Forums

Welcome to HRU and Keynote Speaker

HRU-CHAIRMAN: Tom Carrubba KA2D
SECTION-MANAGER: Jim Mezey W2KFV

KEYNOTE-SPEAKER: Ed Wilson N2XDD

FORUM DESCRIPTION: HRU Chairman Tom Carrubba KA2D, ARRL New York City/Long Island Section Manager Jim Mezey W2KFV welcome attendees and introduce Keynote Speaker ARRL Hudson Division Director Ed Wilson N2XDD.

ARRL Forum NYC/LI

MODERATOR: Jim Mezey W2KFV

PANELIST: Ed Wilson N2XDD

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Find out the latest ARRL news and information with New York City/Long Island Section Manager Jim Mezey W2KFV.

Introduction to Amateur Radio

MODERATOR: to be determined

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn what Amateur Radio is all about including the purpose, requirements, benefits and possibilities! This overview should provide the information you need to get started. Learn about the fascinating world of ham radio, the different things you can do, what you can learn and how it can become a lifelong passion.

Meshtastic – off grid, Mesh networks

MODERATOR: Daniel Garcia W2DIY

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Daniel W2DIY is a newly licensed amateur extra, who chronicles his experiences with DIY radio projects, including those related to Meshtastic. Meshtastic is an open-source project that uses inexpensive long range, low power radios to create off-grid, encrypted mesh networks for communication. Learn more about his amateur radio journey and how to use Meshtastic!

ARMY MARS – Military Auxiliary Radio System

MODERATOR: Ron Tomo KE2UK

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn about the US Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) that is extremely active in Region Two (NY & NJ). AMARS is established by the Department of Defense with the Department of the US Army responsible for the execution of the program. We operate predominantly in the HF frequency area in non-amateur military frequencies. There is extensive training involved as we are preparing for the “worst day scenarios” that may hit us. Come join me and see if you are interested and have the time, energy, and resources to be a part of Region Two Army MARS.

CONTESTING: All Your Questions Answered

MODERATOR: Mel Granick KS2G

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A seasoned DX and contest operator will provide contesting basics, discuss strategies and tactics, and answer the most commonly-asked questions about contest operating.

Emergency Communications Forum — Harnessing the Strength of Ham Radio in Times of Crisis/LI

MODERATOR: Jim Mezey W2KFV

PANELIST: Martin Grillo W1EMR

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Meet with ARRL NYC/LI Section Manager Jim Mezey W2KFV with DEC NYC Martin Grillo W1EMR who will talk about Section Emcomm and how AUXCOMM can help.

Building your first HF station

MODERATOR: Neil Heft KC2KY

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics of putting together your first Amateur Radio HF Station. Topics covered will be choosing a radio, antenna/s, accessories, test equipment and more. Get practical advice on ergonomics and planning for future station upgrades, all while maintaining a good balance between radio, family, and safety. If you are getting ready to build your first HF station, don’t miss Neil’s forum to find the answers to the questions you didn’t even know to ask.

STEM

MODERATOR: Ed Wilson N2XDD

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Science, technology, engineering, and math education. How to utilize the STEM curriculum from the ARRL Teacher’s institute.

SIX METERS EXPLODES! – F2 and Aurora events during Fall of 2025

MODERATOR: Ken Neubeck WB2AMU

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Ken is a preeminent expert on 6-Meter propagation and will talk about working 6-Meters at the top of the sunspot cycle using F2-layer propagation.

Software Defined Radios / Devices and Tools To Make Frequency Observations

MODERATOR: Dustin Finn KE2EFX

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A Deep Dive into Software Defined Radios (SDR) from hardware through software and an overview of waterfall to evaluate the spectrum of frequencies in and around the receiving area. Additionally will showcase software that automatically parse the ISM 315/433/915 bands.

YL Forum

MODERATOR: Suzan Colon W2QMI

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Empowering Voices on Every Frequency — A Forum for Women in Amateur Radio, by Suzan W2QMI, the District 2 Chairperson for the Young Ladies Radio League. Amateur radio is for everyone — and the YL community continues to grow stronger each year! Join us at HRU for an engaging discussion featuring women operators sharing their experiences, technical interests, and service in the hobby. Learn how YLs are making a difference on the airwaves and in public service, and discover opportunities to get more involved.

