Next Meeting

Program: Mike WA9ZPM Microphones

• 7:30PM Friday, May 2nd, 2025
• SouthBridge Community Church
• 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

GOTA Nominations

.

Editor’s Notes

.

Illinois Distracted Driving Law and Ham Radio

.

License Renewal Problems?

• Contact me! I can help you.

Antenna Analyzer

• Contact me!

Hamfesters Nets

.

Illinois Repeater Association

• Full listing of all Illinois repeaters

Secretary’s Beat

• March Minutes

Volunteers Needed

.

Health & Welfare

• Prayers needed.

CQ Field Day

• June 28 & 29, 2025

Hamfest Ticket Sales

• Urgent Notice

Hamfesters 90th Annual Hamfest

• August 3rd, 2025

General Meeting Security Update

• Call if you are late.

Member Spotlight

• Nora KC9MLV

Upgrades

• Congratulation!

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

• Several Styles

Local Radio Nets

.

Amateur Radio Net Formats

.

Amateur Radio Insurance

.

FOR SALE by Owner

• Ayman N9SES
• Kurt WB9FMC

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 12, 2025 session

Monthly Contest Calendar

• From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

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

.

Meetings	Mailing 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

Officers	Board
President – Nora KC9MLV	Steve – W9KXT
Vice President – Jim W9JPR	Cindy – N9CAS
Secretary – Patty KC9LYE	Don – KC9EQQ
Treasurer – Kurt WB9FMC	Dennis - KC9DSP
Sgt at Arm – Don KC9EQQ	John – KB9FQB
Trustee – Gene W9PNG

HamGab Editor
Dennis -KC9DSP	KC9DSP@gmail.com

Birthdays

Donald KC9EQQ
David N9KPD
Catherine KC9NRH

May Meeting

• 7:30PM Friday, May 2nd, 2025
• SouthBridge Community Church
• 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

Meeting Program

May program will be Mike Kiley WA9ZPM and microphones.

GOTA Nominations

We will also be taking nominations for our Field Day GOTA call. So far we have one nomination, W9JPR has been nominated as an option for our GOTA call sign.

Editor’s Notes

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

Hello there! This is Dennis, KC9DSP. I hope everyone is doing well. Weather is getting warmer and while it’s a good time to get antennas set, it’s also time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. This is a great time to get out the handheld and test its limits. But also be careful of the weather and storms. If you took our Skywarn class last month with Dave Bukowski, N9KPD, you know what to watch for. If not, click here to learn how you can get certified.

If you have a newer radio, don’t forget to check for a firmware update. I just updated all our radios.

We have our trailer plates renewed thanks to Kurtt WB9FMC. Now we can take the trailer to the Hamfest and anywhere else we need to.

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.

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

Ham-Radio-distracted-driving-law-Illinois

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.

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
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 W9AA club meeting Fri. April 4, 2025, 7:16 pm. Tonight’s meeting also on Zoom.
Please visit Hamfesters.org for updates.
There were 21 people on Zoom, 23 members, and 5 visitors here in person.

Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Steve W9KXT, Don KC9EQQ, Cindy N9CAS, Bob N9WDV, John KB9FQB, Patti KC9LYE
     Welcome everyone!
Hamfest 2025: by Jim W9JPR, has tickets and flyers, please take some tickets to sell.
              Buy tickets too.

Minutes: March club minutes approved by Bob N9KWG, & John KB9FQB.

Special thanks to Al N9ZD, for his computer skills, and to Mike WA9ZPM, for audio.

Treasurer’s Report: by Kurt WB9FMC, club’s savings acct. $5,000.00 checking $7,000.00

Programs: Tonight, our annual Weather Spotter’s program presented by Dave N9KPD (on Zoom).
           May Amateur Radio and Microphones by Mike WA9ZPM.
            June Field Day 2024 by Jim W9JPR, if you have photos from FD 2024 please share them with Jim.
           July 11th our annual picnic held here, indoors. Please note the date change!
            August We’ll be talking about our upcoming Hamfest 2025.

