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2026-04-21 Net Minutes

opened: 20:00
closed: 20:38

Check-ins (32)

Opening Remarks

Last Call: Mike Linger (WA5MOE)
- Passed away 2026-04-15
- Amateur Extra class license
- Former Marine, Vietnam Veteran
- TAMU ‘73, Mechanical Engineering
  - 38 yrs as an employee there
- Restored Classic Radios
- Memorial Service
  - Thu 2026-04-23 11:00
  - 1st Baptist Church Rm 136, Bryan

Officer Reports

President

David Bailey (K5DKB)

Thanks to all who came to the meeting last weekend!
Special thanks to everyone who also went to the POTA activation
- 11 people joined us at the El Camino Real National Historic Trail picnic area
- A little wet and cool, poor band conditions
- Had 4 successful activations:
  - W5BCS, David Bailey (K5DKB)K5DKB, K5TMW
  - Winner of the day: Emery Hyden (K5OWO) (with 116 contacts!)
It just so happened that 2026-04-18 was World Amateur Radio Day

Vice-President

Tom Johnson (KI5ZPG)

Learned at POTA: Can use a BBQ pit as an antenna: Works well if you have the right radio
ARRL Field Day 2026 plans are in progress
- Committee Zoom meeting schedule hasn’t been finalized yet
- Please let me know if you’d like to volunteer

Secretary

Matthew Barry (KG5LYE)

Minutes will be sent out after the net.
A solemn Aggie Muster Day to all!
- I’m sure someone’s answering “here” for WA5MOE somewhere tonight

Treasurer

Lorna Flansburg (KI5FIZ)

Bank balance: $12,549.29
73 members
Next Ham License Exam will be 2026-05-11 11:00
- at the CEOC this time: 110 N Main St, Bryan [Google Maps]
- In order to take the technician exam, you must have your FCC Registration Number (FRN)

Announcements / Comments

Question #272 for conversation: Do you use any feedline or antenna switches? Also, please feel free to share any memories of WA5MOE.

(If interested in submitting a weekly question, email n5zkf@arrl.net)

Rich Rychetsky (W5SON)

Remembering WA5MOE
- Knew him for about 15 years
- Was his dentist for a while
- I found out he was a ham radio operator
  - I had an interest in the hobby at the time
  - Leared a lot from him
- “Hams hiding among us”
  - Don’t be shy about sharing the hobby!

Mike Mertes (KZ5M)

WA5MOE was a good friend
- He loved ham radio
- Supporter of W5AC
- It’s sad that he passed so quickly after retirement

Brian Gaskamp (N5WCT)

We did a POTA for the technicians that were in the last class
Didn’t have a good turnout, but the bands weren’t great anyway
- We were at Washington on the Brazos
We’re going to have another Technician Course and License Exam
- Christ Lutheran Church, 1104 Carlee St, Brenham [Google Maps]
- 2026-06-06/07
- If interested, reach out at w5aum@w5aum.radio
  - Also good on QRZ
4.1 in of rain here in Brenham since Saturday!

Bill Rose (K5WTR)

Antenna switches:
- I lost a 5-position antenna switch to a lightning strike
  - The third time it’s happened
- Now, I just have a face plate with cables and plug in whichever antenna I want
WA5MOE was an acquaintance
- Sorry to hear he passed

Information Exchange

Phil Gates (N5ZKF)

Got an interface cable from a friend for a new (to me) radio, but it was the wrong plug
I re-terminated the plug so it would fit, but couldn’t get the software to work
Realized I hadn’t read the instructions
- Didn’t need to re-terminate the cable after all
Reminder: always read the (friendly) manual

Closing Remarks

Visit us online at w5bcs.radio.