Category: WEARC Blog

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM ET, members of the West Essex Amateur Radio Club (WEARC), Roseland Amateur Radio Club, NPARC, Tri-County Radio Association, and other local amateur radio operators gathered at Bramhall Terrace in South Mountain Reservation, Maplewood, New Jersey, for another morning of portable radio operating and technical experimentation.

The August meetup drew an excellent turnout, with approximately 15 licensed amateur radio operators participating. A significant amount of equipment was brought to the site, including at least five HF radios and several antenna systems. The variety of stations and antennas gave operators multiple options for getting on the air and comparing different portable operating setups.

HF band conditions were good, allowing the group to make many contacts throughout the morning. Activity included three operating modes: voice, CW, and digital communications using FT8 and FT4. The range of equipment and operating modes provided opportunities for experienced operators to experiment while also giving newer amateurs a close look at several aspects of field operation.

VHF activity produced one of the morning’s most notable contacts. Using FM simplex, 50 watts, and a vertically polarized Yagi antenna, the group completed a contact approximately 80 miles east-northeast into Connecticut. The extended range may have been aided by light tropospheric ducting during the early morning, resulting in better-than-usual VHF propagation.

The equipment and hands-on opportunities were enjoyed by experienced operators and newcomers alike. Those newer to amateur radio found particular value in seeing the stations and antennas operating in the field, while having the opportunity to ask technical and operational questions directly of more experienced participants.

Weather conditions were excellent, with clear skies and warm temperatures throughout the event. Generous participants also provided plenty of bottled water and snacks for the group.

Overall, the August gathering was another successful morning of operating, experimentation, and time spent with fellow amateur radio operators. With strong attendance, favorable band conditions, and a wide selection of equipment available, the event offered something of interest for operators at every experience level.

The group is already looking forward to another weekend portable operating meetup, possibly in early September. Maurice, KB2SUL, took many photographs throughout the morning, which appear below for everyone to enjoy.

Special Event – Roseland and other Local Clubs On-The-Air, Saturday, August 1st – South Mountain Reservation

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Portable HF/VHF/UHF operations from Bramhall Terrace in South Mountain Reservation — Maplewood, NJ

Event questions or talk-in: KC2TXA Repeater, 146.595 +1 MHz, 100.0 Hz PL | EchoLink: KC2TXA-R

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cpQqpdH1YsPKEe7x6

DL2MAN is working on a major firmware update for the popular (tr)uSDX HF transceiver.

The new firmware adds a significant calibration process, which helps remove the guesswork for setting the PA bias, frequency adjustment, and other settings.

In addition, some help of AI tools are being used to help make some of these enhancements possible.

Lastly, a true fix for the notably poor SSB phone quality (on transmit) might be addressed as a hardware fix. Effectively, there is no firmware fix for the transmitted audio issues we have all likely observed with the (tr)uSDX in SSB phone mode.

The fix is to utilize more of the A/D converter range/steps by boosting the gain a bit on the microphone.

Although no promises can be made yet on a release date, it is great to see active progress on the (tr)uSDX addressing some of the minor issues that we have observed over the years.

The annual Sussex Hamfest is a longstanding New Jersey amateur radio tradition. Hosted by the Sussex County Amateur Radio Club at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, it brings together radio amateurs from across the region for a day of equipment sales, club activity and conversation.

For WEARC members and friends, the hamfest is also a chance to spend time together away from regular meetings and on-air activity. Some attend to look for radios, antennas, parts or test equipment. Others come mainly to catch up with friends and see what other clubs and vendors are doing.

Hamfests have always served both a technical and social role in amateur radio. They give newer operators a chance to see equipment in person and ask questions, while experienced operators can exchange ideas, discuss projects and reconnect with people they know from the hobby.

The Sussex Hamfest’s mix of outdoor tailgating, indoor vendors and club participation reflects the traditional hamfest format. The equipment may be the reason for the event, but the opportunity to meet and spend time with other radio amateurs remains an important part of the day.

WEARC members and friends enjoyed another morning together at this annual gathering and look forward to returning in the future.

The West Essex Amateur Radio Club gathered at the Fairfield NJ American Red Cross site for Field Day 2026.

We operated SSB (phone) and FT8 (digital mode) on 20M and 40M throughout the weekend.  Antennas were raised and feedline was run a few days prior to the start of Field Day. The HF rigs used were IC 7300’s. Power was commercial, operating in an EOC as 2F.  We had some scouts visit us as well, and we hope we have sparked some interest in radio.

Over 800 contacts were made during the 24 hour event!

Thank you to all of those who helped set up, tear down, and to those who participated and joined us. Also, thanks to the Fairfield American Red Cross for hosting us again this summer!

