Maple Grove Radio Club

MGRC Mission Statement

Maple Grove Radio Club provides education to current and future amateur radio operators, with the goal of serving the public. We are a reliable communications resource for events and emergencies in Maple Grove and surrounding communities.

Chester Bird Post 523 Grand Opening Special Event Station

We would like to give a big thank you to The Chester Bird Post 523 American Legion and The American Legion Amateur Radio Club for having the grand opening weekend from April 23 through the 26th. There was food, friends and frequency included with the special event station.

A special thank you to Roy WØREW for generously providing his radio trailer for the special event station.

President's Message

Scott Henley, KFØFFE
President Maple Grove Radio Club, KØLTC

Connect with Elmers/Mentors

Additionally, please follow the Maple Grove Radio Club Facebook page for frequent updates on club member activities.

Monthly Meeting

TALARC The American Legion Amateur Radio Club

Club Calendar of Events

Club Member Spotlight

Ham radio allows us to have a wide range of varying interests. I just wanted to provide a spot light to the amazing people we have in this club. This months interview is with Norm Eid WBØLRJ

Question 1: How did I get started in amateur radio?

I began my interest in amateur radio during scouting days. There was a radio merit badge that I completed and subsequently tested for my novice license. That was in 1973 and I received my first call sign WNØLRJ. My dad also tested and received his novice license, WNØLRK. From there we both tested for the conditional license and were rebranded WBØLRJ and WBØLRK. When I began my studies at the University of Minnesota, I trekked to the FCC’s testing site at St. Paul’s federal building and sat for both the general and advanced licensees. I passed both and remained an advanced class until 2024 when I tested and passed my extra class license. I had a few periods of inactivity during my Navy active duty days and again in 2004 when I was recalled to active duty. I was a Navy Captain and the recall reignited my interests in amateur radio.

Question 2: What is your most favorite part of amateur radio?

I have always been interested in the whys and how’s of radio communications. I enjoyed cw quite a bit, as well as, rag chewing. I did some serious contesting in high school and actually placed second in a national competition. I was not even close to the winner’s totals. It was fun, but it really was not for me. My favorite aspects are low power communications, “hot” radio receivers, and various antenna schemes. I built both an Elecraft K2 and a QRP Labs QMX+ radios over the years; both the builds were fun and educational.

Question 3: What is your most proud accomplishment in amateur radio?

Before the advent of cellular communication and when it was easy to run up long distance telephone bills, I used my HeathKit HW-101 to chat with my parents on a weekly basis when I was a student at the U of M. That was fun. We also use to run phone patches between personnel stationed at various south pole stations and there homes in the U.S.

Question 4: Do you have any recommendations, words of wisdom, or ideas for newly licensed hams?

I would recommend that one be flexible. Life does get in the way of things, even for extended periods of time. Try different modes of communication and do not be afraid of trying something new and failing. That is how we all grow. Make do with what you got. Even a poor receiver/transmitter/antenna is better than none at all.

Join a club and get involved. Everyone brings something to the table.

Receive Only Radio by Ray KØRAE

This article introduces a series on Receive-Only radio. Not everyone can transmit or wants to transmit. You maybe new to the Ham Radio with little to no gear or you are uncomfortable talking. The focus here will not be limited to Ham Radio as there are lots of fun things to listen to outside of the hobby.

Here are several suggestion that don't require a radio, just a computing device with internet access and a browser. All of this is free and you don't have to have an Amateur Radio License.

• Amateur Radio Newsline has what could be considered a weekly Podcast. They do transmit this over the radio but if you go to this URL, you will find an audio button to listen to it using your computer, phone, tablet, etc. https://www.arnewsline.org

• The University of Twente in The Netherlands has a WebSDR (SDR = Software Defined Radio). From this site you tune the radio, change HF bands, and select modes. http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901

• Beyond ham radio, you can listen to air traffic over the internet: https://www.liveatc.net . You can hear airport Tower, Ground, and Approach radio traffic. Enter the desired Airport/ARTCC Code, such as MSP, and then select one of the many channels to listen to. When used in conjunction with FlightTrader24, https://www.flightradar24.com, you can watch the air traffic that you are listening to.

• Hoseline allows you listen to DMR (Digital Moble Radio): https://hose.brandmeister.network From the Show section in the top left hand corner >> Pull Down Arrow on the right >> Select United States of America >> Click one of the Tiles (called Talk-Groups) and then listen. Or In the top right corner >> click on PLAYER >> click on the People icon and type 3127 >> select one of the Minnesota Talk-Groups to listen to. 31272 seems to be a favorite. You can add multiple Talk-Groups and listen to them simultaneously.

If you know of other interesting radio-listening websites, send an email to K0RAE@mail.com. Send any comments, suggestions, or concerns to the same email address.

International Aspirations by Jeff KFØRMY

Several Pota activators talk a lot about DX – wanting to make that international QSO. I wondered if I could be that sought after contact? Sensing there would be a lot of activity on Saturday during the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial I asked Aaron -WØADL to join me on a multi park rove. We made it to the border and operated in Canada. It didn’t take very long to get our quota and then some. We were official international activators! We were careful to observe the needed requirement to modify our callsigns showing the province we were in with each transmission. Making sure we were doing it right on our first call was none other than one of my YouTube heroes, Stuart – VE9CF. I didn’t think my modest Pota setup would go that far.

