From the Desk of AB9ZI - August 2026 Message

Our most recent club event, the Fox Hunt was held on Tuesday, July 14. This year was somewhat unusual as of the first four who found the Fox, three were young people!  First to find the Fox was Carter KE9FPA who had Warren KC9IL as his Elmer. Now we all know that Warren IS the best Fox hunter around, however Carter is an up and coming contender for the title. Check out Carter’s bio on QRZ. Second to find the Fox was Tom N9TOM. Third was the father and son team of Mike K9MTP and his as yet not licensed son. Fourth was another family team of Joel W9ICL and his son Mitchel KC9SWS. Show that to those who would claim amateur radio is a dying hobby comprised of old men!

Next on our calendar is our club meeting Tuesday, August 11 live at Heller Nature Center and on Zoom. Our featured presenter is Kirk Musselman K9MSG with his program “Portable Operations, Tips, Tricks & Best Practices”. Those of us who enjoy POTA, Parks on the Air should find this interesting and informative. After Kirk our Vice President Alwin Brunner W9APB will present a recap of our very successful 2026 Field Day.

But wait there’s more!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 8th when we have our QRP night at Emily Oaks Nature Center in Skokie.  String up your antenna and make low power contacts, while enjoying a bon fire and s’mores.

Are you looking for that one piece of gear to “complete” your shack? (yeah I know, never complete). Be sure to head over to Heller on Tuesday October 13 for the annual club auction. Over the past year the club has received donations ranging from accessories, test gear, transceivers and more. The auction is club’s only fund raiser and pays for our network of repeaters and club events. Help support your club, and you never know what you might find to buy.

Details on those meetings and all club news and events are always available on the club website. www.ns9rc.org‍ ‍

The North Shore radio club is an all-volunteer organization. Just as there were volunteers making Field Day a success, there are many opportunities to assist your club. Contact me or any board member to offer your participation.

 “See” you on the bands, 73.

Brian AB9ZI

President