Benton County Iowa Amateur Radio Club

Benton County Iowa Amateur Radio Club The Benton County Amateur Radio Club page exists to share information about the hobby.

https://sites.google.com/view/picoballoonsbyk9yo/beginners-guide
06/09/2026

https://sites.google.com/view/picoballoonsbyk9yo/beginners-guide

Here is an introduction to flying Pico Balloons. Basically they consist of four things. First, a large 32 inch spherical party balloon filled with helium or hydrogen. Second, suspended from the balloon is a small wire 34 feet long. Third, in the middle of the antenna is a small radio transmitter

Ham website with tons of good info:
06/09/2026

Ham website with tons of good info:

More Ham Radio Info

05/06/2026

All,

It's time for another NEW Benton County Amateur Radio Club Meeting! Tomorrow night, May 6, 2026 at 6:30 pm at the Benton County Emergency Management Center, 299 3rd Ave., in Vinton.

Old Business:
- ARRL Technology Day April 18th - KE0NJH Report
- Re-Launching BCARC - Tim N0CKR

New Business:
- Field Day 2026 June 26 & 27 - (at the fair? N0CKR)
- Benton County Mini-Hamfest August 1, 2026 in Vinton - N0BJK
- Radio Programming - Tim N0CKR & All
- Benton County ARES - KA0WJZ
- Club POTA
- Future programs
- Social Events

Hope to see you tomorrow,

Tim, N0CKR

05/06/2026
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.

https://www.qrz.com/db/kj7ksxHex beam antennas are widely considered one of the best, most cost-effective directional, ...
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).

Address

Atkins, IA
52206

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Benton County Iowa Amateur Radio Club posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share