PO Box 474
Crestwood, IL
60445-0474
Meets 1st Friday of every month at the
Crestwood Civic Center
14025 S Kostner Ave
Crestwood, IL
May Birthdays
Carl Coffelt
Tom Bryan KC9JZF
David Bukowski N9KPD
Gregg Rosenberg AB9MZ
Cathy Fleischmann KC9NRH
Steve Hennenfent KC9OOL
Brian Davis W9HLQ
Donald Pointer KC9EQQ
James Wognum KC9WEZ
John McEnaney KC9ZAX
John Nagle KD9JVJ
Joshua Novak KD9IAC
Officers
President – Nora KC9MLV
Vice President – Jim W9JPR
Secretary – Patty KC9LYE
Treasurer – ED WA9EOL
Sgt at Arm – Don KC9EQQ
Trustee – Gene W9PNG
Board Members
Nora – KC9MLV
Steve – W9KXT
Kurt – WB9FMC
Cindy – N9CAS
Don – KC9EQQ
Rich – KB9NTX
HamGab Editor
Gene Phillips W9PNG
hamgab@hamfesters.org
MagPi features ham projects!
Ever since the Pi came out, the ham radio community have been using it for fun and sometimes practical projects, so it’s about time we let you know how your Pi
By Rob Zwetsloot
can do some fun stuff with ham.
ADS-B, WSPR, SDR, D-STAR, Satellite, APRS starting on page 68! Read your free copy! Click below!
https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/issues/80/
Next Meeting May 3 @ 7:30
Hamfesters Radio Club presents Debbie Gray, WX9VOR of the ARRL ARES District 3 Emergency Coordinator.
Debby has been a life-long IT professional who’s interest in radio and electronics goes back to her childhood building crystal radios, circuits, and all sorts of mechanical things with her grandfather. Her love of shortwave and AM radio, theatre audio and computers eventually led her to ham radio via Skywarn storm spotting with her Tech license in 2010. From there she upgraded to General and has been active with Kane Co ARES, Naperville EMA, the WX9LOT ham team and the VoIP Hurricane Net. As both Emergency Coordinator for Kane Co ARES and District EC for IEMA regions 3 and 4, she has been involved in a variety of ham radio efforts spanning all bands, voice and digital, new ham education and advocacy, mentoring and community outreach. Enjoying ham radio team style – ARES, Skywarn and AuxComm.
On a sad note: Geri Hlavac, sister-in-law to Jim Riley W9JPR has lost her battle with cancer. She will be waked on April 25 from 3-9 at Lawn Funeral Home, 7909 State Road, Burbank, IL.
President’s Beat
“Thank you to David Bukowski, N9KPD once again for an excellent program.”
Secretary’s Beat
- Meeting Minutes
Field Day
- HHIC: Jim Riley W9JPR
- The winter that never ends.
- Do you have pics from last year?
Club Activities
- Maker Faire presented by Brian W9HLQ
Hamfester’s VE Testing
- Next Session – May 11 – See Details
Other Club Info
- Locations, times, dates, nets, and other info!
Last Meeting Photos
- From April
WD9ABG Visits the ARRL
Thank you to everyone who came out to the April Weather Spotters meeting. It was very well attended. Thank you to David Bukowski, N9KPD once again for an excellent program.
CHANGES: I received a notice of resignation from Dave Laveck W0COP as Sergeant-at-Arms due to his ongoing health issues. I have appointed Don Pointer, KC9EQQ as the new Sergeant-at-Arms. Granville Phillips, W9PNG has volunteered to become the new Hamgab Editor. He promises some changes to the Hamgab. Thank you to Don and Gene for stepping up into these roles for the Club.
Health and Welfare: Best wishes go out to all Hamfesters who may not be feeling well. Let’s keep Dave Laveck W0COP in our thoughts and prayers! Also, continued prayers to Gregg Rosenberg, AB9MZ with his health issues.
NEW MEMBERS: Welcome new members, Bob O’Neill, KB9BTS and Re-joining is Nick Caulfield, KB9JRG.
MAY MEETING: With the passing of our fellow member Robert Richter K9RDR, we will take a few minutes in remembrance of him at our May 3 rd meeting night. Please feel free to express your thoughts about Bob during that evening.
Our guest speaker will be Debbie Gray, WX9VOR of the Kane County Emergency Management Services. She will bring a wealth of knowledge regarding ham radio communications during emergencies. Learn more about ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service).
