Featured Member – Bob, W9JOP G #1020

Bob with one of his RC Planes

(He is also a licensed pilot, which he obtained when a senior in high school)

As most regular check-ins know, the GERATOL Net is comprised of some pretty amazing and incredibly accomplished people, who just happen to also be Ham Radio operators.    Our featured member for this segment, reflects just such a person.  He is someone with a very high level of expertise, who also has an incredible commitment to Ham Radio combined with a high degree of curiosity and exploration.  He is someone who embraced Ham Radio at an early age, and continues to enjoy the hobby to this day.

We are pleased to feature, one of our own, very accomplished members;  Bob, W9JOP in this Featured Member segment. He received his GERATOL # (1020) in April of 1986.  He’s also held a few other call signs, including: DL4OP and KR6EU.   Interestingly, while in Germany, Bob, along with other Americans at the time, was issued the DL4 call sign, and if available, followed by his U.S. Ham suffix.  His suffix was available, and hence he ran DL4OP.  Now days Bob tells me, the DL4 prefix is no longer a U.S. in Germany prefix, but used by German ops in general.

Bob was first licensed in 1954 under the very same call sign he uses today:  W9JOP.  His initial station was comprised of assorted ARC 5’s and some Heathkit gear.  For the ARC 5’s, Bob would store them along with his homebrew Power Supplies under his bed, since they were not very safe !!  I can imagine they provided some extra “heat” to his bedroom while in operating mode !

Originally designed in circa 1938-39, the ARC5 represented some of the most popular military surplus items converted for Amateur use.  Below is an early picture of Bob, probably studying for his upcoming Ham Radio exam, since this shot was taken prior to his getting his ticket.

Bob Circa 1949

Bob’s natural curiosity is what led him to become interested in Amateur Radio.  He had no real Elmer coaching him along the way.  Like many of us, he would tune the AM bands to pull in stations outside his immediate AM listening area, like WBAA “The Voice of Purdue” or late at night picking up WLS in Chicago, which was 150 miles north of his QTH.  After wearing out the ARC5’s he upgraded to a Hallicrafters S20-R Receiver.  Bob says in his notes to me, providing the information for this article: “With the Hallicrafters S20-R receiver the world was my oyster!”  ha ha.  Here is what he had to say about a crystal set, which he  used even before the S20-R, in his own words, which reflects radio experimenting at the time and is quite interesting:

“My first receiver, way before the S20-R was a crystal set, which had an actual Quartz Crystal , potted in a lead holder. The idea was to use the “cats whisker” to scratch around on the crystal and find a ( live spot ). once a station was ( tuned in ), by sliding a piece of thin metal across the inductor you could search for a DX stn such as WLS – Chicago. Keep prodding and maybe the signal got louder, OR you lost everything. My ant was an unused telephone line which ran from house to the barn. When we got a ( dial-up system ), the town thought it was cheaper to “donate” the insulators, poles and wire to Bobby Chapman than remove them!            ( great huh )?”

Hallicrafters S20-R Receiver

He continued to experiment, next focusing his attention on antenna building and design. He constructed a two element 15 Meter Yagi made of bamboo poles and wire. One of his creations was common to the central part of the country,  a HAMMS beer can vertical for 40 Meters.  Later he constructed multiple dipoles and Homebrew verticals.

In addition, Bob has been heavily involved in QRP, attaining the first ARRL WAS with QRP CW endorsement.  He was only running, get this: approximately 250mW !!  That’s milliwatts gang, not watts…can you imagine ?  So you guys working on your basic, take heart, it can be done !!

He made most of his contacts on 40 Meters (48 there) using a G5RV antenna at 50 feet.  The other portion of this challenge for Bob, was the fact he was rock bound on 40. No VFO to find the ones he needed, just patience, persistence, a good ear and a good CW fist.  Nothing really exotic, which proves you can do it with low power and the right antenna and especially the right attitude.  The final two states, HI and AK he worked on 20 meters, using a Tuna Tin QRP built for 20M,  to wrap it up.

