Radio Hill Gazette

News Technology

SARC Website Up Time

📢 If you had trouble reaching the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club website, thank you for your patience.

Our IT support contact, Matt Walsh, reported two issues. AWS reported a hardware error, and the server was restarted. Separately, a critical security vulnerability involving memory handling was announced in PHP, the software that helps run our website.

Website Up Time

Matt has completed the recommended PHP upgrade to address that vulnerability.

Thank you, Matt, for your help keeping our club’s website running and updated!

Visit n9rjv.org. If you still experience problems, please let us know in the comments and include any error message you see.

73,
Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club — N9RJV

P.S. Please check your own websites and devices for security patches and software updates. Include website plugins and themes, computers, phones, routers, and other connected equipment. Enable automatic updates where available, and install security fixes promptly. Make checking for updates a regular habit—it helps close security gaps, protect your information, and keep your systems running reliably.

#SARC #N9RJV #AmateurRadio

Operating Modes RHG Articles

Six Radio Events Activities Worth Considering

Here is a practical invitation for SARC members: choose one radio activity to try as winter approaches. Receive an image from space, join a digital net, visit a park station, or meet other operators at a hamfest. Kirk Musselman, K9MSG, shared these six ideas through AmateurRadioEvents.com.[1]

Post idea from: Kirk Musselman, K9MSG.
Details checked: October 21, 2026. Check each official source again before participating or traveling.

Event Snapshot

Six ways to explore amateur radio this fall
Activity Date and time Location or access
1. ISS picture reception Updated schedule: October 22–26, 2026. Approximately 10:10 a.m. CDT Thursday through 12:45 p.m. CDT Monday; reception depends on local passes.[2] Receive from your station or a suitable outdoor location. Use the current event settings.
2. Explore ten radio activities Any time. Read AmateurRadioEvents.com’s activity guide online.[3]
3. Deep Dish Digital Net Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Central. ChicagoLand Control Center, Local 2; DMR+ talkgroup 3166.[4]
4. ARRL Online Auction October 16–22, 2026. Check each item’s closing time. Online at the ARRL auction website.[5]
5. Tri-Town POTA outing Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., as listed on the flyer. William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Wolf Lake, Chicago.[6]
6. Remaining Midwest hamfests November 8, November 21, and December 5, 2026. Oshkosh, Wisconsin; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Carol Stream, Illinois. See the organizer details below.[7]

1. Receive Pictures from the International Space Station

The International Space Station, or ISS, can send still pictures as audio tones. Slow-scan television, or SSTV, software turns those tones into an image. This is a useful receive-only project to explore with a newer ham or visitor.

Use the updated schedule: An October 20 ARISS-Europe bulletin carried by AMSAT-UK gives approximately 15:10 UTC on October 22 through 17:45 UTC on October 26. In Schaumburg, that is 10:10 a.m. CDT Thursday through 12:45 p.m. CDT Monday. This extends the earlier October 25 end date in Kirk’s linked guide.[2]

The announcement specifies 437.550 MHz FM and Robot 36 decoding, with 36-second image transmissions followed by two-minute gaps. The image series features ARISS hardware. ARISS means Amateur Radio on the International Space Station; FM means frequency modulation.[2]

Five Steps for a First Reception Attempt

  1. Find a local pass. Use a current satellite-tracking tool set to your location.
  2. Prepare the receiver. Confirm it can receive the announced frequency and mode.
  3. Allow for Doppler shift. The satellite’s motion changes the received frequency. Kirk’s guide suggests about 437.560 MHz on approach, 437.550 MHz near mid-pass, and 437.540 MHz as it moves away.
  4. Choose a clear location and record the audio. Saving the tones lets you try decoding after the pass.
  5. Decode in Robot 36 mode. Save the result and compare notes with another member.[8]

Start with Kirk’s five-step ISS picture reception guide. Before each attempt, check the ARISS operations calendar for schedule changes.[9]

2. Find Your Next Radio Interest

Next, browse AmateurRadioEvents.com’s guide to ten popular radio activities. Treat the publisher’s selection as a starting point for exploration.[3]

The guide includes:

  • FT8 and FT4: computer-assisted modes for brief digital contacts.
  • JS8Call and WSPR: weak-signal text messaging and propagation reporting. WSPR means Weak Signal Propagation Reporter; propagation describes how radio signals travel.
  • BrandMeister DMR and Yaesu System Fusion/C4FM: digital voice options.
  • ISS SSTV and Parks on the Air: picture reception from space and portable park operating.
  • ESP32 projects and Meshtastic/LoRa: small programmable electronics projects and low-power radio mesh messaging.[3]

Choose one topic and ask a SARC member for a demonstration. A short introduction can help you decide what to explore before buying equipment.

