By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
September 2022
Hi Everyone,
 
(To explore items in “ShortSkip”  issues “click” on the blue internet links)
 
Thank you on behalf of the Club to Tim McGillen N9CA for his August meeting program titled “Efficient Wire HF Antennas”.
 
Free door prize at September’s Club meeting. It is the new ARRL book on how to use Digital Amateur Radio 3rd edition.
 
The September 9th 7:30pm program will be a “double-header”. Andy Finick W9FTX, who with his wife Pat N9FXT keeps our Club repeaters up to date, will discuss “DXing the AM Broadcast band and the hobby of Short Wave Listening.”
 
The other half of the program will be presented by Tim McGillen N9CA on “Operating with a “new” conversational HF digital mode called VarAC” To do so, you will need 2 free Windows software programs downloaded from the internet.
 
Because it’s digital, even if you are operating QRP, with poor band conditions, and less than optimal antennas, the digital signal gets through when others don’t. The software uses ARQ for error free copy.
VarAC allows for computer CAT control of your compatible transceiver, and what I personally like… it has built in spell checker!   Download, unzip, and install VARA HF first.
 
Free VARA HF v4.6.3 software site     https://rosmodem.wordpress.com/
                                                                       
    Video on how to install VARA HF     https://youtu.be/N8Kd_W_djVQ
 
Find the free program VarAC at:         https://www.varac-hamradio.com
 
VarAC a fast tutorial:                            https://youtu.be/0yJ-GGBEFQU
 
Detailed using VarAC in your shack:       https://youtu.be/INjXXriezhA
 
Other Cool YouTube HR Videos
 
How To: $30 Software Defined Radio (SDR) dongle using your computer.


                https://youtu.be/h4x7cGALaC8
 
SEPTEMBER CONTESTS
 
Visit   www.ARRL.org/contest-calendar   then pick the month you wish
 
Visit   www.ContestCalendar.com
September 10-12   ARRL VHF   50mHz and up
September 17-18    ARRL 10 GHz & Up - Round 2
September 17-18    ARRL EME - 2.3 GHz & Up
 
        *visit www.arrl.org for more specific ARRL contest info
 
Route 66 On the Air Special Event
The annual Route 66 On the Air Special Event will take place September 10 - 18, 2022. The purpose of the event is to commemorate the history of the "Mother Road" connecting the east and west United States.
For more information on participating stations, certificates and decals, and the Route 66 On the Air Special Event, visit the Citrus Belt Amateur Radio Club (CBARC) and Northern Arizona DX Association (NADXA) websites.
 
On-Line VE Testing Sources
 
http://www.arrl.org/online-exam-session
www.hamtestonline.com
 
LOCAL HR NETS
Courtesy of KC9UNS   www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
The LCARC Information NET    Every Wednesday - at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 (pl 131.8)   Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. Typically 30 minutes long.
ARES NET   Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. N9IAA repeater 146.685 MHz PL 173.8  www.ARESD1.com
On-Line EmComm WINLINK VARA Digital Training
http://www.EmComm-Training.org
 
Have you ever looked at this website: www.DXnews.com It is a European based website about DX, contesting, ham radio news, DXpeditions, and the world of amateur radio but with a Euro slant. I found it interesting. Kind of like listening to the BBC news or NHK news from Japan on the TV instead of the Chicago channels
On-Line Ham Expo 2022
There will be close to 100 live programs on Radio topics coming up September 17-18. For a $10 ticket, you also get access to listen to any speaker you missed for 30 days afterwards.
Did I mention there are virtual sales booths and HR door prizes?
Visit      www.qsotodayhamexpo.com


QSO TODAY VIRTUAL HAM RADIO EXPOThe QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo is the first and only on-line amateur radio convention, since August 2020. For...




ABOUT  SEPTEMBER’S  MEETING
There will NOT be a ZOOM simulcast of the Friday September 9th 7:30pm meeting.
Live Meeting Site: EMA office - 2900 W. 93rd Ave. Crown Point IN 46307 
Windows will be open, fans running, social distance kept, masks are optional.
73, Tim/N9CA

By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
July 2022
Hi Everyone,
 
(To explore items in “ShortSkip”  issues “click” on the blue internet links)
  
Last month’s Program: “DMR Ham Radio, DMR Vocabulary, DMR Code Plug Programing” presented by Robert Clark KA0WAS which was as professional and outstanding of a program as they come. On behalf of the LCARC… thank you Robert!
BTW, Robert is open to scheduling a ZOOM session for those who have questions or wish to know more about DMR programming. Please contact me via www.W9LJ.org if you are interested.
July 8th’s LCARC Program:  Michael Masleid AB9GV – “RF Bandwidth vs Noise & Ways to Reduce Your Noise Floor”
 
