| A Letter to the North Pole |
November 30, 2010
Mr. Kris Kringle
125 Snowman Lane
North Pole Alaska 99705
Dear Kris,
I just completed the Fox River Radio League Tuesday night net. I asked those checking in what was on their ham radio Christmas wish list. Below is the list of those wishes. Please see what you can do to make our Christmas a really good one!
KC9BF- 70ft crank up tower
AG9D- AZ/EL rotator, portable power pack, single cup coffee maker
KC9EOQ- Yaesu FT5000DX, whole house emergency generator
N9JZN- Yaesu FT 5000DX
KC9LQS- 1KW Amplifier
AB9OS- More time to do projects
KC9RVP- Kenwood 590TS
KC9SNI- A geek desk for all his radio equipment
KB9TXI- Yaesu FT5000DX
KC9SUT- A dual band mobile radio
N9XU- Antenna tuner, AES shopping spree
N9VJR- 5 pounds of gold coins, small Rolls Royce
We all would really appreciate whatever you can do to make our wishes come true!
Merry Christmas Santa, um, Kris!
Sincerely,
Dean Holste
KC9EOQ |
| FRRL Takes 1ST Place - Field Day 2010 Central Division |
| November 2, 2010 - The Fox River Radio League (W9NE) scored 1st place in the 6A Class of the Central Division this year with a total of 8,240 points! The number of participants at our Field Day site was 45. The total score placed the club at 4th in the nation in Class 6A. The results can be found on the ARRL web. |
| Benny Benson W9CZA - SK |
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October 25, 2010 - FRRL Member and beloved friend to the amateur radio community, Benny Benson W9CZA died Sunday, October 24th, at 8pm in his Batavia home. He was 88 years old. His wife Darlene and family are planning a private funeral service.
Benny was born on August 15, 1922 in Geneva. He was married to Darlene Roth on July 24, 1948 in Batavia. Benny was employed as a television repair man for many years and was employed by May Electric, John and Eric's, Glen Simmons and Alton. Following his career in television repair he worked for DuKane Corporation as an electronic inspector until his retirement. He and his wife enjoyed camping at White Oak Camp Ground in Utica for over 40 years. |
| New DXCC Countries |
| October 24, 2010 - If you are participating in the HF Challenge, or want to chase after some new DXCC countries, you'll want to read the latest update provided by Joe NA9A. |
| NOTICE - November Board Meeting Location Change |
October 23, 2010 - FRRL President, John AG9D announced today that the location for the November Board of Directors Meeting has been changed.
The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM, November 2, 2010 at SciTech, 18 W. Benton, Aurora, IL. The December meeting will be held at our usual place and time, 1st Tuesday of the month, 7:30 PM, St. Rita Church, Aurora.
The General Membership meeting for November will remain at our usual club meeting location, St. Rita Church, Aurora. The announcement only affects the Board of Directors meeting for November. |
| IL QSO Party - Fun Event! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| October 17, 2010 - Michelle, daughter of FRRL member Pat N9TBD is at the controls of the 20 meter SSB station at the QTH of W9XA during the Illinois QSO Party. She is a very good operator and has continued to study for her ham license. Her brother Tony KC9RVR got his license recently, so when Michelle passes her test Pat will have 3 hams in the family! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| October 17, 2010 - At the controls of the 40 meter SSB station is Mike K9FBI. Several club members enjoyed a beautiful day at Kermit's W9XA QTH. Sunny skies, good band conditions, grilled burgers and all the amenities were provided. Operating events like this are a great opportunity to get young hams and experienced hams like Mike on the air. The Illinois QSO Party is an annual event held in October. Many other FRRL members participated at their home hamshack's. |
| FRRL VHF UHF FM Repeaters - Moved Successfully! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| October 16, 2010 - The FRRL VHF (147.210) and UHF (444.300) FM repeaters were successfully moved today from the East Batavia tower site. "The club would like to gratefully thank the site owner for allowing us to operate our W9CEQ FM repeaters from his tower," said club trustee, Kermit W9XA. "However, a change in business relationships recently developed which caused the club to no longer have free access." Paul W9DWP and Kermit W9XA haul the DB-224 VHF antenna from the site after it was lowered by a professional tower crew. The repeaters were taken out of service at 10:00 and returned to service by 15:00! |
| Several Hams Make Light Work of Repeater Move |
Photo: Bill KA9LFU |
| October 16, 2010 - A volunteer crew of 10 hams showed up today at the East Batavia tower site to move the club's VHF and UHF repeaters. The UHF repeater was installed at this site on December 12, 2009 and the VHF repeater was installed on February 15, 2010. The crew above, L to R: Jim N9IPW, Neil KB9RFX, Marty N9NTM, Dean KC9EOQ, Jim N9XP, Kermit W9XA, Greg N9CHA, Paul W9DWP, Dick AH6EZ and Bill KA9LFU (not shown). |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| October 16, 2010 - Jim N9XP slowly guides the FRRL VHF FM repeater cabinet down the loading ramps as Neil KB9RFX, Bill KA9LFU and Dean KC9EOQ steady the load. The UHF repeater was re-located to the W9XA QTH while the VHF now resides at the West Batavia site near Elburn. Both repeaters were only off the air for a short time Saturday while being moved. In about 5 hours the engineering team of Dick AH6EZ, Kermit W9XA and Paul W9DWP had the systems back on the air. All four of the FRRL repeaters are operational. Two FM and two D-Star systems! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| October 16, 2010 - While the VHF repeater was being located and cabled into the West Batavia repeater site, Dick AH6EZ installed an upgrade to the controller. Both the VHF and UHF repeaters use identical RC210 controllers made by Arcomm. |
| Poster Session - Huge Success! |