3. Check In to the Deep Dish Digital Net

A net is an organized on-air gathering. The Deep Dish Digital Net invites licensed operators to join every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Central. Its flyer lists ChicagoLand Control Center, Local 2, DMR+ talkgroup 3166, with server CLAND, 209.225.101.170. DMR means Digital Mobile Radio.[4]

The network’s talkgroup matrix lists Local 2 as talkgroup 3166 on timeslot 2. However, availability depends on the repeater and its owner’s configuration. Confirm the network, talkgroup, timeslot, and access method for your station before the net.[10]

Then listen to the check-in instructions. Give your callsign clearly, keep your first transmission brief, and follow the net control operator. Ask an experienced DMR user for help with setup ahead of time.

4. Browse the ARRL Online Auction

The 21st annual ARRL Online Auction runs through October 22, 2026. ARRL announced more than 200 items, with proceeds supporting its education programs. ARRL is the national association for amateur radio.[11]

Visit the official ARRL Online Auction to browse. Bidding requires an auction account; regular ARRL website credentials do not work there. Each item has its own closing time, so read the listing and auction terms carefully.[5]

For a newer ham, browsing can also be a learning exercise. Pick an unfamiliar piece of equipment and ask a member what it does.

5. Visit the Tri-Town Parks on the Air Outing

The Tri-Town Radio Amateur Club, W9VT, invites everyone to a Parks on the Air outing on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The flyer names William Powers State Recreation Area at Wolf Lake, 12949 Avenue O, Chicago, and welcomes people who want to learn park activation and make contacts.[6]

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources lists the site’s full name as William W. Powers State Recreation Area, at 12949 Avenue O, Chicago, IL 60633. Check the park’s official page for access information and closures before leaving.[12]

POTA means Parks on the Air. An activator operates from a listed park; a hunter contacts park stations from elsewhere. You can therefore explore POTA from home as well as outdoors.[13]

The flyer does not list an end time or a meeting point inside the park. Confirm those details and any weather changes through the portable operating events listing and linked flyer. If you are new, ask to watch a station setup and see how contacts are logged.

6. Plan a Midwest Hamfest Visit

A hamfest is a gathering where radio enthusiasts meet, browse equipment, and exchange ideas. Kirk’s Midwest hamfest calendar lists three remaining opportunities for 2026. The table below uses the organizers’ current dates and hours.[7]

Upcoming gatherings, with times local to each venue
Event Date and hours Venue and official source
Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club Hamfest Sunday, November 8, 2026
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Central		 Sunnyview Expo Center
500 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901
Fox Cities hamfest information.[14]
Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo Saturday, November 21, 2026
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern		 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN
Fort Wayne hamfest information.[15]
Antique Radio Club of Illinois Swap Meet Saturday, December 5, 2026
8:00–10:00 a.m. Central		 570 S. Gary Avenue, Carol Stream, IL 60188
December swap meet information.[16]

At Fort Wayne, Kirk Musselman, K9MSG, is scheduled to present “Beyond the Shack: Unique Ways to Enjoy HF and FM!” from 1:00–2:00 p.m. Eastern in Archer Room A. That is noon–1:00 p.m. Central. HF means high frequency, a range widely used for long-distance amateur radio contacts.[15]

Before traveling, check the organizer’s page for current admission, parking, forum schedules, and any changes. Fort Wayne is one hour ahead of Schaumburg.

How to Participate

Start with one manageable goal. You do not need to attempt all six activities.

A little preparation makes a first visit or operating attempt easier
Your choice Prepare or bring A useful first goal
ISS reception A compatible receiver, antenna, pass prediction, audio recording method, and Robot 36 decoder. Record one pass and try decoding an image.
Digital net A confirmed DMR access path and your station’s required settings. Listen to the procedure and make one clear check-in.
POTA outing Weather-appropriate clothing, water, a chair, and a notebook. Coordinate equipment with the host if you plan to operate. Learn how the antenna, power, radio, and log work together.
Hamfest The current schedule, a short question or shopping list, and a plan for travel. Meet one operator or attend one presentation.
Guide or auction A browser and a few questions for an experienced member. Learn about one unfamiliar activity or piece of equipment.

If you are visiting or do not yet have a license, ask for a demonstration. Watching, listening, and asking questions are useful ways to begin.

flowchart TD
    accTitle: Choosing a radio activity and preparing to participate
    accDescr: Choose one activity and check its official details. Ask for help if needed. Prepare radio settings for an on-air activity, or plan a visit or online session, then participate and share a lesson.
    A["Choose one activity"] --> B["Check official schedule and details"]
    B --> C{"Ready to participate?"}
    C -- "Need help" --> D["Ask a member or event organizer"]
    D --> B
    C -- "Ready" --> E{"On-air activity?"}
    E -- "Yes" --> F["Prepare radio settings and equipment"]
    E -- "No" --> G["Plan a visit or online session"]
    F --> H["Take part and share one lesson"]
    G --> H
Choose one activity, confirm the details, ask for help when needed, and share what you learn.

