Forums

Tentative HRU 2025 Forums as of December 28, 2024There is NO pre-registration for ANY forum this year!
HRU 2025 Day of Event Handout and Forum List
VE session will be held starting at 1 PM in Room 5 – sponsored by the GSBARC VE team with liaison NO2C
LIDXA will host DXCC card checking between 9 AM & 12 noon. See John W2GW at the ARRL table in the clubroom.

View an
ytime!

K2DO.jpg Newcomer’s Meeting and Overview of Ham Radio University

MODERATOR: Diane Ortiz K2DO

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Join Diane as she provides an overview of Ham Radio University. She will talk about what HRU is, what to do and where to go. Diane’s insider “scoop” is certain to make you more comfortable and confident, both on and off the air.

VIEW WEBINAR: HRU Newcomer’s meeting video (from last year)

Saturday January 4, 2025

W2KFV.jpg 9:00am – 9:50am EST 1400-1450 UTC – Forum Room 1

ARRL Forum NYC/LI

MODERATOR: Jim Mezey W2KFV

PANELIST: Ed Wilson N2XDD

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Find out the latest ARRL news and information with New York City/Long Island Section Manager Jim Mezey W2KFV.

KC2KY.jpg 9:00am – 9:50am EST 1400-1450 UTC – Forum Room 2

Building your first HF station

MODERATOR: Neil Heft KC2KY

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics of putting together your first Amateur Radio HF Station. Topics covered will be choosing a radio, antenna/s, accessories, test equipment and more. Get practical advice on ergonomics and planning for future station upgrades, all while maintaining a good balance between radio, family, and safety. If you are getting ready to build your first HF station, don’t miss Neil’s forum to find the answers to the questions you didn’t even know to ask.

KE2UK.jpg 9:00am – 9:50am EST 1400-1450 UTC – Forum Room 4

ARMY MARS – Military Auxiliary Radio System

MODERATOR: Ron Tomo KE2UK

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn about the US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) that is extremely active in Region Two (NY & NJ). AMARS is established by the Department of Defense with the Department of the US Army responsible for the execution of the program. We operate predominantly in the HF frequency area in non-amateur military frequencies. There is extensive training involved as we are preparing for the “worst day scenarios” that may hit us. Come join me and see if you are interested and have the time, energy, and resources to be a part of Region Two Army MARS.

W2KFV.jpg 10:00am – 10:50am EST 1500-1550 UTC – Forum Room 1

EMCOMM Forum NYC/LI

MODERATOR: Jim Mezey W2KFV

PANELIST: Martin Grillo W1EMR

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Meet with ARRL NYC/LI Section Manager Jim Mezey W2KFV with DEC NYC Martin Grillo W1EMR who will talk about Section Emcomm and how AUXCOMM can help.

KS2G.jpg 10:00am – 10:50am EST 1500-1550 UTC – Forum Room 2

Basics of HF operating

MODERATOR: Mel Granick KS2G

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A seasoned DX and contest operator guides you through the HF bands, modes, propagation, on-air procedures, and using rig controls to get the most out of your HF transceiver.

WB2UZE.jpg 10:00am – 10:50am EST 1500-1550 UTC – Forum Room 3

My CW Journey

MODERATOR: Howard Bernstein WB2UZE

PANELIST: Mike Padron N1CC

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Long Island CW Club members discuss how they learned and now use CW.

WB2AMU.jpg 10:00am – 10:50am EST 1500-1550 UTC – Forum Room 4

SIX METERS EXPLODES! – F2 and Aurora events during Fall of 2024

MODERATOR: Ken Neubeck WB2AMU

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Ken is a preeminent expert on 6-Meter propagation and will talk about working 6-Meters at the top of the sunspot cycle using F2-layer propagation.

WY2U.jpg 10:00am – 10:50am EST 1500-1550 UTC – Forum Room 5

RF Transformers, UNUNS and BALUNS

MODERATOR: Mike Kozma WY2U

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Part 1. This 2 part forum will cover the subject of Radio Frequency Transformers, and present theory, construction, testing, and their applications in Ham Radio. Topics will include:

UNUNs
Current and Voltage BALUNS
Transmission line transformer history of Guanella and Ruthroff models
Properties of ferrites
Core selection and Winding techniques
Frequency response and Power handling (linearity, core saturation, magnetic flux)
Transformer loses (core loss, coupling loss, wire loss, VSWR loss)

The forum will use a simplified Mathematic approach using Computer aided design
applications

N2XDD.jpg 11:00am – 11:50am EST 1600-1650 UTC – Forum Room 1

STEM

MODERATOR: Ed Wilson N2XDD

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Science, technology, engineering, and math education.

KC2KY.jpg 11:00am – 11:50am EST 1600-1650 UTC – Forum Room 2

Practical HF Antennas

MODERATOR: Neil Heft KC2KY

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Welcome to HF hamming. In Practical HF Antennas we will explore some easy, inexpensive antenna ideas that will propel you into the fun of everyday HF operating, rag chewing, DX-ing, contesting and experimentation. You can have a lot of fun with antennas that you built yourself or purchased ready-made at a reasonable cost. Get on the air and have some fun!

