W3GMS Monday Night Workbench Net

General Discussion Highlights:

• Noise Hunting with Direction Finding: Chuck (NA3CW) described tracking down an S9 noise issue on 75 meters, suspected to be caused by a faulty lightning arrester on a utility pole. He used a handheld with a directional AM antenna tuned to 136 MHz to pinpoint the source.
• Antenna Adventures and Propagation Notes:
  • John (KC3WWC) activated a new state game land for POTA with good shade and low noise.
  • He also experimented with two APRS-capable radios and noted six-meter openings into Florida and later Wisconsin, all on a simple backyard wire.
  • Mike (W3MFB) reported a strong 17m opening, working Switzerland and hearing Spain and Ireland, while noting 10 meters was surprisingly quiet.
• Travel and Light Operating: Chuck visited the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and Corning Glass Museum, with light HF activity later in the week. Tim (W3QP) operated mobile HF from Assateague Island, including a memorable QSO with NASA's special event station for the Apollo 11 anniversary.
• Recruiting for Ham Radio: Ron (WA3VE) shared a story about connecting with his vet’s son, who’s interested in STEM and communications. He plans to organize future demos and station visits.

Technical Question Segment:

• Power Line Mystery – Voltage Rise Under Load:
  Jim (AF3Z) posed a curious question: why does his line voltage increase when heavy appliances like a sump pump or microwave kick on?
• Answer (provided by Bruce KS4CK, Ron WA3VE, and Chuck NA3CW):
  • The likely cause is a bad or loose neutral connection in the home's electrical service.
  • When neutral fails, loads become unbalanced between the two legs of 240V split-phase service, causing voltage to drop on one leg and rise on the other.
  • This could be in the meter pan, panel bus bar, service entrance, or even the transformer shared with a neighbor. Immediate attention by a utility or licensed electrician is recommended.

Important PSA:

• Threat to 70cm Band – FCC Docket 25-201:
  • A commercial satellite company, AST SpaceMobile, has petitioned the FCC to use part of the 70cm band (430–440 MHz) for satellite operations.
  • Stations expressed concern this may interfere with amateur satellite operations, digital links, and repeater inputs.
  • Ron encouraged everyone to file comments before the deadline using pre-written language and a direct FCC link provided via club email. Docket number is 25-201.

Miscellaneous Notes:

• Call for Hosts: The Thursday Night Roundtable needs a volunteer host this week, as Jack (K3YVQ) is unavailable.
• Light Net Turnout: The great weather may have kept many operators out of the shack, leading to a shorter-than-usual session.

Host: KC3NZT

🔧 General Discussion Highlights

• Field Day Aftermath & Logging Success
  WA3VEE and several others (including KC3OOK, W3KZG) recapped an intense six-hour post-field day session at WA3LVR’s home. Final logs were reconciled and submitted to ARRL. Participation reached a record: 34 operators, 31 visitors, 8 youth, and 100 contacts logged on K3DTS.
• Generator Inrush Lessons
  A lively, deeply technical discussion centered around an electric woodchipper rated at 5 HP, 230V, and requiring a 30–40A breaker, yet showing a startup current of 142 amps. Multiple ops shared field experience and technical insights, including:
  • Why household breakers can tolerate short-duration surges
  • Differences between American thermal-magnetic vs. European magnetic breakers
  • Importance of proper wire gauge for protection (per NEC)
  • Tips for generator use, including the infamous “bump start” technique
• Rotator Mounting & Wind Load
  Wayne (KC3SQI) asked about mounting a thrust bearing on unistrut and rigid conduit to support a 25–30 lb antenna. Advice emphasized:
  • Maintaining solid alignment between rotator and bearing
  • Using heavier-duty rotators (like Yaesu G-800 over G-450)
  • Considering wind load and moment arm, even for a compact hex beam

