Category: BandBits

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

First off, Happy Halloween!

I just wanted to let you know the repeater committee has been doing some amazing things. The .075 antenna is better and our two repeaters are linked! stay tuned!

Now, into November we go, with elections and time changes. Good luck changing all your clocks and go check those smoke detectors batteries!

Most importantly, go vote!

Speaking of elections, PAARC will be having our club elections very soon. Please be sure to consider joining the board in one of the roles. More informaton at out November meeting.

In other personal news to pass along, I just completed my fourth chemo session and so far things are still going well. Desired results are being seen!

Enjoy your radios!

Ben, KD9RYH

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – October 3, 2024

7:01 Ben calls meeting to order via Zoom

7:02 Ben calls for Treasurer’s report. Darren give report.

7:05 Ben calls for motion to approve Treasurer’s report. Rich motions and Tanya seconds. Motion is approved.

7:05 Ben calls for Midwest SuperFest report. Darren reports.

7:11 Ben calls for motion to approve Midwest SuperFest report. Rob motions and Tanya seconds. Motion is approved.

7:12 Ben calls for the Repeater report. Tom reports.

7:16 Ben calls for Activities Committee report. Rich reports.

7:18 Ben asks for old business. Old business is discussed.

7:23 Ben asks for new business. New business is discussed.

7:29 Ben calls for motion to adjourn. Rich motions and Jake seconds. Meeting adjourns.

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Membership Meeting – October 8

The meeting was called to order by President Ben Knapp at 7:09 p.m. at the Bartonville American Legion.

The Treasurer’s Report was not available.

Midwest Superfest: It was reported that Midwest Superfest cleared approximately $3,000 in net profit. More details will be available at the November meeting.

Repeaters: Tom Hunt reported that all the hardware is in place and has been configured. It is hoped that we can link the .85 and the .075 repeaters possibly as early as next week. Steve, KD9AER adjusted the squelch on the repeater input. Preliminary indications are that this adjustment helped the repeater performance. More work needs to be done.

Old Business: The Red Cross building has been sold, and we need to remove the tower and antenna as soon as possible.

There being no further business, Mark, W9WGN made a motion to adjourn/second by Ron, N0XOH. The meeting was adjorned at 7:15 p.m., followed by a presentation on Numbers Stations from Scott, K9XJT.

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REPEATER UPDATE

On Friday, October 25, significant work was done on the Groveland (W9UVI 147.075) tower. The tower work was generously provided by Noize Communications. The antenna at 180 feet was thoroughly checked, including sweeping the transmission line and inspecting the connectors. Prior to this, we had been using the lower antenna at 160 feet. The higher antenna is more desireable, so we made the switch.

The Repeater Committee also made several adjustments to the settings on the repeater, and upgraded the computer. These changes improved the coverage (mainly in low terrain) and improved the receive capability of the repeater.

In addition, the Committee has been working on linking the W9UVI repeater with the Club’s K9PEO repeater in Glasford operating on 146.85 (output). For those not familiar with linked repeaters, this is common around the country with one or more repeaters networked together to combine coverages for broader service. When you key up one of our repeaters, you will be heard on the other repeater. It’s a two way system. The .85 repeater will provide better coverage, especially in areas south of Peoria.

This is still a work in progress, and there may be occasional disruptions in the link between the two as we continue to make adjustments in the system. Let us know of your experiences with the linked repeaters.

We appreciate the extensive research, hard work and many hours put in by Steve, KD9AER and Jake, K9LE on both of these projects.

Tom Hunt, W8NWG
Trustee

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PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

November 6, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
November 13, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
November 20, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272
Hamshack Hotline 6103049

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OCTOBER NET LOGS

10/6
KD9RYH K9LE KD9QQU W9WGN K0GSH KC9IH KD9YPM K9XJT K9HJZ K9TNT NM0O N9NDF KD9PXZ W8NWG KE9BMA N9WFT K9RCS KD9JXR KD9WVP KD9NYE KE9BMC KE9AON KD9VAN WW9DLM KD9STL WF9E KE9AOJ K9CEW Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

10/13
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE W9WGN KD9IBC K9HJZ KC9IH NP2WJ KD9YPM KD9TEG N9NDF W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR KD9VAN KE9BMA N9WFT W8NWG KE9BMC KD9AER KD9HZS KD9WVP KB9ATO K9RCS KD9STL WW9DLM Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

10/20
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE KD9HZZ W9WGN KD9IBC W8NWG NP2WJ K9HJZ KC9IH K9RCS W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR NM0O KE9BMC KD9PXZ KD9VAN N9WFT KD9ANU KD9ZKZ K9CT KD9STL KE9AOJ WW9DLM KE9BMA N9NDF WF9E KD9AER KD9WVP KD9WLD KF7ZWJ W9WTF KD9QQU KE9APN KD9HZS N9PSU N9ASP K9CEW K9QZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

10/27
KD9RYH W8NWG KD9HZZ KD9ANU K9LE K9XJT W9WGN WS9J NM0O NP2WJ KD9IBC K9HJZ KC9IH KD9NYN W9JDP N9NDF KE9BMA KD9UIM KD9AER KB9ATO K0GSH W9WAS KD9ZKZ N9WFT N9ASP KD9NYE KD9VLZ KD9TZU WF9E K9RCS KD9JXR KE9BLJ KD9STL KD9QQU KD9WVP KD0PXZ KE9AOJ KD9VAJ KD9WLD N9NCS KD9YER K9TNT Submitted by KD9DBQ 73 

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NOVEMBER CLUB EVENTS

November 5 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

November 6 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

November 12 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: Understanding propagation charts – Thom Beebe, ARRL – Bartonville American Legion Hall, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville.

November 13 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

November 20 – 700 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

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CLUB EMAIL LIST

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

THANK YOU ALL!
That was an amazing Midwest Superfest!
I wish I could tell you how proud I am to be president of such an amazing group of hams. Thank you to all the unsung heros and helpers. Thank you to all that just came out. And the biggest thank you to Darren for being the chairman

We will be having elections coming up soon. If you would like to be on the board, or help out with anything please let a board member know

Be sure to check out our new YouTube page (link) as well as Discord and Facebook pages, and as always, check the w9uvi.org page for all kinds of great information including when and where all the meetings are. Don’t forget, our next meeting will be October 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Bartonville. Hope to see you all there!

73’s
Ben KD9RYH

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – September 3, 2024 via Zoom

7:21 Ben calls meeting to order

7:22 Ben calls for Treasurer’s report. Darren reports.

7:26 Ben calls for motion to approve Treasurer’s report. Jake motions and Tanya seconds. Motion is approved.

7:27 Darren announces that there is official club paperwork that needs a secretary signature.

7:27 Jake offers to resign as Repeater Chairman and offer himself to be appointed to the open secretary position.

7:27 Board begins discussion of potentially appointing Jake as Secretary.

7:34 Ben accepts Jake’s resignation as Repeater Chairman and appoints Jake as Secretary via presidential decree.

7:34 Ben calls for Midwest SuperFest report. Darren reports.

7:43 Ben calls for motion to approve Midwest SuperFest report. Jake motions and Rich seconds. Motion is approved.

7:51 Ben calls for the Repeater Chairman report. Jake reports.

7:52 Ben calls for Activities Committee report. Rich reports.

7:55 Darren provides updates on the schedule of events for the setup for the upcoming Midwest SuperFest.

8:00 Ben calls for motion to adjourn. Rob motions and Rich seconds. Meeting adjourns.

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Membership Meeting – September 19, 2024 – Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe

The meeting was called to order by President Ben Knapp at 7:05 p.m.

Midwest Superfest chair Darren Weir went over information for this weekend’s Midwest Superfest, including immediate tasks at hand.

Tom Hunt gave a brief update on the repeater situation, including linking the .075 and .85 repeaters. The plan will be impemented in the weeks following Midwest Superfest. There was also a disucssion on getting a tower climber to check the antennas and the repeater receiving system.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm.

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MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

Well, that’s a wrap for Midwest Superfest 2024. I would like to thank all who helped out with getting it set up as well as those who helped during the event and tearing down. IT TAKES A TEAM TO DO THIS AND I THINK WE HAVE A GOOD ONE.

We had lots of great comments this year on a great Midwest Superfest and some ideas for next year. Planning has already started for 2025 Midwest Superfest as we will hold the ARRL Central Division Convention as well as the Illinois Convention. Thom Beebe will be at our club meeting Nov. 12th to do a forum on understanding propagation charts, as the weather kept people from showing up early for the forum Sunday morning.

I will get the rafle report turned in here soon and apply for next year’s raffle license so we can get tickets printed for next year. We had lots of comments this year on how quick people got their tickets and placards.

Our next Midwest Superfest meeting will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 22nd on Zoom. As of right now we will not have a Midwest Superfest meeting in November or December to give time to redo all the letters and get our playbook redone also. If anything changes it will be posted.

THANKS EVERYONE
Darren Weir KD9HZZ
Midwest Superfest Chairman

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PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

October 2, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
October 9, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
October 16, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272
Hamshack Hotline 6103049

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SEPTEMBER NET LOGS

9/1
KD9HZZ KD9RYH KD9ANU W9WGN KD9YPM K9HJZ KC9IH W9JDP NM0O KD9PXZ KD9IVV N9WFT KD9WVP KD9ZKZ KD9JXR KD9AER KD9QOB KE9AOJ KD9STL KD9VAN KB9ATO N9NDI KD9YER KB9OJS K9XJT Submitted by W8NWG 73

9/8
KD9HZZ KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE KE9BAQ WF9E K9XJT W9WGN KD9VAN KC9IH KD9TEG K9HJZ KD9YPM KD9IBC W8NWG K9RCS KD9IVV KD9WVP K9QJ KD9AER KE9AON N9ASP W9JDP KD9STL KD9PXZ KD9YWB N9NDF KD9NYE KD9ZKZ NM0O KD9JXR N9WFT W9DAY KD9QQU K9CEW KR9AOJ KD9YER WW9DLM W9GLO KB9ATO K9UQF Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

9/15
KD9HZZ KD9RYH KD9ANU W9WGN KD9IBC KD9VAN KD9TEG NP2WJ KC9IH K9HJZ K9XJT W9JDP KD9PXZ N0XOH KB9ATO KD9IVV W8NWG KD9AER K9QJ KD9ZKZ N9WFT KE9AOJ KD9YWB KD9YER K9QZ N9NDF KD9STL WF9E KD9JXR KD9WVP W9DLM KD9VRW KD9QQT N9GZ K9RCS Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

9/22
KD9RYH K9LE KD9ANU W8NWG K9XJT W9JDP KD9IBC W9WGN KC9IH KD9YPM K9HJZ KD9TEG K9TNT N0XOH KD9IVV KD9AER N9NDF N9WFT KD9JXR KD9PXZ AA9MK KB9YYD KE9AON WF9E KD9VAN KB9ATO KD9QOB N9CS KF7ZWJ KD9ZKZ KD9NYE W9DAY KD9YER K9RCS N9ASP KD9STL KB9OGS K9UQF KB9UMT Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

9/29
KD9ANU K9XJT K9LE W8NWG W9WGN K9HJZ NP2WJ KD9VAN KC9IH W9JDP K9TNT N9WFT N9NDF K9QZ KD9PXZ KD9ERS KF7ZWJ KD9AES N9CS KD9QZ KD9STL K9RCS K9EOJ KD9RD WW9DLM KD9QQU KD9NYE KD9DBQ KD9YER KD9JXR K9CEW WF9E Submitted by KD9RYH 73

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OCTOBER CLUB EVENTS

October 1 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

October 2– 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

October 8 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: “Numbers Stations” – Bartonville American Legion Hall, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville.

