DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       TGIF.Network
  HTML https://tgifnetwork.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: Transcripts
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 5765--------------------------------------------------
       TGIF Net Transcript 2025-11-07
   DIR By: VE3RD
       Date: November 8, 2025, 6:41 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Summary
       The TGIF Net, typically held every Friday, facilitates
       discussions on preselected or general amateur radio topics.
       Robert stepped in as net controller unexpectedly due to the
       absence of the scheduled controller, Eric (KC8UKB). The net
       proceeded with check-ins, announcements, and a
       question-and-answer session, as no specific topic was prepared.
       Key activities included handling check-ins, addressing a
       community assistance request, and discussing technical questions
       about DMR radio operations and antenna issues.
       Key Points
       Net Control and Announcements:
       Net Controller: Robert (K4WZV) took over due to Eric’s absence,
       expressing he was unprepared but managed the net effectively.
       Announcement: A request was made for amateur radio operators in
       the Rochester, New York area to assist Cliff (K2SKO), a ham in
       assisted living, with connecting his hotspot to Wi-Fi.
       Interested volunteers were asked to email Robert for details.
       Check-Ins:
       Short-Time Check-Ins: Repeated calls were made for stations with
       limited time. Stations included:
       K8LR, K5OKE, N5ZKF, KC5LAA, NG5N, KF5KHS, K5GU, W3ATN, N9NJS,
       N4MNN, W4SFX.
       Regular Check-Ins: Organized by call sign numbers:
       0, 1, 2, 3: WB3GTM, AD2CH, KC1MNJ, KC1LKO, WB3IHY, KB3YED,
       KB3NUN, W1GSK, VE1JWM, K1WMP, CD3PWF.
       4, 5, 6: KZ4ID, W5RHS, KF5MG, KD4BJA, AE4TC, K4WZV (Robert
       himself), KF6S (silent key, checked in honorarily).
       7, 8, 9: KM9Q, KV9Q, KB8KES, NS8G, WD9HGO, KB9LIQ, KB8PFL,
       N9DYO, KC9SIO, PA7KDO (silent key, checked in honorarily),
       KC8USA, N9PMR.
       Late Check-Ins: K4RRC, K6GD, KD2JH, AF7FS, KW0Z, K6HB, WB4T,
       AE6ML, W2SHR.
       The net saw a diverse group of participants, with special
       mentions for silent keys Mitch Savage (PA7KDO) and James (KF6S)
       for their contributions to the TGIF network.
       Buy/Sell/Trade:
       No participants responded to the buy/sell/trade segment.
       Question and Answer Session:
       Bill (K1WMP): Asked about switching talk groups on an OpenSpot
       GD77 using the keypad due to eyesight limitations. Robert
       explained the process (press #, enter talk group, press green
       button) and offered to provide a PDF with instructions, as prior
       online resources were unavailable due to website issues.
       Don (KZ4ID): Sought advice on a stuck telescopic fiberglass
       antenna mast. Suggestions included:
       Robert: Use pipe wrenches carefully to avoid damage.
       Fred (KC8USA): Spray penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster), tap
       joints, and wait; use Teflon or silicone grease post-repair. For
       fiberglass, an air hammer could help.
       Unidentified station: Fill the inner tube with ice cubes to
       contract it.
       Michael (WB3GTM): Suggested heating the outer section with a
       heat gun and cooling the inner section, avoiding moisture to
       prevent fiberglass expansion.
       Steven (W3ATN): Recommended a strap wrench to avoid damaging
       fiberglass.
       Eddie (KB3NUN): Asked about comparing a half-wave end-fed
       antenna (132 ft, diamond configuration) to a delta loop. Robert
       suggested experimenting, noting delta loops can perform well for
       DX with vertical polarization if fed offset. No definitive
       preference was given, emphasizing experimentation.
       Server Downtime Announcement:
       Michael (WB3GTM) reminded Robert of upcoming server maintenance
       by NFO Servers in Chicago on November 11–14, 2025. The server
       upgrade will cause intermittent downtime (a few hours at a
       time). Announcements will be posted on social media and other
       platforms.
       Acknowledgments:
       Robert thanked key contributors to the TGIF network:
       Mitch Savage (PA7KDO, silent key): Founder of the TGIF network.
       Ty Weaver (KE5RKI): Server code developer.
       Andy (G7LRR): Backend maintenance.
       Glenn (N3MEL), Mark (AD2CH), Doug (KE5CDK), Joe (WB3IHY), and
       James (KF6S, silent key): Support for the network, forum, and
       hardware compatibility.
       Net Closure:
       The net closed with gratitude to all participants, returning the
       talkroom to regular amateur radio use. Robert confirmed Stephen
       (W2SHR) would host the next net on November 14, 2025.
       Notes
       The net was informal due to the unexpected change in net
       controller, leading to a focus on Q&A rather than a preselected
       topic.
       Technical discussions highlighted practical solutions and the
       experimental nature of amateur radio, particularly with
       antennas.
       The community assistance request for Cliff (K2SKO) underscores
       the supportive nature of the ham radio community.
       The transcript reflects a strong sense of camaraderie, with
       tributes to silent keys and appreciation for network
       contributors.
       *****************************************************
       Page 1 of 1