Net Summary

Weekly Net Summaries

2025 Net Summaries

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April May June
July August September
October November December


February 2025

Net date: Tuesday, February 25

Community Net Weekly Summary - February 25

  • The Community Net is held weekly on Tuesdays, inviting hams from surrounding clubs to socialize, practice communication skills, and stay active on the air.
  • The net started with check-ins from both RF and EchoLink.
  • A structured roundtable discussion followed, covering various topics including weather, personal updates, equipment sales, and emergency preparedness.

Discussion Highlights

Weather & Seasonal Changes:

  • Several participants discussed spring approaching, with temperatures rising in the region.
  • A local groundhog (Lady Edwina at Turtleback Zoo) predicted an early spring.
  • Melting snow and the first flowers blooming were noted by participants.

Ham Radio Events & Auctions:

  • A recent New Providence auction was well attended, with praise for auctioneer Hilary, who efficiently handled the event.
  • Participants noted the start of Hamfest season and referenced a club calendar (hosted on Roseland ARC’s website) listing upcoming events.

Equipment for Sale & Giveaway:

  • A Yaesu FTM-7250DR mobile radio was listed for $200.
  • A branch cutter was offered for free to anyone interested.

Emergency Preparedness & Gasoline Supply Concerns:

  • Extensive discussion on lessons from Hurricane Sandy, particularly gas station preparedness and backup power.
  • Debate over New Jersey’s full-service gas laws and whether gas stations should have backup generators.
  • Some hams shared personal strategies:
    • Filling up both cars before a storm.
    • Keeping extra cash on hand due to potential ATM outages.
    • Having a siphon pump for extracting gas from vehicles in an emergency.

Power Outages & Home Heating Strategies:

  • Several operators shared experiences of long power outages from past storms, with some homes losing power for up to three weeks.
  • Participants discussed methods to stay warm, including:
    • Gas fireplaces & buddy heaters.
    • Hotel stays as a last resort.
    • Neighbors sharing power via extension cords.

Humor & Social Discussion:

  • A joke was posed: “Why do leprechauns love to garden?”
    • Answer: “Because they have green thumbs.”
  • Some lighthearted banter about adjusting car clocks for daylight savings time, with creative “solutions” like disconnecting the battery at exactly 12:00 PM.

Moment of the Net:

The honor for the best moment of the net goes to Maurice (KB2SUL) for his hilarious suggestion on resetting the car clock:

“Just disconnect the battery at exactly 12:00 PM and reconnect it—problem solved!”

Nice one, Maurice! 🎉🔧🚗

Final Thoughts:

  • The net wrapped up with a reminder about emergency preparedness, including fuel, water, food, and cash.
  • Net control thanked SBARC for use of the repeater and officially closed the session.

March 2025

Net date: Tuesday, March 4

Community Net Weekly Summary - March 4

Topics Discussed:

  1. Check-ins & Introductions:
    The net opened with check-ins from operators via Echolink and RF. A mix of familiar voices and new participants joined in, with everyone sharing their location and status.

  2. Weather Updates:
    Members noted that temperatures were rising above freezing, a sign that spring is approaching. There was optimism about upcoming warm days, even with a rainy forecast on the horizon.

  3. Radio & Technical Topics:
    • Discussion about the W2LI-4 packet BBS being back online.
    • Comparison of different HTs—Yaesu FT-70D vs. a budget Baofeng—highlighting how sometimes the cheaper radio performs better.
    • Troubleshooting issues with Echolink, including ISP-related blocks and relay settings for better performance.
  4. Scams & Fraud Alerts:
    • Several participants shared recent scam experiences, from fraudulent phone numbers posing as GEICO to fake Apple support calls.
    • Emphasis was placed on recognizing phishing attempts and avoiding sharing personal information over the phone.
  5. Medical Trivia & Fun Questions:
    • A trivia question asked, “What is the largest organ in the human body?”—with skin being the correct answer.
    • Another question followed: “What is the #1 symptom that makes people visit a doctor?” Answer: Pain.
    • Some playful alternative answers were suggested, like “falling” and “temperature.”
  6. Hamfest & Local Events:
    • A mention of an upcoming hamfest in Cherryville sparked interest. Some members were unsure if they could attend due to family obligations.
  7. Personal News & Miscellaneous Topics:
    • One member shared that his mother had just turned 98, receiving warm congratulations from the group.
    • There was also discussion about daylight savings time coming up, with members reminding each other to set their clocks forward.