July’s meeting once again will be simulcast. On Friday, at 7:30pm July 8th, you may either attend the meeting live, at: Lake County Government EMA Building at 2900 W. 93rd Crown Point  IN 46307.
Or you can connect virtually by ZOOM. The ZOOM meeting link will be posted at www.W9LJ.org in July.
You do not have to be a Club member or a ham to attend or to log into the ZOOM meeting portion. Masks are highly recommended if you attend in person.
Secrets Of End Fed Zepp Antennas
Is there an End Fed Zepp multi-band antenna in your future? Many have questions about using this very old simple antenna design in today’s world.
This PP presentation by Palomar Engineers has been shown at several ham radio Expos. It just might be the start of a beautiful friendship.


End Fed Antenna Secrets – SDDXC 2018 - Palomar Engineers
https://palomar-engineers.com › uploads › End-F...

PROPAGATION REPORT
As I write, www.dxmaps.com shows the upper HF bands and 6 meters “exploding” with contacts across the US and to Central and South America even though the Solar Flux Index is below 100!
It all may be a “good hangover” from Field Day operators finally beginning to believe in Solar Cycle 25. Whatever the reason, it’s great news for Hams worldwide!
HAMFEST/CONVENTION
07/17/2022 - Karsfest             Yes, it’s a Sunday  8:00am door-prizes
Location: Peotone, IL
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Kankakee Area Radio Society
Website:   http://w9az.com/karsfest.html     < downloadable flyer webpage link
 
07/30/2022 - East Central Indiana Hamfest      Saturday on EDT
Location: Winchester, IN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Randolph Co ARC
Website:  https://sites.google.com/view/ecindianahamfest/home


LOCAL VE TESTING
EXAM SESSION
07/09/2022 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820              www.PC-ARC.net
Sponsor: Porter County ARC
Location: Downtown Valparaiso Public Library
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)


On-Line VE Testing Sources
 http://www.arrl.org/online-exam-session


http://www.hamtestonline.com

LOCAL HR NETS
Courtesy of KC9UNS   www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
The LCARC Information NET    Every Wednesday - at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 (pl 131.8)   Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. Typically 30 minutes long.
ARES NET   Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. N9IAA repeater 146.685 MHz PL 173.8  www.ARESD1.com
 
UPCOMING  CONTESTS
www.contestcalendar.com
Contest Calendar – ARRL  
http://www.arrl.org › contest-calendar
 
AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE     June 22nd 2022   4 minutes
https://youtu.be/aBryKE6zNfc



Hope to see you Friday July 8th.  


73, Tim/N9CA
Q1: There is no difference in the orbits between geosynchronous and geostationary satellites?   True or False?
Q2: the “RG” in coax (RG-8, RG-213 RG-11) stands for:  Reactance Grade, Research Grade or Radio Guide?
A1: false    A2: Radio Guide

​By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
June 2022
Hi Everyone,
 
*To explore items in “ShortSkip”  issues “click” on the blue internet links
Hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the increased band openings. 10 meters,12m, 15m, and 17m has been open almost every day from the US to Central and South America in the morning to early afternoon via TEP.
F2 propagation from the US in the late afternoon and evenings into New Zealand, and Australia.
TEP was my subject of April’s issue of “ShortSkip”.   Check real-time US propagation at    www.DXmaps.com  (just click the link)    
 
June’s Club Program: “DMR Ham Radio, DMR Vocabulary, DMR Code Plug Programing” presented by Robert Clark KA0WAS
 
June’s LCARC Meeting will be a hybrid. On Friday, at 7:30pm June 10th, you may attend the meeting live, at: Lake County Government EMA/HLD building at 2900 W. 93rd Crown Point In 46307. Or you can connect virtually by ZOOM. The ZOOM meeting link will be posted at www.W9LJ.org.
You do not have to be a Club member or a ham to attend or to log into the ZOOM meeting portion. Masks are highly recommended if you attend in person.
 