Photo: John AG9D |
| October 13, 2010 - "Poster session is the presentation of research information by an individual... with an academic or professional focus." (Wikipedia) The first official poster session presented by FRRL members occurred on October 12, 2010. Among the many projects on display was the ARISSat-1 fully operational prototype by Kermit W9XA, and John AG9D; 2 meter coat-hanger antennas by Ron KC9SNI; and How To Build a Simple Code Practice Oscillator by Dawn KC9LQS (poster shown above). Are you working on a project and would like to show it off? Bring it to the November meeting and share it with the rest of your fellow club members! |
| Coat Hanger Antenna - Simple And Practical |
Photo: John AG9D |
| October 13, 2010 - Ron KC9SNI showed off his simple groundplane antennas he built from readily available materials. A chassis mount SO-239 and solid house wiring or coat hanger wire makes for a simple yet effective 2 meter antenna. Ron built these antennas from plans he found in the July 1991 issue of QST magazine. You can download the article from the ARRL web site. The article is called: "Build a Portable Groundplane Antenna" by Zack KH6CP/1. |
Photo: Jeff N9JZN |
| October 13, 2010 - ARISSat-1 was on display and operational during the October FRRL meeting. Four members of the FRRL also served on the local organizing committee for the 2010 AMSAT Symposium hosted in the local area on the 8th, 9th and 10th of October. L to R: Dean KC9EOQ, Bill NF9D, Kermit W9XA, John AG9D. |
| ARISSat-1 To Visit FRRL October Club Meeting |
Completed ARISSat-1 Satellite - Photo: Courtesy AMSAT.org |
| October 10, 2010 - ARISSat-1 is coming to the October 12th FRRL club meeting! Project Manager, Gould Smith WA4SXM brought the satellite to the AMSAT 2010 Symposium held in Chicago this past weekend and has graciously agreed to have members of the FRRL view it at the Tuesday night club meeting. John AG9D, President of the FRRL and member of the Chicago Symposium Team announced today that club members will be able to get a close up view of the hardware. Kermit W9XA, FRRL Member and Chairperson for the 2010 Symposium will be on hand to answer questions regarding this new "bird" which is expected to fly early next year. |
| Hams Going The "Extra" Mile |
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Photo: John AG9D |
| October 4, 2010 - Several members of the FRRL are seeking their Extra Class ham ticket so they are taking advantage of the education classes offered by the club. Education Chairperson, Eric AB9OS has developed a comprehensive schedule including a list of members who have volunteered to be classroom instructors. The group above participated in the classes on October 2 at Rasmussen College in Aurora. Randolph W9HE was the volunteer instructor and did an outstanding job of leading the group through the Math required for the test. |
| Illinois QSO Party - Party On! |
| September 30, 2010 - The FRRL is going to have a party! An operating party that is... during the Illinois QSO Party event on October 17th. This event is being held at Kermit W9XA's QTH and begins at 11:00 and goes until 20:00. All FRRL members are invited to attend |
| Membership Dues |
| September 30, 2010 - Beginning at the October membership meeting you will be able to pay your yearly dues. Please see Dean KC9EOQ our Treasurer to get your 2011 dues paid. The meeting format has been changed to allow you plenty of time to visit with your friends and to pay your dues... so bring cash or your check book! Annual dues must be paid by the January 2011 membership meeting. |
| FRRL Education Classes |
| September 30, 2010 - Looking to upgrade from Tech to General? Or how about getting your Extra Class ticket! The FRRL is hosting education classes NOW! Check out our education page for additional details and contact information. |
| Crystals Are Everywhere! |
| September 20, 2010 - Did you attend the September club meeting? If so, you saw an excellent program all about crystals and crystal oscillators. This program was stimulated by our Program Chairperson, Dick AH6EZ receiving an Army training video about the different cuts of crystals. We might not use crystals as the main frequency determining element in our transmitters but crystals are all around us. |
| Ed WB9EDE SK |
September 15, 2010 - "Ed was one of my mentors and when he went to upgrade to General he talked me into taking the Technician test again. He passed and so did I. He applied for and got his new call letters WB9EDE. His old call was WB9VWU which he didn't like. When my licence was issued we had a big laugh I got KB9VWU." de Dave K9WDB
Edward J. Hurley 1929-2010 Ed WB9EDE passed away peacefully at his daughters home on August 26th. He served his country as a Korean War Veteran. He also served as a law enforcement officer on the St. Charles Police Dept. and Kane County Sheriff's Dept. Ed retired from Armour Dial after 15 years as head of safety and security. He was a member of the American Legion, Moose, ARRL, and the Fox River Radio League ham radio club. |
| Tom KE7INH SK |
| August 30, 2010 - Fellow FRRL member Tom KE7INH died today in Beaverton, OR. His daughter and son-in-law (Tobi K9TCD and Tom WB9CHY) released a statement today in regards to his passing. "I'd like to thank the club for the warm welcome you all provided to Tom Casselman, KE7INH, now SK. Tom enjoyed being an FRRL member and attending meetings whenever he was in town. He was proud to have regained his ham license (at an FRRL hamfest) after many years absence and had put together an HF station in anticipation of working towards his General ticket. His passing was sudden but peaceful and he will be greatly missed." |
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| August Program Features New Equipment Reviews |
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| August 7, 2010 - The August program will be a demo of Dick AH6EZ’s new Italian HF and 6m (SPE) amplifier and Flex 1500 and RF clipper microphone processor. You don't want to miss our August Program at the regular meeting, 7:30 pm Tuesday the 10th. |
