chaired by Jim AF3Z, delivers the full 985 experience: lively check-ins, deep technical dives, and the kind of friendly on-air camaraderie you only get from a seasoned group of operators. The night opens with repeater housekeeping, intermod warnings, and digital-mode clarifications before rolling into a long, rich round of station updates — everything from Elecraft K3S upgrades and vintage Yaesu restorations to antenna mishaps, sweepstakes attempts, CW practice, solar observations, and mobile operating tales from the road.

A highlight of the evening is the shared trip to Scranton to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the first overland wireless telegraphy transmission, complete with stories about Father Murgas, the HAMSCI research group, and the university’s impressive new shack. The net later pivots into problem-solving mode, tackling three substantial questions: how modern solar installations impact HF noise, how best to study for the General exam without falling into the “ham-cram” trap, and the mechanical realities of mounting rotors and thrust bearings for a future hex-beam install. The group answers with personal experience, practical engineering insight, and a generous helping of humor.

From DX success stories to APRS bot experiments, from antenna strategy to equipment nostalgia, and from technical know-how to pure hobby joy, this Workbench session showcases exactly why the 985 community keeps coming back — a long, engaging mix of knowledge-sharing, storytelling, troubleshooting, and good-natured ribbing that feels like spending the evening with a room full of radio friends.