Coordinated Listening Event (CLE)
         Days:     Friday 27 May - Monday 30 May
     Times:   Start and End at midday, your LOCAL time
     Range:   350.0 - 369.9 kHz   
 It's CLE time once again. This is a challenge for all newcomers to NDB listening and the ultimate test of your medium frequency receiving capabilities. Can you meet the challenge?
'CLE's are 'Co-ordinated Listening Events, and NDB DXers around the world focus their listening time on one small slice of the NDB spectrum.
It's back to an 'almost normal' activity but with a slightly wider frequency span: 350.0 - 369.9 kHz.
When tuning for NDBs, put your receiver in the CW mode and listen for the NDB's CW identifier, repeated every few seconds. Listen for U.S. NDB identifiers approximately 1 kHz higher or lower than the published transmitted frequency since these beacons are modulated with a 1020 Hz tone approximately.
For example, 'AA' near Fargo, ND, transmitted on 365 kHz and its upper sideband CW identifier was tuned at 366.025 kHz while its lower sideband CW ident could be tuned at 363.946 kHz. Its USB tone was actually 1025 Hz while its LSB tone was 1054 Hz.
Often, one sideband will be much stronger than the other so if you don't hear the first one, try listening on the other sideband.
Canadian NDBs normally have an USB tone only, usually very close to 400 Hz. They also have a long dash (keydown) following the CW identifier.
All NDBs heard in North America will be listed in the RNA database (updated daily) while those heard in Europe may be found in the REU database. Beacons heard outside of these regions will be found in the RWW database.
For full CLE article and contest entry details visit:  https://www.amateurradio.com/hunting-for-ndbs-in-cle280/?awt_a=4inN&awt_l=80164&awt_m=3W0vgsz.YTrzbnN#:~:text=It%27s%20CLE%20time,following%20CLE%20info%3A
ARRL June 4-5th Digital Contest
Contest Objective: Amateurs worldwide contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs using any digital mode (excluding RTTY) that supports the 4-digit Grid Square exchange — attended operation only -- on the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, 10 and 6 meter bands (Technicians are limited per FCC Rules to the 10 and 6 meter bands). Any station may work any other station. Stations may only be worked once per band, regardless of mode. Automated operation is not permitted -- each claimed contact must include contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the contact. 


Dates: First full weekend of June (June 4-5, 2022).
Contest Period: Begins 01:00pm CDT Saturday, ends 06:59 CDT Sunday,
Contest rules are now maintained as a single downloadable document.
Click Here for the complete ARRL International Digital Contest rules (PDF)
For contest information contact contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232
 
ARRL June 11th-12th 2022 VHF Contest
 Objective: For amateurs in the US and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Stations outside the US & Canada (and their possessions) may only work stations in the US (and its possessions) and Canada.
 
Dates: The second full weekend in June. (June 11-12, 2022)
Contest Period: Begins 1:00pm CDT Saturday, ends 9:59 CDT Sunday.
Contest Rules are now maintained as a single downloadable document.
Click Here for Complete ARRL June VHF Contest Rules (PDF)
For contest information contact contests@arrl.org or (860) 594-0232
 
All legal modes are permitted (while CW and SSB/Phone are most common, MSK144, FT8 and FM-Only are gaining popularity - other popular modes include PSK31, FSK441 and JT65).
 
*For Cabrillo file mode definitions, Digital modes should be represented as "DG" (for all things digital), SSB Phone as "PH", FM voice as "FM", and CW as "CW".
*Stations in KH0-9, KL7 & KP1-KP5, CY9 and CY0 count as W/VE stations and can be worked by DX stations for contest credit.
 
ARRL FIELD DAY June 25-26 2022
Rules & Resources | Facebook Group | T-shirts & Gear | Join ARRL

*Some New Rules Going into Effect This Year for ARRL Field Day 2022
 
CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT TO JOIN A LCARC FIELD DAY OUTING
 
Objective: To contact as many stations as possible on the 160, 80, 40, 20,15 and 10 Meter HF bands, as well as all bands 50 MHz and above, and to learn to operate in abnormal situations in less than optimal conditions.

Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2. DX stations residing in other regions may be contacted for credit, but are not eligible to submit entries.

Each claimed contact must include contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the contact. Initiation of a contact may be either locally or by remote.
 
A virtual wealth of Field Day Information available at www.ARRL.org Type Field Day into the upper right “search” space on the website
 
The Porter County Club is planning an outing. www.PC-ARC.net
 
Upcoming Hamfests

06/05/2022 - Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest
Location: Mendota, IL
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Starved Rock Radio Club
Website: http://www.w9mks.org


06/11/2022 - Monroe County IN HamfestLocation: Bloomington, IN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: BARC, SIARA, K9IU
 
06/05/2022 - Starved Rock Radio Club Hamfest
Location: Mendota, IL
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Starved Rock Radio Club
Website: http://www.w9mks.org
 
Nearby VE Testing
06/18/2022 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820
Sponsor: Porter County ARC
Location: Valparaiso Public Library
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
 
On-Line VE Testing Sources
 
http://www.arrl.org/online-exam-session
www.hamtestonline.com
2022 LCARC CLUB MEMBERSHIP
The LCARC always welcomes new members. If you have never been a Club member, the cost to join for the year 2022 is; zero. Go to www.W9LJ.org and submit an email membership request. You can also print a form out and mail it to us.
LOCAL HR NETS

