Operators from across Pennsylvania, the U.S., and Canada share perspectives on classic and modern technical references, from early ARRL handbooks and antenna texts to commercial licensing manuals, vintage tube-era engineering books, and modern digital libraries. The discussion highlights how knowledge has been passed down through generations of radio operators, how learning styles have shifted from print to digital, and why foundational theory still matters.

The conversation also weaves in updates from the field day site, antenna work in progress, Winter Field Day planning, repeater activity, and community events. As always, the tone is informal, educational, and collaborative, reflecting the mentoring culture that defines the 985 Roundtable.

Format: Open roundtable discussion
Net: 985 Roundtable on W3GMS 146.985 MHz
Recorded: January 8, 2026
Host: Joe, W3GMS

The featured discussion asks a simple but powerful question: What makes you say “wow?” Participants share reflections on people, achievements, technology, history, craftsmanship, music, science, nature, and the pioneers whose ideas shaped the modern world. From Apollo-era engineering and World War II heroism to James Clerk Maxwell, Edwin Armstrong, and the beauty of national parks, the conversation highlights curiosity, ingenuity, and human achievement.

Also included are community updates, repeater announcements, upcoming VE testing, Winter Field Day planning, and a nod to the approaching 50th anniversary of the W3GMS repeater.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversation, technical curiosity, and the unique culture of amateur radio roundtables, this episode is a solid listen.

Format: Open roundtable discussion

Recorded: January 1, 2026

Net: 985 Roundtable on W3GMS

Host: Ron, WA3VE

The roundtable kicks off with short-time and full-time check-ins, followed by relaxed, conversational mic-passing where stations share holiday greetings, personal stories, and what’s been happening in their shacks and lives. The evening’s discussion starter centers around winter weather preparedness—from snow removal strategies and generator readiness to favorite (and least favorite) parts of winter operating.

As always, the conversation drifts naturally into station projects, CW keys and bugs, Winter Field Day planning, family traditions, nostalgia, and the camaraderie that makes amateur radio special, especially during the holidays. With voices checking in from multiple states, the roundtable highlights the strength of the W3GMS community: friendly, inclusive, and always welcoming to newcomers.

Whether you’re listening live or catching up later, this episode captures the spirit of ham radio—connection, conversation, and community—on a Christmas night well spent on the air.  

📡 Thursdays on the W3GMS Parksburg Repeater – 146.985 MHz

🎄 Holiday Edition

🎙️ Open discussion, all stations welcome

This episode of the W3GMS 985 Roundtable, hosted by Bill, KC3OOK, centers on one of the most practical and universally relevant ham radio topics: HF antennas and how operators actually use them. The discussion begins with a two-part question on band-specific HF antennas versus multiband solutions and quickly evolves into a wide-ranging exchange of real-world experiences.

Participants share hands-on insight into dipoles, fan dipoles, inverted V antennas, off-center-fed designs, end-fed wires, verticals, hamsticks, beams, and mobile HF setups. Operators discuss what works well, what compromises are unavoidable, and how space, height, feedline choice, and noise environments shape antenna performance far more than theory alone.

The Roundtable also touches on practical mobile installations, hamstick performance, ladder line versus coax, tuner use, and the realities of operating with limited space or challenging conditions. As the conversation opens up, the group moves naturally into general operating habits, station projects, winter radio activities, and the kind of informal technical wisdom that comes from years on the air.

True to the Roundtable format, the discussion is unscripted, experience-driven, and collaborative—highlighting that there is no single “perfect” antenna, only antennas that work for your situation.

Recorded live on the W3GMS Parksburg repeater (146.985 MHz)

Weekly Roundtable – Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: HF antennas, band-specific vs multiband designs, mobile HF operation, tuners, feedlines, and practical station setups  

The conversation explores HF propagation indicators including K-index, A-index, sunspot numbers, MUF, and common band condition tools, while emphasizing that successful contacts often come down to patience, staying on frequency, and calling CQ when others don’t. Participants compare solar data against what they’re actually hearing on the air and discuss why “poor conditions” frequently mean fewer operators rather than unusable bands.

Additional discussion touches on microphone audio quality, gain discipline, repeater etiquette, and the impact of small operating choices on overall signal intelligibility. True to the Roundtable format, the exchange blends technical insight with personal experience and practical advice drawn from years on the air.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater

Weekly Roundtable – Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: HF propagation, solar indices, CQ strategy, audio quality, repeater operation, and real-world operating experience

This special Thanksgiving edition of the W3GMS 985 Roundtable, hosted by Mike, W3MFB, shifts the focus from technical topics to something just as important: community, tradition, and shared experiences. Operators check in from near and far to reflect on Thanksgiving past and present, sharing favorite foods, family traditions, and memorable moments that shaped their holidays over the years.