Suggested SARC Goals

Small goals for different participants
Participant Suggested goal Useful result
Newly licensed ham Try one net check-in or observe a park station. Build confidence with operating procedures.
Experienced operator Help someone prepare a receiver or digital station. Make a first attempt easier for another member.
Portable operator Compare antenna, battery, and logging arrangements at the POTA outing. Find one improvement for your next outing.
Public-service volunteer Practice a concise check-in and review a portable setup. Strengthen clear communication and preparation habits.
Visitor or prospective ham Ask for a demonstration and bring one question. Find an activity you would like to explore.
Club mentor or event volunteer Welcome a newcomer and explain one unfamiliar term. Help someone feel comfortable taking part.

Give It a Try

Choose one activity, check the latest details, and invite another SARC member to join you. A single decoded image, first net check-in, park visit, or useful conversation can give you a good next step in the hobby.

Thanks to Kirk Musselman, K9MSG, for sharing these ideas. Pass the roundup along to fellow operators. To share an event or request updates, use the Amateur Radio Events contact page.[17]

Pick one activity and give it a try. Then tell another SARC member what you learned. 73!

Choose one activity, check the official details, and invite another SARC member. Share additional events through the Amateur Radio Events contact page.

References

  1. Special Events & Info for Ham Radio Operators. Publisher: Amateur Radio Events.  ↩
  2. ISS Slow Scan TV Oct 22–26. Publisher: AMSAT-UK, carrying an ARISS-Europe bulletin. Published October 20, 2026. ↩1 ↩2 ↩3
  3. 10 of the Most Popular Amateur Radio Activities Introduced in the Past 20 Years (2007–2026). Publisher: AmateurRadioEvents.com. 2026. PDF guide. ↩1 ↩2 ↩3
  4. Deep Dish Digital Net. Publisher: Amateur Radio Events. Event flyer. ↩1 ↩2
  5. Welcome to the 2026 ARRL Online Auction!. Publisher: ARRL Online Auction / AuctionAnything. ↩1 ↩2
  6. Tri-Town Radio Amateur Club POTA Outing. Publisher: Tri-Town Radio Amateur Club, W9VT; flyer shared by Amateur Radio Events. Event flyer. ↩1 ↩2
  7. Hamfests. Publisher: Amateur Radio Events. ↩1 ↩2
  8. Receive Photos from the International Space Station. Publisher: AmateurRadioEvents.com. 2026. PDF guide. ↩
  9. ARISS calendar with scheduled contacts by the ARISS operations team. Publisher: AMSAT-ON. ↩
  10. ChicagoLand Talk Group Matrix. Publisher: ChicagoLand Control Center. ↩
  11. The 2026 ARRL Online Auction Is Now Open. Publisher: ARRL. Published October 14, 2026. ↩
  12. William W. Powers State Recreation Area. Publisher: Illinois Department of Natural Resources. ↩
  13. Getting Started with Parks on the Air. Publisher: Parks on the Air. ↩
  14. Hamfest. Publisher: Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club. ↩
  15. 54th Fort Wayne Hamfest & Computer Expo. Publisher: Allen County Amateur Radio Technical Society. ↩1 ↩2
  16. Swap Meet: December 5, 2026. Publisher: Antique Radio Club of Illinois. ↩
  17. Stay in Touch!. Publisher: Amateur Radio Events. ↩
Operating Modes RHG Articles

QSO One: Ham Radio Without the Hardware

Here is a practical operating idea for SARC members: try your next club net from a Windows computer or Android phone. QSO One brings several amateur radio voice networks into one free app, offering another way to stay involved when you are away from your station.[1]Post idea from: Paul Burkett, KD9FMN.

Topic Snapshot

QSO One at a glance
Item Details
Subject Ham radio without the hardware.
Post idea Paul Burkett, KD9FMN.
Audience SARC members, visitors, new hams, the public, operators, and volunteers.
App cost Free; the developer accepts optional donations.[2]
Available platforms Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit; Android 8.0 or newer. iOS, macOS, and Linux are listed as coming soon.[3]
Basic needs A supported device, internet access, microphone and listening audio, a valid amateur radio license and callsign, and the credentials required by your chosen network.[2][3]
Official starting point Download QSO One.
Call to action Try QSO One on your next net.

What Does “Without the Hardware” Mean?

QSO is amateur radio shorthand for a contact or conversation. QSO One carries voice over the internet to supported amateur radio systems. The developer says you can use these connections without owning a Raspberry Pi node, radio interface, or digital hotspot.[1]

Your computer or phone handles your microphone and received audio. When the destination is connected to a repeater, your conversation can reach operators using radios. That makes a little preparation worthwhile: choose the correct destination, listen first, and check your audio before joining a busy net.

The website promotes setup in about five minutes. Treat that as an estimate. Network registration, license validation, and the destination’s access settings can add steps before your first contact.[1][5][6]

One App, Several Ways to Connect

These choices serve different networks. A node is a connection point. A talkgroup is a shared conversation group. A reflector distributes voice among connected stations.

