FRRL Logo
Fox River Radio League
"Amateur Radio Operators Serving the Greater Fox Valley Area Since 1924"
Archives
Field Day
Message Board
Newsletter
Officers
Press
Programs
Repeaters
Resources
VE Testing
WAC-IL
Welcome
FCC Services
IRLP Website
SMC Club


ARRL Home


FRRL Education
CLICK HERE FOR FALL 2010 LICENSE CLASS FLYER
If you have been thinking about upgrading your license, then 2010 is your year.  Following is a list of dates and times for upgrade classes for General and Extra.
All classes are free and will be held at Rasmussen College.  You just need to get your own book to study with.  To register, send an e-mail to education@frrl.org or call Eric AB9OS directly on my cell at (312) 401-3742.
General Class
Sat. Oct.  9 9am-12:30pm
Sat. Oct. 16 9am-12:30pm
Sat. Oct. 23 9am-12:30pm
Sat. Oct. 30 9am-12:30pm
Sat. Nov.  6 9am-12:30pm
Sat. Nov. 13 9am-12:30pm
This class is designed for Technician Class amateurs who want to upgrade to General Class or someone interested in getting their first Amateur Radio License and is willing to study for that test too.
We will be using The ARRL General Class License Manual, 6th Edition for this class.  You can order your copy from the ARRL through their web site www.arrl.org, at a local hamfest or from your favorite Ham Radio Supplier.
Extra Class

Sat.Sep. 25 9am-12:30pm
Eric AB9OS

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Operating Practices
Chapter 3 Rules & Regulations

1.1 The Extra Class License & Amateur Radio
1.2 Extra Class Overview
1.3 The Volunteer Testing Process
2.1 General Operating, DXing, Contesting
2.2 Digital Mode Operating, Packet Radio, APRS
2.3 Amateur Satellites, Orbits, Communications
3.1 Operating Standards, Emission, Messages, RACES
3.2 Station Restrictions, Station Location
3.3 Station Control, Local, Remote, Automatic
3.4 Amateur Satellite Service, Telecommand
3.5 Volunteer Examiner Program, VEC, VE
3.6 Miscellaneous Rules, Auxiliary Stations, PA's

Sat. Oct. 2 9am-12:30pm
Randolph W9HE

Chapter 4 Electrical Principles 4.1 Radio Math, Polar Coordinates
4.2 Electrical Principles, Magnetic Fields, RC & RL Time Constants, Phase Angle, Complex Impedance, Reactive Power & Power Factor, Resonant Circuit, Q & Bandwidth of Resonant Circuits, Magnetic Cores
Sat. Oct. 9 9am-12:30pm
Denny W9HI
Chapter 5 Components 5.1 Semiconductor Devices, Materials, Diodes, Bipolar Transistors, Field Effect Transistors, RF Integrated Devices
5.2 Display Devices, Light Emitting Diodes, Liquid Crystal Displays, Cathode Ray Tubes, Vidicons, Charge Coupled Devices
5.3 Digital Logic, Logic Basics, Synchronous Logic, Frequency Dividers & Counters, Logic Families
5.4 Optoelectronics, Photoconductivity, Optoelectronic Components, Photovoltaic Cells
Sat. Oct. 16 9am-12:30pm
Allen KB9VO
Chapter 6 Electronic Circuits 6.1 Amplifiers, Discrete Device Amplifiers, OpAmp Amplifiers, Classes of Operation, Distortion & Intermodulation, Instability & Parasitic Oscillation, VHF, UHF & Microwave Amplifiers
6.2 Signal Processing, Oscillator Circuits & Characteristics, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Mixers, Modulators, Detectors & Demodulators, Frequency Synthesis
6.3 Filters & Impedance Matching, Filter Families & Response Types, Crystal Filters, Active Filters, DSP Filters, Impedance Matching
6.4 Power Supplies, Linear Voltage Regulators, Switching Regulators, High Voltage Techniques
Sat. Oct. 23 9am-12:30pm
Denny W9HI
Chapter 7 Radio Signals 7.1 AC Waveforms & Measurements, Types of Waveforms, AC Measurements, Power of Modulated RF Signals, Electromagnetic Fields
7.2 Test Equipment, Instruments & Accuracy, The Oscilloscope, The Spectrum Analyzer, Transistor Circuit Parameters
7.3 Modulation Systems, FM/PM Modulation & Modulators, Pulse Modulation Systems, Multiplexing
7.4 Interference & Noise, Transmitter Intermodulation, Atmospheric Static, AC Line Noise, Locating Noise & Interference Sources, Automotive Noise, Noise Reduction
Sat. Oct. 30 9am-12:30pm
Mike K9FE
Chapter 8 Radio Modes 8.1 Digital Protocols & Modes, Symbol, Rate, Data Rate & Bandwidth, protocols & Codes, Digital Modes, Spread Spectrum Techniques, Error Detection & Correction
8.2 Amateur Television, Fast Scan Television, Slow Scan Television
8.3 Receiver Performance, Sensitivity & Noise, Selectivity, Dynamic Range, Phase Noise, Capture Effect
Sat. Nov.  6 9am-12:30pm
Dick AH6EZ
Chapter 9 Antennas & Feed Lines 9.1 Basics of Antennas, Beamwidth & Pattern Ratios, Radiation Resistance & Efficiency, Antenna Polarization, Bandwidth
9.2 Practical Antennas, Effects of Ground & Ground Systems, Shortened & Multiband Antennas, Folded Dipole, Traveling Wave Antennas, Phased Arrays, Effective Radiated Power, Satellite Antenna Systems, Receiving Loop Antennas
9.3 Antenna Systems, Impedance Matching, Transmission Line Mechanics, Smith Chart, Transmission Line Stubs and Transformers, Antenna Analyzers
9.4 Antenna Design, Antenna Modeling & Design, Design Trade-offs
Sat. Nov. 13 9am-12:30pm
Bill NF9D
Chapter 10 Radio Propagation
Chapter 11 Safety
10.1 HF Propagation, Ground Wave, Sky Wave, Long Path & Gray Line, Fading
10.2 VHF/UHF/Microwave Propagation, Radio Horizon, Tropospheric Propagation, Transequatorial Propagation, Auroral Propagation, Meteor Scatter Communications, EME
11.1 Hazardous Materials, PCB's, Beryllium & Beryllium Oxide
11.2 RF Exposure, Power Density, Absorption & Limits, Averaging & Duty Cycle, Antenna System, Estimating Exposure & Station Evaluation, Exposure Safety Measures
     