As always, we ask you to keep an eye on the website for the most current happenings in our club. Remember to Like us on our Hamfester’s Page on Facebook. On behalf of myself and the Officers and Board members of Hamfesters, thank you for all you do for Hamfesters.
Let us all take time this coming Memorial day to remember those in our Armed Forces and First Responder Agencies who gave the ultimate sacrifice in keeping us all safe and free. God Bless them all and their families. Also, Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking and loving Moms out there too!
73,
Nora Pointer KC9MLV
President of Hamfesters Amateur Radio Club of Crestwood
P.S: If you need to reach me, please email me at: npointer92@gmail.com
Secretary’s Beat – Meeting Minutes
Hamfester’s Amateur Radio Club minutes April 5, 2019
Roll Nora KC9MLBV, Jim W9JPR, Ed WA9EOL, Patti KC9LYE.
Moment of Silence for Bob Richter K9RDR, sk and for police officers and state troopers who were killed.
New Business: Gene w9png, will take over as editor of hamgab, K9RDR’s position.
Thanks, Gene! Hamgab articles should be sent to: hamgab@hamfesters.org
Dave W0COP, has health issues, he is stepping down as Sgt at Arms, Don KC9EQQ, will step up. Thanks Don!
Old Business: Cindy N9CAS, needs volunteers on 4-28 at Richards high school for the Lion’s Club Helen Keller 5k run. Cindy would need at least 15 volunteers.
Tonight there were: 34 members, and 42 vistors, welcome everyone!
Program weather spotting by Dave N9KPD.
It was voted upon that tonight’s business meeting should be suspended, Jim W9JPR, and Ed WA9EOL. The motion was approved. 7:20PM
Split the Pot winner was Mike Fitzpatrick
Winners of the weather radios were: Tim kl0ehn, and Kathy Bilski kb9nrx
Adjournment at 9:45PM
Field Day
CQ Field Day de Jim Riley W9JPR
As I write this for the May Hamgab there is snow coming down outside my window, and it’s starting to accumulate. Thank you, winter that never ends. I hope you’re done before June.
I was going through some old Hamgabs trying to find out where Field Days of long past had been held. If there was any mention of Field Day at all, they rarely said anything about the location. I remember someone once saying that it was way out in the country…at 79 th and Western. One Hamgab said it was going to be at “Fred’s house.” I will not leave my readers hanging like that.
Field Day 2019 is June 22 and 23 at Southbridge Church, one block West of Harlem on 155 th St. or, if you prefer, Wheeler Drive. Setup begins at 0800 and operations run from 1800Z Saturday to 1800Z Sunday.
If you are bringing a laptop for logging, make sure it has the latest version of N3FJP software loaded. The current version is 6.0. While the data from all N3FJP logs can be integrated, the newer ones have some great statistical features that the older ones don’t. Also, make sure your version has the new Ontario sections. I’ll let you know if any upgrades come out between now and Field Day.
According to the ARRL website and my reading of the Field Day rules, there are no substantive changes for this year. If you are new to Field Day it might be beneficial to read them through. You can find them here:
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-Rules-RevA.pdf
This is my final request for pictures. If you shot any pictures or video of last year’s Field Day, please get them to me ASAP for inclusion in my presentation for the June meeting. Due to the underwhelming response to my request last month, here again is the list of last year’s participants and what they did. Please let me know if you can or, more importantly, can’t repeat.