Networks documented by QSO One[4]
Connection What it offers
AllStarLink Connections to voice nodes using Node Mode or Web Transceiver Mode.
EchoLink Connections to participating stations, repeaters, and conferences, with direct and proxy options.
IAX Direct A direct voice connection to an AllStar server using credentials its operator supplies.
DMR Digital Mobile Radio access through BrandMeister or TGIF, with talkgroup selection.
System Fusion Digital voice through Yaesu System Fusion (YSF) reflectors.
M17 An open digital voice system with reflector and module selection.

For a first SARC attempt, start with the club’s listed AllStarLink or EchoLink connection. Explore the other networks after you have a comfortable audio setup.

Get Your Accounts Ready

Start with Your Callsign

QSO One’s signup instructions use your email address and callsign. Its developer requires a valid amateur radio license to operate. Some networks also require their own account or identifier, such as a DMR ID.[2]

If you are visiting SARC and do not yet have a license, ask a member to demonstrate the app and explain the licensing path. You can learn the operating sequence before setting up your own account.

Choose the Correct AllStarLink Mode

Node Mode uses your own registered AllStarLink node number and credentials. WT Mode, short for Web Transceiver Mode, uses an AllStarLink portal account without requiring an assigned node number. The destination must permit that access method; some nodes disable WT connections.[4][5]

SARC’s node number identifies your destination. For Node Mode, enter the credentials for your own node, then select SARC as the station you want to reach.

Alternatively, IAX Direct needs a server address, port, username, password, and destination node number supplied or confirmed by the node operator. Ask whether SARC offers that option before configuring it.[7]

Complete EchoLink Validation

EchoLink requires proof of license before granting access. A QSO One account does not complete that separate validation. Follow the current EchoLink Validation instructions before your first net.[6]

Find SARC’s Connections

The SARC Repeaters page lists the following information. Check that page for updates and confirm that your intended internet connection is available before the net.[8]

SARC repeater and network information
System Published details How to use this information
K9IIK/R, 2-meter FM 145.230 MHz; −600 kHz offset; PL 107.2 Hz. These settings are for a radio. In the app, choose a listed internet connection below.
AllStarLink Node 27833. Select it as the destination after configuring your own access method.
EchoLink K9IIK-R, node 575848. Find this station using your validated EchoLink account.
70-centimeter FM / System Fusion 442.275 MHz; +5 MHz offset; PL 114.8 Hz; default WIRES-X room IL-K9IIK-ROOM / 40294. Ask the repeater team about any compatible YSF bridge before trying app access to this system.

PL is the repeater’s access tone; the offset describes the difference between its receive and transmit frequencies. Those are radio settings. App connections use network destinations and account details.

YSF and WIRES-X Need Separate Attention

QSO One documents System Fusion access through YSF reflectors. Yaesu distinguishes those reflectors from its WIRES-X network. SARC’s published WIRES-X room number therefore does not establish a QSO One connection to that room. Ask the repeater team whether a compatible bridge exists and which destination to select.[4][10]

How to Participate in Your First Net

A net is an organized on-air gathering. Net control guides the conversation and invites stations to check in.

  1. Install from the official source. Follow Download QSO One to the supported store or direct installer. Check current platform requirements before installing.[3]
  2. Prepare your accounts early. Complete the registrations and validation needed for the network you plan to use.
  3. Check the schedule. Use SARC Nets to confirm the time and any exceptions.
  4. Choose one SARC connection. Try AllStarLink node 27833 or EchoLink K9IIK-R, node 575848, when available.
  5. Check microphone and listening audio. A headset is a useful choice for keeping received sound out of your microphone. Arrange a brief audio check with another operator before the net.
  6. Listen before transmitting. Learn the check-in procedure and wait for an invitation or a suitable opening.
  7. Use push-to-talk carefully. PTT means push-to-talk. Activate it, pause briefly, give your callsign clearly, and release it when finished. Leave a pause between exchanges.
  8. Follow net control. Keep your first check-in short. Afterward, note what worked and ask for help with any remaining audio or connection issue.

For newer operators, SARC lists a Wednesday New Ham Net at 7:00 p.m. Central Time on the 2-meter repeater, with the same EchoLink and AllStarLink identifiers. The club also lists its Thursday net at 8:00 p.m. local time, except the third Thursday of the month. Confirm the current schedule before joining.[9]

flowchart TD
    accTitle: Preparing for a first SARC net with QSO One
    accDescr: Choose a supported device, prepare network credentials, and select a published SARC destination. If a connection fails, review access with the operator. After connecting, listen and check audio before checking in.
    A["Supported device and network credentials"] --> B["Select SARC AllStarLink or EchoLink destination"]
    B --> C{"Connection accepted?"}
    C -- "No" --> D["Review credentials and destination access"]
    D --> B
    C -- "Yes" --> E["Listen and arrange an audio check"]
    E --> F{"Audio clear?"}
    F -- "No" --> G["Adjust microphone or listening device"]
    G --> E
    F -- "Yes" --> H["Check in when net control invites"]
A practical sequence for your first connection and check-in.