❓Technical Questions

1. CR – Circuit Breaker for 230V Equipment
   • Concerned about a chipper with 5HP motor and required starting amps of 142A
   • Got feedback on magnetic vs. thermal-magnetic breakers, wire safety limits, and starting behavior on generators
2. KC3SQI – Mounting Thrust Bearings on Mast
   • Query about using unistrut off a 1.5" rigid conduit mast
   • Recommended: strong, rigid bracketing with precise alignment and considering future rotator strain

Host: Wayne, KC3SQI
Topic Focus: Slot antennas, lightning protection, and ham travel ops
Location: W3GMS 146.985 MHz Repeater – Parkesburg, PA (PL 100.0 Hz TX / 94.8 Hz RX)

🧵 General Highlights

• Warm welcome to new and returning stations like Phil (KA1PXZ) and visitors from Vermont and Massachusetts.
• Field Day leftovers: Many ops are still packing up, sorting gear, and requesting photos for compilation.
• 13 Colonies Contest: Several participants shared their clean sweeps, and a few worked the bonus stations.
• Slot Antennas 101: A spontaneous deep dive sparked curiosity, explanations, and offers of hands-on help.
• Lightning safety practices discussed, including the limits of grounding switches and the effectiveness of storing coax ends in glass jars.
• Antenna modeling and compatibility in EasyNEC touched on stacking, vertical and beam interactions.
• Traveling with ham gear: Helpful tips for scanning, repeater book use, RT Systems programming, and managing expectations on repeater activity when away from home.

❓ Workbench Questions

🛠️ What is a Slot Antenna?

• Bill (KC3OOK) asked for a plain-language explanation.
• Contributions from Ron (WA3VEE), Chuck (NA3CW), Harvey (3NZT), and others clarified that:
  • Slot antennas radiate perpendicularly to the slot.
  • Used frequently in radar and stealth installations.
  • Designs can be compact, mobile, and stealthy.
  • John Portune (W6NBC) is a go-to source with QST designs and build guides.

⚡ Lightning Protection & Coax Handling

• Several operators offered insights:
  • Disconnecting antennas outside is best.
  • Grounded coax switches help with static but won't prevent damage from a direct strike.
  • Putting coax ends in a mason jar might contain sparking—but not useful for a direct hit and may be dangerous.
  • BlitzBugs, polyphasers, and physical disconnection are the gold standard.

📡 Modeling an X-300 Vertical on Top of a Hex Beam

• Wayne (KC3SQI) asked about modeling in EasyNEC and whether stacking the X-300 above a hex beam would interfere.
• John (WA3KFT) noted he’s had directional beams and verticals near each other without noticeable interaction.

🚗 Ham Radio While Traveling

• Chris (KD3EMS) asked how others handle ham radio on the road.
• Suggestions included:
  • Use of RepeaterBook mobile app.
  • RT Systems or CHIRP for programming based on trip routes.
  • PL tone scan to identify unknown repeaters in real time.
  • Accept that most repeaters are quiet, but local nets can be an inroad to friendly chatter.

🎤 Notable Mentions

• Phil (KA1PXZ) heading to Sussex and maybe activating some POTA sites in Shenandoah NP.
• Ron (WA3VEE) completed another 13 Colonies clean sweep and invited members to share Field Day photos.
• Chuck (NA3CW) refurbished a classic tuner with new paint and bearings.
• Harvey (3NZT) offered Bill a custom-built slot antenna to experiment with.
• Chris (KD3EMS) excitedly shared success hitting the ISS and SO-50 satellites—impressed at how approachable satellite ops can be.