Basics of HF operating

MODERATOR: Mel Granick KS2G

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A seasoned DX and contest operator guides you through the HF bands, modes, propagation, on-air procedures, and using rig controls to get the most out of your HF transceiver.

Youth in Amateur Radio

MODERATOR: Everton Henriques KD2ZZT

FORUM DESCRIPTION: The Amateur Radio Youth Forum is dedicated to empowering the next generation of radio operators. Learn how he developed and implemented a program at his school to teach students about wireless technology – all in a supportive environment for young hams.

Featured Speaker – Logistics and Challenges operating from Bouvet

MODERATOR: Adrian Ciuperca KO8SCA

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Adrian KO8SCA is heading back to Bouvet. As one of the most respected DXpeditioners in the game, Adrian is co-leading a 24-person team on a high-stakes return to one of the rarest and most elusive ham radio locations on the planet. Bouvet Island—#10 on the ClubLog Most Wanted list—is legendary for its brutal conditions, remote location, and the abbreviated 2023 activation attempt. This time, the team is sparing no expense. With a $1.6 million budget, a rented icebreaker from IceTugs, and a helicopter for transport, this is next-level DXpeditioning. The plan? A three-week window near Bouvet, with operations beginning as soon as weather allows. Two camps—including one dedicated to North America—will maximize QSOs, making this a must-work event for DXers worldwide. Adrian breaks down what went wrong last time, how they’re mitigating risks, and why Bouvet 2026 is shaping up to be a history-making event. Don’t miss this deep dive into extreme DXpeditioning and the challenges of working radio from the edge of the world. Adrian will speak of the logistics and challenges of going to one of the rarest ham radio locations!

Go Boxes

MODERATOR: John Wilson KD2AKX

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A forum for the discussion of portable and emergency-ready amateur radio stations, commonly known as “go boxes.” Learn about proven designs, power management solutions, equipment integration methods, and field operation to help enhance preparedness and reliability in any situation.

Practical HF Antennas

MODERATOR: Neil Heft KC2KY

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Welcome to HF hamming. In Practical HF Antennas we will explore some easy, inexpensive antenna ideas that will propel you into the fun of everyday HF operating, rag chewing, DX-ing, contesting and experimentation. You can have a lot of fun with antennas that you built yourself or purchased ready-made at a reasonable cost. Get on the air and have some fun!

Parks on the Air

MODERATOR: Dennis Boyé AH2O

FORUM DESCRIPTION: This will be a deep dive into the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. Learn how to hunt and log parks from the comfort of your shack. Tips and tricks about award collecting will be discussed. Become an activator! Work stations from around the country and the world surrounded by the beauty of our parks. This expanded session will also cover antennas for POTA, radios for POTA and logging programs for POTA.

VE Session -Amateur Radio License Testing

MODERATOR: Suffolk County Radio Club

FORUM DESCRIPTION: A full volunteer exam session for all levels of amateur radio license testing. Sponsored by the Suffolk County Radio Club VE team. Please register at: https://ham.study/sessions/68ee7c1310e64ec4e4a65cb9/1 If you do not have an FRN number, you can apply for one at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/support/knowledge-base/universal-licensing-system-uls-resources/getting-fcc-registration. All are welcome to test.

Skywarn – Weather Spotting

MODERATOR: John Hale KD2LPM

FORUM DESCRIPTION: SKYWARN is a National Weather Service (NWS) program that trains volunteers to report severe weather conditions, helping meteorologists issue accurate and timely warnings. SKYWARN is a national network of volunteer severe weather spotters. The spotters are trained by local National Weather Service Forecast Offices on how to spot severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and flooding. In this presentation, we will talk about how amateur radio operators can support the NWS during weather emergencies. This forum is dedicated to amateur radio operators who support SKYWARN operations. Discuss net procedures, training opportunities, equipment setup, and best practices for providing reliable communications during severe weather events.

Grounding and Lightning Protection for the Amateur Station

MODERATOR: Donald Kane WB2BEZ

FORUM DESCRIPTION: Overview of Code requirements and practical aspects of enhancing the safety of the Amateur Radio Installation. Discussing best practices for safe, effective station grounding. Grounding techniques to keep your signal clean and your station safe.