If Something Does Not Work

First, identify where the problem occurs: signing in, connecting, hearing audio, or being heard. That gives the person helping you a useful starting point.

If an AllStarLink connection is refused, check your authentication mode and whether the destination permits it. For EchoLink, confirm validation is complete. For IAX Direct, confirm the operator-issued connection details.[5][6][7]

If you can hear others but they cannot hear you, check microphone permission, the selected input device, and PTT operation. Ask another operator for a short audio report when the channel is free.

Suggested SARC Goals

Small, useful goals for different participants
Participant Suggested goal Useful result
Newly licensed ham Prepare one connection and check in to the New Ham Net. Build confidence giving your callsign and following net control.
Experienced member Help one member complete setup and an audio check. Make another operator comfortable participating.
Member away from home Try a club connection before the scheduled net. Learn how your device and internet connection perform.
Net control operator Invite brief audio feedback for a first-time app user. Help the operator improve clarity and timing.
Public-service volunteer Practice concise check-ins using both your app and usual radio setup. Gain experience with different access paths.
Visitor or prospective ham Ask for a member-led demonstration. Understand the app, licensing, and club participation.

Give It a Try

Start small. Choose one network, prepare your credentials, and make one clear check-in. Then share what you learned with another SARC member.

Thanks to Paul Burkett, KD9FMN, for suggesting this operating idea. Visit QSO One, review SARC Repeaters, and confirm the time on SARC Nets.

Try QSO One on your next net.

Try QSO One on your next net.

References

  1. QSO One: Ham Radio Without the Hardware. One Free App. Publisher: QSO One. ↩
  2. QSO One Is Now Free: One App for AllStarLink, EchoLink, DMR, System Fusion, and M17. Publisher: QSO One. Published July 19, 2026. ↩
  3. Get QSO One. Publisher: QSO One. ↩
  4. Features. Publisher: QSO One. ↩
  5. External Applications. Publisher: AllStarLink Manual. ↩
  6. Validation. Publisher: EchoLink. ↩
  7. Connecting QSO One to a Node with IAX Direct. Publisher: QSO One. ↩
  8. Repeaters. Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. ↩
  9. Nets. Publisher: Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. ↩
  10. FTM-300DR: Frequently Asked Questions on WIRES-X and Hotspots. Publisher: Yaesu. ↩
Operating Modes RHG Articles

October Ham Radio Station Guidance

Monthly focus: Put your fall antenna plans into practice, check station power under load, and use October operating events to learn how your station performs.

October gives Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club members a useful combination of station projects and on-air opportunities. Start with one improvement you can measure. Then make contacts, record the results, and decide what to tackle next.

This report continues our September ham radio station guidance. If you saved antenna sweeps or voltage readings last month, bring them out now. If you are just getting started, October is a good time to create your first station record.

Prepared October 7, 2026. Space-weather forecasts are dated snapshots. Check the linked official sources for updates before operating or planning an event.

1. October Space Weather: Keep the Forecast in Perspective

NOAA’s three-day forecast issued October 7 at 1230 UTC anticipates minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on October 9 following a coronal mass ejection, or CME, from October 6. A CME is an eruption of solar material that can disturb Earth’s magnetic environment.

The same forecast gives a 45% daily chance of minor to moderate radio blackouts through October 9. These are probabilities, not guaranteed outages. Read the latest NOAA three-day space-weather forecast.

NOAA explains that moderate geomagnetic storms can cause HF signals to fade at higher latitudes, while flare-related radio blackouts affect the sunlit side of Earth. Before changing an antenna because distant stations disappear, check the NOAA space-weather scales.

The October 5 27-day outlook places predicted 10.7-centimeter solar radio flux around 105–110 during October 15–20. Treat this as a reason to check the higher bands, not a promise of openings. Its October 9 geomagnetic prediction is already superseded by the newer three-day forecast.

2. Build an October Band Plan

Use this as a starting operating plan rather than a fixed schedule. HF means high frequency; DX means distant contacts.

Band What to try Station priority
80 meters Evening regional contacts Confirm your antenna covers the frequencies you use
40 meters Regional daytime work and evening DX Make this a dependable fall operating band
20 meters Daytime DX; check again near sunset Keep a repeatable daytime reference
15 and 10 meters Daytime openings when conditions support them Keep usable antennas available
2 meters and 70 centimeters Local contacts and repeater operation Verify memories, feed lines, and backup power

Propagation depends on the path, time, ionosphere, and solar conditions. Try several bands before deciding that the station needs repair. Explore ARRL’s radio propagation resources for the underlying principles.

3. Finish Your 40- and 80-Meter Antenna Work

A half-wave dipole is a straightforward project. ARRL gives this construction starting formula:

Total length in feet = 468 ÷ frequency in MHz.

