2025
Content / Activities / Resources
Below is a sneak preview of upcoming meetings and events for 2025
General Membership Meetings are held on the
First Wednesday of every month @ 1900 Hours
Pfeiffer Community Center
301 Blue Bell Road (Main Street and Blue Bell Road)
Williamstown, NJ 08094
GPS Heading : 39.682622°, -74.993315°
Simulcast Live Via ZOOM
Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808, Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Wednesday, January 08, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program : Reverse Beacon Network
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Reverse Beacon Network
By Steve McGarry, WS2C CW Skimmer, developed by Alex, VE3NEA, debuted in early 2008 as a DXing tool to monitor pileups efficiently. The software soon sparked controversy among contesters over its use, particularly after telnet capability was added, allowing spots to feed directly into contest logging software. The debate compared its use to DX clusters and whether it constituted "assistance." Around the same time, the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) concept emerged from discussions between Felipe, PY1NB and another ham radio enthusiast, building |
on the DXWatch.com framework to display skimmer spots. As the RBN developed, it faced similar debates about its impact on contesting rules, ultimately being categorized alongside traditional DX clusters for assisted and multi-op contest entries. The RBN continued expanding, enhancing its capabilities with tools like the Signal Analysis Tool introduced in 2010.
In this month’s presentation, Club member Steve McGarry, WS2C, will focus on the RBN and its use :
This is a bare metal project with a Linux OS. The software transforms the hardware to many devices including but not limited to an SDR transceiver or SDR receiver. Steve will emphasize how the casual operators pursuing DX, laidback contester, and everyday operators can benefit from RBNs and how to deploy this tool at their stations to advance operating goals.
This presentation is not a weighty lecture. The aim is to inform, entertain, and spark interest in the RBN tool and SDRs. The value of this project is that it dovetails with an array of Amateur Radio interests from computers, operating, SDRs, and receive antennas. It presents some unique challenges, for example, the receiver node must exist side by side with a high-power station operation.
Come join us at our monthly membership meeting at 7 PM at the Pfeiffer Community Center for this interesting presentation. See you there!
In this month’s presentation, Club member Steve McGarry, WS2C, will focus on the RBN and its use :
- Review the reverse beacon concept
- Examine the reverse beacon network RBN blueprint
- Consider components required to assemble a working software defined receiver (SDR) node package for Telnet transmission to the CW reverse beacon network servers
- Deploy RBN spots in station operations through variety of applications including web application DX cluster nodes and common station logging software
This is a bare metal project with a Linux OS. The software transforms the hardware to many devices including but not limited to an SDR transceiver or SDR receiver. Steve will emphasize how the casual operators pursuing DX, laidback contester, and everyday operators can benefit from RBNs and how to deploy this tool at their stations to advance operating goals.
This presentation is not a weighty lecture. The aim is to inform, entertain, and spark interest in the RBN tool and SDRs. The value of this project is that it dovetails with an array of Amateur Radio interests from computers, operating, SDRs, and receive antennas. It presents some unique challenges, for example, the receiver node must exist side by side with a high-power station operation.
Come join us at our monthly membership meeting at 7 PM at the Pfeiffer Community Center for this interesting presentation. See you there!
January 11, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Happy 10th Anniversary!
Forum Topic : John Zaruba Jr, K2ZA : Learning Morse Code
Strategies For The Beginner
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, February 05, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Angela Metzger, KE2DRJ : Woodruff School's STEM Club
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Woodruff School’s STEM Club by Angela Metzger, KE2DRJ The Woodruff School’s STEM Club began with a goal to engage students in ways that traditional after-school programs might not. Initially proposed and approved for a 10-week period, the Club sought to gauge student interest in science, technology, and engineering. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as students demonstrated a keen desire to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. |
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The STEM Club’s early focus was on Amateur Radio, specifically through the launching and tracking of high-altitude balloons. Collaborating with GCARC members Jon Pearce, WB2MNF, Mike Resnick, N2WOQ, and Mike Thompson, KG4JYA, the students learned about balloon science, transmitter functionality, and the role of Amateur Radio. They developed practical skills such as soldering, monitoring wind patterns, building payloads, measuring antennas, and problem-solving.
The program's initial phase concluded with two balloon launches - one solar powered and the other battery powered. Each launch yielded different results, providing valuable lessons in both success and failure.
Inspired by these experiences, several students addressed the school board, advocating for the continuation of the STEM Club. Their presentation led to a unanimous approval, allowing the program to extend through the rest of the year. The Club has since enabled students to explore new concepts and sparked an interest in obtaining Amateur Radio licenses.
This month, Angela will present an overview of the STEM Club’s journey and achievements. Students and parents are expected to attend and show their support. Join us for an insightful discussion about this innovative program and its impact on the students. This should be good! See you there.
The program's initial phase concluded with two balloon launches - one solar powered and the other battery powered. Each launch yielded different results, providing valuable lessons in both success and failure.
Inspired by these experiences, several students addressed the school board, advocating for the continuation of the STEM Club. Their presentation led to a unanimous approval, allowing the program to extend through the rest of the year. The Club has since enabled students to explore new concepts and sparked an interest in obtaining Amateur Radio licenses.
This month, Angela will present an overview of the STEM Club’s journey and achievements. Students and parents are expected to attend and show their support. Join us for an insightful discussion about this innovative program and its impact on the students. This should be good! See you there.
February 08, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : Overview of DMR Operation
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, March 05, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Steve Anderson, W1EMI & Paul Cianciolo, W1VLF :
Not Your Father's RFI
March 08, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Deadline To Renew Your Club Membership
Dues Is Monday, March 31, 2025
Dues Is Monday, March 31, 2025
Wednesday, April 02, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Anthony Luscre, K8ZT (www.k8zt.com) :
Beginners Guide To VHF
April 05, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, May 07, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
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May 10, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, June 04, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Richard Gopstein, KD2CQ : 3D Printing In The Ham Shack
June 07, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
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ARRL Field Day
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Wednesday, July 02, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
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2025 Field Day Review
July 05, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, August 06, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
2025 Hamfest Preview
2025 Hamfest Volunteer Sign-Ups
August 09, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, September 03, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
2025 Hamfest Preview
2025 Hamfest Volunteer Sign-Ups
September 06, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Sunday, September 07, 2025
7th Annual ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention
47th Annual GCARC Hamfest
Presented By The Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club
Wednesday, October 01, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
2025 Hamfest Review
Submission of nominees for the 2026 Club Officer Elections
October 04, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, November 05, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Final submission of nominees for the 2026
Club Officer Elections
November 08, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, December 03, 2025 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 914 7364 1808; Passcode : 843147
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/91473641808?pwd=8jXYV0eKk2BO2d9YUXu2ejPrpVRHeM.1
Meeting Program :
Election of 2026 Club Officers
December 06, 2025 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic :
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation