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President's LetterJonathan Pearce, WB2MNFSeptember 2025 |
With summer over, vacation time has ended, and Eagles football starting, our Club fall activities are coming together. We have a full schedule of General Membership presentations, Tech Saturday Forum events, contests and special events like fox hunts planned for the upcoming months.
September 13, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum - “Setup of the 915 MHz Meshtastic Radios”
I will give a short presentation on the setup and use of the unlicensed 915 MHz Meshtastic radios that several members have starting experimenting with because of the large user base in and around Philadelphia that creates a far-reaching network. These radios are set up quite differently from the ham configurations that were used in the 433 MHz radios, using "channels" instead of user-assigned frequencies and allowing encryption. There's more to be learned about their configuration and use than can be assembled and presented at that session but we should be able to get new users started with these radios.
Over the next few months several of us are experimenting with expanding their use to communicate across networks using internet-based MQTT messages and also to use them beyond messaging for more advanced data transfers. We can introduce those topics but they'll need to be covered in more depth at a later session after more experimentation and research.
A great option for these devices is the combination sold by Amazon for about $65. This includes TWO Heltec V3 radios, each with a plastic case, SMA-mounted antenna and a LiPo battery that will power the unit when not powered by the Heltec's USB-C connector. This create a nice portable station for a low price. They need to be flashed with the Meshtastic firmware, which can be done at the flasher.meshtastic.org website or on Tech Saturday.
If you're interested in these radios, pick up one or more of them (be sure they're the 915 MHz version) and come out to the Clubhouse on September 13, 2025.
Note that Tech Saturday this month is September 13th, NOT September 6th to avoid the Hamfest weekend.
HamFest - Sunday, September 7. 2025
Hopefully every Club member has a large notation on their calendars for Sunday September 7th on which is inscribed in big letters “Go to the HamFest!”. Through the diligent efforts of HamFest coordinator Ron Block NR2B and the great response from the membership most volunteer spots are filled, with a large turnout of dedicated members stepping up to make this event a success. The HamFest also provides an opportunity to get together with a large group of hams from various areas, sit through some interesting technical and organizational presentations in the seminars, and perhaps purchase some valuable vintage amateur radio equipment! Weather for the HamFest is always great (!) so we expect to have a large turnout of members for this event. Additionally, we're planning a WSPR-equipped balloon launch (weather permitting) between 8 and 9 AM from the Clubhouse that we can track at the HamFest location. License testing will be available at the Clubhouse in the morning for those looking to upgrade or get started.
Fox Hunt 34 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
Mark your calendars for our Fall Fox Hunt on Sunday, September 14 starting at 1 PM - a fun, family-friendly event that's perfect for sharpening your direction-finding skills! Jim Wright N2GXJ will be running the show this time, stepping in as "The Fox" . Participants should check in on the 147.180 MHz repeater by 1 PM for brief instructions, after which the Club's foxhunt transmitter will be activated somewhere in Gloucester County. Jim will send further details via email on the Club’s reflector by Saturday, September 13. The first to locate it earns the honor of hiding it next time, while finders step aside to let others continue the chase. If anyone hasn't tracked it down within the hour, we'll guide them in for a group photo and some storytelling afterward. If this is your first time hunting and you want to team up with an experienced hunter let me know ([email protected]) and we’ll connect you with one of the pro’s. It's always a blast - hope to see you out there!
CPR Courses - Sunday, October 5 and October 12
We’re pleased that Club member Josh Boylan KE2FSC will be holding CPR courses for Club members and a family member, with registration now open. These sessions, covering Heartsaver® CPR and First Aid, will be offered in the mornings and afternoons of October 5th and 12th. It’s a valuable opportunity to build emergency preparedness skills that align with our ham radio commitment to public service. For cancellations or changes, contact Jon Pearce at [email protected] by September 30th.
