This episode of the W3GMS 985 Workbench blends technical troubleshooting with on-air operating strategy, focusing on two topics every ham eventually wrestles with: signal quality and solar conditions. Hosted by W3MOW, the discussion moves from microphone levels and deviation control into a deeper look at how solar data actually affects HF operation.

The group breaks down practical use of propagation indicators including K-index, A-index, sunspot numbers, MUF, and real-time band condition tools. Operators share how they interpret solar data—or deliberately ignore it—choosing instead to tune the bands, call CQ, and let experience drive decisions. The conversation highlights why charts don’t tell the whole story and how “poor conditions” often just mean fewer people calling.

Additional discussion covers audio setup and mic gain control, repeater etiquette, equipment setup realities, and why longer CQs matter in the era of band scopes and waterfalls. Real-world experience takes precedence over theory, reinforcing the Workbench’s hands-on, practical approach to amateur radio.

If you’ve ever wondered how much stock to put in propagation numbers—or why calling CQ still works when charts say it shouldn’t—this episode delivers grounded insight from operators who’ve tested it on the air.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater

Weekly Workbench – Mondays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: solar indices, MUF, HF propagation, mic audio setup, repeater operation, and practical band selection

This episode of the W3GMS 985 Workbench centers on two core skills every HF operator eventually has to master: antenna matching and understanding propagation. Hosted by KC3NZT, the group works through real-world antenna questions and demystifies solar data that directly affects on-the-air results.

The first half of the discussion focuses on non-resonant vertical antennas, including the Eagle One design, and when un-uns, choke baluns, radials, and remote tuners actually matter. Operators break down impedance behavior by band, explain why some verticals demand transformers while others don’t, and highlight practical strategies to reduce feedline loss and RF problems in multi-band setups.

The second major topic dives into Solar Flux Index (SFI), sunspot cycles, and space weather. The group explains what SFI actually measures, how it impacts HF propagation, why geomagnetic indices matter, and where to find reliable solar data. Recommended resources and real operating experiences help connect abstract numbers to real band openings and closures.

As always, the Workbench blends theory with hands-on experience, offering clear explanations without marketing hype. If you’ve ever wondered why an antenna “should work” but doesn’t—or why the bands suddenly light up or die—this episode delivers answers grounded in practice.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater

Weekly Workbench – Mondays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: vertical antennas, baluns and un-uns, radials, feedline loss, SFI, space weather, and HF propagation 

This edition of the W3GMS 985 Workbench delivers a deep, practical dive into real-world amateur radio problems and solutions, with one of the most active and wide-ranging discussions of the month. Hosted by WA3VE, the group works through antenna theory, amplifier restoration, mobile antenna tradeoffs, and station-building decisions that every ham eventually faces.

Topics include G5RV feedline behavior and balun use, ladder line versus coax losses, Clipperton L amplifier restoration and power-supply capacitor upgrades, inrush current protection and step-start circuits, and hands-on advice for safely modernizing vintage HF amplifiers. The discussion also covers hex beam mechanical design, mounting considerations, and combining directional HF antennas with VHF/UHF verticals.

On the mobile side, the group breaks down short versus long VHF/UHF antennas, gain claims in dBi versus dBd, fender and bed mounting strategies for pickup trucks, garage-clearance realities, and why more metal still matters—despite marketing claims. New and experienced operators alike weigh in with practical field experience rather than theory alone.

As always, the Workbench blends technical depth with collaborative problem-solving, making it a valuable listen for anyone building, upgrading, repairing, or rethinking their amateur radio station.

Recorded live on the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater

Weekly Workbench – Mondays at 8 PM Eastern

Topics include: antennas, baluns, ladder line, HF amplifiers, power-supply design, mobile installs, and RF reality checks

chaired by Jim AF3Z, delivers the full 985 experience: lively check-ins, deep technical dives, and the kind of friendly on-air camaraderie you only get from a seasoned group of operators. The night opens with repeater housekeeping, intermod warnings, and digital-mode clarifications before rolling into a long, rich round of station updates — everything from Elecraft K3S upgrades and vintage Yaesu restorations to antenna mishaps, sweepstakes attempts, CW practice, solar observations, and mobile operating tales from the road.

A highlight of the evening is the shared trip to Scranton to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the first overland wireless telegraphy transmission, complete with stories about Father Murgas, the HAMSCI research group, and the university’s impressive new shack. The net later pivots into problem-solving mode, tackling three substantial questions: how modern solar installations impact HF noise, how best to study for the General exam without falling into the “ham-cram” trap, and the mechanical realities of mounting rotors and thrust bearings for a future hex-beam install. The group answers with personal experience, practical engineering insight, and a generous helping of humor.

From DX success stories to APRS bot experiments, from antenna strategy to equipment nostalgia, and from technical know-how to pure hobby joy, this Workbench session showcases exactly why the 985 community keeps coming back — a long, engaging mix of knowledge-sharing, storytelling, troubleshooting, and good-natured ribbing that feels like spending the evening with a room full of radio friends.

On this week’s 985 Workbench, Chuck (NA3CW) hosts a packed session with a full house of check-ins and a healthy dose of radio tech, CW training strategies, repeater updates, and automotive chaos.

Operators share their week’s activity—from 10-meter DX bursts and attic antenna installs, to general-class classes, POTA activations, and prepping classic 1929 transmitters for the upcoming Bruce Kelly event. The big question of the night: What’s the right way to learn CW? Members weigh in with decades of experience, covering straight-keys vs paddles, Farnsworth spacing, the Koch method, and why you should never start by looking at dots and dashes.