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| Our Newest Members |
| August 7, 2010 - Welcome members! The following new members have joined the FRRL. Let's all recognize them the next time we hear them on the repeater or visit during the next club meeting: Paul KC9SEB, Deborah KC9SUT, Stephen W9ELG, and Ronald KC9SNI. |
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| End Of An Era - Goodbye Eola Road Site, And Thanks! |
Photo: Dave N9HKH |
| July 30, 2010 - The remaining FRRL repeater equipment was removed from the WBIG tower site in Aurora on Tuesday, July 27th. The club was notified that the tower where we once held a prominent position is not being rebuilt, but taken down. The tower was struck by a life-flight helicopter on Oct. 15th, 2008, 4 died in the crash. The FRRL quickly re-located both the UHF and VHF and now reside near Batavia. Special thanks go to the following for their help moving the club equipment: Repeater Trustee, Kermit W9XA, Bill NF9D, Dean KC9EOQ, Jeff N9JZN, Ron KC9SNI, Paul W9DWP, Bill N9ASC, Dave N9HKH, Jim N9XP, Michael KC9OPV, and Harry K9DXA. |
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| Congratulations Hamfest Door Prize Winners! |
Photo: Eric K9LGE |
| July 16, 2010 - Our Hamfest Chairman, Dean KC9EOQ reports the FRRL Hamfest held on the 11th of July was fun for all those who attended. Each year 3 lucky fest goers have their tickets drawn for cash prizes. This year the Grand Prize of $250 went to Ed WA9MNF, Second Prize of $150 went to Michael N9NF, with the Third Prize of $50 going to an XYL! Many more festers win hourly door prizes. We would like to express our gratitude to the following for contributing door prizes: ARRL, Chicago FM Club, DC Ace, Inc., D & L Antenna, The RF Adapter Guy, N3FJP Logging Software, and the Peoria Area Amateur Radio Club. |
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| Hams Needed - Chicago Marathon - October 10th |
| July 14, 2010 - The Chicago Marathon needs our help. Radio Amateurs are needed to pass health and welfare traffic for the 2010 Chicago Marathon. Eric, K9LGE gave a detailed presentation at our July membership meeting. Hams with contesting skills are especially needed to operate in this high profile and absolutely vital operation. The Marathon is set for October 10th. If you are interested in helping or if you have questions, please contact Eric directly. This is an opportunity to show what the Chicagoland Amateur Radio Community can do! 73, John AG9D - FRRL President |
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| FRRL Hamfest - July 11th |
| July 11, 2010 - Thank you to everyone for making our 2010 Hamfest a success. Dean KC9EOQ, our chairman, will have the final tally in terms of numbers shortly but our fest is much more than that, it's the fun and enjoyment that comes from working together. Please click here for more. |
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| Field Day Photo Gallery - On Line! |
| July 1, 2010 - Photos of this years Field Day operations are now on line. Special thanks to the following club members who contributed photos; Adam KC9ITG, Mike K9FE, Joe NA9A and Eric K9LGE. Click HERE to view the 2010 FD Gallery. You can also find the link on the field day web page. |
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| Lot's Of Fun! Field Day 2010 FRRL Style |
Photo: Adam KC9ITG |
| June 27, 2010 - Just ask Ethan KC9QJR and his Dad KC9QJS if they had fun? Can you tell by that big grin on Ethan's face? The Get On The Air (GOTA) tent was a prime attraction at this years FRRL Field Day June 26th and 27th in Sugar Grove. The club operated Class 6A; six transmitting stations using emergency (generator) power. The club call used was W9NE for all stations except the GOTA station which used W9CEQ. More pictures can be seen on our Field Day page. |
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| New And Experienced Hams Operate During Field Day 2010 |
Photo: Joe NA9A |
| June 27, 2010 - Experienced ham radio operators, Lou K9LU (left) and Gary K9MMS (right) take their turn at the controls during the 2010 Amateur Radio Field Day, June 26th and 27th. The FRRL put its operation together this year at the FOP Lodge in Sugar Grove. The event is sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and is intended to show the public the on-going advancements and uses of amateur radio technology as well as the hams ability to set up their equipment in the field to support communications activities during times of emergency. It's a lot of fun to be a ham, and Field Day is one way to share the excitement. The 24 hour event is held annually on the last full weekend of June. |
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| Field Day 2010 Is Here! |
June 24, 2010 - It's here, it's here...
Field Day is Here!!!
The largest on-air event in ham radio is this weekend! Join the club this Saturday & Sunday at the F.O.P. Lodge in Sugar Grove for Field Day. All the information can be found with the Field Day link at the left. Also you can always e-mail Eric AB9OS at fieldday@frrl.org with any last items. See you there!
For more information, click on this link to visit the FRRL Field Day page.
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| Amateur Radio Week - Batavia |
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June 22, 2010 - City of Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke has declared the week of June 21-28, 2010 as Amateur Radio Week in Batavia.
Click on the proclamation to download and read it today! Here is a sample of the Mayor's decree:
"Whereas, The Fox River Radio League will participate in the National Field Day event which is a 24-hour emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration of the Radio Amateurs' skills and readiness to provide self-supporting communications without further infrastructure being required."
