2026
Content / Activities / Resources
Below is a sneak preview of upcoming meetings and events for 2026
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
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944, Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
New ZOOM Guidelines For General Membership Meetings
To enhance the experience for everyone attending the General Meeting, whether in person or via Zoom, the Board of Directors has established some guidelines for Zoom participants. These guidelines are designed to ensure that everyone can focus on the meeting while also allowing Zoom participants to interact before the meeting starts.
Here are the guidelines:
Please adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable meeting experience for everyone. Following these protocols will help us maintain an inclusive and focused environment for both in-person and remote attendees. Thank you for your cooperation!
Here are the guidelines:
- Before the Meeting :
- Zoom participants are welcome to keep their cameras and microphones on to chat among themselves before the meeting begins. During this time, the Zoom audio will not be broadcast to the general audience, and local audio will not be connected to the Zoom meeting.
- During the Meeting :
- Just before the Pledge of Allegiance, a reminder will be posted for Zoom participants to mute their microphones and turn off their cameras. This ensures that all Zoom participants will see the meeting camera instead of another Zoom participant's camera. Participants in the room never see the cameras of the Zoom participants.
- Zoom participants can use the "raise your hand" button to ask questions or make comments at appropriate times during the meeting. The Zoom operator will notify the moderator, who will recognize the comment or question at the right time.
- After the Business Meeting :
- The Zoom audio will be muted immediately after the business meeting concludes to prevent any disruptions to the in-person audience from the PA speakers.
Please adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable meeting experience for everyone. Following these protocols will help us maintain an inclusive and focused environment for both in-person and remote attendees. Thank you for your cooperation!
Wednesday, January 07, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meeting Program :
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This month’s program features Kevin Zembower KC3KZ, who recently retired at 62 and will present a practical case study on designing and deploying a cost effective, rapidly deployable amateur radio station. He will explain the choices and tradeoffs required to meet a modest budget and describe the hands on work of building and installing antennas on a compact Baltimore city lot.
What you will learn :
Intended audience :
In addition to exploring the construction of a modern HF station, the overview of the current state of microcomputer-based control functionality should be impressive.
I hope to see you there.
What you will learn :
- Station planning : Criteria used to select transceivers, power options, and essential accessories.
- Antenna challenges and solutions : The process and obstacles of installing an HF dipole in a constrained urban yard, plus descriptions of other antennas built and erected.
- Buying guidance : Practical advice for purchasing new and used equipment, including priorities and common pitfalls.
- Software and operating tools : Programs and utilities useful for logging, propagation analysis, and station control.
Intended audience :
- New or returning amateur radio operators seeking a cost effective HF setup.
- Retirees interested in a straightforward, practical approach to getting on the air.
- Club members and technical volunteers who advise others on small lot installations.
In addition to exploring the construction of a modern HF station, the overview of the current state of microcomputer-based control functionality should be impressive.
I hope to see you there.
January 10, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Happy 11th Anniversary!
Forum Topic : SDR Overview
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 04, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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Meeting Program :
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Antenna Facts, Myths, And Tips
By Hal Kennedy N4GG
This month, Hal Kennedy N4GG, will join us over Zoom for a practical, hands-on session that cuts through the jargon and gives you clear, usable guidance for better antennas and a more reliable station. Whether you’re a newcomer stringing your first wire or an experienced builder tuning a beam, this meeting will separate useful rules from persistent myths and leave you with tips that you can apply to your station. Here is what Hal is planning to cover :
Antenna Gain
SWR
Transmission Line Loss
Antenna Tips
This should be a highly informative and interesting program, so bring your questions and concerns for Hal to answer. See you there.
By Hal Kennedy N4GG
This month, Hal Kennedy N4GG, will join us over Zoom for a practical, hands-on session that cuts through the jargon and gives you clear, usable guidance for better antennas and a more reliable station. Whether you’re a newcomer stringing your first wire or an experienced builder tuning a beam, this meeting will separate useful rules from persistent myths and leave you with tips that you can apply to your station. Here is what Hal is planning to cover :
Antenna Gain
- * Where it comes from : Hal will explain the physical meaning of gain, how antenna shape and size concentrate energy, and why higher gain isn’t always “better” for every job.
- * Effects of the Earth on practical antennas : Learn how ground conductivity, antenna height above ground, and nearby objects change real-world radiation patterns and effective gain.
