FEATURED MEMBER

As part of our efforts to get to know the GERATOL leadership, net control stations and members in general, our focus for this post is none other than our Net Control Coodinator, and regular Net Controler, Bruce – N0HD.

Bruce states that his job as Net Control Coordinator is to insure we have a designated Net Control Station for each shift of the GERATOL net. He also points out that he does this with a heavy dose of assistance from both Dave – KJ8V and Frosty – W0FP. He also makes sure the NCS stations are compensated appropriately, which consists only of the sincere gratitude of those who check into the net.

Bruce was first licensed in 1976 as a Novice with the call WN6QGF. After that he held 7 call signs: WA6QGF, WB7TTU, KB7FX, KE6IO, KG0HL, AA0XY and finally his current call of N0HD ! Wow, I think Bruce may hold the greatest quantities of call signs on the net !!! Back in the day of course, if one moved from one call area to another, the FCC would require you change your call sign accordingly. Thank goodness that’s a thing of the past eh ?

His first station consisted of a Swan 500C transceiver and a 40 Meter dipole. As Bruce puts it: Plenty of power, lots of TVI and a nifty VFO that drifted like a cork on the ocean. His current shack boasts of some much better equipment, but we always remember the thrill of the equipment and QSO’s made with that ifirst set up. His current station includes: an IC-7300, Palstar HF Auto Tuner, an ALS-1306 Amp and a Yaesu FT-857D which he hopes to put in the mobile some day in the future. His antenna at the house is a 43 Ft Vertical, an 80 Meter Carolina Windom and a Cushcraft A4S.

Bruce achieved his GERATOL # 1973 in March of 1996.  In addition to his work as our NCS Coordinator, Bruce was the creator of the “Veteran’s Salute” Award, which many of the regulars continue to pursue, and which is a great tribute to our veterans.

He joined the Navy right out of High School in 1973, because he says he was really not a farmer and hated milking cows. We “udderly” agree with that. He was hoping that 4 years in the U.S. Navy would help him get his head on straight and get positioned for a run at college. One thing led to another, and he ended up making the Navy his career, spending 20 years serving his country, for which we are all grateful. He did not totally forget college however and obtained his AAS degree in Farm Management in 1996.

Bruce recalls the highlight of his Naval career was being afforded the opportunity to make 3 deployments to Antarctica in the early 80’s. Wow, folks are now paying BIG bucks to take excursions there, to see Mother nature at her rawest. Today, many (myself included) try to track down RI1ANO operating from there on CW, to put that one in our log books, but Bruce got to operate KC4USY while stationed in Antarctica, running Phone Patches for those stationed there, and working all the DX he could handle. Imagine being at that end of the DX pile up ? Bruce knows what it is like. He says it was a BLAST !!

Bruce and his wife Judy with their Indian Chieftain Motorcycle

Now that he’s really, really retired he spends time shifting his focus between Ham Radio and restoring a few old AM broadcast radios. In addition, he enjoys gardening and riding his motorcycle during the nicer weather. He has a really sharp (see insert picture) Indian Chieftain motorcycle and is chomping at the bit for the weather to cooperate so he can take to the road. As the commercial on TV says, “Going Up Country” !!

Bruce has been married to his wife Judy (Also a Ham – KB0WVX) for 27 years and has a son (Steve) and two daughters (Becky and Sarah) as well as two step-sons (Matt, also a Ham – KB9JAW) and Michael. He has six grandkids, ranging in ages from 5 to 18, none of whom are licensed YET !! But with three other Hams in the family, it is probably only a matter of time.

I wish to thank Bruce for providing the information for our write up, which I only tweaked, as well as for his contributions to our grand old net, as well as his service to our Country. Take a minute to put a COMMENT on this post and express your own words to him. It only takes a minute, and the guys really appreciate it.
Kevin N1KL

Featured Member

Those who frequent the net, are familiar with Joe, WS8X.   Joe is one of two Loverti’s on the net, the other of course Joe Sr. WW8X from Ohio.

Joe serves as our Saturday evening Net Control station. Saturday evenings are often one of the busiest on the net, even during these days of rough conditions, and Joe does a great job handling all the check-ins and keeping the net moving along efficiently, with a touch of humor as well.

For those wondering how Joe puts out such a strong signal from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, his current station consists of a 40/80 Meter Parallel dipole. He also sports a Multi band doublet. His current rigs are an ICOM 751A and an ICOM 7300 along with a Drake L7 amp.

