Whether you are a new Technician or a long-time Extra Class operator, amateur satellites offer a unique challenge and a lot of fun! This session is for those new to satellites, or for those who tried satellite operations long ago and want to see how much has changed. We’ll look at what types of satellites are currently in orbit, and what it takes to track them, hear them, and make contacts through them. We’ll break down the rocket science into plain English, and show you that you may already have most of the gear necessary for satellite operation.

This presentation will explore various options for engaging in keyboard-to-keyboard digital modes on both VHF and HF bands. It will cater to operators of all levels, from Technicians to Extras, discussing the necessary tools, some popular modes, and software for getting on the air.

Twin Cities hams have supported many events. Here are some highlights, best practices and lessons learned.

A look at the four ARRL operating awards (DXCC, VUCC, WAC, WAS); a bit about their history; and ways to qualify and apply for each award.

Parks On The Air has been an extremely popular part of ham radio for a number of years now. Come learn about how the Stillwater Amateur Radio Association started a club challenge for POTA activities, and its growth into multiple statewide events and a dedicated Minnesota POTA focused website and group!

This presentation takes a look at what the different digital voice modes are, the background/technical aspects of them, and how they are linked together. This presentation also looks at common pitfalls and problems that can be experienced in a mutli-mode digital voice Network and good operating practices.

Using simple antenna modeling, the design and modification of the Antennas-Amplifiers PA144-432-13-1 dual band antenna to add 6m capability.

For some time now many of the popular HF commercial radios have include three of the most popular VHF bands; 50MHz (6m), 144MHz (2m), and 432MHz (70cm). With their small size and 13.8 VDC operating capability these radios are a natural to use when VHF portable, hill topping, or roving. While one small box can deliver a lot of bands and capability, addressing what kind of antenna(s) to use when portable can complicate the desire for having a small, lightweight station. Using small omni directional VHF antennas is often one solution, but a station’s performance can be significantly improved by using even a small yagi antenna. This presentation describes a modification to a commercially available small lightweight dual band 144/432MHz antenna that will add 50 MHz capability to it. The addition of a second feedline will then provide hill toppers and Rovers with a very short, small, lightweight single boom antenna for 50MHz, 144MHz, and 432MHz.

What is WSPR – High-level overview Why you should use WSPR – Use cases How to Use WSPR – WSJT-X and WSRP.ROCKs overview

Introducing micro computers to ham radio through a CW keyer. This keyer is based on the SAMD21 and programmed with Circuit Python. Dots and dashes are generated with touch sensitive paddles.

In this presentation, the speaker will introduce Meshtastic, a low-power, long-range mesh communication system that works without cell service or internet. Aimed at beginners, the session will explain the basics of how Meshtastic uses LoRa radios to send text messages between devices over long distances. The speaker will walk through the essential hardware, how to set up and connect devices using the Meshtastic app, and how messages travel through the mesh network. Real-world examples—such as outdoor adventures, emergency situations, and off-grid communication—will help illustrate practical uses. No prior technical experience is required.

Discussion of the dB, origin, various flavors (dB, dBi,dBd, dBm)

In the early days of the Marconi transatlantic contacts, kites were used to hoist antennas. Today, they still provide a fun and exciting way to lift an antenna and provide contacts. This session will cover topics such as choosing a kite, knots to use, safety considerations, how to attach the antenna, and how to fly the kite.

Overview of the AllStarLink internet connected repeater systems. Brief history, current software implementation method, repeater interfacing methods. Online demonstrations will be utilized.

This antenna is a culmination of some three years of work involving a series of loop antenna designs that have proven both compact and DX-capable. My work with (electrically ‘large’) loops began at 20m and progressed downward to 30m, 40m, and 60m, all without need for loading-coils or resonators of any type. These antennas were surprisingly effective, resulting in several DXCC awards, all of which were obtained while running 50Watts or less. However, at the point I envisioned extending this work to 80m or even 160m, it was immediately apparent I simply didn’t have the real estate. This is what motivated my consideration of so-called ‘loaded-loop’ designs.

One of the joys of the amateur radio hobby is making things, whether operating equipment, station accessories, antennas, or just fun trinkets. The advent of 3D printing at the hobbyist level has enabled the creation of objects that previously would have been difficult or impossible for the average Ham to fabricate. We’ll talk about what 3D printing is, what equipment and supplies are needed as well as some of the possibilities of the technology today, and where things are heading in the future.

Several years ago I did a presentation on the general topic of solar weather, I would like to present that material again, along with updates on what Cycle 25 has delivered and what we can (perhaps) expect in the future.

Learn how to perform radio direction finding using various pieces of RDF equipment.

This session will cover the basics of logging, the history behind it, and how to leverage newer digital tools for success. Workflows will be reviewed that will make this easy to combine the long term traditions such as QSL Cards, submitting digital logs for programs such as POTA/ARRL Awards, and maintaining a history of who you have made contact with.

How to get started and become a successful DXer

Activities and resources for licensed amateur radio operators.

Intro, RARC activities, CERT SkyWarn EmmComms, Sherrifs office, ARES, HandiHams • Mic Fright • As cheap as $16.99 on website named after a South American River. • Antenna, Antenna, Antenna! • Getting on the air. Including 2M, 70 cm, DMR FM and other modes, HF modes • ARRL U.S. Amateur Radio Bands Chart. https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band%20Chart/Hambands4_Color_11x8_5.pdf • Know your license privileges on the bands. • Clubs, Elmers, ARRL, YouTube… Who to turn to for information. Ask 10 Hams, you’ll get 15 answers. • So many rabbit holes! • The ARRL Operating Manual. $10 for Kindle, 2 volumes, $20 for all four. • How repeaters work. • Lingo, phonetic alphabet • Connectors, many varieties: SMA, SO239, PL259, NMO, BNC • Drones • Repeaterbook.com • Minnesota Repeater Council • Minnesota Ham Radio Discord, Facebook

How well do you really understand the process of logging your contacts. A lot has changed since the days of paper logbooks. This is a brief walk through the history of logging, its importance, and how you can streamline your logging process to capture as much information as possible in the most efficient manner possible to get credit towards awards while enabling others to get credit for awards as well.

In this presentation, the speaker will introduce Meshtastic, a low-power, long-range mesh communication system that works without cell service or internet. Aimed at beginners, the session will explain the basics of how Meshtastic uses LoRa radios to send text messages between devices over long distances. The speaker will walk through the essential hardware, how to set up and connect devices using the Meshtastic app, and how messages travel through the mesh network. Real-world examples—such as outdoor adventures, emergency situations, and off-grid communication—will help illustrate practical uses. No prior technical experience is required.

The wide availability and low cost of the NanoVNA allow any HAM to be able to make measurements that used to be only possible in fancy labs. Now those measurements can be made quickly, easily and precisely

Using Nec2Go Antenna program, different ways to determine best segments, and validation of the model. Showing real world antenna types and their preformance.