Courtesy of KC9UNS   www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
The LCARC Information NET    Every Wednesday - at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 (pl 131.8)   Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. Typically 30 minutes long.
ARES NET   Tuesday evening at 7:00pm. N9IAA repeater 146.685 MHz PL 173.8  http://www.ARESD1.com


On-Line EmComm WINLINK Digital Training


http://www.EmComm-Training.org



73, Tim/N9CA
Q: When was the now eliminated Amateur Radio “Advanced License” first offered?
After WW I, Just before WW II, Shortly after WWII, January 1970
A: shortly after WW II
Q: What were BBC television stations used for in WW II?
Transmitting encrypted messages, Jamming German propaganda stations, Jamming German navigation systems, Secret sub-band communications
A: jamming German Navigation

By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
April 2022
Hi Everyone,
Hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the increased band openings.
Last Month’s program: was presented by Tim Duffy K3LR the CEO of Dx Engineering on Ham Radio Antenna. If you paste Tim’s bio below into your browser, you will see he is definitely a friend and pace setter of our Ham Radio hobby. Thank you Tim. It was a great presentation.
https://apis.mail.yahoo.com/ws/v3/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-x7--X6RX3mb3dwxNAFNiqAhoQLtLOVQrdHUXR1l3PFfBR3cMl_mikfl1LEPXn8oFUhdU6mcDJjuvZpK4ENtD1Q/messages/@.id==AGGCaVF-QD3eYivg9wXYGNfuHFs/content/parts/@.id==2/refresh?appid=YMailNorrin&ymreqid=f0a6115a-4055-96a5-1c7f-03000a014100


Dx Engineering carrys all the popular antennas in stock and all the parts to “roll your own” Request a catalog or shop on-line: www.dxengineering.com


April Club Meeting   Friday April 8th at 7:30pm. The meeting will be held entirely on ZOOM. Our program is by Joe Butcher/KE9FZ:  How To Obtain A Permit To Build A HR Tower
The ZOOM link to log-in will be available on our Facebook and Club website in April  www.W9LJ.org  
You do not have to be a Club member - or a ham - to join us for that meeting.


2022 CLUB MEMBERSHIPThe LCARC always welcomes new members. If you have never been a Club member, the cost to join for the year 2022 is; zero, free, nada. Go to www.W9LJ.org and submit an email membership request. You can also print a form out and mail it to us.
Club dues are just pennies a day. Send your membership renewal checks to: LCARC  PO Box 90  Crown Point IN  46308


Spring Time Trans-Equitorial PropagationA few weeks +/- of the spring and the fall equinox…. March 21st and September 21st
The best ham radio bands to benefit from TEP: 10m and 6m
Occurs in late afternoon and early evening local time (think 3pm – 7pm)
Skip from the 100-500 mile high “F and F2”  layer are steady and strong
Range for TEP on 10 and 6 meters is… 3000 to 5000 miles

2 Meter "EveningTEP” may observed later in the day between 7:00pm and 11:00pm local time if, if the atmospheric ionization is strong enough. These late evening TEP signals exhibit distortion, flutter, and fading as the ionization of the F and F2 layers break up after sun down.

TEP radio paths are north – south.  (Think Central and South America) *All HR licenses have privileges on 10, 6, and 2 meters.
 
APRIL HAMFESTS
04/02/2022 - Columbus (Indiana) Hamfest
Location: Columbus, IN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Columbus Amateur Radio Club
Website: http://carcnet.net                         175 miles EDT
 
04/16/2022 - Henry County Tailgate II
Location: New Castle, IN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Henry County ARC
Website: http://w9ob.org        184 miles EDT
 
04/30/2022 - Sullivan Hamfest
Location: Sullivan, IL
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Moultrie Amateur Radio Klub
Website: https://www.qsl.net/mark/            173 miles CDT
The bad news is they are 173 – 184 miles away. The good news is we have longer hours of daylight.


LOCAL VE EXAM SESSIONS04/02/2022 | Freeport  IL 61032-4116
Sponsor: Stephenson City ARES
Location: Freeport Public Library
Time: 12:30 PM  (Walk-ins allowed)
 
04/11/2022 | LaPorte IN 46350
Sponsor: LaPorte ARC
Location: LaPorte Seventh Day Adventist Church
Time: 7:00 PM  (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
 
04/16/2022 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820
Sponsor: Porter County ARC
Location: Valparaiso Public Library
Time: 9:00 AM  (Walk-ins allowed)
 
APRIL CONTESTS
Sunday April 10th   ARRL  SSB ROOKIE ROUNDUP.   Runs 6 hours 1:00pm to 6:59pm CDT)
 
Mission: To encourage newly-licensed (3 years or less) operators (“Rookies”) in North America (including territories and possessions) to operate on the HF bands and experience competitive Amateur Radio operating. Experienced operators (“Non-Rookies”) are strongly encouraged to participate and help new operators – either on the air or in person.


