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A recent conversation with a ham returning to the area led to the discussion of HF Radio and living in an apartment or an HOA (Home Owner Association).  These living situations can pose a challenge for amateur radio enthusiasts due to space limitations and rules. However, there are still several good antenna options available for HF operations some of this may be permanent and may be temporarily setup on a per use basis.  Products and manufacturers mentioned in this areticle are not recommendations, just easy to find examples of that type of antenna.

Special Event Station K9Y: Celebrating the return of the 2021 IL State Fair

Operating from home locations, K9Y was on the air throughout the run of the 2021 Illinois State Fair, August 12-22, 2021. All amateur radio operator were welcome to participate from their own ham shack using their own radios.  Three operators took part in the event; J. Mitch Hopper – K9ZXO, Chuck Hopper – K9PLX, and Roger Whitaker – K9LJB. 

On may 1, 2021 the SVRC club members in conjunction with IEMA, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, will participate in a simulated Emergency Test, or SET.  The point of this particular training centers on a potential earthquake on the New Madrid and Wabash Valley fault lines in southern Illinois. To promote and explain the activity, the SVRC produced a short HD video called, “Amateur Radio Prepares for the Worst: May 1, 2021 Simulated Emergency Training”.

Binary Theory 101: A Really Basic Explanation

Modern Amateur radio incorporates digital computing systems like never before. The word “Binary” is tossed about freely with sometimes little understanding of what a binary numbering system is or how binary mathematics actually works.  This elementary video helps explain how a group of solid state elements can apply basic binary math to perform a function.  We hope this five-minute video helps remove some of the mystery from digital electronics.

During the week of April 7 to the 14th, 2020, the Sangamon Valley Radio Club sponsored a special event amateur radio station. The station is issued a special call-sign by the FCC which is only good for the time of the event. World-wide, amateur stations enjoy making contacts with stations that are only on the air for short periods of time. This spring, K9L was formed and tasked with remembering the assassination of Abraham Lincoln 155 years ago.

Thanks in large part to Ben Kiningham, a massive collection of over 2,100 historical photos of the SVRC and related projects is now available to anyone!  These photos are of club activities, private ham shacks, hamfests, radios, tours, sponsored events, faces, faces, and more faces!  These photos have been sitting in a file collecting dust for a long, long time and have now been digitized and compiled on a single DVD.

Who knows - maybe you'll see a younger version of yourself. I did!

Here’s how you can get yours for a small donation!

FOXHUNTING / ARDF 101