Winter Field Day
Winter Field Day
Winter Field Day is an exciting annual event for amateur radio enthusiasts, taking place on the last full weekend of January. It offers a unique opportunity for radio operators to set up field operations in remote locations, enabling them to connect with other participants worldwide. You may choose to participate solo or get your your friends, family, or whole club involved. Winter Field Day is organized by the Winter Field Day Association. The association strongly believes that ham radio operators should practice portable emergency communications in winter environments. This is because freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other hazards pose unique operational concerns.
There are currently 142 locations that are registered with more to come!
We hope to have you enjoy this event with us!
For more information visit winterfieldday.org or reach out to Dave Jones wsdv203 / wx4dj
NETRC January Meeting – Hands-On Circuit Build!
NETRC January Meeting – Hands-On Circuit Build!
Join us on the 4th Saturday of January at the Erwin Armory for our monthly meeting. After our usual business portion, we’ll be hosting a hands-on circuit-building workshop for all attendees.
This session will introduce the basics of soldering and small electronics — a valuable skill for amateur radio operators, builders, and preparedness enthusiasts alike.
Recommended items to bring:
• Soldering iron (If you don’t have one, please reach out — we can provide one or help you find someone to share with.)
• Table mat or workspace cover
• Solder
• Flux
• Helping hands
• Damp sponge or steel wool
• Tweezers
• Wire cutters (nippers)
• Multimeter
• Wire strippers
No equipment? No problem!
If you’re coming with just yourself and a great attitude, that’s all you need. NETRC is built on community, and we’ll make sure everyone has what they need to participate.
This small starter project will lead into February’s meeting build — the measuring tape antenna, a favorite among hams — and all of it is getting us ready for our (weather-permitting) March Fox Hunt!
We look forward to building skills, confidence, and great memories together — one “bright idea” at a time.
4th Saturday of January
Erwin Armory
7:00 pm, workshop follows business portion
FEBRUARY MEETING — Measuring Tape Antenna Build!
📡 FEBRUARY MEETING — Measuring Tape Antenna Build!
FEBRUARY MEETING – ANTENNA BUILD WORKSHOP!
Join us on the 4th Saturday of February at the Erwin Armory as we continue our hands-on learning series with one of the most beloved amateur radio projects out there… the Measuring Tape Antenna!
After the business portion of the meeting, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves and building this lightweight, flexible, and super effective antenna using simple materials and beginner-friendly techniques.
This build pairs perfectly with January’s circuit project — and it’ll get every participant ready for our (drum roll please)… March Fox Hunt!
Recommended items to bring:
• Soldering iron (or let us know if you need one!)
• Measuring tape or small ruler
• Solder & flux
• Wire cutters / nippers
• Heat shrink (optional)
• Electrical tape
• Multimeter
• Small tools for trimming/assembly
As always — no equipment? No problem!
Come as you are. We always have plenty of tools, parts, and friendly helpers.
This is a fantastic project for beginners, youth, builders, operators… anyone who likes making things that WORK.
📅 4th Saturday of February
📍 Erwin Armory
🕒 Regular meeting time 7:00 pm ; workshop follows
NETRC March Event – Fox Hunt Date to be announced later!
📡🦊 NETRC March Event – Fox Hunt (Weather Permitting! Actual Date to be determined!)
Join us in March for our long-awaited NETRC Fox Hunt — a fun and educational direction-finding challenge designed for all experience levels! This event will build on the skills learned in our January circuit workshop and February measuring tape antenna build, giving everyone a chance to put their gear and knowledge to the test.
What is a Fox Hunt?
A fox hunt is a radio direction-finding activity where participants try to locate a hidden transmitter (“the fox”) using antennas, receivers, and signal-tracking techniques. It’s beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and an exciting way to learn practical radio skills.
Recommended to Bring
You can bring equipment you’ve built with us this year or use your own favorite gear:
• Measuring tape antenna
• Handheld radio
• Simple direction-finding tools
• Attenuator (optional)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water / weather-appropriate clothing
No special equipment? No worries!
We’ll pair newer members with those who have gear to share. NETRC events are all about community learning and having fun together.
Date, Time, and Location
Specific details will be posted as we get closer and can better confirm weather conditions.
This event is weather permitting — safety first!
Please watch our Facebook page and website for final updates.
Why Participate?
• Excellent hands-on radio experience
• Great for beginners learning directional signals
• A fun challenge for seasoned operators
• Builds teamwork, problem-solving, and radio confidence
• Perfect way to put your January & February builds to use!
We’re excited to bring this interactive, educational event to our members and look forward to seeing everyone in March as we track down the fox together!
🌩️ Skywarn Monthly Meeting
🌩️ Skywarn Monthly Meeting – Second Tuesday
Skywarn holds an in-person monthly meeting at 7:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at:
Crossroads Christian Church
1300 Suncrest Dr
Gray, TN 37615
Please drive around to the rear parking lot and enter through the double doors on the back of the main building.
