Fox River Radio League


Results of the 2012/13 Elections
December 13, 2011 - Elections for Club Officer and Director positions were held at the annual FRRL Holiday Party/Meeting, The following individuals were elected: President: Harry Jones K9DXA Vice-President: Dawn Williams KC9LQS Secretary: Randy Ligocki KC9KAX Treasurer: Dean Holste KC9EOQ Directors: Denny Barfus W9HI Jack Ekstrom K9JE Neil Potter KB9RFX (1 Year term) Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all the candidates and the Nominating Committee.
First FRRL Ham Shack Open House Held
Photo: Dick AH6EZ
November 12, 2011 - FRRL members KC9LQS, KC0GIJ, and K9ZL spent several hours at the home of AH6EZ participating in the first of the Club's Ham Shack Open House events. The group discussed and observed demonstrations of digital modes and interfaces, the directivity of a Spiderbeam antenna, 10m FM propagation, the operation of the MFJ antenna analyzer, satellite tracking, vintage gear, and all of the RF and computer connections to make it all work "any band, any mode, any time". Everybody had a great time and learned a lot. Shown above, (l to r) AH6EZ, KC0GIJ, K9ZL and KC9LQS.

Nominating Committee Announces Slate for 2012/13 Elections
November 09, 2011 - The FRRL 2011 Nominating Committee presented the names of club members who have agreed to be candidates for election to club offices. The candidates are: President: Harry Jones K9DXA Vice-President: Dawn Williams KC9LQS Secretary: Randy Ligocki KC9KAX Treasurer: Dean Holste KC9EOQ Directors: Neil Potter KB9RFX Denny Barfus W9HI Jack Ekstrom K9JE Debra Gray WX9VOR (formerly KC9SUT) Chris Farley KC9IEQ Members of the Nominating Committee were Victoria Pozzie KC9PWM, William Capper WB9LPW, and Chairman Kermit Carlson W9XA. We thank them for their service. Election rules as provided by the Fox River Radio League By-Laws as amended; May 9, 2006: Article VII - Election of Officers and Directors Section 1. Nominations: The Nominating Committee shall present, at the November meeting, a slate of candidates consisting of a minimum of one (1) name per office. Nominations shall also be accepted from the floor at only the November meeting. All nominations shall be published in the next issue of the FRRL Newsletter, or failing said publication, a list of same shall be sent to all members via First Class U.S. mail, a minimum of one week ahead of the December meeting. Section 2. Election: The annual election of all officers and the directors shall take place at the December meeting. The balloting shall allow for write-in names. A candidate shall be declared elected if that candidate receives the most votes cast by the members. Section 3. Absentee Ballots: Absentee ballots are allowed only for the election of officers and directors. The absentee ballot shall be prepared by the voter and delivered to any officer prior to the start of the meeting at which the annual election of officers and directors is held. All absentee ballots shall be drafted in ink. The office being voted on with the first and last names or the callsign of each candidate shall be listed on this ballot. The completed ballot shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope that is both printed and signed in ink using first and last name of the voter. The ballots shall be opened and tallied at the election. If you mail your ballot to the club PO Box you must ensure it is delivered prior to 12 noon Tuesday December 13, 2011 at which time the PO Box will be checked for any mail-in absentee ballots. Please place you ballot inside an envelope and then place that envelope in another to mail. Late ballots will not be considered.

TV Antenna Replaced by 2 Meter Ringo - St. Rita of Cascia
Photo: Dick AH6EZ
October 22, 2011 - FRRL members spent several hours at the St. Rita of Cascia campus in Aurora to work on two projects. The first project involved the FRRL bringing internet to our meeting room. The second project is designed to help Fr. Cesar set up a 2M base station in his office. Dick AH6EZ located resources to tie in to an existing high speed internet connection point in the Parish Center, and using Canopy modules, set up an RF link to our meeting room. Dick had help from Jeff N9JZN, Larry K9ARZ, Dawn KC9LQS, Dean KC9EOQ, and Harry K9DXA. Dean used a laptop to test the system which is working well. Larry K9ARZ (shown above) strapped on his trusty climbing belt and took off for the top of the existing tower behind the Parish Center building. He removed a rotator and TV antenna, and mounted a Ringo 2M vertical, complete with RG213 coax. Fr. Cesar should be on the air soon after the cable is routed to his office.