"Whereas, the City of Batavia recognizes and appreciates the diligence of the "hams" who also serve as weather spotters in the Skywarn program of the US Government Weather Bureau." |
| June 22, 2010 - Thanks to FRRL Public Relations Chairperson, Dawn KC9LQS, this week has been proclaimed "Amateur Radio Week" in Batavia. June 21st through June 28th is being officially recognized by Jeffery D. Schielke, Mayor of the City of Batavia, Illinois. The Proclamation can be viewed by clicking either on the image above or this link. |
| Looking For a Local Ham Club |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 8, 2010 - Ted KC9QJS and his son Ethan KC9QJR from Warrenville attended the FRRL June meeting to see if they might want to join. Checking out an amateur radio club is great way to get to know the local hams in your area. Ted's brother Steve NH7C was instrumental in introducing the hobby to these two men, so last August they got their ham tickets after taking their Tech tests at the York Radio Club. "I really like to build stuff." said Ethan who is planning to build some of his own antennas. He was given a cordless soldering iron this year and is starting to put it to work. The two new hams are looking to install a hamshack in their recently remodeled basement soon. Good luck guys! |
| Let's Get Ready For Field Day |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 8, 2010 - Are you ready for Field Day? It's only a few weeks away and the preparations are nearly complete. FRRL Field Day Chairperson, Eric AB9OS held a brief meeting with the band captains and leadership who are responsible for getting all of the gear out to this years event. Eric also took some time to introduce everyone who attended the June club meeting to the members of the committee. All are invited to join in the fun. Click on this link to find out more about this annual ARRL activity and the plans the FRRL is making. |
| Logging Field Day Contacts |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 8, 2010 - Logging Field Day contacts accurately is very important. Mike K9FE, a veteran of several Field Day operations, showed the logging software the club will be using for this years event. Produced by Scott N3FJP, this very simple but time proven logging program is used by many participants around the U.S. Mike showed how control operators should enter their call sign and other contact data to be sure each "Q" is recorded. |
| Get Involved - FRRL HF Challenge |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 8, 2010 - The Bill Erickson WA9TPQ FRRL HF Challenge is a lot of fun for club members to get involved with. All year long, you simply keep track of your HF contacts and report them each month. It's an inter-club contest to get fellow members on the air and have fun. Eric AB9OS, the admin for the HF Challenge, brought along this very nice looking poster complete with pictures, and a handsome certificate that you can win! Learn more about this great club activity by clicking on this link. |
| Just What Do You Pack When Going On Vacation? |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 8, 2010 - During the May program, Dick AH6EZ presented a number of fun anecdotes about his vacation to Micronesia in 1989. Traveling to exotic islands like Yap, Palau, Pohnpei and Truk along with his XYL Becky KB9UBU, Dick hauled this Atlas 210 transceiver around and made several DX contacts. The "DX Suitcase" was on display at the June club meeting. Click here to see what other programs have been presented and what exciting information is coming next! |
| 20 Hams Come Out To Support Canoe Race! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 6, 2010 - "The fourth group of canoes has left the 2nd start" says Julika KC9RVQ who along with her father Neil KB9RFX and Eric AB9OS provided communications at the 2nd Start in Batavia during the Fox Valley Park Districts' Mid-American Canoe Race. 20 hams positioned themselves at strategic locations along the Fox River between St. Charles and Aurora providing logistical support to the event. Julika is one of the clubs youngest members and newest hams. More pictures can be found on the Canoe page. |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 6, 2010 - Tobi K9TCD announces the next wave of canoes leaving the 1st start position in St. Charles. Tobi coordinated the amateur radio support for the 2010 Mid-American Canoe Race on behalf of the FRRL. There were 6 areas along the Fox River supported by ham radio; 1st Start St. Charles, Geneva portage, Batavia portage, 2nd Start Batavia, North Aurora portage and the Finish area in Aurora. 20 hams supported the event. |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 6, 2010 - The Net Control duties were handled by Kent W9NDW who worked from his well equipped vehicle at the race finish area in the Prisco Center parking lot. Kent maintained the list of participants as they passed the portages on the Fox River. Once a canoeist started from either St. Charles or Batavia, the boat numbers were relayed to Net Control. And, each time a canoe would pass through a portage, the team at that location would maintain a list and relay the information to Net Control. Operations ceased only when all of the canoes were off the water. A special "Weather Desk" was maintained by Cyd N9CV in Batavia. Severe WX was forming to the northwest at the end of the race. Keeping a watchful eye on both the people on the river and the weather is what ham radio is great at! Ham radio provides public service behind the scenes; it's much needed and appreciated. |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| June 6, 2010 - The North Aurora portage is one of the busiest along the river. All of the canoes pass by this check point on their way to the finish in Aurora. Bart KC9FQA (right) has two helpers keeping track of the boat numbers as they come out of the water; Tony KC9RVR (left) and his sister Michelle. Tony and Michelle's father Pat N9TBD along with Bart's wife Catherine KC9FQA also provided communications support at the North Aurora portage. Temperatures in the low 70's with a moderate breeze from the northwest kept the participants and the hams comfortable throughout the day. |
| June "Arc Over" Newsletter On Line! |
| June 3, 2010 - Details of the Scout-O-Rama are highlighted in both President John AG9D's column as well as a wrap-up by the event coordinator, Mike K9FE. Scores and highlights from the FRRL HF Challenge are also great reading in this months newsletter. Click here to download your June Arc Over and read all about it! |
| Chicago Marathon - October 10th - Needs Your Help |
| May 27, 2010 - FRRL President John AG9D announced today that he has been contacted by the ham radio coordinating committee for the 2010 Chicago Marathon who are looking for communication volunteers. This premier event requires dozens of amateur radio ops to handle messages at aid stations, shadow race officials, and medical staff. Click here to download a comprehensive outline of the requirements the coordinators are looking for. Contact John AG9D for more information. |
| Dayton ARRL Donors Reception - FRRL Attendees |
Photo: Joe NA9A |
| May 22, 2010 - FRRL members (L-R) Dick Isely W9GIG, Kermit Carlson W9XA, Joe Dubeck NA9A and Harry Jones K9DXA attended the annual reception for ARRL donors on May13, 2010 in Dayton. Joining them in the center of the photo was the reception’s guest of honor and recently elected ARRL President Kay Craigie N3KN. Kay was the keynote speaker at the event with a message to the audience that was simple but straightforward -- those who continue to say “yes” to making a commitment to service, as well as a willingness to contribute generously to support the League make significant contributions to both Amateur Radio and to the ARRL. |
| Scout-O-Rama! |
Photo: John AG9D |
| May 15, 2010 - Boys and Girls enjoyed sending messages with Morse Code. Several code practice oscillators along with printed copies of the dots and dashes were made available to the participants. The Boy Scout Motto "Be Prepared" was the driving force behind the 100th Anniversary Scout-O-Rama & Camporall on May 15th at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. FRRL members set up an impressive amateur radio display and demonstration area during the BSA event. The Three Fires Council located in St. Charles hosted the one-day event. Scouts from 12 Districts, including Kane, DuPage and Kendall Counties participated. |
Photo: John AG9D |
| May 15, 2010 - The big hit of the demonstration was the CW mentors where a Scout could earn the "I SENT MORSE CODE" hand stamp by sending their name to the mentors. Many contacts with adult leaders were made and a good amount of interest was generated. |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| May 15, 2010 - Hundreds of scouts came through the FRRL booth which featured a digital HF station, a phone multi-band station, and a dual-band FM station, ready for satellite. |
Photo: John AG9D |
| May 15, 2010 - These guys had a lot of fun! The 2010 Boy Scouts of America "Scout-O-Rama" held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton was a huge success. In the group shot from top left to right, Jon Shelley WA9JON, Larry Shaw W9OKI, Keith Boatman N9YA, Denny Barfuss W9HI, Kent Te Vault W9NDW, (seated) Mike Urso K9FE, John Spasojevich AG9D, Eric Needles AB9OS. Not Pictured Jerry Hymen KA9VMD and Bill Capper WB9LPW. |
| So, Just What Is That? |
Photo: Dick AH6EZ |
May 15, 2010 - This is an IRET PRC-638 transceiver. "It was manufactured in Italy for Iraq and found along side a road. Comes with antenna, microphone and battery pack. 5 W high, 400 mW low.