Cast of Characters
From my memory and the sign-in sheets
HHIC: Jim Riley W9JPR
Trailer Hauling: Mike Vannier N9NNL
Lunch: Nora Pointer KC9MLV, Laura Lockwood, Helen Pawlikowski
Dinner: Strings pulled by Don Pointer KC9EQQ
Breakfast: Ed Broniarczyk WA9EOL
Setup and/or teardown: Ed Egan WB9STB, Mike Kiley WA9ZPM, Bob Fleischmann N9KWG, Ron Kalat KB9TCX, Paul Skita KA9WYM, Cathy Fleischmann KC9NRH, Mike McGuire K9ACM, Aidan McGuire KD9LGI, Wayne Lacoy KD9LAW, Rollo Everett KD9JMO, Nora Pointer KC9MLV, Rich
Schneider KA9HMV, Tom Gulick, Dan Haug KA9BAR
Field Day message: Al Bukowski, N9ZD
Government Negotiator: Rich Schneider KA9HMV
Sign-in sheets and Field Day pins: Patti Gulick KC9LYE
Sign-in sheet enforcement: Dave Bukowski N9KPD
20-meter CW station: Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC,
20-meter Digital station: John Swanson KB9FQB
Trailer station: Jim Riley W9JPR, Al Bukowski, N9ZD, Ron Schmalz N9QOB
GOTA station: Brian Davis W9HLQ, Steve Peters W9KXT, Nora Pointer KC9MLV, Ed Egan WB9STB, Gregg Rosenberg AB9MZ, Peggy Peters K9QLM, Marty Linke WD9ABG, Connie Kelly AC9CK
Free VHF/UHF station: Linas Matonis KC9PCP, Tim Szymanski KC9POS, Bob Fleischmann N9KWG
Photographers: Don Pointer KC9EQQ, Brian Davis W9HLQ, Jim Riley W9JPR, John Raiger K9DRS, Dave Bukowski N9KPD, Paul Batchelor.
Club Activities
Hamfesters Joins Maker Faire!
The Southwest group of the Makers had their annual “show and tell” on Saturday, March 30 in Mokena, Illinois. Hamfesters was there to promote amateur radio. We used the slogan “Amateur Radio – the original Makers” to show our tie-in to the theme of the Fair. We had a steady flow of traffic at the booth. I am always amazed at the number of folks who are clueless about the presence and vitality of ham radio. By getting out and mixing with the public we can make amateur radio more visible.
Joining in the effort was Cindy, N9CAS; Jim, W9JPR; Gregg, AB9MZ; Mike, K9ACM; Brian, W9HLQ and the one who had the best time was Aidan (Mike’s son). Gene, W9PNG and Kurt, WB9FMC also showed up to help. Special thanks to Cindy who stopped by the center on Friday to begin set up. We finished on Saturday morning and the Fest opened at 10 am. The Pipefitters Union Training center filled up rapidly. Soon a band started playing in the lunchroom/check in area to add to the excitement. There were many interesting and high tech exhibits, including 3D printers, a 3D handheld pen that squirted out colorful plastic filaments for writing or decorating, lots of LED flashing lights, remote control robots, and of course the best exhibit, the Hamfesters offering!
Our booth featured some home made projects and a colorful display on satellite communications. We had a computer running showing the position of various satellites. In addition we had a soldering station set up and a learn to solder kit for Aidan to build. Having a youngster at the booth working diligently tended to bring curious folks around our booth. Aidan’s project included a learn to solder portion and then adding parts to make a blinky robot with an annoying siren emanating from the speaker. His kit worked immediately after we learned that the red wire from the battery is positive and the black one is negative.
Attending the fest certainly provides visibility for amateur radio to a large group who do not know about us. Next year we might promote our role in emergency services with a “go kit” on display. Just a SDR radio with big screen monitor would be a good addition.
It was a great day being around creative people who are making things happen.
73, Brian, W9HLQ
VE Testing
Hamfesters VE Testing Report for HamGab May 2019
Al Bukowski N9ZD – VE coordinator
Hamfester’s Amateur Radio Club VE’s offer Amateur Radio License Testing for those who want to get their first ham license, or Amateur Hams who want to upgrade to a higher class license. Examination sessions are available on the second Saturday of each month. We will assist you with all necessary paperwork prior taking your exam. Please make sure you are studying the latest question pool that can be found on the internet, through ARRL publications or Gordon West books. The Exam fee is $15.00 (CASH ONLY – Please NO Checks or Credit Cards.) Also please bring a photo ID with you to the exam. If upgrading, bring your original signed Amateur License and a photocopy we can send with the test results.
If you need information on how to print your FCC License, please go to this url for information. http://www.arrl.org/obtain-license-copy
The exam sessions are held at the Oak Forest City Hall 15440 S. Central Ave. Oak Forest, Il 60452. Please arrive by 9:00 AM. We begin testing promptly at 9:15 AM. Please enter through the marked Police door entrance at City Hall and look for the ARRL Amateur Radio testing signs for directions.
The April 13th VE session had 3 candidates.