The discussion ranges from classic Thanksgiving staples—stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, pies, and cranberry dishes—to deeply personal stories about family gatherings, childhood memories, hunting traditions, and quieter holidays spent reflecting on what matters most. As with any true Roundtable, the conversation flows naturally, mixing humor, nostalgia, and thoughtful reflection.

Interwoven throughout the evening are casual mentions of band conditions, repeater activity, and the role amateur radio plays in keeping people connected—especially on holidays when not everyone can be together in person. The result is a relaxed, welcoming discussion that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving and the strength of the ham radio community.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater (Parksburg, PA)

Weekly Roundtable – Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: Thanksgiving traditions, favorite foods, family memories, community, and amateur radio fellowship

Participants share firsthand stories of six-meter “magic band” openings, airplane scatter, weather-driven signal changes, ducting, skip, gray-line surprises, and the occasional “how on earth did that work?” contact. The conversation also touches on antenna experiments, digital modes, repeater interference, and how local conditions can make or break a QSO.

Along the way, the group blends technical insight with decades of operating experience, reminding listeners that even with minimal power and imperfect antennas, the ionosphere can still deliver incredible results. Whether you’re a new ham learning the ropes or a seasoned operator chasing openings, this episode highlights why propagation keeps us all coming back to the radio.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater

Weekly Roundtable – Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern

“Do you plan on doing any antenna work this winter?”

and

“Will you spend more time on the air or in the shack over the holidays?”

Operators check in with everything from balanced-line dipoles in the wind, planned 220 installs, attic VHF builds, and dreams of hex beams, to ground-mounted vertical experiments, six-meter beams resurrected from tree-trunk disasters, and classic Mosley and Cushcraft gear waiting for spring. Many are gearing up for seasonal operating—CW marathons, AM ragchews, DX chasing, BK weekend operations, and even all-night Thanksgiving HF sessions.

There’s also repeater progress updates, Winter Field Day prep, new site leadership roles, mast-tilt work parties, and a surprise cameo from a guitar providing a nightly “E” note. Newer hams share their first steps into HF, while seasoned operators offer practical antenna wisdom, maintenance tips, lightning worries, and the eternal truth that a loose dipole is better than a snapped one.

A relaxed, detailed, and jam-packed Roundtable full of stories, humor, technical insight, and the classic 985 camaraderie that keeps everyone coming back each Thursday night

How do you prep for severe weather? What’s your favorite store or vendor? And would you show up to operate HF at the field day site if all you had to do was walk in the door?

The crew checks in with everything from whole-house generators and frozen water jugs to kerosene heaters, propane camp stoves, mulching leaves, and keeping the snowblower ready for duty. Favorite stores range from REI, Grocery Outlet, Brandywine Auto Parts, and Shady Maple to tiny local delis and Radio Shack in New Holland. A few die-hard operators share thoughts on showing up for HF operations—even if it means borrowing Ron’s call and braving the January cold.

Along the way, operators talk:

• Prep habits (or lack of them) for hurricanes, snow, tornadoes, and power outages

• Hidden-gem hardware stores, woodworking shops, and Mennonite bulk-food suppliers

• Running wells and fridges on generators, fighting stale gas, and draining equipment properly

• Coffee roasting from green beans, machining oddball parts, and keeping batteries topped off

• Digital access issues on Echolink/AllStar

• A full house of regulars checking in with humor, stories, and the usual good-natured chaos

A warm, community-driven episode with plenty of practical wisdom, local flavor, and classic ham-radio camaraderie—exactly what makes the 985 Roundtable feel like home.

Along the way, operators share updates from the shack and beyond:

• BIOS battles and Linux wizardry

• New antennas in attics

• DX catches, POTA/SOTA activations, and 7-watt 1929 transmitters

• Plans to open the Field Day site for regular HF ops

• Winter Field Day prep, N1MM testing, and repeater housekeeping

• Plus: dogs blocking shacks, bricked PCs resurrected, and a 3D printer buzzing in the background

A fun, relaxed, candy-fueled net with great stories, technical discoveries, and lots of laughter. Perfect listening for anyone who loves ham radio, Halloween, or hearing grown adults debate licorice like it’s a contact sport.

Ron (WA3VEE), Chuck (NA3CW), Bill (KC3OOK), John (WA3KFT), Jim (AF3Z), and CR (W8CRW) all share their tales while catching up on the latest with Joe’s tower project, upcoming hamfests, and even a brain-teasing riddle courtesy of Tolkien himself.