30 to 76 mHz, 25 kHz channel spacing. Good condition and works well." Dick AH6EZ found this interesting rig in the flea-market at the Dayton Hamvention. This just proves that you can find everything and anything at Dayton! |
| License Upgrade Classes - Schedule Now Available |
| May 13, 2010 - Looking to upgrade from Tech to General? How about from General to Extra? Eric AB9OS, the clubs' Education Chairman announced today the new ham radio classes being offered this fall. You can check out the schedule on the Education page. Eric has also prepared an excellent flyer that you can download as well. |
| Donated Radio Brings Smiles to New Ham |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| May 12, 2010 - Mike K9FE and Julika KC9RVQ are shown above at the May club meeting. Julika, daughter of Neal KB9RFX is holding a radio donated to her by Mike. Julika is one of the clubs newest members and enjoys the hobby and fellowship of the club. If you hear her call sometime on the repeater, be sure to ask her about that nice HT she's got. |
| Micronesian Adventure Presented at May Club Meeting |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| May 11, 2010 - The May program highlighted a trip to Micronesia by Dick AH6EZ and Becky KB9UBU in 1989. Dick showed a multi-media presentation he had made of the DXpedition to Yap, Palau, Pohnpei and Truk. Each month the FRRL presents a program of interest. Special thanks to our program chairman Dick AH6EZ for his hard work! |
| May Arc Over OnLine - Lots to Read and Do! |
| May 8, 2010 - The May edition of the Arc Over is available for reading and download. In this issue you can learn about all of the public service activities which occur in May! We've got a very busy schedule, President John AG9D presents all the details, so be sure to sign up and get involved. The program for the May meeting will be a 1989 video of AH6EZ and KB9UBU Micronesian DXpedition (and scuba diving pictures) to Yap, Palau, Pohnpei and Truk, and a presentation on how preparation for an DXpedition has changed since 1989. Plus, you will want to read Larry K9ARZ's wonderful article about a the all-band ZS6BKW Antenna, complete with illustrations and test results! |
| Welcome New FRRL Members |
May 8, 2010 - The FRRL would like to extend a friendly welcome to the newest members of the club:
James KC9RVP, Scott KC9RGF, Julika KC9RVQ, Tony KC9RVR, Tom KC9PHX, and Larry KC9ROW. These new hams have been heard on our repeater from time to time and have attended club meetings. Please give them a warm welcome the next time you hear them on the air! |
| FRRL Supports MS Walk Communications |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| May 2, 2010 - Taking a well deserved break are L to R, Tobi K9TCD, Michelle KC9HDB (net control) and Tom WB9CHY. FRRL members provide the event communications in support of the MS Walk leadership by positioning ham radio operators at strategic locations along the route. Amateur radio replaced the use of cell phones several years ago when it was determined the reliability and quality of communications was greatly enhanced when hams got involved. |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| May 2, 2010 - Providing logistical communications support is L to R, Neil KB9RFX and Bill NF9D. The annual MS Walk event is supported by FRRL members. Neil and Bill are both veterans of the MS Walk and know the route well. It starts at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles and continues south along the Fox River to Windmill Park in Batavia. |
| Kendall County Cares Clinic Needs Your Help |
April 18, 2010 - Your amateur radio skills are needed to assist with communications during the Kendall County Cares Clinic on Saturday, May 1st from 08:00 to 14:00. The event is being held in the Plano High School where Kendall County ARES has been asked to provide communications.
Economically challenged Kendall County residents have the opportunity to receive much needed support during these difficult times. An estimated 1000 people may attend where they can receive basic medical and dental services as well as food and clothing.