Dave N9XU Published in November QST
October 16, 2011 - Fox River Radio League member Dave Holdeman, N9XU once again has another of his excellent articles published in the ARRL monthly publication QST. The November QST features Dave's solution for those who have antenna restructions. He shows how he adapted two ten foot plastic downspouts into a stealthy 160 or 80 Meter vertical antenna. Look for Dave's article on page 45 of the November issue of QST and enjoy four full pages of interesting writing. Congratulations N9XU on another fine article!


IRLP Node 8203 - New Yagi Antenna
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ
September 25, 2011 - N9JZN Jeff installs new 440 yagi on the tower at the QTH of Dean, KC9EOQ. The antenna is an upgrade to an IRLP simplex node used by Denny, W9HI and John, AG9D for school and ARISS contact relays.

Congratulations Technician Class Students
Photo: Mike K9FE
September 20, 2011 - Just a view of the September VE testing session at St.Ritas. This was the first session after the Technician class the Eric AB9OS and Dawn KC9LQS taught for the last few months. Every student that attended passed the exam earning their Technician License. K9FE remarked, "As one who scored many of the tests I can say that they knew the material very well. Congratulations are in order!" Eric and Dawn are working on possibly scheduling another session yet this year.

FRRL Members Attend W9DXCC Convention & Banquet

September 17, 2011 - The FRRL was well represented at the W9DXCC convention held at the Holiday Inn in Elk Grove Village. There were over 200 attendees from the Midwest in attendance. Favorite presentations were Craig Thompson's, K9CT, talk about constructing his antenna farm in Trivoli, IL in Peoria County, how John Sweeney, K9EL (VA3CDX), controls his station at his home in Illinois from his home in Canada. Also presented were very interesting talks on DXpeditions at CY0 Sable Island, K6VVA/KL7 IOTA Point Lay Barrier Island and VP8ORK South Orkney. The convention chairman Jack, K9JE and his group did a great job of organizing the event. The day concluded with a dinner banquet where ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN spoke to those in attendance of her personal experience in amateur radio and her hopes for the future of the hobby. Her speech was very inspiring to everyone who attended. This year's grand prize was a Yaesu FT-2000 HF radio which was won by no one from the FRRL. Darn! Front row from left to right: Dean, KC9EOQ, Kermit, W9XA, Kay, N3KN, Dick, W9GIG, Jack, K9JE Back row from left to right: Caron, W9QLT, Roberto, WA9E, Joe, NA9A, Harry, K9DXA, Jeff, K9BQL. Not pictured, Gary K9MMS.

Technician Class Continues
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ
September 3, 2011 - FRRL Technician class student, Mary makes a log entry to the N3FJP AC Log 3.0 as class student Orv and class instructor Dawn, KC9LQS look on. Dawn demonstrated the logging program at Saturday's Technician class being held at St. Rita's church.
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ
September 3, 2011 - The Fox River Radio League's Technician license class continues to meet each Saturday morning at St. Rita's church. During today's class, the instructor Dawn, KC9LQS, shows Orv the functions of a computer based logging program. The program was N3FJP's AC Log 3.0 program. Each student was given the opportunity to make practice entries into the logging program.


QRP Discussion Slated for September Meeting
August 19, 2011 - You may have seen some Yahoo Group postings by John Greusel, KC9OJV, discussing his building of a 75m SSB QRP transceiver. For the September program, he will describe the VE2ZM kit and what he has learned about building it and how you can do similar things too. Be sure to come out to the September 13th meeting! 73, Dick AH6EZ

Radio In The Park - More HF Fun Outdoors!
Photos: John AG9D
August 13, 2011 - There's always something great about packing up your ham gear and taking it out to a nice park and operating for a while. Bill NF9D (seated) organized the Saturday event. Looking on is Tim N9TO (left) and Ron KC9SNI (right).

August 13, 2011 - Taking in some of the fun by having a face to face QSO are Mike K9FE (left) and Dave K9WDB.

