Hams in the park
Hams in the park is another activity of the North Shore Radio Club. The idea is to set up a portable station away from home. With less-than-ideal antennas and multiple stations transmitting close together it can be a challenge to operate but you will learn the skills to deal with that. There is no pressure on making a specific number of contacts or register on any sites. Just come out and have some fun. You can ask questions, and the more experienced operators are happy to help or give tips on how to improve your setup. We also have some of club members just show up to see what is going on or get some ideas on how to setup their own station. Because we are in a public place, we also have people walk by and asking what we are doing and stay to listen to the QSOs.
Learn how to improvise and how to set up a station in less-than-ideal conditions. Even if you don’t have a radio come by and see what we are up to. Maybe team up with someone and help setting up or taking it down.
Ample free parking, benches and tables. However, lately we have a good showing and it is advised to arrive on time (between 1pm and 2pm) to have a good spot.
10W or less in April, June and August.
We will continue in 2026 to set three months aside for low power operation. Please limit your output power on these days to 10W or less. You will be surprised how much you can accomplish even with lower power.
Captain Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve
24830 Saint Mary's Road, At Intersection Of Everett Rd, Mettawa, IL 60045
We set up in the picnic area by the main parking lot starting at 1pm and break down around 3pm or later. If it should rain on that day we will try the week after.
For directions click on this link.
Should the weather be bad we will do it a week later.
2026 Schedule
March 14, 2026
April 11, 2026 - QRP
May 09, 2026
June 13, 2026 - QRP
July 11, 2026
August 08, 2026 - QRP
September 12, 2026
October 10, 2026
Next Hams in the park Saturday March 14th, 2026 2pm
The next Hams in the Park activity is planned for next year March 114th, 2026. Should the weather be not favorable we will postpone for a week.
A good practice is to have a “GO BAG” with all the necessary equipment and cables ready to go. How disappointing it is if you arrive at location and the one piece of cable is missing . But still check it that everything is working frequently, all batteries charged and consider packing a spare power cable or coax patch cable with the different connectors, just in case if something breaks. there is plenty of time during the winter month to check your gear and get prepared.
Then you are ready should “the s**t hit the fan”.
Hope to see you there.
Hams in the Park 2025
Some pictures from our 2025 season.