Please contact Dirk W9QA to lend a hand. You will need a 2 meter HT and some extra batteries. There is a need for reliable communications inside the High School because cell phones and access to repeaters is difficult; 2 meter simplex communications will be used during the event. More information can be found on the Kendall County ARES web site. |
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| Welcome New Hams: KC9RVR and KC9RVP |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 13, 2010 - Two of our newest hams and members of the club attended the April meeting and received a warm welcome during the introductions. Tony KC9RVR (left) and James KC9RVP (right) attended the FRRL Technician classes offered in March. Both passed their license tests and recently were granted their FCC tickets. Tony is holding his "new" Alinco dual-band radio given to him by President John AG9D after the business portion of the meeting. |
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| Passing It Forward! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 13, 2010 - Since the early beginnings of amateur radio, hams have extended a helpful hand to other hams. Such is the case with FRRL President John AG9D (left) as he presents newly licensed Tony KC9RVR an Alinco dual-band HT. Tony's father Pat N9TBD looks on proudly as his son receives the generous offer. Just after Tony received the "new" HT, he promptly signed up to volunteer as a communicator for the MS Walk event on May 2nd. That's the spirit Tony! |
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| Locating and Dealing with RFI - April Program |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 13, 2010 - Just how do you identify and locate RFI? Well, one way would be to call Brian W9RFI, his call sign says it all. Brian presented a program covering AC power line interference issues and the types of tools he uses to deal with RFI during the April club meeting. He brought with him various antennas he has in his inventory to show the hams. One case-study he presented dealt with FRRL member Dave N9XU and the issues he's been plagued with for the past many months. You can learn more about Brian and his company by clicking here. |
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| Father Cesar N9CCP Welcomes FRRL to St. Rita |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 13, 2010 - "I would like to welcome your congregation to our congregation here at St. Rita." Father Cesar Pajarillo N9CCP stood before the FRRL membership during the inaugural club meeting at St. Rita of Cascia Church in Aurora, IL and very graciously welcomed the 55 members who attended. Due to class schedules and the growth in student activities at Rasmussen College, the FRRL needed to seek out a new home for club meetings, VE testing and educational activities. April 13th marked the first general club meeting held in the spacious multi-purpose room at St. Rita. |
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| Eric K9LGE Eyeball QSO with Greg N9CHA |
Photo: Chris KC9NVV |
| April 10, 2010 - During a business trip to portions of Northwest Wisconsin and Minnesota, FRRL Club Member, Eric K9LGE (left) stopped in on the Polk County Amateur Radio Association's club meeting located in Balsam Lake, WI on Saturday. Greg N9CHA (right) invited Eric to join the group for their monthly breakfast and club meeting. The two hams are sitting at the HF operating position in the N9XH club station. Greg moved to Northwest Wisconsin earlier this year and is a member of both the FRRL and PCARA. |
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| April 8, 2010 - Be sure to click HERE to download your copy of the April Arc Over. This month President John AG9D lays out his plans to get the business portion of our meetings a bit shorter so we can enjoy more social time. He also sends out an invitation to members to participate in the various public service activities coming soon, starting with the MS Walk on May 2nd. We welcome three new members; Bruce KB9KP, John N9AWQ and Jack Hallett (no call) to our club. There's lots more including a cute story by Dave K9WDB! |
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| April Program To Feature RFI Expert |
| April 7, 2010 - If you have ever experienced RFI, or want to learn more about how to identify issues relating to RFI, the April meeting is the place for you! Program Chairperson Dick AH6EZ has invited Brian Cramer W9RFI to present his experiences dealing with RFI. Brian will discuss the challenges of locating noise, dealing with utilities, list specific case studies and show off some of the tools he uses in the field. Questions from the audience will be encouraged. Don't miss the April 13th FRRL meeting. |
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| Tuesday Night Net: Dawn KC9LQS New Net Control |
| April 7, 2010 - Please welcome Dawn KC9LQS as our club's new Net Control Chairperson. President John AG9D made the announcement today after the Board approved the new appointment. John extends his thanks to Adam KC9ITG who held the position for several years. John added that all members should be sure to extend their thanks to both Dawn and Adam for their service to the club. |
| CW Going Strong At The FRRL |
| April 6, 2010 - Dawn KC9LQS is developing a new club resource; How To Learn And Use CW. The project has just gotten approval by the FRRL Board and is now in the planning stage. This new resource will include CW Elmer's, and a CW Practice Network. More information can be found on our Education page and in the April ARC Over. |
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| SDR Success! Craig AB9IV Completes Transceiver |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| April 3, 2010 - Craig AB9IV shows off his completed SoftRock RX/TX kit for 40/80 meters. A Special Interest Group for Software Defined Radio's was formed last year and continues to meet at Rasmussen College in Aurora. Craig took on this challenge of building the Tony Park KB9YIG's kit and shared his techniques with other FRRL members who also participated. Good going Craig! |
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| FRRL Field Day Band Captains - 2010 |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
April 3, 2010 - Field Day 2010 is June 26th and 27th. Dean KC9EOQ and his son Brenden KC9KJW are pictured above participating in the 2009 Annual Event. This year FD Coordinator, Eric AB9OS has announced the following club members who will take on Field Day duties:
20 CW - Larry W9OKI & Chris KC9IEQ
40 CW - Kermit W9XA
80/15 CW - Warren K9IH
20 SSB - Dick AH6EZ
40 SSB - Dean KC9EOQ
80/15 SSB - Dick W9IV
VHF - Bill WB9LPW
GOTA - Dawn KC9LQS and Jeff N9JZN
Tech Committee - Dick AH6EZ
Food Committee - Becky KB9UBU
For additional information and to review last years scores and pictures, click HERE. If you are planning on operating, helping out with set-up and take-down, or any other function, please contact Eric AB9OS. This year, the club FD activities will be held at the F.O.P. Lodge in Sugar Grove, IL. Set-up starts Friday afternoon, June 25th. |
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| Tour de Cure - June 13th |
| April 3, 2010 - June certainly is a busy month for ham radio operators in the local area. Your help is needed to provide event communications for the American Diabetes Association "Chicagoland Tour de Cure on June 13th. This year the event has moved to Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, IL. For more information, please contact Eric K9LGE. |
