August 2026 – HamGab

Next Meeting

Program: Hamfest recap and Tim from DX Engineering doing a Zoom Program on grounding.

  • 7:30PM Friday, August 7th, 2026
  • SouthBridge Community Church
  • 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

Editor’s Notes

Illinois Distracted Driving Law and Ham Radio

License Renewal Problems?

  • Contact me! I can help you.

Antenna Analyzer

  • Contact me!

ARRL Legislation

Hamfesters Nets

Illinois Repeater Association

  • Full listing of all Illinois repeaters

Secretary’s Beat

  • May Minutes

Health & Welfare

  • Prayers needed.

CQ Field Day

  • June 27 & 28, 2026

Hamfesters 91st Annual Hamfest

  • August 2nd, 2026

General Meeting Security Update

  • Call if you are late.

Member Spotlight

  • Who wants to be next?

Upgrades

  • Congratulations!

New Members

  • Welcome!

Amateur Radio News

Upcoming Hamfests

Public Service/Events Calendar (N. IL)

de Kirk K9MSG

Educational Courses for Amateur Radio

Skywarn Training

  • Get certified online.

FCC Color Printable License

Club Merchandise

  • NEW ITEMS
  • Looking 4 new vendor.

Custom Club Name Badge

Local Radio Nets

Amateur Radio Net Formats

Amateur Radio Insurance

FOR SALE by Owner

  • Ayman N9SES
  • Don KX9Q
  • Kurt WB9FMC
  • Al Kraybill

ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program

  • ARRL will cover the one-time $35 fee

Hamfesters VE Testing

  • Walk-ins NOT accepted
  • FRN needed in hand

VE Testing Results

  • For April 11, 2026 session

Monthly Contest Calendar

  • From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

DX Map

Kids Learning Ham Radio

Elmers

  • The club is looking for Elmers

Solar Weather

  • Dr. Tamitha Skov

Amateur Radio Legislation

ARRL Illinois Section

Some Humor

Other Club Info

  • Locations, times, dates, nets, and other info!

Pictures from Meetings

MeetingsMailing
Address
Meets 1st Friday of every month
at 7:30 PM at
SouthBridge
Community Church
15500 S. 73rd Ave.,
Orland Park, IL
PO Box 651
Orland Park, IL
60462
OfficersBoard
President – Nora KC9MLVSteve – W9KXT
Vice President – Jim W9JPRCindy – N9CAS
Secretary – Patty KC9LYEDon – KC9EQQ
Treasurer – Kurt WB9FMCDennis - KC9DSP
Sgt at Arm – Don KC9EQQAl - N9ZD
Trustee – Gene W9PNG
HamGab Editor
Dennis -KC9DSPKC9DSP@gmail.com

Birthdays

Carl WB9AVW
Charles WV9C
Charles N9CPD
Nicholas KB9JRG
Nora KC9MLV
Lenny KB9OUQ
Samuel K9STM
Keith W9VCI
Keli KD9YDT
James KD9YLO

August Meeting

  • 7:30PM Friday, August 7th, 2026
  • SouthBridge Community Church
  • 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

Meeting Program

Our August program will be our Hamfest Recap and Tim from DX Engineering doing a Zoom Program on grounding.

Editor’s Notes

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

Hello there! This is Dennis, KC9DSP. Well Field Day has come and gone. I unfortunately could not make Hamfester’s Field Day. I hear it was well attended and a lot of fun. The weather cooperated this year. Thank you to all who came out and made it a success.

As part of my duties as an Illinois Assistant Section Manager for the ARRL, I have been helping to push the HOA legislation. I attended several meetings and brought the computer to help others sign these important letters. I will be doing the same at this upcoming meeting. All hams should sign and submit these letters. You don’t need to live in an HOA or belong to the ARRL to submit these letters. The ARRL is our only organization that is fight to pass legislation to put laws in place so ALL hams can put up an antenna. Please submit your letters. All you have to do is follow the link and put your callsign in. If you don’t have a computer or don’t want to use your computer, we can use mine at the meeting.