August 13, 2011 - The Radio in the Park event also brought together a beam building project by Dean KC9EOQ and Dawn KC9LQS. This UHF beam will be installed at Dean's QTH to enhance the performance of an IRLP node he has working.

August 13, 2011 - Demonstrating a "spud-gun" or "antenna launcher" is Ron KC9SNI. The device was built by Harry K9DXA. Using common plumbing pipe and adapters, the unit works on compressed air to launch a projectile over buildings, trees or any other possible antenna support structures.

August 13, 2011 - Arriving in style! Carol WD9CNW and her husband Tim N9TO used their ham radio equipped motorcycle as transportation to the Radio in the Park event. You can see the boom microphone attached to Tim's helmet and the multi-band antenna mounted to the back of the bike.

Technician Classes Offered
July 18, 2011 - The Fox River Radio League will be holding a free 5 week course where you can learn everything you need to earn your first Amateur Radio License. This class is designed for people with no background in radio or electronics and will prepare you for the first level Amateur Radio License test. The test is a 35 question multiple choice written test. Morse Code is no longer required for a Ham Radio License.

Orv Receives Thanks for FD Generator Power
Photo: Eric K9LGE
July 12, 2011 - If you've been to our Field Day site, then you've seen the massive AC generator that provides our power. The City of Aurora allows the club to use the generator, and it's Orv who brings it out and sets it up. While not yet licensed, Orv has become one of the gang and regularly attends meetings. He received a special token of appreciation in the form of a club name badge at the last meeting. (l to r) Vice President and FD Coordinator Harry K9DXA, Orv, President John AG9D, Past President and FD Coordinator Mike K9FE.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
Photo: Mike K9FE
July 16, 2011 - FRRL members and their families enjoyed a night out at Elfstrom Stadium to root on the Cougars and view a spectacular fireworks show! Click here to see more pictures.

FRRL Hamfest - Sunday - July 10!
July 6, 2011 - Our hamfest is this coming Sunday! If you don't have tickets, they are available at the gate, $8 each. Kids under 16 are FREE! New and used ham equipment... outdoor flea market... VE exams... hourly door prizes... on-site food vendor... handicap accessible... free parking. Grand prize $250! Doors Open at 8:00 am. Location: Aurora Central Catholic High School - 1225 N. Edgelawn Drive - Aurora, IL Talk-in FRRL Repeater 147.210+ (pl 103.5)

Fun! Field Day 2011
Photo: Dan N2DAN
June 27, 2011 - "This was a great time for the FRRL," said Mike K9FE, Field Day Co-Chair. "Hats off to the Hen House and to Dawn KC9LQS for getting my wife Jackie KB9PKN to sit at the 40 meter phone station." John AG9D said, "This Field Day was one of the best ones I've attended." Shown above is James KC9RVP at the very active 10 meter station.
Photo: Mike K9FE
June 27, 2011 - FRRL President and "Chef" slicing tomatoes and watching his computer! John AG9D is either watching a cooking show or satellite pass predictions. Either way, the food was great and he made a contact through a bird.
Photo: Mike K9FE
June 27, 2011 - Jackie KB9PKN and Dawn KC9LQS operating 40 phone from the "hen house" during Field Day. More pictures can be found on the Field Day page.

FRRL 2M Repeater Used For Tour de Cure - Sunday June 12th
June 8, 2011 - The FRRL 2 Meter Analog Repeater (147.210) will be used to provide communications during the ADA Tour de Cure Bike Event on Sunday June 12th. The Repeater will be linked to the WCRA 440 Repeater in Wheaton to create a wide coverage area. The FRRL Board of Directors and Repeater Committee ask that any routine traffic be moved off to our 444.300 repeater or to the NIARC 2 meter repeater from 6AM to 6PM (times approximate) on the event day which again is this Sunday June 12th to allow the Red Cross dedicated used of the frequency. Thank you for your cooperation - John Spasojevich, AG9D, President FRRL

FRRL Field Day - Johnson's Mound

June 6, 2011 - The 2011 FRRL Field Day will take place at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve (same place as 2009) just a little ways west of St. Charles. It's always the fourth full weekend in June --- June 25 - 26, 2011. Set up will start after 1:00PM on Friday, June 24. We still need someone to take charge of the 80-15M CW station. All station teams are looking for help setting up, operating, and clean up. Please plan to spend all or a part of this weekend supporting FRRL & Field Day - 2011. It's always great fun. Please direct any questions to Mike, K9FE or Harry, K9DXA