October 9 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

October 16 – 700 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

October 19 – 12:00 noon – FCC License Testing: Location Change: Hopedale Community Center, 101 East Main Street, Hopedale – FRN Required. Bring two forms of identification and a copy of your license (if upgrading). Testing Fee: $15

October 22 – 7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest meeting on Zoom

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CLUB EMAIL LIST

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s time for the MIDWEST SUPERFEST! September 21 and 22 at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe.

I cant tell you how excited I am for this years Superfest. there is so much work yet to do and we need your help! All current club members get free enty to the Superfest and the plan is to use the hamclub online, so be sure to make sure your dues are paid!

Tickets with raffle stubs are available at the gate or online. We have amazing door prizes, forums and all the great stuff and treasures to look over. Don’t miss it!
Please be sure to come out and help setup and run the event, there will be lots to do and it’s always a great time.

This months club meeting will be held on site on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 at 7 pm, and I hope to see you there for that as well.

Hope to see you all on the radio if not in person. we had a great time last year and expecting this year to be even better! Let’s grow this club!

On a personal note, I’ve started chemothepary and so far, it’s going well enough but i’m expecting it to be a long haul fight.

73’s
KD9RYH
Prez Ben

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – 8/6/2024

The meeting was called to order at 7:09 pm on Zoom

Board Members Present: Ben Knapp KD9RYH, Tom Hunt W8NWG, Rob Herrin KD9DVQ, Tanya Knapp KD9YPM, Darren Weir KD9HZZ,Jake Walters K9LE, Rich Schmidt K9RCS
Guests: Steve Grob KD9AER, Casey Kerchner KC9IH

JULY MINUTES
Read and Approved

TREASURERS REPORT
Read and Approved

OLD BUSINESS
No Old Business Reported

NEW BUSINESS
Annual Report needs to go to State of Illinois, and will require sending a Check for the Filing Fee.

REPEATER REPORT
Antenna Issues continue. It might be as simple as a Part Replacement up on the Tower. Test and Trouble Shooting planned. A Tower Climber may be needed to resolve the Antenna issue, but it may be possible to share that expense next time he works on the Tower. The removal of the D-Star Antenna and Feed Line was discussed, and it is currently being borrowed by another user. RPT and EchoLink Linking Hardware will use different Hardware than originally planned, and at a slightly higher cost. The planned Equipment will be able connect to HamShack Hotline. The Link Budget was increased from $300 to to $500, Motion by Tom, Second by Darren.

HAMFEST REPORT
Ticket & Flea Market orders are coming in, and Darren will have Tickets at the 8/13 Meeting for Club Members. HamFest Signs are Ordered, and Flag Holders being made. Golf Cart needs and procurement finalized. Flea Market Paint and Marking determined. Table Order Verified with A-Z, Table Cover is in, Porta-Potty’s on Track, and have Received more Door Prizes. Everything is progressing satisfactorily.

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
Jake reported Membership has increased to 63 from 50 since earlier this year. The Discord Site is working satisfactory and gaining use and users. HamShack Hot was discussed, and will have a Presentation at the 8/13 Meeting. POTA Activation discussion continues with additional information coming soon.

There being no further business, Tom made a Motion, Seconded by Rich, and the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Submittted by Casey Kerchner – KC9IH 73

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Membership – August 13

KD9RYH calls meeting to order. 7:13 pm.

KD9RYH calls for the Repeater Report. K9Le delivers the report and details the progress made on linking the repeaters and adding a ClearNode Allstar/Digital node to the Groveland (W9UVI) repeater.

KD9RYH calls for the Midwest SuperFest report. Darren details the sequence of events for setting up Midwest SuperFest in September. He reports updates on the rental of golf carts, and porta-johns. He updates the status on vendors and flea market tables rented. He then solicits members to volunteer to work various jobs at the event.

KD9RYH reminds the membership in attendance that a membership with PAARC, in good standing, provides the member with free access to Midwest SuperFest. KD9DBQ proposes that the free access information be shared on the PAARC Discord server

KD9RYH details the benefits of the PAARC Discord and the differences between it and the PAARC Facebook page.

KD9RHY opens the floor for questions about the Midwest SuperFest report
A member asks a question about the availability of camping at the Midwest SuperFest venue. Darren explains the camping accommodations including the power availability for recreational vehicles. The membership begins a group discussion of past Midwest SuperFest camping experiences

KD9RYH reminds the membership of upcoming board of directors elections and the possibility of open seats for the treasurer, secretary, and potentially the president depending on the status of KD9RYH’s health at the time of election.

Rich Holtman – KD9ANU (ARES Coordinator) announces that he has completed and submitted a grant request with the ARRL which would fund ARRL speakers to come to our Midwest SuperFest and do presentations.

KD9RYH announces that the September membership meeting will be at Three Sisters Park, in Chillicothe, which is the venue for Midwest Superfest. It will be held on Thursday September 20th at 7 pm.

KD9HZZ announces the proposed Midwest SuperFest forum speaker roster as well as the schedule of non-forum events.
KD9RYH calls for additional members’ questions or comments. KD9ANU makes a request of the membership for a donation of a WiFi router to be used at the ARES Bunker. Scott – K9XJT agrees to make the donation.

A member asks about the website saying that club membership dues are required to be paid by December 31st. K9LE replied that the info was old and apologized for the oversight on changing it. He reminded the membership that dues are required to be paid on a member’s club anniversary date and that HamClubOnline is utilized to send automated reminders to each member.

KD9RYH moves to adjourn the meeting. K9LE seconds. The meeting adjourns at 7:25 pm

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MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

Midwest Superfest is three weeks away, Who’s ready? I still have tickets for some club members. You can still get them ahead of time and save some money. If you have your tickets already and have not paid for them please do so before Midwest Superfest. Any tickets not paid for will not win any door prizes.

We still have open spots for volunteer gate sale, shuttle driver and traffic director. Thursday the 19th we will start laying out the flea market area around 9am, and I hope to see everyone there to help get this done. Indoor tables will be on site Thursday evening or Friday morning. Club meeting will be Thursday the 19th at 7 pm, I will have my grill so bring something to cook.

Don’t forget, we will have dinner dinner at Grecian Gardens in Chilicothe Saturday night at 7pm. Let me know if you plan on being there.

Darren

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PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

September 4 ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
September 11, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
September 18, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272
Hamshack Hotline 6103049

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AUGUST NET LOGS

8/4
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE W9WTF K9XJT KD9VAN K9HJZ KD9TEG W9WGN KD9JXR N9NDF W8NWG N9WFT KD9PXZ KB9YYD KD9ZKZ W9JDP K9QZ KB9ATO KD9YPM KD9WVP KD9YER KD9AER KE9AOJ KD9STL WF9E KD9QOB N9CS K9RCS K9CEW N9ASP KD9IBC KC9IH Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

8/11
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE W8NWG W9WGN K9XJT K9HJZ KD9WRX NP2WJ KD9IBC KC9IH K9QZ WZ0CX KD9HZZ N0XOH K9TNT NM0O N9NDF KD9ZKZ KD9PXZ W9JDP KD9IVV KD9AER KB9SF KD9NYE KE9AOJ N9WFT K9CEW WF9E K9RCS KD9YWB KD9YPM KD9JXR KD9QOB KD9QQU KD9YER N9ASP K9UQF KD9WL

8/18
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE K9XJT KD9IBC WZ0CX K9HJZ W8NWG KD9VAN KD9WRX KC9IH W9WGN K9TNT KD9JXR KB9ATO NM0O KD9RJH KD9WVP KD9ZKZ KD9PXZ KD9YWB KD9IVV KD9AER KE9AON N9NDF W9JDP KD9STL KD9QQU KD9YPM KD9AOJ K9CEW K9RCS K9UQF N9ASP KE9AOR N9GZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

8/26
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE W9WGN K9HJZ KD9IBC NP2WJ KD9YPM KC9IH K9XJT KE9AON AD9W W9JDP KD9JXR W8NWG KD9IVV N9NDF KD9AER KD9WLD W9WTF KD9PXZ KD9RJH N9WFT KD9YWB KB9ATO KD9ZKZ K9RCS KD9YER K9QZ KD9QQU KD9STL KB9OGS KE9AOJ KD9NYE N9GZ K9UQF N9ASP Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

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SEPTEMBER CLUB EVENTS

September 3 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

September 4 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

September 11 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

September 18 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Meeting – Details TBA

September 19 Note change in meeting time and location – Membership Meeting – Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe – Superfest

September 21-22 MIDWEST SUPERFEST – Three Sisters Park, Chillicothe – More details

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CLUB EMAIL LIST

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Somehow, it’s already August and it’s getting to be crunch time for the 2024 Midwest Superfest!

I’m really excited for this year’s Superfest! We have a great thing going and we are growing. We are going to need help pulling it off, but i havee faith this will be an amazing event.

We have a full line up of speakers, vendors and flea markets stuff going on. Don’t forget that camping is available, and entry to Midwest Superfest is free for all paid up club members! But, if you need tickets, or want to get entered into the raffles, you will need to purchase those tickets, and that can be done in person at any meeting, online from teh club page or reach out to any of the board members.

Speaking of Board Members, elections are going to coming up before you know it and we still have open positions.

And on a personal note, i want to let everyone know that i’ve just been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. And for now at least, I intend on keeping up my duties as your club president.

