44th Annual CSVHFS Conference
Conference Details

Thursday Night Social

River Boat Dinner Cruise. Sit down dinner during the cruise with the following menu options:

• Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Au jus
• Chicken Champagne
• Alaskan Pollack
• Manicotti with Ricotta Cheese

Technical Presentations

Presentations aren't necessarily technical. They cover the breadth of the VHF/UHF ham radio hobby. Highlights in past years have been demonstrations of Software Defined Radios, Rovers, Antennas, Contesting and Microwave Communications. Presentations vary from 15 to 45 minutes and step you through the highlights of the topic at hand, with complete texts published as articles in the Proceedings. Your speaker is available for follow-up questions throughout the remainder of the conference.

Youth Conference

For those who are 18 or younger and attending the conference with a Registered General Conference attendee, we offer FREE attendence to the conference. You are welcome to purchase your own copy of the Proceedings which is not included in the youth conference registration. The Proceedings is a book published for each conference that contains articles of varying topics contributed by members and experts in their areas.
We also offer a VHF+ 101 class on Saturday which you may attend for a small fee. This course is geared to the beginner or those new to VHF/UHF beyond FM. During the afternoon section of the class, you will be able to build a 440 yagi antenna to help get you started.

Technical Program

PRESENTATIONS:
• "50MHz F-Layer Propagation and Solar Cycle 24" - Jim Kennedy, KH6/K6MIO
• "Extreme Multi-Hop 50MHz Es" - Jim Kennedy, KH6/K6MIO
• "10GHz Rubidium Locked Beacon w/Demo" - Dave Meier, N4MW
• "Sprints" - John Kalenowsky, K9JK
• "DXpedition to DL88 and DL89" - Marshall Williams, K5QE
• "Contest Distance Scoring" - Kevin Kaufhold, W9GKA
• "Flex 1500 as IF for VHF and Microwave Transverters" - Steve Hicks, N5AC
• "Using Radio Control on Model Rocketry" - Bdale Garbee, KB0G
• "VUAC Forum" - K. Kaufhold W9GKA, L. Libby W0LD and J. Platt W0ZQ
• "10GHz Beacon, A Newbies Learning Curve" - John Germanos, WB9PNU
• "Amateur Digital ATV" - Art Towslee, WA8RMC
• "Power Amplifier Protection Concepts" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "VHF/UHF/Microwave Weak Signal Recruiting Tool, Casting Call" - Jim Froemke, K0MHC
• "Modifying AM-6154/55 Amps for VHF/UHF Bands" - Lowell DePoy, K9LQZ
• "RF Exposure" - Guenther Schweigl, VE3CVS
• "Hints 'n Kinks from Radio Astronomy" - Tom Clark, K3IO
• "Portable Multi-Op in the Land of Rovermania - August 2009 UHF Contest" - Jon Platt, W0ZQ
• "High Efficiency Circular Polarized Feedhorn for 6cm" - Tommy Henderson, WD5AGO
• "Stacking Antennas" - Kent Britain, WA5VJB

PAPERS:

In Addition to Papers authored by the Presenters listed above we also have the additional works:

• "An Even More Fool-Proof Conditional Sequencer" - Paul Wade, W1GHZ
• "High-Power Directional Couplers with Excellent Performance" - Paul Wade, W1GHZ
• "Update - Phase Noise and MDS" - Paul Wade, W1GHZ
• "Waveguide Slot Antenna Update" - Paul Wade, W1GHZ
• "Elegant 12-Volt Outlet Box" - Paul Wade, W1GHZ
• "Aircraft Scatter Propagation on 10GHz using JT65C" - Rex Moncur, VK7MO and David Smith, VK3HZ
• "N4MW Beacon Update" - Dave Meier, N4MW
• "Microcontroller Based Sequencer" - Glen Overby, KC0IYT
• "Low Impedance Parallel Transmission Lines" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "Yaesu FT-8x7 TX-INH Line" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "Adjusting the FT-857 for Transverter Service" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "Using the TX-INH and the DEMI TC for Simple Sequencing" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "5 Year Study of 10-Meter Es Propagation Using PropNet Capture Data" - Arthur Jackson, KA5DWI
• "ATSC Pilot Carriers as Beacons" - Charles Conner, K0NG
• "6m Antenna, Affordable, Simple & It Works" - Lloyd Ellsworth, NE8I/r
• "Safe Tapping in Soft Metals" - Dr. Gerald Johnson, K0CQ
• "The Antenna Tilt Debate" - Joe Fleagle, W0FY
• "Midwest Mania" - Bruce Richardson, W9FZ
• "Welcome to 6m EME Today" - Lance Collister, W7GJ

Getting Started on VHF+ ("VHF+ 101")

• VHF+ Basics - ND2X
• Antenna System Parameter Calculator - ND2X
• The Simple Rover - K5QE (need to confirm)
• Cheap Yagi construction Workshop - WA5VJB

Antenna Range

Friday morning, we have an antenna range in the hotel parking lot at which you can have your own antennas tested against standards and determine gain. If you are driving to the conference, bring your antennas from 50 MHz through 47 GHz for testing. Even if you don't bring an antenna for testing, watching the range in operation teaches you about antenna theory, performance, and construction techniques. The Antenna Range also has much fine conversation and socializing during the morning.