📻 Highlights:

• Favorite Halloween moments through the decades
• The legendary tower pumpkin prank of Parkesburg
• Tower rebuild progress and hamfest chatter
• CR’s “strategic” trick-or-treat strategy
• Mike’s riddle from The Hobbit
• Seasonal camaraderie and classic 985 humor

This week’s roundtable was all about pushing the limits of radio contacts and swapping stories from across the bands. Operators shared their most impressive QSOs — from 60+ mile 2m simplex contacts and ISS passes to mobile FT8 hits into Australia and 10,000-mile HF DX. Highlights included satellite contacts into Venezuela and Puerto Rico, rag-chew sessions with stations in Western Australia, and fun special event QSOs like the “Largest Teapot.” Many also reflected on the joy of rag chewing versus contesting, with some managing global contacts using just a few watts.

Beyond the airwaves, the conversation turned personal with antenna projects, tower plans, and even a hilarious rant about disastrous painting contractors — proving once again that ham radio is as much about community as it is about signal reports. As the days get shorter, the group looks forward to bigger nets, better propagation, and maybe finally catching that elusive Antarctica contact. 73!

📌 Episode Overview

This week’s Roundtable honors the 24th anniversary of September 11, 2001, with a heartfelt tribute to the nearly 3,000 lives lost — including seven amateur radio operators who perished while serving as engineers, technicians, and first responders.

🗣️ What You’ll Hear

• Personal Remembrances – Operators from across Pennsylvania and beyond share where they were on 9/11, how they experienced the day, and the impact it had on them and their families.
• Ham Radio & Emergency Response – Reflections on the breakdown of cell service that day and how amateur radio could fill the gap.
• Simplex Nets & Band Capabilities – A lively exchange on who can reach who, which bands members are active on, and how the 985 community prepares for emergencies.

💡 Why Listen?

Part history, part technical discussion, part living oral archive — this episode showcases amateur radio at its best:

• Community – Hams connecting across generations.
• Preparedness – Lessons on resilience when other systems fail.
• Remembrance – A shared moment of silence and reflection.

📡 Takeaway

Whether you tune in for the history, the technical insights, or the camaraderie, this Roundtable is a reminder of why amateur radio matters — for connection, preparedness, and service.

• Host: Greg (W3DIB) ran the evening’s session, opening with reminders on repeater etiquette and digital linking.
• Question of the Night: “Besides ham radio, what other hobbies or pastimes do you have?” — a topic that sparked a wide variety of stories.
• Health Note: Leon (AA3LH) shared a serious recent health scare where he collapsed at home and wound up in the ER. He humorously retold the ordeal as being “put through the donut” (CT scan) and “stuffed in a casket” (MRI), but stressed ongoing testing and monitoring. The group was glad to hear him back on the air and vertical.

Shared Hobbies and Interests

• Collecting & Mechanical Work:
  • Mike (W1RC) talked about collecting police badges, spy radios, and military leather jackets — with colorful stories of the people he’s met through collecting.
  • Scott (W3KZG) enjoys off-roading and camping, welding, and fabricating. He’s rebuilding a 1950 John Deere tractor and outfitting his trailer with 1,280 watts of solar power.
  • Bill (KC3OOK) reflected on past fishing and hunting trips, especially fly fishing for peace and quiet.
• Music & Arts:
  • Jim (AF3Z) strummed his guitar during the net, also mentioning harmonica, golf, hiking, sailing, and photography. He enjoys symphonies, jazz, and even a little banjo.
  • Joe (W3GMS) admitted cars and travel are passions alongside radio, though he does less mechanical work as the years go on.
• DIY, Tinkering & Woodworking:
  • Ron (WA3VEE) balances ham radio with woodworking, photography, cycling, and travel. He’s currently designing a custom van console to mount radios, complete with photo documentation.
  • Chuck (NA3CW) spends time caring for family, doing car repairs (sometimes begrudgingly), and canning applesauce — already up to 19 quarts this season.
• Travel & Adventure:
  • CR (W8CRW) highlighted his tinkering projects, shed repairs, and passion for aviation and drones.
  • Charlie (N3CRE) used to do ballroom dancing and still enjoys cooking, gardening, and travel.
• Stories & Community:
  • Leon (AA3LH) reaffirmed his love of cooking, collecting old radios, and traveling with HF gear to see how far he can reach on the bands. His storytelling kept the group entertained despite his health concerns.
  • Mike (W3MFB) checked in via EchoLink, saying ham radio and CB/GMRS have become his life, but he used to enjoy acrylic painting, skateboarding, and gardening.
  • Al (N3LPV) joined late from Maryland, recalibrating his antenna, and was welcomed as a newcomer to the net.

Notable Side Notes

• Hamfests: Ron reminded everyone of the Mullica Hill Hamfest (Gloucester County, NJ) coming up that weekend.
• Equipment: Members shared ongoing tower work, trailer builds, and console designs.
• Health & Support: The group rallied around Leon (AA3LH) and Gene (KC3HQZ), offering thoughts and prayers.