SWR
- * What it is : A plain-language definition of standing wave ratio and what the numbers actually tell you about your power transfer.
- * When it is important : He’ll discuss situations where SWR directly affects performance or safety.
- * When it is NOT important : Common cases where obsessing over a perfect SWR wastes time and resources.
- * Why is your measurement usually wrong : Measurement pitfalls, instrument limitations, and how to interpret SWR readings sensibly.
Transmission Line Loss
- * Everything matters : Hal will cover how cable type, length, characteristic impedance, build quality, and operating frequency all combine to determine loss.
- * Where to put the antenna tuner : Practical guidance on tuner placement to minimize loss and maximize radiated power.
Antenna Tips
- * Wire and support lines : Best practices for routing, insulation, and avoiding RF in feedlines.
- * Tie-downs : Simple, durable anchoring methods that protect your installation in wind and ice.
- * Longevity and mechanical load : How to design for fatigue, reduce stress points, and plan maintenance so your antenna lasts.
This should be a highly informative and interesting program, so bring your questions and concerns for Hal to answer. See you there.
February 21, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : Amateur Packet Radio
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 04, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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Meeting Program :
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This month’s program will be presented by Rob Sherwood NC0B. Rob, who has been testing radios for 50 years, will show us how to interpret his published receiver performance data, and offer some practical guidance for selecting a receiver or transceiver that fits your operating style.
Rob’s work began in the era of printed performance tables and has evolved with the launch of NC0B.com. His presentation will address how the transition to online publishing, Zoom presentations, YouTube videos, and Groups.io discussions has changed how hams access and interpret receiver data.
Key points to be covered :
In addition, Rob has given feedback to manufacturers including Elecraft, FlexRadio, Kenwood, Ten Tec, and Hilberling to help improve receiver performance. His testing methodology and clear explanations have made his data a standard reference in the amateur radio community.
Please join us for this month’s General Membership Meeting to see where your current radio ranks and, more importantly, gather ideas for your next radio. See you there!
Rob’s work began in the era of printed performance tables and has evolved with the launch of NC0B.com. His presentation will address how the transition to online publishing, Zoom presentations, YouTube videos, and Groups.io discussions has changed how hams access and interpret receiver data.
Key points to be covered :
- What the NC0B listing represents : The web site lists 158 receivers and transceivers with 14 performance metrics; the table is sorted only by close in 2 kHz third order dynamic range (DR3). It is not an overall top to bottom ranking.
- Why DR3 was once the dominant metric : Historically important when DR3 values were typically 60–80 dB.
- Why other factors matter today : With many radios now achieving 100 dB DR3, operator interface, ergonomics, and other receiver characteristics are increasingly more important when selecting a radio.
- How to avoid buying a “dud” : Practical guidance for narrowing choices among the two dozen-plus excellent radios currently on the market.
- Subjectivity of “best” radio : How personal operating style, band priorities, and user interface preferences influence the right choice for each ham.
In addition, Rob has given feedback to manufacturers including Elecraft, FlexRadio, Kenwood, Ten Tec, and Hilberling to help improve receiver performance. His testing methodology and clear explanations have made his data a standard reference in the amateur radio community.
Please join us for this month’s General Membership Meeting to see where your current radio ranks and, more importantly, gather ideas for your next radio. See you there!
March 07, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : The Magic Of WSJT
Join us Saturday, March 7 at 9:00 AM in the W2MMD Clubhouse for a deep-dive Tech Saturday session titled “The Magic of WSJT.” We’ll pull back the curtain on what makes FT8, Q65, MSK144, WSPR and the rest of the WSJT family so incredibly effective at digging weak signals out of the noise.
This is not a how-to-operate session (plenty of those already exist), but rather an under-the-hood look at the clever DSP and modulation tricks that let these modes pull through 20+ dB below the noise floor.
We’ll try to use plain-English explanations of the different encoding schemes, why each mode is tuned for its job (fast QSOs vs. moonbounce vs. meteor scatter vs. propagation beacons), and a few “aha!” moments about the engineering that’s quietly revolutionized weak-signal work.
Whether you’re an FT8 regular who’s always wondered “how does this even work?” or just curious about modern digital modes, we hope this will be an interesting session.
See you there….
This is not a how-to-operate session (plenty of those already exist), but rather an under-the-hood look at the clever DSP and modulation tricks that let these modes pull through 20+ dB below the noise floor.
