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October 2026 Compass #10


Inside this edition:

  • 2026 Events & Meetings
  • AB2ZI’s YouTube Picks
  • Playing Ping Pong with FLDIGI
  • Spooky QSO…

AI’s Report

The October 2026 issue of The Compass offers club members a practical and enjoyable guide to the coming month, combining essential information with hands-on ham-radio inspiration. The detailed rundown of upcoming events and meetings helps readers plan their calendars, discover new operating opportunities, and stay connected with fellow operators, whether they are long-time members or newcomers. Alongside this club news, AB2ZI’s curated YouTube picks highlight both useful and entertaining amateur-radio videos, pointing members to tutorials, demonstrations, and on-the-air highlights they might otherwise miss, making it easier to keep learning at their own pace and find fresh ideas for projects and operating techniques. Beyond schedules and video recommendations, the issue also dives into the creative side of the hobby. A ping-pong-inspired FLDIGI activity turns digital-mode practice into a friendly game, lowering the barrier for those who may be unsure about trying software-based modes by showing how casual and fun they can be. The issue then wraps up with a spooky QSO story that ties in with the season, adding a bit of radio-themed suspense and imagination to the mix. Together, these features create a welcoming, engaging issue that encourages members to participate more fully, experiment with new modes, and enjoy the social and storytelling side of amateur radio.

No OPEN HOUSE! 9/26

Due to the impending weather conditions, we will not be holding open house this Saturday September 26th. However, the VE session will go as planned. Those involved in the VE session should check the website and Groups.io (if you are a member) before leaving the safety of your home or work.

This is a great time to make sure you radio gear is charged up and operational. (You should have already done this earlier in the week.) Many of our members will probably be monitoring the repeaters thru the storm. So, those who are licensed feel free key up and throw your call sign out there. We look forward to hearing you on the air.

Also, you may find some of us in the zoom room at times thru the storm. So, feel free to pop in there. And discuss the storm or FT8, CW, DX, Gear or whatever.

Please stay safe.

Current repeater information can be found here.

NOTE: The image is AI generated.

Wednesday Night Open House: Explore Our Community Programs

Wednesday Night Open House flyer
Wednesday Night Open House flyer

Join us for our Wednesday Night Open House! Discover what we offer and meet our vibrant community, who are eager to share their experiences and insights. Enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere as you explore various activities, learn about Amateur Radio, our programs, and connect with like-minded individuals. Don’t miss out on this exciting event filled with opportunities to engage, ask questions, and make lasting memories! First Wednesday of each month.

ARRL International Digital Contest Jun 6-7

Contact and exchange QSO information with other amateurs using any digital mode (excluding RTTY)

Begins 1800 UTC June 6th Saturday, ends 2359 UTC Sunday

This is a Club Competition: You can contribute your score to your ARRL Affiliated Club. GSBARC Has already registered. You will need to

Select:
The Great South Bay ARC under the field ARRL-Affiliated Contest Club.

For this contest All members are encouraged to participate from their home station or a remote location.

Important URLS:

Digital Contest Information

International Digital Contest Rules v 1.1

Club Competition Rules v 1.5

Submit Logs here

Please read over contest rules including club competition rules!

PS. Have Fun!!

Amateur Radio License Course – General Class License – Starts May 5th 7pm

A new course is starting this Tuesday May 5th 7pm. Kevin will be holding an instruction course for the Amateur Radio General Class license. Please reach out to Kevin Morgan to register for the class.

More information is available here

Amateur Radio Technician License Class starting June 3rd

Requirements include :

The ARRL General Class License Manual 10th Edition, ISBN 978-1-62595-171-7 ($32.95 from the ARRL, $30 if you get it from us)

Texas Instruments TI-30Xa calculator (usually in-stock at the EOC via AB2ZI. $15)