I was having problems through out this year on my transmit and could not figure out what it was. We thought we had the issue solve by tracing a loose connection inside the lighting arrestors. Then the problem reared it ugly head again. It is very intermittent. The guy who helps me with my maintenance on my gear can not get to it until midweek. We are going to do some more testing and I will be off the air until we are in testing mode or it is fixed.
If anyone needs Indiana please be patient with me or send me an email and I will let you when I am back on the air.
73
Steve AC9GK
posted by ac9gk in GERATOL NET NEWS and have Comments Off on AC9GK Shack
We wanted to provide our fellow GERATOLers a brief update on where we stand with activity on our GERATOL Website, as well as some information on how to better take advantage of the site for those who have registered.
First and foremost, a hearty THANK YOU to all who have taken time to register on the site. We currently have over 170 registered members. We continue to get new registrations, and in addition, we are fortunate to have non-registered members, using the site for “read only” purposes, to learn more about our net. This activity typically picks up just prior to the net start up, and as we publicize the net via QRZ, eHAM, etc.
GERATOL Worked All States Net
For those who have not yet registered, I would like to remind you, we remain pretty strict about providing privileges to those who register. While confirming you “are not a robot” may seem tedious upon registering, it is a means to keep our site free of hackers, spammers and whatever. So when you do register, simply follow the instructions under the “REGISTER” section of the META FILE area, located at the bottom right of the opening page.
For those who have already registered, there is a nice tutorial on the site, explaining how to add posts, make comments, etc. It’s located under the HELP button, at the top of the opening page. Simply click on HELP, then on “Help for New Accounts” and it will display the tutorial.
Regarding your registration: there are two categories of privileges we assign to all our registrants: 1.) Subscriber – This category provides you with basic privileges on our site. 2.) Contributor – This category allows you to create your own POSTS as well as make COMMENTS to POSTS on the site. POSTS and COMMENTS are subject to approval by the site Administrator and/or Webmaster. This is done to insure non-volatile messages are posted.
The distinction between Subscriber and Contributor, as mentioned in previous updates, resides in how you register. If part of your registration includes your call sign, and we can confirm it on QRZ, you are granted Contributor status. If you register without a call sign, but use a name and/or email we can confirm on QRZ, again you are granted Contributor status. If we are unable to find or confirm a call sign for you, via your registration data, we grant only Subscriber status. Again, this is all done as part of our efforts to keep the site safe. If you wish to move from Subscriber to Contributor, simply send me an e-mail with your call sign, and the email used when you registered, and I will upgrade your status immediately upon confirmation.
We have had registrations which reflect “suspect” email accounts, etc. and those are automatically deleted. Again, this is a precaution we take to keep our site secure.
Finally, if anyone has any suggestions for Website topics, POSTS of interest, etc., please feel free to send me an email, and I will get in touch with you.
The 2019/2020 GERATOL Season has begun !! It began on Oct 1, 0100 UTC, and continues each and every evening at 0100Z on 3.668 (+/- QRM).
Last season we were fortunate to have several new “regulars” begin working on their basic award, and of course, we enjoyed the company of many of our old friends over the entire season. A thanks to all active members who took the time to invite our long time members on frequency, as well as a thanks to those who took them up on the invitations and joined us for some fun during the season.
Come Join The Fun
We also had a few more folks successfully complete their 50/50 Award, where they were able to work all 50 states, and in addition, were able to contact 50 Operators who had been licensed continuously for 50 years. Congratulations to all who have completed that challenging award, and good luck to those still in the hunt, perhaps the 2019/2020 season will be the year you finish up !!
Most of all, continued good fortune and good hunting to our newest attendees working toward that elusive Unbelievable Operating Achievement Award, or better known as the basic award.
Let’s make this a real Dynamite Season ! Take a few minutes to check in, say hi, renew old acquaintances and give out some contacts to the new guys looking for those last few states.