We’ll try to use plain-English explanations of the different encoding schemes, why each mode is tuned for its job (fast QSOs vs. moonbounce vs. meteor scatter vs. propagation beacons), and a few “aha!” moments about the engineering that’s quietly revolutionized weak-signal work.
Whether you’re an FT8 regular who’s always wondered “how does this even work?” or just curious about modern digital modes, we hope this will be an interesting session.
See you there….
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, 2026
Dues Is Monday, March 31, 2026
Wednesday, April 01, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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Tim Duffy K3LR, CEO of DX Engineering and the driving force behind the high performance contest station K3LR, will be our April featured speaker. K3LR is sited on a 16 acre antenna farm in West Middlesex, PA (east of Youngstown, Ohio) supporting 14 towers and more than 50 antenna systems covering 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters. The station’s high band capability includes steerable OWA Yagi arrays; low band performance is supported by large phased arrays and a custom vertical Yagi; comprehensive receive arrays and noise mitigation systems to optimize weak signal reception.
Tim’s station is equipped with a bank of high performance transceivers selected for multi user reliability and superior receiver performance, paired with custom single band amplifiers engineered for sustained contest duty. Advanced rotator controllers, RF switching systems, and remote monitoring tools enable rapid reconfiguration and precise antenna control, while a 50 kW on site generator provides automatic backup power to ensure uninterrupted operation.
In addition, Tim maintains continuous receive monitoring system via CW Skimmer and Reverse Beacon Network links to support real time situational awareness and pileup management. A typical contest crew is comprise of approximately 12 on site operators supported by technical and logistics staff, drawn from a broader roster of more than 200 contributors. Each band is staffed by a two person team - one running and one searching - coordinated to operate up to six bands simultaneously; electronic transmit interlocks and strict timing protocols prevent on band interference and ensure rule compliance. On site housing, professional catering, and a dedicated logistics coordinator sustain operator readiness during 48 hour contest windows.
During this month’s Zoom presentation, Tim will present an overview to his dream station and it’s dominance in the world of contest stations. This will be an eye-opening presentation.
Tim’s station is equipped with a bank of high performance transceivers selected for multi user reliability and superior receiver performance, paired with custom single band amplifiers engineered for sustained contest duty. Advanced rotator controllers, RF switching systems, and remote monitoring tools enable rapid reconfiguration and precise antenna control, while a 50 kW on site generator provides automatic backup power to ensure uninterrupted operation.
In addition, Tim maintains continuous receive monitoring system via CW Skimmer and Reverse Beacon Network links to support real time situational awareness and pileup management. A typical contest crew is comprise of approximately 12 on site operators supported by technical and logistics staff, drawn from a broader roster of more than 200 contributors. Each band is staffed by a two person team - one running and one searching - coordinated to operate up to six bands simultaneously; electronic transmit interlocks and strict timing protocols prevent on band interference and ensure rule compliance. On site housing, professional catering, and a dedicated logistics coordinator sustain operator readiness during 48 hour contest windows.
During this month’s Zoom presentation, Tim will present an overview to his dream station and it’s dominance in the world of contest stations. This will be an eye-opening presentation.
April 04, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : Hands-On Connector Installation Class
Class Is Full
Class Is Full
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 06, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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Future Proofing ARES
By Robert Famiglio K3RF Amateur radio’s role in emergency response is expanding, and Bob Famiglio’s presentation at this month’s General Membership Meeting takes a clear-eyed look at how operators can modernize their capabilities without losing the strengths that define our service. Drawing on his January and April 2026 QST articles, Bob examines how resilient, portable broadband technologies - most notably Starlink - can be combined with the interoperability frameworks outlined in the National Interoperability Field Operations Guide (NIFOG). As disaster-response environments grow more complex, served agencies increasingly expect communicators that can bridge traditional Amateur Radio with IP based tools, shared standards, and nationally recognized procedures. Bob will outline practical, field-tested strategies for building hybrid architectures that preserve the reliability of RF while adding the flexibility, bandwidth, and interoperability needed for today’s incident operations. Attendees will learn how hams can :
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A fully equipped Starlink mobile station will be on display, offering participants a firsthand look at how these capabilities can be deployed in the field.
This will be an interesting and informative live presentation.
See you there!
