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President's LetterJonathan Pearce, WB2MNFAugust 2025 |
After a busy June dedicated to Field Day activities and a quiet July, August brings a return to a familiar pace at the Gloucester County Amateur Radio Club setting the stage for an active end of the year. Here’s what’s been happening and what’s coming up.
Field Day Success
The 2025 Field Day continued a strong tradition of success, achieving an even higher score than previous years. Jim Wright N2GXJ, has detailed the results on the 2025 Field Day webpage, so the numbers won’t be repeated here. What stands out is the remarkable participation from hams of all ages and interests, working together for a shared Club goal. Many newer members gained operating experience, especially on Chris Prioli’s 20-meter phone station, while the team earned all available bonus points, significantly boosting the total score. In a hobby split between “operators” who excel on the air and “experimenters” who build new gear, the operators led this time with strong support from others helping to maximize contacts, erect antennas and towers, make food and helping to prep and clean up the site. Our results show that a Club with a “relaxed” approach to Field Day can create a successful event with high member participation and much fun for all.
Tech Saturday Tape Measure Yagi Build
Chris Prioli AD2CS once again orchestrated an outstanding Tech Saturday event, where about a dozen Club members assembled tape measure Yagi antennas and attenuators for fox hunting. This project, popular every few months, has resulted in dozens of these antennas appearing at fox hunts and other activities, showcasing their practical value. Tech Saturday construction projects consistently draw significant member engagement, underscoring the Clubhouse’s role as a central hub for hands-on learning.
HamFest Plans
Hopefully you already have Sunday, September 7th on your calendars for the annual HamFest at the 4-H grounds, just up the hill from the Clubhouse - a major Club event. Ron Block NR2B, and the team have been diligently planning to ensure a smooth event and are seeking additional volunteers for key tasks. Three engaging seminars are scheduled, and a 20-meter WSPR balloon launch is planned for early in the day, with tracking to follow throughout the morning. Whether as volunteers, seminar attendees, sellers, or buyers, strong attendance from Club members is expected to make it a success.
August 9, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum - TIDRADIO H3 Deep Dive
The August Tech Saturday will focus on the TIDRADIO H3, one of the newest low-cost amateur radios available. These radios feature USB-C charging and programming, Bluetooth phone apps for control, AM reception on aircraft bands, and very affordable prices.
An available firmware modification adds a large color S-meter, ideal for fox hunting. During this session, the features will be explored, the original and modified firmware compared, and performance tested with wattmeters and spectrum analyzers. Introductory information about these radios will be published shortly before the event to help participants prepare.
STEM Activities
STEM efforts at Woodruff Middle School have extended into the summer with a “STEM Camp” held at the Clubhouse on Monday afternoons. The goal is to provide students with hands-on experience covering topics from the Technician Class licensing test. In the first two weeks, students explored the HF station, built a 20-meter dipole, and assembled 915 MHz unlicensed Meshtastic radios, using Bluetooth connections on their cell phones for communication with the devices. Upcoming sessions will include programming and using HTs under control operator supervision, constructing tape measure Yagis, participating in fox hunts, and potentially making satellite contacts. The aim is for all four students to pass their Technician exams by mid-August, though the primary focus remains building their skills and confidence in radio technology.
Upcoming Contests
The fourth quarter offers prime opportunities for VHF operating, with several contests on the horizon. The September VHF Contest runs from September 13-15, and plans are in place for the VHF antennas to sit atop the new 72-foot tower for that event. The Clubhouse’s VHF station, featuring one of the best equipment setups available, makes it an ideal spot for anyone interested in VHF operating to participate that weekend.
Additionally, the ARRL Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or moonbounce contests are scheduled for October 11-12 and November 9-10. The EME station, recently upgraded with a rotator and moon-tracking hardware and software, positions the Club well for success. Bouncing radio signals off the moon is a rare feat, so participation is encouraged for those seeking a unique challenge.
915 MHz Meshtastic Radio on Clubhouse Tower
The 89-foot tower, designated for UHF and microwave activity, now hosts its first radio - a 915 MHz solar-powered Meshtastic node. Though not a ham radio, it expands the Meshtastic network from Philadelphia into the area, allowing STEM students who built these radios to see the extensive network of nearly 100 nodes. This contrasts with the limited 433 MHz network, offering more communication opportunities. Several GCARC members have purchased these radios and are exploring their use in emergency communications or similar functions.
CPR and First Aid Course
At the Clubhouse on Sunday, October 5, 2025 GCARC will host a CPR and First Aid training session led by Club member Josh Boylan KE2FSC, an EMT trainer and paramedic. The session will cover the “Heart Saver CPR” course and first aid topics relevant to Clubhouse activities. Josh has donated a first aid kit tailored to common injuries here, which will be demonstrated for use. A sign-up will be announced later, so mark the date if interested.
August sets the stage for an engaging Fall season at GCARC, with hands-on projects, contests, and educational opportunities ahead. Whether operating, building, or learning, involvement keeps the Club strong, and we hope to see many members participating in these activities.