All who are interested in Skywarn, severe weather spotting, or supporting our community during weather events are welcome to attend.
Licensing Reminder:
Participation on either our Amateur or GMRS repeaters requires a valid license. To join our nets, please email a copy of your license to wrtr997@yahoo.com. You will be added to our netlist after a minimum of 2 check-ins following submission of your information
Santa Watch
🎅✨ On-Air Santa Tracker! ✨🎄
Join us on Christmas Eve as we track Santa’s journey around the world over the airwaves! Kids can tune in to hear live updates from the North Pole and join in the holiday fun! 📻 NETRC Frequency
Christmas Party
📻🎄 Tuning In to Holiday Cheer – NETRC Christmas Party! 🎄📻
Grab your mic and jingle all the way to our annual Christmas Party! It’s time to switch frequencies from QSOs to cookies, laughter, and holiday fun.
Expect plenty of good food, festive spirit, and maybe even a few surprises on the airwaves. This is a great chance to swap stories, share a little holiday magic, and “sign off” the year together in style.
Family, friends, and guests are always welcome—just bring your holiday spirit and feel free to bring a dish for the potluck!
📍 Where: 615 S. Main Ave, Erwin TN
🗓 When: Saturday December 13th at 6:00 PM
So mark your calendars, warm up those sleigh bells, and join us as we key up the joy of the season!
Wednesday Night GMRS Check In (Copy)
🛰️ Wednesday Night GMRS Net Check-In – 8:00 PM
Join us each Wednesday night at 8:00 PM for the NETRC GMRS Net Check-In. This is a relaxed, friendly net where we share announcements, practice good operating habits, and keep our community connected. All licensed GMRS users are welcome to join in and say hello!
Licensing Reminder:
Participation on either our Amateur or GMRS repeaters requires a valid license. To join our nets, please email a copy of your license to wrtr997@yahoo.com. You will be added to our netlist after a minimum of 2 check-ins following submission of your information.
2-Meter Net Check-In
📡 Friday Night 2-Meter Net Check-In – 7:30 PM
Wrap up the week with us on the Friday Night 2-Meter Net at 7:30 PM on 146.805 MHz, – offset, PL 203.5. This is a great place to test your equipment, meet local amateurs, and stay in touch with what’s happening in the NETRC community.
Licensing Reminder:
Participation on either our Amateur or GMRS repeaters requires a valid license. To join our nets, please email a copy of your license to wrtr997@yahoo.com. You will be added to our netlist after a minimum of 2 check-ins following submission of your information.
Wednesday Night GMRS Check In
🛰️ Wednesday Night GMRS Net Check-In – 8:00 PM
Join us each Wednesday night at 8:00 PM for the NETRC GMRS Net Check-In. This is a relaxed, friendly net where we share announcements, practice good operating habits, and keep our community connected. All licensed GMRS users are welcome to join in and say hello!
Licensing Reminder:
Participation on either our Amateur or GMRS repeaters requires a valid license. To join our nets, please email a copy of your license to wrtr997@yahoo.com. You will be added to our netlist after a minimum of 2 check-ins following submission of your information.
Skywarn Net Check-Ins – GMRS & 2 Meter
⛈️ Tuesday Night Skywarn Net Check-Ins – GMRS & 2 Meter
Skywarn hosts weekly Tuesday night training and readiness nets to help keep our region prepared for severe weather.
GMRS Skywarn Net: 7:00 PM
2-Meter Skywarn Net: 8:00 PM on 146.805 MHz, – offset, PL 203.5
These nets are an excellent way to learn procedures, practice check-ins, and support weather awareness across our area.
Licensing Reminder:
Participation on either our Amateur or GMRS repeaters requires a valid license. To join our nets, please email a copy of your license to wrtr997@yahoo.com. You will be added to our netlist after a minimum of 2 check-ins following submission of your information.
Officer Elections
NETRC Officer Elections – November Monthly Meeting
The Northeast Tennessee Radio Community (NETRC) will hold officer elections during our upcoming monthly meeting. This is your opportunity to help shape the direction of our club and ensure your voice is heard in our growing community.
To cast a vote, you must be a current, full paid member, and all votes must be made in person at the meeting.
Your participation matters — strong leadership starts with members who care about the future of our club. Join us, get involved, and take part in guiding NETRC forward!
Halloween
🎃📻 Radio Club Halloween Party 👻🦇
Get ready to key up some creepy fun at our NETRC Halloween Party! We’re trading call signs for costumes and signals for spooky snacks. Expect a night full of ghoulish games, frightful fun, and plenty of time to socialize with fellow hams.
Costumes are encouraged (but not required)—so dust off your scariest, silliest, or most creative outfit and join the party. Family and guests are welcome, so bring your little goblins along for some Halloween cheer.
It’ll be a hauntingly good time on and off the airwaves—don’t ghost us, be there!
Halloween Party to be held before ( and probably a bit during) our regular October Club Meeting!