Bob speaking at our May 6, 2026 General Membership Meeting
May 09, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : GCARC WSPR Network Assembly & Configuration Session
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 03, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meteor Scatter : Getting On The Air - How It Works
By Jim Wilson K5ND
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Amateur radio operators have long taken advantage of natural atmospheric phenomena, but few are as dramatic - or as fleeting - as meteor scatter. Every day, NASA estimates that roughly 48 tons of meteoric material enter the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles, often no larger than a grain of rice, strike the atmosphere at extraordinary velocities ranging from 30 to 70 kilometers (18 to 43 miles) per second. As these meteors burn up, they leave behind ionized trails in the E Layer - columns of plasma stretching nearly 12 miles long that persist for only a few seconds to a little more than a minute. These brief windows of ionization can support radio communication on frequencies from 30 MHz to 220 MHz, enabling contacts far beyond normal VHF range. But making successful QSOs through meteor scatter requires the right timing, the right tools, and the right operating techniques. |
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In this month’s Zoom presentation Jim Wilson K5ND, a blogger and contributing editor for QST, will explore the science behind meteor scatter propagation, explain why and when it occurs, and demonstrate how modern operators use WSJT X’s MSK144 mode to take advantage of these short lived ionized trails. The program will also cover station setup, operating protocols, recommended equipment, and online resources that can significantly improve your results.
Join us to learn how to turn meteors into reliable VHF communication paths - and how you can begin making meteor scatter contacts from your own station.
See you there!
Join us to learn how to turn meteors into reliable VHF communication paths - and how you can begin making meteor scatter contacts from your own station.
See you there!
June 06, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : Introduction To GCARC Field Day
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 01, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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2026 Field Day Review
July 11, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : End-Fed Half-Wave Antenna Building Class
Click This Link To Register For This Building Class : https://registration.w2mmd.org/wpregp/end-fed-half-wave-antenna-build
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, August 05, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meeting Program : Steve DiMedio N3IYE
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Recreating The Apollo EVCS AM Transmitter By Steve DiMedio N3IYE Former RCA engineer Steve DiMedio N3IYE, will present a fascinating look at the Apollo EVCS AM Transmitter - the compact backpack radio that carried astronauts’ voices and vital telemetry from the lunar surface back to Earth during the Apollo missions. In 2019, Steve met the radio’s original designer, Jack Yanosov, and was given access to an authentic EVCS unit. He reverse engineered a full schematic from that inspection, later confirming his work when he located the original 1968 RCA drawings in the company’s microfilm archive. |
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Steve has since built a highly accurate recreation of the transmitter using period correct components, including early transistors, piston trimmers, and two first generation audio ICs. Only a few parts required modern substitutes. One missing piece - the modulation transformer - led Steve to design and wind a functional replacement based on RCA documentation and careful study of the original.
His presentation will highlight key lessons from the project, including :
Steve will also show a demonstration video of the working transmitter, sending AM voice, EKG data, and telemetry to a nearby SDR receiver - bringing a piece of Apollo engineering back to life.
His presentation will highlight key lessons from the project, including :
- Construction methods : Breadboard, protoboard, brassboard, and custom KiCAD PCBs
- Software tools : GNU Radio for AM demodulation and telemetry decoding
- SDR techniques : Using a low cost SDR dongle to emulate the Apollo comms link
- Test equipment : Tuning VHF circuits with a NanoVNA
Steve will also show a demonstration video of the working transmitter, sending AM voice, EKG data, and telemetry to a nearby SDR receiver - bringing a piece of Apollo engineering back to life.
August 08, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : Meteor Scatter : Introduction & Planning Session for the Perseids Meteor Shower on August 12 - 13, 2026
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 02, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meeting Program : Brian Callahan AD2BA
Stewarding New Futures For Old Technologies
Amateur Radio In The Age Of AI
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Amateur radio is entering a transformative moment as artificial intelligence rapidly advances while community norms struggle to keep pace. In this month’s program, Brian Callahan AD2BA, will explore this tension by revisiting his groundbreaking FMBot project and examining how “better” AI now produces errors that look like competence. In his words with some AI help.
In Stewarding New Futures for Old Technologies : Amateur Radio in the Age of AI, Dr. Brian Robert Callahan AD2BA, reflects on the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence within amateur radio and the community’s slow response in developing norms around its use. Brian revisits his 2023 QEX article with Hisen Zhang KD2TAI, where they introduced FMBot, an AI system that monitored FM signals via SDR, |
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transcribed received audio, and posted the results online without human intervention. At that time, they urged amateurs to begin discussing ethical guidelines for AI on the airwaves. Three years later, Brian argues that while the technology has advanced dramatically, “the conversation stood still.”
