{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"W3GMS Monday Night Workbench Net","title":"January 12 2026 #286 - Cold Weather and your Radio Gear | W3GMS Workbench","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5242,"description":"This episode of the 985 Workbench comes from the W3GMS 146.985 MHz repeater and delivers a deep, practical discussion centered on Winter Field Day preparation, cold-weather operating challenges, and real-world station experience.After net announcements and repeater operating notes, stations check in from across Pennsylvania, New England, and the West Coast, sharing recent ham radio activity including antenna installs, transmitter builds, straight-key CW operation, digital mode awards, AllStar and EchoLink use, and ongoing Field Day site work.The primary technical discussion explores how cold weather affects amateur radio equipment, with contributors covering:Battery chemistry behavior in low temperatures, including Li-ion and LiFePO₄ limitationsCharging risks below freezing and the role of battery management systemsLCD display failures and sluggish operation in cold environmentsGenerator reliability, laptop boot issues, and operator ergonomicsMechanical stress on coax, connectors, solder joints, and antennasA secondary Q&A segment focuses on indoor 10-meter antenna solutions for operators living under HOA restrictions or without attic access. Suggested approaches include shortened dipoles, window-mounted antennas, balcony deployments, magnetic loops, modified mobile whips, and low-power digital operation strategies.The episode reflects the Workbench’s hands-on, experience-driven format, blending mentoring, technical insight, and community collaboration.Format: Directed technical roundtable and Q&A Net: Monday Night Workbench on W3GMS 146.985 MHz Recorded: January 12, 2026 Host: Ron, WA3VEE","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/UgK4a4uzmicZkQsn4AvqG7GkVQ9MhSfO26lZaRB8dLA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lYWEz/NjQ4Zjg4NzE2NjM5/MzY3OTMyOTlmN2Rm/NGM1Ny5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}