73’s,
Ben

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – 7/2/2024

The meeting was called to order 7:11 pm on Zoom

Board Members Present: Ben Knapp KD9RYH, Tom Hunt W8NWG, Rob Herrin KD9DBQ, Tanya Knapp KD9YPM, Darren Weir KD9HZZ, Scott Tranchitella K9XJT, Rich Schmidt K9RCS

Guests Rich Holtman KD9ANU, Casey Kerchner KC9IH and Steve Grob KD0AER

Treasurers Report

Repeater Report: Steve Grob talked about linking the  .85 repeater with .075 repeater. We will use Echolink to link them.  The repeaters have only one port each. To solve the problem, we will build an Echolink “station” using a Raspberry Pi attached to a transceiver. The total components cost will be about $200-300. A motion was was made by Tom Hunt/Second Darren Weir to authorize the expenditure. Motion passed.

Superfest Report: Ticket orders are coming in. We’re getting a table cover for the club table.  A second round of emails have gone out to vendors. 

With the help of Thom Beebe, Rich Holtman is working on an ARRL club grant to bring in ARRL guest speakers for the 2025 District Convention, hosted by Superfest. Tom Hunt will assist in the grant narrative. The application deadline is at the end of July. Motion by Rob Herrin/Darren Weir second  to approve going forward with the grant application. Motion passed.

We need to make speaker brackets for the PA system.

Activities Committee: Rich Schmidt did a Field Day recap. 17 people signed the log sheet.  There was a lot of positive feedback. Rich would like to do a POTA activation over the summer.

Old Business None

New Business – Rich Holtman discussed Emergency Expo July 25. 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

_______________________

Membership – 7/9/2024

Ben, KD9RYH called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm at the Bartonville American Legion Hall.

K9ND has a equipment and a tower to give away. Just remove the equipment.

Minutes of the June meeting were accepted on a motion by Jake, seconded by Jon

Treasurer’s Report: None

Old Business:
– Jake talked about linking the .85 amd .075 repeaters.
– Field Day Review: According to Ben, “Nobody died.”
– Midwest Sperfest tickets are available to any club member that did not receive them.

New Business:
– Rich, KD9ANU talked about the club grant for the ARRL to bring speakers to Midwest Superfest in 2025

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 pm

Scott, K9XJT did a demonstration and talk about Mesh Net.

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MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

Midwest Superfest is less than two months away, who’s ready for it? If you have gotten your tickets please get them paid for, if you still need tickets I will be at the meetings and you can get them from me or just reach out to me.

We are still getting orders for Flea market spots and a couple more vendors. If you need to get a spot you can reserve them on our website www.w9uvi.org

Here is the schedule for getting set up and for the weekend. We need everyone’s help to make this happen and still have a few spots till fill on a couple of the sign up sheets, I will have those at the meetings also.

Schedule of Events
Thursday September 19th
● 10:00am – Marking of flea market spaces.

Friday September 20th
● 9:00am – Indoor vendor table setup.
● 10:00am (as close as we can get to it) – Indoor Vendor setup begins.
● 12:00pm – Flea market vendor setup begins.
● 7:00pm – Setup ends.
● 10:00pm – Gates close for the night.
● Port-a-potty delivery sometime during the day. (4)
● Golf cart delivery sometime during the day.

Saturday, September 21st
● 7:00am – Gates open – indoor vendors can get in Pavilion.
● 8:00am – Pavilion Opens
● 8:30am – K9LA; Solar Cycle 25 Propagation
● 9:00am – Hourly drawings begin.
● 10:00am – DXCC Card Checking – Mark Suhs W9WGN – Pavilion
● 10:00am – KB9VRW; Satern
● 11:30am – K9CT; DXepeditions
● 12:00pm – FCC License Testing in Museum
● 1:00pm – ARRL Sesion
● 2:30pm – Parks on the Air forum
● 3:45pm – Saturday 50/50 drawing
● 4:00pm – Pavilion closes
● 7:00pm – Flea market closes
● 10:00pm – Gates close for the night.

Sunday, Sept 22nd
● 7:00am – Gates open – indoor vendors can get in Pavilion.
● 8:00am – Pavilion Opens
8:30am – W9RY; understanding propagation charts
● 9:00am – Hourly Drawings begin.
● 10:00am – Go-Kit Competition in Museum
● 10:00am – KT9Y; DMR Forum
● 11:30 – WA9SWW; ARES Forum
● 12:30pm – 50/50 drawing
● 1:00pm GRAND Prize Drawing

We will have a dinner Saturday at 7:00 pm Grecian Gardens in Chillicothe. Email Darren, KD9HZZ if you are interested in attending.

______________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

August 7, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
August 14, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
August 21, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

______________________________________

JULY NET LOGS

7/7
KD9RYH K9XJT KD9ANU K9LE KD9WRX KD9VAN KD9TEG K9HJZ NP2WJ KC9IH KD9YPM W9WGN W9JDP K9TNT KD9PXZ KB9ATO W9WTF N9NDF KD9IVV NM0O K9QJ KD9AER N9WFT N0XOH K9RCS KD9YWB KD9MPI KD9YER KD9STL K9UQF KD9HZZ KD9JXR KE9AOJ N9ASP KD9QQU K9CEW Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

7/14
KD9ANU K9LE W9WGN KD9TEG W9JDP K9XJT W8NWG K9HJZ KC9IH K9TNT W9WTF KB9ATO N0XOH KD9IVV KD9AER N9WFT K9QJ KD9RJH KB9SF KD9IBC NM0O KB9GEG KD9STL K9UQF N9ASP KE9AOJ N9NDF W9FYR WF9E Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

7/21
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE W8NWG W9WGN KD9VAN KD9YPM KD9TEG KD9IVV KC9IH K9HJZ KD9JXR W9JDP N9NDF NM0O KD9PXZ KD9AER N9WFT KD9ZKZ KD9VIN KD9YER WW9DLM KD9RJH N9ASP K9XJT KB9ATO K9QJ K9RCS WF9E K9UQF KD9STL N9CS NP2WJ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

7/28
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9LE K9XJT KD9YPM KB9SF K9HJZ W9WGN KD9YWB KC9IH KD9QQU NP2WJ K9TNT N9NDF KD9AER KD9IVV KD9PXZ N9WFT W8NWG KD9RJH K9RCS KD9ZKZ KD9ERS KE9AOJ KD9STL KD9JXR KB9ATO N9CS KD9YER KD9WLD N9ASP KD9WRX KD9TEG N9GZ N9SL KC9GGC KB9OMS Submitted by KD9DBQ

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AUGUST CLUB EVENTS

August 6 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

August 7– 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

August 13 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: details TBA

August 14 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

August 17 – 12:00 noon – FCC License Testing: Morton Knights of Columbus, 616 W. David Street, Morton, IL. FRN Required. Bring two forms of identification and a copy of your license (if upgrading). Testing Fee: $15

August 21 – 700 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

August 27 – 7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest meeting

______________________________________

CLUB EMAIL LIST

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Thank you for everyone that came out to our field day event. We had lots of fun, made a bunch of contacts and even loaded up a section of fence to use as an antenna! We were able to make quite a few good contacts with a fence antenna! We even had some non hams on the air with our stations. Check out the pictures below.

Looking fowards into July, the ARES group and weather spotters will be out at the Emergency Expo Thursday, July 25, 2024 at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie 4-7pm. Hope to see your there.

Before you know it, it will be time for Midwest Superfest! Tickets can be purchased online at our website, or get a table and sell some old stuff!

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and being safe.

73’s, KD9RYH

MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – June 4, 2024

The meeting called to order at by President Ben Knapp at 7:05 p.m. on Zoom

Board members present: Ben Knapp KD9RYH, Tom Hunt W8NWG,, Darren Weir KD9HZZ, Tanya Knapp KD9YPM, Scott Tranchitella K9XJT, Jake Walters K9LE, Rich Schmitz K9RCS, Rob Herrin, KD9DBQ.

Treasurer’s Report:  Tanya reported that as of June 4, our account balances are as follows:  Checking $2,687.34; Savings $3,376: Money Market $7,677; Paypal $262.93 and Square $379.72. Checks were written to Willife Prairie Park $250 (Field Day Pavillion) and Darren Weir $817.45 (Midwest Superfest Grand Prize). The report was accepted on a motion from Rob, seconded by Scott.

Membership Committee Report: Jake talked about two people who took the exam and did not yet get their FCC callsigns. Advised to stay in touch with Bob Bush.

Midwest Superfest Report:  Darren reported that he is working on additional signs and sending more emails to vendors. Tickets will be available available at Club meeting. Some were mailed out to members.

Repeater Committee Report: Tom reported that Jake and Steve working  on Linking .85 and .075. Getting equipment  together.

Field Day: Rich, K9RCS (Activities Director) in charge of Field Day.

Old Business

Still looking for someone to take Secretary job and to assist Adam. A notice will be sent to members via Ham Club Online and on Facebook

The tower at Red Cross building needs to come down. Discuss organizing a work party.

There being no further business, the meeting  adjourned  at 7:36 p.m.

_______________________

Membership – June 11, 2024

In attendance were the following, in no particular order: NM0O, W9WGN, W8NWG, KD9ZKZ, KD9AER, KD9YWB, W9JDP, K9RCS, KD9PXZ, K9LE, KD9HZZ, K9QZ, K9XJT, KD9ANU, KT9Y, N0XOH.

At 7:00 PM, the meeting was called to order by Vice President Scott Tranchitella, K9XJT, filling in for Ben Knapp, KD9RYH, who was absent.

Based on a motion by Jim Polson, W9JPD, and seconded by Darren Weir, KD9HZZ, the minutes from the last meeting in May were approved as published in Bandbits, based on a voice vote by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer’s Report was read by Tom, W8NWG for Tanya KD9YPM, who was absent. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Brett Buchanan, KD9PXZ, and seconded by Jake Walters, K9LE, which was also approved based on a voice vote by the members present.

Repeater Report – Tom Hunt, W8NWG, reported that Jake Walters, K9LE, and Steve Grob, KD9AER, are working on a project to link the 075 and 850 repeaters. A second project we are trying to get going is to place a remote receiver radio out in the NW part of Peoria County to be connected via the Internet to the 075 repeater, thereby increasing the effective range of the 075 repeater, which can be heard out there, but which is hard for transmitting stations to reach that far. This second project may require some expenditures, hope to keep that to less than $500.

