Fox River Radio League

Howard Milligan WD9HQT - SK
February 7, 2010 - FRRL member, Howard Milligan WD9HQT passed away January 30, 2010 at Hines V.A. hospital. He was born November 10, 1921 in Kenosha, WI. Howard served in the U.S. Army during WWII and the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1981 from International Harvester after 30 years. He was married to his living wife Doris for 62 years. (Beacon News)
Eric AB9OS - FRRL 2009 "Ham of the Year"
Photo: Eric KB9IDT	February 5, 2010 - The prestigious Ham of the Year award was bestowed upon Eric AB9OS for his outstanding contributions to the club and ham radio community during 2009. During Eric's acceptance speech he mentioned how valuable the club has been to him and that he has learned more about ham radio by being an active member. He also told about his first experiences with the hobby when he and his father decided to get their ham tickets together. Eric is currently very active in the FRRL. He is the Chairperson for both the Education Committee, and the Field Day Committee, plus he handles the administration for the HF Challenge. The Ham of the Year award was presented to Eric on January 30th, 2010 by then President, Mike K9FE.

February Newsletter "The ArcOver" On Line
February 4, 2010 - The February 2010 edition of the ArcOver is on line. Our new President, John AG9D offers his congratulations to the past leaders of the club, plus encourages all to get involved in current and future programs; Bill W9WRS has our January meeting Minutes posted; Dick AH6EZ provides information about our February program; Eric AB9OS wraps up the HF Challenge and provides an update; Dawn KC9LQS writes a wonderful story about how learning the Morse Code can be fun; and Tobi K9TCD our Newsletter Editor includes a special Shout-Out to KC9RGO! (You have to read the ArcOver to find out who that is!)
FRRL HF Challenge - Results Update
January 21, 2010 - Check out the updated results for the "HF Challenge" which now include the Mid-November 2009 and the mid-January 2010 postings. Final results for 2009 will be announced at the Banquet on January 30th! New to HF? New to the Club? Find out more about this fun and competitive year-long-event! Thanks to Eric AB9OS for his monthly administrative duties.
Get Your Ham License - Enroll Now!
January 19, 2010 - Now is your chance to participate in one of the best hobbies available, Amateur Radio! The FRRL is providing entry-level ham classes starting in February. Education Chairperson, Eric AB9OS has coordinated a free 5 week course where you can learn everything you need to take your first FCC Amateur Radio License. There is no Morse Code required, you just take a 35 question test. The classes will take place at Rasmussen College in Aurora. If you or someone you know is interested, please click HERE for more info.
New FRRL Leadership Team
January 18, 2010 - The leadership team will change on January 31st during the 2010 Banquet. The Board of Directors for 2010 are: President: John AG9D, Vice-President: Harry K9DXA, Secretary: Bill W9WRS, Treasurer: Dean KC9EOQ, Director: Dick AH6EZ, Director: Larry W9OKI, Director: Chris KC9IEQ, Director: Larry K9ARZ, Past-President: Mike K9FE.
FRRL Banquet - January 30th - "Roundhouse"
January 18, 2010 - The members of the FRRL will hold their annual Banquet on Saturday, January 30th at Walter Payton's Roundhouse. The festivities start at 18:00. The restaurant is located at 205 N. Broadway in Aurora. This year we are featuring "Beer From Around The World," a presentation by our very own Brewmaster, Mike KC9JBX. A performance by a comedian and magician are planned. For more information, please click HERE.
Thank You Tom!

January 18, 2010 - Please join me in thanking Tom WB9CHY for his outstanding work as our club's Webmaster. After several years of diligent service, Tom is passing the duties on. Maintaining a website can require several hours of service a month, but somehow he was able to squeeze in the time necessary. Again, thanks Tom for your excellent service! (Greg N9CHA, Webmaster)
FRRL Hamfest 2010 - July 11th
January 17, 2010 - It's official! Our hamfest has been approved by the ARRL and is set for Sunday, July 11th at Aurora Central Catholic High School. For more information, please click HERE. Our Hamfest Chairperson, Dean KC9EOQ will be attending the WCRA Mid-Winter Hamfest on January 24th to sell tickets and pass out flyers. For more information about the WCRA Mid-Winter Hamfest, click HERE.
February Program Notes - Meeting February 9th
January 16, 2010 - Is there anybody out there? Dick AH6EZ reports his program for the February meeting has been set. "The topic of this program will be Radio Astronomy and you won't believe what you are capable of hearing with normal amateur radio equipment and antennas. There is still a lot of unknown science about what is causing the radio signals. Here is your chance to contribute to a part of the body of knowledge using your amateur radio experience."
Eric KC9FQV now K9LGE
January 15, 2010 - Congratulations to FRRL member Eric K9LGE (former KC9FQV) for getting his new vanity call sign. Some have reported "Large Green Elephants" flying around St. Charles... see if you can catch one on the repeater!
Welcome: New FRRL Members
January 1, 2010 - The FRRL would like to welcome three new members to the club. Michael KC9OPV, Bill K9UB and Jeff N9JZN. Look for them at the next meeting or on the repeater and start a QSO!
HF Challenge - Starting a New Year
January 1, 2010 - It all starts over again! What? The Bill Erickson HF Challenge 2010 has begun. If you're a new member, check out the details by clicking HERE. There are four classes of friendly competition: High Power (QRO), Operator (<250 watts), Limited (i.e. Single Band, Digital, CW, QRP), and even a class for the Ragchewers among us! Contact Eric AB9OS with your updates or for more details about this fun and exciting way to enjoy a little club competition.
FRRL Official Sponsor - Worked All Illinois Counties Award
January 1, 2010 - The WAC-IL award is available to amateurs who have contacted at least one amateur radio operator in 62 or more Illinois counties. There are 102 counties in the state. The club's administrator for the WAC-IL award is Larry W9OKI. Details and Rules can be found by clicking HERE.
1950's Style Novice CW Transmitter

January 1, 2010 - Wow! Way to go! Larry K9ARZ wrote a fascinating article, complete with pictures and a schematic of a 10 watt CW transmitter he built. You can find his article in this month's Arc Over Newsletter.