As an avid antenna and rig builder, Bob was featured at the Dayton Hamfest “Four Days In May” or FDIM forum, which is a Homebrew Contest/Show & Tell event.  Bob had an array of QRP rigs on display, from his Tuna Tin, several Tuna Tin II’s, Sidekick N’ Tuna, his WAS QRP certificates, etc.  Bob was actually featured in the November 2014 CQ magazine in an article written by Cam Hartford, N6GA.

In addition to his homebrew and WAS activities, Bob participated in the 17th East African Safari Rally in 1969.  He was responsible for assembling a Radio Link from Kabwhoe Control, one of the rally check points, back to Nairobi, Kenya.  He transported the communications gear to the checkpoint via the use of his 1964 Chevy Malibu. He and his son Roger set up the checkpoint in time, before the first batch of race vehicles came zooming by.

Bob’s daughter, Carol, is also a licensed Ham: KM4PAG and now lives in Kentucky. Also, Bob’s wife Joy, who is now a SK, was licensed as KA9TTB.  I’ve saved the following picture for last, since it shows Joy at the operating position in their ham shack, and in addition to Joy, you can see Bob’s Tuna Tin just above her right hand.

Bob’s XYL Joy, KA9TTB (SK)

Believe it or not, there are many more items of interest regarding Bob’s Ham Radio career, and space does not permit my putting them all in at this time. However, after checking with Bob via email,  he’s agreed to let me hold on to the materials he sent, so we can add another update in the future to his Featured Member article, where we can share more items of interest…..

Please feel free to take a minute and place a comment on the GERATOL Website post for Bob, and I hope you all enjoy the portions of his story in this article, as much as I had putting it together.

Regards, Kevin N1KL

11/28/2018
The annual Santa’s Radio Club Special Event from 200 kilometers above the Arctic Circle will be on the air December 1 – 8 as OH9S — OH9Santa. Activity will be mainly on 160 – 6 meters using all modes, including FT8. QSL via Club Log’s OQRS (preferred) or LoTW.

Contacts will be automatically confirmed via the bureau. Operating from Finnish Lapland, OH9S will not employ any remote stations and will let propagation decide when and where contacts are possible.

“Yes, we know it is not easy to contact us while we are mostly operating from above the Arctic Circle, but that’s part of the game!” the announcement said. “This is the most northernmost Santa station in Finland.” Multiple stations will be on the air.
Due to anticipated poor radio conditions, OH9S will focus activity on FT8.

Tis the season gang, and this may be a fun challenge to try and work the SANTA station during the Christmas season.   Good luck,  and if anyone works them,  put a post up on the website to let us know !!

Regards, Kevin N1KL

Source: ARRL Website

Dave, KJ8V alerted me to the fact our good friend Ken Magee WV1Y has not checked into the net this season.  This is very unlike Kenny, since he is one of our most dedicated net members, and checks in most evenings.

After contacting some folks I found out that Ken has a severely broken leg and is still in rehab,  52 days so far and counting.  It’s going to be a long and arduous process for him.

He could use a little cheering up to say the least, so we would like to encourage you all to take a minute and send a card, (His assistant said he’d love to get greetings via a blank QSL card).

His address is:

Ken Magee WV1Y

17 Deidra Court

Warwick, R.I., 02889

His assistant retrieves his mail daily, and will bring the cards directly to Ken.  Let’s take a minute out of our busy schedules to fire a card, either QSL with a note on it,  or even a get well card to Ken wishing him a healthy recovery.

Ken making a QSO in his shack

Thanks, Kevin N1KL

GERATOL BOARD MTG. MINUTES FROM 10/31/2018

1. The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 0050Z on 31 Oct 2018. Present at the meeting were: W0FP, AI4IL, AA0ZP, KE9TC, KJ8V, KJ8W, and N1KL. A quorum was in attendance.

2. The purpose of the meeting was to consider two possible new items. The first was a motion to approve a new award “5 STAR AWARD” for working 2500 Geratol numbers. The second was to approve putting a link to a Geratol T-Shirt/Sweat Shirt site on the Geratol web site.

3. Following some discussion of the items, KJ8V moved to approve the new award. The motion was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. The award has an effective date of 0100, 31 Oct 2018.