The following (I’m Just Sayin’) is an editorial by your GERATOL Website Administrator and does not necessarily reflect the views of the GERATOL Board.
As a long time, “active” member of the Quarter Century Wireless Association, I feel obligated to make an appeal to my fellow GERATOL members. When I refer to myself as an active QCWA member, I am simply referring to the fact my QCWA membership is active. That is to say, my dues are up to date.
QCWA was founded in 1947
Most seasoned GERATOLers, are very familiar with the QCWA, and are proud to swap and share their “Q” numbers with other net members, both new and old, as GERATOLers work toward Endorsement # 19, where you must work stations sporting a “Q” from all 50 states. Completing Endorsement # 19 does not require you have a “Q” but simply need to work stations from all 50 states, that have one. No doubt a fun and challenging endorsement to achieve during those long winter nights.
As the creator of several awards including the 20/20 and 50/50 awards, I know first hand the “criteria” I was held accountable to follow in creating those awards and it was quite demanding. For example, before I was given permission to announce the 50/50 Award, I had to provide data to support the fact there was a sufficient number of stations, licensed for 50+ years. Another criteria that was added after the initial approval and announcement, was to have been licensed “continually” with no breaks, for the 50 years. Pretty demanding stuff, but lo and behold, the award has been achieved by several diligent GERATOLers.
However, it seems when it comes to Endorsement # 19, the criteria is not on the same level as some of our other awards or endorsements. When it comes to QCWA numbers, we gladly swap numbers proudly. Yet many operators doing so, have not been “active” (dues paying) members of the QCWA for years. In fact, some have never renewed since a year after they got their “Q” number assigned. A check of the QCWA website, where they display “lost” members, will list those who are no longer “active” members.
I am in no way affiliated with, nor have I ever been affiliated with the QCWA in any official capacity, other than being a member. The QCWA, like many Ham related organizations and publications, is working hard to remain viable. They no longer publish the hard copy of the QCWA Journal, due to the cost of publishing and distributing. To their credit, they have an on line version on their website, which you can find at: https://www.qcwa.org
So, while we may not be able to change or modify the criteria for Endorsement # 19 to reflect working “active” QCWA members, I’d like to encourage those “lost” members to consider adding your QCWA membership to your allotted Ham spending, or to encourage those eligible, (first licensed 25 years ago) to apply for QCWA membership. It would be terrible to lose such a historically active (Founded in 1947) and important element of our Ham Radio hobby, and potentially robbing those approaching their 25th anniversary of garnering their own “Q” number. A look at the last few months of data on the QCWA website, reflects the totals shown for NEW members, vs LOST members, and it’s a disturbing trend. The number of LOST members, vs NEW is at least two to one. Needless to say, that can’t go on forever. So, JUST SAYIN’, if you can afford it, check out the QCWA website, and renew your membership, or join up if not yet a member !!!
For those who registered on the GERATOL website, using their call signs as part of their registration, feel free to add a “comment” to this JUST SAYIN’ editorial.
All the best, and let’s not forget, the new 2019/2020 GERATOL season is not far off !!!! Time to get that antenna work done, and get on the air to renew old acquaintances, and maybe even make some new ones !!!
Young Radio Amateurs from around the World Gather for YOTA Summer Camp
08/12/2019
The 9th annual Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) Summer Camp opened over the weekend with pomp, circumstance, and celebratory dancing. This year’s Summer Camp is taking place in Bankya, Bulgaria, under the sponsorship of the Bulgarian Federation of Radio Amateurs (BFRA), Bulgaria’s International Amateur Radio Union member-society. After welcoming words from BFRA and IARU Region 1 representatives, the YOTA participants joined local residents and a performing troupe in dancing to traditional Bulgarian folk music. Approximately 80 young radio amateurs from 28 countries arrived in Bankya — near Bulgaria’s capital of Sofia — on August 11. They’ll be engaging in a range of activities, from operating the camp station LZ19YOTA, to building kits and antennas, sightseeing, and getting acquainted.