Callahan notes that what was once a complex research project is now “closer to a weekend install,” with more powerful replications emerging from others. Yet the amateur community has not meaningfully addressed the implications. He emphasizes that despite advances, human operators still outperform AI at the margins because “humans supply context the model lacks.” Current language models are trained on general English rather than the specialized vocabulary and cadence of amateur radio, leading him to suggest that perhaps it is time to build a “ham radio lingo LLM.”
He contrasts early transcription errors - such as FMBot repeatedly interpreting silence as “the” - with today’s models, which generate fluent but fabricated sentences during silent periods. This shift reveals a paradox : modern AI appears more competent while simultaneously introducing more subtle and potentially misleading errors. As he writes, “ ‘Better’ AI ironically gave us errors that look like competence,” a lesson with implications far beyond transcription.
Callahan notes that what was once a complex research project is now “closer to a weekend install,” with more powerful replications emerging from others. Yet the amateur community has not meaningfully addressed the implications. He emphasizes that despite advances, human operators still outperform AI at the margins because “humans supply context the model lacks.” Current language models are trained on general English rather than the specialized vocabulary and cadence of amateur radio, leading him to suggest that perhaps it is time to build a “ham radio lingo LLM.”
He contrasts early transcription errors - such as FMBot repeatedly interpreting silence as “the” - with today’s models, which generate fluent but fabricated sentences during silent periods. This shift reveals a paradox : modern AI appears more competent while simultaneously introducing more subtle and potentially misleading errors. As he writes, “ ‘Better’ AI ironically gave us errors that look like competence,” a lesson with implications far beyond transcription.
Brian also raises concerns about consent and privacy. He recounts discovering that a local repeater had been streamed online for years without operator permission. When combined with automatic transcription, casual on air remarks become permanent, searchable records and potential training data for commercial AI systems. Although FCC rules permit interception and divulgence of amateur transmissions, he stresses that “the law is not etiquette,” and the community has yet to define responsible norms for AI mediated listening and publishing.
Looking forward, Callahan explores emerging challenges around identity, authentication, and Part 97 compliance. AI systems can already clone voices, answer calls autonomously, and blur the boundaries of unattended operation. At the same time, he highlights opportunities: enabling voice contesting for operators with disabilities, conducting Club nets over RF instead of video platforms, and enabling real time translation during DX contacts.
Callahan concludes by situating AI within a broader tradition of innovation in amateur radio. His prior work - embedding binary data in CW, hiding information in SSTV images, and experimenting with SSTV based games - reflects a belief that amateurs are custodians of “new futures for old technologies.” AI, he argues, is simply the next frontier. It is already present on the airwaves, and the community must decide whether to proactively craft its etiquette or passively inherit rules shaped by others.
Bring your thoughts and ideas and be ready for some interaction!
Looking forward, Callahan explores emerging challenges around identity, authentication, and Part 97 compliance. AI systems can already clone voices, answer calls autonomously, and blur the boundaries of unattended operation. At the same time, he highlights opportunities: enabling voice contesting for operators with disabilities, conducting Club nets over RF instead of video platforms, and enabling real time translation during DX contacts.
Callahan concludes by situating AI within a broader tradition of innovation in amateur radio. His prior work - embedding binary data in CW, hiding information in SSTV images, and experimenting with SSTV based games - reflects a belief that amateurs are custodians of “new futures for old technologies.” AI, he argues, is simply the next frontier. It is already present on the airwaves, and the community must decide whether to proactively craft its etiquette or passively inherit rules shaped by others.
Bring your thoughts and ideas and be ready for some interaction!
2026 Hamfest Preview
2026 Hamfest Volunteer Sign-Ups
September 05, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : GCARC AI Projects
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Wednesday, October 07, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
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This month’s program explores one of the most transformative technologies in Amateur Radio today - Software Defined Radio (SDR). Our speaker Frank Romeo N3PUU, and fellow Club member, will begin with a clear, accessible overview of SDR fundamentals before taking us on his ongoing journey to construct a modern station spanning HF through microwave without breaking the bank.
SDR has reshaped the way amateurs operate, experiment, and build. By shifting many of the traditional radio functions from hardware into software, SDR opens the door to flexibility, performance, and innovation that were once out of reach for most operators. This presentation will highlight how these capabilities can be leveraged to create a powerful, cost effective station tailored to your operating interests.