Recently my wife and I traveled to Kenya on a church mission trip to help in a school. I wanted to bring my radio and I was worried about having the right size battery for such a trip. Several knowledgeable hams gave me sage advice. Topic 1 -was to get the right license. Canada was very easy to operate in because of a long standing treaty dating to 1952. By contrast, Kenya and other neighboring countries on the African continent present paperwork requirements dating back to their colonial rule. You need to provide proof of American FCC license as well as your travel documents and of course certain fees. It turns out that having the right sized amp/hour battery on the plane was the least of my problems. Topic 2 – getting thru customs is a challenge because your bags and possessions are thoroughly examined. If something looks out of place, it is usually confiscated or you’re asked to pay a duty. This was another reason for having proof of the local license in hand. Topic 3 came from a very seasoned Pota activator and he said, ”Be aware of who you are representing.” Was I a proper amateur radio representative? Because I couldn’t get the travel visa to time properly with the Kenyan license I left my radio at home. Maybe another time.

I had forgotten about Echolink on my phone. I was 8500 miles from home but getting a local wifi signal let me make a contact with the NØBVE repeater 145.450 to hear some familiar voices. A few of them were stunned to hear me part way around the world basking in warm sunshine while they were looking at snow. Amateur radio is wonderful!

Jeffrey Thimell – KFØRMY - 73

Interesting Media and Links

Do you have a Technicians License and want to get into packet radio? Watch this playlist to get the scoop of how to connect your computer and your radio to APRS. Have digital fun with very low cost equipment!

I wanted to get more information about various emergency networks. I found this interesting overview of ARDEN. There are quite a few interesting videos on their YouTube channel. Take a look.

I've heard that the ISS is the loudest bird in orbit but this video was both shocking and humorous all at the same time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

ARRL NEWS

Dayton Hamvention® 2026 Offers Forums for Every Ham

Dayton Hamvention 2026 features a wide range of forums to appeal to amateur radio operators of all interests, experience levels, and ages. The Hamvention Forums Committee has assembled a diverse lineup covering technical topics, operating skills, and emerging interest areas.

On opening day, Friday, May 15, there are 22 forums beginning at 9:15 AM with HamSCI: The Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation. Learn about the Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Project, a version of the Personal Space Weather Station that you can build from scratch, Meteor Scatter QSO Party Results, and an upcoming collaboration with a NASA mission. The moderator is Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF.

Another forum on Friday morning is Lightning Protection, Generators, Inverters and RFI, moderated by Jim Bacher, WB8VSU, and Gary Bishop, NQØV.

Among the other forums on Friday is TAPR - Topics in Digital Radio, the Antenna Forum moderated by Tim Duffy, K3LR, and Arduino and Microcontrollers - Going the Distance, with popular ARRL author Glen Popiel, KW5GP.

Young hams will want to start off Saturday morning with the Youth Forum, sponsored by the Radio Club of America, at 9:15 AM. Student presenters include Webelos Scout Adam Grubb, KF8EKW, who is currently building a 70-centimeter EME station for his school science project. Carsten Glasbrenner, KQ4SJM, will share his interests in satellites, home brew antennas, and simple soldering kits. Other young presenters and panelists include Haley Pendell, KE2EVX; Maggie Dill, KR4FTN; Anderson Ray, K4RAY, and Violetta Latham, KN2P.

Young hams can also join in some Saturday afternoon fun with the ARRL Youth Rally Activities scheduled from 1 – 4 PM. Advance registration is recommended for those students ages 11 to 21 who want this year’s Youth Rally T-shirt and badge. An ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Meetup will follow the Youth Rally at 4 PM.

An ARRL Membership Forum on Saturday at 11 AM will include updates on outreach to students and educators, momentum behind the Year of the Club, ARRL’s partnership with America250, and current legislative advocacy efforts shaping the future of amateur radio. The forum will be moderated by ARRL Great Lakes Division Director Scott Yonally, N8SY, with presentations from ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR, and ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA.

A handful of DX-themed forums on Saturday include The 3Y0K Bouvet DXpedition, Desecheo 2026 DXpedition: First All Solar-Powered Unattended DXpedition, and a forum with Brian Bathe, AD8FD, and Paul Ewing, N6PSE, exploring the lessons learned from DXing in adverse conditions.

Among the forums on Sunday is POTA Hacks: Little Things Add Up to Big Success, moderated by Michael Martens, KB9VBR, who will share some of his favorite Parks on the Air operating tips and hacks. Other forums will cover 3D printing for ham radio uses, the HF digital modes, and mastering CW.

Indiana Company to Manufacture Hy‑Gain and Cushcraft Antennas

In his pickup truck on the way back to Indiana from Starkville, Mississippi, ITU Corporation President and Founder David Carpenter, KC9ATG, told the ARRL Letter his company will indeed begin building Hy‑Gain and Cushcraft antennas.