Young Amateurs Gather at YOTA
“There is unfortunately no team from Region 2 (the Americas) taking part this year,” IARU Region 1 Youth Working Group Chair Lisa Leenders, PA2LS, told ARRL. “Most [participants] are from Europe, but also South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, and New Zealand.” Participants all are under the age of 26.
Given the international nature of Amateur Radio, cultural exchange won’t be in short supply. The typical YOTA intercultural evening, group work, and the Train The Trainer program — instituted at last year’s Summer Camp — will also take place.
Youth teams are attending from Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Lithuania, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, The Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
The YOTA Summer Camp in Bulgaria continues through August 17. Last year’s YOTA camp was held in South Africa.
Source: ARRL
posted by Kevin in GERATOL NET NEWS and have Comments Off on Young Radio Amateurs
It’s an awesome tool for keeping track of your progress toward completing several awards, such as the Board, Gold Board, Platinum and Net 500 awards to name a few. The program was created and developed by our Chairman, W0FP – Frosty. I never did ask Frosty what GNEC stands for, but perhaps he can reply to this POST and let us know. My guess would be “GERATOL Net Endorsement Compilation” ha ha Maybe someone else can take a guess as well.
The program must be used in conjunction with WinEqf logging software. You need to log your QSO’s made on the net, or in Extra Class SSB portion of 80M into WinEqf to have the GNEC program functional. Both WinEqf and GNEC are available as downloads off the GERATOL Website.
In addition to tracking award progress, you may use GNEC for keeping tabs on your progress toward completing the 38 challenging Endorsements offered by the net.
Below is a screen shot of a typical GNEC “Front Page” which gives you a glimpse of the Endorsements completed in RED. The Endorsements in ORANGE mean that only ONE appropriate contact is needed for completing that particular Endorsement, and the YELLOW reflects the need that TWO more appropriate contacts are necessary. GREEN buttons reflect multiple appropriate QSO’s are needed for completion.
GNEC Reflecting Endorsement Status
When you click on one of the Endorsement buttons, such as Endorsement #2 in YELLOW above, where you must contact stations in the lower 48 states with “N” one by two call signs, you see the screen shot below:
As is obvious, this operator needs to work two more stations with “N” 1×2 call signs, one from Idaho and one from Oregon to complete this Endorsement. Another nice feature of GNEC is the ability to print out these various reports, so you know exactly which call signs you need, as they check in every evening.
While there are numerous other great features associated with GNEC, two I will mention are at the bottom of the Front Page. Those are the “Update GERATOL Numbers” button and the “Update Director Numbers” button. Hitting those gives you a running total of the numbers you have worked, and more importantly, those you still need.
If you have not already done so, give GNEC a try. It’s a fun and very effective way to track your Award and Endorsement progress on the GERATOL net.
Of course, you may find both the GNEC program, and WinEqf available on the tool bar at the top of the GERATOL home page. Simply go to “Files” then “Additional Aids and Forms for the GERATOL Net” Once you click on that, the files may be found and downloaded off that page. Good luck.
What if there was a voluntary list to subscribe to. When someone needs a state they look on the list and request the volunteer to check in to help them make a contact. It might help to get some of the hard to get states to drop in occasionally.
Our Featured member this month, is none other than one of our longest standing GERATOL members and most experienced Net Control Operators; Harv – AA4HF, GERATOL # 329.
We all know Harv by his distinctive operating style, which is a reflection of his status as a true Southern Gentleman. Whether greeting a mere handful of check-ins, or dealing with a work list a mile long, Harv’s professional demeanor and calm approach is a reflection of the experience the GERATOL NCS stations like AA4HF bring to the net each evening. Harv first assumed the NCS reins as a substitute net controller on the GERATOL Net, back in the early eighties. Following that, he served as a regular NCS in the mid eighties, starting on Monday nights, then moving to the Tuesday evening early net. Yes, we used to have an “early” net and a “late” net, when conditions were much better.
