Next Meeting
Program: POTA
- 7:30PM Friday, September 6th, 2024
- SouthBridge Community Church
- 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL
Editor’s Notes
.
License Renewal Problems?
- Contact me! I can help you.
Antenna Analyzer
- Contact me!
THANK YOU!!
.
Hamfest Note
.
Hamfesters Nets
.
Secretary’s Beat
- August Minutes
Health & Welfare
- Prayers needed.
Hamfest Ticket Sales
- Ticket results
General Meeting Security Update
- Call if you are late.
Member Spotlight
- Brian Guerin KD9ZGT
Upgrades
- Congratulation!
New Members
- Welcome!
Amateur Radio News
.
Upcoming Hamfests
.
Educational Courses for Amateur Radio
.
Skywarn Training
- Get certified online.
FCC Color Printable License
.
Club Merchandise
- NEW ITEMS
- 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
- Alan WO9G
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 August 4 & 10, 2024 sessions
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
.
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
Patrick K9JAU
Gerald K9PMV
John KC9OOO
Charles NB9U
September Meeting
- 7:30PM Friday, September 6th, 2024
- SouthBridge Community Church
- 15500 S. 73rd Ave., Orland Park, IL
Meeting Program
The Program this month is a POTA.
Editor’s Notes
de Dennis Calderone KC9DSP
Hello there! This is Dennis, KC9DSP. Yes the rumor is true! I am the new President of STARS (W9SRC – Suburban Technical Amateur Radio Systems) Amateur Radio Club. Don’t fret, I plan on remaining the editor of the HamGab. I am only the editor and put the newsletter together, many others are the reason we have content. Send me an article about something ham related and I will include it in the HamGab.
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.
Well Field Day and Hamfest are done. Everyone did so much work. I want to thank everyone who participated in these two events. This club has always had a core group of members that make it run. It’s good to see others starting to step up and not only be members but help the club run. We are one of the oldest and larger clubs in the area. We are growing too. We should try to be the best club in the area.
If you have a submission that you would like included, please have it sent in by the 15th of the month.
Also, I have added a plugin that will allow you to print the entire HamGab or just the articles you wish. After clicking the print button, a new page will open, and you can either print in its entirety or choose which parts you don’t want printed. Hover your mouse over the section and click on the trash can, it will remove that section from the print queue. You can also save it to your computer as a PDF. You can make a folder and save all the HamGabs as a PDF for future reference.
I will see you next month, 73 KC9DSP.
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.
Thank you!
de Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC
Due to an editor’s error, I am leaving this in for September for those that missed it. KC9DSP
My dear friends and family (Romans and countrymen might be included, but I can only say I know the latter!),
Field Day! Wow! What a lot of work! Even though part of the “heart” of Amateur Radio is based on individual skill, effort and willingness, it is really not about individuality! I am ever reminded of this each Field Day, and this was no exception! I often picture participating as operating by myself, sometimes in all aspects by myself… But, it just can’t be done, nor should it be! And, I didn’t! We did! Yeah, yeah, I know that I can push on a key a little and make things go “beep,” but look at all the people who made that possible! And I, like maybe some of you reading this, want to be as independent as possible (Hey! That’s what we often consider ourselves: Rugged individualists!), it just ain’t so! In a hundred ways, at every turn it was “us” and “we”! Antennas don’t like wind (particularly when they are being raised)! Bodies like to eat, drink and rest! It takes a place and a time and an organizer and stuff and stuff and more stuff and…well, a lot! From food prep to leaving the kitchen cleaner than when we started! (thanks for cleaning the crock-pot too!!) More than what was expected or required! I can only say “thank you” just so many times! I was going to name names, but, as Jim Riley W9JPR says, “It’s not ‘just’ a picture: It’s ‘evidence’!” (of course, the real reason is that I can barely remember my own name and, I’m sure I’d miss someone, maybe many “someones,” along the way!) But I will name my wife, Helen, who not only puts up with me, was responsible for Saturday’s lunch and often submits to being a “radio widow”! (And, yes, it’s the putting up with me’ part that’s the crux of the matter!) So, to all of you who actually volunteered (!) to put up with me, I offer this heart-felt Thank You! And, just-in-case there are any Romans out there, thank you too!
Sincerely,
kurtt WB9FMC
A Hamfest Note
de Kurt Pawlikowski WB9FMC
A Hamfest Note…
Hi!
Being the treasurer is not always the most fun job! In particular when you are counting money and you’re the one always off! Ah… but sometimes there’s a silver lining that shows up. And it did this year.