Band Example design frequency Total starting length Each side
80 meters 3.850 MHz 121.6 ft 60.8 ft
40 meters 7.200 MHz 65.0 ft 32.5 ft
20 meters 14.250 MHz 32.8 ft 16.4 ft
15 meters 21.300 MHz 22.0 ft 11.0 ft
10 meters 28.400 MHz 16.5 ft 8.2 ft

These calculated lengths are rounded examples for voice-oriented designs, not final cutting dimensions or reserved operating frequencies. Choose your own center frequency, leave trimming allowance, and measure the antenna in its installed position. See ARRL’s dipole construction guide.

For 80 meters, measure both your digital and voice operating areas. One low standing wave ratio, or SWR, reading does not establish coverage across the entire band. Transmit only within your license privileges and permitted modes.

4. Recheck a Fan Dipole After Adjustments

A fan dipole uses several wire pairs connected to a common feedpoint. For an existing installation, make one adjustment at a time and save a sweep before and after it.

A practical tuning sequence is to start with the lowest-frequency element, work upward, and then recheck every band. Nearby elements can interact. If an adjustment improves one band but shifts another, your records will show the tradeoff.

5. Give Vertical Antennas a Ground-System Check

For a ground-mounted quarter-wave vertical, inspect radial connections and repair broken wires. Radials provide the antenna’s RF return path; a ground rod alone can have substantial RF resistance.

Do not use a universal radial count to judge every vertical. Ground-mounted and elevated designs have different requirements. Follow the antenna’s design instructions and review ARRL’s explanation of RF grounds and radials.

6. Inspect Supports and Outdoor Connections

Choose a dry, calm day for an accessible inspection. Look for damaged coax jackets, loose strain relief, deteriorated connector seals, and supports that rub against wire or cable.

Photograph anything questionable before disturbing it. Then repair one item and repeat the measurement. That approach helps connect a change in performance to a specific repair.

Keep antennas and supports clear of power lines, including where they could fall. Leave climbing and unsafe access work to qualified help.

7. Check DC Power at the Equipment

Use the radio manufacturer’s specifications when selecting the supply, wiring, connectors, and protection. As one example, Kenwood lists a transmit current drain of 20.5 amps or less for the TS-590SG. See the manufacturer’s TS-590SG specifications.

With power disconnected, inspect crimps, fuse holders, cable insulation, and polarity labels. Avoid choosing wire size from transmitter wattage alone; cable length and allowable voltage drop also matter.

8. Record Voltage During Transmit

Measure at the radio’s DC input using a safe connection method. Record receive voltage and transmit voltage at your normal power. Use a properly rated dummy load for controlled tests, and follow equipment duty-cycle limits.

For example, suppose the supply remains at 13.8 volts but the radio receives 12.8 volts while drawing 20 amps. The one-volt drop corresponds to:

Resistance = 1 V ÷ 20 A = 0.05 ohm.
Heat loss = 20 A × 1 V = 20 watts.

That is a calculated example, not a measurement of your station. Check each part of the power path to locate the loss.

9. Exercise Backup Power Before You Need It

Run a planned battery test with the equipment you expect to use. Record the operating time, receive and transmit voltage, and whether any device resets.

Check source-side fuse protection and the battery’s permitted discharge current. A battery management system does not replace appropriate cable protection.

Follow the battery manufacturer’s charging and temperature limits. For example, Bioenno advises against using lead-acid chargers for its lithium iron phosphate batteries. Review the Bioenno battery and charger guidance, or the instructions for your own battery.

10. Make October SWR Readings Repeatable

First, disconnect the transmitter from the analyzer’s measurement path and bypass the tuner. Keep the same feed line, adapters, and measurement point when comparing results.

Record Purpose
Date, weather, and antenna position Document the test conditions
SWR at your operating frequencies Compare the match where you actually operate
Frequency of minimum SWR Track movement in the matching curve
Resistance and reactance, if available Keep more detail than SWR alone
Calibration point and cable arrangement Make the next test comparable

A saved trace with clear notes is more useful than an isolated meter reading.

11. Understand What the Tuner Changes

A tuner in the shack can give the radio a suitable match while leaving the antenna-side feed line mismatched. It does not automatically remove that line’s losses or improve antenna efficiency.

ARRL explains this distinction in its guide to antenna tuner operation. Measure the untuned system for diagnostics, then evaluate the tuned system for operation. A stable match within your radio’s limits is a useful goal; a perfect meter reading is not the only measure of success.

12. Use a Focused Analyzer Sweep

On a NanoVNA, select the frequency range first. For a reflection measurement, calibrate with open, short, and 50-ohm load standards at the point where the device under test will connect. Include your test jumper in that calibration when measuring at its far end.

Verify the calibration with a known load, then connect the antenna system. Sweep the band of interest rather than trying to read a small feature on a very wide display.

Follow the procedures for your particular instrument. The NanoVNA calibration instructions and NanoVNA V2 manual explain their respective calibration workflows.

