I’ve received a copy of the Net Information Packet and added it to the Files page to make it available on the website. This is an important addition to the site as both a resource for those coming into the net and as the official word on the net.

The original Geratol Net website many years ago was built by quoting from a previous, now out of date, version of this packet. Over the years, as I’ve updated it, I’ve had to ad-lib parts of it, especially the newer parts that weren’t in the copy I had back then.

I’m always reluctant to make things up on my own and pass them off as official policy, so I try to keep close to the official version as possible. This will help me be sure all the information on this web page is right.

Please, whether you are new to the net, or an old-timer, download the information packet and keep it for reference. Some things have changed, but most has stayed the same, and you won’t know which until you have the official word.

Did you know the Extra-class exclusive sub-band has changed four times in the history of the net? I didn’t until I read this. I earned my Geratol number on the 3.768 net, so I was around for one of the moves. The others were before I got involved with the net.

Things have been hopping on the net this past month or so, culminating in some new G numbers, new D numbers and now with the annual Board Meeting having taken place, a new endorsement, bringing us up to 38.

You webmaster finally got serious and earned his Directors number (731) after many years of inactivity. At one time, I had several hundred numbers collected and was going to apply for the Directors Award along with a bunch of endorsement stickers. But a hard drive crash wiped out my logs and my enthusiasm for starting over from scratch as well. Read more…

Many thanks to several people who have helped me out with images and information to make this website better. Details have been updated and clarified and we have some new images of some of those awards. Hopefully, seeing them will inspire many members to step up their efforts to achieve those awards.

My thanks to WR8O, AE4GH, W3ON and W0FP for their contributions.

I announced on the Net last night, the winner of the only office being voted on (Vice Director) the winner is VE3SIQ – George with 93 votes; the incumbent AE4GH – Phil received 36 votes. Thanks to all who were interested and took the time to vote. Frank – AA0ZP, Secretary and Election Monitor.

I regret to inform you all that the G# Database will no longer be available on this page. Instead, I’d recommend using the GLIST program Frosty has written. It can be found on the files page.

I’ve been getting on the net once or twice a week since the New Year. Not really a resolution, but something I should have done sooner. I’ve been having a great time meeting new people and old friends alike.

I haven’t been totally off the air, just inactive. I retired a few years ago, younger than I would have liked and not by choice, but enjoying it anyway. It gives me more time to work with the High School robotics team I mentor.

I lost a lot of my logs a few years ago with a hard drive crash. I had worked several hundred numbers for the Directors Award and was going to submit them and get a bunch of 100 multiples stickers at once. I shouldn’t have procrastinated…

So, I’m starting from scratch and working everyone again from scratch. I don’t mind, I’m having fun doing it. The Board Award didn’t exit back then, so I’m working towards that too.

Anyway, I’ll see you on the net!

Well, I’ve done it. Gone over to the WordPress-driven site. I think it’s complete and have been doing updates to both this and the old site for a while to be sure.

I’ve had several WordPress blogs going for quite a while and never had the problem I experienced earlier with the Geratol site, so I’m hoping it was a fluke and it will be trouble-free from here on in.

We will use the blog aspect of the site very lightly, mostly just updates from me, or if Frosty wants to do it, he could use it for his words. The content for the net will continue to be placed in static pages as you see now.

Also, the latest GNEC has been uploaded and can be found in the Files page.

The last time I installed WordPress here, it was looking and working great, until I did something, I don’t even remember what, that totally messed it up. I’ve tried everything to recover it, but to no avail.

So I’m starting from scratch. Please be patient until it gets back to a usable state.

– Al AE2T #1800