On Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 9 AM to 1:30 PM ET, local amateur radio operators returned to Bramhall Terrace in South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, New Jersey, for another morning of portable operating, experimentation, and time together outdoors.
The September meetup drew a solid turnout, with approximately 8 to 10 licensed amateur radio operators participating throughout the morning. Two HF stations and one VHF station were set up, giving the group several opportunities to operate, compare equipment, and experiment with different bands and modes.
HF conditions were favorable, with 15 meters in particularly good condition for longer-distance contacts. Activity during the morning included both voice and digital operation using FT8 and FT4.
Todd, KE2HPS, was active on SSB and completed approximately 15 voice contacts with stations in Wisconsin, Texas, Kansas, Minnesota, Alabama, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, and other locations. Most of Todd’s contacts were made on 20 meters with Parks on the Air activation stations, providing a steady stream of stations to work throughout the morning.
Steve, KE2GVV, concentrated on 15-meter FT8 and made numerous digital contacts while conditions on the band were favorable. The digital station provided another good example of how portable HF operating can support a wide variety of operating styles and modes from the same field location.
Mike, KC2NJ, operated 2-meter FM simplex and made several VHF contacts. One of the more interesting contacts was with a mobile station traveling on Route 110 in Huntington, Suffolk County, Long Island, at a distance of approximately 45 miles. The contact provided another opportunity to see how well VHF simplex can perform from the elevated South Mountain location.
The primary HF/VHF voice station included a Yaesu FT-991A along with an Intellitron TA-1317 17-foot telescoping whip configured for 20 meters. The antenna was mounted on a portable POTA spike and used ground radials. VHF operation was supported by an Elk Antennas 2M/440L5 directional antenna.
Weather conditions were excellent once again, with clear skies and warm temperatures making for a comfortable morning in the park. Generous participants also provided water, tables, and chairs for the group.
As with the previous South Mountain gatherings, the event offered a good mix of operating, equipment experimentation, and informal technical discussion. Experienced operators had an opportunity to try different station configurations, while newer amateurs could see portable equipment in actual operation and ask questions about antennas, radios, propagation, and operating techniques.
Should we fit in one more South Mountain portable operating event in October before the weather turns colder? Let us know in the comments!
Maurice, KB2SUL, took many photographs throughout the morning, which appear below for everyone to enjoy.
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