Next Meeting

Program: Amateur Radio Today and Emergency Services

• 7:30PM Friday, May 3rd, 2024
• SouthBridge Community Church
• 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

Editor’s Notes

.

License Renewal Problems?

• Contact me!

Antenna Analyzer

• Contact me!

Technician License Class

• Tentative upcoming class

Field Day Ride

• Patti KC9LYE

Secretary’s Beat

• April Minutes

Volunteers Needed

• Hams needed for 5k run.

Southbridge Church Fundraiser

.

Health & Welfare

• Prayers needed.

CQ Field Day

• Looking for pictures from last year’s field day.
• GOTA call chosen.

Hamfest Ticket Sales

• Tickets and flyers available

RF Filters

• de Kurtt WB9FMC

Hamfesters’ 89th Annual Hamfest

• Sunday August 4th, 2024

General Meeting Security Update

• Call if you are late

Member Spotlight

• Mike McGuire K9ACM

Upgrades

• Congratulations!!

New Members

• Welcome!

Amateur Radio News

.

Upcoming Hamfests

.

Educational Courses for Amateur Radio

.

Skywarn Training

• Get certified online.

FCC Color Printable License

.

Club Merchandise

.

Custom Club Name Badge

.

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

.

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

.

Other Club Info

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

Pictures from Meetings

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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	Rick - W9DOQ
Sgt at Arm – Don KC9EQQ	John – KB9FQB
Trustee – Gene W9PNG

HamGab Editor
Dennis -KC9DSP	hamgab@hamfesters.org

Birthdays

Donald KC9EQQ

Catherine KC9NRH

David N9KPD

May Meeting

• 7:30PM Friday, May 3rd, 2024
• SouthBridge Community Church
• 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL

Meeting Program

The Program this month is Amateur Radio Today and Emergency Services narrated by Walter Cronkite, KB2GSD (SK).

Ron Delpiere-Smith will be onsite at this months meeting with his printer to make Hamfester Club IDs (see below) for those who want them and deliver those that have already been ordered. IDs can be made with a slit for a lanyard, a magnetic back (NOT recommended for those with a pacemaker) or a pin back. $10 for each ID.

Editor’s Notes

de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP

Hello there! This is Dennis, KC9DSP. I will do my best to keep you informed of the current events of our club and the amateur radio community. As you can no doubt tell by now, a lot of the sections of the newsletter remain with the same information every month. I for one, find it infuriating when a few months after I see something I try to find it again and can’t. So the repetition is not just laziness, but for information I believe is relevant. I will be adding and subtracting sections as needed though. I can always use your help. If you know of things going on in the ham community let me know.

One thing I learned with all my years with the Sheriff’s Department is that people have vast knowledge in other areas. We all came from somewhere else and had previous experience. Some were carpenters, some electricians, some plumbers, some mechanics, you get the idea. With that being said, members of this club come from different backgrounds and have a lot of knowledge in different areas of amateur radio and other things that can be related. Why not share your knowledge of something that can relate to ham radio. Think about doing a presentation. The club has certain months set up for specific programs at the meeting. But we also have a lot of months that we need to fill. I am always willing to help anyone give a presentation. Our club has been around almost 100 years. I would like to see it grow and be the best ham radio club in the Chicagoland area. Five or six members can’t do it. Help make your club the best one around.

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.

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.

Technician License Class

Hamfesters is in the process of finalizing details on an upcoming Technician License class. We are waiting on final approval of dates and location. The plan is to have the class at Oak Forest Hospital during the month of June. Tentative dates will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 6PM-9PM in the month of June (June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 & 27). Testing for licenses will be the last day. We will advertise locally and in the various Patch News. Please share this with people you know interested in getting their amateur radio license. Have them contact me at KC9DSP@gmail.com if they are interested.

Field Day Ride

de Patti Gulch KC9LYE

I am looking for a ride to Field Day on Saturday June 22nd if anyone can assist. Thank you in advance.

Secretary’s Beat
Meeting Minutes

de Patti Gulick KC9LYE

Friday April 5, 2024 Hamfesters Amateur Radio Club meeting W9AA 7:30 PM

This meeting is live, and on Zoom.

Please check Hamfesters.org for club updates.

Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Steve W9KXT, Don KC9EQQ, Gene W9PNG, Bob N9WDV, John KB9FQB, Dennis KC9DSP, Keli KD9YDT, Patti KC9LYE, (Cindy N9CAS, attended on Zoom).

Tonight 37 members attended, and 9 visitors in person.
Hamfest 2024: by Jim W9JPR, Please take tickets, and flyers.
Field Day 2024: by Jim W9JPR, We will eat meals in the church’s gym.
Tonight’s Meeting was dismissed, approved by 1st Jim W9JPR, and 2nd Kurt WB9FMC.

