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President's LetterJonathan Pearce, WB2MNFMarch 2025 |
March 2025
GCARC Update: An Exciting Time for Club Members
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for the GCARC. Long-term projects are nearing completion, meeting presentations and Tech Saturday work sessions are planned through the Summer, and group projects are thriving. Here’s a rundown of the latest developments :
VHF Tower Activation
After over two years of steady progress, both VHF towers are now standing on their concrete bases behind the Clubhouse. The 72-foot tower’s lift mechanism is fully operational and the tower is extended to its full height, while the 89-foot tower still needs some work. The shorter tower will soon support VHF operations, with antennas from 2 meters to 1.2 GHz connecting to new radios in the VHF room - perfect for contests and general use. The taller tower is earmarked for future UHF and microwave projects, pending equipment acquisition. Expect the Club’s premier VHF station to be operational within months, opening up this unique aspect of ham radio to new operators.
DMR and Collaborative Projects
February’s Tech Saturday on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) drew strong interest, signaling enthusiasm for this mode. A new DMR repeater at Rowan University will soon enhance communication, with added capabilities for Yaesu System Fusion hotspot linking and potential support for an experimental M17 digital voice network. This initiative offers something for everyone - operators can jump in easily, while experimenters can push boundaries.
The March 8, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum will cover the setup, programming and operation of DMR radios on repeaters and hotspots and other group sessions will be added as appropriate.
M17, Ballooning and 915 MHz Meshtastic
Unlike the mature DMR mode, M17 is an open-source digital voice project still in development - ideal for those who enjoy tinkering over instant results. Built by and for the ham radio community, it promises greater control and lower costs than proprietary options. It’s a long-term endeavor with plenty of room for innovation, and several Club members are already experimenting with this mode. Let us know if you’d like to join in.
Meanwhile, our balloon experiments will ramp up as Spring arrives, with activities planned alongside Woodruff Middle School’s STEM Club. The balloon team welcomes new members to explore radio payloads, power solutions, and lift options. A highly programmable payload transmitter also awaits someone eager to dive in and make an impact.
We’re also exploring an interesting opportunity to expand our reach and engage with a growing community by considering the implementation of a 915 MHz Meshtastic node for unlicensed use at the Clubhouse. In the Philadelphia area, there’s a thriving group of Meshtastic users who rely on these low-power, long-range radios for off-grid communication, and users in Gloucester County could benefit from enhanced coverage.
By setting up a high-elevation node, we’d offer broad, reliable access to this network, potentially drawing in new enthusiasts to our Club. This project not only aligns with our mission to experiment with innovative radio technologies but also provides a chance to connect with a diverse group of users, showcasing the value of ham radio and possibly inspiring some to join our ranks. Stay tuned as we discuss the logistics and gauge interest.
Group Construction Projects
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce plans for project building sessions that will bring our technical passions to life. One highlight on the horizon is the UHF/VHF Dummy Load Wattmeter, featured in the February 2025 QST magazine. Chris Prioli, AD2CS, is already hard at work pulling together the materials lists, and we’re kicking off the planning for this event. This project combines constructing an RF power sensor with an Arduino-based display, all mounted on a custom PC board.
It promises to be a fun build while delivering a practical tool for measuring power output in your ham shack - a perfect blend of learning, building, and utility for our members. This will be a late Spring or early Summer Tech Saturday project.
Field Day Preview : June 28 & 29, 2025
Though it’s early, Field Day planning is underway with exciting changes ahead. The retirement of several veteran operators will create openings for newer members to take on key roles during this flagship event. Field Day offers a fun, collaborative setting to learn from seasoned hams and try contest-style operating (even if it’s not technically a contest). Watch for announcements in the coming months and plan to join in.
The W2MMD Clubhouse : Our Unique Hub
Our Club stands out with its dedicated Clubhouse - a vibrant space where members gather on Saturday mornings and beyond to connect, collaborate, and bring radio projects to life. Beyond our top-notch HF and VHF stations, the Clubhouse supports a wide range of impromptu projects, from testing ideas to setting up temporary or permanent operations. The test bench and construction area are perfect for building or fixing gear, while the project space near the VHF room offers tools for microcontroller and SDR experiments.
For many, the Clubhouse doubles as a “home station,” providing resources few can match personally. If you’re not yet a regular, drop by on any Saturday morning, say hello, and see what’s happening - help is always on hand if you need it. The Clubhouse is a valuable asset for every member, so make the most of it!
Looking Ahead with Inspiration
As we move through 2025, the GCARC is buzzing with opportunity - from cutting-edge digital modes to hands-on experiments and the camaraderie of Field Day. This is more than a Club; it’s a community of curious minds, innovators, and radio enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned operator, your voice, ideas, and energy can shape our future.
73 de Jon WB2MNF
GCARC Update: An Exciting Time for Club Members
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for the GCARC. Long-term projects are nearing completion, meeting presentations and Tech Saturday work sessions are planned through the Summer, and group projects are thriving. Here’s a rundown of the latest developments :
VHF Tower Activation
After over two years of steady progress, both VHF towers are now standing on their concrete bases behind the Clubhouse. The 72-foot tower’s lift mechanism is fully operational and the tower is extended to its full height, while the 89-foot tower still needs some work. The shorter tower will soon support VHF operations, with antennas from 2 meters to 1.2 GHz connecting to new radios in the VHF room - perfect for contests and general use. The taller tower is earmarked for future UHF and microwave projects, pending equipment acquisition. Expect the Club’s premier VHF station to be operational within months, opening up this unique aspect of ham radio to new operators.
