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March 2014 pg 1

Sunday Night Nets20hrs03/2­N9JPG03/09­W9DHX03/16­KA3HSW03/23­TBA.03/29­W9BK­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­03/07 1930 hrsMonthly Meeting, FirstPresbyterian Church,Wheaton IL.­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­03/15 & 03/2209hrs­17hrs WCRATraining Class, FaithEvangelical CovenantChurch, Wheaton IL­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­03/21 2359hrs­Deadline Hamletter.

Hey ClubMembers

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MEETING MINUTES (Continued)

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Meeting Minutes (Continued)

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IN THE NEWSLong time member JohnFaber, WT9Y came all theway from a snowy NorthCarolina to the club meetingin February to tell the club ofthe EZNEC softwareprogram. The EZNECsoftware program can helpmodel your antenna’s rangein 3D. All a Ham has to do isplug their antennainformation into the programand diagram plotting theirantenna's range appears onthe screen. For moreinformation and for ademonstration of the EZNECsoftware go towww.eznec.com. Faber had afew words of caution. First ofall he reminded everyone thatthe models may not alwaysreflect actual reception andHam’s should know theirterms when entering theinformation into the EZNECsoftware.

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THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Members:The February meeting was a busy and action packed event. A Hamfest volunteerreward raffle, stealth antennas, antenna modeling with EZNEC with John Faberand a number of interesting guests all made for a great meeting! I'm continuallyencouraged by the enthusiasm and camaraderie I see.Our technician license class is gearing up into full planning mode and we have aterrific group of instructors lined up. The group represents a very diverseamount of experience and am certain those attending will find their time wellspent with us at class.As you may know, we have an upcoming election for club officers at the Aprilmeeting. I will be completing the 2­year term started by others and the positionis open for nominations. I've enjoyed leading all of you as your club Presidentand hope you have seen meaningful progress for the club and in a direction youagree with. My intent was to focus on two key points:• Membership growth• Preserving the club for the futureWhile membership growth remains a challenge, as a club we supported severalevents that stimulated interest in amateur radio and the WCRA. We alsosustained key club traditions that bring us together.As we look forward to the April elections, I intend to run again for the office ofPresident and would ask for your vote! My desires are to continue the same twopriorities as noted above, with an emphasis on budget awareness for everyone(with the help of Carol Schroeder our Treasurer). Seeking a more balancedapproach to our budget is necessary for a healthy club long term. This willinclude a mix of modest expense reductions and exploring revenue growthopportunities with our Hamfest.Thank you again to all that help sustain itself on a regular basis and I'll catchyou on the air or at our next meeting!

Kevin Oleniczak ­ N9JPG

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PROGRAM MEETINGNOTES

WCRA March 2014 Monthly MeetingOur monthly meeting will be March 7th, @ 7:30 PM. We meet at the

First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, at Jefferson and Ellis Avenues.

Program:1) Ham Kids in Action: "High Altitude Balloon Launch and Recovery"

(video)

2) "Using Winlink 2000 HF Email Program and Network for EmCommand Public Service"

Presented by Ed Worst K9EW and Vern Schultz K9LAE, both ofDupage County ARES

2014 Hamfest ­ Forum information: Presenter Slides nowavailable on line: wheatonhamfest.org/hamfestforums

9:30 AM "Vacation DXing" presented by John Sweeney K9EL slides10:30 AM "Alternative Power for Field Day and Other Temporary Stations"

presented by Al Sawyer K9ILF slides11:30 AM "New Developments in HF/VHF/UHF Digital Voice Including

FreeDV and System Fusion (C4FM)" slides presented by Warren Pugh KC9ILand Mark Thompson WB9QZB slides

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WCRA May 2014 Monthly Meeting

Our monthly meeting will be May 2nd, @ 7:30pm.We meet at the First Presbyterian Church inWheaton, at Jefferson and Ellis Avenues.

Program:

Building Project During the Meeting: "Build AVHF/UHF Dual Band J­Pole Antenna"Presented by Kevin Oleniczak N9JPG and GeorgeHenry KA3HSW. Cost per antenna kitis $15 and must be reserved in advance.

