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 it. There is no pressure to make 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 club members show up just to see what is going on or get ideas on how to set up their own station. Because we are in a public place, people walk by and ask what we are doing, then stay to listen to the QSOs.

Learn how to improvise and 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 set up or take it down.

Ample free parking, benches, and tables. However, lately we have a good showing, so it is advised to arrive on time to have a good spot.

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.

For directions, click on this link.

A good practice is to have a “GO BAG” with all the necessary equipment and cables ready to go. How disappointing it is to arrive at the location and find that one piece of cable is missing. Still, check that everything is working, keep all batteries charged, and consider packing a spare power cable or coax patch cable with different connectors, just in case something breaks. There is plenty of time during the winter months to check your gear and get prepared.

Then you are ready should “the s**t hit the fan.”