Are you interested in helping people during disasters? Want to learn about satellites and high-tech electronics? Would you like to see how your computer can connect around the world via wireless? Think it would be cool to talk to astronauts in space? Then explore the world of wireless communications through the Radio Merit Badge!

To help you complete the badge in one day, a Radio Merit Badge class will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. Adults interested in learning about radio are welcome to participate.

• Date: Saturday, March 28th, 2026 • Time: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Cost: The class is free • Location: Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve, 7300 River Road, Hodgkins, IL.

Here’s what you need to do in advance: 

Read the Radio Merit Badge Book, which is available free online.

https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/radio/

On the day of the class: Bring the following to the class: ◦ A fully completed Merit Badge Application card for Radio Merit Badge signed by your Scoutmaster. Be sure to fill it out properly.

Evidence of any requirements you may have completed in advance. ◦

A bag lunch/snack and drink. ◦ A pen and pencil. ◦ A notebook or clipboard to write on. ◦ Proper uniform, good behavior, and a sincere interest!

This is an outdoor event. So please be prepared for any weather!

If you have any questions or to register please contact Tom Bosworth (Radio MB Counselor) @ [email protected] If you are a youth member you must copy a parent/guardian and scout leader on all emails.

Our February meeting featured an outstanding presentation by Nate, W9SDI, on DMR radio operation, and the turnout reflected the growing interest in this exciting mode of amateur radio. Nate did a fantastic job walking the group through the fundamentals of DMR in a way that was both practical and easy to follow. From understanding talkgroups and time slots to getting a radio properly configured and on the air, the program offered something valuable for everyone in attendance — whether new to DMR or already active on the network.

The presentation was extremely well received, with plenty of great discussion and questions from the audience. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Nate not only for sharing his knowledge with the club but also for graciously offering to have his presentation slides archived on the STARS website so members can revisit the material in the future. We are working to bring this feature to you soon. The slides can be found on the Licensing Page under Helpful Links/Presentation Archive.

Looking ahead, our March meeting will feature an Introduction to APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System). APRS continues to be a powerful and fascinating tool within amateur radio, enabling real-time position reporting, messaging, weather data, and much more. Whether you’re completely new to APRS or simply curious about how it works and how to get started, this presentation will provide a great introduction.

We look forward to another strong turnout as we continue exploring new areas of the hobby together. As always, thank you to our members and presenters who make STARS such an active and welcoming community.

Hoping to see you all there!

73,

The STARS Board

Join us for the February STARS meeting as we welcome Nate, W9SDI, for an engaging and highly practical presentation on DMR radio operation.

DMR continues to grow in popularity, but many operators find the learning curve intimidating. Nate’s presentation is designed to cut through the confusion and focus on how DMR actually works in the real world. Nate will go over getting on the air and understanding talkgroups, time slots, and everyday operating practices.

Whether you’re brand new to DMR, thinking about getting started, or already active but looking to sharpen your skills, this program will offer clear explanations, real-world insights, and plenty of takeaways you can apply immediately.

As always, this is also a great opportunity to connect in person with fellow STARS members, share experiences, ask questions, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes this club special.

Plan to attend, bring a friend, and be part of another strong STARS turnout. We look forward to seeing you there for an informative and enjoyable evening on the cutting edge of modern amateur radio.

Our final meeting of the year will take place at Beggar’s Pizza in Oak Forest on December 11th at 7:00 p.m. This has become one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year for STARS — and if you’ve attended before, you already know why.

Great food. Great service. Great company.

There is nothing quite like getting together in person with the same people we spend the year talking with across the airwaves. This night always brings out a solid turnout, good laughs, and the kind of camaraderie that keeps this hobby special.

Let’s attempt to fill the room this year.

Bring a guest. Bring someone new to radio. Bring someone who has talked about coming but hasn’t yet. This is the perfect meeting to reconnect, share stories, talk projects, and kick off the holiday season together as a club — face to face.

The officers of STARS wish everyone a safe, joyful, and festive holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there for a great evening to close out 2025 on a high note.

Attention Ham Radio Enthusiasts and STARS Club Members,

Our next club meeting will feature an informative and practical program you won’t want to miss. Stu, our Vice President, will be leading a session on one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—parts of amateur radio operation: proper logging techniques.

Logging may seem straightforward, but doing it correctly can make all the difference. Stu will share best practices for accurate and efficient recordkeeping, whether you’re logging casual QSOs, contest contacts, or special event operations. Expect real-world tips, helpful examples, and maybe even a few tricks to make your logs cleaner and your operating smoother.

📅 Event Details:

• Date: November 13th, 2025

• Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

• Location:  Bridgeview Community Center

• 7902 S Oketo Avenue, Bridgeview. IL. 60455

Why It Matters

Good logging is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s the story of your amateur radio journey. It keeps your records organized, supports award tracking, and ensures you’re ready for any future verification or QSL requests. Whether you log by hand, use software, or a mix of both, this program will give you something valuable to take home.

Join us for an evening of learning, sharing, and connecting with fellow radio enthusiasts. Bring your questions, your experiences, and maybe even a logbook or two for discussion.

We’ll see you there!

73,
The STARS Board

Attention Ham Radio Enthusiasts and STARS Club Members,

Mark your calendars—this is one you won’t want to miss! On Thursday, September 11, 2025, we’re excited to welcome Karin Thompson from RT Systems for a special presentation.

If you’ve ever programmed your radio the hard way, you already know how much time and frustration the right software can save. Karin will share her expertise on how RT Systems software simplifies radio programming, improves efficiency, and helps operators get the most out of their equipment.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025

• Time: 7:30 PM (Central Time – US & Canada)

• Location: Bridgeview Community Center

• 7902 S Oketo Avenue, Bridgeview. IL. 60455

 Why Attend?

Whether you’re brand new to RT Systems or already a fan, this is your opportunity to see the latest features, get hands-on tips, and ask questions directly from the source. Karin’s presentations are always informative, engaging, and tailored to the needs of amateur radio operators.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Invite a fellow operator, spread the word, and join us for an evening of insight and connection.

73,
The STARS Board

Attention Ham Radio Enthusiasts and STARS Club Members,

We’re back with another exciting evening of learning and skill-building, and this time we’re diving into a topic many of us have heard about—but few have mastered: Surface Mount Device (SMD) soldering.

If you’ve ever looked at a tiny SMD component and thought, “There’s no way I can solder that,”—you’re not alone. But fear not: help is on the way.

Featured Presenter: Glenn Bushey, KC9BPY

Glenn will guide us through the basics of SMD soldering, including tools, techniques, and tips to help demystify (and reduce frustration) when working with surface-mount components. Whether you’re a hands-on builder, a curious tinkerer, or someone just looking to expand your skills, this presentation will be packed with practical value.

Event Details:

• Date: August 14, 2025
• Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Location: Bridgeview Community Center
• 7902 S Oketo Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 60455

Why Attend?

Surface Mount Devices are everywhere—and learning to work with them opens up a whole new world of repair, customization, and homebrew projects. Glenn’s approachable teaching style makes this a perfect intro for anyone who wants to start building confidence in this essential modern skill.

As always, all are welcome—bring a friend, a fellow operator, or someone curious about the hobby. Let’s keep the STARS tradition of sharing knowledge alive and well.

We’ll see you there!
— The STARS Board