Joe and his sidekick at his Ham Shack

Joe was first licensed in 2001 with the call KC8RNF. His first station was comprised of an ICOM 745, MFJ Versa Tuner, which he loaded into a G5RV antenna. Joe was fortunate in his selection of Elmer’s to get him started, namely his Dad, Joe – WW8X. Like many of us, Joe has his WAL, or Worked All Licenses, going from Novice, all the way up to Extra Class. In addition to WW8X, Joe has three uncles who are also Ham Radio Operators.

Joe recalls his first DX QSO was with a station in Western Europe. Funny, how we keep those type of events in our Ham Radio memory banks. Our first QSO, first DX contact, first CW QSO, etc. Fun stuff.
Joe achieved his WAS via the GERATOL net, achieving G # 2607 in 2011. He later added his Director’s number 737 to his GERATOL achievements.

Those of us who are regular check-ins to the net, know that Joe is Active Duty Coast Guard (Thank you for your service Joe), where as a Radioman, he handled numerous Search and Rescue cases. I bet some of those would make great stories to hear more about if any of us have a chance for an eyeball with Joe. He’s been in the Coast Guard since 1999.

Feel free to comment on this post about Joe – WS8X, on our website, or fire him off a note, and thank him for his service to our country and his support of the GERATOL Net.

Kevin N1KL

All, you will find a new G-Number file which is now available in the FILE section of our website.   On the website it is the file dated 2/14/18, and Frosty has updated it based on the latest list of SK’s from the February version of QST.

Be advised,  it needs to be used in conjunction with G-List Ver 1.09, which is also available in the FILES section of our website.

Regards, Kevin N1KL

FEATURED MEMBERS

Dave Ertel, KJ8V – GERATOL Net Awards Manager
Sandy Ertel, KJ8W – GERATOL Net Treasurer

Dave was first Licensed in 1977 as a Novice: WD8QME. He upgraded to Technician, General, Advanced and finally to Extra in 1979. When he went through the licensing the FCC came to Cincinnati every 6 months and the official who managed those taking the code portion of the exam, made them send code before they were allowed to take the code copying test. Of course then you had to wait 6 months to take the next license level test.

Dave’s first radio was a Heath Kit HW-16 that he built from one of their kits. He then bought a Kenwood TS 520 and has owned many Kenwood radios since. Today he operates a Kenwood TS 590S into a Drake L-4B amp. In addition, he also runs a Kenwood TS 480 in the truck mobile. Many of us have had the pleasure of working both Dave and Sandy as they went mobile, visiting family, or on their way to the Dayton Hamvention. Dave says, the hottest and best radio he ever had was a Kenwood TS 50S. Very hot receiver in it. He and Sandy have had various antennas up in the air, ranging from stacked 11 element  2 meter beams, tri-banders at 60 feet and now have a vertical and two inverted V’s at their QTH in Michigan.

Dave has worked all Counties # 940 11/11/97, worked all states on 10, 20, 40 and 80 meters, WAC Feb, 1992, has 100 DX Countries confirmed and have never sent them in for official confirmation. Dave’s GERATOL number is a really low one: # 523, which he obtained on 4/1/81. As is the case with several GERATOLers, who operated from various states, Dave has a second GERATOL number: 2595, which he obtained on 12/24/10. Similarly, Dave has two Director numbers # 89, issued on 3/14/92 and number # 703 which was issued on 1/15/11. Dave has also completed 24 of the 38 available GERATOL Net endorsements.

In 1996 his Amateur activity really changed for the better. He was going out to run Counties mobile over in South East Ohio one day and said to Sandy, “Why don’t you come along its really pretty over there and you can log for me?” He was shocked when she said OK. While they were out he told her if she would just get her General class license so she could give out and work counties, and that he would not bug her anymore about it. She replied that it was really fun listening and logging and she said OK I will try to get my license.

Well she got started and Dave learned how to run the carpet sweeper, the washer/dryer and do the dishes so she could learn/practice code. She attended a Novice/Tech class put on by the Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association and got her Novice ticket as KC8FFD in June of 1997. She was then named Amateur of the Year by the GCARA in October of 1997 for her work promoting the GCARA and its classes. She then took her Tech license and passed it and then started in on her General Class license. Back to the dishes and sweeper for Dave. Sandy went over to take her General code and written test and asked if she could listen to the Extra 20 WPM to get warmed up and settle her nerves down a little bit and they said sure try it and see how you do.

