FCARC Ham Exams - New Location

May 31, 2025 Exams at FVTC

by: WJ9K

FCARC Ham Exams will be Saturday, May 31 at Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N. Bluemound Dr. Appleton, WI 54914, Room A160. Enter at door 15 from the North parking lot. 

Registration is from 8 to 9 am. You must have a valid email address and a FCC Registration Number (FRN) to register for an exam. The FRN is obtained from the FCC website free of charge.  Cost of the exam is $15. Retakes are allowed, time permitting. Each retake costs $15. Cell phones must be off during the exam.

Pre-registration is helpful but not required. If you have questions or wish to pre-register call Rick, WJ9K, at (920)809-1010 or email at wj9k.mail@gmail.com.

 


Fox Valley Grid

First Fox Hunt of 2025

by: WI9MMM

Saturday, May 3rd. 0730 - 1630 - or until the batteries run out.

147.555MHz Somewhere in the Fox Cities. See Map.

The fox can be heard from the 41/441 loop with a handheld radio - confirmed.

Since Fox Hunting is a receive only activity, all future and current Hams are welcome to participate.

PLEASE DO NOT post where it is when you find it. A simple "Found it!" on our Facebook page is enough. Allow others the thrill of the hunt.

There are NO prizes.

Use your best judgement on what information you share. After noon... hints can be blatant.


2025 EAA Special Event Station Sign-up Opens !

by: AB9AH

The sign-up for this year's EAA Special Event Station is now open to
all FCARC members. Sign up will be opening to all ARRL members
later in April 2025. Sign up will be drawing to a close on
May 28 2025. This has to be done so the EAA can finalize their
planning to accommodate us during the event.

This year we will operate on 7 days -- Monday through Saturday,
during the show (July 21 thru July 26,2025. This operating event
is open to all license classes. We will operate 2 HF stations, one
on 20m, one on 40m, 6-meter SSB, plus local communications on
2-meters. The club call, W9ZL, will be used throughout the event.

We are looking for both "AM" and "PM" operators covering each of the 7
days. You can sign up for one shift or more if you so desire. The event
is open to all of the amateur community. If operators sign up for a 4
hour shift, they will be given a daily wristband that will allow them
to go and wander around the Fly-in.

For further information and to sign up to operate the event go to:
http://fcarc.club
The sign up form is available at the Event Sign-ups tab on the W9ZL website
home page.

Or you may contact Jon Oldenburg AB9AH at:
AB9AH@arrl.net

Hope to see you all soon!

Jon Oldenburg AB9AH
W9ZL Special Event Coordinator
EAA AirVenture 2025



AI is garbage at rendering radios, but this is certainly an attempt.

2m Digital Net Control Operator Signup

by: KD9QHQ

The Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club runs a few different monthly nets.  One of those nets happens on the 145.33mhz YSF Digital repeater at 8:00pm on the first Tuesday of every month.  

We're looking for a few intrepid souls to act as net control operators.    

The only requirement is that you have a radio capable of accessing and communicating via the Yaesu System Fusion (aka: C4FM) digital mode.  Acting as net control is as simple as reading off a script and writing down some callsigns.  If I can do it (and I did for the April net!), anyone can!

If you're interested, please click the button below (or this link) and fill out the form.  I know some of you fly south for the winter, so I put an "availability" section there, as I'd like to schedule this out at least 6 months in advance (or more, if enough people sign up).

Thanks for your interest, and please let me (Mike, KD9QHQ) know if you have any questions.


Walk MS - Appleton

by: ND9DW

Walk MS: Appleton 2025 will take place on Saturday, May 10 at the Fox Cities Stadium. Looking for 8-10 operations to help with radio operations for this event. This is a great event for the new ham to try out the new HT or a seasoned ham to knock the dust of their favorite HT.

 

The event will last about 3 hours.

Agenda:

9:00 AM Meet at the Neuroscience Group Field at the Fox Cities Stadium. 2400 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton WI

9:30 AM Deploy to positions

9:45 AM Net Starts and radio checks

10:00 AM Walk Starts.

There will be a 1 and 3 route.

Questions: dsprangers@pm.me
Sign up here: https://fcarc.club/event-sign-up/3/ms-walk-2025
General event information: https://events.nationalmssociety.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2111


Jon AB9AH 2024 HOTY

New HOTY

by: WI9MMM

Congratulations to Jon Oldenburg (AB9AH) for being selected as the Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club's Ham Of The Year (HOTY) for 2024.

Jon is probably best known for his tireless support of EAA's Airventure.  Jon has been supporting this event for over 20 years and has been running the event for the last 14 of those years.

Thank you, Jon, for all your hard work in promoting Amateur Radio.  We especially appreciate what you do for Kidventure and all the other Hams that participate at EAA.


