Club News
We're excited to have Roger Cox, W8IO (formerly WB0DGF), share his extensive expertise in antenna computer modeling.
Roger, a former antenna design engineer at Hy-Gain during the pivotal years from the mid-1970s until the MFJ acquisition in 1999, has an impressive background.
He's the brain behind many popular Ham antennas and rotors that are still in use today, such as the Explorer-14, OSCAR Link, and various models like the TH series, LP series, DX series, V series, FM series, and notable rotors like HAM-V, HDR-300, and DCU-1.
His depth of knowledge in antenna design is unparalleled. Join us to learn from a true expert in the field. See you at the meeting!
Attention to All Amateur Radio Enthusiasts!
Are you ready to be a part of something exciting and meaningful? The Lung Associations Omaha Corporate Cup is gearing up for its 2024 race on April 22nd! This isn't just any race - it's one of the largest of its kind in the nation, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to the vibrant Ak-Sar-Ben Village.
The course winds its way through the scenic Elmwood Park, past UNO, and back, creating an electrifying atmosphere. And guess what? We need YOU, the skilled ham radio operators, to amplify this event!
As a ham radio operator, your role is pivotal. You'll be the eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring smooth communication across the race course. Your expertise in handling radio equipment and managing frequencies will be vital in coordinating logistics, ensuring safety, and providing real-time updates.
It's more than just a volunteering opportunity; it's a chance to hone your skills, meet fellow enthusiasts, and contribute to a noble cause.
Date: April 22, 2024
Start Time: 8:00 AM Location:
Starts and ends at Ak-Sar-Ben Village, looping through Elmwood Park to UNO.
Volunteer Arrival Time: 7:30 AM
Ready to Volunteer? All you need is a handheld 2m radio and a willingness to help out to be part of this amazing event, please contact Pat K0CTU at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get involved.
Let's rally together for a healthier world, one frequency at a time. Your skills and enthusiasm are just what we need to make the Omaha Corporate Cup a resounding success!
"Over and Out" until we see you at the starting line
The Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club is delighted to announce that one of our long term members Houston Polson, N5YS, (Better known in Omaha as Tinker, KDØYS) has been elected as the next Section Manager of th
e ARRL Louisiana Section, starting April 1, 2024. The ballots were counted on Tuesday, February 20, at ARRL Headquarters, and Houston emerged victorious with 200 votes, over the incumbent Louisiana Section Manager Matt Anderson, KD5KNZ.
In Houston's own words, "Guess what – I WON!" Following this exciting win, Houston is gearing up to take on the role of ARRL LA Section Manager, with lots to do over the next six weeks to prepare for the transition.
Houston's journey in amateur radio began in 1984, and his commitment to the hobby is evident through his longstanding membership with the Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club in Omaha, Nebraska. As a dedicated Volunteer Examiner and active member of the Central Louisiana Amateur Radio Club, Houston brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role.
Reflecting on his journey, Houston notes that his roots in amateur radio trace back to the Ak-Sar-Ben Amateur Radio Club, making this achievement special for him and The AARC.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Houston Polson, N5YS, and wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter as the ARRL LA Section Manager. Let's rally together to support Houston in his endeavors and celebrate this momentous occasion for our fellow club member!
Calling all amateur radio enthusiasts!
Join this us on March 8th for a special program delving into the wonders of the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where the latest tech marvels take center stage. We will let Joe, KØNEB tell us tales of sleek gadgets and futuristic innovations, CES is where the world's leading tech companies unveil their groundbreaking creations. Will any of these cool new devices intersect with our ham radio hobby? Don't miss this unique opportunity to see the this world known event through the eyes of our own Joe, KØNEB as he explored the exciting world of consumer electronics.
Winter Field Day (WFD) is a communication exercise that is held on the last full weekend in January. This year that is January 28-29th. WFD is open to particpants worldwide using HF, VHF and UHF frequencies. Similar to the ARRL's Field Day, bonus points are earned in several ways including non-commercial power, operating in remote locations, satellite contacts and more.
The local SATERN group, will be participating in Winter Field Day from their garage station at the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Building at 10629 Burt Circle and the group is hosting an open house for area hams to come learn more about SATERN and how this group supports the Salvation Army as the organization supports responders and survivors of disasters. SATERN invites you to "get out and play some radio!"
The Winter Field Day Association believes that maintaining operating skills should not be limited to fair-weather scenarios. And SATERN also understands that disasters happen all year round.