• Topic of the Night: Participants shared their most memorable or exciting thing they did this summer.
• Short-Time Check-ins: Adam (KB3ZUV) called in via EchoLink, noting success on a West Coast family trip to Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula. Fred (W3FEF) checked in via AllStar, looking forward to visiting his new grandchild.
• Compliments to Luke (KC3SCY): Multiple hams praised his excellent job as net control, with Ron (WA3VEE) and Joe (W3GMS) both saying it was his best net yet.

Memorable Summer Highlights from Participants

• Field Day Dominated the Memories: Nearly everyone cited Field Day as a highlight — especially the GOTA station activity, new visitors, and youth operators.
• Travel and Family:
  • Trips included Colorado (AA3LH), the West Coast (KB3ZUV), and Cape May (W3FEF).
  • Several mentioned family milestones — Fred visiting a new grandbaby, Simon (KD3BPI) getting engaged to his fiancée Summer, and enjoying time with children/grandchildren.
• Projects and Hobbies:
  • Gardening came up (WA3KFT’s bumper crop, N3CRE’s small successes).
  • Joe (W3GMS) highlighted progress on his riser project and tower work with help from Bill (KC3OOK) and Chuck (NA3CW).
  • Chuck also recalled the first smooth telescoping of Joe’s 66-foot tower as a big win.
  • Simon (KD3BPI), newly licensed, shared his excitement about both ham radio and engagement.

Notable Side Stories

• Ron (WA3VEE): Picked up a new 2020 Toyota Sienna to outfit with radios.
• Jim (AF3Z): Admitted he was the only person to trip over the carefully taped field day cables while eating dessert — though he saved the food.
• Bill (KC3OOK): Said his most memorable moment hasn’t happened yet — sitting in a lawn chair with tea and cigar, admiring Joe’s tower once it’s finally raised.
• Scott (W3KZG): Shared about attending Hamvention for the first time and working on his enclosed trailer for ATV/camping trips.
• Estate & Legacy: Joe (W3GMS) recounted managing the estate of Dick (W3ORU, SK), redistributing equipment, including a tower gifted to Scott.

Technical & Repeater Notes

• Stations reminded to register for EchoLink/AllStar access on 985 via the repeater website.
• Etiquette tips emphasized: pause before talking, watch the 3-minute timer, and confirm your signal if intermod is suspected.

The group highlighted key repeater details: the roundtable runs every Thursday at 8 p.m. on the W3GMS Parkesburg repeater (146.985 MHz, PL 100 Hz / 94.8 Hz receive). Operators were reminded to visit w3gmsrepeater.com for updates and resources.

There was also mention of the Monday Night Workbench Net at 8 p.m., hosted this week by KC3SQI Wayne, which focuses on technical questions and station setup discussions. The atmosphere of the evening stayed relaxed and conversational, with stations sharing brief personal updates and acknowledging the value of having a strong community on the repeater.

Technical Questions & Answers

Technical exchanges focused on operating practices and station setup.

• Check-in Order – The group clarified digital vs. RF check-ins, with priority given to short-time digital stations via Echolink and AllStar before moving to RF operators.
• New Radio Setup – One participant sought feedback on properly configuring a newly acquired transceiver, referencing prior guidance from experienced operators.
• Engineering Experience – An operator shared insights from a career in the radio and television industry, adding depth to the technical discussion.
• Practical Guidance – Advice was offered on running suitable power levels, using digital linking options, and making sure radios are tested before being put fully into service.

Operators from across the area and via digital modes shared their favorite ways to decompress—from playing radio and working on projects, to boating, sailing, long drives, and simply taking a nap. Many also discussed how amateur radio itself can be a relaxing escape, whether chatting on the air, tinkering with antennas, or enjoying hamfest camaraderie.

A special highlight was the return of Joe (W3GMS) after recovering from a serious tick-borne illness. Joe recounted his hospital experience, the importance of prompt medical attention, and offered some practical tick prevention advice for outdoor events. This sparked further conversation about health awareness, outdoor safety, and the realities of changing tick patterns in the region.

The evening also touched on personality types, with several ops discussing Myers-Briggs and other assessments, and how understanding communication styles can improve teamwork—both in and out of amateur radio.

Updates included:

• Kimberton Hamfest plans and meet-ups.
• Incoming Berry Flex coax shipment for upcoming club projects.
• Ongoing antenna and shack upgrades among members.
• Discussion of band openings on 10 and 15 meters and the mystery of low activity despite good conditions.

