TGIF Radio Net – September 5, 2025

Preamble 
Welcome to the TGIF Radio Net for Friday, September 5th, 2025. 
My name is Robert – K4WZV, your Net Control for this evening. 
This net meets every Friday on TGIF Talkgroup 31665 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. 
The purpose of the net is to share information, discuss topics of interest, buy/sell/trade amateur radio gear, and enjoy fellowship among operators worldwide. 
All licensed amateurs are welcome to check in. 

---

Check-ins 

KE5CDK – Doug	WB3IHY – Joe	N4HYK – Doc
KF5KHS – Michael	VE4ACD	KC1LKL
WB6MKJ	KN4W	KB3GK
AF7FS	WP3IHY	N3MEL – Glenn
AD2CH – Mark	KG5RKI – Ty	G7LRR – Andy
EA7KDO – Mitch (Silent Key)	KS6S – James (Silent Key)

 

---

Market Place 
- KE5CDK – Doug: Announced he has a Yaesu FT-70 handheld available. It is in excellent condition, with very little use, and comes with the original charger and antenna. Doug mentioned he is asking a fair price and invited interested parties to reach out after the net. 
- WB3IHY – Joe: Mentioned he is in the market for a backup hotspot to use while traveling. He explained that a smaller, portable model would be ideal, and he asked anyone with one available to contact him. 
- KF5KHS – Michael: Shared that he has a TYT MD-UV380 DMR handheld for sale. The radio is lightly used and comes with its original accessories. Michael noted it would make a good first DMR radio for someone looking to get started. 
- Other participants: A few stations briefly mentioned spare parts and accessories available, but the main activity centered around the three items above. 

---

Discussion 
- N4HYK – Doc brought up a question about the origin of the term “wall wart” for AC/DC power adapters. He noted that the phrase seemed to appear everywhere but wasn’t sure who first coined it. 
- WB6MKJ followed up by reading from a reference that explained the term likely came from hobbyists and early personal computer publications. The bulky size of these adapters, which often protruded from outlets and blocked nearby sockets, made them resemble warts on a wall. 
- Several operators shared their own frustrations with wall warts. KN4W described having power strips where only two or three devices could fit because oversized adapters took up too much space. KC1LKL agreed, mentioning that his audio gear and networking equipment suffer from the same problem. 
- KE5CDK – Doug added that manufacturers have slowly improved designs by shifting toward slimmer switching supplies, but many devices still come with bulky adapters. This prompted a lighthearted round of stories about creative ways hams have mounted or modified their adapters to reclaim outlet space. 
- KN4W and KC1LKL both reported intermittent audio dropouts during the net. After troubleshooting, it appeared the issue was related to instability with M1KE hotspots and not with the TGIF server. Other operators chimed in to confirm occasional problems when internet connections falter, underscoring the importance of stable networking for digital nets. 
- On a more personal note, KE5CDK – Doug shared the sad news that KF5KHS – Michael’s stepmother had passed away earlier in the day. Michael had intended to participate in the net but sent his apologies and gratitude to the TGIF community for their support during a difficult time. 

---

Acknowledgements 
- EA7KDO – Mitch, Silent Key, founder of the TGIF Network and creator of Nexian screens. 
- KS6S – James, Silent Key, contributor to Nexian screens and RADxA/Pi-Star development. 
- KG5RKI – Ty, developer of the TGIF network backend code. 
- G7LRR – Andy, developer of dashboard features, DMR contacts, and mapping functions. 
- N3MEL – Glenn, creator of the TGIF forum (now retired). 
- AD2CH – Mark and KE5CDK – Doug, current forum support. 
- WB3IHY – Joe, assisting users and answering technical questions. 

---

Close 
This is Robert – K4WZV. 
I want to thank each and every one of you that participated and checked in to tonight’s TGIF Net. 
A lot of great information was shared, and it was a pleasure to be your Net Controller. 

Special thanks to Mitch EA7KDO and James KS6S, Silent Keys who will always be remembered. 
Thanks also to Ty KG5RKI, Andy G7LRR, Glenn N3MEL, Mark AD2CH, Doug KE5CDK, Joe WB3IHY, and everyone who supports the TGIF community. 