Harv was first licensed in 1958 as KN4YPT. Many of the “old timers” recall the “N” in the prefixes, which were often part of our first call signs, as Novice operators. Some “N” calls remain, but most 2×3 “N” calls are a thing of the past. Harv is one of the (W.A.L.) or Worked All Licenses gang, going from Novice all the way to Extra Class.
As is the case with many early Ham Radio enthusiasts from the 50’s and 60’s, Harv’s first Ham Station consisted of a separate Transmitter and Receiver. In his case, his first station consisted of a homebrew single 6L6 15 Watt CW transmitter, in tandem with an Allied Ocean Hopper regenerative receiver.
Remember the “selectivity” on that type of vintage receiver? Amazing we still made QSO’s using receivers like the Ocean Hopper or the National NC-60 Special or even the Lafayette HA-63, to name a few, but we did. His antenna was a long wire double dipole 80 over 40, but also loaded up on 15 as well. Also, like many of us, he had an Elmer who lived nearby. In his case it was Bob, W4ORH. It was, and is to this day, the Elmers who keep Ham Radio alive, and who play a huge part in keeping young folks interested in our hobby.
Example of an “Ocean Hopper” Receiver
As often is the case, “life” got in the way of Hamming for Harv, and due to the fact back in the period he was first licensed, “proof of operating time” was a requirement for renewing your ham license. Unfortunately since he was unable to get on the air while he was in college (University of Tennessee at Martin) in order to fulfill the “on the air time” required, he could not renew his license. Regardless, we still view Harv as one of our “50” Years as a HAM gentlemen. His interest in Ham Radio never died however, and in the early seventies he once again became a Novice operator. Realizing Novice privileges were not going to suffice, he quickly upgraded to Advanced and Extra the following year.
Harv, AA4HF Station Today – a long way from his first station !!
Harv completed his first Worked All States in 1958. At that time, only 48 states were required, since HI and AK did not enter the union officially until 1959 !! Imagine that !! How many others got their first Worked All States only using 48 states ?
Leave a “Comment” on this POST and let us know… If you need help on how to place a “Comment” just send me a note via email to n1kl @ arrl.net.
His first DX QSO was with a German station, DL1IB, which took place on March 3, 1959. He received his GERATOL # 329 directly from the ARRL in 1979. In addition to his GERATOL # 329 and Director’s # 37, Harv is also a recipient of the GERATOL Hall of Fame Award, the 25th Anniversary Award as well as the very seldom given, GERATOL Phoenix Award. The Phoenix Award is something only four other members, in addition to himself have achieved.
AA4HF – Harv’s Mix of New and Old Ham Gear
Other Ham Radio related activites for Harv included some public service work, handling health and welfare traffic during weather related events. In addition, he operated via the Military Affiliated Radio Services (MARS) conducting phone patches, voice and digital traffic for over 40 years.
Outside of Amateur Radio, Harv’s interest include music, hunting, fishing and motorcycles in his younger days. He served as a Manager of Engineering and as an Inormation Technology Director. He has also taught programming languages at the local community college at night for several years. He’s been retired now for 17 years, but does operate a computer systems and a network support business, which he says is just enough to keep him off the streets and out of the poolroom !! Hi Hi
Congrats to Harv on his distinguished Ham Radio career, and thanks to him for his dedication to the GERATOL net over the years, and as our longest standing Net Control Operator on the net. Feel free to post a comment, expressing your thoughts about Harv’s Featured Member article. My thanks to Harv for providing me with the information necessary to complete this POST.
Congratulations to Al – N3NH and to Tom – N1TL on receiving their QCWA numbers in February !
On behalf of the GERATOL Net Community, congratulations to both of you on your 25th anniversary as Ham Radio Operators, and your recent membership in the organization that recognizes that milestone, the QCWA !