W9CEQ 444.300 Repeater Antenna Upgrade
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ
May 30, 2011 - Workers installed a new UHF antenna, tower mount and feedline for the 444.3 Mhz W9CEQ repeater on the W9XA tower in Batavia. This antenna had been previously installed and used at the Geneva/WestChicago/Batavia site last year. The change will increase the overall height on the existing tower by 75 feet and will place the major lobe towards Aurora from Batavia with a minor null towards Lily Lake. The increase in height will also decrease the depth of the null. Previously the null was towards the NorthEast with the lobe to the SouthWest from Batavia. There should be a marked improvement in coverage now that the work is complete. (Early reports confirms the improvement. -ed) Please feel free to measure the signal strength against what you've experienced in the past. It is our hope that coverage will improve noticeably. 73, Kermit W9XA

Radio in the Park
Photo: Dan N2DAN
May 21, 2011 - Members of the Fox River Radio League conducted the first ‘Radio in the Park’ event of 2011. This event wasn't held in a park; it was conducted on the grounds of the St. Rita of Cascia Catholic School in Aurora, IL. A total of three stations were set up and operated by members of the Club and visitors.
Photo: Dan N2DAN
May 21, 2011 - Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops from around the area were invited to join us for the event, and several scouts had the opportunity to make contacts with both US and DX stations. One of the scouts had the experience of talking with hams in both Aruba and Canada during his time at the microphone.
Photo: Dan N2DAN
May 21, 2011 - Our visitors also got to experience conversing with local operators on the Club’s 2 meter (VHF) repeater. Aside from a few sprinkles and an occasional shower, the weather cooperated, giving us a cool, comfortable morning. The Club would like to thank Fr. Cesar Pajarillo, Jr. for helping to arrange this event. Dawn KC9LQS is pictured above with a participating Scout making contacts on HF.
Photo: Dan N2DAN
May 21, 2011 - The Radio in the Park crew consisted of, (l to r) Dawn KC9LQS, Bill NF9D, Mike K9FE, Ron KC9SNI, John AG9D, Greg NW9G, Jerry KA9VMD. Not shown are Dean KC9EOQ, Eric AB9OS and Dan N2DAN.

FRRL General Class Continues
Photo: Dean KC9EOQ
May 7, 2011 - Dawn, KC9LQS presented the antenna portion of the General License instruction being held at Rasmussen College. Nine Technician licensed students are studying hard to pass the test at the next FRRL club VE session being held on Tuesday May 17th at St. Rita’s Church. These new General class hams will be able to use their new license privileges and learn valuable operating skills during the ARRL Field Day weekend coming up at the end of June. Good Luck to everyone!

MS-Walk 2011
Photo: Mike K9FE
May 1, 2011 - This years MS-WALK was held on May 1st. Weather was typical for the walk, windy, cool, but it was sunny out so it tempered how it felt. The route this year was shortened a bit and another rest stop was added. The turn around point was always at Fabyan Park (near the windmill). This year the turn around point was at Island Park (about 1/2 mile north of Fabyan Park). The added rest stop was 1/2 mile north of Rt. 38 at Bennett Park. Langum park was the normal location for rest stop 1. However the coordinator was not aware that they had set up the station at Riverside Park about 1/2 mile south of Langum. Being a flexible team our manpower was shifted around to cover the new station and well as the misplaced station. The MS-Society coordinator expressed his thanks to all of our team that volunteers. The personnel that worked the event were K9WDB-Dave Bulkley, K9IH- Warren Geary, "Bagusha", KB9RFX- Neil Potter, N9TBD- Pat Smith, KC9RVR- Tony Smith, Michelle Smith, Matt Urso, AB9OS- Eric Needles, N9YA- Keith Boatman, K9FE- Mike Urso. The MS-Society has relied on the ham radio community for many years to provide communications and logistics for the walks all over the United States.