Well Gordon KI8I, who also happens to be a fellow GERATOLer, with G# 521, came out to the parking lot where Dave was pacing like a cat in a cage and said Sandy passed her code test, as a matter of fact, he said, she passed the 20 WPM Extra code test !!!! Well she passed the General written and when she came out Dave mentioned they were only 5 blocks from R & L Electronics and they should stop by and get the Advanced book so Sandy could start on it because she had a year’s code credit and when she passed the Advance class, she could then get her Extra.

She hesitated for a minute and then said OK lets go. Not too long later she passed the Advance class and started right in on the Extra and she passed that test also. She and Dave kept all of the Advance and Extra stuff a secret from her brother Vernon, yet another fellow GERATOLer, K9CMJ G# 1984 to surprise him. He was really kind of in disbelief when they broke the news to him, that his sister had passed code and written tests to become an Extra Class op !! Sandy was now on her way to her own Ham career and enjoys it very much.

She changed her call because KJ8W was available and she and Dave thought it would be neat to have back to back calls, and they were right. It’s cool to hear them check in, with the back to back calls, but we ALL know, Sandy’s signal is always stronger than Dave’s !! ha ha

Dave had saved a County in Ohio for a last for the whole ball of wax so Sandy could get it for him and bless her heart she drove for two hours up north in Ohio and gave him his last County for his Worked All Counties. Sandy only needs about 600 Counties to finish her worked all counties. Sandy achieved her G# 2594 on 12/24/10. When they moved to Michigan from Ohio in 2008 Sandy had 30 states confirmed but had to start all over because of the move. That’s when Dave decided to get a second number due to the move to Michigan.

Sandy does come from a family of Hams. Her Father W8KKJ, brother K9CMJ #1984, Nephews Dan KE9T and his son Bryce KC9PKU and Mike AB9LU #2612 and Mike’s wife Christine KC9IRP. With Dave included there are 8 Hams in the family and 5 Geratol numbers. That’s probably a record for the GERATOL Net !!

The Geratol Net, County Hunting and the Triple H Net are the places Dave frequents the most. Dave had actually been very active on the Geratol Net since early 1980 just having fun with his friends, and not going for a number.  That changed, and he finally got the bug to get his own number in 1981. He’s been an active member, contributor and supporter of the net ever since.

The worst time of Dave’s Ham life was when his very dear friend Lou KJ8U G# 617 passed away. Lou and Dave had done everything Ham together. He cherishes a picture of himself, Lou and Sandy standing next to their cars with all the Ham plates KJ8U, KJ8V and KJ8W showing, as they all lived in the same town.

Dave has held several positions in the GERATOL Net over the years, however, the most rewarding and fun has been as Awards Manager. He loves being able to help out all of the GERATOLers get their various awards and endorsements. He made a pledge to himself after taking over as Awards Manger to help all he could and to process awards and endorsements, usually the same day. If any of you ever need help or have questions please feel free to call Dave or send him an email and he will answer you as soon as possible usually the same day. Many of the net regulars may be aware, but many casual GERATOLers are not, that Dave inherited a huge challenge when he assumed the duties of Awards Manager. He’s done an amazing job organizing, straightening out the data base, updating the files, etc. etc. all behind the scenes, in addition to his handing out the new awards and endorsements.

Dave says, the thing he and Sandy love the most in Ham Radio is meeting fellow hams. They missed Dayton (xenia) last year and that was the first time in over 20 years they were unable to attend. They do attend all of the County Hunter functions they possibly can, and he says it really enriches their lives to meet old friends and make new friends. He says, “Hams are just special people”.

On the non-HAM front, Sandy and Dave have had Beagles for 43 years. They have hunted and field trialed them and it is very lonely around the house now, without one of the little Beagles around. They lost their last one a couple of years ago and have decided no more. Dave also collects Case knives. He has over 80 in his collection is still growing. He is fortunate to have several very rare knives and has also got his Granddaughter into collecting knives. He’s made sure that she has other interests other than computers and smart phones. She had her own Beagle dog that hunted and ran in field trials. She also loves to go shooting with Grandpa. She has graduated from high school now and is going to move in with Sandy and I to establish residency and attend Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mi. starting next fall. Who knows? Maybe we’ll have a new ham on the net in the future, and yet another GERATOL number from the KJ8 clan !!

