Radio Wizardry for Curious Minds
How do people communicate wirelessly over great distances without internet and cellular service? Come and find out!
Our exhibit features a demonstration of the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator showing how amateur radio satellites work in orbit. As a bonus, when the International Space Station passes overhead, we will attempt to make contact with it.
See how inexpensive Meshtastic and low-power radios create off-grid mesh networks for messaging anywhere and try your hand at Morse Code and see why it’s still a useful skill after 180 years.
Visitors can also build a fun kit to take home, making this exhibit a mix of space tech, emergency communications, and classic radio. Fun for beginners and radio geeks alike!
Our exhibit features a demonstration of the AMSAT CubeSat Simulator showing how amateur radio satellites work in orbit. As a bonus, when the International Space Station passes overhead, we will attempt to make contact with it.
See how inexpensive Meshtastic and low-power radios create off-grid mesh networks for messaging anywhere and try your hand at Morse Code and see why it’s still a useful skill after 180 years.
Visitors can also build a fun kit to take home, making this exhibit a mix of space tech, emergency communications, and classic radio. Fun for beginners and radio geeks alike!
McHenry County Wireless Association
We are a group of Lake and McHenry County amateur radio operators who share a passion for our hobby. Our diverse backgrounds include electrical, mechanical, and software engineering, and we enjoy sharing our knowledge.
Last December, Glenn (K9OK), David (K9AT), Angelo (KD9QVW), and Erich (W9RX) partnered with Lincoln Magnet School in Springfield, allowing students to use amateur radio to communicate with an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.
Pictured clockwise from lower left: Gary (W9TD), Glenn (K9OK), Dan (KD9M), Ralph (WB9ICF), Bill (AF9I), David (K9AT), and Bob (KE9CFO).