W3GMS Monday Night Workbench Net

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.

General Discussion Highlights

• Host: Mike (W3MOW) chaired the session from Sadsburyville, PA, reminding stations of repeater etiquette and encouraging participation.
• Hamfest Weekend: Multiple operators reported attending the Mullica Hill Hamfest. Rain cut down on tailgaters, but there were still good finds and plenty of camaraderie. Kutztown was flagged as the next big hamfest, with NearFest mentioned by northern operators.
• Field Activity: Several mentioned portable work, CW practice, and antenna projects. Luke (KC3SCY) is pushing 18–19 WPM in CW using vinyl training records.

Notable Operator Updates

• Luke (KC3SCY): Shared hamfest impressions and CW progress.
• Mike (W1RC): Highlighted upcoming NearFest, noting rainy fests can yield bargains.
• Ron (WA3VEE): Offloaded gear at Mullica Hill; considering bringing vintage books and test gear to Kutztown.
• Keith (KB3ILS): Excited about air variable capacitors scored at Mullica Hill; also began Winter Field Day planning with CW ops.
• Bill (KC3OOK): Acquired an HP 8558B spectrum analyzer from Ron; researching manuals and applications.
• John (KD3EE): Experimenting with packet BBSs and Winlink, comparing them to old modem days. Active in POTA and CW practice.
• Steve (KC3YSM): Suggested holding an “Antenna Clinic Day” at the Field Day site for hands-on learning with analyzers and deployment techniques. Idea was well-received, with Ron (WA3VEE) offering to lead a session in October.
• Simon (KD3BPI): Checked in late, listening with Summer; group was glad to hear from him.
• Leon (AA3LH): Brief check-in, still recovering health-wise but in good spirits.

Technical Questions

1. Cleaning & Lubricating Air Variable Capacitors (KB3ILS):
   • Asked how to clean dust, cobwebs, and oxidation.
   • Ron (WA3VEE) recommended using Caig/Hosa electronics-safe lube sparingly; oxidation usually not an issue.
   • Consensus: blow out with compressed air, avoid heavy chemicals, lube only sparingly at the bearings.
2. Relays vs Switches in Mobile Installations (KD3AIS – new Toyota Tundra):
   • Wanted to know why relays are recommended over direct switches.
   • Bob (KB3ZIM): Relays prevent overheating and handle high current safely.
   • CR (W8CRW): Warned about warranty issues with tapping modern vehicles.
   • Bill (KC3OOK): Advised consulting Harvey, the local expert; also cautioned about airbags when routing wires.
   • Wayne (KC3SQI), Steve (KC3YSM), and Ron (WA3VEE): Suggested using separate LiFePO₄ batteries for radios to avoid modern car electronics.
   • Harvey (KC3NZT) joined with a detailed explanation: relays let you use low-current dashboard wiring to safely control high-current loads located at the engine fuse block.
3. Antenna Analyzer Use & Tuning (KC3YSM):
   • Asked if the group could organize a hands-on antenna learning session.
   • Ron (WA3VEE) supported the idea and noted his RigExpert analyzers and Bird 43 meters could be demonstrated.
   • John (KD3EE) and Wayne (KC3SQI) offered to bring tunable verticals and show analyzer techniques.
   • Tentative plan: October antenna clinic at the Field Day site or tied into a breakfast meetup.

General Discussion Highlights

• New Call Signs & Operating Adventures
  John (KD3EE, formerly KC3WWC) updated everyone on his recent call sign change. He shared the challenges of updating software, websites, and radios. On the air, his “EE” suffix works especially well for CW during Parks on the Air activations.
• Station Troubleshooting
  Ron – WA3VEE reported intermittent node drops while using AT&T mobile data. He’s narrowing down whether the cause is cellular handoffs or a local issue at his home QTH.
• Summits on the Air (SOTA)
  Tim – W3QP returned from Virginia after several mountaintop activations. Along the way, he picked up a nasty case of chigger bites and even ran into a mother bear with cubs. He also experienced odd signal behavior near the NSA Sugar Grove facility.
• QRP DX Success
  Keith – KB3ILS logged exciting CW contacts to Denmark and New Zealand running just 5 watts into a wire antenna. He also enjoyed a half-hour rag chew with a Pennsylvania operator using a vintage bug key.
• Shack and Antenna Projects
  • Jeff – W3JAM is rebuilding “Studio A” with new desks, downsizing unused gear, and refurbishing a 16-element 220 MHz Yagi with modern shorting-bar hardware.
  • Wayne – KC3SQI continues work on his new antenna mast and asked the group for help sealing an unused hole in a fiberglass box.