Moment of the Net:

The funniest moment of the net happened when a participant, while discussing medical trivia, joked about how pain leads people to the doctor, then followed up with:

“A guy walks into the doctor’s office and says, ‘Every time I raise my right hand, it hurts!’ The doctor looks at him and says, ‘Then don’t raise your right hand!’”

The groan-worthy joke got a good laugh from the group, making it the standout moment of the evening.

Closing Remarks:
The net wrapped up with 73s all around, encouragement to join the morning coffee chat on the repeater, and a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Thanks to everyone who participated—until next week!

Net date: Tuesday, March 11

Community Net Weekly Summary - March 11

Tonight’s St. Barnabas Hosted Community Net covered a variety of topics, ranging from weather updates and gardening to technical discussions and scam awareness. Below are the key highlights from the session.

  1. General Discussion
    • Weather Update: The day saw an unseasonably warm 75-degree temperature, leading to discussions about gardening, outdoor activities, and even turning on air conditioning.
    • Gardening Talk: Several participants shared updates on overwintered plants and tropical peppers, with excitement about the upcoming spring growing season.
    • Academic Conference: An upcoming conference at NJIT was noted, but registration had already closed.
  2. Staten Island Radio Club & Solar-Powered Communications
    • A participant shared information about a Staten Island high school radio club where students are encouraged to get their amateur radio licenses. The club operates under the callsign WS1THS.
    • Another interesting project discussed was a solar-powered vehicle with an integrated communication system, being developed by a group called Seagull Solar. The vehicle operates under the callsign WS0LAR and is designed to use cross-band repeaters for extended communication capabilities.
    • A request was made for a used dual-band mobile radio to support the solar-powered vehicle project.
  3. Technical Topics
    • Echolink Update: The latest Echolink app update introduced a red transmission screen, prompting discussion on its usefulness and impact on user experience.
    • Connectivity Issues: Some operators experienced Echolink instability, with dropped connections and difficulties reconnecting.
    • NetLogger Recommendation: A tool for tracking net check-ins and participation was suggested for better net management.
    • Blocking Scam Calls: Various phone and VOIP blocking options were discussed to combat unwanted spam and scam calls.
  4. Equipment Sales & Requests
    • Radios for Sale:
      • Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band for $100
      • Yaesu FT-4XR Dual Band for $50
    • Request for Used Equipment: A request was made for a used dual-band mobile radio to support the solar-powered vehicle communication project.
  5. Fun & Entertainment
    • Riddle of the Night:
      • “What can go up a chimney down, but not down a chimney up?”
      • Answer: An umbrella 🌂 (This stumped a few participants!)
  6. Scam Awareness & Security
    • Common scams were discussed, including:
      • Fake delivery notifications (e.g., UPS package scams)
      • Spoofed account update emails
      • Robocalls requesting personal information
    • The consensus was to never click on suspicious links or respond to unverified messages.
  7. Miscellaneous Updates
    • Tax Season Updates: A participant working in tax preparation shared their experience of a busy season.
    • Reservoir Levels & Drought: Low reservoir levels in northern New Jersey were noted, confirming ongoing drought conditions.
    • Daylight Saving Time Effects: The longer daylight hours were appreciated by many, signaling the arrival of spring.
  8. Closing Remarks
    • Final check-ins were taken, and the net concluded at the top of the hour, returning the repeater to normal use.

Final Thoughts Tonight’s net covered a wide range of topics, including weather, gardening, technical updates, scam awareness, and fun riddles. The discussion about solar-powered communications was a highlight, and the Echolink software update sparked debate on usability.

Looking forward to the next session! 73!

Net date: Tuesday, March 18

Community Net Weekly Summary – March 18

Spring is knocking, the bees are buzzing, and the radios are crackling with activity—welcome to another St. Barnabas Hosted Community Net! This week’s session had everything: technical deep dives, radio sales, philosophical riddles, and even a brand-new ham making waves from Staten Island!