As president of STARS (Suburban Technical Amateur Radio Systems) I want to thank all that have become dual members. WE HAVE REACHED MY GOAL OF 50 MEMBERS IN STARS. I have shared my vision and next goal with the board of reaching 80 members Hamfesters and STARS has a long history. Most members of STARS are also members of Hamfesters. Hamfesters uses the STARS repeater. While Hamfesters has in the past donated towards the maintenance of the repeater, we at STARS believe instead of asking for another donation towards maintenance that we at STARS would like to ask for a different kind of assistance. If you are not already a dual member, think about joining our club. Dues for STARS are paid annually in June to help members split when dues are owed. You can get the membership application here. If you are reading this and not a member of either club, please join and come out and get involved.

I am still requesting that anyone who wants to share their ham radio journey to let me know. This will be featured in the “Member Spotlight” article. We can do it either in a first person article where you write it, or we can do it in an interview style. Please let me know if you are willing to participate.

We also have several members who are behind on there dues. Read more here. We are now entering a new dues period also. I’ve just submitted my dues for next year. Please submit yours and get current.

If you have a submission that you would like included, please have it sent in by the 15th of the month.

Also, I have added a plugin that will allow you to print the entire HamGab or just the articles you wish. After clicking the print button, a new page will open, and you can either print in its entirety or choose which parts you don’t want printed. Hover your mouse over the section and click on the trash can, it will remove that section from the print queue. You can also save it to your computer as a PDF. You can make a folder and save all the HamGabs as a PDF for future reference.

I will see you next month, 73 KC9DSP.

Illinois Distracted Driver Law and Ham Radio

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

I know a few people inquired about the current law and distracted driving with ham radios. I have looked up the current law and posted it here with relevant section highlighted. You can print it out and keep it in your glovebox.

Click here for a printable version.

License Renewal Problems?

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

If you are having trouble renewing your license please let me know. Email me at KC9DSP@gmail.com. All you need is a FRN number. If you don’t remember your password or if you don’t have an email address, don’t worry, If you’ve forgotten your FRN, I will help you navigate these problems and we will get your license renewed. Remember, you can renew 90 days prior to expiration and you get a two year grace period after expiration. If your license is expired per FCC rules you cannot transmit even during that grace period. Let’s get you renewed!

Antenna Analyzer

de Dennis Calderone, KC9DSP

Have you built an antenna? Are you planning on building an antenna? Worried about damaging your radio? I have an antenna analyzer. We can test your antenna before you attempt to transmit. Let’s find out your SWRs. Send me a request at KC9DSP@gmail.com.

ARRL Legislation

de Thom Beebe W9RY IL SM

The ARRL is focused on reducing legal restraints on the ability of American Amateur Radio Operators to engage in the active practice and enjoyment of Amateur Radio.

One of the most insidious and increasing threats to the survival of Amateur Radio and our ability to serve our communities and Nation, as we are required to do by Federal regulation, is the proliferation of private land use restrictions that prohibit the installation of outdoor antennas and that sometimes actually deny Federally licensed Amateurs from operating any amateur radios, regardless of where their antennas are located — in their attics, hidden in trees, or mounted on their vehicles.

Federal law — since 1996 — has guaranteed to every American — except Amateur Radio Operators — the right to erect antennas outside or on their residences for the purpose of TV reception, satellite TV and internet access, wireless internet access, and even wireless internet redistribution. But Amateur Radio operators are denied the equal right to erect comparable antennas.

Since 2005, Federal law has also guaranteed to every American the right to proudly display the American Flag by installing flagpoles in their yards. But, despite that right to install vertical poles in their yards — American Radio Amateurs are denied the right to use those vertical flagpoles as vertical antennas.

We believe the denial — to licensed Amateur Radio Operators — of the rights guaranteed to all non-Amateur Radio licensed American homeowners — the right to install antennas on the land they own — is without justification and should not be permitted to continue.

To eliminate these private land use restrictions, the ARRL has worked over the past several years with our elected officials to draft Congressional legislation — H.R. 1094 in the U.S. House of Representatives and S. 459 in the U.S. Senate — that, when passed will extend to all Hams the right to operate from their homes and the right to install antennas on the land they own. We have bipartisan support for this legislation.

BUT, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PASS THIS LEGISLATION!!!

How can you help? By sending a letter to your Representative and Senators asking that they co-sponsor and support H.R. 1094 and S. 459.

How can you send these letters? It is easy.

Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — enter your call sign and click on “Send My Letters” and your letters will be delivered to our Washington legislative team for hand delivery to your Representative and Senators.