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| June 5th - "Sweetness Run" Needs Your Help |
| April 3, 2010 - The 5th Annual Kendall County "Sweetness" 5K and 8K Run/Walk on June 5th is just around the corner. The run/walk starts and ends at the Yorkville High School, 797 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL. The Kendall County ARES group is looking for volunteers to help with event communications. You can contact Dirk W9QA or Chris KC9BKS for more information and to let them know you'd like to participate. Click HERE for pictures and an event summary of the 2008 event. |
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| 100th BSA Event = Planning, Preparation, Execution! |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 3, 2010 - "Be Prepared" the Boy Scout Motto is the driving force behind the 100th Anniversary Scout-O-Rama & Camporall coming up this May at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. FRRL member Mike K9FE is leading the way for an amateur radio display and demonstration area during the BSA event. Principle organizer, Harry K9DXA made contact with the Three Fires Council located in St. Charles and offered help to local Scout Troupes in order for them to achieve their Signaling Merit Badge. The May 15th event will host 10,000 Scouts from 12 Districts, including Kane, DuPage and Kendall Counties. Logistics including tent placement, antenna mounting and power are being planned in cooperation with the BSA local leadership. Do you want to help out? Please contact Mike K9FE. |
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| New 10-10 Member - Harry K9DXA |
Photo: Greg N9CHA |
| April 3, 2010 - FRRL VP Harry K9DXA shows off his license plate, which just so happens to have an expiration date of October 2010 (10-10). Harry recently applied for his 10-10 International Net membership number (75703). He is one of several FRRL members who participate in the Monday Night 10-10 Chapter "City of Lights" net. For more information, please click HERE. |
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| Look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... |
Photo: Dick AH6EZ |
April 3, 2010 - Look carefully. Do you see it? Nope, that's not a bird feeder, nor a scud missile... those two large vertical cylinders are actually a 160 meter antenna. Dawn KC9LQS is giving 160 a try using an EH antenna built by Dick AH6EZ. Together with his XYL Becky KB9UBU, they helped Dawn install the new antenna by hoisting it up into a backyard tree.
Results? Not sure, but we do know Dawn has been giving it a try since its installation. The March meeting featured a program presented by Dick where he provided information about "top band" antennas and the challenges it presents to most hams. The most difficult aspects of 160 are the amount of space you have to install a dipole, and that it tends to be a non-Summer band due to static crashes.
However, Dawn is giving the band a try, looking at new opportunities to experiment with the hobby. Others in the club have also expressed interest in 160. Perhaps next winter, when band conditions are best for local contacts, Dawn will take advantage of the EH antenna and its capabilities.
Dawn is the club's Net Control Manager and is active with the Kane County ARES group. |
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| Signaling Merit Badge - Work Continues |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 30, 2010 - Morse Code practice is continuing for local Boy Scouts in preparation for the May 15th Scout-O-Rama. Mike K9FE and Harry K9DXA drill the scouts on their Code proficiency each time they meet. The goal is to have the scouts send messages between two distant locations during the weekend event being held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. |
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| Help Needed - MS Walk 2010 - May 2nd |
| March 30, 2010 - Public service has always been a hallmark of our club. Your help is needed for event communications during the 2010 MS Walk on May 2nd. This years event starts at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles. You will need to have your HT with you, a charged battery or two, and clothing suited for the weather. For more information, please click here. |
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| NOTICE: Meeting Location Change - April |
Photo: John AG9D |
| March 13, 2010 - Above is a picture of the St. Rita Church entrance club members will use to enter our new meeting space beginning in April. President John AG9D reports that all Board of Directors Meetings (19:30, 1st Tuesday of the Month) and General Membership Meetings (19:30, 2nd Tuesday of the Month) will be held here beginning in April. St. Rita of Cascia Church is located in Aurora on Old Indian Trail. An excellent map and guide to the entrance shown above can be found on our "Meetings" page. Please check here often for important meeting updates as we begin our move from Rasmussen College to St. Rita of Cascia Church. Door #7, the gray doors on the left in the photo is our entrance to the meeting hall. The meeting space is in the lower level and there is a convenient elevator just inside Door #7 for ease of access. |
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| "Top Band" Focus for Dream Program |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 11, 2010 - The results of the "Dream" program survey suggested many of the FRRL members are interested in operations on 160 meters. Dick AH6EZ, FRRL Program Committee Chairman presented an overview of the techniques and challenges the "top band" presents to the ham. Dick offered suggestions regarding various antennas that can be built and installed, including an EH antenna. Dick shared anecdotes about his experience with his EH, and offered it to any club member who might want to give it a try! |
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| 2010 FRRL Roster Now Available |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 11, 2010 - Dean KC9EOQ and his son Brenden KC9KJW handle the distribution of the 2010 FRRL Roster during the March 9th meeting. Dean is the clubs' Treasurer and Brenden volunteers as a Net Control Operator. The 2010 FRRL Roster is being mailed out to members who were not present during the March meeting. Hamfest tickets will also be included in the mail-out package. |
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| Dick AH6EZ 2009 "QRO Class" Winner |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 11, 2010 - The 2009 "HF Challenge QRO Class" award winner Dick AH6EZ (right) receives his award certificate from Joe NA9A (left) during the March 9th club meeting. Dick worked a total of 280 States, Provinces and DX Countries to win the prestigious QRO Class award. For year-end results and more information about the FRRL HF Challenge, click here. |
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| Gary K9MMS 2009 "Limited Class" Winner |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 11, 2010 - Congratulations Gary! K9MMS (left) is being presented his "2009 HF Challenge 'Limited Class' Award Certificate" by Joe NA9A (right) during the March 9th club meeting. To find out more about the FRRL HF Challenge click here! |
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| FRRL Continues Proud Heritage as SSC |
