Attention Ham Radio Enthusiasts and Club Members!

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Are you ready to take your amateur radio skills to the next level? Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of insights, expertise, and inspiration with one of our very own STARS members, KB9REV. This is an event you won’t want to miss!

Event Details:

  • Date: January 9th
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Location: Bridgeview Community Center

Presentation Title:
“Practical Propagation”

Our speaker, Larry Schwab, is a seasoned operator and VE with an impressive track record that speaks volumes about his dedication and mastery of the hobby.

  • Worked All States on 7 separate bands
  • DXCC on 7 separate bands with over 200 confirmed DX contacts across all bands
  • 19,000+ confirmed contacts spanning the globe, from Orland Park to Perth, Australia—all achieved from a modest city lot with just two HF antennas and 100 watts.

This presentation will focus on practical, easy-to-understand methods to predict and utilize propagation paths effectively. Whether you’re a newcomer to amateur radio or a seasoned operator, there’s something here for everyone:

  • Learn simple ways to determine if a band is open, when it’s open, and where it’s open.
  • Gain tips to maximize your station’s potential by knowing when and where to call CQ.
  • Enjoy a non-technical, approachable explanation of propagation paths tailored for both new and experienced Hams.

Join us for an evening that promises to elevate your understanding of propagation and help you make the most of your station. This event will provide amateur radio enthusiasts of all skill levels an opportunity to learn, share, and deepen their passion for amateur radio.

Spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays!

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Last Thursday, we gathered for the Stars Annual Holiday Affair—a wonderful mix of club busness and camaraderie. While this year’s turnout was a bit more intimate, it created an atmosphere of connection and conversation that everyone truly enjoyed.

During the meeting, we finalized the details for our new testing location. Moving forward, all license testing will be held at the Justice Library. Check the Events Tab on the website for upcoming test dates.

Looking ahead to 2024, we’re excited to announce monthly programs designed to inform, inspire, and connect our members. Kicking off in January, our very own Larry Schwab (KB9REV) will take the stage with a presentation you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned—details will be posted here soon!

On behalf of the Officers of the Stars Radio Club, we want to thank each of you for being part of this incredible community. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe, joyful holiday season. Here’s to a fantastic New Year filled with new contacts, learning, and plenty of time on the airwaves!

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.

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.