Does your individual letter matter? YES.
Your Representative and Senators need to know that the passage of this legislation is important to you.
Your letter could be the difference in whether we are able to pass H.R. 1094 and S. 459.
Go to — https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ — and help us by sending your letters to your Representative and Senators.
:

For ease of access to https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/, point your phones at:

Hamfesters Nets

de Tom Antolak KA9ZXN

2 Meter Net

Every Monday evening at 9PM
on 146.640 MHz -600 shift 107.2PL
Tom, KA9ZXN is net control.

10 Meter Net

Every Sunday evening at 8PM
on 28.410 MHz
We are actively seeking a net control.

Illinois Repeaters

If you are looking for a complete list of Illinois repeaters, look here. All the Repeater Directors that can be bought are not up to date. The Illinois Repeater Association is the authority and is up to date.

Secretary’s Beat
Meeting Minutes

de Patti Gulick KC9LYE

Hamfesters Radio Club meeting W9AA Fri July 10, 2026, 7:50 pm.
Please go to hamfesters.org for club updates.

Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Steve W9KXT, Don KC9EQQ, Bob N9WDV, Al N9ZD, Patti KC9LYE

There were 24 members, 1 visitor Matt AA4MO who became a member, and so did John AB9GN, Welcome!

Health & welfare: by Nora KC9MLV, Peggy K9QLM, is here. Peggy was in the hospital Field Day weekend.

Minutes: The June club minutes were approved by Steve W9KXT, & Al N9ZD.

Programs: Tonight a short business meeting to discuss our Hamfest on Aug. 2nd.
            Then, our annual July potluck.
            Aug. 7th will be a program presented on Zoom.

Field Day 2026: by Jim W9JPR, the scores are soon to be sent to ARRL. FD 2026 went very well, and a good time was had by all.

  Hamfest 2026: by Jim w9JPR, Hamfest is Sunday Aug. 2nd. We might need someone else to handle gate ticket sales that day. Because right now, Judy's health might prevent Jim from attending.  This year at the fairgrounds the West gate will be closed. Because of slow sales. If you can help with setup on Sat. Aug. 1st. contact: Don KC9EQQ, or Nora KC9MLV. Tonight Jim sold Hamfest tickets, and handed out flyers.

Treasurer's Report: by Kurt WB9FMC, the club membership was informed that the Hamfesters board has voted to give Southbridge church $3,000.00 for their air conditioner replacement. The members did not object.
                      Kurt WB9FMC, did not take part in the vote, because he's the Hamfesters treasurer, & a Southbridge church member. Voting Hamfesters board members were: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Al N9ZD, Steve W9KXT, Don KC9EQQ, Bob N9WVD, and Patti KC9LYE.
                     Club's checking acct. is $1,077.00 savings acct. is $600.00.

Adjournment: Don KC9EQQ, & Al N9DZ, at 8:57 pm

Split the pot winner: Don KC9EQQ

Door prize winners: Mike WA9ZPM, Ron KD9FQP, Al N9ZD, Dave N9XUQ, John KB9FQB, Mike N9KSF  

Health & Welfare

Gregg, AB9MZ, and Dan KA9DAR are having health issues.

Please keep them in your prayers.

CQ Field Day

de Jim Riley W9JPR

 Field Day 2026 is in the books and the weather was perfect. There, I said it. I never thought that would
ever happen. This I say every year too–we ate very well again. Saturday lunch was Helen Pawlikowski’s
meatball sandwiches. Saturday supper was outstanding hot dogs provided by Brian Guerin KD9ZGT and
his wife Kelli KE9EOU who Brian says is the driving force behind their meals. Sunday morning they
provided pancakes and sausages cooked on Brian’s brand-new griddle. Too bad there were only five of us
to enjoy them. Everything was excellent and they cleaned the place up like we were never there.
Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC operated CW from the trailer. He ran 365 contacts making him our top
CW operator.
Al Bukowski N9ZD ran digital from the library and wound up being our top digital op with 200
contacts. He also was our GOTA chair. Nora Pointer KC9MLV was the top operator there with 13.
Thanks to Cindy Shlaustas N9CAS for the use of her call
Linas Matonis KC9PCP covered VHF/UHF as usual and got us 100 bonus points by using his solar
panel to make natural power contacts. Tim KC9POS got us three satellite contacts, all during one pass.
We had a total of twenty-one participants and ten visitors. There were probably a few more but they
never signed in. Thanks to all. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.
Cast of Characters (in order of signing in. Additions from FD chair’s memory)

