June Blog

As we move into summer, Covid 19 has taken its toll on many of our traditional activities.  From our trek to the Hamvention in Xenia, Ohio to a formal club Field Day in June, cancellations are getting to be routine.

 So, what can we do in this time of stagnation?  Some of our club members are itching to try experimentation with such things as replacing repeaters with NVIS (Non Vertical Incident Skywave) antennas for public service events. Others would like to experiment with AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network), a mesh network form of communications.  Others like to try communicating locally over the bands. Still others just want to get out into the Park to  do some form of social distancing Ham in the Park.  And still others have been studying to upgrade their FCC credentials and are patiently waiting for VE examinations to resume. Our Northbrook library project to establish an active ham station is progressing with plans for putting up an antennas in the coming month, getting us one step closer to becoming operational once the library allows visitors again.

Our virtual club meetings have kicked off and they have proven that we can function even if we are now relying on GoToMeeting to conduct our activities.  Our first virtual meeting had 64 members in attendance.  We have launched our virtual Saturday Morning Breakfast gathering and have found that virtually, geography is no barrier as we have had club members as far away as Germany and Pennsylvania attend, making it a larger and more diverse gathering than ever, even if you have to BYOB (Bring your own bagel). Our Thursday evening nets are attracting larger numbers of check-ins.

So, rather than let the pandemic get you down, think creatively of how you can engage in our hobby.  Maybe now is a good time to cull through your gear and decide what to inventory and what to sell or donate to the club.    We may move to a virtual auction this year, if we can muster the resources to do so.  Consider donating gently used and working items for the club auction by contacting me.

Finally, consider yourself lucky.  You have a hobby that other folks only wish they had.  The hours, days, and months pass quickly when you have such as fantastic hobby to engage in and the friendships made in our club will stand the test of time.

Better times are just ahead.

73,

Burt KR9T