Program: Tonight Basic Weather Spotting presented by Dave N9KPD on Zoom.
          email: n9pkd@ARRL.net

There is no program for May yet.

Adjournment: Dennis KC9DSP, and Gene W9PNG, 9:45 PM.

Door Prize Winners: Dan KA9BAR, Tony N9EUR, Don KC9EQQ, Dawn KA9ERS, Split the Pot Winner Bill KC9HRB.

Volunteers Needed

de Cindy Shlaustas N9CAS

Just a few days left to sign up!!

The Lions Club needs volunteers for the 5K run on April 28, 2024 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-11:30 AM.

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

Southbridge Church Fundraiser

Southbridge Church had a fundraiser on March 22, 2024. Southbridge has helped out our club by giving us a meeting place when we needed it at no cost to the club. Several of us decide to give back to the church and Pastor Dean for their hospitality. We had five couples attend the fundraiser. We all had a good time. Southbridge will be doing a different kind of fundraiser every three months. The next one will be Elvis gospel and classics with Rick Saucedo on June 29, 2024. Keli and I will most likely be attending.

Health & Welfare

Rick W9DOQ, and Gregg, AB9MZ, are having health issues.

Please keep these members in your prayers.

CQ Field Day

de Jim Riley W9JPR

I have three items of news for this month.

A quick reading of this year’s Field Day ruled 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 take part in our food. There are kitchen facilities right there for any cooking that needs to be done and for any food that needs to be kept cold. We will need a small crew to set up tables on Saturday afternoon and take them down Sunday morning before services. This will free up the garage which, given our recent history with tents, should make a nice spot for an operating position or a place for greeting visitors.

Dennis, KC9DSP, has nominated Rita Wright, KC9DSL, for our GOTA call sign. She has agreed to let us use it. Given her history in Amateur Radio, I will close nominations for this year. For more about Rita see this article and the adjoining links from last month’s Hamgab: April HamGab Spotlight.

This is your final call for pictures from last year’s Field Day.

Field Day is June 22 and 23 at Southbridge Church, 15500 73rd 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

I turned the tickets and flyers over to Nora at the April meeting. Be sure to see her to purchase Hamfest tickets, take some to sell, and grab some flyers to pass out.

As of this writing, there are 120 tickets out for sale and 27 sold. Special thanks to Jim and Dawn Hull, W9JGH and KA9ERS respectively, for selling 21 tickets so far.

RF Filters

de Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC

Hamfester’s 89th Hamfest

Hamfesters 2024 Hamfest PDF

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 Mike McGuire K9ACM

The Basics
Name: Mike McGuire
Call Sign: K9ACM
License Class: Amateur Extra
Licensed Since: 2016
Career: College Writing Teacher
Family: Chris (KD9KGG), Aidan (KD9LGI), Mya and Harlow (two amazing rescue dogs)

In His Words…
I have only been a ham since 2016 but it’s been in my blood since I was a child. My father N9BKT (SK) was a navy radio man on the USS Sigourney, a Fletcher-class destroyer in the mid-1950s. He was just a kid, having lied about his age and joined up when only 17, but they taught him well and instilled a love of radio. Like many navy radio men, he became a ham years later when family, work, and life allowed for it. This is where I come into the picture, sort of.

I have many childhood memories of dad pounding the brass in his basement shack which, funny enough, looked a bit like mine does now. He spent hours down there chasing DX all on CW. I don’t think he owned a microphone. Mostly my memories are of the frustration I felt on contest weekends when his sending sent static bursts across the TV while my sister and I were trying to watch Who’s the Boss or some other 1980s sitcom. I didn’t really understand what he was doing and my childhood self didn’t have much interest, I’m afraid. He was a quiet man and did not regale us with stories of his ham radio adventures. It was his escape, and he enjoyed it mostly alone.

I do recall picking his brain on occasion, about his radio days and trying to understand concepts like skywave propagation. I didn’t quite get it, but I was intrigued. I had a pair of Radio Shack Archer Space Patrol crystal controlled walkie-talkies, and then later, for Christmas one year I received a portable General Electric AM/FM/SWL radio. I remember being blown away by that little device bringing in voices from distant and strange places I had never heard of. I would fall asleep listening under the covers on a school night. I guess I grew up with radio around me and always in the background, but I never quite realized its hold on me. I had a brief and fleeting stint with CB radio in college, but it left me dissatisfied. My father died years later, and I never really connected with him around ham radio. I regret this. I forgot the little interest I had until a much later chapter of my life.