• Topic of the Night: Members shared stories about their first transceivers and whether they would recommend them to new hams.
  • Many started with Heathkit, Kenwood, Yeasu, or Baofeng rigs.
  • Several recommended avoiding low-power HTs as a first radio, suggesting 50W+ mobile rigs for better repeater access.
  • Used equipment was widely endorsed as a cost-effective way to get started.
• Notable Mentions:
  • Jeff (W3JAM) described his 1977 Heathkit SB-101 and building the HP-23 power supply.
  • Ron (WA3VEE) shared about his first Tempo crystal-controlled 2m rig and advised new hams to start with a 50W mobile.
  • John (WA3KFT) discussed early six-meter setups and recommended the IC-7100 for modern hams.
  • Chuck (NA3CW) praised the FT-710 for its accuracy and usability during Field Day.
  • Multiple members noted the value of used radios and the importance of having an active local support group.
• Newcomers Welcomed:
  • Bill (W1CLK), Sean (KC3ZLI), Paxton (KD3APR), and Bruce (KS4CK) introduced themselves and were welcomed to the 985 community.
  • Several members shared tips on local repeater etiquette, upcoming breakfasts, and fox hunts.

Technical Questions & Insights

• Station Grounding: Wayne (KC3SQI) is compiling a simplified version of a 73-page NEC-compliant grounding document for the repeater website.
• FT-710 Praise: Multiple operators highlighted the Yaesu FT-710 for its performance, easy interface, and excellent calibration.
• HF Recommendations: Members frequently suggested the FTDX10, FT-710, and IC-7300 as top picks for modern HF rigs.
• VHF/UHF Advice: Consensus was that new hams should avoid relying solely on HTs unless they have an external antenna and good repeater coverage.

Closing Notes

• Members expressed appreciation for the roundtable’s welcoming atmosphere and technical knowledge sharing.
• The session wrapped with reminders about the third Friday breakfast at Brass Eagle and upcoming club activities.
• Host Phil (KC3CIB) closed out the net with thanks to Joe (W3GMS) for use of the repeater and best wishes for his recovery.

Discussion Highlights

• Mike (W3MFB) – Hosted the session, shared stories of building six-meter dipoles, quarter-wave ground planes for 220 MHz and GMRS, and experimenting with copper pipe antennas. Emphasized learning from every attempt.
• W1RC (Mike, Salem, MA) – Built many HF antennas, including a 130 ft end-fed long wire, and questioned why people buy antennas when wire works so well.
• KV3ZUV (Adam) – Prefers buying antennas but built a 70 cm coat hanger antenna and experimented with BuddyPole modular setups and random wire configurations.
• W3KZG (Scott) – Built multiple 2m mobile antennas and a large property-spanning dipole.
• KG3X (Barry) – Checked in briefly as an in-and-out station.
• W8CRW (CR) – Built antennas for 2m, 1.2 GHz, and aircraft bands; enjoyed building small aviation band antennas for plane tracking.
• WA3VEE (Ron) – Shared memories of teaching students to build antennas, including cubical quads and dipoles. Encouraged experimenting and emphasized performance analysis.
• WA3KFT (John) – Extensive list of homebuilt antennas: multiple dipoles, fan dipoles, quads, coaxial collinears, and a six-meter beam from salvaged TV antenna parts.
• NA3CW (Chuck) – Built many antennas, including loops, broadband receiving loops, moxon rectangles, and foxhunting Yagis. Stressed that antennas are easy to build and encouraged experimentation.
• KC3OOK (Bill) – Focused on wire antennas with tuners; shared stories about running wires through urban setups and using random wires effectively.
• AF3Z (Jim) – Recounted building various small and experimental antennas, including mag loops and temporary designs. Advocated for simplicity and learning by doing.
• W3GMS (Joe) – Reflected on the importance of trying even if antennas aren’t perfect. Discussed losses introduced by coils and tuners and shared stories of building repeater antennas and wire beams.
• Other participants – Shared unique improvisations, like using electric fences, salted rope, and even train tracks as antennas. Several discussed temporary vs. permanent antenna design considerations.

Additional Notes

• Condolences: The group acknowledged the passing of N3RBN Paul’s brother. Details of the service were shared, and contributions to flowers were encouraged.
• FCC Filing Reminder: Joe urged all to submit comments to retain the 430–440 MHz amateur allocation.
• Amateur Radio Advocacy: Mike closed with a PSA encouraging newcomers to pursue their licenses and join the 985 “family.”

Technical Themes & Takeaways

• Experimentation Works: Even crude setups (coat hangers, cookie sheets, electric fences) can make contacts.
• Efficiency vs. Practicality: Open-wire line with a good tuner offers excellent performance, but many hams make do with whatever is possible.
• Temporary Antennas: These are easy to experiment with—perfect for learning and portable operations.
• Stealth Antennas: Several members shared clever hidden or disguised antennas for HOA and urban environments.