Preparation for ARRL Field Day 2026 have commenced! Antennas are being raised, feedlines routed, and other preparations for this year’s summer field day. Join WEARC and ARC² at the American Red Cross grounds at 209 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield NJ, Saturday June 27th – Sunday June 28th.

West Essex Amateur Radio Club & ARC²

American Red Cross

209 Fairfield Rd
Fairfield, NJ 07004

Join WEARC and ARC² as we showcase our abilities to establish communications for emergency
operations while making contacts all over the world. Open to the public and all amateur radio
operators. There will be a GOTA Station allowing visitors who do not have a license to “Get on the Air”.

For Licenesed Hams: Talk-in 146.595 PL 100.0 +1.000

Questions: E-Mail

Join Mark Steele, W2MWS, for an introduction to the world of 3D printing and its many applications in amateur radio. Learn about common printing materials, printer types, design and slicing software, and how hams are using 3D printing to create everything from replacement knobs and radio accessories to antenna components and portable operating equipment. Whether you are curious about getting started or looking for new ideas for your shack, this presentation will provide a practical overview of the technology and its benefits to the amateur radio community.

ARC Squared (ARC2) and WEARC radio clubs held a Fox Hunt today, June 14^th at the Fairfield Red Cross facility.

Jerry WB2GZL gave a short tutorial on how to use your HT in a Fox Hunt.

He explained that finding the fox is better with a weaker signal by setting your radio off the frequency (about + or – 5 kHz). Also, if we take the antenna off the radio will help you to get a weaker signal.

Once you find a signal in one direction and 180 degrees from that direction, use your body to shield the antenna to help find the true direction.

Participants were Margaret KD2MAR, Steven KE2GVV and Bill NB1LL.

After many false assumptions and wandering around for a while, Steven found the fox.

It was a good experience for all.

We will be holding another hunt in the Fall.

Thank you, Jerry, for your knowledge and patience.

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, amateur radio operators across the region participated in an ARES rapid deployment exercise that included both repeater-based and simplex net operations. The Essex County portion of the activation was centered at Eagle Rock Reservation, providing an excellent elevated operating location for portable and mobile radio testing.

Representing the Essex County effort at Eagle Rock were Stan, K2EXX; Maurice, KB2SUL; Mike, KC2NJ; and Rich, KD2WJR. Many additional operators participated from Essex County and beyond, including members of WEARC, Roseland, and the broader amateur radio community.

The exercise focused on the fundamentals of emergency communications: rapid station setup, field power, portable antennas, simplex voice operations, and basic message handling. Operators were encouraged to deploy from realistic ARES service locations such as public buildings, assembly points, and other field locations where communications support might be needed during an actual emergency.

The June 6 exercise was built around a simple but important premise: keep it fast, practical, and realistic. Participants assembled portable or mobile stations, verified antenna and power arrangements, and then joined both repeater and simplex nets using local 2 meter, 70 centimeter, and 10 meter frequencies as conditions permitted.

The objective was not to create a complicated drill, but to practice the basics that matter most when infrastructure is limited or unavailable. Simplex communication remains one of the most important amateur radio capabilities during emergency and public service operations, especially when repeaters, internet connectivity, or commercial systems are unavailable.

During the exercise, operators practiced net procedures, tactical call signs, and basic traffic handling. The county Emergency Coordinator opened the county net, and net control responsibilities were handled by stations in strong positions to hear as many participants as possible. Tactical call signs based on town or location were used, with stations identifying properly with FCC call signs.

Eagle Rock Reservation served as a strong location for the Essex County deployment. Its elevation and open operating environment made it well suited for testing simplex coverage and evaluating how portable stations perform under field conditions.

This type of exercise is valuable because it gives operators a chance to test their equipment before it is needed. Batteries, antennas, coax, radios, programming, message forms, and operating procedures all benefit from real-world practice. Even a short field exercise can reveal what works well, what needs adjustment, and what operators should improve before the next activation.

The June 6 activation also helped strengthen coordination among local amateur radio organizations. Participation from Essex County, WEARC, Roseland, and operators beyond the county demonstrated the value of keeping the amateur radio community connected, trained, and ready to assist when called upon.

ARES exercises like this are not only for experienced emergency communicators. They are also a great way for newer operators to build confidence, learn net procedures, test portable equipment, and become more comfortable operating away from home.

Upcoming Net: FIFA Red Cross Prep Net

All amateur radio operators are invited to participate in the upcoming FIFA Red Cross Prep Net on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The net will take place on 443.450 MHz from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM.

Check-in is simple. Just provide your call sign and town.

ARES affiliation is not required. All licensed amateur radio operators are welcome and encouraged to participate.

The more stations that check in, the better the community can understand local coverage, operator availability, and regional readiness.