Okay, I don’t like writing contest prize letters… No, they’re not difficult, but they are time consuming! It is past 8 PM on our Hamfest day, and I am just now having finished balancing the books against the hastily written notes and scribblings (Hey! Who wrote that anyway! It looks like a chicken REALLY was involved… Oh! Wait! That’s my handwriting! Ah… never mind!). One of the last things I did was get the checks and letters written to the winners that weren’t present at the end of the Hamfest.
This year’s 2nd place winning ticket was a little different. It had a call, then “MENTOR” and then a name. I usually look up the calls to verify that I’ve got everything straight (right address and spelling of the name, etc.). Well, this time, the name did not match the call. Huh? I tried a few variations and still no luck. But there was a phone number, which I called. I was pleased to talk with Ray, who was a bit confused. He hadn’t ben to a Hamfest. In fact, he didn’t go because he has to administer eye drops (I’m guessing often). But, when I told him the name of the call owner, he said, “Oh, that’s Chuck…” Chuck lives on the same block as Ray and is apparently very appreciative of Ray’s mentoring and very aware that his friend could not be present. Yeah, okay… it’s not all about the money, but it’s really about the friends you make and keep… I hope you’re making some lifelong friends!
kurtt WB9FMC
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.
Secretary’s Beat
Meeting Minutes
de Patti Gulick KC9LYE
Hamfesters Amateur Radio Club W9AA meeting Aug. 2, 2024 @ 7:50 pm.
Roll: Nora KC9MLV, Jim W9JPR, Kurt WB9FMC, Don KC9EQQ, Steve W9KXT,
Bob N9WDV, Dennis KC9DSP, Keli KD9YDT, Patti KC9LYE
Health & Welfare: Rick W9DOQ, is battling cancer.
And Earl hat vendor from our Hamfest, has died.
Minutes: The minutes from the last meeting approved by; John KB9FQB,
& Dennis KC9DSP.
Treasurer’s Report: by Kurt WB9FMC, checking $2,512.00 savings $10,000.00.
New Members: by Bob N9WDV, Scott Rehak KD9YDD.
Programs: Tonight Our 2025 Hamfest on Sunday Aug. 4th.
In Sept. POTA by Jim W9JPR, & Mike K9ACM.
Hamfest 2024: by Don KC9EQQ, Hamfest Sunday Aug. 4th gates open at 6:00 am. The main building opens at 8:00 am.
Vendors arrive at 3:00 pm on Saturday Aug. 3rd. On Saturday
at 7:00 pm there’s a pizza meet and greet for the vendors.
On Sunday there will be V.E. testing at our Hamfest 9:00 am
until 10:00 am. If you’re upgrading your license, you must
bring your F.R.N. number.
Chuck N9DKJ, will give a program on lakes. Ron Lapeir will
tell us how to keep a tidy shack. Programs will begin at 9 am,
in the main budling. The programs will be one at a time. So,
you can enjoy both.
Please remember, electronics cannot be left behind at the fair
grounds.
Hamfest 2024 Ticket Sales: by Jim W9JPR, 124 tickets have been sold.
HamGab: by Dennis KC9DSP, needs articles “Member Spotlight”, deadline for articles
is the 15th of every month.
Club Merch: Our merch vendor in Mount Greenwood is closing. But, the owner will help us find another.
Adjournment: Don KC9EQQ, & Dennis KC9DSP @ 8:16 pm.
Split The Pot winner: Jim KD9YLL
Door Prize Winners: Nick KB9JRG, & Dan KB9BAR.
Health & Welfare
Rick W9DOQ, and Gregg, AB9MZ, are having health issues.
Please keep these members in your prayers.
Hamfest Ticket Sales
de Jim Riley W9JPR
What a perfect day for a Hamfest! Clear skies led to a sunny and hot day with not a drop of rain in sight. All the ticket sellers were on post and ready to go on time. Vendors, flea marketers, and buyers all seemed happy too. I know you’re thinking that’s all well and good but how did ticket sales go?
Gate sales clobbered last year 272-271. The east gate won again by 214 to last year’s 188 but the west gate sold only 58 to 83 in 2023.
Our top gate seller was Linas Matonis KC9PCP with 93.
In the all-important competition between Bob N9KWG and Cathy KC9NRH Fleischmann, Cathy won by ten. Bob’s usual quote, “She’s cuter than I am.”
Advance ticket sales closed at the August meeting. This year’s total, including sales by members, online, mail, and at meetings totaled 93, down five from last year.
