SUMMER NET SCHEDULE IS BACK !!

Back by “popular” demand is our weekly Summer informal net routine. The plan is to be on our net frequency of 3.668 Mhz at 0100Z Wednesday evenings during our off season.

The approach is same as last summer, to allow net members, or non-net members to stop by and say hi, compare notes on antenna work, etc etc, make a few contacts and who knows, perhaps even put a few new states into our log books.

There is no NCS schedule for the summer, we simply ask whoever is on frequency to step in and take a turn as moderator. Make sure to welcome any newbies, as we always do, and just have fun staying in touch.

Feel free to compare notes on antenna work, ham radio activities, or even an update or two on how the fishing is in your particular neck of the woods. No topic (as long as compliant with FCC guidelines) is off limits.

I will be out of town on our first summer sked evening, but hope many of you get to stop by and say hi on Wednesday, MAY 6th at 0100Z on 3.668 Mhz.

NEW AWARD LAUNCHES OCT 1st 2026

Next season we will be introducing a new award for those who enjoy chasing a unique challenge throughout the season. The award will be called the APPALAICHIAN TRAIL CHALLENGE !

The trail passes through a total of 14 states on it’s way from Georgia to Maine. The challenge will be to work stations from each of the 14 states, no QSL’s will be required, it’s all done on the honor system. We will have application forms available on the website, as the time approaches. We have a few DRAFT Award templates, two of which are shown below, and one under development by Bob, AI4IL. We will decide on the final prior to start of next season.

This should be a fun one to chase, throughout next season, and any input/suggestions in advance much appreciated.

GERATOL NET BOARD of DIRECTOR ELECTIONS !

This past season, we lost our long time Chairman of the Board, Frosty – W0FP.

In addition, Kenny – KE9TC has decided to retire as our Vice Chair.

Currently Bob – AI4IL is serving as “ACTING” Chairman, and Kevin – N1KL is serving as “Acting Vice Chair”.

The Board of Directors consists of the following four positions:

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Current duly elected board members are:
Secretary – Dale Chrisman – WG5N
Treasurer – Bob Gurka – AI4IL

As this season comes to a close tonight, it is time for the net to take nominations for all four BOD positions. The plan will be to solicit nominations from anyone interested in running for one of the four BOD positions themselves, or to receive suggested nominations from anyone who wishes to nominate another operator. If you wish to nominate someone on their behalf, we ask you check with them first, to make sure they are ok with running for the office. Nominations will be open starting May 1st. Feel free to submit your interest to Bob, AI4IL who will keep track of all nominees, and at the beginning of next season, we will have a special BOD Election session on our net frequency.

Other key positions for the net, which the board of directors appoints, include the following: (these are not elected positions, but appointments made by the Board of Directors.) Anyone interested in filling any of these key positions, should make their interests known to our current acting BOD Chair asap.

Net Control Coordinator – Bob – AI4IL is currently “Acting”

Net Historian – Ed – K7OC

Net Information Officer – Bob – AI4IL

QSL Bureau Manager – Mike – WX4H

Public Relations Officer – Kevin – N1KL “Acting”

Website Administrator – Kevin – N1KL

NEW TIME FOR NET !!!! PLEASE READ !!!!

Beginning with the 2026/27 Season of the GERATOL Net on October 1st Zulu time, the net start time will be 9PM Eastern Time. We will NOT be shifting start time with daylight savings time, but will keep the 9PM Eastern, 8PM Central, 7PM Mountain and 6PM Pacific time throughout the year.

No more trying to remember when net time begins, it begins same time ALL SEASON.

We have decided on taking this approach for the following reasons:

1. This will allow and perhaps promote more stations west of the Mississippi, to join us each evening, since the net has been wrapping up well before they are able to hear us.
2. We will no longer have to worry about the time change, in terms of net start time
3. The later start time in Winter, clearly improves conditions on the 80 Band, thereby giving those working on the basic or for awards/certificates a better chance of hearing stations.
4. The QRM we have been experiencing above and below our net frequency, is typically NOT there at the 9PM Eastern time.

We hope this approach will allow for an increase in participants, thereby making the net more interesting for one and all.

73, Kevin N1KL