Host: Ron WA3VEE
In this Field Day follow-up edition of the 985 Workbench Net, operators reflect on a successful weekend packed with radio fun, new experiences, and even a few Scrapple-fueled mornings. We welcome several voices fresh from the field, including newcomers sharing their first HF contacts and long-timers offering encouragement and war stories. Topics included:

• Why the GOTA station uses a different callsign
• Using light-duty rotors for a hex beam setup
• Comparing end-fed half-wave vs. random wire performance
• The usefulness (or not) of computer screens and waterfall displays in HF operation

This episode includes thoughtful questions from newer hams, practical advice on antenna installation, and shared learnings from the unpredictable world of Field Day propagation. Plus, we hear reflections on gear choices, coax losses, remote tuning, and the ever-enticing temptation of buying another rig (instead of studying for General!).

Whether you're brand new or a seasoned op, this net is full of valuable perspective and good radio camaraderie.

Highlights:

• Field Day 2025 recap and community thanks
• GOTA vs. primary callsign discussion
• TV rotors and thrust bearings for light beams
• NFED Half-Wave tuning challenges and transformer losses
• Screens and spectrum scopes — helpful tools or distractions?

Recorded On: June 30, 2025
Repeater: W3GMS 146.985 MHz, Parkesburg, PA

Host: Chuck – NA3CW
🔧 General Discussion Highlights

• Field Day Prep and Aftermath
  • Ron (WA3VEE) finalized logistics and hardware prep, including satellite gear on a resurrected ThinkPad.
  • Multiple operators discussed storm damage, downed trees, and power outages affecting setup.
  • KC3SQI shared tower work and parts sourcing from “Homeless Depot.”
  • KC3OOK and W3JAM swapped diagnostics on Diamond 510 antenna performance, discovering a likely detuning or water ingress.
• Storm Stories
  • WA3KFT experienced a 3-day blackout and sewage backup, relying on a generator intended for Field Day.
  • W1RC wrapped up his final week of work, looking forward to future ham time.
• Radio Activity
  • W3JAM is recovering from illness but active on Simplex and roundtable nets.
  • KD3AIS visited Harvey’s home to observe an impressive battery backup setup.
  • WA2JTS checked in for the first time and brought questions about a vintage AL-80 amp.
• Power Infrastructure Insights
  • Tim (KD3AIS) raised a great HF noise question about power pole transformers.
  • A deep dive followed into pole pigs, high voltage primaries, distribution layouts, and how/where noise originates (e.g., cracked insulators, lightning arrestors, arcing hardware).
  • WA3KFT, WA3VEE, KC3SQI, and NA3CW all contributed with technical and field experience.

❓ Technical Questions Addressed

1. Running Amplifiers Without ALC Feedback
   From W3JAM: Using a Ten-Tec Centurion amp without an ALC return.
   • Answers: Scope use is critical to avoid splatter, especially for AM operation. ALC loops react too late to prevent overdrive.
   • Consensus: Monitor drive level carefully; a scope is the best safeguard.
2. Proximity to Transformers and HF Noise
   From KD3AIS: Is it better to live near or far from a transformer?
   • Summary: Transformers rarely generate noise themselves; cracked insulators, lightning arrestors, and aging hardware cause the bulk of HF noise. Being close to a transformer may actually be better due to lower impedance and fewer neighbors injecting noise.
3. AL-80 Amp Showing Idle Plate Current
   From WA2JTS: Plate meter jumps to ~50 mA on power-up, even when idle.
   • Advice: Could be leaky relays or gas in the tube after years of inactivity. Recommendation: operate it to burn off potential gas buildup and allow the getter to work.

📍 Location Note

Field Day Location:
Lines Self Storage near the intersection of Route 100 & Route 401, next to the Jeep shop. Drive up the hill and follow signage to the hidden wooded operating site.

Host: Greg (W3DIB)
Theme: Field Day Prep, Coax Projects, and Microphone Cable Woes

🔧 Technical Questions

Q1: Straightening Coiled Mic Cables (N3RBN)
Paul asked if there’s a reliable way to straighten the coiled section of an RJ-style microphone cable to reterminate it. Responses included:

• Chuck (NA3CW) and others suggested buying a cheap knockoff mic just for the cable, then rewiring.
• Scott (W3KZG) seconded the idea—some knockoffs fit well and don’t even require soldering.