🎙️ Roll Call & A Staten Island Surprise

Check-ins started strong with hams joining via RF and Echolink, but one operator had a little more adventure than expected. A participant from Staten Island Technical High School checked in—eventually—after battling a technical gremlin. Turns out, their J-Pole antenna was solid, but the radio settings weren’t quite right, and they were trying to check in on simplex instead of the repeater input. Once they got it sorted, their 50-watt signal made it through, which is no small feat considering the hills and valleys in between.

Their check-in sparked some fun technical chatter, with others discussing the tricky topography of the area and whether a Yagi antenna might be a good experiment. Another operator pointed out that mobile signals from Staten Island had struggled earlier in the day, but a properly placed rooftop antenna made all the difference.

🛠️ Equipment Talk: The Bargain Bin & A New Toy

There was a little ham radio shopping spree happening, too. Someone put up a Yaesu FT-60R for $100, and a DMR UHF radio still in the box for a bargain $50—practically giving the thing away. No word on whether a bidding war broke out, but those deals were tempting.

Meanwhile, one participant shared their excitement about purchasing a Xiegu G90 HF transceiver. This little rig packs 20 watts of punch and even has a built-in tuner, making it perfect for mobile HF ops. The plan? Stick an antenna on the car and hit the road with some HF action. This, of course, led to some good-natured ribbing about how they should just install a 100-foot wire on the roof rack and “see what happens.”

🛑 The Riddle That Stumped the Net

Every good net needs a mental workout, and one participant delivered with this brain-bender:
“What question can you never say yes to?”

The guesses started rolling in, with one operator confidently declaring the answer was, “Are you a liar?” The logic? If you say yes, then you’re a liar, which means you’re lying about being a liar, so… uh… yeah. Brain meltdown initiated.

But the real answer was revealed to be: “Are you asleep?” Cue the groans, laughter, and light existential crisis.

🐝 Bees, Hamfests & Red Cross Operations

Spring fever is real, and the hams are feeling it. The crocuses are popping, the forsythias are glowing yellow, and one operator had a full-blown moment with a bee on their windshield. Instead of swatting it, they slowed down, spoke to it like an old friend, and let it fly away. Good karma achieved.

Two big events are coming up:
📻 Parsippany Hamfest – Radios, parts, mystery gear, and maybe some old chassis with outrageous price tags.
🏠 Red Cross Operating Event – If everything lines up, the WEARC club will fire up some HF and digital modes at their Fairfield station.

There was some last-minute wheeling and dealing over who’s going where, and whether anyone needs a ride (or just a good excuse to spend money on radio gear).

👋 Wrapping Up: See You Next Time!

As the net wound down, everyone shared final thoughts, weekend plans, and 73s. One last call for check-ins came up empty—either everyone was already in bed, or they were too busy looking up the Xiegu G90.

The repeater was returned to normal use, and just like that, another great net was in the books. Same time, same place next week—bring your radios, riddles, and maybe a little more antenna gain if you’re calling in from Staten Island.

🔥 73 and keep the airwaves lively! 🔥

Net date: Tuesday, March 25

Community Net Weekly Summary – March 25

🌐 Community Net – March 25, 2025 Recap 🎙️
Live from the RF airwaves and EchoLink alike, this week’s social net was buzzing with early spring energy, plant pride, a little radio troubleshooting, and more than a few laughs.

🧠 Insightful Highlights

Spring has officially arrived—and it seems to have brought half the garden with it.

This week’s roundtable touched on everything from weather predictions (an optimistic 80°F forecast!) to propagation prep and a new local net. Operators shared their gardening projects, tech hiccups, and upcoming events—all in the true spirit of amateur radio camaraderie.

A key update: the repeater will begin hosting the Essex County ARES Net starting in April. This net will meet monthly on the second Thursday at 8 PM Eastern, open to anyone interested in emergency communications, regardless of whether they live in Essex County or are officially part of ARES.

Meanwhile, one operator ran into a CW keying issue on his Icom rig. That sparked an on-air diagnostic brainstorm session that included everything from checking jacks, toggling between keyer modes, and confirming settings like full break-in vs. semi-break-in. Even a GPT-generated troubleshooting list made its way into the mix—turns out AI is now joining the roundtable, too.

🌼 Gardening Goes Ham

You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a gardening club with a side of RF. Spring had everyone talking soil and sprouts:

  • Rhubarb was just peeking above ground with its tiny, crinkled leaves.
  • A Wiri pepper plant passed from neighbor to neighbor like a VIP seedling.
  • Milkweed was going in to attract monarchs, while tree seedlings from the Arbor Day Foundation were being carefully potted.
  • Butterfly bushes, cucumber vines, and tomato dreams filled the air—along with questions about overwintering potted plants in garages or basements.

