Activation of TM9NL in Memory of F9NL Maurice 

We are pleased to announce the activation from the 65th department of the F9NL Maurice Memorial, with the special callsign TM9NL. This activation will take place from 09/15/2024 to 09/29/2024 on the HF/VHF/UHF bands and in various modes.

F9NL UHF Trophy.

On September 22, 2024, a portable TM9NL station will be in JN03BB to commemorate the date of the F9NL UHF Trophy.

Spirit of the l'Activation

This activation will follow the same spirit as TM65JO, with the following objectives :

• Enable the maximum number of operators to participate.
• Receive a QSL card for the event.
• Attempt to earn a diploma.

The regulations for this activation will specify the conditions for obtaining the diploma.

Participation

We hope that many of you will point your antennas toward the southwest to try to contact us.
We are counting on your participation in this event.
73, The TM9NL Activation Team

In Memory of Maurice

Maurice LACROUTS, our friend F9NL REF 5478, passed away on July 25, 1983, at the age of seventy-seven. He was a great sportsman, a tennis coach, an excellent skier, and he loved car rallies, especially competitions.
Under his leadership, the 65th department won the French championship for five consecutive years during the 1960s and was awarded the trophy permanently. F9NL liked to say that he had won more than 96 trophies, but the one he cherished the most was the QRP Bol d'Or, which he won by making a magic eye "pump." He was the head of section 25, a member of the board, section manager, and in early 1964, he founded REF 65 with F3IL, where he served as president for many years and was awarded the REF merit medal.

Maurice LACROUTS led a vocational sub-section at the Bagnères Technical High School, where he taught electronics. He created many designs for young people and beginners, always favoring simplicity and reproducibility. He was the designer of the NL1, NL2, and NL3, simple converters that, when placed in front of a receiver tuned to 1600 kHz, allowed amateur radio traffic to be received. This was an affordable introduction to reception for beginners, just like the Major and Minor transmitters he designed for transmitting, which were produced in many units. technique with the local operators. Unfortunately, the consequences of his 1943 skiing accident caught up with him, and he eventually lost his sight, preventing him from tinkering, which was his greatest regret. However, radio was a great comfort to him during his years of darkness.

In memory of Maurice LACROUTS, and to honor the work of our predecessors—Gilbert F5BUT (SK), Dominique F5AXP, Paul F5HPQ, and Joachim F6FXK, who sculpted and engraved the two Contest trophies—we have decided to carry the torch forward under the guidance of REF65 and the various radio clubs in the department: F6KPH, F5KBC, and F8KGM.