As many of you may know Chicagoland is a home to the biggest Polish community outside of Poland and as one would expect to Polish hams as well. It’s been years since many were talking about setting up Polish ham radio club in and or around Chicago but those thoughts have never materialized until the end of 2019.
As many of us (US radio amateurs of polish descent) started reaching each other, we finally came to a conclusion that it would be a great idea to form a Ham Radio club. By the end of 2019 we had enough people to start Polish-American Amatuer Radio Operators Society – PAAROS.
The club promotes a wide range of amatuer radio operations and its use, however, since we are Polish-Americans, we focus on serving Polish community. We reach out to Polish schools, scout groups, hobby driven clubs and anyone else who is interested in talking over; or experimenting with radio waves. We strive to spread the word about amateur radio communication and experimentation through education, shows, lectures and presentations. The club also provides everything that is needed to obtain a ham radio license; materials, education and examination.
PAAROS is also active during Polish radio contests with empasism on SPDX, the biggest Polish amatuer radio contest organized by Polish Amateur Radio Union. The club also takes part in annual Field Day operations and provides emergency communication during several events around Chicago.
With Polish community, and Polish language in mind, PAAROS started to work towards building repeater systems which will serve the Polish ham community in Chicagoland. Main PAAROS repeater, Yaesu DR-2x Fusion, is located 3 miles north of downtown Chicago and operates on frequency of 440.250Mhz, +5Mhz with PL67Hz in FM. In C4FM mode it is connected to the existing BrandMeister Talk Group #26018 and YSFReflector #88843 along with WIresX Room NA9PL-ROOM #81708 to let Poles across the globe connect with ham friends in Chicago.
In May of 2024, the club started testing another machine, Motorola XPR8300. This repeater is operating on a not coordinated yest (coordination pending) frequency of 440.500Mhz, +5Mhz and the PL tone of 67Hz. This repeater is connected to FM Poland Network to group number 31018.
Please contact us with any questions at info@paaros.com
Please contact us with any questions at info@paaros.com