Photo: Mike K9FE |
| March 11, 2010 - Special Service Clubs are unique in that they represent the best of the best. The ARRL SSC program recognizes our clubs well balanced approach to serving the community and developing club members' ham radio skills. The FRRL has been a SSC for many years. President John AG9D applied for a certificate to display for all members to enjoy. He presented the certificate to the membership during the March 9th club meeting. |
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| FRRL Technician Class Week 4 Completed |
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ |
| March 8, 2010 - On Saturday, March 6th, the FRRL held it's 4th of 5 Technician Classes at Rasmussen College in Aurora. Many of the students were active as members of FRRL's The NextGen Hams group of young people. During the past few years, club members' "harmonics" got together to talk on ham radio, complete electronics projects, fox hunt, and create radio related craft projects. Now many of these same kids are participating in a Technician Class hosted by Eric AB9OS. |
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Photo: Dean KC9EOQ |
| March 8, 2010 - What's in a call sign? The prefix, the suffix, the number... what's it all mean? During the fourth session of the FRRL Technician Class, Eric AB9OS (above) spelled it all out. The students learned about the various call districts in the US and explained International ham calls. Eric ran a sample tabletop "net" where each student was assigned a call sign and had to "check in" and respond to a direct call from "net control." The fifth and final Technician Class will be held on March 13th. For more information about our educational opportunities, click HERE. |
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| Welcome: New FRRL Members |
| March 3, 2010 - The FRRL would like to welcome two members this month. Susanne KC9RGO and Dorwin K9DHK. Susanne is a new ham and has already contributed to the club by helping out during the Tuesday Night Net as a Control Op! Dorwin has been active with the club in the past, participating in Field Day and other events. Look for them at club meetings and on the FRRL repeaters. |
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| FRRL SDR SIG Meets Saturday the 6th |
| March 3, 2010 - The Software Defined Radio group will meet on Saturday, March 6th at Rasmussen College from 9am to Noon. The members of the SIG will continue building the Softrock V9 multiband HF SDR receivers. Harry reports that Craig AB9IV has finished his V9 kit and in nearing completion of the HF transceiver. Members have mastered the art of SMT components, using a hot air hobbyist tool to melt solder in tight places. Even the winding of the lifesaver size inductors has become easier to some members of the group. Please contact Harry K9DXA for more details. |
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| March ArcOver Newsletter Available |
| March 3, 2010 - The club's newsletter, The ArcOver is now available. This month there is a very interesting article giving us all a few pointers on working DX written by Dick AH6EZ. Our President, John AG9D highlights coming events, and the HF Challenge scores are updated. Click HERE to download your copy of The ArcOver now! |
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| March 2010 FRRL Meeting at Rasmussen College |
| March 3, 2010 - The next general meeting will be held at 19:30, March 9th at Rasmussen College. Please check back here for announcements regarding the April meeting. Click HERE for the location of Rasmussen College in Aurora. |
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| Tech Class Completes 3rd Week |
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ |
| March 1, 2010 - Bill NF9D uses an Arrow hand held antenna to illustrate the use of the Easy Sats to the students taking the FRRL Technician Class on the 27th of February. There are two classes remaining; March 6th and the 13th. For more information, click HERE. |
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| "Signaling" Boy Scouts |
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ |
| March 1, 2010 - How do you send a message using Morse? How about semaphore? Local Boy Scouts had the opportunity to learn both methods during a special instructional class hosting by Dick AH6EZ (above). Warren K9IH, Dean KC9EOQ and Chris KC9IEQ were also on hand. Six Scouts attended the class. During the 2 1/2 hour session, the boys used Morse code to send words to each other. Semaphore sending and receiving was also practiced. Dick showed the boys that Morse can also be sent using light by demonstrating the technique using a flashlight. |
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ |
| March 1, 2010 - Local Boy Scouts who want to learn "Signaling" attended a special class offered by the FRRL on Saturday, February 27th. Two of the six scouts attending were twins. They used creative ways to generate messages between them. One of the Boy Scouts who attended did have his Technician License but was inactive. The most difficult portion of the class turned out to be maintaining the 45 degree increment arm positions necessary to make up letters and numbers. |
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| FRRL 2010 Banquet Photo Gallery |
Photo: Eric KB9IDT |
February 19, 2010 - Tamie KC9LWX models a "cheesehead" hat during the FRRL 2010 Banquet. Greg N9CHA, Past President of the club had the honor of hosting the event at the "Roundhouse" restaurant in Aurora on January 30th. Greg has moved his QTH to Wisconsin and had fun sharing several jokes and providing this special "hat" as a door prize. Thanks to Tamie for being such a good sport!
The FRRL 2010 Banquet Photo Gallery is now available. Special thanks go to Becky KB9UBU, Kim KC9EIF, Eric KB9IDT and Eric K9LGE for taking this years photos! |
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| Mission Control... We've Got K9DXA Here! |
Photo: Copyright NASA |
| February 18, 2010 - While visiting NASA - Johnson Space Center on business February 16, 2010, Harry, K9DXA (FRRL Vice President) was given an opportunity to spend a short time in the gallery overlooking Mission Control Center covering shuttle mission STS-130. Most of the director consoles were manned, and several large screens showed orbital position and live images outside the shuttle and ISS. During that time, Mission Control woke up the astronauts and briefed them on their program for the day, including the last space walk for the mission. One of the other astronauts ran "Capcom." |
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| Do You Have a "Dream" Mode? |
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| February 17, 2010 - During the February meeting, President John AG9D asked the members if they had a "dream?" What mode of operation have you been dreaming about but don't have enough information to accomplish. Maybe a band, a public service role, a facet of the hobby that you've seen others do or read about but only dreamed about. Well, here's your chance! Take a look at the results of the survey from the February meeting above. Do you see something you'd like to know more about? Is there something that you don't see on the list? Email Dick AH6EZ by March 2nd and let him know what your desire is and he might just make your "dream" come true. |
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