13. Investigate Changes Before Trimming Wire

Observation What to investigate
Matching curve moves after rain Moisture, wet surroundings, and connector sealing
Reading changes when coax moves Loose connections or common-mode current
SWR rises during transmission Heating, intermittent connections, and power handling
Signals weaken but SWR is unchanged Propagation, noise, losses, and receiver settings

These are troubleshooting leads, not diagnoses. For a simple dipole, a lower-than-desired matching minimum can suggest excess electrical length, but verify the measurement and installation before cutting.

A known-good load at the antenna end can help test the feed line. However, low SWR alone cannot prove low cable loss; a lossy cable can hide a mismatch.

14. Watch for RF on Station Cables

If transmitting causes computer disconnects or other interference, investigate whether RF current is flowing on cable exteriors. A suitable current choke can help control that current.

ARRL discusses choke baluns for dipole installations in its station grounding guidance. Select a choke for the bands and power involved. Adding an arbitrary ground wire is not a substitute for understanding the current path.

15. Check Receive Noise Before Adding Seasonal Lighting

Save a receive-noise reference before connecting new lights, chargers, or other electronics. Some lighting equipment can cause radio frequency interference, or RFI, as described in ARRL’s lighting interference resources.

If noise appears, switch suspected devices off and on individually and record what changes. Keep receiver settings consistent so the comparison means something.

16. Keep the Local Station Ready, Too

Give VHF and UHF equipment the same attention as HF. Test handheld batteries, confirm programmed settings, and check local communication from the places where you normally operate.

Also inspect grounding, bonding, cable-entry hardware, and surge protection. Electrical safety, lightning protection, and RF-current control serve different purposes. Use ARRL’s lightning-protection resourcesand qualified guidance for installation work.

If you change antenna placement, power, or operating duty cycle, review your station’s RF exposure assessment.

17. October 2026 On-Air Opportunities

Event Verified dates What to try
JOTA-JOTI October 16–18 Explore radio and Scouting outreach
Illinois QSO Party October 18 Put your Illinois station on the air; check current rules for hours and exchanges
School Club Roundup October 19–23; 8:00 a.m. Monday to 6:59 p.m. Friday CDT Make contacts with school stations
CQ World Wide DX Contest, SSB October 24–25 UTC; locally, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. through October 25 at 6:59 p.m. CDT Practice voice DX and accurate logging

CDT is Central Daylight Time, the Chicago-area time zone for these dates. SSB means single sideband, a common voice mode. JOTA-JOTI combines Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet.

These are operating opportunities, not announcements of organized SARC participation. Check each organizer’s current information before making plans.

18. Participate with a Simple Operating Goal

Choose one event and a goal you can finish: make a few contacts, try a second band, or learn a new logging workflow. Listen to several exchanges before calling.

For CQ WW SSB, the exchange is a signal report and the CQ zone of your transmitter location. Its six contest bands exclude 30, 17, and 12 meters. The 2026 SSB log deadline is October 27 at 2359 UTC, or 6:59 p.m. CDT. Read the current CQ WW rules, including entry categories and assistance restrictions.

School Club Roundup welcomes individuals and non-school clubs. Its exchange includes call sign, signal report, entry class, and location. See the School Club Roundup operating rules; its full exchange requires more information than a standard FT8 contact provides.

October Operating Plan

Period Suggested focus
October 7–11 Save antenna and voltage references; check updated space weather before judging DX performance
October 12–18 Finish accessible repairs; prepare for JOTA-JOTI or the Illinois QSO Party
October 19–25 Try School Club Roundup or CQ WW; compare operation across available bands
October 26–31 Submit logs promptly, review results, and finish backup-power checks

October Priority Checklist

  • Compare October antenna measurements with your September records.
  • Check your actual operating frequencies on 40 and 80 meters.
  • Keep higher-band antennas ready for openings.
  • Inspect accessible supports and outdoor cable connections.
  • Measure radio-input voltage during transmit.
  • Complete one documented backup-power exercise.
  • Save receive-noise references and analyzer traces.
  • Choose one October operating event and review its rules.
  • Record what worked, what changed, and what needs attention.

Bring Your Results to SARC

You do not need an elaborate station to participate. Bring a station sketch, an analyzer screenshot, a voltage reading, or a question to a SARC monthly club meeting. Visitors are welcome; check the meeting page for current details.

New to the hobby? Explore SARC membership and ways to get involved.

Make one measurable improvement. Put it on the air. Share what you learn. That is a useful October goal for a first station or a longtime operator.

Radio Events RHG Articles

Belvidere Hamfest 2026: SARC Members, Selling Tables, and Radio Conversation

Here is a look back at SARC members and their selling table at Belvidere Hamfest 2026. For the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club, N9RJV, a hamfest is a chance to share an interest in radio, look over equipment, and spend time together away from the microphone.