Our top advance ticket seller was Chuck Bilstrand KB9RGI with 26.
Thanks to everyone who took part.
********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.
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 Brian Guerin KD9ZGT
Name: Brian Guerin
Call: KD9ZGT
License: Amateur Extra
License Since: 2023
Career: Machinist / Owner Master Cast Inc. Carol Stream, IL.
Family: Daughter Emily (Aaron), Son Andrew (Justyna) and Son Tyler (Bailey). Grandson Aidan. Girlfriend Kelly.
In high school a friend’s father had a ham shack in the basement. I remember reading all His QSL cards hanging on the wall. Mr. Mendez was K9EJW(SK). He signed my friend Mike, my brother Tim (KE9ATG) and myself (KD9ZGT) up at the Oak Lawn library for a class to get our tickets too.
I first tried to get a Ham license in 1983 when morse code what a requirement. As a 15-year-old I just could not comprehend the method, so I gave up. Fast forward 40 years and my next-door neighbor Dennis (KC9DSP) starts putting up antennas that caught my eye. My neighbor Dennis, who is now my Elmer, helped me with everything from power pole connections to programming radios. I took my technician in Nov 2023 and passed so I was issued KD9ZGT. In Feb 2024 I took the General exam and passed and in April 2024 I did Amateur Extra and passed.
In December after passing the test and before I received my call sign Dennis and Keli brought me to Hamfesters Christmas Party. Now I was hooked and I signed up with Hamfesters. Since then, I have joined CFMC and STARS also. I am active with VE sessions and have credentials from W5YI, Laurel and ARRL. I am Advanced trained weather spotter and try as often as I can to check in with Skywarn.
Like most Hams I started out with a couple of Baofeng HT’s. My Elmer introduced me to Yaesu and off I went. Started with a FT5D, then an FTM300 (work), FTM6000 (car), FT991A (home) and a FT65. I have a variety of antennas up so between Dennis and myself we have an antenna farm growing. This caught the attention of my coworker/brother Tim who just recently was issued KE9ATG. I started making my own tilt brackets for the antennas from extruded aluminum in my shop. Since then I have made several more of these and some of you reading this have them installed by me. I enjoy helping Dennis helping other ham’s get and stay on the air. I met some great people at the Christmas party and now check in with them daily on nets and simplex.
73.
Upgrades
I am unaware of any upgrades this month.
New Members
de Bob McDonald N9WDV
We have 7 new members. 1 from the August meeting, 4 from the Hamfest and 2 from after the Hamfest.
Michael Cialdella – KB9MAC. He has a General class license, is a retired mechanic and lives in Mokena.
Ray Cummins – WB9RLC. He has an Extra class license, is retired and lives in Buckingham.
Glenn Bushey – KC9BPY. He has a General class license, is a retired Embedded System Engineer and lives in Crete.
Allen Seal – KD9YDB. He has a General class license, is a Structural Engineer and lives in Midlothian.
Wayne Monken – WA9UHL. He has an Extra class license, is retired and lives in Frankfort.
Steven Ford – KC9QXL. He has a Technician class license and he lives in Justice.
Scott Rehak KD9YDD. He has a General class license and he lives in Forest View.
Let us welcome them and for the 1 Technician and 4 Generals, let’s help and encourage them to upgrade.
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
ORC Annual Regional Fall Swapfest September 7, 2024
Firemen’s Park
W65 N796 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg WI 53012
6AM-12PM
Talk-in 146.97 MHz pl 127.3
Ozaukee Radio Club Swapfest pdf
HRO Superfest September 20-21, 2024
Ham Radio Outlet Milwaukee
5710 W. Good Hope Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
10AM-5:30PM
Talk-in 145.130 MHz pl 127.3
Ham Radio Outlet Milwaukee
CFMC Radio Expo 2024 September 22, 2024
Boone County Fairgrounds
8791 Illinois Route 76
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
6AM-3PM
Talk-in 146.760 MHz pl 107.2 WA9ORC
CFMC Radio Expo 2024
Tri-County Amateur Radio Club Hamfest March 16, 2025
Jefferson County Fairgrounds Activity Center
503 North Jackson Ave.
Jefferson, WI 53549
8AM-12 PM
Talk-in 145.49 MHz pl 123.0
The Ozaukee Radio Club’s 45th Swapfest April 26, 2025
Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Center
w67N890 Washington Ave.
Cedarburg, WI 53012
8AM-12PM
Talk-in 146.97 MHz pl 127.3
website coming soon!
