W3GMS Thursday Night Roundtable

This week’s 985 Roundtable asks two deceptively simple questions that turn into a full-blown tour of everyone’s winter prep, attic adventures, mast-tilting parties, and HF ambitions:

“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

This week on the 985 Roundtable, Ron (WA3VEE) throws out three simple questions that end up sparking a surprisingly deep and often hilarious discussion:

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.

On this Halloween-week edition of the W3GMS 146.985 Roundtable, the crew dives into a surprisingly passionate discussion about everyone’s favorite childhood candy — and how our tastes have (or haven’t) changed over the years. From Reese’s supremacy to Scandinavian salted licorice, the takes get bold.

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.

Luke KC3SCY hosts a festive Halloween-themed W3GMS 146.985 Roundtable, as stations share memories, neighborhood traditions, and the ever-declining trick-or-treater headcount across Chester County. From spooky street-light stories and childhood costume nostalgia to pumpkin carving, porch-light strategies, and haunted neighborhoods, the group keeps things lively with plenty of humor and camaraderie. A few radio updates sneak into the mix—amp projects, antenna work, PCB design, and tower progress—before everyone signs off for a fun fall weekend. Another warm, community-driven night on 985.

Bill KC3OOK hosts a lively edition of the W3GMS 146.985 Roundtable, where the opening question—“Tell us about something you’ve built”—launches a flood of great stories. From vintage transmitters, homebrew shack equipment, woodworking creations, and test gear, to clever fixes, shop projects, and even an old electronic mousetrap, the group shares memories and maker-spirit from across the hobby. The net also features updates on local projects, repeater progress, antennas, and upcoming events, with plenty of good humor and camaraderie throughout. Another warm, memorable Thursday night on 985.

In this week’s 985 Roundtable, hosted by Mike (W3MFB), the crew gathers around the virtual repeater for stories, laughs, and a touch of nostalgia. The night’s topic? Favorite Halloween memories — from strategic candy missions and neighborhood pranks to homemade costumes and 90-foot tower pumpkins.

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

Host: Phil (KC3CIB)
Topic: “Your Longest Contact” – Distance & Mode on 2m and HF

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!

Broadcast on: W3GMS Repeater – 146.985 MHz
Host: Ron (WA3VE)

📌 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.

General Discussion Highlights

• 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.

General Discussion Highlights

• 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.