DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
TGIF.Network
HTML https://tgifnetwork.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Transcripts
*****************************************************
#Post#: 5785--------------------------------------------------
TGIF Net Transcript 2025-12-12
DIR By: VE3RD
Date: December 13, 2025, 5:34 am
---------------------------------------------------------
[center]TGIF Friday Night Net Full Report
December 12, 2025[/center]
---------------------------------------------------------
Overview
[]Host: Steve, W2SHR (filling in for Robert Bretzman, K4WZV)
[]Talkgroup: 31665 ("Mothership") on the TGIF DMR Network
[]Date/Time: Friday, December 12, 2025 – 8:30 PM Eastern
[]Topic: Friendships developed through amateur radio
[*]Conditions: Very cold evening (temperatures in 20s–30s°F
reported across the US)
Large turnout with multiple check-in rounds (short-timers, by
suffix groups, late check-ins). The heartfelt topic encouraged
strong participation, focusing on how daily DMR chats on TGIF
build deep bonds that often lead to in-person friendships.
---------------------------------------------------------
Key Discussions: Friendships in Amateur Radio
Participants shared personal stories emphasizing emotional
support, repeated contacts, and real-world meetups.
--- Quote ---
> Robert (K4WZV) – Chief Engineer & "Godfather"
> "People you talk to on the radio, you always want to know what
they look like by the voice that you hear... you try to picture
them in your mind, and then when you meet them, it's somebody
totally different. But what I will say... when you meet that
person, it's almost like you've known them forever."
> He added advice for hamfests: Wear call sign hats/badges –
people often shout his name across halls.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Bill (K1WMP) – 91 years old, housebound on hospice
> "I am 91 right now... I am housebound. I have been on
hospice... since May 1st of this year. I don't know how much
longer I'm going to be on, but if it wasn't for radios, I would
be a basket case."
> Thanked TGIF for helpful Q&A sessions: "In ham radio, there's
no dumb questions."
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Miguel (KC1LKO)
> Detailed HamCation meetups:
>
> 2019/2020: Met Robert (K4WZV) near Icom booth; group including
Doc (N4HYK), Dave (KB7BYI); dinner at Golden Corral.
> 2023: Repeated with Robert, Martha; visited KB7BYI's
headquarters.
> "If you get the chance to be able to do something like this,
do it. It is a wonderful experience to connect the human
voice... with the physical presence."
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Roger (WB4T) – Famous for early morning greetings
> Morning chats provide mutual support: "You build up
friendships... you become sounding board... you give each other
a lot and brighten each other up when you're having bad days."
> Grateful for the outlet during life changes.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Chris (KD0TYG)
> Morning roundtables kept him awake/company as a truck driver;
now brighten days and offer support during tough times.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Cliff (VE6PLC) – Third-generation ham
> Family trips and hamfests (e.g., Waterton-Glacier on
Montana-Alberta border) where dad always met on-air contacts.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Doc (N4HYK)
> Long-time club/hamfest experiences in Florida built strong
in-person + on-air friendships.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Terry (WC7V)
> Relayed a 90-year-old DXer's view: DMR great for
repeated/sustained friendships vs. one-off HF.
>
--- End Quote ---
--- Quote ---
> Scott (KM9Q)
> Recognized Doc's voice in a store aisle from repeater/DMR
talks; Doc's hamfest tables drew long lines ("smaller version of
Disney World").
>
--- End Quote ---
Overall theme: TGIF's daily accessibility fosters deeper bonds
than traditional modes, combating isolation.
---------------------------------------------------------
Tributes & Thanks
During the net, Steve took time to honor those who have passed
and those working behind the scenes.
[*]Silent Keys:
Mitch Savage (EA7KDO): Founder of the TGIF network. He started
it on a single Raspberry Pi, developed the Nexion screen for
TGIF MMDVM hotspots, and spent countless hours helping users
with technical questions. Steve noted: "Everybody benefits from
Mitch's hard work, and let's face it, his legacy will live on
forever, and it's here every day when we're on the TGIF
network."
James Valley (KF6S): Collaborated with Mitch on the original
Nexion screen hotspot, setting new standards for DMR. Later
developed Pi-Star support for the RADXA board during the
Raspberry Pi shortage, once again demonstrating incredible
technical skill.
[*]Behind-the-Scenes Team:
Ty Weaver (KG5RKI): The "coding genius" behind TGIF, ensuring
smooth operation and high reliability.
Andy Nielsen (G7LRR): Ty's right-hand man; designed the TGIF
dashboard and helps keep the network running.
Glenn Allison (N3MEL): Created the international TGIF forum page
– his foundational work is always remembered.
Phil (VE3RD): Handles hotspot programming and produces net
recordings; makes archived nets available via the forum's Friday
Night Net Recording Index.
Forum Moderators: Mark Drow (CH), Mark Smith, and Joe Grever –
keep the community space welcoming and organized.
Robert Bretzman (K4WZV): Chief engineer and "Godfather" of the
network. Steve said: "He takes care of everything... brings us
all together 24/7."
Steve emphasized that these individuals make the TGIF community
possible and keep it growing.
---------------------------------------------------------
Marketplace
[*]KD6KWV: Lightly used SharkRF openSPOT (M1KE) – $350 shipped
---------------------------------------------------------
Closing
Steve praised participation on the personal topic. Recordings on
TGIF forum (Friday Night Net Recording Index). Closed with 73s
and "Thank God It's Friday!"
[center]A heartwarming net celebrating amateur radio's true
power: building lasting friendships. 73![/center]
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1