Al Bukowski N9ZD Digital Guru. GOTA Overlord
Mike Kiley WA9ZPM Setup, Takedown standby
Jim Lendi KD9YLO Setup
Tim Robieson KD9ZMW Setup
Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC CW Master
Bob Fleischmann N9KWG Setup
Tim Szymanski KC9POS Satellite
Ed Egan WB9STB Setup, GOTA
Patti Gulick KC9LYE Keeper of FD Pins
Larry Paraday KD9WES Setup
Cheryl Schmalz KC9GMD Patty’s Chauffeur
Steve Peters W9KXT GOTA
Gregory Rosenberg AB9MZ GOTA
Jim Joiner KC9EQP Setup, GOTA
Jim Riley W9JPR Generally in charge of nothing
Matthew Obuchowski AA4MO SSB
Nora Pointer KC9MLV President of the Kitchen
Don Pointer KC9EQQ Photographer
Connie Kelly AC9CK GOTA
Brian Guerin KD9ZGT Chef Supreme
Kelly Begley KE9EOU The force behind the chef

Hamfesters 91th Annual Hamfest Ticket Sales

de Jim Riley W9JPR

  Five advance Hamfest tickets were sold at the June meeting. Including four online, our current total is 26.

   The July meeting marks the last day you can buy advance double-stub tickets in person for eight dollars. All in-person tickets after the meeting will be sold only at the Hamfest gate for $10 with a single stub. After the meeting, advance double-stub tickets will be available through our secure website only.

   Tickets purchased online up to and including the Monday before the Hamfest will be mailed to the purchaser. Tickets sold after that Monday will be held at the gate. Online sales will end at 8 p.m. CDT the night before the Hamfest.

   Please note that I am actively seeking a replacement ticket sales chair. I will help in any way I can to make the transition as seamless as possible. 

Online ticket sales are active.

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 7:30. 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.

Member Spotlight

de

Would you like your story featured here?

Upgrades

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

I am unaware of any upgrades this month.

New Members

de Bob McDonald N9WDV

We have a new member.  His name is Matthew Obuchowski and his call sign is AA4MO.  He lives in Chicago and has an Extra class license.  He is a retired Fire Engineer/EMT.
Please make him feel welcome.

Amateur Radio News

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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.

International Ham Radio News & Opinion

Upcoming Hamfests

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

Auburn Hamfest Jul 18, 2026
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum
1600 S. Wayne St.
Auburn, In 46706
8:00AM – 1:00PM
https://www.w9ou.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-01-01-085033-of-flyer.png

Elkhart East Hamfest August 1, 2026
Northern Indiana Event Center Orthwein Pavilion
21565 Executive Pkwy,
Elkhart, IN46514
8:00AM – 1:00PM
Talk-in: K9DEW Mishawaka Repeater 147.330 MHz+ PL 131.8
https://elkharteasthamfest.com

Hamfesters Radio Club Hamfest August 2, 2025
Will County Fairgrounds
710 S West St.,
Peotone, IL 60468
6:00AM – 1:00PM
Talk In: 146.52 MHz
https://www.hamfesters.org/main/hamfest/

Midwest Superfest (Illinois State Convention) Sept 19-20, 2026
Three Sisters Park
17189 IL-29
Chillicothe, IL
Sat 6-4 Sun 6-1
Midwest Superfest 2026

KC9UNS list of Hamfests which the above can be found plus some that are a little farther out.

2025 Amateur Radio Public Service/Events Calendar (N. IL)

de Kirk Musselman K9MSG

Click the here for Amateur Radio Events

Educational Courses for Amateur Radio

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

Hamfesters conducted Skywarn Basic Spotter Training on April 10, 2026 at the monthly meeting. This was 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. If you are unable to attend, you can take the course online. It can be found here: COMET – MetEd Education and Training. It states 2 hours, but it’s a little less and done in two parts. You can also save your progress and return later.