SuperFest Chairman’s Report – Darren Weir, KD9HZZ, reported the Tower Electronics will not be a vendor at this year’s SuperFest, rather they will be at the Chicago FM Club Hamfest on Sunday September 22nd. On a positive note, Dennis Smith of Silver Linings and Amateur Accessories has requested 4 tables. Amateur Accessories has been a vendor at prior SuperFests, selling accessories and radios in the past. Tom Beebe has sent info regarding applying for Club Grants from the ARRL to fund SuperFest Forums in future years, don’t have to be a non-profit to obtain such, but the applications need to be submitted by July 26th. Darren also has tickets available if anyone needs more.

Scott K9XJT reiterated a desire to develop a Mesh Net in the area using 5-6 appropriate used Linksys routers and antennas. He further has a desire to hold a 220 Voice Net.

Old Business – None

New Business – None

The Club is still in need of someone to volunteer for the position of Secretary. If you are interested in helping out, please contact any board member.

A Motion to Adjourn the Business part of the meeting was made by Jim Polson, W9JDP, and seconded by Jake Walters, K9LE. This motion passed based on a voice vote by the members present.

The Raffle Drawing was held.

At 7:30 PM, the meeting transitioned to the Program part, where Scott Tranchitella, K9XJT, led a fun demonstration of launching small lines for the purpose of erecting an antenna using an air-powered “potato” launcher. Further, Doug Nelson, KD9TEG showed off his ability to throw an arborist throw weight high into the air and down the field for the same purpose.

Notes taken and submitted by Rich Holtman, KD9ANU

______________________________________

MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

We have some great prizes lined up for this year’s Midwest Superfest. Our grand prize is the Yaesu FT-710 Field 100 watt HF/50 MHz Base/Portable Transceiver, perfect for portable or base station operations.

Our second prize is the BTECH DMR 6×2 handheld. This radio features VHF/UHF (136-174MHz & 400-480MHz, Encryption, GPS, Talker Alias, APRS, Voice Recording and more. The third prize is the Arrow II 146/437 Handheld portable satellite antenna, perfect for satellite QSOs, International Space Station contacts or Fox Hunts. We will draw for these prizes Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m.

In addition, we have a number of other great hourly prizes to be drawn all day Saturday and Sunday morning. They include: a $50 gift certificate from The Wireman, $10, $20 gift certificates from Mastrant; $50 gift certificates from Alpha Antenna; $100 gift certificates from DX Engineering; gift certificates from RT Systems; a MFJ-332S Magnetic Base. MFJ-553 Wood Base Straight Key; MFJ-1778M G5RV Junior antenna; MFJ-108B 24/12 Dual Clocks; MFJ-1717SFZ High Gain 144/440 Flex Antennas; a fourpack of MFJ-700C4 RFI Chokes; MFJ-302 Ear Speaker; and a 1 MFJ-261 Dry Dummy Load (15w avg. 100w peak). Our thanks to these manufactures and retailers for their generous prize donations. We have more coming in, so stay tuned.

Midwest Superfest is less than 3 months away, remember to get your tickets. You have till September 18th to pay for them or return the unsold tickets.

You can reserve your Flea market spots online and also your Indoor Vendor spots.

______________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

July 3, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
July 10, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
July 17, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM
July 25, Emergency Expo, The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, 4:00-7:00 PM (setup before)

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

______________________________________

JUNE NET LOGS

6/2
W9WTF KD9RYH KD9ANU W8NWG KD9WRX KD9IBC K9HJZ KD9TEG KC9IH N9NDF KD9YPM W9WGN N9CS KD9WVP KD9VIN K9TNT KD9JXR KD9YER N0XOH KD9YWB N9WFT KD9AER KD9ZKZ WF9E WW9DLM KD9P K9LE K9RCS KD9MPI KD9AOJ K9UQF KD9STL N9ASP KD9WLD KD9QQU Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

6/9
KD9RYH KD9ANU W9WGN K9HUZ KD9IBC KC9IH KD9YPM NP2WJ W9JDP N9NDF NM0O KD9UJXR N9WFT W8NWG KD9PXZ KD9WLD KD9ZKZ KD9NYI KE9AOJ KB9ATO K9RCS KD9IVV WF9E KD9YWB N9CS K9UQF KD9IBC DK9DBQ KB9ASP DB9STL DB9RUH KD9QQU Submitted by K9LE 73

6/16
​KD9RYH K9LE W9WGN KD9AER KD9WRX NP2WJ KC9IH KD9IVV W9JDP KD9JXR K9QZ KD9PXZ KD9ZKZ N9WFT W9WTF KE9AOJ KD9STL KD9WLD W8NWG KD9YWB KD9MPI N9ASP/AE K9RCS N9NDF KE9AON KD9IBC Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

6/23
KD9RYH K9LE KD9ANU K9XJT KE9AON W9WGN KD9IBC KD9VRW KC9IH KD9MIT K9HJZ KD9TEG KD9YPM W9JDP K9TNT N0XOH NM0O KD9PXZ KB9ATO N9WFT KD9AER KD9ZKZ W8NWG KD9AOJ KD9JXR W9WTF K9QJ N9ASP K9UQF KD9STL KD9WLD N9NDF K9RCS KD9NYE K9CEW N9GZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

6/30
​KD9RYH K9XJT KD9ANU N9ASP W9WGN KD9IBC K9HJZ KC9IH KD9VAN W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR N9NDF KB9ATO NOXOH KD9IVV W8NWG KD9YWB KD9ZKZ KD9AER KD9STL N9WFT K9LE K9RCS KE9AOJ KD9PXZ KD9YER N9CS KE9AOR KD9WLD KD9ERS K9CEW K9UQF K9QZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

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JULY CLUB EVENTS

July 2 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

July 3 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

July 9 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: details TBA

July 10 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

July 25 – Emergency Expo – Shoppes at Grand Prairie – More Information

July 30 – 7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest meeting via Zoom

______________________________________

CLUB EMAIL LIST

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Join us for Field Day, June 22-23, 2024! This year, we will be at Wildlife Prairie Park’s Parkside Pavillion. The Pavillion offers indoor shelter, a kitchen and restsroom facilities. Set up begins at around noon on Saturday, and we’ll be operating through Sunday. We will need help with set up and tear down. Tune in to the Sunday night nets, the Club Facebook page and w9uvi.org for more information and updates

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – May 7

Board member present: Ben Knapp Darren Weir, Rich Schmitz, Tom Hunt, Rob Herrin, Jake Walters

The meeting was called to order by President Ben Knapp at 7:52 p.m.on Zoom.

Committee Reports:

Repeater: Tom Hunt reported that work is progressing on linking the 147.075 an 146.85 repeaters using the same system s the Woodford Cub, In addition, Wdsires-X will be added.

Superfest: Darren Weir reported that Dennis Smith bought Amateur Accessories and will participate as a vendor, selling antennas, power supplies and other accessories. Darren is also working on other potential new vendors. He will be arranging to have portable restrooms in place. Darren will make sure that Superfest Flyers will be available for placement at the Dayton Hamvention later this month.

Old Business: None

New Business: Jake proposed that the club acknowledge and honor Dan Rhodes, N9WFT for his service to the club by mentoring newly licensed hamsk who get on the club repeater for the first time, an activity that he does often. He will be awarded a complimentary club membership. The proposal was approved unanimously.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.

_______________________

Membership Meeting – May 15, 2024, American Legion, Bartonville

In attendance were the following, in no particular order: K9XJT, KD9ANU, K9QZ, W9WGN, KD9PXZ, K9LE, N9CS, W9JDP, NM0O, KD9WVP, KD9ZKZ, KD9YER, KD9TEG, and KB9YYD.

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Scott Tranchitella, K9XJT, at 7:00 PM.

Several Board Members were absent tonight due to unexpected circumstances plus travel to Hamvention in Dayton.

Treasurer’s Report – This report was skipped based on a vote by those present.

SuperFest Chairman’s Report – Rich, KD9ANU, asked everyone to please help out Darren (Chairman), KD9HZZ, when asked or needed, as he needs our full support. Todd, N9CS, reported that Darren plans to confirm prices we have been given for prizes while in Dayton, and will pick-up prizes if better prices exist.

Repeater Chairman’s Report – Jake Walters, K9LE, reported that the team has a preliminary plan to link the 075 and 850 repeaters. They have learned that we cannot run both Echolink and Wires-X simultaneously on these repeaters. Therefore we may link these repeaters using a separate radio and a Raspberry Pi.

A Motion to Adjorn the Business part of the meeting was made by Jim Polson, W9JDP, and seconded by Jake Walters, K9LE. This motion passed.

The meeting transitioned to the Program part, where Scott Tranchitella, K9XJT, led a discussion about Ham Radio Go-Kits. Thanks to Kevin Mennel, KD9YER, and Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, for bringing go-kits for display and discussion.

Notes taken and submitted by Rich Holtman, KD9ANU

______________________________________

MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

Midwest Superfest is getting close, so make sure to get your tickets for the grand prize! Also your flea market spot can be reserved on the web site along with vendor spots.

We still have member’s tickets to pass out. We will have them at all club meetings.

We still need some golf cart shuttle drivers, gate sales and traffic directors for Saturday and Sunday. In addition, we will need volunteers Thursday the 19th so we can lay out the flea market spaces and the 20th helping set up tables. Please let us know if you can help. Email us at w9uvi.paarc@gmail.com.

______________________________________

______________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

June 5, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
June 12, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
June 19, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

______________________________________

MAY NET LOGS

5/5
KD9ANU W9WGN K9HJZ NP2WJ KC9IH KD9TEG N9NDF K9XJT W9JDP K9TNT KB9ATO NM0O N9WFT KD9RJH KD9PXZ N9CS KD9WVP W8NWG KD9JXR KD9STL N9ASP KD9YER K9RCS KD9RYH WF9E KD9YWB KD9AER WW9DLM K9UQF KD9WLD N9GZ KD9LQL KD9NYE KT9Y KE9AOJ WA9BNZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

5/12
KD9RYH KD9ANU W9WGN W8NWG NP2WJ KC9IH KD9WRX K9HJZ K9XJT KB9OGS K9TNT N9NDF KD9JXR KD9IVV KD9PXZ KD9YWB NM0O KD9ERS KD9ZKZ KE9AOJ W9DAY K9RCS KD9AER KD9NYE WW9DLM KD9STL KD9YER WF9E K9TNT N9WFT K9UQF K9CEW N9CS KD9WVP Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

5/19​
KD9RYH KD9ANU W8NWG K9XJT KD9IBC NP2WJ KD9YPM KC9IH W9WGN W9JDP W9WTF K9TNT N9NDF NM0O KD9JXR KB9ATO N9WFT KD9PXZ K9LE KD9YER KD9RJH K9RCS KD9NYE KD9ZKZ KD0AOJ KD9AER K9CEW N9CS KD9WLD KD9STL N9ASP N9SL KD9WVP Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

5/26
KD9RHY W9WGN K9XJT K9HUZ NP2WJ KC9IH KD9WRX KD9YPM KD9YER KD9WLD KD9JXR NM0O KD9KVV KD9PXZ KD9YWB KD9AER N9WFT KD9ZKZ KE9AOJ K9RCS K9UQF KB9ATO N0XOH KD9RJH W8NWG KD9ANU N9CS N9ASP K9CEW W9JDP Submitted by K9LE 73

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JUNE CLUB EVENTS

June 4 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – Zoom

June 5 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

June 11 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: Ham Radio Potato Canon. Get your wire in the air! – Bartonville American Legion, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville. All are welcome.

