August 2022 – HamGab

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Secretary’s Beat – Meeting Minutes

Hamfesters amateur radio club w9aa meeting Friday July 8, 2022 7:30 pm. Tonight’s meeting held at the Bridgeview community center.

Important: Starting on Aug. 5th our monthly club meetings will be held at South Bridge church. See Hamfesters.org for details, and updates.

Roll: Nora kc9mlv, Jim w9jpr, Kurt wb9fum, Don kc9eqq, & Patti kc9lye.

There were 21 members, & 3 visitors, welcome all.
Tonight was our annual veteran’s picnic.
The colors were presented by; Ethan (Jim Riley’s w9jpr, grandson), Rick Reynolds w9doq, & Roger Barski kd9urk.
Steve Peters w9kxt, read a prayer.
Mike Kiley wa9zpm, sound system, & music.

Nora kc9mlv, dismissed tonight’s business meeting, Ron kb9tcx, & John kb9fqb, first and seconded.

Thanks, to our club for the pizza, and to those who brought pot luck.

Program tonight: John Kruk n9upc, Yaesu radios “What’s New!”

Field Day: by Jim w9jpr, Kurt wb9fum, had 330 cw contacts. Congratulations Kurt.

Hamfest: by Jim w9jpr, & Don kc9eqq, please take hamfest tickets, & fliers. We need hamfest volunteers: for all types of jobs. On Saturday Aug. 6 at the fairgrounds there will be a vendors pizza dinner.

The hamfest Sunday Aug. 7th, 6 am-1 pm.

Adjournment: 9:05 pm Jim w9jpr, & John kb9fqb.
Rick w9doq, won split the pot.

Hamfest Ticket Sales

de Jim Riley W9JPR

While a lot of flyers went out at the April meeting, we still have plenty more. Be sure to pick some up at the next meeting. They don’t do any good sitting in my closet. Your club needs YOU to help spread the word.

Your club also needs you to take some tickets to sell. One of our newest members has taken 15 tickets. He’s the only one.

What about the rest of you? There will be only two months until Hamfest after the June meeting. Your club needs YOU to get those tickets in circulation.    Don’t wait for the next meeting. I will do whatever it takes to get tickets and flyers to you. Call my roster number or email w9jpr2016@gmail.com.

Allied Radio – a visit to the store

Provided by K9YA

Many years ago I would travel to the well known address of 100 N. Western Ave. in Chicago. I shopped and drooled at all the goodies in the display rooms. I am sure many of you have done so also. In reflection of those wonderful days, an excellent article recently appeared in the “K9YA Telegraph” which is a ham radio related newsletter in PDF format. It is available free after a simple registration.

It has some short stories of interest to hams; occasionally a story spanning several issues; perhaps a technical article. The newsletter is well written and formatted and comes to you in your email monthly.

I have made arrangements with the author to make the Allied Radio article available to HamGab readers for the month of August by clicking on the link below in this article. It will be active for 30 days (month of August).

    https://www.k9ya.org/index.php/hamfesters

While you are at it, take time to subscribe to the K9YA Telegraph. The subscribe link is at the bottom of the K9YA home page – go here:

     http://www.k9ya.org

Enjoy the Allied Radio article and many thanks to Mike, N9BOR, for taking the time and effort to set up this special arrangement.

73,
Brian, W9HLQ

HyperEncabulator

New and improved over the older versions. ie. RetroEncabulator & TurboEncabulator

Field Day 2022

de

Jim Riley W9JPR

Three years since our last in-person Field Day, and after thirteen days straight without rain, Field Day 2022 dawned overcast and damp with a huge wad of green looming on the radar. It didn’t take long to start coming down, slow at first, but increasing in strength and intensity as the morning went on. Still, the intrepid Hamfesters Field Day team soldiered on.

Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC, forward-thinking man that he is, had set up his antenna the day before and was ready to go before most of the rest had started setting up. He wound up with 338 CW contacts and is our top scorer.

Al Bukowski N9ZD, had an easy time setting up in the trailer. His antenna not so much. He had to face the downpour like everyone else.

The GOTA crew, led by Brian Davis, W9HLQ and Steve Peters, W9KXT, toiled fearlessly in the rain getting the GOTA tent erected for what we suspected would be its last Field Day after twenty-plus years.

