05/26/2026
If you have ever wondered what goes on with our Monday night Zoom meetings here's a summary from last night.
his was AI-generated by Zoom. 73 Greg N4KGL
Quick recap
This was a ham radio Zoom where members discussed recent activities, technical topics, and upcoming events. The group addressed a tornado warning affecting Greg's location during the meeting, with members sharing weather radar data and safety tips. Ken demonstrated his POTA (Parks On The Air) activations at fishing lake parks using his van setup with a hamstick antenna, making 15-18 contacts. Greg showed new features of the World Radio League logging software, including CAT control functionality and a new command center with contest support and real-time synchronization across devices. The meeting also covered the introduction of a new activity called TOTA (Tiles On The Air), which uses 6-digit grid squares similar to radar operations, and members discussed preparations for the upcoming Field Day. Bill shared his experience with AI tools for electronics troubleshooting, while John demonstrated issues with his mag loop antenna setup and SWR measurements.
LB4FH video on TOTA
TOTA Tiles On The Air website
World Radio League Logger WRL supports Multi-op Field Day
2026 ARRL Field Day is June 27 - 28
Chinese Zhuque 2E Y5 Rocket plume at VA3ECO's QTH
Chico, CA Region Guided Tour of POTA Sites generated by CoPilot
POTA Park Activations Discussion
Ken and Jimmie joined the conversation to discuss POTA park activations, with Ken sharing that he had activated several parks, including Florella, Opp, and Falling Waters, which are within an hour of his location. The group discussed the accessibility of different parks for activations, including a less developed area near Troy.
Ham Radio Equipment Updates
Jimmie reported successfully resolving an issue with his Bofang device by purchasing a new battery with USB charging instead of seeking a cradle. The group discussed weather conditions and antenna installations, with Kerry mentioning delays in receiving an antenna shipment due to delivery complications. The conversation concluded with discussions about ham radio activities, including Kerry's positive experience with 40-meter reception and a current CW contest on multiple bands.
Radio Communication and Antenna Challenges
The group discussed radio communication challenges, with KQ4TUS asking about high SWR when switching from Winlink to FT8 on 40 meters. KB4XT explained that different frequencies and antenna tuning requirements could cause SWR variations, suggesting KQ4TUS should retune his ATAS system next time. The conversation then shifted to antenna performance in high-rise condos, with KQ4TUS sharing his experience operating from the 30th floor and looking forward to Field Day for better long-wire antenna setup. The conversation ended with participants discussing weather conditions, including potential tornado activity and recent rain in the area.
Morse Code and Weather Discussion
The group discussed learning Morse code and CW (Continuous Wave) communication, with KQ4TUS sharing their progress and challenges in mastering the skill. The conversation shifted to weather concerns when participants noticed a tornado warning near Headland, with Kerry and others tracking the storm's movement and confirming that most meeting participants were not in immediate danger.
Space and Weather Events Discussion
The group discussed weather and space events, with KB4XT sharing a picture of Fernandina Beach in Northeast Florida and describing his experiences visiting the area. Chris presented a time-lapse video of a Chinese rocket jettisoning fuel, which created a visible plume in the sky, and mentioned receiving an email from SpaceWeather.com about the event. The conversation also touched on the potential submission of Chris's video to SpaceWeather.com and the use of methane-oxygen fuel in rockets.
Ham Radio and Outdoor Activities
The group discussed weather conditions in Cleveland and other locations, with Bill reporting clear weather and no rain expected for a week. Ken shared photos of his POTA (Parks On The Air) activities at fishing lake parks near Ozark, showing his mobile setup in a minivan with a hamstick antenna. The conversation then shifted to fishing experiences, with Chris sharing his story about catching a walleye during a CUSO contact with South America. Greg also mentioned an update to the World Radio League's desktop logging app, which now includes improved CAT control functionality.
New Logging Software Demonstration
Greg demonstrated a new logging software with built-in cat control functionality that supports multiple operators and contest modes. The software features a modern interface with various widgets including a radar scope for activity, space weather data, and band conditions. Greg mentioned that while the software currently runs on Windows, a Linux version is planned, and noted that John has experience using their products.
World Radio League Logging Program
Greg demonstrated a new logging program called World Radio League that allows real-time synchronization of logs across multiple devices without requiring constant internet connection. He explained that while basic logging functionality is free, there are membership levels for additional features like storage. Greg also showed how he used the Copilot app to plan a POTA (Parks On The Air) trip to California, which automatically generated routes, park information, and recommendations based on his desired direction of travel.
AI Applications and Implementation Discussion
The group discussed various applications of AI tools, particularly Microsoft Copilot, with Greg sharing his experience using it for POTA research and schematic analysis. Bill described how he used AI to diagnose and provide parts recommendations for an AM/FM tuner amplifier issue, including generating a parts list and offering to order components through Mouser. The conversation highlighted both the practical benefits and concerns about AI's impact on employment and energy consumption.
Ham Radio Automation Discussion
The group discussed the use of automated tools like Copilot in ham radio operations, with WD0HBR expressing concerns about relying too heavily on such tools without understanding the basics. Chris shared radar contest results, noting that 11 people reported their scores and 24 were signed up, which he considered impressive for recent history. Greg mentioned his recent success in a Florida State Park QRP contest, achieving 247 QSOs over four days.
TOTA Global Radio Activity Introduction
Greg introduced a new activity called "TOTA" (6-digit grid locations) which is similar to POTA but covers the entire world and allows operating from any location rather than just parks. The activity includes bonuses for various factors like taking pets or using specific modes like Winlink and APRS. Greg noted that TOTA could potentially be leveraged for radar purposes since it has spotting features and log upload capabilities, though he acknowledged it's still in early stages with limited current activity.
Tiles Tracking System Discussion
Greg discussed a new tiles tracking system that has similarities to radar and can integrate with existing activities like POTA and SOTA. He mentioned that the system uses 6-digit grid squares but is compatible with 8-digit ones, and noted that someone in Norway is advertising it. Greg also shared details about his high altitude balloon project, including plans to use radio payloads and potentially a simplex repeater for communication. Additionally, WD0HBR discussed technical issues with his test equipment and requested to borrow Greg's isolation transformer to trace signals safely.
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