June 12 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

June 15 – 12:00 noon – FCC License Testing: Morton Knights of Columbus, 616 W. David Street, Morton, IL. FRN Required. Bring two forms of identification and a copy of your license (if upgrading). Testing Fee: $15

June 19 – 700 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

June 22-23: Field Day. Wildlife Prairie Park, Parkside Pavillion. Further details will be announced.

June 25 – 7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest Meeting – Zoom

______________________________________

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MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – April 2, 2024

In attendance via Zoom: Adam (KD9NYE), Rob (KD9DBQ), Scott (K9XJT), Ben (KD9RYH), Tom (W8NWG), Rich (K9RCS), Jake (K9LE), Tanya (KD9YPM), Darren (KD9HZZ), Casey (KC9IH)

7:18p on April 2, 2024, call to order by club president Ben

Treasurer’s report from Tanya:

• $2,337.91 in checking
• $33.92 in savings
• $7657.32 in money market
• $379 in square
• Unable to access PayPal account at this time
• No checks written in last month
• Tanya will be going to CEFCU tomorrow morning to regain access to our account login

Rob makes a motion to accept, Tom seconds. Accepted.

Approval of last month’s meeting minutes:

• Tom makes a motion to accept Bandbits for April, with Darren seconding. All are in favor.

Old business:

• None

New business:

• Ben says that he’d like to see a membership committee formed, along with a web presence committee and an activities committee. Jake especially agrees with the membership and activities committee ideas, since he remembers how difficult it was as a new ham to get going with the club. Darren says that it would spread workloads out, too.
• Ben asks Jake if he’d like to head a membership committee… and he is on board. Ben will also ask the general membership at the next meeting how they’d like to get more involved. Rich says that he’d be happy to work with Jake on the activities committee. Ben reminds all that these committees don’t have to be a specific size, nor is someone only allowed to participate in just one.
• Ben asks Scott if he’d like to lead a learning/teaching committee – and he’s on board. Darren mentions that we have a whole bunch of parts for tape-measure yagis already at the Red Cross.
• Jake mentions really wanting to do a club POTA event soon. We’d need to find some of our bandpass filters to make it easier for more people to operate at the same time. Or maybe we even split up to several area parks simultaneously.
• The committee members and leaders aren’t the same as board members… but it would be a great development path for future club leadership.
• A Discord channel made by one of our club members (Tony, KD9ZXH) has been taking off. 11 people are on it as of today. We should see if he’s interested in being a part of the proposed communications committee. https://discord.gg/mcn6cAkW
• We’re still trying to regain control of w9uvi.org… Wayne, who originally registered the domain for us long ago, will check and see if he still has access and can transfer to us. In the meantime, we have w9uvi.com and w9uvi.net to get us by.
• Deb has stepped down from the Superfest committee, and Adam is stepping down from his secretary role due to time constraints. Former president Justin said a week ago that he’ll be taking a break from the club.

Repeater committee from Tom:

• Tom is still in negotiations with a future repeater site north of Peoria but doesn’t have anything yet to share publicly.
• Jake is hoping to check on how our Glasford repeater site is doing now that we’ve filled up the water in our backup battery, but he hasn’t had a chance yet. Ben thinks he can meet out there tomorrow afternoon with Tom and Jake.

Superfest committee from Darren:

• He’ll call Jason about the other signs we need (50-50, etc.)
• All mailings are ready to go out for flea market spots that are already sold. He’s still trying to get ahold of one guy that only left his name and no other info.
• He’ll deliver Don Bell’s tickets in person and will take more tickets to a Woodford breakfast to sell.
• KD9IPO reached out about doing a presentation at this year’s Superfest. Darren said we had a spot available on Sunday at 10:30 and he said that was fine. It’ll be about different ham awards and the challenges of getting them. Saturday is pretty much filled up with forums and now so is Sunday.
• Sign-up sheets and tickets will be available at our next club meeting.
• Links for Superfest need to be updated on our website due to temporarily changing domain names.

Last note: Ben expresses his gratitude for all the hard work of the board… 7:56 p.m., we adjourn!

• Submitted by Adam Gerik, KD9NYE

_______________________

Membership Meeting – April 9, 2024 Bartonville American Legion

Called to Order at 7:03 p.m. by President Ben Knapp

Roll Call – 23 present

Treasurer’s Report: Expenditures – $155.44 for replacement repeater backup battery; $56 for 501(c)(3) legal fees. Revenue – $305 Deposit; $3,443.77 in Checking; $3,392 in Savings; $7,655.32 in Money Market. Motion to accept Tom Hunt, Second Jake Walters. Passed

Old Business: Ben Knapp addressed rumors from members. He also talked about the web site domain names. We hope to restore w9uvi.org. Currently w9uvi.com and w9uvi.net are now owned by the club and are active. He also disucsssed that the club is working on ZIRS 501 (c)(3) nonprofit status. Finally he asked for membership help with various Board positions and committees.

Committee Reports: Midwest Superfest – Darren Weir brought tickets for distribution to members and sign up sheets for various jobs.
Repeater Committee – Tom Hunt and Jake Walters discussed new battery installation, efforts to link repeaters and the possibility of using the Dunlap Fire Station #2 tower.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m. and turned over to Scott, K9XJT for a demonstration of satellite radio.

__________________________________________________

MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

Our hamfest is about four months away and things are coming together, but we still have members tickets to pass out. We will have them at all club meetings

We need volunteers, including shuttle drivers, gate sales and traffic directors for Saturday and Sunday.

More importantly, we need volunteers Thursday the 19th so we can lay out the flea market spaces and the 20th helping set up tables.

Door prizes are starting to roll in, including items from MFJ, Nat Comm Group, The Wireman, Mastrant, Arrow Antenna, DX Engineering, RT Systems and Baofeng Tech.

There will be a dinner Saturday night at 7pm at Grecian Gardens for all who want to attend, If you plan on coming please send email and let us know.

w9uvi.paarc@gmail.com

____________________________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

May 1, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
May 8, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
May 15, ARES Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

____________________________________________________

APRIL NET LOGS

4/7
KD9RYH W8NWG K9XJT KD9ANU W9WGN KD9QQU KD9VRW K9HJZ KD9YPM KC9IH NP2WJ K9OBI KD9YER W9JDP K9TNT N9NDF KD9PXZ KD9JXR KB9ATO N9WFT KD9IVV KD9AER KD9WVP KD9ZKZ KD9WLD KB9SF KD9SPI KD9STL K9RCS K9LE AA9MK KD9YWB N9GZ KC9ZWR N9ASP KD9MPI KD9WRX KB0OGS N9SL KD9ERS Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

4/14
K9LE W8NWG KD9AER W9WGN K9OBI K9HJZ KD9YPM KD9IBC KC9IH KD9VAN KD9ERS K9TNT W9JDP N9NDF NM0O KD9PXZ KB9ATO KD9IVV KD9JXR KD9RJH N9WFT KD9ZKZ NP2WJ KB9SF KD9WLD KD9YEB WF9E K9RCS KD9WVP KD9MPI W9ODO KD9QQU N9GZ K9QZ N9ATF KD9WRX KD9NYE W9WTF K9UQF KD9STL KD9YER K9QQT Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

4/21
KD9RYH KD9ANU W8NWG K9LE KD9QQU KD9WRX W9WGN WD9EB KD9IBC NP2WJ KD9YPM KC9IH KD9WVP K9XJT K9HJZ K9TNT KD9JXR KB9ATO NM0O KD9PXZ AA9MK N9WFT KD9ZKZ WF9E KD9NYE KD9YWB/AE KB9SE K9QZ KD9WLD/AE KD9STL N9ASP K9UQF KB9SF K9RCS KD9ERS N9GZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

4/28
​K9LE W9WGN K9HJZ NP2WJ KD9HZZ W9JDP K9TNT N9NDF NM0O KD9PXZ AA9MK W8NWG KD9ZXZ KD9AER KD9WLD/AE KD9RJH KD9VIN KC9ZWR KD9QQU KD9WVP N9WFT KD9YWB KD9STL KD9IVV KB9SF KD9JXR K9RCS WF9E KD9IBC K9UQF KB9ATO N9GZ KC9IH K9XJT KD9NYE Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

____________________________________________________

MAY CLUB EVENTS

May 1 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

May 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting – details TBA

May 8 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

May 14 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: TBA – Bartonville American Legion, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville. All are welcome.

May 15 – 700 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

May 28 – 7:00 p.m. – Superfest Meeting – details TBA

Check w9uvi.org for last minute changes or additions

____________________________________________________

CLUB EMAIL LIST

If you would like to be notified by email when BandBits and other club news is posted to the website, click here: email list sign-up to be added to our email distribution list.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello club!

Spring foward… into the darkness?

Hopefully everyone has recovered most of the lost sleep and have replaced your smoke detectors batteries!

This is also a great time of year to make sure your weather radios are ready to go, and be sure to check on your loved ones that they are prepared as well.

We apologize for the loss of the web page this week. We hope to have our original domain name back, but now w9uvi.net and w9uvi.com will work.

And now, the darkness! here comes the eclipse! we have been invited to be at the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Planetarium for the local gathering there.
the event starts at noon, the moon and sun will together at 2pm or so. if you cant be there, be sure to set outside and safely look up!

Looking past that, summer field day plans are starting to be laid out, more on that later.

in the mean time, do your part to keep the bands busy.

