From the Desk of AB9ZI - October 2026 Message
Going Once! Going Twice! SOLD! Yes that perfect piece of equipment you need to “complete” your shack could be yours as it comes across the auctioneer’s block. Join us at the annual North Shore Radio Club Auction at 7pm on Tuesday October 13 at the Heller Nature Center. You can find all information about the auction and a listing and pictures of the equipment being offered on the club website at: https://ns9rc.org/nsrc-auction. In addition the website has the details of how to purchase items on line prior to the auction. The auction is the club’s only fund raiser and pays for our network of repeaters and club events. Sales at the auction are Vegas Style: what happens at the auction never gets repeated after the auction. So bid with confidence with the knowledge that outside of those at the auction, nobody will know what you bought!
Last month we had our end of season outdoor event QRP Night. About 18 hams set up antennas and worked the bands using minimal power. We also enjoyed coffee, S’mores, and a mini bonfire.
Also in October our club provides support for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday October 11. Hams provide critical communications for aid stations throughout the event. Information is available on the club website: https://ns9rc.org/public-service. Sign up to help!
The ongoing saga of our 2-meter repeater continues. At times there can be interference on the repeater input from the complex RF equipment in the tower. One more attempt will be made soon to resolve that issue. A search is on for a suitable place to relocate should this next effort be unsuccessful.
Fall and what is known as the Indian summer of warm weather is the perfect time to examine and perform maintenance on your existing antennas or add to your array. Don’t wait too long as you all know Chicago weather changes fast.
In my column last month I mentioned the record we set of 26 attendees at the Saturday morning breakfast meetup at Max’s. While not a new record, this past Saturday we had 23 of us there. We always have great conversations about a variety of topics including amateur radio. Everyone is welcome so don’t be shy. Max’s is located in the Crossroads Shopping Center, 191 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035. The fun starts at 8 am.
In December the club will hold an election of officers to lead the club in 2027. There are many opportunities to assist running what is IMHO best ham radio club in the Chicago area. Please consider volunteering. More information is available on the website, https://ns9rc.org/open-club-positions.
As always complete up-to-date information about the club is available on our website https://ns9rc.org.
“See” you on the bands, 73.
Brian AB9ZI
President