Technical Questions

1. Sealing a Hole in a Fiberglass Enclosure – KC3SQI

• WA3KFT: Suggested clamping aluminum plates with sealant.
• WA3VEE: Recommended Hubble/Weigman hole plugs with gaskets.
• KC3NZT: Pointed to bulk packs of blanking plugs available online.
• W8CRW: Suggested epoxy with fiberglass backing.
  ➡️ Consensus: Use commercial plugs or epoxy/plate solutions for long-term waterproofing.

2. Managing a Coax Feedline to a Shed – KV3JGB

• WA3VEE: Use a messenger wire to suspend coax above ground.
• W3QP: Bury coax inside PVC conduit with drainage for moisture control.
• KC3NZT: Shared a quick shallow-trench method: “temporary becomes permanent.”
• NA3CW: Recommended running a rope inside conduit to wick moisture and allow future pulls.
  ➡️ Consensus: Both burial and overhead suspension are viable — burial offers neatness and permanence, messenger wire provides accessibility.

Closing Notes

• Late check-ins included KC3NZT (Harvey), AF3Z (Jim), and W3JAM (Jeff).
• The net wrapped up with the usual humor about running up Joe W3GMS’s electric bill.
• Reminder: Thursday Night Roundtable at 8 PM will be hosted by Luke – KC3SCY.

This session of the 985 Workbench was hosted by Greg, W3DIB, from Kennett Square. The meeting began with check-ins from both digital (EchoLink/AllStar) and RF stations. Greg reminded participants about repeater etiquette, including leaving pauses for digital users, waiting a moment after PTT, and managing the repeater’s three-minute timer.

Notable announcements included a reminder to register for digital access through the W3GMS website and an update on repeater intermod interference. Ron, WA3VEE, reported on Joe W3GMS’s health, noting he was recovering well in the hospital.

Technical Questions and Answers:

1. AM Control Carrier vs. Plate Modulation –
   Bill, KC3OK, asked about differences between control carrier modulation and plate modulation.
   • John, WA3KFT, explained control carrier modulates the screen rather than the plate, making it cheaper but prone to screen burnout if overdriven.
   • Chuck, NA3CW, expanded on the topic with examples from high-power broadcast transmitters and dynamic carrier control systems, illustrating how varying carrier power can improve efficiency and save costs.
   • Jim, AF3Z, noted control carrier setups are less prone to overdriving and distortion.
2. Mobile Noise with Baofeng & Mag-Mount Antenna –
   Simon, KD3BPI, described crackling noise on both transmit and receive when his Baofeng HT was used with a mag-mount antenna at speed.
   • Chuck, NA3CW, suggested static buildup as the likely culprit, recommending grounding the antenna or radio to the vehicle chassis.
   • Wayne, KC3SQI, and Ron, WA3VEE, advised using a cigarette lighter power adapter to provide a proper ground path.
   • Other stations noted that moving the mag-mount or using better connections could improve performance.
3. Emergency Traffic Procedures on Nets –
   Mike, W3MFB, asked why emergency breaks are not formally called for during the net.
   • Ron, WA3VEE, and Jim, AF3Z, explained that in ham radio, emergencies are signaled by “break break” between transmissions, and all stations yield immediately. Formal emergency prompts are generally unnecessary but pauses during transmissions allow emergencies to break in.