Even hams who swore off plants after childhood yard chores were reconsidering after hearing all the buzz.

And just to drive home how deep the veggie rabbit hole goes: someone looked up the number of known tomato varieties—over 10,000! That’s not a typo. (By comparison, cucumbers only have about 100. Sorry, cucumbers.)

💬 Engaging Exchanges

The recent in-person meetup at the Red Cross facility got high praise. Operators shared stories of operating CW, socializing over radios, and tossing around ideas like returning to the club after the upcoming Splitrock Hamfest in May for more radio fun.

A few folks also shared their experiences with family members in the hospital or recovering from illness. The group sent warm wishes and showed support, as always. This net doesn’t just build antennas—it builds community.

And yes, there was a very gentle roast when someone kept mixing up two operators with very different call signs and hometowns—because, as it turns out, everyone taller than you starts to look the same after a while.

🧩 Trivia Time!

One participant dropped a classic riddle that left most scratching their heads:
“What kind of room has no doors or windows?”

The correct answer—supplied by one operator’s better half—was:
“A mushroom.”

It landed well, especially with folks planning to test it out on their grandkids.

🛠️ Marketplace & Odds ‘n Ends

  • A lightly used Yaesu FTM-7250DR was offered up for $200.
  • Trenton Computer Festival was mentioned as an upcoming event. Fun fact: someone spotted an Einstein impersonator at a related meeting… which is somehow exactly what you’d expect at a Princeton-area tech gathering.
  • Reminder: when selling gear at a hamfest, maybe don’t price it like it’s museum-grade if you’re serious about letting it go!

🌱 Final Thoughts

The net wrapped with a few last garden notes, a mini botany lesson on hybrid tomato plants, and more spring optimism. While some signed off early with warm 73s, others lingered, soaking up the vibe of a group that knows how to mix RF with TLC.

The weekly St. Barnabas Net continues to be a place for more than just signal reports—it’s where technical minds meet big hearts, with a dash of humor and homegrown tomatoes on the side.

See you next week! And hey, don’t forget your flip-flops—it might actually hit 80 degrees.

April 2025

Net date: Tuesday, April 1

Community Net Weekly Summary – April 1


🌐 Community Net Recap – April 1, 2025

April Fool’s Day might be built for pranks, but the only thing this net fooled us with was how quickly two hours could fly by. The St. Barnabas Community Net once again proved why Tuesday nights on the repeater are anything but boring. We had a mix of seasoned voices, fresh check-ins, storm recaps, gardening tips, and even a riddle to stump the room.

✅ Check-Ins and First-Timers

The net kicked off with a warm welcome to both EchoLink and RF stations, including several familiar check-ins and a brand-new licensee from Mendham using a handheld. Great to see new folks jumping into the hobby—and they even scored the lucky number seven in the round table!

🌦️ Weather Tales and Lightning Shows

Much of the net reflected on the dramatic thunderstorms from the night before. One operator reported “lightning bolts so thick it was unbelievable,” while another checked a local rain gauge and measured about an inch of rain. Not catastrophic, but enough to ease some ongoing drought concerns. As someone aptly put it, “Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain”—which may now be our official spring anthem.

🍻 Beer, Birds, and Backyard Experiments

  • One participant’s 2004 Honda Civic air conditioner miraculously still works—cause for celebration!
  • A future BBQ was teased, featuring microbrew beer from Toms River—just waiting on a sunny Saturday.
  • Sightings of robins, blue jays, and cardinals confirmed that spring is officially in the air.
  • There’s a gardening experiment underway with dehydrated soil and the growing of weary pepper plants, which may eventually be turned into homemade hot sauce.
  • A plug was made for NJ’s Pequest Fish Hatchery and the joys of trout season—perfectly timed with others sharing their fly-fishing backgrounds.

📻 Gear Talk and Club Happenings

Someone shared news of a DMR UHF handheld radio for sale—boxed, barely used, and priced at just $50. It’s a great deal, complete with charger and reportedly one of the best speakers on a handheld.

Mentions were made of the upcoming club meeting (both in person and online), and a reminder that ARRL Field Day is just three months away. Never too early to start planning!

