General Discussion Highlights

• Host: Mike (W3MOW) chaired the session from Sadsburyville, PA, reminding stations of repeater etiquette and encouraging participation.
• Hamfest Weekend: Multiple operators reported attending the Mullica Hill Hamfest. Rain cut down on tailgaters, but there were still good finds and plenty of camaraderie. Kutztown was flagged as the next big hamfest, with NearFest mentioned by northern operators.
• Field Activity: Several mentioned portable work, CW practice, and antenna projects. Luke (KC3SCY) is pushing 18–19 WPM in CW using vinyl training records.

Notable Operator Updates

• Luke (KC3SCY): Shared hamfest impressions and CW progress.
• Mike (W1RC): Highlighted upcoming NearFest, noting rainy fests can yield bargains.
• Ron (WA3VEE): Offloaded gear at Mullica Hill; considering bringing vintage books and test gear to Kutztown.
• Keith (KB3ILS): Excited about air variable capacitors scored at Mullica Hill; also began Winter Field Day planning with CW ops.
• Bill (KC3OOK): Acquired an HP 8558B spectrum analyzer from Ron; researching manuals and applications.
• John (KD3EE): Experimenting with packet BBSs and Winlink, comparing them to old modem days. Active in POTA and CW practice.
• Steve (KC3YSM): Suggested holding an “Antenna Clinic Day” at the Field Day site for hands-on learning with analyzers and deployment techniques. Idea was well-received, with Ron (WA3VEE) offering to lead a session in October.
• Simon (KD3BPI): Checked in late, listening with Summer; group was glad to hear from him.
• Leon (AA3LH): Brief check-in, still recovering health-wise but in good spirits.

Technical Questions

1. Cleaning & Lubricating Air Variable Capacitors (KB3ILS):
   • Asked how to clean dust, cobwebs, and oxidation.
   • Ron (WA3VEE) recommended using Caig/Hosa electronics-safe lube sparingly; oxidation usually not an issue.
   • Consensus: blow out with compressed air, avoid heavy chemicals, lube only sparingly at the bearings.
2. Relays vs Switches in Mobile Installations (KD3AIS – new Toyota Tundra):
   • Wanted to know why relays are recommended over direct switches.
   • Bob (KB3ZIM): Relays prevent overheating and handle high current safely.
   • CR (W8CRW): Warned about warranty issues with tapping modern vehicles.
   • Bill (KC3OOK): Advised consulting Harvey, the local expert; also cautioned about airbags when routing wires.
   • Wayne (KC3SQI), Steve (KC3YSM), and Ron (WA3VEE): Suggested using separate LiFePO₄ batteries for radios to avoid modern car electronics.
   • Harvey (KC3NZT) joined with a detailed explanation: relays let you use low-current dashboard wiring to safely control high-current loads located at the engine fuse block.
3. Antenna Analyzer Use & Tuning (KC3YSM):
   • Asked if the group could organize a hands-on antenna learning session.
   • Ron (WA3VEE) supported the idea and noted his RigExpert analyzers and Bird 43 meters could be demonstrated.
   • John (KD3EE) and Wayne (KC3SQI) offered to bring tunable verticals and show analyzer techniques.
   • Tentative plan: October antenna clinic at the Field Day site or tied into a breakfast meetup.