October 16, 2025 – Dayne – K8CHY mentioned the Free DV software he uses. Several of the members are keen to investigate how this might improve their HF audio. As in most conversations in the Southeast since this past weekend, the conversation briefly turned to college sports officiating. The consensus is that these folks aren’t paid enough to put up with the grief they face. HF band openings in the past few days were reported to be quite good, especially in the 6m and 10m bands. In particular, an operator in Niue (south of American Somoa) was heard. The conversation turned to astronomy, specifically the Andromeda galaxy. This galaxy is faintly visible in the northwest sky by using one of the two methods mentioned by Deborah Byrd in her fine article in EARTHSKY dated August 2, 2024. For the physics lovers, Bob – KD4PK mentioned the work of Sabine Hossenfelder which is accessible in the media.
October 9, 2025 – John – NK4N reports that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened on a limited basis, even though the federal government is shut down. John reports no bear activity around his home, and that he has picked his muscadines thus the bears will not be into those. Who uses an Isotron antenna? Mike – KI4TWB brought the topic up. These are single band antennas. Radon level in Opelika 0.64 pCi/L. Bob Kribel – KD4PK reminds us of the upcoming Orionid meteor shower to be visible on October 20th and 21st. Also, two comets will be visible at the same time this month. We recalled the song “Stars Fell on Alabama” popularized in the 1930’s. We understand that the song is associated with the particularly spectacular Lenoid meteor shower which occurred in 1833.
October 2, 2025 – Everyone on our call this morning reported nice fall temperatures! We compared internet service providers today. We love them all (until there is a glitch). Dayne – K8CHY provided a report on the Fat Bear contest in Alaska. A hearty debate took place regarding the effective atmospheric pressure and related phenomena at the poles (specifically the South Pole). The impact of centrifugal force generated the most lively element of the discussion. We wrapped up with a comparison of our individual choices of morning beverages. The Zoom video enables us to discern the degree to which each member depends upon their respective brew to awaken.
September 25, 2025 – The group was eager to compare notes on the recent change in Auburn basketball coaches. Several theories exist. Members noted some conspicuous DX successes over the past two weeks. Are conditions on the upswing? Radon level in Opelika 0.64 pCi/L and ionizing radiation is 0.27 CPS. We are still safe (at least from radon and radiation). No bears to report at the home of NK4N. Bob – KA4PKB reports his corn harvest in excess of 200 bushels per acre! The group compared notes on warfarin (brand name Coumadin). It was posited that one of the members offered up his participation as a test subject in the development of a well known rodent control product. The writer is however skeptical of this.
September 18, 2025 – Birthday of the United States Air Force! We had a lively discussion about antennas today. The EH antenna was of particular interest. John – NK4N has seen Elk which are in the rut in the Smokies. John saw two bulls going at it “antler to antler” recently. We all reminded each other about the days of clear channel AM radio stations like WTKY, WSB, WLW, WWL, WGY, CKLW, and of course border blaster XERF. Radon report from Opelika: 0.64 picocuries, radiation 0.27 counts per second. We are still safe for now.
September 11, 2025 – Opelika is 59°F this morning so fall may be here. We spent some time today exploring outdoor facilities that were more common in the past. We’ll leave that there. Also, we discussed the history of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) which was a “New Deal” agency that brought electricity to rural areas of the U.S. Several of us benefitted from the REA. Some recall the old Delco light plants which provided off-grid lighting power to rural homes prior to electrification. Opelika environmental report: Radon 0.62 picocuries currently and ionizing radiation levels of 0.43 counts per second.
Special Note: We all remember the events of September 11, 2001.
September 4, 2025 – The morning meeting was well attended! The weekly radon report from Richard – WA4IWD was 0.64 picocuries (7-day mean) and the radiation report was 0.37 counts per second. We seem to be safe for now. Mike – KI4TWB has provided us with plans to construct a cloud chamber. John – NK4N has identified his most frequent bear visitors as one male which appears to be 1-2 years old, one sow, and one cub. John has an air horn in place in the event of an actual indoor visit. John’s current focus is establishing a means to provide sunflower seeds to the birds which is not also accessible by the bears.
August 28, 2025 – John – NK4N checked in from his hotel room in D.C. today. He has had a busy week there while participating in a professional conference. His trip included a stop at the Old Ebbitt Grill on 15th street. Gail – KB4JAA just returned from a bus tour to Niagra falls. She reported a good trip with quite a few stops. She enjoyed a trip on the Maid of the Mist and dining at the Skylon Tower. Weekly radon report from Richard – WA4IWD: 0.64 picocuries and radiation level of 0.33 counts per second.
August 21, 2025 – We found out at our weekly meeting that almost all members of the group see the same retina specialist! Based on the que in his waiting rooms, we think he sees everybody in Alabama. Nevertheless, we are thankful for him! At any rate, his waiting room makes it possible for us to keep up with all the old episodes of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and Mash. John – NK4N had a bear come calling at their house this past Sunday. The bear was not asked in. Also we discovered how four-way switches are wired with the artful implementation of traveler conductors.
August 14, 2025 – John – NK4N came almost face to face with a bear recently in his yard. Apparently there was some dispute related to sunflower seeds which was resolved amicably. Richard – WA4IWD reports a background radiation level in his home of approximately 0.3 counts per second, but measurements on his granite cook top register around 0.8 counts per second.August 7, 2025 – We are saddened that our good friend Richard Robinson – AI4RY became silent key this week. He is remembered as a wonderful man and an outstanding amateur radio operator. Godspeed Richard.
August 7, 2025 – We are saddened that our good friend Richard Robinson – AI4RY became silent key this week. He is remembered as a wonderful man and an outstanding amateur radio operator. Godspeed Richard.
Gail – KB4JAA reported on her dog Rosie’s progress at boarding school. Apparently Rosie has adjusted well and made a good friend (Blossom) with whom she has starred in a facebook video. Rosie and Blossom can be seen HERE. Dr. Richard – WA4IWD is testing a device he recently obtained, a nuclear radiation detector. We’re all eager to begin getting reports from his radiation observations along with his weekly radon reports.
July 31, 2025 – Dale – WA4CQG, explained the advantages of placing your coffee mug right side up when brewing coffee. We had a brief antenna tuner show and tell. Richard – WA4IWD, showed the result of his polishing work on a cast iron skillet. He has polished it to a mirror finish. It’s anticipated that he will invite us all over for dinner and drinks to demonstrate the skillet’s improved functionality. Radon report 0.43 picocuries per liter.
July 24, 2025 – John – NK4N reported that one more of his blueberry bushes has been destroyed by a bear. He also reported having to assist a hiker in the park during a rain storm. Dale – WA4CQG reported receiving a yellow jacket sting to his hand. Radon report from Richard – WA4IWD is 0.62 picocuries per liter.
July 17, 2025 – The bears were quiet this week, but John – NK4N, went out on a rescue and helped direct a lost couple back to the camping area. Richard – WA4IWD, talked about COVID.
July 10, 2025 – Received a bear report from John – NK4N, and it seems that a bear destroyed some of his blueberry bushes. Mike B – KX4YZ, briefed the group about Meshtastic and that there are not many users in this area.
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