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SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!!FIELD DAY 2014 JUNE 28TH AND 29TH.

By Joe LeFebvre­N9WRO

2014 Field Day is Right Around the CornerDespite the snow and cold and wind outside right now, Field Day isright around the corner. Field Day is June 28th & 29th this year andwe plan to be at PanFish Park again. (There are rumors the city maytry to build on that site.) At the March meeting we will start to gatherinformation about who will be there, stations, Station Captains, etc.so start to think about what you want to do this year for Field Day.The 2014 rules have been published and we will have a copy for themeeting. For more information go to www.arrl.org/fieldday

WCRA BOARD ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL MEETING DATEBy Jim Ward W9DHX

The Nominating Committee has announced that the Annual Election of specificofficers will be at the April meeting, as called for in the Club’s By­Laws. Co­Chairmen Mark Potter and Jim Ward also reported that the Officers elected forthe 2014 year will be that of President, Secretary and Property Custodian for atwo­year term.

The By­Law provision of selected officers for alternate years was instituted inorder to give the Board continuity, as opposed to all five officers being elected atthe same time. At a recent Board Meeting, the following Board Members agreedto stand for election for a two year term: Kevin Oleniczak, N9JPG, President;Ken Kwasniewski, N9HQ, Secretary; and Dale Kwarta, NJ9E, PropertyCustodian.

The Nominating Committee has received no other nomination from themembership, but nominations are open up to the time of the election. To bequalified to vote in the election members must have paid his or her dues for2014.

Just a friendly reminder: All membershad to get their dues into treasurer CarolSchroeder(KB9FYL) by the Januarymembership meeting. If you have notpaid your dues yet you have until April1st to get your dues in. According toARTICLE V FORFEITURE OFMEMBERSHIP of our by­laws membersmay be dropped from membership ifannual dues are not paid by the Aprilmeeting of each year. Dues are $26 andlook for the Membership Renewal formlater in this Hamletter.

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QST REVIEWBy Jim Ward, W9DHX

Aug 2013 ­ Page 8March 2014 Pg 11

By Jim Ward, W9DHX

EDITOR STEVE FORD COLLECTS GREAT STORIES FROM AROUND THEWORLD

This issue of our monthly magazine is great reading. Reproduced on pages 65­71 are selected articles from a post­World War One QST! The struggling groupsold “bonds” to keep ARRL alive. The League had a tough time during “the warto end all wars.” From the bottom of the world comes a Maritime MobileDXpedition to Antarctica (on pages 61­63) and from the middle of the Pacific aDXpedition to historic WW II battle site, Wake Island (pages 91­93).Another rare DXpedition spot—Juan Fernandez Archipelago, off the coast ofChile is reported on pages 89 and 90 and was the inspiration for the bookRobinson Crusoe.

SUPREME STEALTH ANTENNA USES PERIPHERAL FENCE AS GROUNDRADIAL

David Kruth, WB2HTO, was determined to get a 160 meter antenna on his 100by 70 foot lot without offending his neighbors’ good taste. He did it with a skinny25 foot vertical and a heavy duty long wire radial that was attached to his yardfence. Pictures and story are on pages 38­39.

Joel Hallas, W1ZR, The Doctor Is In Columnist reported this month on page 53about a mobile screwdriver antenna comparative efficiency with a center loadingcoil and capacity hat attachments. Those of you who have struggled with gettingon 75 meters from a mobile will be interested in the results. Joel spoke a fewyears ago at one of our Hamfest Forums.

Perhaps you’ve heard about 3D printing. It’s the latest way for Hams to get intosome unique homebrew projects. If you’re thinking of trying it, an article onpage 57 explains the new art form and how to try it out using available kits andsoftware. If you have the Digital Edition of QST you can watch a videodemonstration of the MixShop 3D printer in action.

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Dear Ann Ode...