4. KJ8V then made a motion to accept placing a link to the T-Shirt/Sweat Shirt site on the Geratol web site. This motion was seconded and also approved by a unanimous vote.

5. KE9TC then moved to adjourn the meeting.

6. The Chairman adjourned the meeting at 0057UTC, 31 October 2018.

Respectfully Submitted

/signed/

FRANK TAYLOR, AA0ZP
Secretary, GERATOL NET

Thanks to the efforts of George – WG8AR, we are now able to order T-Shirts and other items with a GERATOL Logo on them.   What a great way to publicize our Worked All States net at your next Ham Radio Club meeting, Ham Flea Market or any Ham Radio event.

George has done all the leg work with the supplier.  All you need to do in order to be sporting a nifty GERATOL logo T-Shirt, Polo Shirt, Sweatshirt, Hoodie, etc.  at your next club meeting, is to click on the attached link below and place your order !!

You may also personalize the order, by having  your name and call sign added to the GERATOL Logo.

Here are a couple examples of the items available:

Below is the link, which will bring you right to the page for ordering the item/s of your choice.

https://www.onctees.com/geratol

Thanks to George for working to get this in place for members of the net who wish to show off their affiliation with the GERATOL gang !!

The Summer of 2018 is nearly behind us.

Believe it or not, a new GERATOL Season is rapidly approaching.    As always, we launch the new season, (Version – 2018/2019) on Oct 1, 0100 UTC.

Or, 9:00PM Eastern Time on Sunday, Sept. 30th.

Last season reflected an increase in GERATOL numbers issued from the previous year, which may be a sign conditions are FINALLY improving.   Let’s hope that is the case.

We also had a few of the regulars 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 !!

Let’s kick off the new season with a BANG !   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.

N1KL  Kevin

08/13/2018

US Navy Vice Admiral Charles A. “Chas” Richard, W4HFZ, assumed command of US submarine forces during a change-of-command ceremony on August 4, held aboard the submarine USS Washington (SSN-787). He assumed command from Vice Admiral Joseph Tofalo. An ARRL Life Member, Richard, 58, is well-known in the AMSAT and APRS communities. He had been serving as the deputy commander of US Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

Vice Admiral Charles A. “Chas” Richard, W4HFZ

A radio amateur since 1974, Richard said on his qrz.com profile that he is active on 6 and 2 meters, as well as on HF when the VHF bands are closed. He also enjoys digital satellite operations. Richard has been on active US Navy duty since 1982

We often wonder how the GERATOL Net continues to operate year after year.  No doubt the nets longevity is attributed to a combination of dedicated old timers and of course, our lifeblood, new hams in search of a challenge on 80 Meters. Given the state of Amateur Radio today, and how things have changed so dramatically over the years, those of us who have been around a while, often hope that some of the up and coming newest members of our hobby, have similar interests to those of us who have enjoyed the net over the last 30 years plus, and hope they will continue the tradition of the GERATOL net.

Well, the good news is, this season has produced a crop of new arrivals, some with years of ham radio experience, and others who are brand new to the hobby.  It’s been a pleasure to hear these new arrivals on our net this season, working along side some of the long time GERATOLers, and generating a whole new level of interest and enthusiasm on the net.

One of our newest members, and Basic Award Winners, now sporting GERATOL # 2668,  is AC1DR.  Along with his application for the Basic Award, Steve provided a very nice note to our Awards Manager with his application.  For those of us concerned about the stewardship of the hobby and of the GERATOL Net down the road, this note from Steve gives us a glimpse of how the hobby will remain in good hands in the future.

Some of Steve’s comments in his note are as follows:  “It has been a pleasure to work on, and complete, the GERATOL Net “Basic Award”.  As a relatively new ham, it has been an excellent way to gain operating experience in a friendly and supportive environment.  The participants on the GERATOL Net have been simply terrific.  Those of you “GERATOL Veterans” that have kept the Net alive and well all these decades deserve a lot of credit.  While I am a true neophyte, I will be very proud of my GERATOL Number.  I am looking forward to working on and completing several of the other GERATOL Net Awards and Endorsements. “

In his note, Steve also went on to say, “I especially want to thank you for your support and encouragement for the ‘new kid on the block’. Thank You ! I have been on the Net just about every night, except a few, for four and half months. So, the break at the end of April will be okay. I will look forward to next season, and perhaps becoming a regular back-up Net controller. I found being a Net controller challenging, but a hoot.”

