Ham Radio has always been a hobby with something for everyone. It could be CW, Contesting, DX’ing, VHF, UHF, Digital, EME Moon Bounce, Satellite communication and on and on, but one thing that has always been a part of Amateur radio is helping with communication at a time of emergency. Today, the communication provided by Amateurs in a time of emergency is labeled ECOM. N4DA, Milton has never been one to not participate in every facet of our Hobby and today is no exception. Milton along with a couple of his very close friends, Culver and Bunion have developed and produced their first ECOM project and are now ready to share some details of it with the Country Uncles.
A little ECOM background first. To be able to provide Emergency communication you need to have the ability to communicate in all types of emergency situations. This means gathering all the necessary equipment together and figuring out a way to power all of it and have an assortment of antennas for the various bands. The gathering of items could take a fair amount of time if one waited till the emergency was upon them to get started. However, the Ham community has taken the challenge and begun individually preparing something called a “GO Box.” Within one portable container, that is easily movable, is everything that is necessary to get on the air and provide emergency communications. Cables, power supply, radio, Antenna, tuner and mic all in one location ready to be put to use at a moment’s notice.
Milton, Culver and Bunion never ones to sit around and not act, took the challenge to be prepared to provide emergency communication and have developed the CULVER 1 Signature GO BOX. See full picture layout in the Photo album or click here
Their Culver 1 GO BOX has the following Equipment:
Various Maxcon Antennas Icom 706 radio Homemade power panel with voltage and current metering Three 12v 7.5 amp hour Gel Cells MFJ 993 Antenna Tuner MFJ 20 amp switching power supply MFJ 4230MV
Deb KD4DEB has once again captured the spirit of the latest HamFest. The Marietta / Atlanta HamFest held June 6th 2015 at the Jim Miller Park in Marietta, GA. We want to thank Deb for allowing us to publish her photos on the Country Uncle Web Site. While the Photos and picture quality are great, some of the individuals could use a bit of Photo Shop touch up as you will plainly see. However, in the spirit of honest Journalistic presentation - yes you do look like you look. To see the PDF file go to the Photo Album Tab and then Marietta/ATL Fest 2015 and click on the PDF file to download or just click on the link below:
See the photos before and after and read the article on the resurection of a Commander HF-2500 that had been swimming for a while. It is localed in Photo Section in the Commander Tab or jusrt click here.
Photos from the Dalton HamFest 2015 - by Deb KD4DEB have been posted in the photo album in the "Dalton 2015" tab or clickhere.
Orlando Hamfest 2015 Photos by Deb have been posted in the Photo Album - Orlando 2015 - or you can click here
UPDATE - SLOT SLUT recap on the DX Information page or Click here
The K1N Navassa Island operation team checked in with the Country Uncles on 3.777.5 Thursday night. In an effort to insure that all the Country Uncles had in fact been able to log a QSO on 80m SSB with Navassa. This was prior to the K1N station moving down to 3.725 to work the rest of the world. Several Country Uncles worked him during this very special accommodation by the K1N team. All of the Country Uncles appreciated this special treatment by the K1N team.
Next week we will publish the top Country Uncle "Slot Sluts" in a special report on the K1N Dxpedition - standby on frequency.
See Photos from the Huntsville HamFest 2014 (Thanks to Deb KD4DEB) in the photo album section TAB or click Below:
The Maintenance Squad® Conducts First Station Snap Inspection
The Maintenance Squad® conducted it first ever Country Uncle Snap Station inspection. These snap inspections are conducted on a surprise bases to the station owners. This was the first display of the new call specific uniform for The Maintenance Squad®.The inspection was conducted at Van KW4CC's station this past Friday. It was a thorough inspection of Van's station to include all operating positions, electrical connection inspection, cleanliness, equipment layout, and a complete operational test. The Maintenance Squad® is happy to report that Van KW4CC's station received a 99% score during this surprise inspection. See attached score sheet.
A new spokesman has been chosen for the Country Uncles -
The Most Interesting Man In The World
I don't often talk on my Ham Radio, but when I do - I prefer the Country Uncles on 3.7775 - Stay Active My Friends!
Possible KW4CC Shack Photo?