This is Kilo 4 Whiskey Zulu Victor, closing the TGIF Net. 
Talkgroup 31665 is now returned to normal amateur radio use. 
73 to all, and thank God it’s Friday! 

TGIF Amateur Radio Net Summary – September 5, 2025

Good evening, and welcome to the TGIF Amateur Radio Net on September 5, 2025. This is [Net Control Station, KW0Z], your net control for tonight. The TGIF Net is a weekly gathering of amateur radio operators from around the world, coming together to share experiences, discuss radio-related topics, and enjoy the camaraderie of our hobby.

We meet every Friday evening on this frequency to exchange ideas, stories, and technical knowledge. Tonight’s discussion topic is “How We Got Started in Amateur Radio,” where we’ll explore your early experiences with CB radio, shortwave listening, scanners, or repairing electronics like radios, TVs, or VCRs.

We’ll also have our TGIF Trading Post segment for buying, selling, trading, or sharing stories about radio gear and swap meets. Please wait for my call to check in, and when you do, give your call sign phonetically, your name, and your location. Let’s begin with check-ins. This is [KW0Z], go ahead with your check-ins.

List of Check-ins

Below is a comprehensive list of all check-ins noted in the transcript of the TGIF Amateur Radio Net on September 5, 2025:

KM4GWB
KB1PZS (Bob, Connecticut)
KC3JS
KD6KWV
ZL2BEZ (Wellington, New Zealand)
KC3NRS (Jerry, Oswego, Illinois)
KE2KL (Angel)
NY2S (Tom, West Palm Beach, Florida)
W3MTN (Doug)
AF8X (Gary)
K7DCE (Doug)
WD4LED (Steve)
KA1PIT (Dwight)
KB3JQQ (Scott)
N9NJS (Lee)
KB4OCE (Chris)
KE8PCQ (David)
WB3GCK (Craig)
WD8KOB (Rod)
N6PAW (Gary)
VE6PLC (Cliff)
KF8I (Clint)
KN4RW (Rudy)
KC1MNJ (Martha)
KC1LKO (Miguel)
N6CZE (Gary, West Central, Ohio)
KJ4LWZ (Glenn)
WC7V (WSC7Z)
EXO
KE4TLC (Kerry)
KE8APO (Dave)
NY4NC (Steven, Wake Forest, North Carolina)
KA3NGT (Bruce)
KA7DLB (Sharon)
KD0CIV (Dolores)
KD9VITO (Kerry)
JN4TVI (Juliet)
KV9Q (Mike)
N3TJK (Tim, Pasadena, Maryland)
KF5MD (Mark)
KC4EXO
KB4QCE
N9DRF
KC5LAA
NG5N
KC0MYP (Dana, Mason, Michigan)
AE6ML (Mike)
K2OZ (Dan)
WB3GTM (Mike)
KA2YET (Angel)
KF6S (James Valley)
N4ZWR (Sam)
K4WZV (Robert)
NP4M (Noel)
N4LDB (Lance)
K5GU (Leland)
KD4BJA (Kirk)
KF5KHS (Michael, Corsicana, Texas)
EA7KDO/SK (Mitch Savage)
KM9Q (Scott)
N8ZC (Carrie, Bancroft, Michigan)
WE8M (David)
KB9LIQ (Ben)
KB8KES (Mike)
WD9HGO (Paul)
N9DYO (Herb)
KB8PFL (Ed)
KD8PUD (Larry, Swanton, Ohio)
KC8USA (Fred)
KD9WSO
NS8G
K8WF (Bill)
KD9LOR (Doug)
VE3RD
WX4BDP (Brandon, Cedartown, Georgia)
WB3IHY (Joe)
KC9SIO (Steve)
N4HYK (Doc, Central West Florida)
N4RJJ (Bob)
VE2FCR (Leo)
KB3NUN (Eddie)

Total Check-ins: Approximately 90, as noted by the net control.

Summary of the Marketplace

The TGIF Trading Post segment, which focused on buying, selling, trading, or sharing stories about amateur radio gear and swap meets, had limited participation but included some notable contributions:

Steve (KW0Z):
Shared his recent activities, including browsing QRZ, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace for radio gear. He discussed his project of wiring an audio console for the TGIF net, mentioning challenges with crossed wires and debugging. He also shared a story about selling an old IFR-FM service monitor to a ham in Kansas City, meeting at a Sonic parking lot to trade stories and complete the transaction.