Q2: Remote Relay vs. Direct Coax Run (KC3SQI)
Wayne asked if it’s better to run a home-run coax for a 2m antenna or share a remote relay rated only for 6m.

• Ron (WA3VEE) and Jim (KC3RFG) strongly recommended running dedicated coax to minimize signal loss and prevent mismatches.
• John (WA3KFT) shared his experience running 14 coax lines with high-quality switches, warning about specs and reliability.
• Consensus: fewer interconnections, always better.

📡 Roundtable Highlights

• Field Day Fever:
  Many ops are prepping hard—testing coax, installing connectors, tuning antennas. Chuck (NA3CW) and Joe (W3GMS) led a coax connector demo that was widely praised.
• APRS Success:
  John (KC3WWC) had a blast during APRS Thursday—received 174 messages from across the globe in 12 hours!
• First 6m Contacts!
  Jim (KC3RFG) made his first contacts on 6 meters thanks to some recent solar activity—repaired his mag-mount antenna with a solder rework.
• Project Progress:
  • Keith (KB3ILS) dove deep into bandpass filter design, winding toroids and using a NanoVNA and oscilloscope.
  • Scott (W3KZG) is renovating a trailer to double as a field day camper and ATV hauler.
  • Wayne (KC3SQI) poured concrete for his new tilt-over mast.
  • Ron (WA3VEE) helped tune the 40m dipole for Field Day, now resonant at 7.150 MHz.
  • Jon (WA3KFT) shared a robust setup with 14 coax switches and specialty tools from DX Engineering.

💬 Community Notes

• Health Check-Ins:
  The net closed with updates and well-wishes for an operator dealing with a medical emergency—several ops shared hospital updates and encouraging words.
• Father’s Day Recaps:
  Several shared heartfelt stories of family time—steak dinners, grandkid babysitting, and “gifts” like temporary pet duty.

Net Control: Jim, AF3Z
📻 General Discussion Highlights

• AllStar Node Successes & Issues:
  W1RC and others shared recent work bringing AllStar nodes online. W3MFB and KC3WWC noted difficulty connecting from mobile setups or behind hotspots. Reminder to ensure EchoLink/AllStar registration through the repeater website.
• Field Day Preparation:
  WA3VE discussed upcoming ARRL Field Day with a theme of "Amateur Radio Works When Nothing Else Does." A press release and invite to the public are in the works.
• Shack Improvements & RF Noise Troubleshooting:
  KC3RFG resolved a 40m mic interference issue by removing excess mic extension and improving grounding. KC3OOK finalized tower installations with rotator prep remaining.
• HF and 6-Meter Activity:
  KC3TYX shared results from a recent 6m digital opening, making contacts as far as Nebraska and Florida. Several ops mentioned upcoming 6m nets and antennas.
• Workbench Projects:
  KC3WWC tested a small Alpha loop antenna with good deployment portability. Others discussed rack depths for vintage gear setups, ranging from 18 to 30 inches.

❓ Technical Questions

1. Simplex Net Reception Challenges (W3MFB):
   Many reported limited station reception during the Saturday 146.580 MHz Simplex Net due to terrain and propagation. KC3OOK and others shared strategies such as beam antennas, relays, and listening persistence.
2. Rack and Shelf Depths (KC3OOK):
   Participants noted 18"–20" depth is common; WA3VE recommended 24" shelves for stability. WA3KFT and W3GMS emphasized back access and cable clearance.
3. AllStar Node Connection Failing on Hotspot (KC3WWC):
   Confirmed he was on the permission list; likely a network-specific issue. W3GMS advised verifying hotspot behavior, especially node ID suffixes like -1/-2.
4. Portable 6m Power Levels (N3QNC):
   Responses ranged from 70W–100W SSB typical, with emphasis on antenna height. WA3KFT listed active 6m nets:
   • Sun 9 PM – 50.550 USB
   • Mon 7:30 PM – 50.150 USB (Packrats)
   • Wed 9 PM – 50.400 AM (Pottstown)
   • Fri 8 PM – 50.160 (Delaware Valley Friends)
5. Shuttle/NASA HF Audio Monitoring (W3MFB):
   Some recalled Fort Meade rebroadcasting NASA comms on HF SSB during shuttle days. W3GMS owns a rare NASA-used audio processor module gifted by a former contractor.