On occasion, material falls into the hands of the Country Uncle Web Site staff that is of questionable origin. The attached photo is in that category. Yesterday, during the weekly Country Uncle Web Site Staff Editorial Meeting this photo was presented to the group for consideration as material for publication on the CU Web Site. We as a group have decided to published it with several cautions to you the viewer: 1) It is purported to be of Van KW4CC's shack - having visited that shack on several occasions it does look close and the equipment seems right, but in this photo Van's shack is many orders neater than when we last visited - so authenticity is in question or possible use of Photo Shop to retouch this photo is suspected. 2) The sender, Van KW4CC, indicated he personally took this picture, got the flat file from the camera to his computer and then attached it to an email, addressed the email to CU Editorial Staff HQ and sent it out - while this is by no means a super human feat - there is some question as to Van's ability to do this operation without some serious outside assistance. Again calling into question the authenticity of the material and if in fact the Photo came from Van. With these two cautions in place we present the KW4CC shack photo as we received it. You be the judge. Your CU Editorial Staff will continue to follow up on this situation and present additional information as discovered.
UPDATE - July 29th '14
Pictured below is Milton, N4DA, making preparations to go on a service call to one of the Maintenance Squad's better customers. Your Country Uncle Editor was at The Maintenance Squad ® (TMS) Headquarters recently for this inaugural event and able to get these pictures despite the hectic pace at the TMS HQ. We appreciate Milton taking the time for the quick photo op, especially considering his hurried schedule. Milton commented, "Its not about the money - It is about Customer Service at TMS." Milton is wearing the new official uniform of The Maintenance Squad®. This specially produced T-Shirt "Honors" some of the Squads better customers. There is still a very strong rumor that there are additional uniform items that "Honor" individual "Platinum Level"customers. We are told that these "Special Honor" T-shirts will be reveled at the appropriate time. Stay close for more information.
Two Country Uncles Present their Elmer with an Award
Update July 22nd 2014
Despite the lack of support from Neil W4OVS, David Perdue was able to win the Republican Senate Run Off In Georgia. Mr. Perdue was reached for comment, "Well, I did not think a stop in Greensboro for a lunch with Neil was a wise campaign move, considering the closeness of the race, but it seems to have paid off even without Neil's support." The Country Uncles once again show their incredible power in all kinds of important areas.
Today, July 16th 2014, two Country Uncles, Joe W4JSM and Bill W4ASE, presented their Elmer, Neal Browder with an award. Neal Browder W4OVS was their Elmer over 50 years ago. Joe and Bill attended code practice sessions at the Athens, GA Ham Club and Neal lost the Coke Bottle contest (pull for distance) and had to administer them the test one night back in 1964. Otherwise, they may still be listening to code tapes. Both Joe and Bill were proud to make the award to Neal and appreciate his friendship over the last 50 years. This was an important occasion and on hand to also congratulate Neal was David Perdue, GA Runoff candidate for US Senate. David was happy to congratulate Neal as well, even though Neal said he was not going to vote for him. It is truly hard to hide Class. About 20 additional Hams attended the ceremony at Friendly's Cafe in Greensboro, including Rod W9PG (CU), Titus W4EOG, Bob Wilbanks and many others.
Maintenance Squad Formed
Two Country Uncles have decided to formalize their relationship by forming The Maintenance Squad®. This new organization is dedicated to great service. Both Milton N4DA and Bill W4ASE have been providing services to Country Uncles, in their respective fields of expertise for some time, but have now begun the process of formalizing this new endeavor. They wanted an official company look that not only sold their brand but presented a professional look when calling on customers (limited to Country Uncles only). With that in mind they have designed a T-Shirt to be worn on all service and consultation calls. Their customer list today is long and distinguished. However, in an effort to recognize their recent best customers they have produced the T-shirt you see to the left. Look for this Official TMS®Wear from The Maintenance Squad® team members on their next visit to your QTH. They have also indicated that their are some customer specific T-shirts being produced - to honor very specialcustomers. Your CU Editor staff has been promised photos of TMS® members wearing their new Logo Wear on actual service calls soon.
Heard on the Frequency
For some time your CU Web Site Editors have been wanting to capture and present some of the wit, humor and sayings that a casual listener would be subjected to on a typical evening on 3777.5 mhz. Here are what we hope are the first installment of many more to come. All are presented anonymous - see if you can identify the speaker. Send your suggestions for future captured words of wisdom to the CU editorial staff.
1) If a Ham does not know how to make a dipole he should just throw his license in the trash.
2) The G5RV - the official dummy load of the Country Uncles.
3) Oh...That must have been the question you missed on the Extra Exam.
4) I just love a good sleep study.
K4NV Wins Georgia QSO Party....Again!
Dennis Arnold, K4NV, once again participated in the Georgia QSO party this year. Dennis indicated that he did not feel like it was his best effort this year, but it was good enough to win his category and receive the plaque pictured to the left. Congratulations to Dennis for representing the Country Uncles in manner we expect.