DMR and Collaborative Projects
February’s Tech Saturday on Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) drew strong interest, signaling enthusiasm for this mode. A new DMR repeater at Rowan University will soon enhance communication, with added capabilities for Yaesu System Fusion hotspot linking and potential support for an experimental M17 digital voice network. This initiative offers something for everyone - operators can jump in easily, while experimenters can push boundaries.
The March 8, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum will cover the setup, programming and operation of DMR radios on repeaters and hotspots and other group sessions will be added as appropriate.
M17, Ballooning and 915 MHz Meshtastic
Unlike the mature DMR mode, M17 is an open-source digital voice project still in development - ideal for those who enjoy tinkering over instant results. Built by and for the ham radio community, it promises greater control and lower costs than proprietary options. It’s a long-term endeavor with plenty of room for innovation, and several Club members are already experimenting with this mode. Let us know if you’d like to join in.
Meanwhile, our balloon experiments will ramp up as Spring arrives, with activities planned alongside Woodruff Middle School’s STEM Club. The balloon team welcomes new members to explore radio payloads, power solutions, and lift options. A highly programmable payload transmitter also awaits someone eager to dive in and make an impact.
We’re also exploring an interesting opportunity to expand our reach and engage with a growing community by considering the implementation of a 915 MHz Meshtastic node for unlicensed use at the Clubhouse. In the Philadelphia area, there’s a thriving group of Meshtastic users who rely on these low-power, long-range radios for off-grid communication, and users in Gloucester County could benefit from enhanced coverage.
By setting up a high-elevation node, we’d offer broad, reliable access to this network, potentially drawing in new enthusiasts to our Club. This project not only aligns with our mission to experiment with innovative radio technologies but also provides a chance to connect with a diverse group of users, showcasing the value of ham radio and possibly inspiring some to join our ranks. Stay tuned as we discuss the logistics and gauge interest.
Group Construction Projects
Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce plans for project building sessions that will bring our technical passions to life. One highlight on the horizon is the UHF/VHF Dummy Load Wattmeter, featured in the February 2025 QST magazine. Chris Prioli, AD2CS, is already hard at work pulling together the materials lists, and we’re kicking off the planning for this event. This project combines constructing an RF power sensor with an Arduino-based display, all mounted on a custom PC board.
It promises to be a fun build while delivering a practical tool for measuring power output in your ham shack - a perfect blend of learning, building, and utility for our members. This will be a late Spring or early Summer Tech Saturday project.
Field Day Preview : June 28 & 29, 2025
Though it’s early, Field Day planning is underway with exciting changes ahead. The retirement of several veteran operators will create openings for newer members to take on key roles during this flagship event. Field Day offers a fun, collaborative setting to learn from seasoned hams and try contest-style operating (even if it’s not technically a contest). Watch for announcements in the coming months and plan to join in.
The W2MMD Clubhouse : Our Unique Hub
Our Club stands out with its dedicated Clubhouse - a vibrant space where members gather on Saturday mornings and beyond to connect, collaborate, and bring radio projects to life. Beyond our top-notch HF and VHF stations, the Clubhouse supports a wide range of impromptu projects, from testing ideas to setting up temporary or permanent operations. The test bench and construction area are perfect for building or fixing gear, while the project space near the VHF room offers tools for microcontroller and SDR experiments.
For many, the Clubhouse doubles as a “home station,” providing resources few can match personally. If you’re not yet a regular, drop by on any Saturday morning, say hello, and see what’s happening - help is always on hand if you need it. The Clubhouse is a valuable asset for every member, so make the most of it!
Looking Ahead with Inspiration
As we move through 2025, the GCARC is buzzing with opportunity - from cutting-edge digital modes to hands-on experiments and the camaraderie of Field Day. This is more than a Club; it’s a community of curious minds, innovators, and radio enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned operator, your voice, ideas, and energy can shape our future.
73 de Jon WB2MNF
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Sunday, March 09, 2025 @ 0200 Hours
March 14, 1879
Friday, March 14, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025 @ 0501 Hours
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Full Worm Moon - March 14, 2025 @ 0255 Hours. This name is traditionally thought to refer to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. Alternatively, during his travels in the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver wrote that this Moon name refers to a different sort of “worm”—larvae—which emerge from the bark of trees and other winter hideouts. Although some Cree groups used the term Eagle Moon to describe the time around February, others used this term for the Moon cycle closer to spring. The Northern Ojibwe called this Crow Comes Back Moon. The term Goose Moon was used among Algonquin and Cree peoples. Snow Crust Moon was an Anishinaabe term. Sore Eyes Moon is a Dakota, Lakota, and Assiniboine term referring to the blinding rays of the sun on snow. Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) is the time when maple sap runs. Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to the strong windy days that come at this time of year.
Old Farmer’s Almanac - www.almanac.com