🚗 General Discussion Highlights

• Vehicle Choice Drivers: Reliability, cost, towing capacity, family needs, and even space for dogs were frequent themes.
• Electric & Hybrid Transition: Many participants are considering or already own EVs/hybrids, citing lower maintenance, smooth driving, and home charging. However, most still keep gas vehicles for towing, long trips, or backup.
• Long-Term Ownership: Several hams keep vehicles for 10+ years, doing much of the maintenance themselves.
• Unexpected Use Cases: One member chose a vehicle based on his dog’s needs. Another had to repair suspension bushings that couldn’t be replaced separately.
• Brand Loyalty: Toyota and Honda topped the list for reliability and long life. Subaru received praise for snow handling. American cars, particularly Ford and Chevy, were more polarizing.
• DIY & Maintenance: Swapping engines, repairing electric cells, and managing antique vehicle tags were proudly discussed.

🔧 Technical Mentions

• HF setups in work vans and mobile rigs were highlighted.
• Several EV users mentioned difficulty integrating ham radios into modern vehicles due to dealership pushback or RF noise.
• Maintenance wins included 500k-mile Priuses, rebuilt transmissions, and custom battery work on hybrids.

📝 Notable Quotes

• “I just need a vehicle. I don’t need the big companies to tell me what I want.” – Dylan (K3DZM)
• “My Toyota Sienna looks like a porcupine with all the antennas on it.” – Ron (WA3VEE)
• “I want to build my own EV someday... but I don’t trust myself just yet.” – Dylan
• “My CR-V was on its last legs—literally—when I traded it in.” – W3JAM

🚙 Participants & Highlights

• Adam (KB3ZUV): Drives a Mustang Mach-E, loves the Tesla charger compatibility, but wishes ham integration was easier.
• W3JAM: Uses a diesel F-250 for towing horse trailers, plus a CR-V and Lexus GX470.
• Dylan (K3DZM): Has a Ford Ranger and a hybrid Maverick work truck, wants to build or buy a barebones EV.
• Jim (KC3RFG): 2010 Ford E250 with dual-band and HF setups; CR-V family car.
• Jeff (N3RBG): First-time check-in; bought a Ram 1500 for the V8 before they disappear.
• Leon & Gene (AA3LH & KC3HQZ): Ford E350 van with a bed for road trips, looking toward buying a bus.
• Mike (W1RC): Daily driver is a 2007 Prius; also owns a beloved 2001 Miata.
• Charlie (N3CRE): Chevy Bolt and Toyota Venza; happy with home charging setup.
• John (WA3KFT): Still driving a 2008 CR-V with just 90k miles.
• Bill (KC3OOK): Tundra owner, researched for comfort and specs. Might downsize to a Tacoma.
• Chuck (NA3CW): 2016 Chevy Malibu, enjoys road trips and self-serviceable repairs.
• Harvey (WHCRW): Drives an EV and a 2007 Tacoma with 256k miles. Had to replace the frame once under recall.
• Scott (KC3YWN): From Centerport, drives an Audi A5 for long work trips, wants semi-autonomous features.
• KC3SQI: 2018 RAV4 and a 1993 F-150 used mainly for utility.
• Jim (AF3Z): Two RAV4s, uses one for compost hauling with a tarp.
• Mike (W3MFB): Subaru Impreza hatchback praised for snow handling and reliability.
• Scott (W3KZG): Owns multiple antiques and fix-and-flips, including a 2013 F-150 and several $1,500 or free vehicles.

Host: Chuck, NA3CW
Repeater: W3GMS – 146.985 MHz (PL 100 Hz, Tone Squelch 94.8 Hz)
Topic: “What is your favorite season and why? And what are your favorite summertime activities?”

🌤 General Discussion Highlights:

• Favorite Seasons:
  The overwhelming favorites were spring and fall due to mild temperatures, reduced humidity, and comfortable outdoor conditions. Only a few expressed fondness for summer or winter.
• Common Themes:
  • Disdain for hot, humid summers.
  • Enjoyment of seasonal transitions, especially when related to hobbies like radio, gardening, or travel.
  • Strong nostalgia for activities tied to youth or family traditions.
• Activities Mentioned:
  • 🚲 Biking, hiking, trail walking
  • 📡 Antenna projects and tower work
  • 🎣 Fishing, especially during striper runs
  • 🪵 Woodworking and shop time
  • 🐎 Horse riding and animal care
  • 🥫 Canning seasonal harvests
  • 🎸 Playing instruments (guitar, CW key)
  • 🧹 Cleaning and organizing shack/parts
  • 🏕️ Camping and QRP operating
  • 📻 Field Day, VHF contests, Hamfests

🔧 Technical & Personal Updates:

