Bruce Richardson W9FZ

Northern Lights Radio Society --The Upper Midwest organization of VHF/UHF/SHF weak signal enthusiasts. Although centered on the Twin Cities, members come from all over the region. Each April hosts the "Aurora" gathering of antenna testing, flea market, and technical program.

Central States VHF Society --For 50 years CSVHFS has been a social and technical hub for VHF/UHF weak-signal operators thoughout the US and Canada. Certainly, as its name suggests, focus is on the central plains. The annual CSVHFS Conference is the primary purpose of the organization. The conference is technical, social, and always motivating. In 2020, the conference will be in La Crosse, WI.

Milwaukee 2002 Conference Photo Gallery
Tulsa 2003 Conference Photo Gallery
Toronto 2004 Conference Photo Gallery
Colorado Springs 2005 Conference Photo Gallery

Ham Radio Resources:

Shared Reference Sheets for OCXO's, TCXO's, devices, etc.
Article on tips for Tripod Mounted 10GHz Dish Systems
Article by Jon, W0ZQ "Adding 222 to the FT-897"
Manual for Microwave Modules MMT and Sinclabs Transverters ST144-28 and ST220-48 (144 MHz / 222 MHz)
Manual for RF Concepts RFC 4-110 Amplifier
Manual
Schematic Drawing .pdf
Schematic Drawing .jpg

Ham Radio Travelogues:

Minnesota QSO Party

Janice and I enjoy operating "mobile" in the Minnesota QSO Party each year. The event is usually on the first weekend in February. That means the weather ought be quite challenging! The event is 10 hours long-- from 8am to 6pm. We like to activate 6 to 8 counties per year. We operate for about 45 minutes and then move on to the next county. We break for lunch mid-day. The point of the contest is for ham radio stations to contact Minnesota stations.
Click on the graphic to left to see where we've been.
Click on the years below to see the travelogue for that year.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Midwest Mania!!

For several years in a row, I promoted increased VHF/UHF on-air activity for the ARRL September VHF Contests via Midwest Mania!! The focus was on the Great Plains area west of the Mississippi out to Colorado's Front Range. By encouraging activity and publicizing stations activity plans, increased activity and fun were had. Personally, I had a "Looking for America" car-trip in the week prior to each contest researching operating locations I would use during the contest. I saw a lot of beauty in the Great Plains. The area is ideal for VHF/UHF weak-signal propagation. If only there were more activity.
Midwest Mania!! 2013
Midwest Mania!! 2012
Midwest Mania!! 2011
Midwest Mania!! 2010
Midwest Mania!! 2009
Operating locations I've used in the past: (2013) 2012 2011 2010 2009