Around 2014 my wife Chris and I began building our dream cabin in the woods—truly off the grid in the upper peninsula of Michigan. After my thumb had a close call with a hammer one afternoon, I started to think what if one of us gets injured while at the camp or if there is a real emergency. Without cell service, who would hear us scream? This is when the idea of ham radio returned to me. I learned there was a 2-meter repeater in town that could serve as a literal life-saver in the event of an emergency. In 2016, I jumped in and got my ham ticket. From there, I rediscovered my interest with a passion. What started as self-serving emergency preparedness has become a hobby I truly love and can’t seem to get enough of. I have also dragged my wife Christine (KD9KGG) and son Aidan (KD9LGI) into the ham ranks. Sometimes I think about the fact Aidan represents the third generation of hams in our family. I hope he passes it down to his children one day.

Today, I’m an Amateur Extra, a Volunteer Examiner, and a slow, but addicted CW Operator. I enjoy all of HF from SSB to FT8 (and everything I can manage to learn in between). CW, however, has become the mode, which at one point I said I would never do, but now, I love most of all. Kind of like dad, I guess. I enjoy checking into local nets and serving as NCS for a few, as well, including the Night Patrol on Monday and Wednesday evenings and the Lunch Bunch on Fridays at noon. I continue to build out my home shack, but I really enjoy portable operations—Parks on the Air (POTA) especially. My latest POTA adventures are focused mostly on CW QRP with simple wire antennas. But like I said, I love it all. I can’t get enough ham radio. It truly is a hobby of hobbies—one that has connected me to my past and has enriched my present. I have met many friends, and I am learning things I never thought I would. Every now and then, I even help out a new ham. I have so much to learn, but where I can share my knowledge, I am excited to do so. Did I mention my other passion (and my career) is teaching? 73 es HPE CU AGN.

For more on Mike/K9ACM visit his QRZ page and/or his web site at K9ACM.net. You might also catch him on the air or at local club meetings.

Upgrades

Tim Robieson, KD9ZMW, upgraded to Amateur Extra, congratulations Tim.
Keli Calderone, KD9YDT, upgraded to Amateur Extra, congratulations Keli.

New Members

de Bob McDonald N9WDV

I am pleased to announce we have three new members.

David Barrett K9LLC of Chicago. David is a Technician.

Bill Kouchis N9EIV.  Bill Kouchis is from Tinley Park and now lives in Scottsdale Arizona.

Tony Cumbo N9EUR lives in Tinley Park.

Bill and Tony are Generals.

Please make them feel welcome.

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

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

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

The Arrowhead Radio Amateur Club Hamfest May4, 2024
Head of the Lake Fairgrounds
4700 Tower Ave.
Superior, WI 54880
9AM-1PM
Talk-in W0GKP Repeater 146.940 MHz pl 103.5 Duluth
146.940 MHz pl 151.4 2Harbors
147.000 MHz pl 103.5 Mahtowa
The Arrowhead Radio Amateur Radio Club Hamfest

North Central Indiana Hamfest May 4,2024
Hart’s Celebration Center
3031 E 450 N
Marion, IN 46953
7AM-12PM
Talk-in 146.70 MHz pl 141.3
North Central Indiana Hamfest PDF

DeKalb Hamfest May 5, 2024
Sandwich Fairgrounds
1401 Suydam Road
Sandwich, IL 60548
8AM-1PM
Talk-in KARC Repeater 146.730 MHz pl 100.0 or 146.520 MHz Simplex
DeKalb KARC Hamfest

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

Independant Repeater Association Hamfest June 1, 2024
Hudsonville Fairgrounds
5235 Park Ave.
Hudsonville, MI 49426
8AM-12PM
Talk-in 147.16 repeater
2024 Hudsonville IRA Hamfest PDF

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

Kankakee Area Radio Society Hamfest July 21,2024
Will County Fairgrounds
710 S. West St.
Peotone, IL 60468
8AM-12P
Talk-in W9AZ Repeater 146.940 MHz pl 107.2
Kankakee Area Radio Society Hamfest

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

Hamfesters Radio Club 89th Annual Hamfest August 4, 2024
Will County Fairgrounds
710 S. West St.
Peotone, IL 60468
8AM-1PM
Talk-in 146.520 Simplex
Hamfesters W9AA Hamfest

Educational Courses for Amateur Radio

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

Skywarn Training

Hamfesters 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

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

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).

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.

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 for April

de Al Bukowski N9ZD

We had Three New Technicians, One New General (passed Tech & General exam) and One upgrade from General to Extra.
All the candidates stuck around after the Exams to get briefed on Hamfests, Purchasing Radios and a little knowledge on Repeaters. 
73’s   Al – N9ZD

May 2024 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.

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 Kurt 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 4th, 2024

Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone, IL

Field Day:

June 22-23, 2024
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

April 2024 meeting

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.