Adjournment: Jim W9JPR, and Kurt WB9FMC, at 9:55 pm.
Split-The-Pot winner; Don KC9EQQ,
Door Prize winners: John KB9FQB, Will (Will’s Grandpa is Tom KE9JQ), Patti KC9LYE, Tim KD9ZMW, Ed WB9STB, Jim W9JPR, Lou KB9CIQ   

Volunteers Needed

de Cindy Shlaustas N9CAS

The Lions Club needs volunteers for the 5K run on April 27, 2025 at 8AM.

Cindy N9CAS is looking for about 15 hams to volunteer for the Lions Club 5K run. It will be starting at Richard’s High School on 107th and Central Ave. in Oak Lawn. It should go from 8AM-12 PM.

Volunteers can contact Cindy N9CAS at (708) 829-9637. She will have a signup sheet at the meeting.

Health & Welfare

Gregg, AB9MZ, is having health issues.

Please keep him in your prayers.

CQ Field Day

de Jim Riley W9JPR

A quick reading of this year’s Field Day rules from the ARRL shows no substantive changes that will affect us.

The church has allowed us to have our meals in the gym. This will keep us out of the weather and away from any insects that might want to join in our meal. There are kitchen facilities right there for any cooking that needs to be done and for any food that needs to be kept cold. Brian KD9ZGT and his crew will set up tables on Saturday afternoon and take them down Sunday morning before services. Their Saturday supper and Sunday breakfast were both outstanding last year. We still need someone to do lunch on Saturday.

The trailer is still available for anyone who would like to operate from there.

My call has been nominated to be this year’s GOTA call. I humbly accept. We’ll leave nominations open for another month and have an election at the June meeting, if necessary.

Field Day is June 28 and 29 at Southbridge Church, 15500 73 rd Ave. in Orland Park. Setup begins at 0800 local time Saturday morning and operations begin at 1300 local or 1800 UTC.

Hamfest Ticket Sales

de Jim Riley W9JPR

A small handful of Hamfest flyers were taken at the April meeting.

No tickets were purchased.

No tickets were taken for sale.

We can do better.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.

Hamfesters 90th Annual Hamfest

August 3, 2025, if you need a ticket contact me at KC9DSP@gmail.com.

STARS radio club will be conducting a VE session at our Hamfest. Testing will be conducted from 9AM-11AM.

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 Nora Pointer KC9MLV

Maybe some things are meant to be.

    In my teens and 20’s, I was a CB’er.  My cousin and I would drive around and talk on our mobile CBs.  So that was fun while it lasted.

     My husband, Don, has a friend (Jim W9JPR) that would talk to him about ham radio trying to get him interested.  Don has always been interested in any kind of radio.  

     So, when the Hamfest came up, Don went and took the test and passed.   I was happy for him.  He then joined Hamfesters Radio Club.  We both then became active in the Club.  

     Since Don became a ham radio operator, he then said to me that I should do it too.  Hamfesters was giving a tech class, so I attended classes, took the test and became a ham radio operator.   The next class was for the General license.  Don and I started out together, but he became busy with work, but I continued on and received my General license.

      We lived in an apartment and therefore have never really had a ham shack.  We would just check in our mobile radio.

       Don eventually became president of the club for six years, and after his term, I became president.

       I think it is fun when we see husband and wives that are both ham radio operators and can share in that together.

73,
Nora KC9MLV

Upgrades

James Liang, KE9AZT, upgraded to Amateur Extra, congratulations.

New Members

de Bob McDonald N9WDV

We have a new member.  His name is Garry Winer and his call sign is W9AGW.  He lives in Crestwood, Illinois and has a Technician class license.  He works in information technology.

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

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

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 conducted Skywarn Basic Spotter Training on April 4, 2025 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

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).

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.

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

April’s VE session had one attempt at Technician and two attempts for Amateur Extra. All three were successful. Congratulations.

May 2025 Contest Calendar

From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website

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, 2025

Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone, IL

Field Day:

June 28-29, 2025
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.
Al N9ZD, 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

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.