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#Post#: 5888--------------------------------------------------
TGIF Weekly Net Report — July 17, 2026
DIR By: VE3RD
Date: July 18, 2026, 6:34 am
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b]TGIF Weekly Net Report — July 17, 2026[/b]
Net Overview
[] Net Control Station (NCS): Steve (W2SHR), operating from
the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
[] Date/Time: Friday, July 17, 2026, at 8:30 PM Eastern
Time.
[] Frequency/Talk Group: TGIF Network Talk Group 31665.
[] Featured Topic: The ARRL's recent petition to the FCC
regarding expanding HF privileges for Technician licensees.
Discussion Topic: ARRL Petition to the FCC
The petition requests the FCC to grant present and future
Technician licensees phone privileges on parts of the 80, 40,
15, and 10-meter bands, as well as RTTY and digital privileges
on existing allocations, with a maximum power limit of 200W PEP.
The net was highly divided, yielding a robust debate:
Against the Proposal (The "Keep It as It Is" View):
[] Joe (WB3IHY) strongly opposed the petition, stating that
the ARRL does not speak for all amateur operators. He suggested
the league's true motive is financial (boosting membership) and
emphasized that amateur radio is an incentive-based service
where privileges must be earned through testing.
[] Doc (N4HYK) and Robert (K4WZV) agreed, recalling the
rigorous requirements of past exams. They argued that giving
away HF frequencies removes the incentive for new hams to
upgrade and learn the technical aspects of the hobby.
[*] Johnny (KV8DVR) echoed that instant gratification shouldn't
replace the hard work required to earn higher-class privileges.
In Favor of the Proposal (The "Adapt to Changing Times" View):
[] Carter (KE9FPA, 14 years old) and Michael (KB9Q)
supported the changes. They noted that the hobby must be
engaging and "fun" to attract and retain the younger generation,
who might otherwise walk away if restricted only to VHF/UHF or
10-meter static.
[] Kary (KD9ITO) pointed out that times have changed
drastically since Part 97 was established. With cellular
networks, satellite systems, and advanced medical disaster
infrastructure (like SARCOM), emergency communications are no
longer the exclusive domain of amateur radio. He emphasized that
50% of the 800,000 U.S. hams are Technicians, and many go
inactive because they lack entry-level mentorship or a gateway
to exciting HF modes.
[] Daniel favored opening a few more frequencies but
suggested compromise limitations, such as restricting
Technicians to QRP (low power, e.g., 5W to 20W) so they can
experiment and learn antenna theory.
[] John (KK3OBX) noted that expanding HF capabilities gives
Technicians valuable long-range practice, which is vital during
severe regional disasters like hurricanes when local UHF/VHF
repeaters might fail.
Traders Marketplace
[*] Doc (N4HYK): Has a transceiver listed for sale on QTH.com
(searchable via his call sign). He is also planning to list an
Ameritron 18-30 large antenna tuner/transmatch that is like-new
in its original box.
Late Check-ins & Community News
[] Late Entries: Randall (KF0—using a software DMR client),
Ambers (KC3JS), and Josh (KM7FMK).
[] Community News: Kary (KD9ITO) highlighted the Pico
Balloon Project involving younger hams like Carter. They
currently have a tracking balloon flying over Venezuela, which
can be monitored at NIBBB.org.
Acknowledgments & Technical Credits
The net recognized several key contributors who keep the TGIF
network running smoothly:
[] Mitch Savage (Silent Key): The founder of the TGIF
network who started everything with a single Raspberry Pi and
developed the Next-Gen screen for MMDVM hotspots.
[] Ty Weaver: Recognized for writing much of the core
programming and coding that drives the network.
[] Andy Nielsen: The mastermind behind the TGIF dashboard
whose technical expertise ensures the DMR network runs
seamlessly.
[] Glenn Allison: Created the international forum page
before his retirement.
[] James Valley (KF6F, Silent Key): Honored for his legacy
work on the Next-Gen hotspot screens and the Pi-Star setup for
the RAD XA board during the Raspberry Pi hardware shortage.
[] Vic Lowen (VE3JAR): Thanked for writing and organizing
the extensive TGIF documentation.
[] Phil Thompson (VE3RD): Handles the net audio recordings
and co-developed the Next-Gen screen hotspots.
[] Robert Bretzmann (K4WZV): Dubbed "The Godfather" and
chief engineer of the network, anchoring the system 24/7/365.
[*] Management Team Support: Background support, guidance for
newcomers, and active moderation are provided by Mark Brown
(82CH), Doug Smith (KE5CDK), and Joe Garber (WB3IHY).
Closing Text
Steve wrapped up the session by emphasizing that the check-ins,
ideas, and conversation from the operators are what truly shape
and sustain the Radio Net each week.
The net officially closed on Friday, July 17, 2026. Talk Group
31665 was released and returned to worldwide amateur radio
usage. Steve signed off from the Outer Banks with his final call
sign, reminding everyone to join again next Friday at 8:30 PM
Eastern Time, closing with a friendly, "73, God bless to
everybody, and remember, thank God it's Friday."
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