~73’s
KD9RYH
Ben

__________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – March 6, 2024

In attendance at Red Cross: Adam (KD9NYE), Ben (KD9RYH), Rob (KD9DQB), Scott (K9XJT), Tanya (KD9YPM), Rich (K9RCS), Darren (KD9HZZ), Tom (W8NWG), Jake via Zoom (K9LE)

Ben calls our board meeting to order at 8:19 p.m. after a presentation on 501(c)3 management from club member Todd Ricca (N9CS)

Tom makes a motion to accept last month’s meeting minutes as published in Bandbits, with Rich AND Scott seconding simultaneously. All are in favor and they are accepted.

Treasurer’s report from Tanya:

• $1,976.41 in checking
• $7,645.36 in money market
• $379.72 in Square
• $1,045.92 in PayPal
• Two checks written since last month: $1,050 to Katie’s Kars for Superfest, $253.54 to Darren for miscellaneous Superfest expenses

Rob makes a motion to accept, and Rich seconds. The report is accepted unanimously.

Old business:

• Darren has heard back from our lawyer. The registered agent is still showing up with the state as former treasurer John Zandowski. It should be Tanya. Ben has started a checklist file of these annual obligations.
• Darren and Todd did inventory of the club assets… Tom would like to confirm our list as trustee. Adam will include that in our shared club Google Drive.
• No other old business.

New business:

• Darren says we need to get started on compiling our passwords, etc for accounts. We need to keep these in a few places to make sure we have continuity.
• Scott asks about access codes for buildings – we don’t need anything new from what we had for the old building.
• Darren says that we will need to take down antennas from our tower at the Red Cross.
• We need to update our club info for our ARRL listing.
• Scott would like to add two people to our training endeavors.

Repeater committee update from Tom:

• Still working on the potential for a new repeater site, but some disappointment. We liked what we saw when going on a site visit… but we haven’t been able to set up a meeting with the person in charge of the site in the past few months. Tom will keep trying to get that meeting arranged.
• We still have the 075 site in Groveland and during high winds on Sunday, the site’s power went out. The generator came online as expected, but the transfer switch did not. We have a battery backup there, but it wasn’t hooked up to the Anderson power connector and wasn’t getting a charge. Adding to that, the computer wasn’t set up to come back up after power failure. In addition, our UPS wasn’t being used for the computer. Not sure how this happened. We have three sets of keys, including a hidden set at the site. The good news is that we’ve set up the computer correctly again, along with our battery, charger and UPS.
• Tom would like the board’s authorization to replace the 20-year-old battery. Rob will get a quote for a deep-cycle replacement this week and bring it to the board.
• We’ve found that a single computer can only handle WIRES-X or Echolink, not both. Jake is going to confirm if we need a second computer for each site to allow running both at each repeater site.
• Jake is also talking to a friend in Champaign about what it would take to link our 85 repeater to the 075.

Superfest update from Darren:

• Darren has again emailed all vendors he hasn’t heard from. No one who has replied has committed to this year, but one has for next year.
• Got flags for the ticket gate… not the red we expected, but tall enough to get attention at $56. Darren will need to pick up conduit to make brackets to hold them.
• Todd and Brett are getting started on prizes in addition to what vendors have already pledged
• Superfest meeting for March will be in-person at the Red Cross on the 2nd floor.
• Jill from Tower Electronics says they’ll be back.

Any other business?

• Rich brings up Ham Club Online. Adam will make sure that Tom knows how to update our calendar and will also check into email notifications to members. Adam will also make sure that board members have elevated access.
• Nothing else. Ben calls the meeting closed at 9:09 p.m.

_______________________

Membership Meeting February 16, 2024

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Lincoln conducted our annual weather spotter training event at the Bartonville American Legion.

____________________________

Midwest Superfest is six months away, but it’s not too soon to think about tickets. Tickets will be distributed to members at upcoming club meetings. Each club member will receive 10 tickets to sell or purchase. Any unsold tickets may be returned, but we encourage you to sell as many as possible to benefit the club. More tickets are available on request.

____________________________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

April 3, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
April 10, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
April 25, (Note Day and Week have a change) Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

____________________________________________________

MARCH NET LOGS

3/3
KD9RYH KD9ANU KD9HZZ K9LE W8NWG K9XJT W9JDP K9TNT W9WTF KD9NYE N9NDF N9CS K9RCS KD9JXR KD9PXZ K9QZ WW9DLM W9WGN WD9EB NM0O N9WFT N9GZ KD9YWB KD9STL KB9ATO KD9WLD K9UQF KM9SPL KD9QQU KD9IBC WF9E KD9ZXH KD9WVP KC9ZWR KD9YER K9CEW Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

3/10
KD9RYH KD9ANU K9XJT KD9WRX KD9ZFC K9HJZ NP2WJ KC9IH KD9YPM W9GLO W9JDP W9WTF WF9E NM0O B9ATO KD9JXR KB9OGS W8NWG KD9QQU KD9WVP KD9PXZ N9WFT KD9YWB WW9DLM KC9ZWR N9NDF KB9ATO KD9ZXH KD9MPI KD9YWB K9QJ KD9WLD KD9DBQ W9DAY K9UQF K9RCS KD9STL K9JQF K9QZ W9WTF Submitted by N9CS 73

3/17
KD9RYH KD9HZZ KD9QQU K9XJT KD9ANU W9WGN KD9WRX KD9YER KB9VRW KB9SF KD9TEG KD9YPM KC9IH K9HJZ W9JDP K9TNT N9NDF NM0O KD9PXZ KD9IBC KD9ZKZ N9WFT KD9JXR W8NWG KC9YTT KB0OGS K9STL K9LE KD9YWB KD9NYE WF9E K9RCS KT9Y KD9ZXH Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

3/24​
KD9ANU KD9RYH W9WGN KD9WRX K9HJZ KD9YER KD9YPM KD9ZXH KD9WVP NP2WJ KD9HZZ W9JDP K9TNT NM0O N9NDF W8NWG KB9ATO KD9JXR KD9PXZ N9WFT KD9ZKZ KD9IBC KD9STL KC9YTT WF9E KD9NYE KD9WLD KD9MPI KD9QQU KD9YWB K9UQF KD9VRW KB9OGS K9RCS Submitted by KD9DBQ

3/31
KD9RYH K9XJT KD9ANU KD9WRX KD9IBC K9HJZ KD9QQU KC9IH W9WGN KD9PXZ W9JDP K9TNT N9NDF NM0O KD9JXR KD9ZKZ W8NWG KD9YWB KB9SF N9WFT KD9STL K9LE K9UQF KD9WVP Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

________________________________________________

April Club Events

April 2 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting details TBA

April 3 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

April 9 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: TBA – Bartonville American Legion, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville. All are welcome.

April 10 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

April 20 – 12:00 noon – FCC License Testing: Morton Knights of Columbus, 616 W. David Street, Morton, IL. FRN Required. Bring two forms of identification and a copy of your license (if upgrading). Testing Fee: $15.

April 23 – Midwest Superfest Meeting

April 25 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Meeting, (Note Day and Week have a change) Monthly Meeting via Zoom

____________________________________________________

CHECK IN ON MIDCARS NET DURING THE APRIL 8 ECLIPSE

Although totality of the April 8 solar eclipse will be visible in southern Illinois, the propagation effects will be felt over a much wider area. The altered ionospheric conditions during an eclipse change conditions in an odd way to varying degrees depending on location.

We will have an opportunity to experience these changes during the eclipse when net control operator Mike Patton, AA9MK will extend hours of the MidCars Net on 7.258 MHz to cover this time period, so we can experience the propagation changes first hand. The net will run on both sides of totality (1:58-2:06 pm CDT, April 8). The net is open to all.

Click here for more information.

____________________________________________________

CLUB EMAIL LIST

If you would like to be notified by email when BandBits and other club news is posted to the website, click here: email list sign-up to be added to our email distribution list.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I hope everyone has had a great leap day! Beyond that, we have the weather spotter training class coming up and I hope to see lots of people there. Bring your friends and family! It’s a free training and even if you dont want to become a spotter, it’s a good class to take. If you cant make our training class, there are several around the state and even online. Check the NWS webpage for a complete list.  Also, check with your friends and family, make sure they have a weather radio! 

• Ben KD9RYH

__________________________________________________

MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – February 6, 2023

In attendance via Zoom: Adam Gerik (KD9NYE), Ben Knapp (KD9RYH), Jacob Walters (K9LE), Scott (KB9VRW), Rob (KD9DQB), Scott (K9XJT), Justin (N9WX), Tanya Knapp (KD9YPM), Rich Schmitz (K9RCS), Darren (KD9HZZ), Tom (W8NWG), Casey (KC9IH)

7:09 p.m.: meeting is called to order by Ben

Tom moves to approve last month’s meeting minutes, and Rob seconds. All are in favor and they are accepted.

Treasurer’s report from Tanya:

• $338.95 in checking
• $33.88 in savings
• $9,131.00 in money market
• $863.09 paypal
• $379.72 square
• Paid $226 to USPS last month for our post office box
• 27 members have paid since Superfest

Rob makes a motion to accept, and Rich seconds. The report is accepted.

---

Repeater committee update from Tom:

• Been trying to reach Matt (KD9ERS) for future repeater site discussion
• We want to get WIRES-X digital boxes working at three sites. We have two boxes, but still need a third one.
• We have a small laptop and another desktop to put into use for this effort.
• We’ll be able to reboot/manage from afar after getting everything hooked up. This especially applies to the Glasford site, since we have limited access to the site.
• Tom makes a motion for the board to authorize purchase of a WIRES-X box for about $126 or so, Rich seconds. All are in favor, so we will purchase.
• Tom proposes that we move the 85 repeater to the new proposed repeater site. This would also save us money on buying a set of cans. He still would like to put the 440 repeater equipment to use in the future somewhere.

---

Superfest update from Darren:

• Ordered two of the flags for the ticket gate.. those should arrive in late February.
• Will need two handicapped-only signs, three for vendor parking, two for club parking, three signs directing people to the back room that people seemed to miss last year.
• Darren will start to email all vendors he hasn’t heard from. ABR Industries cannot attend, but will send door prizes.
• Mailed some flyers to Thom Beebe (W9RY) and Dale Shaw in Urbana (owns a linked repeater system there, and is willing to help us with our own linking efforts)
• Next meeting will be on Zoom on February 20.
• Will have placards by next month and the March Superfest meeting will be at the Red Cross.

