.5
Starved Rock Hamfest

Elkhart East Hamfest August 3, 2024
Northern Indiana Event Center
21565 Executive Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46514
9AM-2PM
Talk-in K9DEW Mishawaka Repeater 147.330 MHz pl 131.8
Elkhart East Hamfest

Educational Courses for Amateur Radio

If you are interesting in learning something new about Amateur Radio you can go to the ARRL Learning Center and take an online course. You don’t need to be a member of the ARRL but you do need to create an account and login if you’re not. It’s free to signup.
Whether you want to learn something specific, like bonding and grounding or maybe a new mode or possibly study to upgrade your license.

Skywarn Training

Hamfesters will be conducting Skywarn Basic Spotter Training
on April 5, 2024 at the monthly meeting. This is very good information to have even if you’re not going to join a Skywarn net. It may very well save your life or the life of a loved one someday.

After receiving your basic training you can get advanced training at
NWS State College online.

FCC Color Printable License

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

I’m not sure if anyone else misses having a color license sent from the FCC to hang in their shack, but I do. Anyone licensed before February 17, 2015 would receive a copy of their license via USPS. The watermarks were in color. I found a place to generate your own for free. Follow the link, put in your callsign, print and sign and hang it in a frame.

From experience, do not print from your phone unless you resize it. it will show two (2) pages (second one will be blank) so only print the first page. When resizing if it shows more than two (2) pages some will be cut off. Also, allow the printing of the background or the blue watermark will not show up.

AE7Q Color Printable License

Custom Club Name Badge

The Club has worked on getting name badges for those that are interested. The Board approved a few different styles from two vendors. Links will be provided for you to order your very own Hamfesters name badge.

Ham Crazy has redone our logo, the badge is approximately 3.25″ wide but you can order any size you want. There are also several colors to choose from. The logo and words are engraved into the badge. They are available with a pin back or a magnetic back for an additional dollar. It is suggested that if you have a pacemaker you should not order the magnetic back.

Ron Delpiere-Smith KD9IPO ARRL Assistant Section Manager – Illinois is able to print name badges. The cards are Credit Card Size 3 ⅜” X 2 ⅛”. The cards are configurable with pin, hanging clip for a lanyard or magnet for mounting. Again, it is suggested that if you have a pacemaker you should not order the magnet. You can order by sending Ron an email at kd9ipo@gmail.com. Put Hamfesters Name Badge in the subject line.

Local Radio Nets

You can meet a lot of friends on the local nets. I have the nets I want to check into in my calendar on my phone with an alert 15 minutes before check in. Click here for a list of local radio nets. This list has been created by and is updated monthly by Ben Straw, KC9UNS.

Checking into the different nets will get you accustomed to working the radio which is important to new hams who might be mic shy. Also, when we as hams are called into action to provide emergency communication, you will know not only how to use your radio, but how to communicate information to others.

Amateur Radio Net Formats

I know some hams don’t want to check into nets because they’re not sure of the format. Here is a nice instructional sheet for how to conduct yourself on the different nets. Click here for an instructional guide on Amateur Radio net formats.

Amateur Radio Insurance

If you’re looking for insurance for your radio equipment, check out these two links. I don’t have an affiliation with either but I know we spend a lot of money on our equipment. It would cost a lot to replace if stolen or disaster strikes.

ARRL Insurance Program

Ham Radio Insurance Associates (HRIA)

FOR SALE by Owner

ARRL Youth Licensing
Grant Program

de 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 ARRL Youth Licensing 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

de AL Bukowski N9ZD

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.>>>  FCC Registration Login 
   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.
7. Walk-ins no longer accepted, you must contact Al at N9ZD@arrl.net or aln9zd@gmail.com prior to testing date to register to test.

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 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  >>>  Ham Exam fee exams   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

Club Merchandise

The club has T-Shirts, Polos and Hoodies for sale. These can be purchased at our meetings. Keli, KD9YDT will bring what is available. You can email here at KD9YDT@gmail.com to see if she has your size in stock or if it needs to be ordered.

March 2024 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

Elmers

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

A lot of times it’s hard to find Elmers who have knowledge for a particular part of amateur radio. As I stated in my bio when I became the HamGab editor, life became busy, and I stepped away from amateur radio for a few years. When I came back, there was a lot of new information and modes. I found a few YouTube channels that helped. I want to share those here. There are a lot more and I’m sure you can find some that you like.

Ham Radio Crash Course.

Ham Radio 2.0.

Dave Casler (KE0OG) Ask Dave.

LCARA HAMRadio.

Ham Radio for Non-Techies.

Solar Weather

As we all know, solar weather and activity affects radio communications. The conditions not only affect HF, but UHF and VHF as well. Dr. Tamitha Skov has a YouTube channel with weekly updates on what our sun is doing and how it is affecting our communications. You can find here channel here.

Amateur Radio Legislation

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.,
introduced Senate legislation (S.3690) to give amateur radio operators
the right to install their antennas and serve their community. The House
introduced the same bill (H.R.4006) in June 2023.
Homeowner association rules prevent amateur radio operators from
installing outdoor antennas on residential properties even though this
communication method has proven to be essential in emergencies and
natural disasters, such as hurricanes in states like Mississippi and
Connecticut.

ARRL Central Division
Director: Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA
k9la@arrl.org

S.3690 – Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act

Club Information

Meetings and VE Testing

Pictures from Meetings

February 2024 meeting

Disclaimer

Notice: Beginning with Feb 2021, all HamGab issues will be gluten and salt-free. This is part of my commitment to provide you with the healthiest and environmentally friendly reading possible. You will notice no degradation in image quality due to the clever design of the editor. If you choose to print HamGab we suggest you use low-fat, vegetarian-based ink in your printer.