November 20, 2025 – Some interest was again sparked in the LoRa mesh technology, so we discussed it briefly. Mike – KX4YZ sent out an email to all with some basic information. We compared chain saws and fuel for a few minutes. Bob – KD4PK explained that he has moved to electrically driven technology for his lawn maintenance equipment. John – NK4N reported that the leaf color in the mountains of North Carolina has mostly passed, but tourist traffic remains strong. Mike – KI4TWB provided a report on the completion of the Ultimate Pool championship which he attended in Cherokee, North Carolina with his son Dustin. According to Dayne – K8CHY, as hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica last month, the strongest hurricane wind ever recorded by a dropsonde (252 miles per hour) was observed. A NOAA Hurricane Hunter airplane dropped a dropsonde which parachuted down streaming data as it went. Just before landing in the ocean, it this record wind speed. No one in attendance today was able to shed any light on who Auburn’s new football coach will be. A wide net has been cast.

November 13, 2025 – We had full attendance this morning at our meeting! Mike – KI4TWB was traveling in North Carolina but joined from his hotel room at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Mike is there with his son Dustin who is competing in The National Open pool tournament this week. Mike indicates only a minimum investment in the casino itself thus far. Dayne – K8CHY and Richard – WA4IWD spent a few minutes comparing notes on the famous Convair B-36 Peacemaker which first flew on August 8, 1946. The B-36 was a mammoth airplane as can be seen in the image available by clicking on this link wherein one is parked beside a B-29 Superfortress. The recent appearance of auroras in the southern states was also a topic and the discussion included the impact on radio wave propogation. Several members indicated that the effects were significant.

November 6, 2025 – An interesting discussion took place related to the Mouse House (Bldg. 9210) which existed until 2021 on the premises of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Dayne – K8CHY recently met a ham who was involved in the demolition of the facility at that time. John – NK4N clearly remembers this building having utilized its facilities in the past. An interesting paper on the facility can be found HERE. Radon level in Opelika remains at 0.67 pCi/L per Richard – WA4IWD.  NK4N also reports that the first significant snowfall of the season occurred on Mount Le Conte on 10/30/2025 when 3 to 4 inches accumulated.

October 30, 2025 – Bob – KA4PKB is still in Iowa tending to the harvest. He explained some of the logistics involved in getting the corn from the stalk to the elevator. Storage in that area of eastern Iowa is about full. Some are piling corn outside now. Richard – WA4IWD provided a radon report today from Opelika of 0.67 pCi/L. This is about the same as last week and Bob – KD4PK stated that we will be okay. John – NK4N indicated that the bears in Tennessee near the park are quiet for now, ostensibly taking advantage of the good acorn crop. The elk provide the most interesting appearances nowadays. Dayne – K8CHY recently passed his Extra exam. This was 69 years ago almost to the day from completion of his General.  Congratulations Dayne!

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