Benton County Iowa Amateur Radio Club

06/17/2026

Well, it's semi-official! We are able to operate at the Benton County Fair for ARRL Field Day! Now, things we need:
- Canopy (I have a 10x20)
- Generator (I have a couple)
- Radios (At least 1 HF & 1 VHF/UHF)
- Antennas to match the above
- Signage (halfpricebanners.com is quick)
- Tables & Chairs
- Computer for logging/operating
- Food & Drinks
- Handouts for the public
- A schedule

Who's in?

Looking for custom banners that represent your message? We print high-quality banners, signs, and flags for any occasion. Easy to order and made to last.

06/11/2026

https://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Software/RTTY/

Locate RTTY software for ham radio digital mode communication. This selection includes programs for Windows, macOS, and Linux, supporting RTTY, PSK31, and more.

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

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

05/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1e4q8H1Yku/

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