---

Old business:

• Darren did hear back from our attorney… our 501(c)7 designation has lapsed because the paperwork wasn’t sent. We’ll need to dissolve the (c)7 and draw up new articles for (c)3, then transfer all assets. There will be some banking details to also handle when moving between the designations. We’re still hoping that we’re within our $1500 retainer, as long as we handle some of the details. Forms and instructions are available from the State of Illinois.

New business:

• Ben brings up the idea of making the club a part of the Moss Avenue sale, with demonstrations, etc. Could do a raffle at it if club members can gather donated equipment?
• Ben would like to start doing our in-person meetings back at the Red Cross. We’ll need to figure out access for club members attending.. maybe a call-in frequency?
• Jake brings up our Facebook page, which isn’t the right type to allow public comments. Adam suggests starting a forum on w9uvi.org instead as a potential option. Darren also suggests looking at Ham Club Online and will send details to Adam to explore on behalf of the club. Rob also suggests looking at Slack for club communications. Rich brings up Discord. We have a lot of options!
• Jake says that Woodford’s club uses Ham Club Online… it features a way to send members reminders, like for the weekly net, etc. Rich agrees that it’s nice – he says it could pretty much replace our website. Scott says that he was part of a group who used it because it was more secure than other platforms out there for hams.
• Ben brings up the idea of a communications position once we’re a 501(c)3… the ARRL calls it a public information officer. Currently, the ARRL considers our president this communications position.

Tom makes a motion to wrap up our meeting, Darren seconds… we’re done at 7:57 p.m.

_______________________

Membership Meeting February 16, 2023

PAARC regular meeting at the Bartonville American Legion

7:03 p.m. Ben (KD9RYH) brings meeting to order

Our last board meeting minutes need to be corrected… Rich Holtman’s name and Rich Schmitz’s call were incorrect in the last issue of BandBits.

Justin (N9WX) moves to approve BandBits with these corrections, Tom (W8NWG) seconds. All are in favor.

Treasurer’s report from Tanya (KD9YPM):
– $338.95 in checking
– $33.88 in savings
– $9,131.00 in money market
– $863.09 in paypal
– $372.72 in square
– Recently paid $226 to USPS for our post office box
– 27 members have paid since our last board meeting
– Note that we may be changing banks as part of the 501(c)3 process, but that will come later.

Scott (K9XJT) makes a motion to accept, and Mark (W9WGN) seconds. The report is accepted.

Superfest update from Darren (KD9HZZ):
– Talked to Tazewell EMA and brought up bringing their truck to Superfest
– Dwight brought the rest of the tickets and placards
– This month’s Superfest meeting will be on Zoom, but March will be in person and we will start distributing tickets to sell
– Darren will start sending emails to vendors he hasn’t heard from as of yet
– Sign-up sheets for jobs will be posted to W9UVI.org by this weekend

Repeater committee update from Tom (W8NWG):
– Jake and Tom had a brief conversation about linking repeaters.
– At the board meeting, we approved purchasing another digital interface to enable WIRES-X on all three of our current repeaters. This will also give us better remote control management of our repeaters.

Old business:
– None

New business:
– Ham Club Online is launched for the club to demo, with voluntary donation to them if we decide to stick with it. One big benefit to the club is that it’ll help dues management now that our club bylaws track membership by year’s term.
– Jim (KD9VAN) wants to know if we can run a special event station at Superfest this year… and that’s possible if we have enough people to man it. Rob brings up that we did a special event station at Expo Gardens about 7 years ago and only one person ran it (but made a lot of contacts.) We also tried a talk-in station last year, but only one person used it. Mark brings up that we’d want to get it in QST soon if we want to do the special event station.
– Rich needs a net control operator for the ARES net tomorrow night

Justin (N9WX) makes a motion to adjourn, Scott (K9XJT) seconds… all are in favor. Scott then begins a hands-on demonstration of portable HF gear with attending club members.
__________________________________________________

MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

The next Midwest Superfest meeting March 19th, 7 pm in person at the Red Cross (west building).

We will have club members tickets, and sign up sheets for gate sales, shuttle drivers and traffic directors.

Mailings for those that have reserved flea market spots will be going out starting March 15th.

We have two 7′ X 2′ flags for the ticket gate, will be getting other signs that was discussed in the last zoom meeting

Golf carts are reserved

We will have a dinner Saturday night September 22 at 7:00 pm at Grecian Gardens in Chillicothe for all that would like to attend

____________________________________________________

PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

March 6, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
March 13, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
March 16, IL State ARES Tune-Up Session
March 20, Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

The PAARC-hosted Weather Spotter Training Class is coming to the March Club Meeting on the 12th at 6:30 PM. If that timing does not work for you there are multiple other training sessions available around the Central Illinois area – check https://www.weather.gov/ilx/spotter for these sessions.

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

____________________________________________________

FEBRUARY NET LOGS

2/4
KD9ANU KD9RYH K9XJT W8NWG W9WGN N9NDF KB9VRW KD9WRX KC9IH KD9YPM KD9WVP N9WFT KD9ERS W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR KD9QQU KD9PXZ KD9ZKZ WF9E N9CS NP2WJ KD9WVP KD9STL W8NWG NA9LE K9RCS W9DAY KD9NYE K9LE Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

2/11
KD9RYH KD9ANU W8NWG K9XJT K9OTG W9WGN WD9EB NP2WJ KD9YPM KC9LCH N9NDF KD9QQU K9HJZ W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR KD9STL W9DAY N9WFT KD9DBQ Submitted by KD9HZZ 73

2/18
KD9RYH W8NWG KD9ANU W8NWG K9XJT K9HJZ KC9IH KD9YPM KD9YWB KD9YER KD9HZZ KD9ZWR KD9JXR NM0O N0XOH W9JDP KD9PXZ K9LE KD9QQU KD9RJH KD9MPI KD9WVP KD0STL KD9WRX WF9E N9WFT KD9ERS KD9ZKZ K9RCS K9UQF N9CS WW9DLM KD9VHI/AG KB9ATO N9NDF KD9NYE Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

2/25
KD9RYH KC9ZWR K9XJT KD9ANU WD9EB W9WGN KD9ZFZ K9HJZ KB9VRW KC9IH NP2WJ KD9YPM KD9WRX KD9ERS W9JDP K9TNT NM0O KC9VEW KD9JXR KD9PXZ K9LE KD9ZKZ W8NWG KD9WVP KD9RJH KD9IBC N9NDF N9SL KB9ATO K9RCS KD9NYE N9WFT KD9STL WF9E WW9DLM N9CS K9UQF K9CEW KD9TEG W9DAY Submitted by KD9DBQ

____________________________________________________

MARCH CLUB EVENTS

March 5 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting: In person at the American Red Cross, West Building, 311 W John H Gwynn Jr Ave., Peoria

March 6 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

March 12 – 6:30 p.m. – Membership Meeting: National Weather Service Spotter Training – Bartonville American Legion, 4501 S Airport Rd, Bartonville. All are welcome.

March 13 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

March 19 -7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest Meeting IN PERSON at The American Red Cross (not the old building where we used to meet).

March 26 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Meeting – details TBA

____________________________________________________

CHECK IN ON MIDCARS NET DURING NEXT MONTH’S ECLIPSE

Although totality of the April 8 solar eclipse will be visible in southern Illinois, the propagation effects will be felt over a much wider area. The altered ionospheric conditions during an eclipse change conditions in an odd way to varying degrees depending on location.

We will have an opportunity to experience these changes during the eclipse when net control operator Mike Patton, AA9MK will extend hours of the MidCars net on 7.258 MHz to cover this time period, so we can experience the propagation changes first hand. The net will run on both sides of totality (1:58-2:06 pm CDT, April 8). The net is open to all.

Click here for more information.

____________________________________________________

CLUB EMAIL LIST

If you would like to be notified by email when BandBits and other club news is posted to the website, click here: email list sign-up to be added to our email distribution list.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Enjoy these photos from Winter Field Day 2024 at the Hopedale EOC. We had 32 people sign in.

Don’t forget to pay your 2024 Dues. Your membership helps make events like WFD a reality.

Ben Knapp, KD9RYH

Todd Ricca, N9CS is interviewed by Jolie Rodriguez of WEEK25

MEETING MINUTES

Board of Directors – January 2, 2024

Attending via Zoom:
Rich Schmitz*(K9RCS), Jacob Walters (K9WFT), Ben Knapp (KD9RYH), Rob Herrin (KD9DBQ), Tom Hunt (W8NWG), Casey Kerchner (KC9IH), Thom Beebe (W9RY), Tanya Knapp (KD9YPM), Darren Weir (KD9HZZ) and Adam Gerik (KD9NYE – recording minutes as secretary) *corrected name from Holtman with permission – wd9eb.

7:02p.m.: Ben calls the meeting to order

Tom moves to approve meeting minutes that are posted in Band Bits, Rob seconds… all are in favor and it passes.

SPECIAL GUEST TONIGHT: Thom (W9RY), section manager from ARRL

• Having looked at the new venue and new board, the Illinois convention will be held in conjunction with Superfest in 2024
• Also proposed to division director Carl that they move the Central Division convention to Superfest as well for 2025
• With a little luck, can then have it for the next two years after that
• Wants us to take a look at the Club Grant program… specifically involving STEM-interested high school students
• There’s also a possibility for a convention grant – he’ll let us know more info soon. If we are funded for the first year, we have to make a commitment to have the convention again for the next two years. We will have to re-submit for funding those additional years, but it’s easier. That would help fund guest speakers, etc.
• Tom asks if we have to be a 501(c)3 to qualify for these grants and we do not.
• Ben asks what the ARRL needs from us for the convention… Thom says a couple of cables and two tables for their booth. He’ll also be doing a lot of advertising for the Illinois and sectional convention designation.
• A few months ago, Thom went to the ARRL to say that they need something to help them move into the 21st century – so he asked for a 32” monitor, speakers, new signage, etc. He’s hopeful that we can be a test case for the ARRL.
• Tom asks Thom how many additional people might be possible for the state convention? Not sure exactly, They wanted a central location to help pull from the Chicagoland area, along with those in Southern Illinois as well.
• Brainstorming ideas for where to have dinner for Superfest 2024… Rob brings up Grecian Gardens as a possible option. Darren will check.
• Tom asks if we can take a look at any promo material before being sent by ARRL… Thom says no problem.
• Thom also suggests that we may want to set up an HF station at ham fest or have a boot camp for newbies where they can try building something radio related. Maybe even involve the Scouts.
• Asks if we’ll have flyers printed for Superfest – and yes, we will. (We should update the proposed design to mention the state convention.)

