General Discussion Highlights

• New Call Signs & Operating Adventures
  John (KD3EE, formerly KC3WWC) updated everyone on his recent call sign change. He shared the challenges of updating software, websites, and radios. On the air, his “EE” suffix works especially well for CW during Parks on the Air activations.
• Station Troubleshooting
  Ron – WA3VEE reported intermittent node drops while using AT&T mobile data. He’s narrowing down whether the cause is cellular handoffs or a local issue at his home QTH.
• Summits on the Air (SOTA)
  Tim – W3QP returned from Virginia after several mountaintop activations. Along the way, he picked up a nasty case of chigger bites and even ran into a mother bear with cubs. He also experienced odd signal behavior near the NSA Sugar Grove facility.
• QRP DX Success
  Keith – KB3ILS logged exciting CW contacts to Denmark and New Zealand running just 5 watts into a wire antenna. He also enjoyed a half-hour rag chew with a Pennsylvania operator using a vintage bug key.
• Shack and Antenna Projects
  • Jeff – W3JAM is rebuilding “Studio A” with new desks, downsizing unused gear, and refurbishing a 16-element 220 MHz Yagi with modern shorting-bar hardware.
  • Wayne – KC3SQI continues work on his new antenna mast and asked the group for help sealing an unused hole in a fiberglass box.

Technical Questions

1. Sealing a Hole in a Fiberglass Enclosure – KC3SQI

• WA3KFT: Suggested clamping aluminum plates with sealant.
• WA3VEE: Recommended Hubble/Weigman hole plugs with gaskets.
• KC3NZT: Pointed to bulk packs of blanking plugs available online.
• W8CRW: Suggested epoxy with fiberglass backing.
  ➡️ Consensus: Use commercial plugs or epoxy/plate solutions for long-term waterproofing.

2. Managing a Coax Feedline to a Shed – KV3JGB

• WA3VEE: Use a messenger wire to suspend coax above ground.
• W3QP: Bury coax inside PVC conduit with drainage for moisture control.
• KC3NZT: Shared a quick shallow-trench method: “temporary becomes permanent.”
• NA3CW: Recommended running a rope inside conduit to wick moisture and allow future pulls.
  ➡️ Consensus: Both burial and overhead suspension are viable — burial offers neatness and permanence, messenger wire provides accessibility.

Closing Notes

• Late check-ins included KC3NZT (Harvey), AF3Z (Jim), and W3JAM (Jeff).
• The net wrapped up with the usual humor about running up Joe W3GMS’s electric bill.
• Reminder: Thursday Night Roundtable at 8 PM will be hosted by Luke – KC3SCY.