The fall season brings on the good times as the bands increase in activity and events for a variety of operating interests are scheduled in greater number.  For on the air, in addition to just good old rag chewing, there are lots of contests to challenge the competitive skills and/or to add QSO’s for operating fun, awards and accomplishments.   With little or no experience a lot of counties, states and DX entities can be worked in a contest by tuning through the bands and dropping your call on the die-hard competitors who appreciate all contacts to increase their score.  For those that do play the contests for fun without regard to score and for those who may not be licensed to participate on contest bands of interest, take a couple of hours, team up, share the fun and let a new experience happen.  Upcoming opportunities for such an experience include the Illinois QSO Party October 18, the CQ Worldwide SSB DX Contest October 26 and 27, the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes November 15 and 16, and the ARRL 10 Meter Contest December 13 and 14.

If you are looking for an experience beyond the two way QSO fun of our hobby, take on the adventure of “fox hunting” a hidden transmitter.  Such an event is again being sponsored by our club on October 12th and is open to any interested ham in the area so spread the word.  Meet at Mel Price Park in Swansea at 1:00PM and start the hunt at 1:30.  The winners of our last hunt, N9MND and K9BGL will take on the challenge to disguise the fox transmitter somewhere hopefully in St Clair County.  Forming teams is the best way to enjoy the fun and teams are encouraged to invite inexperienced hunters to participate with them.  After the event is declared over, whether all have found the fox or not, food and drink will be provided by the club at the park.  This portion of the days activity is open to all participants, club members and their guests, and is a time to relate the adventures of the day.  Also, this is an opportunity to tailgate items for sale or trade.

Our next club meeting is October 30th.  The program will be provided by long time and very successful area contester, Karl Bretz, K9BGL.  His topic will be on contesting and DX.  The November meeting will be on the 20th due to Thanksgiving falling on the last Thursday of the month.  For December the club will again have a holiday dinner at the Eckerts Family restaurant.  The dinner date is December 11th, will start a 6:30PM and it will be an order from the menu format.

Aaron Kenney, KB9HYY, got early exposure to ham radio through his grandfather, Red, WA9MGX,  He got his first license in 1992 and has been with our club since 1993.  Aaron’s personal equipment is limited to 2-meters; however, through WA9MGX he has access to a variety of HF and VHF equipment and antennas.   Since being a part of the club Aaron has enjoyed public service and emergency communications operating opportunities.  Significant among his contributions is the year after year of pulling the night shift to operate the clubs field day SSB station.  Since he has been with the club for field days, probably more SSB QSO’s have been logged to KB9HYY than any other operator.

Included with this newsletter is an abbreviated roster of club members.  If any of the information listed is in error, please let the editor know of the correction after a club net or calling 624-2797, or e-mail w9bp@aol.com.

The St Louis ARC hamfest starts at 7:30AM on October 25th at the Kirkwood Community Center.

VE test sessions are available the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM.  A reservation is required to have a test session scheduled.  For information, contact Ted, K9HUH at home 235-6152 or business 233-1313.

Remember Mallo’s Pastries of Belleville and Scott AFB for their many years of providing complimentary pastries for club events.  Take your business to Mallo’s and let them know you appreciate their support of our club.