1st Sat Hunt ­ KMart Parking lot, Elmhurst, Rt 93 north of St Charles Rd ­CFAR input 147.750MHz2nd Sat Hunt ­ Downers Grove Golf Club parking lot, off Belmont Rd south ofOdgen Av ­ Simplex 146.565 MHz3rd Sat Hunt ­ Centennial Park, Addison, Rohlwing Rd, 0.4 miles south of LakeSt ­ CFMC input 146.160 MHz4th Sat Hunt ­ WoodDale Rd between Thorndale and Irving Pk Rd ­ Simplex146.34 MHz5th Sat Hunt ­ Contact Mike at phone number below as hunt info and rulesmay be different from above hunts.For further info contact Mike WA9FTS or call at 708­457­0966

Fox Hunt Report

Dear Ann Ode,

Last week, I sent my XYL to the amateur radio store to buy me one microphone,and if they have PL259 connectors, buy five.

She came home with five microphones.Why do you think she did that?

Signed, Overloaded with Mics

Dear Overloaded.

They had PL259 connectors.

Have a question for Ann? Email her at ann.ode@w9ccu.org

March 2014 Page 9

My church is looking for 4 10­foot tower sections for stage use, Rohn 25 orequivalent... anybody got some extras laying around, or a tower you purchasedand aren't going to put up? Or know of a tower that needs to be taken down?

George, KA3HSW

In my free time I like to write software and lately most of it hasbeen for amateur radio. Recently I had a need program thememories in my Icom IC­910 and after searching online, foundthat nothing available worked. I wrote an application tocommunicate with an Icom radio directly with the CIVcommands published. Unfortunately, the commands used formemory management are significantly different betweendifferent Icom radio models and chose to focus on the IC­910which I use at home. The app works well and runs on windows.Features are:Download existing memories from the radioUpdate and add memories and send back to the radioSave and recall memory lists from filesCopy and paste memories from popular RT Systems software tomake configuration fast and simpleI'm interested in beta testers that may have this radio and wantto try it out. Let me know if that's you!

Kevin ­ N9JPG

The Boy Scouts in our area are organizing a one day event in May to highlightopportunities for youth to get involved in science, technology, engineering andmath. Our club would like to participate by sponsoring a booth, but need a fewvolunteers to do it and lead it. Follow the link below for more information. SeeKevin N0JPG if interested.

http://www.threefirescouncil.org/index.php/activities­mainmenu­36/stem­o­rama­2014

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Hi!

I'm in the final stages of completing a personal high altitude balloon project. Inless than two months I've gone from nothing, to a completed HAB missionpackage and am currently waiting for good weather to launch my first mission.

For this first mission, I will be relying on two (2) SPOT Messenger GPStransmitters typically used by people engaging in outdoor sporting activities likecamping, sailing, hiking, etc.... But for future missions, I want to use APRS fortracking the balloon throughout its flight. In order to do that, I need a HAMpackage of components that I am currently not qualified to provide.

I was hoping to find someone in your club who would interested in joining me asa "Team Member" to oversee and manage the HAM GPS tracking responsibilitiesfor future flights.

What are your thoughts about the best way to get my message out to yourmembership?

Thanks!

Darryl Hedges1578 Hunting Hound LaneBartlett, Illinois 60103

(630) 877­6500darrylray@mac.com

HELP WANTED (Continued)

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For Sale

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Apr 2013 ­ Page 11

WCRA meet the first friday of most months at the First Presbyterian Church inWheaton at 7:30 PM. WCRA was founded in 1948 and continues to be involvedin all facets of Amateur Radio supporting the healthy growth of the hobbythrough diversification and participation.

Our members have always been our most important asset and we would like tosee you join us for our next meeting.Our business meetings are followed by abreak for conversation, coffee, soda pop, and snacks. This is followed by anamateur radio related program. We would like to see you there to share theenthusiasm. If you want to join the WCRA, visit our web site to get theapplication and join us at an upcoming meeting!