Congrats to Sandy on her recent re-election as the GERATOL Net Treasurer, and thanks to both Dave and Sandy for their efforts supporting the net over the years, and a special thanks to Dave for his efforts in coordinating and issuing the GERATOL Awards, Endorsements and special Awards like the 50/50 and Veteran’s Salute awards.
Feel free to add a “Comment” to this POST, and say hi to Sandy and Dave !!!

As part of the GERATOL Website revitalization efforts, we are going to be featuring GERATOL Net members, and especially our Elected and/or appointed Net Officials.

This month, we start off profiling one of the GERATOL Net’s greatest supporters, and overall experienced operators:  Frank – AA0ZP, who is of course the newly re-elected Secretary of the GERATOL Net.

Frank was first licensed in 1960 while a senior in High School in Louisiana as KN5BCC. We all wonder where Frank’s southern accent went !!

While a young Ham, exploring the bands, Frank operated using a Heathkit DX-40 and a Hallicrafters Sx-99. For you younger folks on the net, check out those pieces of equipment. They were quite popular back in the 60’s. His antenna farm consisted of a dipole and a Demi-Quad.

As is the case with many young Hams, life got in the way, and Frank’s license expired when he went off to college, but his interest in Ham Radio never waned and after 21 plus years of service to his country in the US Air Force (in communications, what else?) He retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1986 as a Major and flew on the SAC Airborne Command Post (Looking Glass) as Comm Officer for 5 1/2 Years.

Following his military career, he was once again bitten by the Ham-bug, and was back on the air in September of 1992 as a General (N0UCG) using the old novice rig, updated with a Heathkit VF-1 VFO instead of crystals. Technology had changed over his thirty year hiatus from the hobby, and Frank was going to start taking advantage of it.

He achieved Worked All States on 40Meter CW before Christmas of that year. He then added a new Kenwood TS-450S and started in on SSB in late 1992. He achieved DXCC and a bunch of other awards in 1993.

Today, his primary rig is a Kenwood TS-950SD, which he obtained in 1995. His antennas are a 3-element tri-band Yagi at 40 feet, a G5RV flat-topped at 40 feet (for 80 Meters through 10M) and an inverted-L for 160 Meters. He also added an MFJ 9406 6 Meter rig in 2003 and also has a Kenwood TM721A dual bander with J-pole antenna for 144 and 440Mhz plus an Icom 24AT hand held.

Frank upgraded to EXTRA (20wpm code) in 1995 and he remains active still having a blast on the bands. He was introduced to 6 Meters in 2003 when he bought an MFJ 9406 10 Watt transceiver at the Dayton Hamfest.

He was able to get VUCC and after 10 and 1/2 years, finally worked the one state needed to complete WAS on 6Mtrs, which as we all know, is no easy task. Perhaps even more challenging than our Unbelievable Operating Achievement Award on the GERATOL Net. Speaking of which, Frank completed his requirements for and obtained his GERATOL Number (#1932) in December of 1995. In addition, Frank has achieved 8 band SSB WAS, 5 band CW WAS, a Mixed band RTTY WAS, and 331 countries for DXCC credit and added 5-Band DXCC in 2012. All very impressive achievements.

Finally, he got his DXCC total to 338 countries and got the last two QSLs for the ARRL’s Honor Roll on 20 November 2014. He also has WAZ and the new WUST award.  WUST of course, is the very challenging award where you need to work US Territories.

Frank remains active on the GERATOL Net, 3905 Century Club, and OMISS Nets as well as the HF bands.

Some of his other, non-HAM related interests include: collecting military insignia, restoring his old Lionel train set and collecting NASCAR 1/64 die cast cars.

Frank is a Life Member of ARRL, an ARRL-VE, the trustee of the SAC Memorial Amateur Radio Club call sign K0AIR and of GERATOL Net Amateur Radio Club call sign W0NL. He is past Vice-President of OMISS, past-President of the 3905 Century Club, and last but not least, is our newly re-elected Secretary of GERATOL Net.

Feel free to congratulate Frank on his re-election, and of course, give him a warm welcome when he checks into the net.

Thanks for your service to our Country, Ham Radio and the GERATOL Group Frank !!!

73, Kevin N1KL