Sign up using the form at :
https://registration.w2mmd.org/wpregp/gcarc-heartsaver-cpr-and-first-aid-class
EME Contest
As noted last month, the ARRL EME Contest on October 11-12 and November 8-9 is on the horizon. The power issue with the 1296 MHz amplifier appears to have been resolved, significantly increasing our capabilities over our last EME session at which we still managed a successful 500,000 mile EME QSO, bouncing the signal off of the surface of the moon,. We look forward to putting our new dish, rotator, controller and radio gear to the test and inviting members to participate. More information will be forthcoming closer to the event dates.
STEM Camp Completion
Our STEM Camp wrapped up with four enthusiastic young middle school students who gained hands-on experience operating the HF station, building a 20-meter dipole, constructing a tape measure Yagi, programming and operating TIDRADIO TD-H3 HTs, and working with electronic component kits. These activities sparked great interest and engagement. Unfortunately, none passed the Technician class exam, though one came within just two points - a strong effort for their age group. This outcome is disappointing but not entirely unexpected given the participants' youth and the material's complexity. Over the next few weeks, we'll be evaluating our approach to better prepare these students for the test in future sessions, perhaps with adjusted pacing or additional resources tailored to younger learners.
Volunteer Examiner Team
Our Volunteer Examiner team led by Chris Prioli AD2CS continues to be one of the most active in the region, helping many new hams get licensed and upgraded, with many joining the Club as a result. Check out their dedicated website at : https://veteam.w2mmd.org for all the resources you need to pursue or advance your amateur radio license.
Fall is a great time to get back involved in Club projects after a quiet summer, and with numerous projects awaiting there’s always room for others to get involved. Come out to the Clubhouse any Saturday morning to see what’s happening and where you can get involved.
73 de Jon WB2MNF
September 13, 2025 Tech Saturday Forum - “Setup of the 915 MHz Meshtastic Radios”
I will give a short presentation on the setup and use of the unlicensed 915 MHz Meshtastic radios that several members have starting experimenting with because of the large user base in and around Philadelphia that creates a far-reaching network. These radios are set up quite differently from the ham configurations that were used in the 433 MHz radios, using "channels" instead of user-assigned frequencies and allowing encryption. There's more to be learned about their configuration and use than can be assembled and presented at that session but we should be able to get new users started with these radios.
Over the next few months several of us are experimenting with expanding their use to communicate across networks using internet-based MQTT messages and also to use them beyond messaging for more advanced data transfers. We can introduce those topics but they'll need to be covered in more depth at a later session after more experimentation and research.
A great option for these devices is the combination sold by Amazon for about $65. This includes TWO Heltec V3 radios, each with a plastic case, SMA-mounted antenna and a LiPo battery that will power the unit when not powered by the Heltec's USB-C connector. This create a nice portable station for a low price. They need to be flashed with the Meshtastic firmware, which can be done at the flasher.meshtastic.org website or on Tech Saturday.
If you're interested in these radios, pick up one or more of them (be sure they're the 915 MHz version) and come out to the Clubhouse on September 13, 2025.
Note that Tech Saturday this month is September 13th, NOT September 6th to avoid the Hamfest weekend.
HamFest - Sunday, September 7. 2025
Hopefully every Club member has a large notation on their calendars for Sunday September 7th on which is inscribed in big letters “Go to the HamFest!”. Through the diligent efforts of HamFest coordinator Ron Block NR2B and the great response from the membership most volunteer spots are filled, with a large turnout of dedicated members stepping up to make this event a success. The HamFest also provides an opportunity to get together with a large group of hams from various areas, sit through some interesting technical and organizational presentations in the seminars, and perhaps purchase some valuable vintage amateur radio equipment! Weather for the HamFest is always great (!) so we expect to have a large turnout of members for this event. Additionally, we're planning a WSPR-equipped balloon launch (weather permitting) between 8 and 9 AM from the Clubhouse that we can track at the HamFest location. License testing will be available at the Clubhouse in the morning for those looking to upgrade or get started.
