February 2025 – HamGab

Hamfesters Nets

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
Tom, KA9ZXN is 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 Amateur Radio Club meeting Jan. 3, 2025 7:35 pm.
Please visit Hamfesters.org for club updates.

Tonight there were 25 members, and 11 visitors.

Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Bob N9WDV, Dennis KC9DSP, Patti KC9LYE

President’s Announcements: by Nora KC9MLV, Welcome, Happy New Year!
Congratulations, to new ham Phil KE9CFN.

HamGab: by Dennis KC9DSP, Spotlight on Hams needs more contributions. Please tell us
how you became interested in ham radio. HamGab is published on the 15th
of each month.

Minutes: approved by John KB9FQB, and Mike K9ACM.

Treasurer’s Report: by Kurt WB9FMC, club checking account $7,000.00, club savings
account $11,000.00 we had Christmas party expenses.

Dennis KC9DSP, is Hamfester of the year 2024. The award was
presented at our Christmas Party, by Bob N9WDV, H.O.T.Y. 2023.
Congratulations Dennis!

New Members: by Bob N9WDV, Tom KE9JQ, Dave N9XUQ, Jim KE9zAT, Will W9WSS

Programs: Tonight, Scanners and Ham Radio by Will W9WSS. Feb. program unknown,
March White Elephant sale

Field Day 2025: by Jim W9JPR, FD will be held on June 28-29 here at Southbridge church.

Hamfest 2025: by Don KC9EQQ, Sunday Aug. 3rd at the Will County Fair Grounds Peotone, ILL.
by Jim W9JPR, our Hamfest flyer will be updated.

Adjournment: John KB9FQB, and Dennis KC9DSP, 8:50 pm.

Split the Pot winner: Phil KE9CFN

Door Prize Winners: Wayne WA9UHL, Will W9WSS, Paul KA9WYM

Health & Welfare

Gregg, AB9MZ, are having health issues.

Steve Peters, W9KXT, and Peggy Peters, K9QLM have both been in the hospital.

Please keep all these members in your prayers.

CQ Field Day

de Jim Riley W9JPR

I just shoveled the driveway so it’s time to think about Field Day 2025. Here are a few things we need to think about:

Pictures. If you took any pictures last year, I need them for my Field Day presentation at the June meeting. I prefer digital, but prints and slides will work just fine.

Banner. The wind was ferocious last year. We need a better, more robust way to display the club’s new banner. All ideas are welcome.

Trailer. We need someone to run the trailer station. You can bring your own HF radio or use the ICOM 706 that’s already installed.

GOTA call. Nominations are now open for this year’s GOTA call. It should be someone who has been associated with our Field Day, a call we haven’t used before, and it must be an Extra call.

Field Day is June 27 and 28 at Southbridge Church, 15500 73 rd Ave. in Orland Park.

Hamfest Ticket Sales

de Jim Riley W9JPR

********Urgent*******

Once again, it’s time for me to step down. It’s getting more and more difficult to keep track of advance sales. My numbers were way off. I tried this once before but, just when I thought I was out, I got pulled back in. So let the search begin for a new Hamfest ticket sales chair. I’ll be happy to help the new chair with the transition and will still head up sales at the gates.

Don KC9EQQ is also stepping down as Hamfest Chairman.

We will need someone to step up and take over these two rolls. We are definitely planning on having a Hamfest. Hamfest will be August 3, 2025. While Jim and Don are stepping down, you will not be high and dry! Jim and Don will help you learn the ropes.
Please think about volunteering!

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

Member “Spotlight”: paused for this month.

I am looking for members who wish to share their journey into Amateur Radio.

Upgrades

I am unaware of any upgrades this month.

New Members

de Bob McDonald N9WDV

We have a new members.

Thomas Bosworth KE9JQ.  He has an Advanced class license and is a first aid instructor.

Bring a friend to a meeting. Licensed or unlicensed. Lets get them interested in the hobby and grow our membership.

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.

International Ham Radio News & Opinion

Upcoming Hamfests

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 conducted 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. If you were 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

City	Frequency (MHz)	PL (Hz)	Internet Node	Area Served
Grant Park	442.375+	114.8		Tinley Park/Chicago Heights
Homewood	441.3+	114.8		Monee/Kankakee
Malta	146.73	100.0		Rockford/DeKalb
Milwaukee	146.91-	127.3		SE Wisconsin
Libertyville	147.18+	107.2		Libertyville/Fox Lake
Northrbook	147.345+	107.2		Chicago/Schaumburg
Valparaiso	146.865+	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

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).

Unfortunately our new vendor is closing shop. We will be looking for another local vendor to take care of our embroidery needs. We have three we are looking at right now. We prefer to use a local vendor instead of online. If you have an embroidery shop please email me and we will check out their prices.

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.

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 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

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

VE Testing Results

de Al Bukowski N9ZD

We had one person test and pass the technicians test.