Solar Tools Explained - HF Propagation Prediction Programs
Photo: Mike K9FE
April 12, 2011 - Solar activity is on the rise, indicating the up-swing in sunspot activity which results in enhanced communications on the HF bands during Cycle 24. Members who attended the April meeting were introduced to the many resources available to hams to utilize solar data. Dick AH6EZ discussed how the latest solar cycle affects ham radio low-band activity, the tools used to predict propagation by frequency and how you can use those tools to optimize your antenna selections and installations.

Getting Ready for Field Day!
Photo: Greg N9CHA
March 26, 2011 - There is a lot of work to get ready for Field Day. One task, now completed, is to check the club's inventory of tents, cables, and electrical distribution equipment. The crew marked the many poles and couplers that make up the portable tents so it will be easy to grab the parts necessary during installation and to keep everything together when its time to wrap it up. The inventory crew: back row l to r, Mike K9FE, Dawn KC9LQS, Harry K9DXA, Bill WB9LPW, Neil KB9RFX. Front row l to r, Ron KC9SNI, Chris KC9IEQ, and Jerry KA9VMD.

Yagis, Yagis, Yagis!
Photo: John AG9D
March 19, 2011 - Are you ready for ARISSat-1? These FRRL members are, and more! During a special "cheap yagi" building class held at Rasmussen College, John AG9D showed the group how to make VHF and UHF directional antennas from common household materials. The design was made popular by Kent Britain WA5VJB. You can click HERE if you'd like the measurements and materials list.

Antennas: Model, Build, Enjoy!
Photo: Mike K9FE
March 8, 2011 - "Even with the free demo, you can do quite a lot." Dick AH6EZ presented EZ-NEC antenna modeling software available to hams from W7EL. Over the years Dick has designed and built a variety of antennas used during Field Day. He often models the antenna then goes out and builds it and tests it. His presentation during the March club meeting was well timed with the beginning of Spring coming up on the 20th and FRRL members discussing Field Day and other fun activities.

Bill NF9D - New Kane County ARES Emergency Coordinator
March 4, 2011 - Congratulations to Bill Muhr, NF9D on his appointment to the position of Kane County Emergency Coordinator. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill for many years and know that he will bring his skill, knowledge and determination to the position. I and the FRRL look forward to supporting Bill as he moves forward. 73, John AG9D

Marv WA9DWY SK
February 18, 2011 - Katz, Marvin David Age 85, life-long resident of Aurora, Illinois, born October 1, 1925, passed away at home Friday, February 18. Marvin graduated from West Aurora Senior High School in 1945. He was the senior class treasurer and continued as the treasurer for alumni reunions, and almost every organization he belonged to. Marvin served his country in the US Navy in WWII in the South Pacific as a signalman on an LCC and received the Purple Heart. He began his career in wholesale produce, working for his father in the family business The Aurora Fruit Company. In 1955, he started the MD Katz Fruit Company that is still in operation today with his daughter, Marilyn Katz. He will be fondly remembered as a soft-spoken, hard-working, friendly man. He enjoyed the company of his family and grandsons. His hobbies included fishing, especially in Northern Manitoba, photography, playing cribbage and bridge, amateur radio (WA9DWY) and woodworking. Marvin was a member of Temple B'nai Israel, the Lucky 50 Fishing Club, ARRL, and B'nai Brith. He is survived by his wife, Edith (Mitchel); daughters, Rosalie (David) McLaughlin of San Diego, California and Marilyn Katz of Buffalo Grove; a son, Robert and grandsons Ayal and Matan Sharvit of Buffalo Grove. Along with his parents, Esther and Harry Katz, he was preceded in death by his brother, Morris, and his sister, Emma "Ann" (Leonard) Gorenstein. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 1:30 pm at Temple B'nai Israel, 400 N. Edgelawn, Aurora, IL. Burial will be at Lincoln Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at their home on Monday, February 21 from 7 to 9 pm. Memorial contributions in Marvin's memory may be made to Hadassah or to Temple B'nai Israel, Aurora. Arrangements are being handled by The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506.