Fox Hunt 34 - Sunday, September 14, 2025
Mark your calendars for our Fall Fox Hunt on Sunday, September 14 starting at 1 PM - a fun, family-friendly event that's perfect for sharpening your direction-finding skills! Jim Wright N2GXJ will be running the show this time, stepping in as "The Fox" . Participants should check in on the 147.180 MHz repeater by 1 PM for brief instructions, after which the Club's foxhunt transmitter will be activated somewhere in Gloucester County. Jim will send further details via email on the Club’s reflector by Saturday, September 13. The first to locate it earns the honor of hiding it next time, while finders step aside to let others continue the chase. If anyone hasn't tracked it down within the hour, we'll guide them in for a group photo and some storytelling afterward. If this is your first time hunting and you want to team up with an experienced hunter let me know ([email protected]) and we’ll connect you with one of the pro’s. It's always a blast - hope to see you out there!
CPR Courses - Sunday, October 5 and October 12
We’re pleased that Club member Josh Boylan KE2FSC will be holding CPR courses for Club members and a family member, with registration now open. These sessions, covering Heartsaver® CPR and First Aid, will be offered in the mornings and afternoons of October 5th and 12th. It’s a valuable opportunity to build emergency preparedness skills that align with our ham radio commitment to public service. For cancellations or changes, contact Jon Pearce at [email protected] by September 30th.
Sign up using the form at :
https://registration.w2mmd.org/wpregp/gcarc-heartsaver-cpr-and-first-aid-class
EME Contest
As noted last month, the ARRL EME Contest on October 11-12 and November 8-9 is on the horizon. The power issue with the 1296 MHz amplifier appears to have been resolved, significantly increasing our capabilities over our last EME session at which we still managed a successful 500,000 mile EME QSO, bouncing the signal off of the surface of the moon,. We look forward to putting our new dish, rotator, controller and radio gear to the test and inviting members to participate. More information will be forthcoming closer to the event dates.
STEM Camp Completion
Our STEM Camp wrapped up with four enthusiastic young middle school students who gained hands-on experience operating the HF station, building a 20-meter dipole, constructing a tape measure Yagi, programming and operating TIDRADIO TD-H3 HTs, and working with electronic component kits. These activities sparked great interest and engagement. Unfortunately, none passed the Technician class exam, though one came within just two points - a strong effort for their age group. This outcome is disappointing but not entirely unexpected given the participants' youth and the material's complexity. Over the next few weeks, we'll be evaluating our approach to better prepare these students for the test in future sessions, perhaps with adjusted pacing or additional resources tailored to younger learners.
Volunteer Examiner Team
Our Volunteer Examiner team led by Chris Prioli AD2CS continues to be one of the most active in the region, helping many new hams get licensed and upgraded, with many joining the Club as a result. Check out their dedicated website at : https://veteam.w2mmd.org for all the resources you need to pursue or advance your amateur radio license.
Fall is a great time to get back involved in Club projects after a quiet summer, and with numerous projects awaiting there’s always room for others to get involved. Come out to the Clubhouse any Saturday morning to see what’s happening and where you can get involved.
73 de Jon WB2MNF
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Monday, September 1, 2025
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
September 18, 1947
Monday, September 22, 2025 @ 1419 Hours
Monday, September 22, 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Full Corn Moon : September 7, 2025 @ 1409 Hours. Corn was ready to harvest at this time. In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver came across this Native American term during his travels. Similarly, the Western Abenaki called this the Corn Maker Moon, and the Dakota, the Corn Harvest Moon. NOTE: Harvest Moon refers to the full Moon closest to the September equinox, which is the tradition that The Old Farmer’s Almanac follows. Moon When Rice is Laid Up to Dry (Dakota) refers to the time of harvesting and processing rice. Autumn Moon (Cree), Falling Leaves Moon (Ojibwe), Leaves Turning Moon (Anishinaabe), Moon of Brown Leaves (Lakota), and Yellow Leaf Moon (Assiniboine) all speak to the leaf-changing season. Child Moon (Tlingit) occurs when young animals are weaned. Mating Moon and Rutting Moon are Cree terms that describe the time when certain animals, such as moose, are ready to mate. Old Farmer's Almanac - www.almanac.com