From the Desk of AB9ZI - May 2025 Message
The President’s Desk
Summer is coming up fast!
That means: Antenna work! Hamvention! Field Day! TREK 100 Charity Bike Race! Fox Hunt! And shortly after that QRP Nite and moving indoors for the club's only fund raiser the Auction!
With the nice weather it's time to work on your antennas. However, be mindful of your safety. Use personal protection equipment when climbing towers and follow the three points of contact rules when on ladders. Above all watch out for overhead power lines.
Does a road trip sound good to you? Do you want to see what 20,000 hams in one place looks like? Then Hamvention is tailor made for you. You have the opportunity to meet with all the equipment manufacturers and retailers in the fairground buildings. There is also a great assortment of ham radio "treasures" offered at amazing prices in the usually muddy swamp known as the flea market.
In only 8 weeks from now is Field Day at Clarkson Park in the center of Northfield.
While not a contest, our club traditionally scores well in the “not a contest” and we are always happy to see new faces come and check out the event. Newcomers and veteran hams can get on the air and show the public what we can do "when all else fails".
This year we are seeking individuals to shadow Field Day Chairmen Don KK9H and Marty WD9GYM, who would like to pass the event chairmanship along for 2026. We have many capable members who would do well in these positions. Monthly Field Day planning meetings are scheduled; see our club website and the Emitter for dates and give back to your club.
On Saturday June 7, The Trek Bicycle Companies holds their “Trek 100”. The Trek 100 began as a humble charity bike ride to raise funds for childhood cancer and related blood disorders research. It is held annually in June, the Trek 100 has raised over $12.5 million. This is no small event. Last year there were 1,762 riders, some of whom rode 100 miles! Our club provides radio communications and volunteers are needed. Contact John Canker W9JM for more information and to offer your services.
Do you really want a chance to show off your radio skills? Like walking around with an antenna, you created while searching for something to find... and maybe even looking a bit "unusual" to the public? Then the Fox Hunt is your place to be! Watch the club website and the Emitter for the time and location.
Would you like a chance to combine your low-power radio and mosquito fighting skills? Then QRP Nite is for you. In addition to those skills, show off your culinary abilities when you make S'mores over a bon fire.
Plenty of ham radio this summer. And don't forget our own fundraiser, the auction. Changes are coming to this year's auction. Keep watching for the details.
73,
Brian AB9ZI