Other Highlights:

• Randy, K7RAN, joined from Salt Lake City via AllStar, testing DV Switch.
• Multiple operators shared updates about antenna work, tower projects, and repairs.
• Chuck shared a tip on using peppermint oil to deter ants from equipment enclosures.
• Simon successfully improved his mobile signal during the net using a cookie sheet as a temporary ground plane.

Technical Takeaways:

• Control carrier modulation is efficient but can stress tube screens if driven too hard.
• Mobile HT setups with mag-mount antennas benefit from proper grounding to avoid static buildup.
• Emergency traffic on amateur nets is handled with “break break,” not with scripted prompts.

73 and Closing:
Greg closed the net by thanking all participants, encouraging continued use of the 985 repeater, and inviting everyone to Thursday’s 985 Roundtable hosted by Jim, AF3Z.

General Discussion Highlights

• Propagation and Contacts:
  • John (KC3WWC) applied for a vanity call and did some POTA.
  • Leon (AA3LH) shared insights from operating in Colorado, noting poor gray line conditions in July.
  • Travis (N3ILS) activated parks in British Columbia during travel.
  • Jim (KC3RFG) worked Venezuela on 10m, which remains open with good conditions.
  • Tim (W3QP) completed two SOTA summits in Virginia.
  • Multiple stations confirmed strong 10m openings.
• Equipment and Projects:
  • Ron (WA3VEE) is transferring gear to a newer Sienna van.
  • Bill (KC3OOK) finished a lab table base in his shop.
  • Wayne (KC3SQI) is moving antennas to a new mast.
  • Dave (KI6OM) linked his 220 repeater to a network and received new Pennsylvania 250th anniversary call sign plates.
  • Discussion on grounding systems and temporary power fixes following Jim’s (AF3Z) experience with a failed neutral line.
• Other Notes:
  • Pileated woodpeckers, wildlife encounters, and personal anecdotes added a friendly touch to the evening.
  • Several stations reported summer yard work and heat-related operating limitations.

Technical Questions & Answers

1. Battery Size for Xiegu G90 (W3MFB)

• Question: What size LiFePO₄ battery is optimal for portable use with the G90, which draws ~6A on transmit?
• Key Points:
  • Ron (WA3VEE): 15Ah suggested; size depends on transmit time and discharge specs.
  • Jim (KC3RFG): Uses a 10Ah Dakota Lithium successfully for all-day use; G90 tolerates lower voltages.
  • Tim (W3QP): At least 6Ah to meet current demands; 10–15Ah ideal. Spreadsheets exist to calculate exact needs.
  • Consensus: A 10–15Ah LiFePO₄ is a good balance of portability and runtime.

2. Mounting Antenna Switch Box (KC3SQI)

• Question: Should a plastic weather-protected switch box be ground-mounted or placed on the mast?
• Advice:
  • Ron (WA3VEE): Mount on the mast for protection from lawn crews and ease of maintenance.
  • CR (W8CRW): Uses a raised Pelican-type case behind protective barriers.
  • Chuck (NA3CW): Suggests painting the box for UV protection and using protective conduit for cables.
• Consensus: Mount on the mast or a stabilizing leg, with protective measures.

3. FT8 Timing & Local Interference (KI6OM)

• Question: Should FT8 transmissions on 6m sync with nearby stations to avoid receiver desense?
• Discussion:
  • Tim (W3QP): Unsure it’s critical; use a clear frequency and hold transmit frequency.
  • Vic (KC3TYX): Always uses “Hold TX Freq” to avoid overlap.
  • General Consensus: Good practice to avoid overlapping frequencies, but syncing odd/even cycles with others is unnecessary unless dealing with very strong nearby stations.

Additional Notes

• Grounding Concerns: Following AF3Z’s neutral line issue, KC3RFG recommended a Megger test on ground rods to evaluate grounding effectiveness.
• Pelican Cases: Recommended for outdoor electronics due to durability.
• Wildlife & Safety: Beekeeping and wildlife around homes were discussed, including safety considerations for allergic reactions.