🧠 Moment of the Net: The Riddle Showdown

This week’s “Moment of the Net” goes to the classic riddle:

“What can travel around the world without leaving its corner?”
Answer: A stamp.

That stumped a few folks and kicked off a spirited debate. An alternate answer was floated: the North and South Poles—always in their corner, yet central to global rotation. But the original riddle won out in the end.

Best of all? The closing pun:

“I’ll put my stamp of approval on all of tonight.”

Well played.

💬 Final Thoughts

As always, the net wrapped up with warm 73s, light-hearted banter, and an open invitation to stick around for more socializing. There was even a reminder to check your tire pressure—because with changing spring temps, that PSI can sneak up on you.

Net date: Tuesday, April 8

Community Net Weekly Summary – April 8


🎙️ Community Net Recap – April 8, 2025

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and this Tuesday’s edition of the St. Barnabas Community Net was a textbook case. We squeezed in three full rotations of stories, trivia, weather rants, garden updates, and net wisdom, all before the hour struck. Not bad for an “unofficial” spring night where the thermometer still thinks it’s January.

🌦️ Weather Whiplash Continues

This week’s theme? Mother Nature is not ready to let go. One moment it’s crocuses blooming, the next it’s snow in the Berkshires and 24-degree wind chills. Even the “weather guy” on the net had to turn his heat back on. And yes, there were strong opinions about that.

Several net participants are clearly done with the cold, but others took time to appreciate the upside:

  • Rainy days helped fill the rivers and ease lingering drought concerns.
  • Pollen haters rejoiced with every drop.
  • One person even timed their fertilizer application perfectly with a light rain. Now that’s efficiency.

🌸 Cherry Blossoms, Hot Dogs, and Hidden Parks

The discussion turned poetic as memories of Branch Brook Park came pouring in. With its stunning cherry blossoms and storied past, the park sparked some great nostalgia:

  • Once home to the largest cherry blossom collection on the East Coast.
  • Beloved for school field trips and family outings (though not everyone was thrilled about missing the swing sets).
  • And yes, JJ’s Hot Dog Truck—still operating after three generations—got a shoutout and is officially now on everyone’s food pilgrimage list.

💻 Club Upgrades and Activities

Big tech news: a brand-new WEARC club laptop was acquired this week, complete with Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, and a 15” screen. It’s destined for FT8 operation in the club station, and several operators are excited to get it configured and integrated.

A new ground-wave HF coordination night also kicked off—an informal Wednesday evening event for those who want to experiment with 10m, 40m, or whatever works. And in the public service realm, a monthly Essex County ARES Net is making its comeback this Thursday, April 10th and will take place each second Thursday of the month.

🎯 Moment of the Net: The Riddle & The Reveal

This week’s “Moment of the Net” was all about brainpower:

Riddle: “Spell me forward, I’m something you do every day. Spell me backward, I’m something you hate.”

The answer? LIVE / EVIL
Cue applause, texted guesses, and one very proud ham who relayed the correct answer from the home team. 🧠👏

🧪 Garden Experiments and Pest Battles

The growing season is beginning—sort of. Between hyacinths, daffodils, and tulips trying to bloom and persistent snow in higher elevations, it’s a waiting game. One participant reported their crocuses were “fighting to stay up” through a dusting of snow. Another confirmed the black ants have returned, staking their claim to the kitchen sink. Ah, spring.

And of course, the elusive weary pepper made another appearance—still germinating, still promising health benefits and fiery heat.

💡 Final Notes & Friendly Sign-Offs

The net wrapped with shoutouts, tech tips (Zoom > Skype for club meetings, FYI), and the universal truth that no one actually likes folding laundry. Also, dishes waited patiently while folks enjoyed just one more round. Priorities.

As always, this net served up connection, community, and a few surprises. See you next Tuesday—and don’t forget to keep your antenna up, your coffee hot, and your hot dog cravings ready. JJ’s, we’re coming for you. 🌭🌸

Net date: Tuesday, April 15

Community Net Weekly Summary – April 15


🎙️ St. Barnabas Community Net Recap – April 15, 2025

The mid-April edition of the St. Barnabas Community Net had it all—sunshine, salmon mishaps, trivia twists, antenna advice, and the great Coffee Club rebrand. With eleven check-ins spanning from New Jersey to Eastern Europe, this net once again reminded us that a repeater can be a window to the world.