Well Steve, we found it to be a “hoot” having new members like yourself join our GERATOL ranks this season, and we look forward to hearing you on again next season, sporting that new GERATOL # and working toward some of the other Awards and Endorsements like the Director’s Award.

As we are discovering via the “Featured Member” profiles being published on our website, we have some pretty talented and multi-faceted GERATOLers on our net.  Steve is not only a Ham Radio Operator, but he is also a Pilot, and an Instructor Pilot. He certainly brings a new dimension to the net:  Here is a shot of Steve in action:

Kevin N1KL

Dale: WG5N G# 2575

Dale was first licensed in 1976, with the call sign WN5UCQ as a Novice. Like many Hams, Dale ran into life situations that took him away from the hobby for several years, but he never lost the interest in Ham Radio, and took the test again in 2009, this time receiving the call sign KE5YUG.

He recalls tuning around the bands with this new call sign and hearing the GERATOL Net in the Extra Class portion of the band. He says listening to the net was one of the motivations he received to upgrade to Extra Class. He did just that, and was issued the call sign WG5N, and he’s been a regular check-in to the net ever since. Dale received his GERATOL Number, 2575 in 2010.

HENRY TEMPO ONE

During his early years in the hobby, Dale’s first station consisted of a Henry Tempo One with a
couple of Inverted Vees for antennas. Dale says he was not very active in those early years, but the FCC had changed his WN call to WB5UCQ. As was the case with many wood-be Hams, his interest in two- way communications began on 11 Meters. Many of the so-called Old Timers, recall a time when the 11 Meter Band was an Amateur Band, prior to 1958. Looking back at it less emotionally now, it truly did become more of a breeding ground for new hams as a CB band, than it ever did as an assigned Amateur band.

His current station consists of a Yaesu FTDX 3000 with an Ameritron AL-82 amplifier. He runs (2) Inverted Vees for 80 meters – one oriented Northwest to Southeast and one East to West. This explains the great signal he puts out on the GERATOL Net. He also has a Cushcraft A4S for 10, 15 and 20 meters, as well as a 160 Meter Inverted Vee for the top band. For picking out those weaker signals, he uses a Shared Apex Loop (by Array Solutions) as a receive only antenna.

Dale’s Current Operating Position

Note the Unbelievable Operating Achievement Award on the wall

Dale’s Elmer was a REAL Elmer. Namely, ELMER Poteet, K5PMR Elmer Poteet who is now an (SK).
His best friend at that time was Mr. Poteet’s son Bruce WN5UCP. As the similar call sign suggests, Dale and Bruce tested together and had consecutive calls. Bruce is also (SK) now. His call was changed to
WB5UCQ by the FCC and he later obtained the vanity (initial) call of AB5CP. As Bruce’s friend, Dale used to visit Bruce’s dad Elmer (K5PMR) and his first experience of talking on a Ham radio (prior to getting his own license) was on one of those visits.

Most recently, Dale has become very active in digital communications, using the new FT-8 digital mode and spends a lot of time on various bands using it. He says the digital modes are a really good way to work DX stations without a lot of power. As a former PSK user, I would have to agree. Low power, great contacts, and a lot of fun.

In the area of Ham Radio achievements, Dale has WAS (phone) on 80 meters through the GERATOL Net. He has 132 (mixed) DX entities worked with 126 confirmed but has not yet applied for DXCC. He also has WAS (mixed) on 20 meters confirmed with paper QSL cards but has not applied for the award. He has 48 states in the log toward WAS with FT 8 only with only two to go: WY and ND.

Dale has also taken a few turns as NCS for the GERATOL Net, filling in for AI4IL this past season, for which us GERATOLers are grateful, as is Bob I am sure.  Also, in the area of Ham Radio, while he is not currently active in any of their various activities he does remain available in case of emergency to the local Choctaw County, OK Emergency Management team.