Once it was up, everyone took a break under it to catch their breath and dry out between stints of pushing water out of the low spots in the sagging canopy. This would become important later.

Linas Matonis KC9PCP and Tim Szymanski KC9POS arrived in their usual stealthy manner and quietly set up the VHF-UHF station in their distant corner of the property. John Swanson KB9FQB had the best setup of all, a beautiful travel trailer with a bed, kitchen, and bath. I think all our stations should have something like this. Whaddya say, Kurt.

Meanwhile, Rick Reynolds W9DOQ was setting up his elaborate tent and kitchen in anticipation of the evening meal.

When everything was up and running, Connie Kelly AC9CK set up a taco bar in the garage with everything you could want in a Mexican lunch, minus the margaritas. Pepe’s should take notice. With Helen Pawlikowski’s world-famous meatballs on the side, everyone ate their fill, especially Paul Batchelor who was still eating two hours after everyone else had finished.

The start time of 1800Z came and went as no one wanted to venture back into the downpour—until someone yelled, “Hey! Look at the tent.”

We came out of the garage to see that it wasn’t so much a tent as a bathtub. The center poles had snapped under the weight of the rain that no one was dumping out, allowing it to fill with water. Fortunately, none of the GOTA equipment had been set up yet. Field repairs were made in a futile attempt to get one more Field Day out of our beloved shelter. But, as the rain stopped and the wind picked up, it was obvious that the time had come. Later, as the sun was setting, our trusty canopy that had covered us from St. Colletta’s to Moraine Valley to Worth to Southbridge Church was ceremoniously folded and returned to its bag for the last time and unceremoniously heaved into the dumpster. “Taps” was played.

So, what happened to the GOTA station? The church was kind enough to allow us to set up in their gym. The G5RV was erected (outside the gym) and the GOTA station was on the air—two hours late.

This writer had to miss Rick’s supper due to another commitment, but I heard it was spectacular. Italian beef sandwiches and pasta with gourmet sauce topped the menu.

Operations continued through the night, except for GOTA. With the station safely lodged in the gym, the GOTA team went home to their warm, dry beds.

This writer, after about two hours’ sleep, was back at dawn to fire up the GOTA station again. Everyone else was still going.

Rick’s breakfast was as welcome as the morning sun. Scrambled eggs, sausages, and pancakes made for a perfect start to the day.

Operations continued after breakfast but, all too soon, it was time to tear down and head back to reality. Except for Rick. Rick brought so much gear he was on site until four in the afternoon getting it all cleaned and trying to figure out how to stow it back in his vehicle to get it home in one trip. Thanks for the great meals and your dedication, Rick.

The sign-in sheets showed 14 visitors, 25 participants, and one visitor who signed the wrong sheet. Some of those participants forgot to sign in. I added them from memory.

How did we do? See the raw scores below even though they’re not complete. Some 1D operators assigned their points to us but we won’t know how many until the final scores are published in the December QST.
Despite the wet start, it was great to be back together. Let’s do it again next year—minus the rain.

Cast of characters

Does nothing, gets all the credit: Jim Riley W9JPR

Hamfesters President: Nora Pointer KC9MLV

Field Day pins: Patty Gulick KC9LYE

Setup/tear down: Larry Jennings WD9GVY, Wayne Lacoy KD9LAW, Dan Haug KA9BAR, Ed Egan WB9STB, Bob Fleischmann N9KWG, Keith Rich W9VCI, Tom Gulick, Paul Truback KD9RRY, Ron Kalat KB9TCX

GOTA: Brian Davis W9HLQ, Steve Peters W9KXT, Peggy Peters K9QLM, Gene Phillips W9PNG

Lunch: Connie Kelly AC9CK

Supper, breakfast: Rick Reynolds W9DOQ

VHF/UHF: Linas Matonis KC9PCP, Tim Szymanski KC9POS

20-meter CW, Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC

20-meter digital: John Swanson KB9FQB

Trailer operator and GOTA call: Al Bukowski N9ZD Photographers: Don Pointer KC9EQQ, Paul Batchelor and whoever else submits photos later.