🌞 Weather Watch: Shorts and Snowflakes

The weather took center stage again this week. While some participants declared it officially “shorts season” and got the grill going, others—especially those farther north—were watching snowflakes in the forecast. One operator shared that it was 58°F with clear skies, while another’s app showed snow arriving overnight. Go figure.

As one ham put it: “Mother Nature is still trying to decide if it’s spring or not.”

🍳 Farewell to the Coffee Club — Hello, Breakfast Club!

The morning informal net, long known as the “Coffee Club,” has officially rebranded itself as the Breakfast Club to reflect its international and time zone-flexible nature. After all, when one person’s sipping espresso, someone else might already be on their second glass of wine.

The change also sparked a nostalgic dive into pop culture:

  • Yes, the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club came up (and yes, there was a debate over whether it was detention or summer school).
  • Bonus trivia: the original “Breakfast Club” was actually a popular radio program in the 1950s, later simulcast on ABC TV.

🎵 Cue Simple Minds: “Don’t You Forget About Me.”

🧠 Moment of the Net: The Presidential Riddle

This week’s riddle barely had time to breathe before getting solved—turns out, the answer is a local celebrity:

“The 22nd and 24th U.S. Presidents had the same parents, but were not brothers. How is this possible?”
Answer: It’s the same person—Grover Cleveland!

This week’s trivia question didn’t pose much of a challenge for this crew—especially given how familiar some are with Grover Cleveland. The moment the riddle was read, a correct answer followed swiftly, prompting knowing nods rather than puzzled silence. One participant even reminded us that the club has held events at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace, making this more of a memory jog than a brain teaser.

📡 Ham Radio Highlights

  • A new voice joined the net this week, checking in via EchoLink for the first time and asking about the ICOM 7300—a popular and powerful HF rig. Plenty of advice followed, including suggestions to check Ham Radio Outlet and a reminder that antennas matter just as much.
  • Another participant reported 200 FT8 contacts and 50 DX entities—a huge milestone and a nice testament to propagation and patience.
  • Milkweed plants arrived in the mail (yes, in a plastic bag), and the butterfly project is officially underway.
  • A flowering plant called ranunculus sparked curiosity and horticultural admiration, proving yet again that this net is as much about life as it is about radio.

🔧 From the Shack to the Grill

The weekly chatter featured:

  • Grilling misfires caused by high wind and unlit burners,
  • Dreams of salmon on the deck,
  • Barbecue flashbacks tied to boom box anthems,
  • And yes, dishwashing shifts that had net control signing off temporarily.

🎉 Elder Wisdom and a Living Link to History

One of the most exciting moments came when an operator reported hearing from a 90-year-old amateur—licensed in 1952 and believed to be a founding member of the St. Barnabas club. Still living locally, he checked in recently with a decades-old HT.

There’s now talk of capturing his stories, interviewing him, and documenting this living history while we still can. As someone aptly put it, “That’s a big part of amateur radio in this area—we need to preserve it.”

💬 Final Thoughts

As the net wound down, operators shared well-wishes, commented on new rigs, announced upcoming travel plans to Cyprus, and gave thanks for the community they’ve found on the air.

And while not everyone agreed on what The Breakfast Club was really about, we all agreed on this: barbecues, bumblebees, and bonding over the bands mean spring has truly arrived.

Catch the St. Barnabas Community Net every Tuesday at 7 PM. Come for the trivia, stay for the tulips—and don’t forget to say hi at the Breakfast Club. You might just walk away with a riddle, a rig recommendation, and a recipe for grilled salmon. 🐟🎙️🌼

Net date: Tuesday, April 22

Community Net Weekly Summary – April 22


🛰️ St. Barnabas Community Net Recap – April 22, 2025

Spring was in full swing on this week’s net, and so was the storytelling—from riddles about bald guys, to Jack Daniel’s trivia, to a surprise history lesson on NASA on the Air. We had 13 check-ins, including a few fresh voices, a remote participant from Eastern Europe, and a Memphis operator who taught us more about Tennessee than any travel guide ever could.