FCARC Annual Banquet

by: WI9MMM

Mark your calendars!  Buy your tickets!  It's time for the Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club's Annual Banquet.
Click on the Holiday Party link just under the FCARC banner on the homepage to purchase.

Saturday, February 22nd at Holidays Pub & Grill in Appleton.  Socialization starts at 5:30pm (cash bar).
Buffet style dining.  Beef tips and grilled chicken.  Mashed potatoes.  Corn.  Traditional fare.
Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchase through the club website.

I MUST HAVE A FINAL COUNT BY FEBRUARY 13TH!!!

The raffle prize?  Just a 55" TCL 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV with Fire TV built in.
https://www.tcl.com/us/en/products/home-theater/s5-class/55-class-4k-uhd-hdr-led-smart-fire-tv-55f35

  • 4K Ultra HD Resolution
  • Motion Rate 240
  • Dolby Atmos Audio
  • HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, &amp HLG)
  • Fire TV Smart OS with Voice Remote
  • Auto Game Mode (ALLM)
  • FullView Metal Bezel-less Design
  • Bluetooth Personal Audio
  • 3 HDMI Inputs (One with eARC)
  • Apple AirPlay 2
  • Works with Amazon Alexa

It's always a good time!!!
If you have questions, reach out to us using the Contact Us link on our webpage - www.fcarc.club


FCARC Ham Exams January 25, 2025

by: WJ9K

The FCARC will hold in-person Ham Radio exams January 25, 2025 at the Maplewood Middle School, 1600 Midway Road, Menasha. Registration is from 8 am to 9 am.  

A government issued pictured ID is required. Minors without an ID must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Applications require a FCC Registration Number (FRN). A FRN can be obtained from the FCC.gov website free of charge. Applications without a FRN will not be accepted. Apply for the FRN as soon as possible. The application also requires an email address. If you pass your exam the FCC will contact you via email with information about a $35 application fee. You will have 10 days to respond or your application will be dismissed. License upgrades are not charged the FCC fee. We do not collect any FCC fees.

 

Our VEC, the ARRL, charges a $15 fee ($5 under the age of 18) for the exam. If you pass your exam, you may take the next element at the same session at no extra charge.  If you fail an exam, you may take another version, but you will be charged another $15.

 

If you have questions about the exams call or email Rick Kosiorek, WJ9K.  wj9k.mail@gmail.com or call and leave voice mail at (920) 809-1010. 


Buy Your Holiday Party Tickets Online!

by: W9LEX

Holiday party tickets make a great present for the Ham in your life!

Join us on Saturday February 22, 2025!  Get details and buy tickets here!




View More Blog Articles

Join the Exciting World of Ham Radio
The ORIGINAL social network!

FCARC Calendar

Click on an event title to expand more information.

Tuesday May 13, 2025

Wednesday May 14, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9THF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Friday May 16, 2025

Saturday May 17, 2025

Sunday May 18, 2025

Monday May 19, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Maplewood Middle School, 1600 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USA

Tuesday May 20, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - WA9TT
  What musical instrument, if any, do you play?

Wednesday May 21, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - W9SJO
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Wednesday May 28, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - AJ9L
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday May 31, 2025

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Amateur Radio License Exam
Room A160.  Park in North Lot.  Enter through Door 15.
Registration starts at 0800. Testing starts at 0830.
The exam fee is $15.  This goes to the ARRL.
You will receive an email from the FCC after testing on how to pay them for your license.
You will need two forms of ID at least one of which must be a picture ID.
All candidates must use their Federal Registration Number (FRN). No SSN's accepted per FCC.
Email addresses are REQUIRED.
If you are upgrading, bring a printed copy of your license for the VE's to verify.
Location: Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI 54914, USA

Tuesday June 03, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday June 04, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KE8KWF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday June 07, 2025

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Fox Hunt
Can be heard with a handheld radio from I-41/I-441.
Location: 147.555 MHz. Somewhere in the Fox Valley

Sunday June 08, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - WA9TT
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday June 09, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday June 10, 2025

Wednesday June 11, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI4WD
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday June 14, 2025

Monday June 16, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday June 17, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - AJ9L
  What is your favorite steak house?