Objective: Rookies exchange information with as many other stations as possible using SSB on the 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meter HF bands.
 
*Complete list of other HR contests go to:   www.ContestCalendar.com


 LOCAL HR NETS
Courtesy of KC9UNS   www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
The LCARC Information NET    Every Wednesday - at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 (pl 131.8)   Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. Typically 30 minutes long.


ARRL Podcast
The latest episode of the On the Air podcast (Episode 27) features an audio tour of the 10-meter band. (Click on the blue link above)
Podcasts are available on iTunes (iOS) and Stitcher (Android) as well as on Blubrry.


INDIANA ARRL STATE CONVENTIONMay 7 -- ARRL Indiana State Convention (North Central Indiana Hamfest), Peru, Indiana





HAMVENTION 2022
Hamvention will be held May 20, 21 and 22, 2022 at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center.  Have your hotel reservations yet ??       Visit:  www.hamvention.org


73, and good DX    Tim/N9CAQuestion #1: What is the other name associated with a YAGI antenna?
    a) Beam  b) Parasitic  c) Uda  d) Horizontal
Question #2: Name the outside receiving wire of old radio sets?
a)   parrellax  b) aerial  c) ground-plane  d) feed-back loop
Q1 c   Q2 b

​

By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
March 2022
Hi Everyone,
  
On March 13th we switch to “Daylight Savings Time”. “CST” becomes “CDT”. Our time offset from “UST” changes from -6 hours to -5 hours.
 Last Month’s Program: Thank you to Charlie Sufana AJ9N!! If you watch the news, at all, his timely program was “Our Planet’s Future - Renewable Energy”. Below is the link to his program:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/l40uqnoaxzcq6si2pph7r/LCARS_2021-02-11_Meeting_Renewable_Energy_as_of_2022-02-12_0100_UTC.pptx?dl=0&rlkey=7164vd8ikttvm0o6ztxny75b5 


The March 11th LCARC meeting: 7:30pm CST 100% on ZOOMThe ZOOM meeting will officially start at 7:30pm CST. Club members will receive a ZOOM link sent to their email-of-record. The ZOOM link can also be found on www.W9LJ.org  (the Club’s website) as well as on our Facebook page.   
 *Non Club members are always welcome to log-in on ZOOM with us.
BTW, the LCARC always welcomes new members. A member application can be submitted through the Club website www.W9LJ.org  by clicking  on  “INFO” . Many hams belong to more than just one Club.
 
March 11th program: by K8MNJ Teri Grizer of DX Engineering
Teri has been with DX Engineering for several years. Her responsibilities include; equipment supplies for DXpedition trips, Hamfest sponsorship programs, leading the Contest University (CTU) organizing committee, plus various Dayton Hamvention related activities.
 
Amateur Radio in Ukraine Ordered Off the Air in State of Emergency
A state of emergency was declared in Ukraine just prior to the Russian military invasion. Among other things, the February 24 decree from President Volodymyr Zelensky will remain in effect at least for 30 days and may be extended.
Crozet Island DXpedition Preparations are Moving Forward
The upcoming solo DXpedition to Crozet Island, spearheaded by Thierry Mazel, F6CUK, will likely arrive on the island around Christmas. While traveling aboard the Marion Dufresne, Mazel will make stopovers at other remote islands that are also rare DXCC entities, including Tromelin Island.
The K7RA Solar Update
Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, reports: The average daily planetary A index went from 13 to 9.6, and the average daily middle latitude A index was off by a point to 7.3.
Predicted solar flux for the month of March is predicted to be over 100 
For real-time solar flux index (SFI) and propagation on all HR bands; www.dxmaps.com
 