W9AA + N9ZD Final Score Field Day 2022

 Total Contacts = 629

 Total Points = 1,101

 Operating Period: 2022/06/25 18:01 – 2022/06/26 15:15

 Total Contacts by Band and Mode:

 Band       CW   Phone     Dig   Total       %
 ----       --   -----     ---   -----     ---
   80        0       0      84      84      13
   40      167      74       0     241      38
   20      171      48       8     227      36
   15        0      19      23      42       7
    6        0       2      19      21       3
    2        0      13       0      13       2
   70        0       1       0       1       0
            --   -----     ---   -----     ---
 Total     338     157     134     629     100


Bonus points

Emergency Power                 300
Media Publicity                 100
Public Location                 100
Public Information Table        100
Alternate Power (Solar)         100
W1AW Bulletin                   100
Elected Official Visit          100
Served Agency Visit             100
GOTA Bonus Points                40
Web Submission                   50


Total                          1090  

Total Contacts by Operator:
 

 Operator    Total     %
 --------    -----   ---
 WB9FMC        338    54
 N9ZD          123    20
 KC9PCP         36     6
 KB9FQB         30     5
 N9EUR          22     3
 W9HLQ          20     3
 W9JPR          19     3
 KR3UTZ         10     2
 WB9STB          9     1
 NW9S            5     1
 WD9GVY          5     1
 AC9CK           4     1
 KC9MLV          3     0
 W9VCI           3     0
                 2     0
 Total = 14

FOR SALE by Owner

Kurtt WB9FMC

FOR SALE:

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

New Flex Price	What I paid (Jun2021)
Flex 6400 w/ATU       $2,429.00	$2,289.00
Extended warranty     ??	$175.00
________	____________
Total                          $2,429.00	$2,464.00

Asking $2,200.00

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

August 2022 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

+ ARS Spartan Sprint	0100Z-0300Z, Aug 2
+ Batavia FT8 Contest	0000Z, Aug 6 to 2359Z, Aug 7
+ 10-10 Int. Summer Contest, SSB	0001Z, Aug 6 to 2359Z, Aug 7
+ European HF Championship	Cancelled for 2022
+ North American QSO Party, CW	1800Z, Aug 6 to 0559Z, Aug 7
+ ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest	1800Z, Aug 6 to 1800Z, Aug 7
+ SARL HF Phone Contest	1400Z-1700Z, Aug 7
+ EACW Meeting	1900Z-2000Z, Aug 11
+ WAE DX Contest, CW	0000Z, Aug 13 to 2359Z, Aug 14
+ SKCC Weekend Sprintathon	1200Z, Aug 13 to 2359Z, Aug 14
+ Maryland-DC QSO Party	1400Z, Aug 13 to 0400Z, Aug 14
+ 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint	0000Z-0200Z, Aug 15
+ NTC QSO Party	1900Z-2000Z, Aug 18
+ SARTG WW RTTY Contest	0000Z, Aug 20 to 1600Z, Aug 21
+ ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest	0600 local, Aug 20 to 2359 local, Aug 21
+ North American QSO Party, SSB	1800Z, Aug 20 to 0559Z, Aug 21
+ CVA DX Contest, CW	2100Z, Aug 20 to 2100Z, Aug 21
+ NJQRP Skeeter Hunt	1700Z-2100Z, Aug 21
+ ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY	1800Z-2359Z, Aug 21
+ Run for the Bacon QRP Contest	2300Z, Aug 21 to 0100Z, Aug 22
+ SKCC Sprint	0000Z-0200Z, Aug 24
+ Hawaii QSO Party	0400Z, Aug 27 to 0400Z, Aug 29
+ ALARA Contest	0600Z, Aug 27 to 0559Z, Aug 28
+ W/VE Islands QSO Party	1200Z, Aug 27 to 0300Z, Aug 28
+ World Wide Digi DX Contest	1200Z, Aug 27 to 1200Z, Aug 28
+ YO DX HF Contest	1200Z, Aug 27 to 1200Z, Aug 28
+ Kansas QSO Party	1400Z, Aug 27 to 2000Z, Aug 28
+ Ohio QSO Party	1600Z, Aug 27 to 0400Z, Aug 28
+ CVA DX Contest, SSB	2100Z, Aug 27 to 2100Z, Aug 28
+ SARL HF CW Contest	1400Z-1700Z, Aug 28

Club Information

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Photos from the March Meeting

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