Outside of Ham radio, Dale is actively involved in his home Church at Valliant, OK.  He also likes to custom smoke meat and assist in providing meals to and for Church activities and dinners. He does support and volunteer work, to assist the Southern Baptist Association’s Disaster Relief Team as needed by donating his time and talents.

Dale also has several other hobbies in addition to Ham Radio,  including hunting, fishing, traveling, reading,
photography, gardening, raising cattle and birdwatching. Wow, I get tired just looking at his list of activities. But for those who may wonder how you can have a hobby of raising cattle, we have attached a few pictures of his efforts he was willing to share. I can only imagine what his hunting and fishing trophies look like !!

Dale says he currently runs a small herd (approximately 30 head) of Black Angus cows in a cow/calf operation. In between ham radio and other interests he says it keeps him active tending to them and taking care of their pasture.

My thanks to Dale for taking the time and for making an effort to provide us some information about his interest in Ham Radio, as well as his other interests. As we can see by Dale’s write up, we have some very interesting and multi-talented folks as part of our GERATOL Group, Dale being one of them.

Feel free to post a COMMENT and thank Dale for his dedication to the hobby, and his support of our GERATOL group.

Kevin N1KL

Featured GERATOL Member – Leon K0LU G# 2330

Many of the regular check-ins to the net have had the pleasure of working this gentleman, not only from his home QTH station in Regent, North Dakota, but from his rather “unique” mobile station.                                                 Namely, Leon’s “Tractor Mobile”

Leon’s Latest Mobile Unit – 600 HP Quad Track

As a grain farmer in North Dakota, Leon spends countless hours keeping his family farm in working order.  However, he gets creative during those night farming chores, by running his TS-480 with a screwdriver antenna in  his tractor as he completes his farming duties.

Leon was first licensed in 1966 as WN0NZO.  His first station was comprised of a Knight Kit T50, CW crystal controlled 50 Watt transmitter, in line with a Hammarland HQ110 receiver.  Leon got started in the hobby with a little help from his Elmer, Jim WA0LEU, now W0LU.  The lifeblood of the hobby remains in how we help each other through Elmering and supporting the interest level of the new folks.

Knight Kit 50 Watt Xmtr and Hammarlund HQ110 Rcvr

Over the years he remained very active in the hobby completing several milestones, including:  WAS, WAC, WAZ and DXCC Honor Roll.  He was also active with the YLISSB System, SkyWarn and Navy Mars as:  NNN0QDH for 40 years.  Like many of us, Leon recalls his first DX QSO, with VK3RJ on 15 meters in 1966 using cw and a vertical antenna with 50 watts xtal controlled transmitter.  The moons had to align to accomplish that back then, the DX needed to be on the same frequency where you had your xtal !!  No VFO, no DX Spotting Network, just patience and some decent band conditions.  Leon has worked a ton of DX since that first DX QSO, but his most enjoyable he says, have been from his Tractor Mobile.  He recalls working both England and Ireland from his Tractor Mobile on 80 Meters !!!

While he does enjoy DX, he also likes other aspects of the hobby, including a good old fashioned rag chew, meeting with his local club group and checking into some nets once in a while.  We are certainly appreciative of his participation in the GERATOL Net,  putting North Dakota in many log books over the years, getting those working on the basic one step closer.

Outside of Ham Radio, in addition to working with his family on their farm, (Yes, Leon’s XYL also operates some of those massive farm machines – check out Leon’s QRZ page to see some of the equipment), Leon enjoys downhill skiing and traveling with his XYL.

In addition to farming, Leon also had a side line operating two-way radio shop.  He’s married with 2 children and 7 grandchildren, and he’s been married for 48 years and he really likes living in the country on the farm.  Checking out those pictures on his QRZ page, we can all see why he enjoys it so much.  Absolutely amazing scenes from the farm, and talk about wide open space for antennas !!!  WOW !

If he wants to put up a tower and the xyl is ok with it, he puts it up. No zoning ordinances or association hassles to deal with.   He says he only have 5 towers!  ha ha…..I guess 5 and counting eh ?