🌤️ Weather Report: Bats, Barbecues, and Blooming Dogwoods

Everyone seemed to be soaking up the spring weather—literally. Between grill smoke, mosquito defense strategies, and blooming cherry trees, the airwaves were full of seasonal updates:

  • Multiple operators were grilling dinner live during the net (chicken, steak, corn, salmon, spaghetti, and meatballs all made appearances).
  • One backyard featured bats on mosquito duty while another had pink dogwoods and cherry blossoms in full bloom.
  • Several reported highs in the 70s and 80s, with one station dealing with a post-thunderstorm cooldown.

Let’s just say no one was complaining.

📡 Ham Happenings: Updates, QSL Cards, and Burned Finals

On the amateur radio front:

  • One op is up to 228 contacts and 55 countries on FT8—a strong showing for digital mode fans.
  • Another shared memories of a cross-country road trip made more fun by making VHF contacts and receiving a stack of QSL cards upon returning home.
  • A cautionary tale: One inexpensive mobile rig suffered VHF final failure after transmitting while sitting in direct sunlight. A reminder that even radios need shade sometimes.

🧠 The Riddle Returns

As is tradition, the net’s resident puzzler dropped a zinger:

“A man goes out in heavy rain with nothing to protect him. His hair doesn’t get wet—how?”

The answer?
He’s bald.
(Which had everyone laughing and offering their own spin—“he dodged the raindrops” or “never left the building” were close contenders.)

One participant shared this gem:

“I knew I was going bald when the shampoo started lasting longer and the face lotion ran out faster.”

🎬 Pop Culture & Pour Decisions

The Breakfast Club movie got a callback this week, with one participant finally watching it and finding the ending “surprisingly deep.” The classic tune “Don’t You Forget About Me” earned nostalgic nods.

But the real plot twist? The net pivoted into a spirited debate about Jack Daniel’s, Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, and whether carrot juice makes you less tolerant to hard liquor. Consensus:

  • Jack Daniel’s burns.
  • Mixed with Coke, it’s tolerable.
  • Carrot juice and tequila don’t mix.
  • And yes, someone has tried a pre-mixed Jack & Coke in a can—but it just wasn’t the same.

🌄 Spotlight State: Tennessee Takes Center Stage

A newcomer from Memphis unknowingly sparked a full-blown cultural segment. Thanks to them, we learned:

  • Tennessee is home to Moon Pies, Smoky Mountains, Graceland, Dolly Parton, Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, barbecue, black bears, banjo circles, and yes— Davey Crockett.
  • Memphis blues and Nashville country music got well-deserved recognition.
  • As for the spaghetti and meatballs? Not exactly traditional Tennessee fare—but like any good Southern fusion, it just worked in the moment. Elvis probably would’ve approved. 🍝🎸

👨‍🔧 Tech Notes and PL Tones

A heads-up from net control: One participant experienced PL tone issues when switching from EchoLink to RF, leading to transmissions not carried by the repeater. A quick reminder to check your PL (CTCSS) tone is 100.0 Hz when participating in the tnet via the local VHF repeater.

🚀 Space Corner: NASA On The Air (NOTA)

Another op gave a heads-up about NASA On The Air, a special event honoring the first spaceflight. Multiple NASA-affiliated stations will be operating throughout early May—definitely worth chasing for the logbook.

🧼 Sign-Offs and 73s

As the sun set and the dishes loomed, participants signed off with their usual warmth:

  • “Nastrovia!” from overseas.
  • Cherry trees, bats, and long walks made it into the final round.
  • Several folks are now planning a trip to the liquor store to verify the existence of Tennessee whiskey, as part of their amateur radio field research. Strictly for science, of course.

🔚 Final Thoughts

From QSL cards to QTH cuisine, this net had it all. Whether you’re here for the tech tips, gardening updates, or spirited Southern banter, the St. Barnabas Community Net remains a place where hams gather, laugh, learn, and maybe even barbecue mid-transmission.

See you next Tuesday at 7 PM. No hair required. 😄🎙️🥃

Net date: Tuesday, April 29

Community Net Weekly Summary – April 29


🎙️ St. Barnabas Community Net Recap – April 29, 2025

Spring has truly arrived, and with it came another vibrant edition of the St. Barnabas Community Net—featuring flowering gardens, attic antennas, riddle games, emergency comms, cobblestones, and a high chance of allergy meds. With 13 check-ins across RF and EchoLink, the airwaves were filled with camaraderie, local updates, and a healthy dose of trivia confusion.