Carpenter became interested last year in purchasing the antenna lines from Martin Jue, K5FLU, retired owner of MFJ Enterprises. “We were not able to make the deal last year,” said Carpenter. “But I called him a few weeks ago and,with a handshake, the deal was done.”

ITU, which currently sells ham and CB gear, as well as training products for multiple industries, has also purchased the former Linton National Guard Armory, which will become the new manufacturing hub for these legendary US antenna brands.

Capenter said his company will soon begin moving the manufacturing equipment from Mississippi to Linton, Indiana, and start taking orders by the 4th quarter of this year. The new operation is expected to employ a staff of 20 initially, and then up to 50.

“These antennas will be American-made,” said Carpenter.

Martin F. Jue, founder of MFJ Enterprises, was quoted as saying he expressed confidence that Hy‑Gain and Cushcraft, renowned for their robust design, high gain, and worldwide use by radio operators, will continue living up to their legacy under ITU’s American‑made engineering and customer‑focused approach.

With existing brands like TekShack and LearnLab already in its portfolio, ITU is positioning the Linton, Indiana, site as a center for high‑performance antennas, rotators, and accessories used by hams and professional stations.

A special Board Meeting of the Northern California DX Foundation took place on April 20, 2026. During the meeting, the board expanded the number of directors to add two new members as part of an effort to strengthen youth involvement in DXing and DXpeditioning.

Appointed to the board are Violetta Latham, KN2P, and Max Freedman, N4ML. Freedman is a member of the ARRL staff and an active DXpeditioner, while Latham also brings hands-on DXpedition experience and a strong connection to the next generation of operators.

The creation of these positions—and the selection of younger operators with proven DXpedition credentials—reflects a broader initiative by NCDXF to encourage greater participation by young hams in DX activities. The Foundation says it looks forward to their insights in helping shape programs and support systems that will engage and sustain future DXers.

The NCDXF board also accepted the resignation of board Director George Wallner, AA7JV, who was recognized for his work spearheading the development of the Radio-In-a-Box (RIB) technology that continues to gain momentum in the DX community.

Gregg Marco, W6IZT, was elected to replace Wallner on the board. Marco is passionate about the participation of young hams in DXpeditions. He has led several DXpedition efforts recently that included many young hams. He has also developed a Next Generation RIB system that has been instrumental in including many young hams in DXpeditions via remote access.

NCDXF provides scholarships to Contest University, held each year in Dayton before Hamvention®, for those 25 years of age and under. The organization also partners with the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) to operate the NCDXF Beacon System worldwide, and supports the WRTC, World Radiosport Championship.

Upcoming Contests

• April 25 Tipalayo DX Contest (phone)

• April 25 SP DX RTTY Contest (digital)

• April 25 UK/EI DX Contest (CW)

• April 25 Helvetia Contest (CW, phone, digital)

• April 25 Nebraska QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

• April 25 Florida QSO Party (CW, phone)

• April 26 BARTG Sprint 75 (digital)

• April 27 RSGB FT4 Contest (digital)

• April 29 432 MHz Spring Sprint (digital)

• May 1 AGCW QRP/QRP Party (CW)

• May 2 RCC Cup (CW, phone)

• May 2 SBMS 2.3 GHz and Up Contest and Club Challenge (CW, phone, digital)

• May 2 Microwave Spring Sprint (CW, phone, digital)

• May 2 ARI International DX Contest (CW, phone, digital)

• May 2 F9AA Cup, PSK (digital)

• May 2 7th Call Area QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

• May 2 Indiana QSO Party (CW, phone)

• May 2 Delaware QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

• May 2 New England QSO Party (CW, phone, digital)

• May 3 WAB 7 MHz Phone (phone)

Upcoming State, Section, and Division Conventions

• May 3 | Warminster Amateur Radio Club Annual Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Eastern Pennsylvania Section Convention, Bristol, Pennsylvania

• May 9 | ARRL Nebraska State Convention, Lincoln, Nebraska

• May 15 - 17 | Dayton Hamvention, Xenia, Ohio

• June 5 -7 | SEA-PAC, hosting the ARRL Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, Oregon

• June 13 | Knoxville Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, Tennessee

• June 14 | BreezeShooters Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section Convention, Butler, Pennsylvania

• June 19 - 20 | Flagstaff HamFest, hosting the ARRL Arizona Section Convention, Flagstaff, Arizona.

• June 26 - 28 | HAM RADIO, International Amateur Radio Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany

• August 7 - 8 | Shreveport-Bossier Hamfest, hosting the ARRL Delta Division Convention, Shreveport, Louisiana

• August 13 - 16 | Northeast HamXposition, ARRL New England Division Convention, Marlborough, Massachusetts

• August 15 | Cincinnati Hamfest℠, hosting the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention

• August 22 - 23 | Huntsville Hamfest, hosting the 2026 ARRL National Convention, Huntsville, Alabama

• October 10 | North Star Radio Convention, hosting the ARRL Dakota Division Convention, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

• October 16 - 18 | Pacificon, ARRL Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, California

Board Members

K0LTC.ORG, Inc.
P.O. Box 22613,
Minneapolis MN 55422
Archives: https://k0ltc.org/newsletter-archive/