Shhhh.... it's WSPR!
Photo: Mike K9FE
February 12, 2011 - FRRL member Barrett KC9CHG presented an introduction and practical application for WSPR to the FRRL SDR SIG. WSPR is Weak Signal Propagation Reporting network. WSPR operates as a digital mode consisting of a software package combined with an internet database to provide signal to noise ratio reporting for propagation analysis.
Photo: Mike K9FE
February 12, 2011 - Barrett KC9CHG described using two SDR's as receivers, each connected to a separate antenna at his QTH to obtain real time propagation data to understand more about the variables associated with radio propagation. The data indicates which antenna is more effective based on band conditions and transmitter location. If you already operate a digital mode such as PSK31, you can download the free software and begin experimenting yourself. No SDR is needed to operate. Dial down your power level and be surprised how far your signal can be heard!

"Follow Us" on Twitter
February 11, 2011 - Do you tweet? The FRRL is now live on Twitter, a social media networking site to exchange club information, ideas about projects, and anything else ham radio and club related. You'll now find a quick link to FRRL Twitter in the left-navigation panel. Have fun!

February Meeting:"ICOM Tour" Presented
Photo: Mike K9FE
February 9, 2011 - Have you every wanted to stroll around inside the ICOM factory in Japan to see how they manufacture your radio? Dick AH6EZ presented a "factory tour" presentation to the hams who attended the February meeting.

General Upgrade Class Schedule Announced
February 8, 2011 - Looking to upgrade to General Class? Here's your chance to take a structured class offered by the FRRL. Starting in April and going for six consecutive Saturday's, Eric AB9OS has developed the opportunity you've been looking for to learn all about what it takes to get on the HF bands and further your ham radio experience.

Norm KC9CKZ SK
January 30, 2011 - Paul Jr., Norman E. age 71 years of Montgomery, IL, died Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL. Norman was born May 13, 1939, in Jackson, MI, the son of the late Norman E. and Catherine L. (nee Manser) Paul, Sr. Norman was an employee of Waubonsee Community College for over 35 years; a member of the Board and Past President of Lions' Clubs of Yorkville and Oswego; Past President of Aurora Crimestoppers; and served on the Board of Directors of the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging, among many other civic affiliations. Mr. Paul is survived by his cherished wife Barbara, whom he married on April 7, 1967, in Dearborn, MI; his daughter Ellen Paul (Odehnal); a beloved grandson, Riley Evan Odehnal; and his sister, Mary Koontz of Plymouth, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Michael Paul.

James N9UZC SK
February 2, 2011 - James E. Von Olnhausen, 52, at rest suddenly on February 2, 2011. James was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association, Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Abate, Fox River Radio League, Kane County ARES and many other service agencies. He is survived by his beloved wife Debra (nee Henderson), mother Trella and sister sister Ann (Dave) Guldin. He was a man with a servant’s heart for Jesus. Family will be receiving guests on Saturday 5, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Dieterle Memorial Home 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538. A visitation will be held at Frurip-May Funeral Home 309 W. Michigan Street LaGrange, IN on Monday February 7th from 11:00 until the time of funeral service at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Howe, IN.

KC9LQS "Ham of the Year"
Photo: Eric K9LGE
January 25th, 2011 - FRRL President John Spasojevich, AG9D presents the annual Ham of the Year award to Dawn Williams, KC9LQS. This award is based on results of secret balloting by the membership at the December meeting and is not announced until the Banquet in January. This year the award was renamed the Robert "Benny" Benson, W9CZA - Ham of the Year Award to honor long time member Benny Benson who became an SK in October 2010. Dawn serves as our Public Relations Chairperson and Net Coordinator. Congratulations Dawn!

KC9RVP "Young Ham of the Year"
Photo: Eric K9LGE
January 25th, 2011 - FRRL President John Spasojevich, AG9D presents the Young Ham of the Year award to James, KC9RVP. This is a new award and James is the first recipient. It was awarded by the club president in recognition of James hard work in upgrading his license and on air activities with the club throughout the year.