Doc (N4HYK):
Commented on the lack of activity in the trading segment, reflecting on how modern amateur radio operators tend to buy new equipment rather than use or build used or homebrew gear, as was more common in the past. He commended those who still engage in building and crafting their own equipment, like antennas, and expressed surprise at the low participation in the trading discussion.

No other stations contributed specific trading stories, as the segment transitioned into broader discussions about amateur radio experiences. Steve noted the appeal of modern "craft projects" like 3D-printed stands for hotspots, mentioning his recent acquisition of a 3D-printed stand for his TGIF hotspot.

Overall, the marketplace discussion was brief, with only Steve and Doc contributing. The focus shifted to nostalgic reflections on homebrewing and the evolution of amateur radio practices rather than active trading or swap meet stories.

TGIF Amateur Radio Net Discussion – How We Got Started in Amateur Radio

The discussion segment centered on how participants got started in amateur radio, including their experiences with Citizens Band (CB) radio, shortwave listening, scanners, or repairing electronics like radios, TVs, or VCRs. The net control, Steve (KW0Z), encouraged participants to share stories about their early radio experiences, technical projects, and what drew them to the hobby. Below is a summary of the key contributions:

Steve (KW0Z):
Shared his early experiences starting in the 1960s at age 11, working in a two-way radio shop soldering microphone and coax cables and climbing towers. He emphasized the hands-on nature of radio work back then, including soldering crimp connections for reliability.

Recounted visiting Associated Radio in 2016, expecting to discuss building transmitters but finding modern amateur radio focused on purchasing equipment. He described his recent project of building audio cables and debugging an audio console for the net, highlighting his ongoing hands-on approach.

Mentioned his CB radio experience, noting the transition from 8 or 14 channels to 23 and then 40, and his work on scanners and low-band business radios. He also held a second-class radio telephone license, which delayed his amateur radio license pursuit until later.

Doc (N4HYK):
Expressed nostalgia for the era when hams commonly used homebrew or used equipment, contrasting it with the modern trend of buying new gear. He commended those who still build their own equipment, like antennas, and noted the lack of trading activity in the net as indicative of changing times.

Brandon (WX4BDP):
Made an announcement about his Raspberry Pi-based talk group (ID 174), renamed to "National Weather Relays," encouraging others to join and communicate on it for weather-related relays. This was more of an announcement than a direct contribution to the discussion topic but reflected technical engagement with radio platforms.

Robert (KB1PZS):
Shared a detailed story of his path to amateur radio via CB radio and scanner enthusiasm. He started with CB in the 1970s as a child, influenced by his truck driver father’s use of CB radios in every car.

Recounted modifying CB radios, aligning TX/RX, and unlocking clarifiers, learning soldering and schematics. He described picking up discarded CB radios during spring cleanups, fixing them by replacing blown protection diodes.

Highlighted his CB handle, "The Raven," and using a 23-channel Lafayette radio. His pivotal moment was hearing global stations on channel 38 lower sideband, which led to encouragement from hams to get his technician license in 2008.

Shared a humorous memory of using his father’s Browning Golden Eagle CB at age five, getting caught by his father an hour away when he keyed up.

Joe (WB3IHY):
Attributed his entry into amateur radio to his older brother, who got licensed first, sparking sibling rivalry. Joe followed his brother’s path, earning his license and upgrading through the ranks, initially using his brother’s radios before getting his own.

Expressed a lifelong fascination with the science of radio, marveling at the ability to communicate globally by "wiggling a wire" at the right frequency. He described amateur radio as "magic" and a natural progression for his interest in electronics.

Jerry (KC3NRS):
Shared a story from 38 years ago when he moved into a 110-year-old farmhouse and found a mint-condition Kenwood TS520 in a barn chest, which he still uses. He noted its superior sound compared to modern radios.

Admitted to early CB use without a license, using his finger as an antenna to receive signals. He later earned his ham license after attending a field day and learning from experienced hams, eventually teaching at his radio club.

Fred (KC8USA):
Discussed his wintertime hobby of repairing 8-tracks, reel-to-reels, DVDs, and VCRs, noting that 75% of issues are due to worn belts. He advised using devices regularly to prevent belt deterioration and storing spare belts in the freezer to preserve them.

