Benton County Iowa Amateur Radio Club

03/29/2026

Here's the latest on SSTV Series 31 from the ISS. This 5 day event will start April 10.

More details as we get closer to the start date.

03/29/2026

https://youtu.be/izwUdCeYlX4?si=aL_PI35R4SjJ5Ona

NanoVNA SWR Tested Amateur Radio antenna based on a chalk line reel and copper wire. This may be the least hassle way to set up an HF / Shortwave antenna wit...

03/17/2026

https://www.qsl.net/ei7ba/ahexbeam.htm

A homebrew Hexbeam antenna built in 3 hours. How to build your own HEX

03/09/2026

https://www.qrz.com/db/kj7ksx
Hex beam antennas are widely considered one of the best, most cost-effective directional, multi-band antennas for 20m–6m, especially for space-constrained or stealth-conscious operators. They offer significant gain over verticals, low noise, and have a light wind load. While not "the absolute best" compared to large Yagis, they are excellent, compact, and relatively easy to install.

They are directional and due to their light weight, only need a light duty rotator. I have not used more than barefoot (100W; Icom IC-7610) for HF on 20-6 meter bands. I usually am able to break through pile ups in contests pretty easily with some finesse. I even made a QSO with Bouvet Island DXpedition two years ago (haven't tried yet this year but have the QSL card) and Lithuania with as little as 1W Tx power for voice (20 m).

I have the NA4RR hex beam, but there are many goods ones available out there. I recommend getting extra supports (e.g. Dacron ropes) if you live where there is ice, snow or high winds—although the wind load is very low. Mine has been through many Pacific NW winter wind storms (up to 90 MPH, 145 KPH) with no problems at all. They don't need to be deployed very high and can be quite effective at only 30 feet (9.14 m).

03/05/2026

The Benton County Amateur Radio Club (BCARC) met tonight, March 4, 2026 at the Benton county EMA office in Vinton.

Attending were: Robert KA0WJZ, Tim N0CKR, John AA0GD, Mike N0BJK, Jerry KC0RSJ, Dwayne N0XUT, Alan KE0NJH, and Chris KF0QGV.

Many topics were discussed, including:
- Making BCRCC an official ARRL club again – Action: N0CKR
- Starting a Flea Market/Mini-Hamfest – Action: N0BJK
- Participating in the ARRL Technology Day April 18
o Action: KE0NJH to reserve Rogers Park pavilion
- Participating in Field Day 2026 (June 27 & 28)
o Action: AA0GD to volunteer use of motorhome if needed
o Benton County Fair Booth – N0CKR to check with fair board
- Future programs (after April) could include: EMA/ARES communication training, Digital modes, Antennas, and more!

Next meeting will be April 1 at 6:30 pm in the Benton county EMA office in Vinton. The program will be learning to program and talk on your 2 meter and 70 cm radios via simplex and repeaters.

03/04/2026

Reminder: The BCARC launch group is meeting tonight at the Benton County EMA office in Vinton at 6:30 pm. We'll have more launch discussions....

02/22/2026

https://www.hamuniverse.com/n5nns4elhentenna.html

Shown above is the typical matching method using shorted feed points on the director #2 as an example. The reflector, and director #1 were done the same way.The driven element is fed with coax at it's respective matching point.

02/04/2026

Another R3 level solar flare erupts from active region 4366. The massive sunspot group remains magnetically complex and solar flares of at least the R1 level remain likely. There is no clear evidence of a CME yet with this most recent flare. Stay aware at spaceweather.gov

02/04/2026

🚨 A massive X4.1 solar flare just occurred causing and R3 radio blackout here on earth! More details to follow soon.

02/04/2026

QST FREE Article of the Month 🗓️
"Understanding the FCC Exposure Rules for Handheld Radios"

Stay safe while staying on the air by learning how to easily estimate and control your RF exposure when using high-power handheld radios. This article provides practical tips on duty cycles, power levels, and distancing to ensure your operations fully comply with FCC safety regulations

READ NOW➡️ tinyurl.com/yekk8hb9

02/04/2026