Hamradio Related Dates
 March 2nd, “Ham Radio-Citizen Science Workshop,” RATPAC Zoom Presentation. Starts Wednesday 8:00pm CST
TOPIC: Ham Radio-Citizen Science Workshop  
Speaker/Presenter: Dr. Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF
Assistant professor at the University of Scranton Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering. The March 2nd ZOOM link into the meeting is below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2128884758?pwd=VTE0ajAraG0rMyticmtwN2ZCdHZ3Zz09
Meeting ID: 212 888 4758
Passcode: WEDNESDAY
March 12-13 – “Virtual Ham Expo”
The next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will be held live from March 12-13, and then on demand for 30 days afterward. More than 60 speakers will deliver presentations on their subject areas. "There's content for everyone whether a newly licensed ham looking for next steps to use their license or a 30+ year experienced ham looking for “new projects”.
*Tickets are $10 thru March 6.
March 18-19, HamSCI starts 8:00am CDT Via ZOOM
Join HamSCI at its fifth annual workshop March 18-19, 2022 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The primary objective of the HamSCI workshop is to bring together the amateur radio community and professional scientists. The theme of the 2022 HamSCI Workshop is “The Weather Connection”.
This workshop will also serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station project, a NSF-funded project to develop a citizen science instrument for studying space weather from your backyard. The PSWS is led by the University of Scranton, and includes participation from TAPR, Case Western Reserve University/W8EDU, the University of Alabama, the New Jersey Institute of Technology CSTR, MIT Haystack Observatory, Dartmouth College, and the amateur radio community at large.
The 2022 HamSCI workshop is organized by The University of Scranton in collaboration with The University of Alabama and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Support is provided by the National Science Foundation. 
https://hamsci.org/hamsci2022
Use the above internet link to view the diverse “cutting edge” program topic details and to register to connect via ZOOM Webinar on March 18th and 19th.
LOCAL HR NETS Look-up
Courtesy of KC9UNS      www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
MARCH CONTESTS
Go to www.arrl.org and search “contest corral March 2022”
Go to www.contestcalendar.com
 
CLUB NEWS
LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program If you were newly licensed in 2021 or 2022, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club by US mail or @ www.W9LJ.org , and physically attend at least one live Club meeting


LCARC Information NET   EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes


73, Tim/N9CA         CU on ZOOM Friday March 11th 7:30pm !

​

By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2022 LCARC President
February 2022
 
Last Month: Thank you Michael Martins KB9BVR for our January ZOOM program. Michael has 400ish HR videos posted on YouTube! Consider subscribing to his YouTube channel. His program for us was: “Homebrew Construction and Optimizing Performance of the J-Pole antenna”.
BTW, Michael also custom builds and sells J-Pole antennas. These rugged vertical antennas can be tuned for; HR, NOAA weather satellites, RR communications, commercial air traffic, GMRS, and other frequencies.
 
February 11th Club Meeting: The second Friday of the month meeting will be on-line via ZOOM… no physical meeting!
February’s Program: “Our Future - Renewable Energy” By Charlie Sufana AJ9N a past Club member now hailing from Melbourne Florida.
The ZOOM meeting will officially start at 7:30pm CDT. Club members will receive a ZOOM link sent to their email-of-record. The ZOOM link will also be found on  www.W9LJ.org  (the Club’s website) as well as on our Facebook page.   
 *Non Club members are always welcome to log-in with us.
BTW, the LCARC always welcomes new members. A member application can be submitted through the Club website www.W9LJ.org  by clicking  on  “INFO” . Many hams belong to more than just one Club.


FEBRUARY  CONTESTS

• February 2 -- VHF-UHF FT8 Activity Contest
• February 2 -- UKEICC 80-Meter Contest (Phone)
• February 3 - 4 -- Walk for the Bacon QRP Contest (CW Maximum 13 WPM)
• February 3 -- NRAU 10-Meter Activity Contest (CW, phone, digital)
• February 3 -- SKCC Sprint Europe (CW)

February 14 – 18th ARRL School Club Roundup    Each 5-day event runs Monday through Friday from 1300 UTC Monday through 2359 UTC Friday. A station may operate no more than 6 hours in a 24-hour period, and a maximum of 24 hours of the 107 hour event. Visit www.arrl.org
February 19-20 ARRL CW Contest: Begins 06:00pm Saturday and runs through 11:59pm CDT Sunday. Visit www.arrl.org
 
More contests: The WA7BNM calendar:   www.ContestCalendar.com
 
For even more, go to www.ARRL.org  In their upper left webpage “Website Search” box type: “contest corral February 2022”  Wait a moment then click on the “Contest Corral February 2022” link.  Print or save the PDF 
 
Up Coming HR Events Of Note
02/26/2022 - Cabin Fever Ham Fest
Location: LaPorte, IN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: LaPorte County Amateur Radio Club
 
VE EXAM SESSION
02/12/2022 | Valparaiso IN 46383-4820
Sponsor: Porter County ARC
Location: Valparaiso Public Library
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
 
VE EXAM SESSION
02/26/2022 | La Porte IN 46350-4227
Sponsor: La Porte County ARC
Location: La Porte Civic Auditorium
Time: 9:00 AM CDT (Walk-ins allowed)
 
 
 
ARRL National Convention & Orlando HamCation®
February 10-13, 2022 | Registration is Now Open
 
“Next QSO Today” -- Virtual Ham Expo March 12-13
What's become a regular March event, the next QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo will be held live from March 12-13, and then on demand for 30 days afterward. More than 60 speakers will deliver presentations on their subject areas. "There's content for everyone whether a newly licensed ham looking for next steps to use their license or a 30+ year experienced ham looking for “new projects”.
Early bird tickets go on sale on February 1. Tickets are $10 thru March 6.
 