Friday Luncheon

Luncheon will be at the Copperfield's Restaurant on site. Lunch features a Delicious Hot Buffet complete with salad and dessert. Yes, this is an "All you Can Eat Buffet"! Bob Heil, K9EID will give a presentation on the early days of VHFing in the St. Louis Metro Area. Come join us for an entertaining stroll down memory lane!

Noise Figure Testing / Pre-amp Workshop

Saturday morning, you can learn much about Pre-amp design and performance by bringing a pre-amp for testing or tweaking. Fellow members, who are frquently engineering professionals, will assist you while you fine-tune your pre-amplifier for testing. It's fun and always increases your knowledge. Bring your pre-amps for 50 MHz through 47 GHz.

VHF+ 101 - Getting Started in VHF & UHF Weak Signal Operations Program

In keeping with stated CSVHFS policy and concern, we are offering an effort to entice new operators to VHF & UHF weak signal operations. Our target is everyone from new hams such as Boy Scouts to the "old-timer" who has worked all there is to work on HF and is searching for new challenges in amateur radio. Presentations will stress basic principles and operating practices unique to the higher frequencies. A "Cheap Yagi" workshop will be included at which attendees will build their own yagi. This will allow the "shack on the belt" crowd to break into the world of horizontally polarized communication. Our initial impression is that most of the attendees will originate from an area relatively local to the conference, but younger hams who are family members or relatives of the usual "grey-beard" CSVHFS attendee would be especially welcomed! Discounted conference rates are planned for "Getting Started" attendees, as this program will be offered on Saturday only.

VUCC Awards/Card Checking

This year we will have Bob Sluder, N0IS and Kent Britain, WA5VJB available for checking submissions for VUCC awards and endorsements. Those wishing to have cards checked must have the following items with them:

• All ARRL forms and application sheets completely filled out
• Business size envelope addressed to ARRL with stamp
• Check made out to "ARRL" for Award/Endorsement fee
• and of course the QSL cards

If you will be using this service, please indicate on the online "Registration" form.

Rover Row / Dish Bowl

All Rovers are encouraged to bring their completely outfitted Rovermobiles. It's a great way for the Rover to give a shack-tour. We will have a designated dog-pound for all Rovermobiles on Friday morning. While the Antenna Range is in operation, many attendees will come see how you conquered installation and configuration issues in your Rovermobile. Similarly, if you have a portable microwave dish setup, please bring it for show-and-tell in the dish-bowl as well. By showing your handiwork, others will gain ideas and motivation to construct their own dish systems and give all of us more operators on the high bands. For those bringing 10 GHz portable systems, you will be able to copy the SLAMS (St. Louis Area Microwave Society) Club Beacon on 10,368.900 MHz, which is located only a few miles away.

Poster Sessions / Table-Top Displays

All day Friday and Saturday, a portion of the Dealer Area will have Poster Sessions for viewing. Our concept is that some times a topic may not have enough meat for a full presentation or paper. Further, many basic VHF/UHF themes can be reviewed (taught) via poster sessions or table-top displays. Tri-Fold poster boards are available at Office Max/Office Depot. Students often use them for Science Fair Projects. This is a new program area for CSVHFS. We need your creativity and effort to bring more content to the event. Think about a poster session or table-top display you could create for this year. Perhaps a big operating event. Or perhaps photos of a recent construction project. You are not limited to the poster boards, you may bring actual physical items for display on the table as well. The tables will be chaperoned for security. If you are a good teacher, consider covering some basic VHF/UHF topics. That way, your presentation can be used again in subsequent years. See the guidelines for Authors and Presenters for guidelines for Poster Sessions/Table-top displays.

Vendor Area

All day Friday and Saturday, an entire room will be available for vendors. Between talks you can peruse their wares. For dealers, we offer tables free for your use. The Vendor Area will have free WIFI available. Special requirements, telephone line and special electrical requirements, will need to be worked out with the Hotel. If you attend as a dealer, you're guaranteed to have shoppers interested in test equipment, and VHF/UHF/microwave equipment and parts. For non-commercial attendees bringing used equipment to move, we'd prefer if you'd bring your material to the Flea Market (see below). If you must have a dealer table, however, your space will be limited, so make your reservations early!

Dealers who have pledged their attendance include (watch this page—additions will be made as dealers are identified):

VENDORS:
• Down East Microwave
• FlexRadio Systems
• Yaesu
• Hangar - 18

Flea Market

Friday night from 7pm till 9pm, find some new treasures at the Flea Market filled with VHF/UHF/Microwave goodies. Expect much better than you'd see at your regular hamfest. Bring things to sell--you know the interest areas of our members!

Banquet

The Banquet Goodies Table

The Central States VHF Society Banquet Goodies Table is famous for it's quantity and quality. Many generous donors make valuable gifts available for all banquet attendees. Everyone goes home with something and several are of incredible value! Please bring donations for the ham and ladies' prize tables. Please bring prizes and be generous with your fellow attendees.

Hospitality Room

The Hospitality Suites are hosted by SLAMS (St. Louis Area Microwave Society) and The Society of Midwest Contesters This is a great place to enjoy a beverage and some snacks with LOTS of conversation. We are again offering a Ladies Hospitality Suite as well.

Parting Shots session

Sunday Morning gathering in the hotel atrium.