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

Check into the local weekly Skywarn nets
Northern Cook County Skywarn net Sundays@8PM 147.345 PL 107.2
Tri-Town Weather Net Sundays@8PM 146.805 PL 107.2
South Suburban Skywarn Mondays@8PM 442.375 PL 114.8
Will County Skywarn Mondays@8PM 444.550 PL 114.8
Illinois Radio League Skywarn Mondays@8PM 145.210 PL 107.2
LaPorte Count ARES Skywarn Tuesdays@8PM 146.970 PL 131.8
STARS Skywarn Wednesdays@7PM 146.640 PL 107.2
Will County Skywarn Wednesdays@7:30PM 444.600 PL 114.8
DuPage County Auxcomm Thursdays@7:30PM 444.875 PL 114.8
BARS Skywarn and Training Net Thursdays@8:30PM 147.330 PL 107.2
443.525 PL 114.8
More information can be found at Chicagoland Skywarn.

Regional Skywarn Repeaters

CityFrequency (MHz)PL (Hz)Internet NodeArea Served
Grant Park442.375+114.8 Tinley Park/Chicago Heights
Homewood441.3+114.8 Monee/Kankakee
Malta146.73100.0 Rockford/DeKalb
Milwaukee146.91-127.3 SE Wisconsin
Libertyville147.18+107.2 Libertyville/Fox Lake
Northrbook147.345+107.2 Chicago/Schaumburg
Valparaiso146.865+131.8 Gary/Valparaiso

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

I found this one too. It’s nice and can be put in a frame. Personally I prefer the one above as it looks like an official FCC license, but some may like this one.

WT9V License

Club Merchandise

de Keli Calderone KD9YDT

Support your club! Buy some swag!

The club has short and long sleeve T-Shirts, Polos, Sweatshirts and Pullover Hoodies for sale. I will bring what is available in stock to the monthly meetings. You can email me at KD9YDT@gmail.com to see if I have your size in stock or if it needs to be ordered. These can be purchased at our meetings. If your size is not on hand, they can be ordered. We can also order custom coffee mugs with your call sign and the Hamfesters logo (see below).

I have found a new place to get our embroidery done. My husband had to go to get some uniforms and what do you know, they have an embroidery machine. We will be giving them a try.

Custom mugs are $18 including shipping.

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.

Ham Crazy $12.99 top / $9.99 bottom

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.

Ron Delpiere-Smith kd9ipo@gmail.com

Ron also does an FCC Badge for $10. Provide a picture and he can make one for you.

Local Radio Nets

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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

Amateur Radio Insurance

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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 Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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 Dennis at KC9DSP@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   Dennis KC9DSP   VEC

VE Testing Results

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

We had one candidate for the technician exam in July. He passed and is waiting on his call sign.

July 2026 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

August 2026
+ 10-10 Int. Summer Contest, SSB0001Z, Aug 1 to 2359Z, Aug 2
+ European HF Championship1200Z-2359Z, Aug 1
+ North American QSO Party, CW1800Z, Aug 1 to 0559Z, Aug 2
+ ARRL 222 MHz and Up Distance Contest1800Z, Aug 1 to 1800Z, Aug 2
+ Hemus VHF Contest – 144 MHz0600Z-1359Z, Aug 2
+ SARL HF Phone Contest1400Z-1700Z, Aug 2
+ ARS Spartan Sprint0000Z-0200Z, Aug 4
+ WAE DX Contest, CW0000Z, Aug 8 to 2359Z, Aug 9
+ SKCC Weekend Sprintathon1200Z, Aug 8 to 2359Z, Aug 9
+ Maryland-DC QSO Party1400Z, Aug 8 to 0400Z, Aug 9
+ SARL HF Digital Contest1300Z-1600Z, Aug 9
+ 4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint0000Z-0200Z, Aug 10
+ SARTG WW RTTY Contest0000Z, Aug 15 to 1600Z, Aug 16
+ ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest0900Z, Aug 15 to 0759Z, Aug 17
+ Keyman’s Club of Japan Contest1200Z, Aug 15 to 1200Z, Aug 16
+ North American QSO Party, SSB1800Z, Aug 15 to 0559Z, Aug 16
+ CVA DX Contest, CW1800Z, Aug 15 to 2100Z, Aug 16
+ NJQRP Skeeter Hunt1700Z-2100Z, Aug 16
+ ARRL Rookie Roundup, RTTY1800Z-2359Z, Aug 16
+ Run for the Bacon QRP Contest2300Z, Aug 16 to 0100Z, Aug 17
+ NTC QSO Party1900Z-2000Z, Aug 20
+ YO DX HF Contest1200Z, Aug 22 to 1200Z, Aug 23
+ Hawaii QSO Party1600Z, Aug 22 to 0200Z, Aug 24
+ Ohio QSO Party1600Z, Aug 22 to 0400Z, Aug 23
+ CVA DX Contest, SSB1800Z, Aug 22 to 2100Z, Aug 23
+ SARL HF CW Contest1400Z-1700Z, Aug 23
+ SKCC Sprint0000Z-0200Z, Aug 26
+ ALARA Contest0600Z, Aug 29 to 0559Z, Aug 30
+ World Wide Digi DX Contest1200Z, Aug 29 to 1200Z, Aug 30
+ U.S. Islands QSO Party1200Z, Aug 29 to 0300Z, Aug 30
+ Kansas QSO Party1400Z, Aug 29 to 2000Z, Aug 30