SDR has reshaped the way amateurs operate, experiment, and build. By shifting many of the traditional radio functions from hardware into software, SDR opens the door to flexibility, performance, and innovation that were once out of reach for most operators. This presentation will highlight how these capabilities can be leveraged to create a powerful, cost effective station tailored to your operating interests.
Topics To Be Covered
Why You’ll Want To Attend
Whether you’re considering your first SDR, planning a station upgrade, or simply curious about how modern radio technology is evolving, this program offers practical guidance and inspiration. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what SDR can do for you, your budget, and your ability to explore new parts of the spectrum.
Join us for an informative and encouraging look at how SDR can help every amateur - from newcomer to seasoned operator - build a flexible, capable, and future ready station.
- Advantages of SDR : How software based signal processing improves filtering, noise reduction, spectrum visibility, and multi mode operation. Learn why SDR has become the preferred platform for contesting, weak signal work, and experimentation.
- Hardware & Software : A practical look at today’s SDR transceivers, receivers, and companion software packages. Frank will discuss affordable entry level options, mid range choices, and advanced setups, along with the software ecosystems that bring them to life.
- Homebrew Opportunities : SDR dramatically expands what hams can build themselves. From custom interfaces and digital mode tools to microwave transverters and portable field setups, discover how SDR encourages experimentation and hands on learning.
- Real World Experience : Frank will share lessons learned while selecting equipment, balancing performance against cost, and solving the inevitable challenges that arise when integrating HF, VHF, UHF, and microwave components into a cohesive SDR based station.
Why You’ll Want To Attend
Whether you’re considering your first SDR, planning a station upgrade, or simply curious about how modern radio technology is evolving, this program offers practical guidance and inspiration. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what SDR can do for you, your budget, and your ability to explore new parts of the spectrum.
Join us for an informative and encouraging look at how SDR can help every amateur - from newcomer to seasoned operator - build a flexible, capable, and future ready station.
Submission of nominees for the 2027 Club Officer Elections
Sunday, October 11, 2026
8th Annual ARRL Southern New Jersey Section Convention
48th Annual GCARC Hamfest
Presented By The Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club
October 17, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
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Forum Topic :
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Most of us have heard of Starlink - the satellite-based internet service from SpaceX. Starlink terminals connect with a large network of satellites and can bring internet connectivity to remote areas, campgrounds, POTA sites, and emergency locations.
Many of us actually have not had hands-on experience with them and are not familiar with their capabilities and pricing, so John Zaruba K2ZA will bring his device to the Clubhouse and describe how he uses it.
Many of us actually have not had hands-on experience with them and are not familiar with their capabilities and pricing, so John Zaruba K2ZA will bring his device to the Clubhouse and describe how he uses it.
Q & A Session About All Things Ham Radio and Socializing
The HF Station Will Be Available For Local Operation
Saturday, October 24, 2026 @ 1300 Hours
Simulated Emergency Test
Contact Steve Farney W2SEF
Sunday, October 25, 2026 @ 1300 Hours
Somewhere In Gloucester County
Fox Hunt 37
Friday, October 30, 2026 @ 0000 UTC
Sunday, November 1, 2026 @ 2359 UTC
ARRL EME Contest - W2MMD Clubhouse
Contact Jon Pearce WB2MNF
Wednesday, November 04, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meeting Program : Jerry Barnish K2EAB
Radio Astronomy
2026 Hamfest Review
Final submission of nominees for the 2027
Club Officer Elections
November 07, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : John Zaruba K2ZA : APRS Level II
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 02, 2026 @ 1900 Hours
General Membership Meeting
ZOOM Meeting ID : 982 4039 1944; Passcode : 091084
Join ZOOM Meeting Link :
https://zoom.us/j/98240391944?pwd=svvsv2aEYs4rGTob2mbZwnJboDY2In.1
Meeting Program :
Frank Romeo N3PUU, Al Arrison KB2AYU, Ron Block NR2B :
Clubhouse Ground System Wrap-Up
Election of 2026 Club Officers
December 05, 2026 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : WinLink - Getting The Radio Working
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
January 06, 2027 @ 0900 Hours
Tech Saturday Forum
W2MMD Clubhouse
Forum Topic : WinLink - Sending Messages & RadioGrams
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