2026-08-25 Net Minutes

Check-ins (37)

David Bailey (K5DKB)

Tom Johnson (KI5ZPG)

Winter Field Day is 2027-01-23/24
- Hard to think about Winter when it’s so hot out
- Need some help: please send suggestions for programs

Matthew Barry (KG5LYE)

Lorna Flansburg (KI5FIZ)

Question #289 for conversation: Songs that include Morse Code: have you heard any songs that have some element of CW in them?

(If interested in submitting a weekly question, email n5zkf@arrl.net)

Very hot out!
- Watch out for yourself, friends, family, elderly, young, pets, plants, etc.
- Symptoms sneak up quickly
ARES CEOC Visit this Friday, 2026-08-28
- Will be looking at HF antenna feedline
YYZ by Rush

Still have Jetstream 45 A switching power supply
- Taking offers
- Let me know if interested: ke5dfr@gmail.com

2 questions:
1. Antenna for my AM/FM radio: I like listening to a Caldwell/Houston FM radio station (105.7 or 91.7; KHCB), but my radio’s antenna isn’t picking it up
  - KE5DFR: Does the radio have an external antenna connection?
    - it’s a very thin wire that is attached internally
  - N5ZKF: a beam antenna would be ideal
  - KC5FGG: can also try stripping and extending
  - N5SBN: was actually a board operator for that station in 1968-1970
2. Looking for a laptop computer for using WinLink mobile using VARA FM; also want general use for spreadsheets
  - KG5LYE:
    - Highly recommend ARM processor (Snapdragon X Elite)
      - Great performance and battery life
      - Can run Windows 11 or Linux (aarch64)
    - Recommended brands:
      - Samsung - I got one for my mom, and it’s been good
      - ASUS - Vivobook is a solid, generally affordable lineup
      - Dell - XPS lineup has been really good in the past, but had some problems a few years ago (might be better now?)
    - Brands to avoid:
      - Microsoft Surface - quality issues
      - HP - quality issues, “bloatware”
      - Lenovo - can be hit-or-miss
  - KC5DWD: might also try using an Android phone to run the WinLink mobile app
W1JCW:
- I can offer my shop to help modify radio if you want
- Also willing to help shop for laptop
- Send me an email: w1jcw@hotmail.com