🌱 Spring Is in the Air (And So Is Pollen)

Spring was in full bloom—literally. From garlic and tulips in the Berkshires to roses and lilacs budding in yards across New Jersey, operators celebrated the growing season. One described the local flora as:

“Mini daffodils, large daffodils, ranunculus, and some flower I can’t remember the name of.”

Even the bees got a shoutout—along with a gentle reminder that they’re struggling in Texas, so plant responsibly!

Of course, no spring net would be complete without allergy talk:

“I’m fully medicated on the generic Claritin—just as good, way cheaper.”

📡 Simulated Emergency Test (SET): ARES Activation This Saturday!

🔥 THIS SATURDAY, MAY 3, STARTING AT 9:00 AM ET 🔥

ARES members and non-members alike are encouraged to check in on this very repeater or via EchoLink for a Simulated Emergency Test (SET) involving Essex, Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic Counties.

What’s happening:

  • 📻 Check-ins begin at 9:00 AM on RF: 146.595 MHz +1.0 PL 100.0 Hz; EchoLink: KC2TXA-R
  • 📡 A simplex test follows at 10:00 AM on 147.540 MHz
  • 🏞️ Essex County operations will be centered at Eagle Rock Reservation

If you’re local, swing by Eagle Rock early to join in person. And yes—water will be provided, unless the gazebo gets taken by a wedding party again. Priorities.

🧠 Moment of the Net: The Riddle That Flipped the Room

This week’s riddle stumped almost everyone:

“What five-letter word, typed in all capital letters, reads the same upside down?”
Answer: SWIMS

The reactions ranged from “Ohhh!” to “I would never have guessed!” to one participant admitting:

“I was going with ‘LEVEL’ but… that doesn’t work upside down. Good one.”

Score another point for the Net’s resident riddle-master.

🏡 Antenna Adventures (and Attic Ambitions)

One participant asked for feedback on using attic antennas for UHF and HF, citing limitations like no trees and a spouse vetoing roof installations.

Responses included:

  • “A few folks out here have done it successfully.”
  • “YouTube has some helpful builds.”
  • “It’s not ideal—but it can absolutely work.”

A few ops hinted they might try it themselves, so expect future reports on attic SWR.

🧱 Cobblestones, Construction, and Curious Paving Choices

A side conversation about tree removal sparked an unexpected history lesson:

  • Several participants recalled when their streets were repaved, revealing pristine cobblestones underneath.
  • One observed:

    “It was a shame to bury those beautiful stones. Fancy stuff under there.”

And we learned:

“You just steamroll them flat and they’re good as new. Way better than asphalt!”

🛰️ Remote Nets & Historic Sites

A few operators reported on the W2NJR system’s mobile net, where gear is set up at historic NJ locations:

  • This Thursday: Barnegat Lighthouse
  • Coming soon: The Blue Comet rail site, the Tuckerton radio tower, and a park in New Brunswick

A fun blend of history, operating, and public visibility. Photos and info are on their Facebook page.

📻 Radio Round-Up: DX, Exams & Digital Links

  • One op hit 60 DXCC entities on FT8—congrats!
  • Another is prepping for the Amateur Extra exam and got encouragement from the crew:

    “50 questions of fun! But well worth the effort.”

  • There was some EchoLink audio weirdness, and a shoutout to AllStarLink for Raspberry Pi users.

🥄 Life Beyond the Bands

Dinner was simmering across the net, including:

  • Spaghetti and meatballs
  • Mystery meals from family debates
  • “Just two forks and a plate”—someone was clearly winning the dishes game

One op was transfixed by a tree removal operation, describing it like a cirque du soleil of chainsaws. Another reported three bats now patrolling their backyard for mosquitoes. Natural pest control!

📻 Final Notes and Sign-Offs

As the net wrapped up, many shared 73s with warm thoughts about the upcoming ARES event and the growing strength of the Tuesday net community.

“I always learn something new on this net—whether it’s about antennas or cobblestones.”
“God bless y’all. 73.”
“I’ll be back in 10. I’ve got dishes to do.”

Until next Tuesday at 7 PM, keep your mics hot, your allergies managed, and your antennas (attic or otherwise) tuned. And don’t forget—Saturday morning at 9 AM, the ARES SET is live. Please check in if you can.