- 2 new hams passed their Technician exam
- 1 ham upgraded to General
Future VE Exam dates are as follows:
- May 11, 2019
- June 8, 2019
- July 13, 2019 See Below Note on New General Class Exam
- August 10, 2019
*******New General Class License Exams will be used after July 1, 2019. If you plan to take the General Exam after this date, you will need to study the new General Class Question pool found here. >>> http://www.ncvec.org/downloads/2019-2023GeneralClassQuestionPool.pdf
Please, it would help the VE Team to pre-register and/or if you have any other questions regarding our test sessions, please contact Al, N9ZD via e-mail at: N9ZD@arrl.net
A Special ‘Thank You’ to All the VE’s volunteering there Saturday morning to assist me at the Exam sessions.
Club Information
Meetings and VE
Testing
Club meetings are held on the
first Friday of every month at
Crestwood Civic Center
14025 Kostner Ave
Crestwood, IL
Meetings begin at 7:30 PM.
September meetings may vary if our meeting date conflicts with the Crestwood
Flower show.
Board Meetings: 7:30 PM on
the 4th Monday of each month
at the
SouthBridge Community Church
15500 S.73rd.
Orland Park, IL
VE TESTING: Every 2nd
Saturday of the Month at the
Oak Forest City Hall
15440 S. Central Ave.
Testing begins at
9:00 AM but we ask that you
arrive 10 minutes early. Exam
fee is now $15.00. Al N9ZD
VE Team Chairman
Special Activities
Hamfester’s Big Peotone
Hamfest: Our 82nd annual
Hamfest coming August 4th,
2019 @ Will County Fairgrounds,
Peotone, IL.
Field Day: Join the W9AA crew
for one of the best Field Days ever
on June 22-23, 2019 at
SouthBridge Community Church
15500 S. 73rd
Orland Park, IL
Field Day Chairman
Jim W9JPR
MAKERS: we participate in the
annual Southwest Chicago
Makers Faire
Community Service: we support
local communities by providing
radio communication for parades
and marathons / walk-a-thons.
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
Granville, W9PNG
Brian ,W9HLQ
Club’s address:
Hamfesters Radio Club
P.O. Box 474 Crestwood, IL
60445
Attn: Patti KC9LYE Sec
Meeting Photos
WD9ABG Visits the ARRL HQ and W1AW
Hello. I was visiting family located in Connecticut recently. I had some free time before heading home on April 1st. so I stopped by the ARRL HQ in Newington.
How fun. From the minute I walked into the visitor center I was treated like a king. My host George Carbonell Jr. N1RMF gave me a tour of the main building which houses the visitor center with all of the ARRL publications on display for sale, the ARRL testing lab, the historical radio collection, station W1HQ, the disaster radio set up room, an original AMSAT 1 model and many ham radio artifacts including a collection of the very first traded QSL cards.
Outside and in front of the main building are 2 areas with monuments of both past and current donors as well as several hundred bricks etched with the names/call signs of ARRL member and contributors. See the attached pictures. On top of the main building is an antenna array that supports station W1HQ.
Across the parking lot is the Hiram Percy Maxim memorial broadcast center. The center has a main station where W1AW broadcast it’s CW practice sessions. See attached picture. The station can generate ~1000 watts on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters using ICOM radios. The station also broadcasts signals on 6m right now at a power level of ~ 100 watts. There is an upgrade coming later this year that will increase the 6m power to a kilowatt into a set of stacked loops. The station also has a complete DSTAR system operating on 2M and 440mhz.
In addition to the main transmitter station the building houses 4 separate operating suites. Visitors can operate from any one of the 4 stations and put W1AW on the air themselves. During my visit I was not able to operate do to time limitations plus the station manager Joe Carcia NJ1Q said a group who was there a short time before me operated but made no Qs because of poor propagation. The antenna arrays that support the Maxim station is something to behold. 3 towers with beam and stacked antennas to support every ham band from 160m to our microwave bands. I attached a few pictures.
What a fun visit and what a resource we have at W1AW. Did you know that they do not take any donated radios they test and do product reviews on. They purchase them off the shelf. This ensures the radios the lab tests are the same radios we purchase. The ARRL believes this adds integrity to their product reviews. The ARRL has a staff of ~ 100 people supporting the lab, the center, the 3 magazines they publish and all of the other books they write and publish.
Finally, yes I renewed my ARRL membership during my visit. I hope to have an opportunity to visit W1AW again soon.
73
Marty
WD9ABG
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