Solar Update
Tad Cook K7RA February prediction: solar flux will hover between 90 and 100.
Check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, www.K9LA.us
For real-time propagation on all HR bands visit   www.DXmaps.com
 
Looking For Vacuum Tubes?
www.vacuumtubes.et
www.vacuumtubesinc.com
www.tubedepot.com
www.tubesandmore.com
 
LOCAL HR NETS
Courtesy of KC9UNS      www.tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
 
CLUB NEWS
 
LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program
If you were newly licensed in 2021 or 2022, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club by US mail or @ www.W9LJ.org , and physically attend at least one live Club meeting
LCARC Information NET   EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes
73, Tim/N9CA
 
Q1: What is a MOPA ?
Q2: What is the best antenna polarization for space communications?
A1: Master oscillator and power amplifier
A2; Circular

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SHORT SKIP - FROM THE PARADE STAND
By Tim McGillen/N9CA   2021 LCARC President
December 2021
Hi Everyone, It’s getting awfully close to saying good-bye to 2021. Here is what’s going on:
 
Last October’s Club Program Was:   Producing “Amateur Radio Newsline” (ARN). Presented by Paul Braun WD9GCO via ZOOM. I was impressed at their teams’ dedication and skill over all these decades of production. Past ARN programs can be listened to or downloaded by Googling: Amateur Radio Newsline.
 
Thank You Paul   for your time at our November 12th Club meeting, and for all the years of dedication to making Ham Radio an even better hobby!
 
 
December 10th Club Meeting : The meeting will be held entirely via ZOOM.  So, No physical meeting!  The ZOOM meeting will start at 7:30pm. Club members will receive a ZOOM link sent to their email of-record. The ZOOM link will also be found on  www.W9LJ.org  - the Club’s website as well as on our Facebook page.
 
The topic will likely be “The Radio Sport of “Fox Hunting” a very popular shared outdoor event the LCARC used to heavily participate in the past – and or - perhaps “Making Your Own Crystal Radio Receiver” for the January 2022 contest.
 
CLUB NEWS
 
LCARC HT Give Away GOTA Program
If you were newly licensed in 2020 or 2021, you may join the LCARC for our yearly $20 membership dues and we’ll help you get-on-the-air with a programmed VHF/UHF HT provided to you by the LCARC. You must submit an application to the Club by US mail or @ www.W9LJ.org , and physically attend at least one live Club meeting
2022 Club Officers and Board
At the November 12th Club Meeting,  we had a slate of 11 volunteer Club Board members for 2022 and Club Officers were elected. They are:
Tim McGillen  N9CA                     President
George Suprenant N9GWS         Vice President
Russ McComb KB9HO                  Secretary
Jim Harney KF9EX                         Treasurer
 
The following Club members make up the 2022 Club Board of Directors
Mark Skowronski  K9MQ 
John Litton KI4CHF 
Kenny Brown  KE9TC 
Paul Pietrie  KD9NPC
Adam White KD9JCX
Pat Finick N9FTX
Andy Finick W9FXT
 
LCARC Information NET   EVERY Wednesday at 8:00pm. 147.000 and 442.075 pl 131.8 (on linked Club repeaters). Informal, informative, and fun. A great way to stay connected with local hams. You do not have to be a Club member to check-in. Typically 30 minutes
 
FOX HUNT ANTENNA Club building project using tape measures and PVC pipe coming up soon.
 
HR Items For Sale: coming to www.W9LJ.org in the next few weeks.
 
 UPCOMING HAMFESTS

SUNDAY - 01/16/2022 - WCRA 55th Annual Mid-Winter Hamfest
Location: St. Charles, IL
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Sponsor: Wheaton Community Radio Amateurs
  *Website for more info:     http://www.w9ccu.org/
Location: Kane County Fairgrounds Expo Center
Sunday 8:00am – 1:00pm
* WCRA plans to offer virtual HR information forums on Saturday, AND physical on-site in in-person forums on Sunday
                            
Saturday 01/22/2022 - Winterfest, ARRL Midwest Division Convention
Location: Collinsville, IL
Type: ARRL Convention
Sponsor: St Louis and Suburban Radio Club
  *Website for info:    http://winterfest.slsrc.org

Winterfest 2022





SATURDAY  8:00AM – 4:00PM
·   There will be a ARRL banquet dinner with a featured guest speakers as well as in-person forums. Forum topics yet to be announced.
 
OTHER IMPORTANT HR ITEMS
Russian cosmonauts on the International Space Station (ISS) plan to
transmit slow-scan TV (SSTV) images on December 1 - 2 on 145.800 MHz
FM using SSTV mode PD120.
 