The event, officially named Radio Expo 2026, took place on Sunday, September 27, at Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvidere, Illinois. Chicago FM Club published the event information and organized the hamfest.[1][2]

Event Snapshot

Belvidere Hamfest 2026 and SARC participation
Item Details
Event Belvidere Hamfest / Radio Expo 2026
Date Sunday, September 27, 2026
Location Boone County Fairgrounds, 8791 Illinois Route 76, Belvidere, Illinois 61008
Hamfest organizer Chicago FM Club
SARC participation Club members and a selling table
Post idea Brenda Fruhauf – KE9GGM
SARC organizer Paul Meyes – KE9EJX
Who this recap is for Members, visitors, new hams, operators, volunteers, and anyone curious about amateur radio

The date, location, and hamfest organizer above are documented in the official event announcement and Radio Expo 2026 flyer. SARC participation and contributor details accompany this club recap.

A Look Around the Selling Tables

Brenda’s photographs show folding tables set up beside vehicles, with radios, microphones, coiled cable, electronic parts, and test equipment on display. Other views show people talking beside the tables and taking a moment to sit together.

There is plenty for a curious visitor to notice. Older radio equipment sits alongside smaller accessories and components. A closer photograph highlights two oscilloscopes among the items on display.

For a newer ham, a table like this offers a useful starting point: ask what an unfamiliar item does, how it connects to a station, or what to check before buying one. Meanwhile, an experienced operator can help explain the differences between equipment that is ready to use and equipment intended for a repair project.

Photo credit: SARC / Brenda Fruhauf – KE9GGM. The supplied photographs are marked “SARC Brenda Fruhauf – Belvidere Hamfest 2026.”

What Is a Hamfest?

A hamfest is a gathering for people interested in amateur radio, also called ham radio. The American Radio Relay League, or ARRL, describes hamfests as events that can include exhibits, educational sessions, and flea markets.[3]

For this event, the Radio Expo flyer advertised an indoor market, an outdoor flea market, radios, computers, electronics, and amateur radio license testing.[2] That mix gives visitors several ways to explore the hobby, whether they are looking for a particular part or simply learning what equipment is available.

Just as useful, a hamfest gives you a reason to start a conversation. A question about a microphone, an unfamiliar connector, or an older radio can lead to a practical explanation you can use at home.

Make Your Next Hamfest Visit Useful

Belvidere’s 2026 event has concluded. For a future outing, use these suggestions to plan your visit, and check the event organizer’s current announcement for dates, admission, seller arrangements, and testing details.

If You Are Browsing or Buying

  • Bring a short list. Note the parts you need, the model of your radio, and any connector details.
  • Set a budget. Leave room for missing cables, accessories, or repairs.
  • Ask about condition. Find out what was tested, what is included, and whether any faults are known.
  • Ask before handling equipment. Request a demonstration when one is available.
  • Bring a fellow member. A second opinion can help you decide whether an item fits your plans.

If You Would Like to Sell or Volunteer

  • Coordinate first. Before bringing items to a future shared SARC table, ask whether table space and helpers are being arranged.
  • Label equipment clearly. Include the owner, asking price, included accessories, and known condition. Mark untested items as untested.
  • Bring useful paperwork. Manuals and a brief description can help someone understand an unfamiliar item.
  • Plan for the day. Bring water, suitable clothing, packing materials, and a chair if permitted.
  • Offer a specific kind of help. Setup, greeting visitors, table coverage, and packing are useful tasks to discuss with the coordinator.

Suggested SARC Goals

Ideas for a future hamfest outing
Member or visitor Suggested goal A practical next step
New ham Learn to evaluate one type of equipment. Ask an experienced member to explain what to check before buying.
Experienced operator Share useful station knowledge. Help a newer ham compare an item with their actual operating needs.
Builder or experimenter Find parts for a defined project. Bring a parts list with required values, dimensions, or connector types.
Seller Help buyers make informed choices. Prepare clear labels and describe known faults honestly.
Volunteer Help a shared table run smoothly. Agree on one task and a time to help.
Visitor or prospective member Discover one part of amateur radio that interests you. Introduce yourself and bring that interest to a SARC meeting.

Give It a Try

Thank you to the SARC members who took part in Belvidere Hamfest 2026, to Brenda Fruhauf – KE9GGM for the post idea and photographs, and to Paul Meyes – KE9EJX for organizing SARC’s participation.

If you attended, share a favorite find, a useful conversation, or something you learned. If you missed it, bring your questions to a club meeting and ask about joining a future outing.

Start with a visit to SARC. Club meetings are open to everyone; you do not need to be a member or a licensed amateur radio operator.[4] Check the current meeting details, bring your curiosity, and come meet the people behind the call signs.

Visit a SARC meeting, share your hamfest finds, and ask about taking part in a future club outing.

References

  1. Radio Expo 2026. Chicago FM Club. Official event announcement with the date and venue. ↩
  2. Radio Expo 2026 Event Flyer. Chicago FM Club. Organizer information and advertised markets, equipment categories, and license testing. ↩  ↩
  3. Hamfests and Conventions Calendar. ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio. Background on hamfests and a directory for finding future events. ↩
  4. Monthly Club Meetings. Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club. Meeting information and confirmation that visitors are welcome. ↩