WB2BEZ.jpg 11:00am – 11:50am EST 1600-1650 UTC – Forum Room 3

Grounding and Lightning Protection for the Amateur Station

MODERATOR: Donald Kane WB2BEZ

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Overview of Code requirements and practical aspects of enhancing the safety of the Amateur Radio Installation.

W2JVnew.jpg 11:00am – 11:50am EST 1600-1650 UTC – Forum Room 4

Welcome to the ISS: Talk to an Astronaut & Hams with your HT

MODERATOR: Peter Portanova W2JV

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn how to contact the International Space Station and talk to an astronaut using a handheld radio. Peter will explain how to talk through the repeater on board to another ham across the country with just a dual band HT! Join this exciting forum about amateur satellites and how to join in and take your HT into space.

WY2U.jpg 11:00am – 11:50am EST 1600-1650 UTC – Forum Room 5

RF Transformers, UNUNS and BALUNS

MODERATOR: Mike Kozma WY2U

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Part 2. This 2 part forum will cover the subject of Radio Frequency Transformers, and present theory, construction, testing, and their applications in Ham Radio. Topics will include:

UNUNs
Current and Voltage BALUNS
Transmission line transformer history of Guanella and Ruthroff models
Properties of ferrites
Core selection and Winding techniques
Frequency response and Power handling (linearity, core saturation, magnetic flux)
Transformer loses (core loss, coupling loss, wire loss, VSWR loss)

The forum will use a simplified Mathematic approach using Computer aided design
applications

12noon – 12:50pm EST 1700-1750 UTC – All Forum Rooms

LUNCH

AF2SC.jpg 1:00pm – 1:50pm EST 1800-1850 UTC – Forum Room 1

DC Power for Ham Radio

MODERATOR: Stuart Cohen AF2SC

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Overview of batteries and solar charging systems for ham radio including portable use, shack backup, etc. I’ll cover batteries, solar panels and charging technologies. Discuss battery types, chemistries and construction. Detailing how to size and select a battery and assemble a complete and safe system.

N2WPT.jpg 1:00pm – 1:50pm EST 1800-1850 UTC – Forum Room 2

FT8 – Basics

MODERATOR: William Botjer N2WPT

FORUM DESCRIPTION: The ins and outs of FT8 operating including set up and good operating practices to work the DX you have always wanted.

W2NDG.jpg 1:00pm – 1:50pm EST 1800-1850 UTC – Forum Room 3

Computer and Microcontroller Based Radios. A Look at Modern DIY Radio Technology

MODERATOR: Neil Goldstein W2NDG

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Computer and Microcontroller Based Radios. A Look at Modern DIY Radio Technology

AH2O.jpg 1:00pm – 1:50pm EST 1800-1850 UTC – Forum Room 4

Parks on the Air

MODERATOR: Dennis Boyé AH2O

FORUM DESCRIPTION: We will explore the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. Learn how to hunt and log parks from the comfort of your shack. Tips and tricks about award collecting will be discussed. Become an activator! Work stations from around the country and the world surrounded by the beauty of our parks.

VE.jpg 1:00pm – 2:50pm EST 1800-1950 UTC – Forum Room 5

VE Session -Amateur Radio License Testing

MODERATOR: Louis Maggio NO2C

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A full volunteer exam session for all levels of amateur radio license testing. Sponsored by the GSBARC VE team and Liaison Lou Maggio NO2C. GSBARC will be using the ExamTools platform. Please register at: https://ham.study/sessions/673d4252079c5abefd0bea4d/1 If you do not have an FRN number, you can apply for one at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration. All are welcome to test.

N2WPT.jpg 2:00pm – 2:50pm EST 1900-1950 UTC – Forum Room 2

FT8 – Advanced

MODERATOR: William Botjer N2WPT

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Advanced FT8 operating including tips and tricks, add on programs and a discussion of Fox and Hound and Super Fox and Hound.

KE2EFX.jpg 2:00pm – 2:50pm EST 1900-1950 UTC – Forum Room 3

Software Defined Radios / Devices and Tools To Make Frequency Observations

MODERATOR: Dustin Finn KE2EFX

FORUM DESCRIPTION: An Introduction to SDR from hardware through software and an overview of waterfall to evaluate the spectrum of frequencies in and around the receiving area. Additionally will showcase software that automatically parse the ISM 315/433/915 bands.

KS2G.jpg 2:00pm – 2:50pm EST 1900-1950 UTC – Forum Room 4

CONTESTING: All Your Questions Answered

MODERATOR: Mel Granick KS2G

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A seasoned DX and contest operator will provide contesting basics, discuss strategies and tactics, and answer the most commonly-asked questions about contest operating.