• Ron (WA3VEE):
  Shared photos from Field Day and offered biking invitations to fellow hams. Planning woodshop projects for fall and hoping to expand into 160m.
• Joe (W3GMS):
  Winter fan and deep into organizing radio parts inventory with 150+ bins. Ongoing mentoring with Luke and working on tower progress.
• Luke (KC3SCY):
  Focused on CW proficiency and helping build riser assemblies with Joe.
• John (WA3KFT):
  Over 50 years licensed, still active in VHF contests and hamfests. Prefers paper QSL cards and analog methods.
• Wayne (KC3SQI):
  Enjoying fishing and antenna experimentation. Battling HVAC interference on 10 meters.
• Jim (AF3Z):
  Enjoys hiking, sailing, and especially ragchewing in CW. Talked about shedding clutter, Goodwill runs, and field day reflections.
• Mike (W3MFB):
  Loves autumn for harvest season, cooking, and cooler air. Reminisced about eBay sales of fine china and appreciating life’s small joys.
• CR (W8CRW):
  Highlighted the comfort of spring and fall. Prefers working outside without needing AC or heat.
• Scott (W3KZG):
  Enjoys garage work, woodworking, and plane spotting with his dog on the deck.
• Jeff (W3JAM):
  Discussed trails, biking, and English-style horseback riding. Torn between spring and fall due to mid-Atlantic heat.
• Adam (KB3ZUV):
  Reflected on past summer enjoyment but now prefers cooler months for radio and horse activities.

📝 Closing Notes:

• Hamfests & Cleanouts:
  Several members are gearing up for local hamfests and shared their ongoing struggles with radio clutter.
• Repeater Etiquette Reminder:
  Use max power during intermod, pause before speaking, and stay under the 3-minute timer.
• Round 2 Summary:
  Most operators elaborated further on the seasonal reflections, with added anecdotes about home improvement, life changes, and evolving ham habits.

Participants discuss operating conditions, equipment setups, CW adventures, and the importance of community in amateur radio. With shoutouts to youth operators, GoTA station helpers, and the behind-the-scenes coordinators, it’s a heartfelt and insightful look into a successful Field Day and what’s ahead for the group.

General Highlights:

• Host: Chuck, NA3CW (stepped in last minute)
• Topic: Recap and stories from 2025 ARRL Field Day
• GoTA Station: Major success, especially with youth operators
• Attendance: Over 30 visitors signed in
• Weather: Hot but not unbearable; minor storms avoided
• Bonus Points: Est. 1400+ contacts, bonus youth QSOs confirmed
• Equipment: Mix of vintage and modern rigs; long-run generator appreciated
• Funny Moments: Ladder line used to hold up an exhaust pipe
• HF Events: Many members are also working the 13 Colonies event

Technical Questions Covered:

• Handling band noise on 40m
• Strategies for coax management and logging
• Generator power and fuel management during extended outages
• Using tone squelch to mitigate intermod and interference
• HF antennas and Yagis vs omnidirectional during contests

• Host W3MFB opened with a reminder about AllStar/EchoLink check-ins, repeater etiquette, and local power issues. He ran the session off battery power due to flickering mains.
• N4MRW participates in a few VHF nets in Raleigh, NC when work allows. HF is currently unavailable at his QTH.
• W3JAM reminisced about past traffic nets on 75m and local VHF nets. He’s planning to rebuild his ham shack, with interest in rejoining nets once equipment is set up.
• K3DZM (Dylan) expressed dislike for overly formal nets. Enjoys the relaxed tone of 985 nets and prefers spontaneous QSOs, contests, and digital modes.
• W1RC echoed Dylan’s sentiment, preferring one-on-one QSOs. Mentioned past participation in 75m AM nets and local Massachusetts nets.
• WA3VEE mentioned multiple nets:
  • Bruce Kelley Memorial Net (75m)
  • eCars & SouthCars (HF)
  • Red Rose Welfare Net (VHF)
  • CARES (Christiana ARES/RACES)
  • First State ARC Net
  • Various six-meter nets (currently off-air due to equipment issues)
• WHCRW participates in:
  • Salem NJ HF/VHF/UHF nets
  • Saturday Simplex Net
  • Red Rose nightly net
• NA3CW runs the AWA PM AM Net (Sundays). Strong preference for AM operation and old gear.
• W3GMS (Joe) reflected on CW traffic handling in the 1960s via EASN. Continues to run the W3AOA Memorial Net and the AM-focused AWA net. Described “fishing” for QSOs as his favorite style.
• AF3Z noted involvement in CW traffic nets during the 1980s. Now active in informal CW ragchew nets like the Lion and Cub nets.
• KC3YSM mostly active on 985. Mentioned C-CAR Net participation and Red Rose listening.
• KC3OOK, KD3EMS, N3CRE joined later, with brief mentions of net activity or apologies for not making the upcoming breakfast/field day.
• Barry KD3X checked in via text. Active on 6m sideband, eCars, and the 17m propagation net.

🔧 Field Day and Event Prep Notes

• Multiple stations were actively preparing for a Field Day site visit the next morning following the net.
• Chuck (NA3CW) brought up his DIY coax fixture.
• Joe (W3GMS) handled logistics like meters, dummy loads, door prizes, and Field Day site coordination.
• Ron (WA3VEE) mentioned site gear status and previous loaned items still at the location.