Starved Rock Radio Club June 1st, 2025
Mendota Tri-County Fairgrounds
503 1st Ave., Mendota, IL 61342
Flea Market 6AM-1PM
Indoor 8AM-1PM
ARRL VE Testing 9:30AM-11:30AM
Talk-in 147.12 MHz pl 103.5 repeater-W9MKS or 146.52 MHz Simplex
SRRC Hamfest Flyer 2024
The South Milwaukee Amateur Radio Club 2025 Swapfest July 5th, 2025
9327 S. Shepard Ave., Oak Creek WI
6:30AM-7PM
Talk-in 146.91 MHz pl 127.3
South Milwaukee Amateur Radio Club WI9SM
KC9UNS list of 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.
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.
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.
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
- 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)
- 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. - A fee of $15 dollars is charged for the examination. Payment is Cash ONLY — no credit cards or checks accepted.
- Please bring a photo ID such as a Government Drivers License or US passport.
- 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.
- Yes, You may bring your calculator, however you must demonstrate that all memories are erased.
- 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 August
de Al Bukowski N9ZD
On August 4th, at the Hamfest, we had 1 person take his Technician test but unfortunately didn’t pass (he didn’t study for it) and we had 1 person upgrade to Amateur Extra.
On August 10th, we had 2 people take and pass their Technician test, 1 take Technician and General and pass and 1 take his General and pass.
Congratulations to all the new hams.
September 2024 Contest Calendar
From WA7BNM Contest Calendar Website
September 2024 | |
Tennessee QSO Party | 1700Z, Sep 1 to 0300Z, Sep 2 |
MI QRP Labor Day CW Sprint | 2300Z, Sep 2 to 0300Z, Sep 3 |
ARS Spartan Sprint | 0000Z-0200Z, Sep 3 |
All Asian DX Contest, Phone | 0000Z, Sep 7 to 2359Z, Sep 8 |
Wake-Up! QRP Sprint | 0600Z-0800Z, Sep 7 |
IARU Region 1 Field Day, SSB | 1300Z, Sep 7 to 1259Z, Sep 8 |
AGCW Straight Key Party | 1600Z-1900Z, Sep 7 |
PODXS 070 Club Jay Hudak Memorial 80m Sprint | 2000Z, Sep 7 to 2000Z, Sep 8 |
CWOps CW Open | 2000Z-2359Z, Sep 7 |
North American Sprint, CW | 0000Z-0400Z, Sep 8 |
4 States QRP Group Second Sunday Sprint | 0000Z-0200Z, Sep 9 |
WAE DX Contest, SSB | 0000Z, Sep 14 to 2359Z, Sep 15 |
FOC QSO Party | 0000Z-2359Z, Sep 14 |
SKCC Weekend Sprintathon | 1200Z, Sep 14 to 2359Z, Sep 15 |
ARRL September VHF Contest | 1800Z, Sep 14 to 0300Z, Sep 16 |
North American Sprint, RTTY | 0000Z-0400Z, Sep 15 |
BARTG Sprint PSK63 Contest | 1700Z-2059Z, Sep 15 |
Run for the Bacon QRP Contest | 2300Z, Sep 15 to 0100Z, Sep 16 |
NTC QSO Party | 1900Z-2000Z, Sep 19 |
AGB NEMIGA Contest | 1600Z-1700Z, Sep 20 |
ARRL 10 GHz and Up Contest | 0900 local, Sep 21 to 0759 local, Sep 23 |
Scandinavian Activity Contest, CW | 1200Z, Sep 21 to 1200Z, Sep 22 |
Texas QSO Party | 1400Z, Sep 21 to 2000Z, Sep 22 |
New Jersey QSO Party | 1400Z, Sep 21 to 0159Z, Sep 22 |
QRP Afield | 1500Z-2100Z, Sep 21 |
Wisconsin Parks on the Air | 1600Z-2300Z, Sep 21 |
Washington State Salmon Run | 1600Z, Sep 21 to 2359Z, Sep 22 |
New Hampshire QSO Party | 1600Z, Sep 21 to 2200Z, Sep 22 |
SKCC Sprint | 0000Z-0200Z, Sep 25 |
CQ Worldwide DX Contest, RTTY | 0000Z, Sep 28 to 2359Z, Sep 29 |
Maine QSO Party | 1200Z, Sep 28 to 1200Z, Sep 29 |
AGCW VHF/UHF Contest | 1400Z-1800Z, Sep 28 |
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.
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.,
ARRL Central Division
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.
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 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 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
August 3rd 2024 HAMFEST
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.