73 de Jon Pearce WB2MNF
Field Day Success
The 2025 Field Day continued a strong tradition of success, achieving an even higher score than previous years. Jim Wright N2GXJ, has detailed the results on the 2025 Field Day webpage, so the numbers won’t be repeated here. What stands out is the remarkable participation from hams of all ages and interests, working together for a shared Club goal. Many newer members gained operating experience, especially on Chris Prioli’s 20-meter phone station, while the team earned all available bonus points, significantly boosting the total score. In a hobby split between “operators” who excel on the air and “experimenters” who build new gear, the operators led this time with strong support from others helping to maximize contacts, erect antennas and towers, make food and helping to prep and clean up the site. Our results show that a Club with a “relaxed” approach to Field Day can create a successful event with high member participation and much fun for all.
Tech Saturday Tape Measure Yagi Build
Chris Prioli AD2CS once again orchestrated an outstanding Tech Saturday event, where about a dozen Club members assembled tape measure Yagi antennas and attenuators for fox hunting. This project, popular every few months, has resulted in dozens of these antennas appearing at fox hunts and other activities, showcasing their practical value. Tech Saturday construction projects consistently draw significant member engagement, underscoring the Clubhouse’s role as a central hub for hands-on learning.
HamFest Plans
Hopefully you already have Sunday, September 7th on your calendars for the annual HamFest at the 4-H grounds, just up the hill from the Clubhouse - a major Club event. Ron Block NR2B, and the team have been diligently planning to ensure a smooth event and are seeking additional volunteers for key tasks. Three engaging seminars are scheduled, and a 20-meter WSPR balloon launch is planned for early in the day, with tracking to follow throughout the morning. Whether as volunteers, seminar attendees, sellers, or buyers, strong attendance from Club members is expected to make it a success.
August 9, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum - TIDRADIO H3 Deep Dive
The August Tech Saturday will focus on the TIDRADIO H3, one of the newest low-cost amateur radios available. These radios feature USB-C charging and programming, Bluetooth phone apps for control, AM reception on aircraft bands, and very affordable prices.
An available firmware modification adds a large color S-meter, ideal for fox hunting. During this session, the features will be explored, the original and modified firmware compared, and performance tested with wattmeters and spectrum analyzers. Introductory information about these radios will be published shortly before the event to help participants prepare.
STEM Activities
STEM efforts at Woodruff Middle School have extended into the summer with a “STEM Camp” held at the Clubhouse on Monday afternoons. The goal is to provide students with hands-on experience covering topics from the Technician Class licensing test. In the first two weeks, students explored the HF station, built a 20-meter dipole, and assembled 915 MHz unlicensed Meshtastic radios, using Bluetooth connections on their cell phones for communication with the devices. Upcoming sessions will include programming and using HTs under control operator supervision, constructing tape measure Yagis, participating in fox hunts, and potentially making satellite contacts. The aim is for all four students to pass their Technician exams by mid-August, though the primary focus remains building their skills and confidence in radio technology.
Upcoming Contests
The fourth quarter offers prime opportunities for VHF operating, with several contests on the horizon. The September VHF Contest runs from September 13-15, and plans are in place for the VHF antennas to sit atop the new 72-foot tower for that event. The Clubhouse’s VHF station, featuring one of the best equipment setups available, makes it an ideal spot for anyone interested in VHF operating to participate that weekend.
Additionally, the ARRL Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) or moonbounce contests are scheduled for October 11-12 and November 9-10. The EME station, recently upgraded with a rotator and moon-tracking hardware and software, positions the Club well for success. Bouncing radio signals off the moon is a rare feat, so participation is encouraged for those seeking a unique challenge.
915 MHz Meshtastic Radio on Clubhouse Tower
The 89-foot tower, designated for UHF and microwave activity, now hosts its first radio - a 915 MHz solar-powered Meshtastic node. Though not a ham radio, it expands the Meshtastic network from Philadelphia into the area, allowing STEM students who built these radios to see the extensive network of nearly 100 nodes. This contrasts with the limited 433 MHz network, offering more communication opportunities. Several GCARC members have purchased these radios and are exploring their use in emergency communications or similar functions.
CPR and First Aid Course
At the Clubhouse on Sunday, October 5, 2025 GCARC will host a CPR and First Aid training session led by Club member Josh Boylan KE2FSC, an EMT trainer and paramedic. The session will cover the “Heart Saver CPR” course and first aid topics relevant to Clubhouse activities. Josh has donated a first aid kit tailored to common injuries here, which will be demonstrated for use. A sign-up will be announced later, so mark the date if interested.
August sets the stage for an engaging Fall season at GCARC, with hands-on projects, contests, and educational opportunities ahead. Whether operating, building, or learning, involvement keeps the Club strong, and we hope to see many members participating in these activities.
73 de Jon Pearce WB2MNF
Happy Birthday - August 4, 1790
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Tuesday, August 5, 2025
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Wednesday, August 6, 2025
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Thursday, August 7, 2025
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Full Sturgeon Moon - Saturday, August 9, 2025 @ 0355 Hours. Lake sturgeon, found in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, as well as in several rivers, were once much more abundant. These large (some more than 6 feet long!) migratory fish were an important staple for Native American peoples living in the area. Captain Jonathan Carver came across this term for the lunar month during his travels in the 1760s. Flying Up Moon is a Cree term describing the time when young birds are ready to fly. Corn Moon (Algonquin, Ojibwe), Harvest Moon (Dakota), and Ricing Moon (Anishinaabe) signify the time to gather mature crops. The Assiniboine people named this period Black Cherries Moon, referring to when chokecherries were ripe. The Tlingit called this time of season the Mountain Shadows Moon. Old Farmer’s Almanac - www.almanac.com