Amateur Radio in the 21st Century
Since the late 19th century, amateur radio, also known as ham radio, has been used for recreational wireless communications, building & experimentation, and emergency communications. Radio amateur operators or "hams" have made significant contributions to the technologies that are in use every day.
What does this 19th wireless technology look like in the 21st century? Using a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and inexpensive two-way radios (some that you can even build yourself), it is possible to communicate with orbiting satellites, the International Space Station, and many other astounding things.
Join us as we explore the wonders of amateur radio making including activities that you can do at home.
Saturday, April 17
LOCATION: Track 1TIME: 10:45 am - 11:40 am
Group
The McHenry County Wireless Association
The McHenry County Wireless Association (MCWA) is a well established amateur radio club serving McHenry County, Illinois and surrounding areas, MCWA welcomes newly licensed or returning hams, old-timers, and those interested in amateur radio. Whether your interest lies in DXing (talking to far away stations), experimenting, gaming (contesting), satellite or moon bounce communication, building homebrew projects, or just "rag chewing" on the air for the sheer enjoyment, you will find others who share the same interests. You will also find opportunities to keep abreast of the latest news and developments in amateur radio and opportunities to learn and make new and interesting things.
Makers
Ralph Iden
Ralph has been a licensed amateur radio operator since he was a teenager and still has his original FCC assigned call sign, WB9ICF. A software architect by profession, when he is not wrangling data at work, he enjoys making contacts with other amateurs around the world, building useful (and some no so useful) things with Raspberry Pis and Arduinos, 3D printing, and generally creating.
Dave Holmgren
Dave is another long-time amateur radio operator with call sign K9AT. When he is not evaluating the latest Apple technology, handheld radios, chatting with his ham buddies, or admiring color touchscreens, Dave enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family, pets, and the family's pet robotic lawnmower, Mo.
Gary Dembski
Licensed in 2016, my amateur radio callsign is W9GD. I own a electrical engineering firm in Elgin, Illinois My company serves industrial manufacturers over Northern Illinois. I enjoy the many facets of Ham Radio. Just talking to others that I have met on the air, communicating to others around the word whether that be on voice or digitally. I enjoy working special event stations like Lighthouses on the air, Route 66 and 13 colonies. I enjoy taking a radio to a park on occasion while enjoying the out of doors and Ham radio. Ham radio is a hobby that is very intriguing and fun as the technology that drives it is always changing offering new adventures. There is always something to learn and everyone finds a niche that they enjoy.
Dan Larson
Dan Larson has been a licensed amateur radio operator with call sign KD9M since 2014. He has an electrical engineering background and mind set and is always looking to learn / create something new, using with 3D printers, Laser engraver, Raspberry Pi, and micro controller coding / Arduino projects.
Jen VanZieleghem
Hello! My name is Jen and my callsign is KD9FMJ. I received my amateur license in 2016. I never imagined I would love this hobby so much or how many facets there are to Ham Radio. I thought it was only about talking on a radio. I found out it’s about building, computers, Raspberry Pi, and Moonbounce! I love taking my equipment outside to the middle of nowhere or a park and talk to the world. It’s an amazing feeling that things I built facilitates radio communications. Along with this hobby I enjoy camping, cooking, and long distance running. And spoiling my family!!