VE Exam Report 2024

de Al Bukowski N9ZD

Hamfesters VE Exam report for year 2024
I first want to express my gratitude to all the VE’s (Volunteer
Examiners) for their dedicated time assisting in given and grading Amateur
Radio Exams. This past year 2024 was another average year with 48
candidates. Examinations for Technician License successfully introduced 17
new individuals to the World of Amateur Radio. Also this past year, there
were 11 Technicians that upgraded to General Class, who then started
enjoying HF privileges. And finally there were 5 General Class operators
who upgraded to Extra Class License. Congratulations to all these Ham
Radio operators.
Although most of these candidates were local to our testing location,
there were about 10 Individuals that were from out-of-town. Some of them
drove more than an hour to be tested for an Amateur Radio License.
Since the Start of the Amateur Radio Volunteer Examination Program 40
years ago, there has been a steady growth of New Amateur Radio Operators.
Maybe you are one of those who found it much easier to take the Exam in
front of your peers instead at the FCC examination office. As the exam
program evolved throughout the last 40 years, many changes have taken
place especially the elimination of the Morse Code requirements. Since the
COVID Pandemic, a strategic ramp up to On-line examinations took place.
With strict examination rules it allowed an Individual to take the Amateur
Radio Exam at a predetermined time and at his home location. Today, the
ARRL-VEC has now completely approved this method of Radio
Examinations via the use of ExamTools using Video conferencing. In fact
the ARRL-VEC decided they will no longer print the three levels of Exams
starting this year. It will be now up to the VE liaison and team members to
embrace either On-Line Exams or use the traditional paper exams through
the use of ExamTools. Either way there are costs that may not be fully
covered by the retained examination fees allowed. That will depend on the
amount of individuals to take the examination each month. It is my opinion
that these decisions by the ARRL-VEC may doom the Hamfesters Radio
Club Volunteer Examination program. If anyone has suggestions, please
contact me. Yes, I have signed up for the ExamTools program and for now I
can print the exams on my personal printer to continue our second Saturday
each month radio examinations a little bit longer. Also, I recently started to
scan all examinations and then email directly to ARRL-VEC right after the
on-site examinations. The results of this procedure allows the candidate to
get their Amateur Radio License in about three days. However I must still
send all paperwork via snail mail at the local Post Office.

Best wishes for a Happy New Year,
73’s
Al – N9ZD – VE Liaison

February 2025 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

February 2025
Vermont QSO Party	0000Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
10-10 Int. Winter Contest, SSB	0001Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
European Union DX Contest	1200Z, Feb 1 to 1200Z, Feb 2
Mexico RTTY International Contest	1200Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
FYBO Winter QRP Sprint	1400Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
Minnesota QSO Party	1400Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
British Columbia QSO Party	1600Z, Feb 1 to 2359Z, Feb 2
AGCW Straight Key Party	1600Z, Feb 1 to 1900Z, Feb 2
North American Sprint, CW	0000Z-0359Z, Feb 2
Marconi Club ARI Loano Slow CW QSO Party	1300Z-2300Z, Feb 2
ARS Spartan Sprint	0100Z-0300Z, Feb 4
CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest	0000Z, Feb 8 to 2359Z, Feb 9
Asia-Pacific Spring Sprint, CW	1100Z-1300Z, Feb 8
SKCC Weekend Sprintathon	1200Z, Feb 8 to 2359Z, Feb 9
KCJ Topband Contest	1200Z, Feb 8 to 1200Z, Feb 9
Dutch PACC Contest	1200Z, Feb 8 to 1200Z, Feb 9
CQC Winter QSO Party	0100Z-0259Z, Feb 9
4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint	0100Z-0300Z, Feb 10
ARRL School Club Roundup	1300Z, Feb 10 to 2359Z, Feb 14
PODXS 070 Club Valentine Sprint	0000Z-2359Z, Feb 14
ARRL Inter. DX Contest, CW	0000Z, Feb 15 to 2359Z, Feb 16
Run for the Bacon QRP Contest	2300Z, Feb 16 to 0100Z, Feb 17
AGCW Semi-Automatic Key Evening	1900Z-2030Z, Feb 19
NTC QSO Party	1900Z-2000Z, Feb 20
CQ 160-Meter Contest, SSB	2200Z, Feb 21 to 2200Z, Feb 23
REF Contest, SSB	0600Z, Feb 22 to 1800Z, Feb 23
UBA DX Contest, CW	1300Z, Feb 22 to 1300Z, Feb 23
South Carolina QSO Party	1500Z, Feb 22 to 0159Z, Feb 23
North American QSO Party, RTTY	1800Z, Feb 22 to 0559Z, Feb 23
High Speed Club CW Contest	1400Z-1700Z, Feb 23
North Carolina QSO Party	1500Z, Feb 23 to 0100Z, Feb 24
SKCC Sprint	0000Z-0200Z, Feb 26

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

Pictures from Meetings

de Don Pointer, KC9EQQ

Disclaimer

Notice: Beginning with Feb 2021, all HamGab issues will be gluten and salt-free. This is part of Gene’s 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.