Shared maintenance tips, like cleaning capstans with 90% isopropyl alcohol and lubricating drive motor bushings, reflecting his technical expertise in electronics repair.

David (WE8M):
Credited his father for sparking his interest in the 1970s, when his dad got his ham license and brought home a CB radio. David initially focused on CB (23 channels at the time) while his father pursued ham radio.

Got his ham license in college while studying computer science, quickly advancing from unlicensed to advanced class, then extra class. He held the call sign NU8H for 30 years before adopting his late father’s call sign, WE8M, to honor his legacy.

Noel (NP4M):
Shared his beginnings in Puerto Rico, where his father used a Sears 23-channel CB radio with a mag mount antenna indoors during storms for emergency communications. This fascinated young Noel and planted the seed for his radio interest.

In the Bronx, he was drawn to Radio Shack’s 40-channel walkie-talkies, sparking further interest in electronics. He studied for his novice license with help from a mentor who modded his Cobra 142 GTO CB to access 10 meters, leading to a memorable first contact with Italy.

Acquired his first HF radio, an Icom 725, from a taxi driver and later earned his general and extra class licenses in Florida, continuing his passion for CW and electronics repair.

Mike (KB8KES):
Recalled using a Mark III CB radio to communicate with his father during swing shifts at the mines, noting the radio’s robust design and tight receiver. His CB call sign was KFX5561, which covered the whole household.

Highlighted the nostalgic appeal of the radio’s tube glow and its ability to reject interference, expressing fondness for the CB era that led him to amateur radio.

The discussion was rich with nostalgic stories, emphasizing the role of CB radio, family influences, and hands-on electronics work in leading participants to amateur radio. Common themes included early exposure through family, technical experimentation, and the allure of Radio Shack as a hub for radio enthusiasts. The net control, Steve, actively engaged with each story, adding his own experiences and encouraging further participation, creating a lively and reflective conversation.

Acknowledgments

Now, stations, I'd like to give a big shout-out to some really special people in our amateur radio family.

Mitch Savage, EA7KDO: Founder of the DMR net. Mitch passed away about a year, year and a half ago. He started the TGIF Radio Net with just a single Raspberry Pi, five users, and one talk group. Mitch developed the next-in-screen hotspot on TGIF MMDVM hotspots and spent countless hours helping operators with technical questions. His spirit lives on in every QSO across the TGIF DMR network.

Ty Weaver, KG5RKI: The coding genius behind TGIF. Working with Ty on the network's development has been a real pleasure.

Andy Nielsen, G7LRR: Manages the TGIF network website, adding features and keeping things running smoothly.

Glenn Allison, N3MEL: Creator of the TGIF forum page. Although retired, his work is remembered and appreciated.

Forum Management Team: Mark Rounds, 82CH; Doug Smith, KE5CDK; and Joe Garber, WB3IHY. These operators keep our forum running smoothly, answering questions, and guiding newcomers.

James Valley, KF6S (SK): Worked with Mitch on next-in-screen hotspots, set standards for DMR radio, and helped develop PiStar for the Red XA boards during the Raspberry Pi shortage.

Vic Lowen, VE3JAR: Known for excellent TGIF documentation.

Phil Thompson, VE3RD: Provides hotspot programming, net recordings, and continues development of next-in-screen hotspots.

Robert Gretzmann, K4WZV: Chief engineer of TGIF.network, keeping the system running 24/7/365.

To all the operators who join our nets: your voices, your stories, and your friendship make the TGIF radio net special. This community keeps getting stronger with each passing week. Your ideas help shape this net.

Thank you for joining our radio net this evening. My name is Steve. My call sign is Kilo Whiskey Zero Zulu, KW0Z. I'm signing off from Jefferson County, Kansas, where the prairie winds carry our signals far and wide. Join us again next week for another TGIF radio net on Friday night at 8:30 p.m. Eastern on Talk Group 31665. The TGIF Talk Group 31665 is now back in use worldwide for community amateur radio use. Seven three stations, and remember, thank God it's Friday. This is KW0Z. I'll be listening.

Welcome anyway IU5OYK  

Welcome anyway K2EPD  

Hey look! it's KQ4GOZ on the TGIF Forum