TREASURY REPORT FROM TANYA:

• $323.98 in checking
• $33.86 in savings
• $10,618.45 in money market
• $355.75 in Square account
• Not sure how much in PayPal due to access issues
• Tower rent check of $1200
• Tom introduces a motion to the board that we authorize Tanya and Ben to be issued CEFCU debit cards. Jake and Darren simultaneously second this. All are in favor.
• Rich makes a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, Tom seconds. All are in favor.

REPEATER COMMITTEE REPORT FROM TOM:

• New repeater chair is Jake (K9WFT)
• Tom proposes Steve Groeb, Matt Boenke, Rich Holtman, Ben, Tom, Justin, Todd (N9CS). Rob makes a motion to accept the list in total, Jake seconds. All are in favor.
• Series of goals for 2024:
  • An additional, new repeater site
  • We have 443.875 allocated by Illinois Repeater Council. Right now, it’s set up for the 075 physical site. Looking to move this to the proposed new repeater site, but need cans (not duplexers.) We have a spare DR-1 repeater. Jake says that we may have possible options at the Glasford site, but may not be tuned the way we need them. Otherwise, we could look for some in Dayton. New is $1200, used is half that.
  • 85 site in Glasford can’t be reset remotely, so we need a way via internet (we can do that via 075 repeater)
  • Get WIRES-X on all repeaters, including the new Kickapoo site. We need an HRI200 by Yaesu to do it… we have only one.
  • Link all analog repeaters together for great coverage
  • Longer term… link with other organizations’ repeaters in the Tri-County area.
  • Get a station going at the new Red Cross building (minimum of VHF/UHF/Winlink.) We need a route for a transmission line to the roof. The height of the new building is real close to the height of the existing tower.
• We’ll need to set up a budget for the cans, linking equipment, etc. Looking at a couple of thousand dollars without antennas involved.
• Darren does have a vertical antenna that Fritz bought for the club, in addition to a tri-band dipole.

OLD BUSINESS:

• $250 paid so far for 501(c)3… and we may have also not been an active 501(c)7 due to not having paid the past few years. Looking into this.
• Darren will send out bylaw changes to the board for review.
• Spotter training with the National Weather Service in Lincoln is usually in March… we will contact them to coordinate with the club.

NEW BUSINESS:

• A new Facebook group has been made to help us communicate as a board.
• We need to update our equipment inventory for the club.

Tom makes a motion to adjourn, Rob seconds… all are in favor and we are done at 8:14 p.m.

_______________________

Membership Meeting – January 9, 2024

7:01 p.m. call to order by Ben (KD9RYH)

26 members/board members are in attendance via Zoom

Deb (WD9EB) makes a motion to accept the minutes in BandBits, Jon (NM0O) seconds that motion. All are in favor and they are approved.

Treasurer’s report from Tanya (KD9YPM):

• $33.86 in savings
• $1,823.98 in checking
• $9,118.45 in money market
• Had to move some money to checking to cover tower rent for the year
• Just under $400 for Square
• $586.81 in PayPal

Superfest report from Darren (KD9HZZ):

• He talked with Woodford EMA guys about bringing their trailer to Superfest. Peoria Co ECOM is coming as well. He’ll check with Tazewell to see if they’ll come.
• Reminder that ARRL will be at Superfest for the Illinois Convention
• Woodford’s club will be there as well and will need two tables
• Scott DeSantis wants to work with us on go-kits for Superfest
• Dwight has 600 tickets printed and will bring them to Winter Field Day (should have all 3,000 printed by then.) Just need to print placards for flea market vendors.

Repeaters’ report from Tom (W8NWG):

• Jake has identified two digital interface boxes to enable Wires-X, but we need cables for one of them. We need a third one purchased so we can have all of our repeaters connected. (Kickapoo D-Star repeater, 075 machine that formerly had WiresX, 85 in Glasford for Fusion)
• We need a way to remote control the Glasford repeater)
• Also need some older computers for these sites (Deb has one, Scott has a few more.) We’ll also need monitors. Four sets are needed in total.
• We’re also intending to link up the repeaters together… Jake will check to see if we’ll have what we need via the digital interfaces and computers.
• Some other exciting things in the works that he’ll be able to announce soon!

Winter Field Day in Hopedale:

• We have the site (and Community Room) from Saturday afternoon until we get done on Sunday.
• Event starts at 1 p.m. through 1 p.m., with setup on Saturday at noon
• Hoping to operate overnight… Deb will be there and Justin volunteered to help those early hours as well
• Darren had mentioned bringing Italian beef, Tanya will get some hoagie rolls at Costco. Deb will make some cheesy Calico beans.
• Icom 7300 and the Yaesu 991a of the club’s will be there
• People are welcome to bring their own radios as well (we have limited bandpass filters, though.)

Other old business:

• Deb is still working on the test membership site at w9uvi.org
• Radio room at Red Cross has been emptied out of furniture. Among items salvaged are 2x 200ft+ runs of heliax, 4x runs of 100ft+ LMR-400. All lightning arresters were pulled out of the box, but still need to get antennas and coax down. We’ll also be allowed to take the tower itself down.
• It will likely be June before we get the trailer they’re giving us.
• There are two meeting rooms at the newer Red Cross building we can use. Tom and Darren have badges, Ben will also have a badge.
• In March, we’ll probably have a Superfest meeting there.
• We haven’t been given a time to get the cable and tower dismantled… we just needed to vacate our space more urgently.

New business:

• New PAARC board for 2024 (updated on website)
• Scott asks for suggestions for Superfest training sessions… Tom is asked if he would do an Extra-class session, but says that he’d be more comfortable doing a CW one. Reach out to Scott if you want to help participate (or even group teach!)
• Ben was approached for setting up a STEM radio-related program for students in Washington… he would like to have the club get involved. Jake has kids in the district, so he’s in. We’re looking at doing this maybe in 2025.
• Jim Nelson asks if members can post to the club’s Facebook page… apparently that’s no longer possible, but we’ll look at the settings to see if we can fix it. Tom makes a motion for Jake to be moderator for the club’s page, Rich seconds it. All are in favor – good luck to Jake (who got his new vanity call today… K9LE)

Darren makes a motion to adjourn, Tom seconds. We’re done at 7:53 p.m. Scott then begins a short presentation on ham radio software for old computers.

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MIDWEST SUPERFEST^TM

We have tickets and flyers. Flyers will be available at the next club meeting February 13.

Dwight is working on placards, I hope to have them soon.
I will email all the vendors that have not responded the by first or second week in February.
I will be taking some tickets and flyers to Bill at Midwest Two way and to Don Bell.

The next Midwest Superfest meeting is February 20th on zoom. The March meeting will probably be in person at the Red Cross.

View and download the Midwest Superfest Flyer.

Darren Weir, “KD9HZZ, Midwest Superfest Chair

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PEORIA COUNTY ARES

Amateur radio operators use their training, skills, and equipment to provide communications during emergencies, When All Else Fails®.

February 7, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
February 14, ARES Net @ 7:00 PM CDT on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater
February 21, Monthly Meeting via Zoom, 7:00 PM

The PAARC-hosted Weather Spotter Training Class is coming to the March Club Meeting on the 12th at 6:30 PM. If that timing does not work for you there are multiple other training sessions available around the Central Illinois area – check https://www.weather.gov/ilx/spotter for these sessions.

ARES website: http://www.peoriacountyares.org/

Rich Holtman, KD9ANU, Emergency Coordinator for Peoria County ARES
email: kd9anu@arrl.net
Winlink: kd9anu@winlink.org
Cell: 309-256-4272

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JANUARY NET LOGS

1/7​
KD9RYH K9XJT KD9ANU N9WX W9WGN K9HJZ KC9IH KD9AER KD9WRX KD9YPM KC9VEW KD9VAN KD9ERS W9JDP K9TNT N9NDF NM0O K9RCS K9WFT KD9PXZ W9WTF W8NWG KB9ATO N9WFT KD9JXR KD9IVV WF9E WW9DLM K9CEW K9UQF KD9STL KD9RJH K9QZ KD9LHA KD9ZFC NP2WJ N9CS KD9LQL KD9NYE Submitted by KD9DBQ

1/14
KD9HZZ KD9RYH K9LE KD9IVV WD9EB W9WGN K9HJZ KC9IH KD9YPM KD9ZFC KD9WRX KD9QQU W9JDP K9TNT KD9JXR N9NDF NM0O KD9ZKZ KD9PXZ KD9YYD W8NWG W9FYR KD9STL N9WFT KD9RJH KD9NYE NP2WJ K9UQF K9RCS KD9IBC N9GZ N9CS K9QZ KB9ATO KD9ERS WW9DLM Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

1/21
W9WTF KD9RYH WD9EB KD9ANU KD9HZZ W9WGN K9HJZ KD9ZFC KC9IH N9NDF KD9TEG KD9AER KD9YPM KD9IBC KD9WRX NP2WJ KD9JXR NM0O K9LE K9TNT KD9PXZ KD9ZKZ KB9ATO KD9QQU N9WFT KC9VEW K9RCS W9JDP W8NWG KD9STL WF9E K9QZ N9GZ Submitted by KD9DBQ 73

1/28
KD9RYH KD9ANU W9WTF W9WGN KD9IBC N9NDF (from Taiwan via Echolink) KC9IH KD9ZFC KD9WRX KD9YPM K9HJZ KD9VRW KD9HZZ W9JDP K9TNT NM0O KD9IVV KB9ATO KD9PXZ KD9JXR W8NWG N9WFT N9SL KD9VIN NP2WJ WW9DLM KD9STL K9UQF KD9QQU N9GZ N9CS K9LE K9RCS KC9VEW KD9TZU W9DAY KD9ZKZ Submitted by KD9DBQ

FEBRUARY CLUB EVENTS

February 6 – 7:00 p.m. – Board Meeting via Zoom. Link on club meetings page

February 7 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

February 13 – 7:00 p.m. – Membership Meeting: Bartonville American Legion – Setting up a simple mobile station for POTA, eComms or Field Day

February 14 – 7:00 p.m. – ARES Net on the W9UVI (147.075) repeater

February 17 – 12:00 noon – FCC License Testing: Morton Knights of Columbus, 616 W. David Street, Morton, IL. FRN Required. Bring two forms of identification and a copy of your license (if upgrading). Testing Fee: $15

February 27 – 7:00 p.m. – Midwest Superfest Meeting via Zoom link on club meetings page

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