DX MAP

Screenshot

click the link below.

https://qsl.net/dxccmap

Kids Learning
Ham Radio

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

I watched a really good livestream program on “How to Teach Ham Radio with Drew AC3DS”.
Drew is a high school teacher teaching kids from grades 7-12 Amateur Radio. It sounds like a great program. They are also looking for donations. I will be donating to Drew to help offset the cost of sharing our hobby with these kids.
The program is here: HRCC: How to Teach Ham Radio. I will put a disclaimer here, It was one of HRCC’s longest livestreams. Lots of people watching were asking questions and it went over the normal hour that HRCC’s livestreams go, but it was definitely worth watching.
I emailed Drew to find out how to donate. He informed me that the school is renovating their building and making a second radio room. They will have 7 radio booths. Each booth will host two students. They are hoping to be able to have a HF and a VHF radio in every booth. The school is covering the cost of the renovation and the furniture. The students are figuring out how to acquire the equipment.
If the donation is in the form of money, the easiest and best way is by a check, sent to the school. Checks would be made out to Harborcreek School District, with a memo line of “for the Advanced Technologies Group”. The check could be sent to: Harborcreek High School, Attn: Drew Mortensen, 6375 Buffalo Rd., Harborcreek, PA 16421.
If the donation is in the form of equipment or materials, those items can be sent to: Harborcreek High School, Attn: Drew Mortensen, 6375 Buffalo Rd., Harborcreek, PA 16421.
They are appreciative of every coax connector, every jumper cable and every piece of hardware. Everything will find a home.

Elmers

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

We are looking for club Elmers. If you have expertise in a particular part or mode of amateur radio and want to be an Elmer, let us know.

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

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

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

de Carl Luetzelschwab K9LA ARRL Central Division Director

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

ARRL Illinois Section

ARRL Illinois Section Website
A lot of information about Amateur Radio in Illinois.

Some Humor

Club Information

Meetings and VE Testing

Club meetings are held on the
first Friday of every month at
SouthBridge Community Church, 15500 S. 73rd, Orland Park, IL 60462
Meetings begin at 7:30 PM.

Board Meetings:
Our monthly Board meetings are open to every member.  We hold the meetings via Zoom on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 pm.  If you would like to attend a meeting you must contact Kurtt WB9FMC to be invited to the Zoom meeting.  Contact him the weekend before the meeting to be placed on the list.  You will receive the invite on the Monday morning of the Board meeting.

Special Activities

Hamfester’s Big Peotone
Hamfest
:

August 3rd, 2026

Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone, IL

Field Day:

June 27-28, 2026
SouthBridge Community Church
15500 S. 73rd
Orland Park, IL
Field Day Chairman
Jim W9JPR

Community Service: we support
local communities by providing
radio communication for parades
and marathons / walk-a-thons.

VE TESTING:
Walk-ins are NO LONGER accepted.
See details here.
Exam fee is $15.00.
Dennis KC9DSP, VE Team Chairman

Nets/Contact Info
10 METER NET: Every
Sunday Evening at 8:00 PM on
28.410. Tom KA9ZXN is Net
Control

2 METER NET: Every
Monday Evening at 9:00 PM on
146.640. Tom KA9ZXN is Net
Control

WEB SITE: www.hamfesters.org
Webmaster
Gene, W9PNG

Club’s address:
Hamfesters Radio Club
P.O. Box 651
Orland Park, IL 60462
Attn: Patti KC9LYE Sec

Pictures from Meetings

de Don Pointer, KC9EQQ

Field Day and July 2026 meeting.

Disclaimer