WCRA General Membership Meetings

HAMLETTER

Newsletter Address:Kevin Oleniczak0N751 Woods Ave.Wheaton, Illinois 60187eMail: N9JPG.ham@gmail.com

Club Mailing Address:WheatonCommunity Radio AmateursP.O. Box QSLWheaton, Illinois 60189(630) 604­0157wcra@w9ccu.org

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the WheatonCommunity Radio Amateurs is tofurther the art of radiocommunications and electronics bymentoring anyone with likeinterests, participating incommunity events, preparedness inassisting in the event of a disasterwhere other communication modescan fail, while promoting socialcamaraderie among its members.

CQ Hamletter Contributors

I'm excitied to lead the Hamletter and would like it to be an extension of ourclub meetings to help keep the members connected to one another. There aremany amateur radio related activities taking place each month and I encourageyou to take pictures and share a brief note with myself. I'm interested in bothclub organized events and related things you may be doing yourself. Here aresome example ideas to consider: working on your shack, participating in acontest, enhancing or fixing the CSU, working on the repeater, or helping out ata club event. Send me whatever you have and I'll get it added.

Kevin ­ N9JPG

Well I hope everyone has fun at the club picnic and of course I'll remind everyoneof the deadline for the next Hamletter­ August 22nd. I have just a few requests ofyou when it comes to your submissions.

First of all I’m willing to accept anything that is club and/or ham radio related butinclusion in the Hamletter will depend upon the space I have and the importance ofthe article submitted. (For example an article about our Hamfest might go in beforean article about a club member on a DXpedition). Please try and get yoursubmissions in by the deadline otherwise I might not be able to include it in the nextedition of the Hamletter. I’ll take the articles in any format you wish to submit andyes, I would love to have lots and lots of submissions from you, my fellow clubmembers. If you have any questions about the Hamletter contact me atm2e1990@gmail.com Or call me at (630)222­9732

WCRA meets on the first Friday of the month most months at First PresbyterianChurch in Wheaton IL at 7:30 p.m. The club was founded in 1948 andcontinues to be involved in all facets of Amateur Radio supporting the healthygrowth of the hobby through diversification and participation.

Our members have always been our most important asset and we would like tosee you join us for our next meeting. Our business meetings are followed by abreak for conversation, coffee, soda pop, and snacks. This break is followed byan amateur radio related program. We would like to see you there to share theenthusiasm. If you want to join WCRA, visit our website at www.w9ccu.org toget the application to join us at an upcoming meeting.

Oct 2013,Pg 10

WCRA meets on the First Friday of every month most months at First Presbyterian Church inWheaton Illinois at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at the intersection of Jefferson and Ellisin Wheaton. The club was founded in 1948 and continues to be involved in all facets ofAmateur Radio supporting the healthy growth of the hobby through diversification andparticipation.

Our members have always been our most important asset and we would like to see you join usfor our next meeting. Our business meetings are always followed by a break where lightrefreshments are served. The break is followed by a program about an amateur radio relatedsubject. We would like to see you there to share the enthusiasm. If you would like moreinformation about the club or would like to join check our website at www.w9ccu.org to get anapplication. You can also check us our on our Facebook page.

CLUB OFFICERS­

President­Kevin Oleniczak (N9JPG)Vice President­Peter Richey (N9HDW)Secretary­ Ken Kwasniewski (N9HQ)Treasurer­Carol Schroeder (KB9FYL)

Property Custodian­Dale Kwarta (NJ9E)

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Jim, Jim Jim where would I be without you! Jim Ward (W9DHX) went wellabove and beyond for the February Hamletter this month. In addition to hisusual QST review article he also covered Hamfest for me in a big way (both asreporter and photographer). I wish I could have been there; it looked like somuch fun. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t there to help methis month. Thank you, thank you so much.Of course if you want to get something in to the Hamletter you can always emailme at m2e1990@gmail.com The deadline for the March issue will be February21st 2014.Looking forward to hearing from you next monthMary TuohyKC9IJO Hamletter Editor.

Feb 2014 pg 16

Well, another issue is finally out. I hope you found this issue is informative.Remember the deadline for the April Hamletter is March 21st. Any current andwould be board candidates out there who may wish to publish an article in theHamletter should keep that date in mind. To submit an article to the AprilHamletter please email me at m2e1990@gmail.com