The after-session turns into a bonus “Ham Radio & Car Repair Support Group,” featuring drilling out broken bolts, tapping aluminum, leaking Dodge Intrepids, and a machinist-level masterclass on removing a broken tap without sacrificing your sanity.

A friendly, technical, and surprisingly funny Workbench full of real-world skills—RF, CW, machining, troubleshooting, and the eternal truth that every project takes three times longer than it should.

Harvey KC3NZT leads a lively night on the 146.985 Workbench, where operators share their weekly radio adventures before diving into a round of great technical questions. The group trades ideas on low-profile HF antennas, reviews real-world experiences with the Hustler 5BTV, and then goes deep into classic gear by discussing Clipperton L amplifier tuning, keying, and protection. The conversation keeps rolling with tips on pairing modern speakers to vintage rigs and even a quick detour into finding comfortable earpieces for FRS radios. As always, it’s a mix of practical problem-solving, shared experience, and plenty of good 985 camaraderie.

Wayne KC3SQI guides another enjoyable session of the W3GMS 146.985 Workbench, as stations check in to share their week in radio. The group talks summits-on-the-air adventures, PA QSO Party activity, shack upgrades, and new gear acquisitions — including tuners, throw-lines, and even a fresh nanoVNA. A great technical discussion unfolds on weather-proofing coax connectors, with operators comparing coax-seal, heat-shrink, self-fusing tape, and other tricks for keeping water out in the wild. The roundtable also tackles repeater intermod, how it happens, why it’s so stubborn, and what solutions are in the works. It’s another night of practical advice, shared experience, and good humor on 985.

In this week’s 985 Workbench, hosted by Ron (WA3VEE) from West Chester, PA, the group dives deep into all things ham radio—from tower-raising tales to a lively discussion on Linux for the modern shack. Operators share updates from the New Holland Hamfest, progress on Joe’s massive tower project, and the challenges (and victories) of running Windows software on Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and even Raspberry Pi setups.

With great stories from familiar voices like CR, Chuck (NA3CW), Bill (KC3OOK), Jim (AF3Z), and Simon (KD3BPI), this episode covers everything from grounding rods to GUI interfaces—with a side of humor, tech tips, and camaraderie that makes 985 a Monday-night favorite.

📻 Highlights:

• Tower base installation success and near-misses
• Linux for ham radio: Mint, Ubuntu, Wine, and beyond
• Hamfest finds and classic gear restoration
• Real-world shack challenges and solutions
• Community check-ins from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts

Host: Greg (W3DIB) | Focus: CW Speed, Learning, and Classic Features like AutoPatch

This week’s Monday Night Workbench was part Q&A, part nostalgia trip, and part CW masterclass. Operators shared updates from their shacks — from drone-assisted dipole installs and antenna coax upgrades to prepping for Winter Field Day and even chasing DX into New Zealand and Australia on 10 meters.

The main discussion centered around Morse code (CW) — particularly operator comfort speeds and how to improve. Most agreed that 20–25 WPM is a sweet spot for field events, though some ops operate much faster in contests. Newer CW learners shared their struggles and tips, including online training tools like morsel.fun and LCWO.net, plus simple listening practice on 40 meters or via WebSDR and ARRL bulletins. Veterans stressed that speed comes naturally with practice and that events like POTA, Straight Key Century Club, and Field Day are ideal low-pressure environments for improving skills.

The group also revisited AutoPatch — an old-school feature allowing hams to make phone calls through a repeater using DTMF tones. While largely obsolete today thanks to cell phones and VoIP, it was once vital for emergencies and roadside calls. A few repeaters still support it, but usage is rare.

Other highlights included discussions on tower projects, Winter Field Day planning, and a deep dive into repeater etiquette and digital access. As always, the net wrapped with thanks to Joe (W3GMS) and a reminder to join the Thursday night Roundtable.

Broadcast on: W3GMS Repeater – 146.985 MHz
Host: Jim (AF3Z)

📌 Episode Overview

This week’s 985 Workbench brings hams together for a night of updates, troubleshooting, and good old-fashioned experimentation. Host Jim (AF3Z) guides the net through a round of check-ins, weekly activity reports, and then dives into questions about antennas, coax, and creative setups.

🗣️ What You’ll Hear

• The “One-Pile System” – A lighthearted look at shack organization (or the lack of it).
• Coax Comparisons – Tips on testing and upgrading feedlines, with practical advice on NanoVNAs, losses, and alternatives like Davis RF’s Bury-Flex.
• 160 Meters on a Budget – A lively discussion on inverted Ls, radial fields, and whether you can press an old invisible dog fence into service as a ground system.
• Portable Projects & Go-Boxes – Members share their experiments with Apache cases, mobile installs, and remote operating setups (including a 75-foot Ethernet cable rigged Icom 7100 shack-on-the-deck!).

💡 Why Listen?

The Workbench isn’t just Q&A — it’s part Elmering, part show-and-tell, and part shop talk:

• Practical Guidance – Real-world advice from active operators.
• Experimentation – Ideas that range from tried-and-true to delightfully improvised.
• Community Spirit – Every operator, from seasoned CW vets to students finishing geometry homework, has a voice.

📡 Takeaway

If you love the sound of solder smoke, the thrill of antenna experiments, or just swapping stories with fellow hams, this episode of the Workbench has something for you.