Wednesday June 18, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9TFM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday June 21, 2025

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sunshine Hamfest
Parking Lot #2
Location: Sunnyview Expo Center, 500 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA

Wednesday June 25, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WA9TT
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday June 28, 2025

Sunday June 29, 2025

Monday June 30, 2025

Tuesday July 01, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday July 02, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI9MMM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Friday July 04, 2025

Saturday July 05, 2025

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Fox Hunt
Can be heard with a handheld radio from I-41/I-441.
Location: 147.555 MHz. Somewhere in the Fox Valley

Tuesday July 08, 2025

Wednesday July 09, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9THF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Sunday July 13, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - KB9YUC
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday July 14, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Wednesday July 16, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - W9SJO
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday July 19, 2025

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Amateur Radio License Exam
Registration starts at 0800. Testing starts at 0830.
The exam fee is $15.  This goes to the ARRL.
You will receive an email from the FCC after testing on how to pay them for your license.
You will need two forms of ID at least one of which must be a picture ID.
All candidates must use their Federal Registration Number (FRN). No SSN's accepted per FCC.
Email addresses are REQUIRED.
If you are upgrading, you will need a printed copy of your license for the VE's to keep and send in to the FCC.
Location: Maplewood Middle School, 1600 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USA

Monday July 21, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday July 22, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - KC9THF
  What is your favorite BBQ restaurant?

Wednesday July 23, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - AJ9L
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Thursday July 24, 2025

Friday July 25, 2025

Saturday July 26, 2025

Sunday July 27, 2025

Monday July 28, 2025

Wednesday July 30, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KE8KWF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday August 02, 2025

Tuesday August 05, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday August 06, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI4WD
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Sunday August 10, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - WI9MMM
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday August 11, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday August 12, 2025

Wednesday August 13, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WA9TT
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Monday August 18, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Maplewood Middle School, 1600 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USA

Tuesday August 19, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - WA9TT
  What is your favorite movie musical?

Wednesday August 20, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9TFM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday August 23, 2025

Picnic Fox Hunt
Renegade transceiver on 147.555 MHz simplex. PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH LOCATION when you find it.
Location: Somewhere in Sunset Park
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM FCARC Annual Picnic
Location: Sunset Park, 101-299 Sunset Park Rd, Kimberly, WI 54136, USA

Sunday August 24, 2025

Picnic Fox Hunt
Renegade transceiver on 147.555 MHz simplex. PLEASE DO NOT PUBLISH LOCATION when you find it.
Location: Somewhere in Sunset Park

Wednesday August 27, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI9MMM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Tuesday September 02, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday September 03, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9THF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday September 06, 2025

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Fox Hunt
Can be heard with a handheld radio from I-41/I-441.
Location: 147.555 MHz. Somewhere in the Fox Valley

Monday September 08, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday September 09, 2025

Wednesday September 10, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - W9SJO
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday September 13, 2025

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM Amateur Radio License Exam
Registration starts at 0800. Testing starts at 0830.
The exam fee is $15.  This goes to the ARRL.
You will receive an email from the FCC after testing on how to pay them for your license.
You will need two forms of ID at least one of which must be a picture ID.
All candidates must use their Federal Registration Number (FRN). No SSN's accepted per FCC.
Email addresses are REQUIRED.
If you are upgrading, you will need a printed copy of your license for the VE's to keep and send in to the FCC.
Location: Maplewood Middle School, 1600 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952, USA

Sunday September 14, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - KC9TFM
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday September 15, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday September 16, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - K6ROD
  What is your least favorite domesticated animal meat?

Wednesday September 17, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - AJ9L
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday September 20, 2025

Wednesday September 24, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KE8KWF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Wednesday October 01, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI4WD
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday October 04, 2025

7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Fox Hunt
Can be heard with a handheld radio from I-41/I-441.
Location: 147.555 MHz. Somewhere in the Fox Valley

Tuesday October 07, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday October 08, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9TFM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Sunday October 12, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - KC9TFM
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday October 13, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday October 14, 2025

Wednesday October 15, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WA9TT
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Monday October 20, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM General Membership Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday October 21, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 6 Meter Net - KC9THF
  What is your favorite seafood restaurant?

Wednesday October 22, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - WI9MMM
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Wednesday October 29, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - KC9THF
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Saturday November 01, 2025

Sunday November 02, 2025

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM FCARC Hamfest
Location: Sunnyview Expo Center, 500 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901, USA

Tuesday November 04, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2m Digital Net
Yaesu System Fusion / C4FM
Location: 145.330

Wednesday November 05, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - W9SJO
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Sunday November 09, 2025

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM SSTV 2 Meter Net - KB9YUC
146.760 MHz Repeater.  Martin 2 format.  https://wa9tt.com/SSTV_2M.html
Initial picture transmission starting at 5:45pm.
Posted pictures available at www.WA9TT.com

Monday November 10, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
Community Room. Use Door 17.
Location: Unknown

Tuesday November 11, 2025

Wednesday November 12, 2025

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Meter Net - AJ9L
Location: 146.760Hz, PL100.0, Negative Offset (600KHz)

Donations

FCARC welcomes your donations in support of our mission to serve amateur radio. As a 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax-deductible. The link below will take you to PayPal where you can make a donation with your credit card or with your PayPal account.