Stars Radio Club Meeting Recap: A Look at Drones in Amateur Radio and Beyond

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Last night’s Stars Radio Club meeting was both enlightening and entertaining, thanks to a fantastic presentation by club member Jose Arrom, KE9ANL. Jose explored how drones are being used in amateur radio and beyond, and it was clear that he has a real passion for the subject.

His presentation highlighted the growing intersection of drone technology and amateur radio, showing how ham radio operators are using drones for everything from remote communications to aerial repeaters. Jose also shared some fascinating real-world examples of drone use outside of the hobby—everything from search and rescue operations to environmental monitoring. It was a perfect blend of technical insight and practical application, making it easy to see why drones are becoming an increasingly important tool in many fields.

After the presentation, a few important updates were shared with the group. First, it was announced that starting in 2025, our regular meetings will shift to a 7:00 pm start time. This adjustment will give presenters a bit more time to share their knowledge without feeling rushed, and we hope it will make for even more engaging and informative sessions.

Finally, Dennis our president, reminded everyone that our annual Holiday Party will take place in December, with festivities kicking off at 7:30 pm. It’s always a fun event, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the season with fellow members. Scroll down for party details.

A big thank you to Jose for his excellent presentation, and to everyone who joined us at the meeting. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

November Meeting Vote

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As we approach our November meeting, we have an important decision to make: we need to vote on changing the start time for our meetings in the new year. A proposed start time of 7:00 pm could significantly improve our ability to accommodate future presentations and make our meetings even more effective.

November’s meeting will be our final opportunity to shape the club’s direction before the new year begins, and your input is crucial in this process. Your feedback and participation are highly valued, and together, we can chart a course that benefits all members.

Temporary VE Testing Site Change

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STARS will administer exams at the Justice Public Library starting in October. We plan to hold sessions on the fourth Saturday of each month. Testing is held at 10:00 a.m., and walk-ins are accepted until 11:30 a.m.

The Library is located at 7641 Oak Grove Ave, Justice, IL 60458

If you would like to take an exam, please use the Exam Request form to contact us. This will help us plan more effectively and allow us to contact you if anything changes.

Test candidates must register in the FCC CORES system and receive an FCC Registration Number (FRN) before exam day.

To apply for an FRN,

visit:  https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do https://apps.fcc.gov/cores/userLogin.do

STARS Annual Holiday Party December 12, 2024

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The December STARS meeting will be held at Beggar’s Pizza in Oak Forest. Last year’s event was delightful! Most of the current members typically attend, and the food and service at the venue are top-notch. Spending time in person with those we typically communicate with on the airwaves is always fun. The officers of STARS wish all a safe, joyful, and festive holiday season.

Below is a link to our weekly nets.

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Our group is open to all radio enthusiasts, especially those interested in the hobby and service aspects of radio communication. Nets

For a list of additional nets,

Here is a link to the ARRL Illinois Section Chicago Area Net Directory.

Upcoming Hamfests

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HRO Superfest September 20-21, 2024
Ham Radio Outlet Milwaukee
5710 W. Good Hope Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53201
10 AM-5:30 PM
Talk-in 145.130 MHz pl 127.3

CFMC Radio Expo 2024 September 22, 2024
Boone County Fairgrounds
8791 Illinois Route 76 
Belvidere, Illinois 61008
6 AM-3 PM
Talk-in 146.760 MHz pl 107.2 WA9ORC

Skywarn Basic Spotter Training Opportunity

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The Hamfesters Radio Club will conduct Skywarn Basic Spotter Training at their monthly meeting on April 5, 2024. This class is usually well attended. Please visit the Hamfesters website for additional details as they become available.

After receiving your basic training, you can get advanced training at NWS State College online.