{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"W3GMS Monday Night Workbench Net","title":"September 8 2025 #268 - Relays vs Switches, Lube | W3GMS Workbench ","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/7746fd57\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":6374,"description":"General Discussion HighlightsHost: Mike (W3MOW) chaired the session from Sadsburyville, PA, reminding stations of repeater etiquette and encouraging participation.Hamfest Weekend: Multiple operators reported attending the Mullica Hill Hamfest. Rain cut down on tailgaters, but there were still good finds and plenty of camaraderie. Kutztown was flagged as the next big hamfest, with NearFest mentioned by northern operators.Field Activity: Several mentioned portable work, CW practice, and antenna projects. Luke (KC3SCY) is pushing 18–19 WPM in CW using vinyl training records.Notable Operator UpdatesLuke (KC3SCY): Shared hamfest impressions and CW progress.Mike (W1RC): Highlighted upcoming NearFest, noting rainy fests can yield bargains.Ron (WA3VEE): Offloaded gear at Mullica Hill; considering bringing vintage books and test gear to Kutztown.Keith (KB3ILS): Excited about air variable capacitors scored at Mullica Hill; also began Winter Field Day planning with CW ops.Bill (KC3OOK): Acquired an HP 8558B spectrum analyzer from Ron; researching manuals and applications.John (KD3EE): Experimenting with packet BBSs and Winlink, comparing them to old modem days. Active in POTA and CW practice.Steve (KC3YSM): Suggested holding an “Antenna Clinic Day” at the Field Day site for hands-on learning with analyzers and deployment techniques. Idea was well-received, with Ron (WA3VEE) offering to lead a session in October.Simon (KD3BPI): Checked in late, listening with Summer; group was glad to hear from him.Leon (AA3LH): Brief check-in, still recovering health-wise but in good spirits.Technical QuestionsCleaning & Lubricating Air Variable Capacitors (KB3ILS):Asked how to clean dust, cobwebs, and oxidation.Ron (WA3VEE) recommended using Caig/Hosa electronics-safe lube sparingly; oxidation usually not an issue.Consensus: blow out with compressed air, avoid heavy chemicals, lube only sparingly at the bearings.Relays vs Switches in Mobile Installations (KD3AIS – new Toyota Tundra):Wanted...","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}