Discover Your Ham Radio Passion with the Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO)!

Attention all ham radio enthusiasts in the Chicago area, especially those seeking a welcoming and inclusive community! The Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO) offers a warm space for anyone interested in exploring the exciting world of ham radio. Established in 1975, the Metro Amateur Radio Club fosters camaraderie and a love for all things ham radio, regardless of experience level.

A Welcoming Space for All Ham Radio Interests

The Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO) caters to a broad range of ham radio passions:

• General Interest: New to ham radio or simply curious about its potential? The Metro Amateur Radio Club welcomes you with open arms! Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned operator, you'll find a friendly and supportive environment to learn, share knowledge, and connect with fellow hams.
• Contest: Put your operating skills to the test and experience the thrill of ham radio contests alongside fellow club members.
• DX (Long Distance Communication): Dream of connecting with hams across the globe? Share your experiences and tips with fellow DX enthusiasts at the Metro Amateur Radio Club.
• Digital Modes: Delve into the exciting world of digital modes and explore its potential for communication and experimentation.
• VHF/UHF Communication: Utilize your VHF/UHF expertise or learn more about this essential aspect of ham radio communication. The club maintains a repeater network, details of which can be found on their website (http://www.metroarc.org) or by contacting them directly.
• Public Service and Safety: Committed to giving back to the community, the Metro Amateur Radio Club supports emergency communication efforts.

Empowering Your Ham Radio Journey

The Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO) actively supports your growth as a ham radio operator:

• License Test Sessions: Considering getting your license? The club might collaborate with other local clubs to organize Volunteer Examiner (VE) sessions, potentially streamlining the licensing process (check their website or contact them for details).
• Mentor Program: Connect with experienced members like Avi Nutkis W2GKG who can answer your questions and guide you on your ham radio journey.
• Club Newsletter: Stay informed about club activities, news, upcoming events, and technical discussions through their club newsletter.
• On-The-Air Bulletins: Receive vital information and updates directly through the club's on-the-air bulletins.

Building a Strong Ham Radio Community

The Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO) fosters a strong sense of community:

• Monthly Meetings: They hold meetings on the 1st Tuesday of most months at 7:30 PM at the Lincolnwood Community Center located at 6900 N Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL. These meetings offer a fantastic opportunity to learn from presentations by guest speakers or fellow hams, participate in hands-on projects, and connect with other enthusiasts.
• Sunday Night Net: Join the club's weekly net on Sundays at 9:00 PM CST on their repeater at 147.315 MHz with +600 transmit offset and 147.915 MHz receive offset. Nets are a great way to practice your on-air communication skills and connect with other hams in real-time.
• Field Day and QSO Party Participation: The club actively participates in Field Day, a national event showcasing the capabilities of ham radio, and the Illinois QSO Party, a fun contest for connecting with hams within the state.

Join the Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO)!

If you're passionate about ham radio, seeking a welcoming community, or interested in exploring various facets of the hobby, the Metro Amateur Radio Club (W9FO) welcomes you with open arms! Reach out to Avi Nutkis W2GKG at w9lya@arrl.net for more information.

Additional Notes:

• Visit the Metro Amateur Radio Club website (http://www.metroarc.org) for the latest information on meetings, events, nets, and any updates.
• While entry-level license classes aren't currently listed, you might inquire about them during meetings or by contacting the club directly.