W3GMS Monday Night Workbench Net

Every Monday Evening at 8pm Eastern Time, the W3GMS/R Crew get together on the repeater at 146.985Mhz and discuss technical questions and sometimes do lessons related to Ham Radio for newer Operators to learn from experienced Elmers. The Workbench was set up to be a safe place for any technical questions to get asked and good answers to be given.

Last refreshed: August 22nd, 2025 at 4:44 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

August 5 2025 #263 - AM Modulation and Emergency Traffic on Nets | W3GMS Workbench

This session of the 985 Workbench was hosted by Greg, W3DIB, from Kennett Square. The meeting began with check-ins from both digital (EchoLink/AllStar) and RF stations. Greg reminded participants about repeater etiquette, including leaving pauses for digital users, waiting a moment after PTT, and managing the repeater’s three-minute timer. Notable announcements included a reminder to register for digital access through the W3GMS website and an update on repeater intermod interference. Ron, WA3VE...

Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 263

July 28th 2025 #262 - Big Guns on Six Meters, Portable Power Solutions, and Backyard Visitors | W3GMS Workbench

General Discussion Highlights Propagation and Contacts: John (KC3WWC) applied for a vanity call and did some POTA. Leon (AA3LH) shared insights from operating in Colorado, noting poor gray line conditions in July. Travis (N3ILS) activated parks in British Columbia during travel. Jim (KC3RFG) worked Venezuela on 10m, which remains open with good conditions. Tim (W3QP) completed two SOTA summits in Virginia. Multiple stations confirmed strong 10m openings. Equipment and Projects: Ron (WA3VEE) is t...

Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 262

July 21st 2025 #261 - Noise Hunting with Direction Finding | W3GMS Workbench

General Discussion Highlights: Noise Hunting with Direction Finding: Chuck (NA3CW) described tracking down an S9 noise issue on 75 meters, suspected to be caused by a faulty lightning arrester on a utility pole. He used a handheld with a directional AM antenna tuned to 136 MHz to pinpoint the source. Antenna Adventures and Propagation Notes: John (KC3WWC) activated a new state game land for POTA with good shade and low noise. He also experimented with two APRS-capable radios and noted six-meter ...

Jul 22, 2025•58 min•Ep. 261

July 14 2025 #260 - Generator Inrush, Field Day Logging | W3GMS Workbench

Host: KC3NZT 🔧 General Discussion Highlights Field Day Aftermath & Logging Success WA3VEE and several others (including KC3OOK, W3KZG) recapped an intense six-hour post-field day session at WA3LVR’s home. Final logs were reconciled and submitted to ARRL. Participation reached a record: 34 operators , 31 visitors , 8 youth , and 100 contacts logged on K3DTS. Generator Inrush Lessons A lively, deeply technical discussion centered around an electric woodchipper rated at 5 HP, 230V, and requiri...

Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 260

July 7th 2025 #259 - Slot antennas, lightning protection, and ham travel ops | W3GMS Workbench

Host: Wayne, KC3SQI Topic Focus: Slot antennas, lightning protection, and ham travel ops Location: W3GMS 146.985 MHz Repeater – Parkesburg, PA (PL 100.0 Hz TX / 94.8 Hz RX) 🧵 General Highlights Warm welcome to new and returning stations like Phil (KA1PXZ) and visitors from Vermont and Massachusetts. Field Day leftovers: Many ops are still packing up, sorting gear, and requesting photos for compilation. 13 Colonies Contest: Several participants shared their clean sweeps, and a few worked the bon...

Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 259

June 30 2025 #258 - Field Day Wrap-Up, Antenna Experiments, and Rotor Advice | W3GMS Workbench

Host: Ron WA3VEE In this Field Day follow-up edition of the 985 Workbench Net, operators reflect on a successful weekend packed with radio fun, new experiences, and even a few Scrapple-fueled mornings. We welcome several voices fresh from the field, including newcomers sharing their first HF contacts and long-timers offering encouragement and war stories. Topics included: Why the GOTA station uses a different callsign Using light-duty rotors for a hex beam setup Comparing end-fed half-wave vs. r...

Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 258

June 23 2025 #257 - Field Day Prep and Amp Issues | W3GMS Workbench

Host: Chuck – NA3CW 🔧 General Discussion Highlights Field Day Prep and Aftermath Ron (WA3VEE) finalized logistics and hardware prep, including satellite gear on a resurrected ThinkPad. Multiple operators discussed storm damage, downed trees, and power outages affecting setup. KC3SQI shared tower work and parts sourcing from “Homeless Depot.” KC3OOK and W3JAM swapped diagnostics on Diamond 510 antenna performance, discovering a likely detuning or water ingress. Storm Stories WA3KFT experienced a...

Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 257

June 16th 2025 #256 - Coax and Microphone Projects | W3GMS Workbench

Host: Greg (W3DIB) Theme: Field Day Prep, Coax Projects, and Microphone Cable Woes 🔧 Technical Questions Q1: Straightening Coiled Mic Cables (N3RBN) Paul asked if there’s a reliable way to straighten the coiled section of an RJ-style microphone cable to reterminate it. Responses included: Chuck (NA3CW) and others suggested buying a cheap knockoff mic just for the cable , then rewiring. Scott (W3KZG) seconded the idea—some knockoffs fit well and don’t even require soldering. Q2: Remote Relay vs....

Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 256

June 9th 2025 #255 - Allstar, Field Day, 6m Portable Power | W3GMS Workbench

Net Control: Jim, AF3Z 📻 General Discussion Highlights AllStar Node Successes & Issues: W1RC and others shared recent work bringing AllStar nodes online. W3MFB and KC3WWC noted difficulty connecting from mobile setups or behind hotspots. Reminder to ensure EchoLink/AllStar registration through the repeater website. Field Day Preparation: WA3VE discussed upcoming ARRL Field Day with a theme of "Amateur Radio Works When Nothing Else Does." A press release and invite to the public are in the w...

Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 255

June 2nd 2025 #254 - Shortwave and Getting Started on 10M | W3GMS Workbench

Workbench Roundtable Summary – June 2, 2025 Net Control: Mike, W3MOW Repeater: 146.985 MHz W3GMS The Monday Night Workbench on 146.985 was hosted by W3MOW and saw a healthy round of participation from local and remote stations alike. After a round of check-ins, general comments took center stage, followed by a couple of well-explored technical questions. 🔧 General Discussion Highlights: W1RC shared his success in getting his AllStar node working reliably and mentioned the “Node Remote” app he’s...

Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 254

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