The transmissions from RS0ISS will be part of the Moscow Aviation
Institute SSTV experiment (MAI-75) and will originate in the Russian
ISS Service Module (Zvezda) using a Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver.
Transmissions are scheduled for December 1 from 1210 - 1910 UTC and
December 2 from 1140 - 1720 UTC. Dates and times are subject to
change.
 Predictions for ISS pass times are available on the AMSAT website
https://www.amsat.org/track/ .
Visit the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)
SSTV blog at https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/ for more information
 
 
VHF/UHF NETS   NW Indiana and Chicagoland. Courtesy of KC9UNS.
(paste in browser)   http://tinyurl.com/chicago-ham-nets
 
Indiana ARES District 1 is conducting a weekly net EVERY Tuesday evening  7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. CDT.  ARES membership not required to check in. N9IAA repeater 146.685  pl 173.8. Joe/W1SPY offers free training and practice in the latest digital EMCOMM modes. Joe has also created a great new website that he constantly updates.   www.ARESd1.com  
 
VE Exams:Visit  www.ARRL.org  for information on physical and virtual license testing
 
December 2021  CONTESTS
December 3 - 5 -- ARRL 160-Meter Contest (CW)   for details visit  www.ARRL.org


Visit:  www.CONTESTCALENDAR.com     for ALL the upcoming US & worldwide  HR contests
 
January 1 – 8th  2022   Crystal Radio DX Contest 
It is hoped that the upcoming 'Crystal Radio DX Contest' will generate interest in the design, construction and operation of crystal radios while giving entrants the opportunity to discuss and compare the design and operating capabilities of their radios. Using unpowered ‘passive’ receivers to detect stations hundreds of miles away is both an exciting and enjoyable pastime.
Info:   www.facebook.com/groups/crystalradiodxcontestgroup/
Building plans: www.analogdial.com   *click on Alfred P. Morgan- Crystal Radio Set



A TRUE RADIO PIRATE  STORY
https://youtu.be/Kgmwi6Roo88





 PROPAGATION REPORTS
Solar Flux has been hovering at about 85. The upper HF bands including 10 meters have been open in mid-day regularly.  6 meters has been active to a lesser extent.
Visit:  www.K9LA.us   www. DXMAPS.com    the K7RA Solar Update    and www.SPACEWEATHER.com




VHF & UHF tropospheric ducting openings of 200-400 miles often occur when the soil is warmer than the colder air aloft. Look for it in the fall/winter mornings and over the Great Lakes. For real-time 2 meter propagation visit:     www.APRS.mennonlink.org 
MORE HR NEWS
 
The ARRL Foundation will start accepting applications for its 2022 scholarship program on November 1. The submission deadline is December 31. More than 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000 will be awarded in 2022. The 2022 scholarship year totals an eligible amount of over $800,000 to be awarded.
All applicants must be FCC-licensed radio amateurs (active non-US radio amateurs are eligible for scholarships sponsored by ARDC), and many scholarships have specific requirements, such as intended area of study, or residence within a particular ARRL Division, Section, or http://www.arrl.org/the-arrl-foundationstate, and license class. Some scholarships also require additional documentation, such as letters of recommendation.


3Y0J DXpedition to Bouvet Island Confirms November 2022 Activation
The 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition team says that with its first deposit on its contract to have the SS Marama provide transportation to Bouvet, it has confirmed its plans to activate the second most-wanted DXCC entity in November 2022.
 
The WSJT-X development team has announced the general availability release of WSJT-X version 2.5.1. This release mainly contains improvements and repairs defects related to Q65 and JT65 when used with nonstandard and compound call signs. Those planning to use Q65 or JT65 to make weak-signal contacts involving a nonstandard call sign should upgrade to this version. Also included is a new feature for microwave aircraft scatter, as well as repairs for bugs detected since the general availability release of version 2.5.0. A complete listing of changes is available in the Release Notes. Links to WSJT-X 2.5.1 installation packages for Windows, Linux, and Mac are available.


Q#1: Except for the ISS, no ham radio operator may broadcast music. What was the first song transmitted from space by the ISS - ever?
A) Silent Night B)Manheim Steam Roller, C) Jingle Bells D)Christmas Rock
 
A:   C) Jingle-Bells
 
Q#2:  All letters addressed to Santa in the United States are sent where?                A) Bethlehem Pennsylvania B) Christmas Florida, C) Santa Claus Indiana, D) North Pole Alaska
A: Santa Claus Indiana  (In southern Indiana near Evansville)
 
73, Tim/N9CA    (See you on ZOOM Friday December 10th @ 7:30pm)

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