The Open House will be held on Saturday, January 28 between the hours of 2:00 and 5:00 pm. There will be a two HF stations operating as well as a VHF/ UHF station giving everyone a chance to "Get On The Air" for a while. And of course their will be hot drinks and snacks and door prizes too! 
By the way - there is construction that has closed 108th street south of Blondo and no way to "cut through the neighborhood" in the area. SATERN has created a map showing the routes from Blondo via Papillion Parkway and from east or west bound Dodge. Just click here for the map.
You can read Brian's Obituatry at
https://www.chapelofmemories.com/obituary/652938/brian-richard-zdan/
John is the father of AARC member Sandy KB0FBI.
John Wesley Lord IV of Omaha, NE, was born in Kansas City, KS, on May 6, 1942, to Helen and John Lord III. He died on December 27, 2022, in Omaha, NE, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marian (Koerner) Lord, whom he married in Boulder, CO, on July 12, 1966, and their three children--Rebecca Conroy (Randall), John Lord V (Jacqueline), and Sandra Zidon (Andrew); four grandchildren--Helena Lord, John Lord VI, Jackson Conroy, and Sierra Conroy; and five siblings--Susan Kraus (Gary), Robert Lord (Geraldine), Dorothy Sullivan, James Lord, and Lori Johnson (Ronald). He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jettie Lord.
John received a B.S. degree in business from the University of Kansas in 1966. He started work as a business manager for General Electric Supply Company in Kansas City, MO, in 1966 and was transferred to Omaha, NE, in 1985. He was with G.E. Supply in Omaha for several years and then took a position as a business manager at Clarkson College in Omaha, where he continued to work until his retirement in 2009.
In 1986, John became a founding member of Faithful Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE, and he continued to be active in the church for the rest of his life. He served as an elder and a member of the Session, and he was the editor of the church newsletter for about 35 years. He chaired a number of church committees and often operated the sound system at worship services.
John was a Ham Radio operator for 65 years and held an advanced license with the call sign KØPFV. He talked to over 100 countries throughout the world and was particularly interested in making radio contact with ham operators in all the counties in the United States. Over the years he received four Worked All Counties awards, contacting all 3,077 counties each time before beginning on the next award. He often planned his travels to include remote counties in the U.S. so that he could use his car radio to talk to fellow ham operators who wanted contacts in those counties. John’s other life-long interests included gardening, anthropology, and family genealogy.
Tom KØAMD was an AARC member for several years although he was not current on his dues for the last few years.
A Life of Service
On January 1, 2023, Thomas Eugene Martin, loving husband, father, and papa, passed away peacefully in the company of family and loved ones in
his Omaha home.
Known for his wicked sense of humor and always ready to tell you what he thought, Tom was the youngest of three brothers, born on September 18, 1943, to George and Madge Martin in South Sioux City, Nebraska. After graduating from South Sioux City High School, he went on to attend college and eventually joined the Omaha Police Force in 1967.
Tom married his loving wife Karen in April 1975 and became a family with his three girls, Michelle, Vicky, and Denise, from Tom’s first marriage. Tom and Karen would go on to have his fourth daughter Wendi. Tom was blessed as his family would continue to grow to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his always beloved dachshunds.
Following his retirement from the Omaha Police Force in 1989, Tom would further develop himself by working in private security and then pass the skills he had acquired onto future generations as a technical instructor for the BICSI corporation. His love of electronics spilled over into his personal life as well. Tom could always be found working with his
countless tools in his shop on everything from ham radios to building and fixing remote-controlled cars, boats, planes, and other toys for his grandchildren.
In 2012 Tom was diagnosed with stage 3A lung cancer. Tom persevered through 10 long years of treatments, surgeries, and hospitalizations with Karen by his side. Through humor and spite, Tom outlived all medical expectations and timelines given his diagnosis.
Preceded in death by his parents, George and Madge Martin, and his two brothers, Dick Kjos and Donald Stevenson.
Survived by his wife, Karen Martin; 4 daughters: Michelle Steinbeck (Phil Smith), Victoria Martin, Denise Fromme (Rick), and Wendi McDermott (Michael); grandchildren: Jillian Woodworth (Kevin), Juliea Steinbeck, Stone and Duke Fromme, Alithea, Andrick and Axton McDermott; great-grandchildren, Milo and Mayzie Woodworth; and dachshunds, Leah and Landon.
Visitation: Thursday, January 12th, 5pm to 7pm at West Center Chapel.
Funeral and Catholic Service: Friday, January 13th, 11:00am, at West Center Chapel. Luncheon to immediately follow.
Private inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery following luncheon.
Memorials may be directed to Hearts United for Animals at www.hua.org