Summary of tonight’s net, courtesy of AI:
Summary:
We had a healthy turn-out: 2E0KDG (Chris), M7SDA (Aubrey), M0LMR (Dorothy) with G7OED (Richard), G1KOT (Mike), M7SJN (Sam), later joined by G6EFI (Rob, ex-M0KCP), M7KTT (Peter) and M0OTV (Andrew). Spirits were high and the chat flowed, with a strong handheld theme thanks to several shiny Baofeng UV5R Minis arriving today—many proudly in Essex Ham green. The big wins: Bluetooth programming (no more CHIRP cables and drivers) and USB-C charging. Audio got good reports, and the dual PTT button earned interest. A quirky find: the Mini does AM airband up to 135.9917 MHz, but 136 MHz flips to FM-only—so Southend ATIS 136.050 won’t work in AM, though 130 MHz approach does. Mike G1KOT confirmed it’s a radio range quirk, not aviation.
On HF, Chris is mainly on 40m (also 10/20m) using a half-size wall-run G5RV, with an IC-728 pushing 100W. He’s shared Essex repeaters and memory lists via ODMaster/Bluetooth for those radios that support it. Programming-wise, CHIRP is still beloved for moving memories between rigs. A quick GB3DA reminder: about a 2-minute timeout, then ~30 seconds of silence before it wakes again.
Gear notes: Aubrey’s on the FT-991A (FTM-400 in the shop), Dorothy and Richard are enjoying their “baby” Baofengs, Andrew’s awaiting more toys from Moonraker and experimenting with C4FM, and Mike’s busy with aircraft projects (and reminiscing about physical QSL cards—always nice for the scrapbook, even if eQSLs dominate).
Training and clubs came up: Essex Ham doesn’t run CW courses, but Essex CW Club does (historically Danbury; on-air sessions too). Sam M7SJN thanked Essex Ham materials for helping him pass Foundation—well done, Sam! We also had two old friends drop by: Rob with a fresh G6EFI callsign, and Peter M7KTT (also plugging the Wednesday “Elms” net on GB3DA at 20:00).
A lively sidetrack on AI ranged from playful image branding on the new Baofengs to serious concerns about deepfakes. Verdict: handy for chores (and net write-ups!), but eyes open.
Admin bits: Pete circulated a 128×138 px Essex Ham splash image for the Mini’s screen.
All in, a warm, gadget-heavy evening with plenty of laughs and useful tips. 73 and see you next Monday!
Highlights & topics
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HF activity: Chris 2E0KDG mainly on 40 m (also 10/20 m) with a half-size G5RV folded along a wall. Older IC-728 doing 100 W on HF.
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Baofeng 5R Mini Handheld frenzy (Baofeng UV5R Mini):
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Several of you received new UV5R Minis today (Essex-Ham-green themes were popular!).
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Why people like it: Bluetooth programming (via app), USB-C charging, dual PTT (A/B) button, good audio for the size.
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Branding tip: Bitmap logo works at 128×138 px (despite software hinting 128×128).
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Airband quirk: AM receive works 108–135.9917 MHz; 136 MHz shows “FM only”. Hence EGMC Southend ATIS 136.050 won’t play in AM; Southend Approach around 130 MHz does. (Conclusion from Mike G1KOT: it’s a Baofeng range/firmware constraint, not aviation.)
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Other radios mentioned: Yaesu FT-991A, FTM-400 (one unit stuck on “loading”, suspected power/firmware state; try full power drain + reset), FT-60, TYT DMR, Quansheng K-series, TID TD-H8/H3 with ODMaster/Bluetooth programming; IC-705 for shack/USB power convenience.
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Programming tools & files:
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CHIRP still beloved; easy to port memories between brands.
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ODMaster/Oddmaster and CSV channel packs (Chris has Essex repeaters lists available via the app/forum).
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Signals / operating: Reminder about GB3DA’s ~2-minute timeout; leave ~30 s clear after.
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CW & training: Essex Ham doesn’t run CW courses; Essex CW Club does (on-air training, Danbury heritage). Sam M7SJN used Essex Ham materials to pass Foundation (congrats!).
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QSL chat: Mixed views. Nice to get physical cards (ISS, DX firsts); many now use eQSL/LoTW. German bureaus once prolific!
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AI chat (lightly contentious!): Uses from household shopping comparisons to net write-ups and image fun; concerns about deepfakes. Watermarks can be stripped; general advice: treat visuals with caution.
Nets & events mentioned
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This Monday net: Running ~12–13 years on DA.
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Elms (Wednesday) Net: Wednesdays 20:00 on GB3DA (plug from M7KTT/M7SDA).
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Dorothy & co: garden-centre mid-week expedition (non-radio, but logged!).
Quick “who’s who” this session
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M0PSX (Pete): NCO; playing with UV5R Mini branding; AI chores (mock-test audiobook recording); happy to add to WhatsApp.
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2E0KDG (Chris): HF focus; ODMaster files available; wants in on WhatsApp; curry confirmed .
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M7SDA (Aubrey): 991A on air; also UV5R Mini; experimenting with image/logo; troubleshooting buddy.
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M0LMR (Dorothy) & G7OED (Richard): New “baby” UV5R Mini in Essex-Ham green; ATIS curiosity; QSLs; general good vibes.
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G1KOT (Mike): Aviation brain; confirms 136 MHz oddity is radio-side; QSL nostalgia; spark-plug tester project.
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M7SJN (Sam): New to Monday net; thanks Essex Ham for learning content; asks about CW training (pointer to Essex CW Club).
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G6EFI (Rob, ex-M0KCP): New callsign; quick mobile hello.
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M7KTT (Peter): Drops in; Wednesday net plug; busy with Vulcan/old sports car projects.
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M0OTV (Andrew): Late join; kit incoming; C4FM via attic Yagi.