Sci-Tech Interested in Ham Radio Exhibit
Photo: Mike K9FE
January 18, 2011 - A couple of months ago the Board of Directors was contacted by Sci-Tech www.scitechmuseum.org, the hands on science museum in Aurora. They are interested in installing a state of the art amateur radio station as part of their interactive facility. We have begun discussions with them and performed an RF survey of the location with favorable results. In the coming months we will form a working group to determine the best way to proceed. The museum has given us a blank slate as far as design, equipment, capabilities, etc. We envision two HF Stations, VHF/UHF and a dedicated Satellite station. One of the things we will do is assist the museum in seeking grants to purchase the equipment. Some of the smaller pieces we anticipate will come from member surplus. This is similar to what W7ASC in Arizona has been doing for many years. Sci-Tech has a partnership with FermiLab and Northern Illinois University, in addition to the 50,000 students from elementary through high school who pass through their doors annually; there are Teachers Institutes, opportunities to license their people and teachers. All of this falls into STEM which is the path the ARRL, AMSAT and ARISS have chosen to further perpetuate the hobby and service for the future. We are hopeful this will be a great experience for all involved. To this effort on January 8th a small group of members assembled at the museum to assist in RF testing inside the building. Below is the report from Dick, AH6EZ on the findings: After setting up a Buddipole dipole on a telescoping mast and an Icom IC-706 inside the warm Sci-Tech building (it was ~14F with a dusting of snow outside), we learned that the old Aurora post office is an RF tight cage. There was RF noise inside that was 60 DB over S9 that were not audible in the south parking area. The ambient noise was S3-S5 with the 706 in the car with an ATAS120 mobile antenna. Considering this level of RF isolation, I doubt we would have any issues with the alarm system either. We looked at the south west corner of the main floor and noticed an unused door to the old loading dock that might provide coax and rotator cable access to the roof, and even independent access to the shack. The next step is to explore funding sources. Thanks to K9FE, KC9EOQ, KC9IEQ, and N9YA for participation. Further information will be posted as we progress. Dean, KC9EOQ

Elliptical Polarization! What?
Photo: Eric K9LGE

January 18, 2011 - What is "elliptical polarization?" Don't know? Never heard of it? The program presented by Dick AH6EZ during the January meeting helps dispel the myths of HF propagation and polarization. Dick build a working model of a specialized antenna system to prove out the data he presented. Visit the Program page and download Dick's fascinating program.

February Meeting - EZ-NEC Modeling
January 17, 2011 - Are you getting ready to put up some new antennas this coming spring? How well will they perform? Can you set them up on your lot? The answer is to model your antennas on your computer first. Dick AH6EZ, our clubs program chairman, will be demonstrating how to use the EZ-NEC antenna modeling program and show off it's features. You won't want to miss it! Next Meeting - February 8th.

FRRL Scores 7th in IL-QSO Party
January 15, 2011 - The FRRL posted at 7th place finish out of 18 club entries in the 2010 Illinois QSO Party this past October with a score of 111,012. Congratulations to Dick, AH6EZ who came in just a hair out of the top 10 finishers with 42,265 points for 11th place. Other club members participating included: W9IV, W9GIG, AB9OS, WB9LPW, N9XU and WB9CHY. Our club phone operation W9NE scored 43rd with 12,136 points and the club CW operation W9CEQ came in 75th with 1,320 point. Remember both W9NE and W9CEQ were operated in conjunction with our club picnic hosted by Kermit, W9XA. The Illinois QSO Party is a great operating event and I hope more will participate in 2011." 73, John AG9D

Jack K9JE - Life Member!
Photo: Mike K9FE
January 12, 2011 - Jack K9JE was awarded Life Membership by President John AG9D during the January Club Meeting. Jack has met the criteria of being a ham for 50 years, plus being a member of the club for 10 years. Congratulations Jack!

Life Member Certificates - Gary K9MMS & Warren K9IH
Photo: Mike K9FE
January 12, 2011 - Newly printed life member certificates were issued to Gary K9MMS (left) and Warren K9IH (right). Both of these members had achieved this goal in the past, so President John AG9D wanted to provide special recognition since certificates had not previously been printed.

FRRL Presents Ham Radio to Troop 53
Photo: Mike K9FE
January 10, 2011 - Boy Scout Troop 53 was given an introduction to amateur radio by FRRL Vice President, Harry Jones K9DXA. The Boys gathered at St. Rita of Cascia Church in Aurora, the meeting place for both organizations.