We will be using The ARRL Extra Class License Manual, 9th Edition for this class.  You can order your copy from the ARRL through their web site www.arrl.org, at a local hamfest or from your favorite Ham Radio Supplier.
All classes are free but space is limited so RSVP as soon as possible by contacting the Education Chairman, Eric AB9OS at education@frrl.org or by phone at 312-401-3742.
 
FRRL Morse Code Resource

April 6, 2010 - A new resource will soon be available for FRRL members who are learning – or want to learn – to use CW.

First, we’re compiling a list of proficient CW operators willing to serve as Elmer's.  A column will be added to the Elmer list in our roster.  Members who have questions or need direction will be able to contact the Elmer of their choice for guidance.  If you are willing to serve as an Elmer, please email me with CW ELMER in the subject line.

In addition to this, we are planning a CW practice network.  The best way to learn code is to use it on the air, and this can be intimidating for new operators.  The network will eliminate the intimidation factor.  Anyone interesting in serving as a practice partner for a new operator is encouraged to email me at the above address with CW PRACTICE in the subject line.  You don’t have to be an expert to participate as a partner.  In fact, helping a newer operator is a good way to improve your own skills at the same time!

Once the list of partners is in place, those wanting someone to practice with can contact a partner and set up a convenient time and frequency for a practice session.  The lists will be available through our numerous communications vehicles, including the web site and our Yahoo Groups list, and hard copies will be available at the monthly meeting.

Call or email me if you have questions about this new resource.

Submitted by Dawn Williams, KC9LQS

 
Morse Code Practice Files (mp3)
These weekly sessions are designed to provide you with an introduction to the Morse Code. Download these .mp3 files to your local computer by right-clicking and selecting "save file as" The Code is no longer required for ANY license class, however many hams enjoy learning this very popular mode of communication.
 
FRRL Sponsored BSA Training
"Signaling Merit Badge Class"

Completion Grid as of 4-3-10
Name
1a
1b
2
3
4
5
Eric Moy
X
X
X
David Wagner
X
X
X
Mathew Chione
X
Tayler Mcgillis
X
X
X
Joe Mattas
X
X
Jim Mattas
X
X
Garrett Jackson
1a. Make a buzzer, wireless, blinker, or other signaling device.
1b. Send and receive Morse code by sound device an actual message not less than 35 words, at a rate of not less than 35 letters per minute.
2. Demonstrate an ability to send an receive a message in Morse code by wigwag and by blinker or other light signaling device at a rate not less than 20 letters per minute.
3. Send and receive by Semaphore code at a rate of not less than 30 letters per minute.
4. Know the proper application of Morse and Semaphore codes; when, where, and how they can be used to best advantage.
5. Discuss briefly various other codes and methods of signaling which are in common use.