🌐 Newcomers

• KD3EMS (Chris): First-time check-in from Whitehorse, PA using an HT with good signal. Welcome aboard!

🐛 Bonus Banter

• A spirited late-night discussion broke out over an “earwig invasion” of years past, prompting jokes about launching an "Earwig Net" and naming sports teams after the critters. “The Arcelton Earwigs take the field!”

Workbench Roundtable Summary – June 2, 2025
Net Control: Mike, W3MOW
Repeater: 146.985 MHz W3GMS

The Monday Night Workbench on 146.985 was hosted by W3MOW and saw a healthy round of participation from local and remote stations alike. After a round of check-ins, general comments took center stage, followed by a couple of well-explored technical questions.

🔧 General Discussion Highlights:

• W1RC shared his success in getting his AllStar node working reliably and mentioned the “Node Remote” app he’s exploring. Several stations offered help and noted his signal was markedly improved.
• WA3VEE gave detailed field day updates: antennas were checked, equipment like the FT-857 was evaluated, and collaboration with the Pottstown club was discussed. He’ll be handling 40m at Field Day.
• NA3CW reported progress on Joe's tower project and discussed his experience with the Yaesu FT-710, highlighting its complexity compared to older rigs.
• WA3KFT noted a new Field Day site for the Marple Newtown club and planned rig tests, also sharing tips for PL-259 connector work.
• KC3OOK has almost completed his shack and is now planning its layout and equipment arrangement.
• KD3AIS (Tim) mentioned on-air testing and his struggles with 10 meters, which led into one of the evening's technical questions.
• K3FHA and N3CRE offered brief updates, with Charlie bringing a question about shortwave receivers.
• KC3SQI (Wayne) talked about his new tunable antenna and recent truck repairs.

❓ Technical Questions & Group Support:

1. Shortwave Receiver Recommendations (N3CRE)

Charlie asked about good options for beginner-friendly shortwave listening equipment. The discussion covered:

• RTL-SDR v4 dongle (recommended by Dylan K3DZM) for wideband reception via PC.
• Consideration of computer literacy — Chuck (NA3CW) pointed out if the user isn’t computer-savvy, a standalone receiver may be better.
• Eton and Tecsun branded radios were suggested by WA3VEE.
• Antenna considerations: John (K3FHA) emphasized the importance of a long wire antenna even with good receivers.
• Web SDRs like K3FEF’s were suggested for trying shortwave listening before investing.

2. Getting Started with FT8 on 10 Meters (KD3AIS)

Tim’s interest in FT8 as a way to access weak-signal contacts led to a deep discussion:

• KC3SQI recommended a guide on W3GMSRepeater.com by Harvey, which simplifies FT8 setup.
• W3MOW shared his own experience using FT8 with the FT-991A and pointed Tim toward JS8Call and other digital modes.
• WA3VEE offered context about poor band conditions due to a recent solar storm, recommending tools like spaceweather.com and hamclock for tracking propagation.
• There was also discussion about interpreting the solar data panel on QRZ and a rundown on how time of day and frequency choice affects HF performance.

📝 Final Notes:

• The group closed with comments about propagation resources, SDRs, and practical radio setups.
• One last late check-in (KC3YTD) was logged.
• The net wrapped up with thanks to all participating stations and a reminder to join the Thursday night roundtable hosted by KC3C.