📅 Reminders

• Monday Workbench Net is still on as usual at 8 PM on 146.985 MHz.
• Stay hydrated and prepare for hot weather over the weekend.
• Check the Field Day agenda if attending, and come to the breakfast meetup if you're local.

🗣️ General Highlights

• Jim (AF3Z) kicked off the net with a fun “lifestyle” prompt:
  1. What kind of chair do you sit in while operating?
  2. Do you keep food or drink in the shack?
  3. Do you mostly listen or get on the air and make contacts?
• The roundtable was well-attended, with a mix of RF and digital check-ins. Most participants leaned toward listening more than transmitting, with a few dedicated QSO chasers and net participants.
• Chairs ranged wildly from Herman Miller Aerons and antique rocking chairs to folding chairs, wooden stools, and even no chairs at all.
• Snacks and drinks: Most hams were cautious about eating near gear. Water and coffee were popular, with some enjoying chips, candy, or even beer (safely distanced from the radios).
• Multiple ops shared insights into their shack setups, with some working out of basements, shared office spaces, or even vehicles.

🔧 Technical Mentions

• Ron (WA3VE) and Greg (W3DIB) discussed running AllStar mobile with great success and low latency, encouraging others to explore similar setups.
• Field Day Prep was a recurring theme. Several ops mentioned gearing up for the weekend with coax workshops, antenna setup, and mentoring new operators.
• Joe (W3GMS) shared updates on the tower project and upcoming improvements to eliminate intermod by introducing a secondary site with alternate PL tone (94.8 Hz).

🛠️ Technical Tidbits and Side Projects

• Joe (W3GMS) is reworking Studio B with a legal-limit sideband/CW station featuring the TS-590 and Mercury LUX 1500W amp.
• Luke (KC3SCY) is building a wooden riser for his ham desk and even crafting his own bow and chair using only hand tools.
• Greg (W3DIB) brought up a cool side experiment using Mumble for low-latency peer audio and experimenting with Talk Connect.

🎙️ Community Vibe

• Everyone shared friendly banter about their "shack lifestyle" — from kids raiding the snack supply to keeping cats and musical instruments in the shack.
• Chris (KD3EMS), a newer ham, shared how radio serves as his stress-relief hobby amid running a medical training business.

This week's roundtable, hosted by Phil (KC3CIB), centered on a practical and universally relevant topic: two-meter antennas. Participants were invited to share what antennas they currently use, whether they’d recommend them to others, and any personal preferences or insights.

Antenna Talk Highlights:

• The Diamond X300A and X510 were clear favorites, praised for their durability, performance, and gain.
• Simpler options like quarter-wave ground planes and Comet GP3s got nods for ease of setup and solid results.
• For those just getting started, suggestions ranged from mag-mounts on cookie sheets to DIY antennas using SO-239 connectors and brazing rod.
• Joe (W3GMS) gave a thorough rundown of high-performance options including the X700 and also mentioned using small beams for specific repeater coverage.
• There was also discussion on low-profile or mobile antennas mounted creatively (like rain gutters) for minimal coverage needs.

Technical Sidebar:

• Chuck (NA3CW) and others discussed how antenna choice should match operating goals—whether repeater work, simplex, or portable ops.
• Beam antennas were recommended for more directional needs and better performance on simplex.

Second Round – EchoLink & Field Day:

• Leon (AA3LH) checked in via EchoLink, and his signal sparked a small side discussion about clipping issues with digital modes.
• Joe (W3GMS) offered field day updates, including operator spreadsheet deadlines and positive weather predictions.
• Chuck shared progress on tower setup and experimentation with a Yaesu FT-710 ahead of Field Day “GOTA” coaching duties.

Late Check-ins & Wrap-up:

• Several more stations joined late, sharing their antenna setups and general thoughts.
• The conversation naturally drifted into a laid-back post-net chat between a few ops, including photography topics, camera menus, and the evolution from film to digital.

We also welcomed a new ham to the repeater, Jeremy (KD3BGL), who checked in from Avondale and shared his plans to incorporate ham radio into his sailboat setup. Several operators offered encouragement and advice on dealing with antenna restrictions in HOA communities and operating on the water.

Joe (W3GMS) made a special announcement about Luke (KC3SCY), who first joined the net as a technician at eight years old and just celebrated his 13th birthday. There were also updates on Field Day preparations, with a spreadsheet for scheduling and equipment tracking discussed, along with reminders about an upcoming planning Zoom meeting.

Seasonal activities like gardening, antenna maintenance, and summer travel were also common themes. As always, the roundtable provided space for technical support, shared stories, and a sense of camaraderie among both longtime and newer hams alike.