Country Uncles take to the Sky
Dennis K4NV and RexK4JBJ on Saturday October 20th took to the sky with both doing serious antenna work at their respective QTH's. Work parties were assembled at both locations and all that were present for the erection were put to work. Two Photo Album pages have been made for the pictures. Click here for K4NV Tower Work and click here for K4JBJ Tower Work or got to the Photo Album section. Ground Crews were the word of the day for a bunch of old men and Sunday brought more than it's share of soreness. The good news is no one was seriously hurt and the worked progressed as expected. One thing should be brought to everyone's attention - there were at least two Rain Dances and one sprinkling or "Special Water" performed at K4NV's QTH - these were said to be Rain Prevention dances and acts - however, if there is a six month drought we will know who to blame. The pictures tell the tale.
New Original Poem posted in Musings from our own Poet Laureate Tony KE4PK. Go to the CU Members Musing page or click Here
There is a Big Erection coming at the Arnold house. Check out the photos at the "K4NV 40 Meter Beam" page in the photo album or click Here.
Dennis K4NV takes 5th in the USA and 9th in the world in the ARRL 2012 10 meter DX contest. Results just released - see article under the Contests Tab or clickhere
The Country Uncle 2012 Christmas Party
Doing it CU Style
First a word for the CU Poet Laureate
Tony KE4PK
3.778 Christmas
Winter has arrived, and Christmas is near The Uncles of 3778 are amazingly still here Some have new parts that allow them to walk But they have no trouble when they want to talk
You'd think that the tongue would be the first to go from wagging and flopping on the radio It seems that their butts would suffer from the wear of spending their life sitting in that chair
But the air waves are alive with signals and noise and that's what it takes to entertain these boys
They chase rare DX, calling time after time all for the glory of a 599!
The annual Country Uncle Christmas Party was a joyous occasion again this year. It was captured by photography for all to see. Enjoy the pictures in the Photo Album under the"Christmas 2012"tab or by clicking here.
(editor's note: I am not sure any words I could offer would do justice to the picture to the left....)
Country Uncles Mount up at
Stone Mountain Fest
For several weeks prior to the Stone Mountain HamFest (Nov 3rd) there was a palpable feel in the ozone while monitoring 3778. The troops were restless and had pent-up buying demand, all were ready for another Hamfest. Walking sticks were being polished, Wheel Chairs serviced, Hover-Rounds charged, Knees being replaced, Milton clearing off his bench for the repairs to come and Pain Pills readied. Yep, the Country Uncles were going to another HamFest - doing it CU style. Sick, Lame and Lazy, Short, Tall and Crazy the CU bunch was in attendance at another Ham Fest.
See additional photos in the photo album.
CU Red Cross team pays Humanitarian
Visit to Stalag St Mary's
As you may be aware the Country Uncles do Humanitarian visits to various Stalags when there are signs of mistreatment of one of the CU combatants. On October 9th 2012 your CU Red Cross team visited Stalag St Mary's in Athens Ga. Specifically cell 1608, Joe Marbury, W4JSM. Our mission was to spread good cheer, hand out care packages and make sure the Geneva Convention was being followed. Joe seemed to be in good spirits, doing well despite the fact that the morphine had been taken away and he had a serious bandage of some kind on his left leg. All in all he seemed in reasonable shape considering the circumstances.
However, two things occurred as we were leaving: 1) The PT warden came in apparently to torture the inmate in some fashion and 2) Joe in an odd move held up his sheet and I for some reason took a picture. It was not until this article was in preparation that we took a closer look at the photo of Joe's sheet. Some kind of encrypted message was seen on the sheet - it is blown up at the bottom of this article for your review.
"I just love the smell of BenGay in the Morning"
A contingent of Country Uncle made their way to the TenTec 2012 HamFest. Orthopedic devices, Bengay and pain pills were the order of the day. See more pictures in the Photo Album Tentec 2012. Thanks to Jim K4JRS for the pictures.
JOE X's Great Big Old Erection
This past weekend Joe X - N4XPZ and a team of Country Uncles witnessed a Big Old Erection down at Joe X's QTH. Unfortunately, a lot of the goings ons were caught on film for the world to see. Your CU Web Site Editor takes no responsibility for what you are about to witness. See the complete photo album if you dare at theJoe X Tower Erection tab or just click here.
The Country Uncle Cavalry Rides into Dayton
On May 17th 2012, 6 members of the Country Uncles DX Club (Milton N4DA, Joe W4JSM, Van KW4CC, Tony KE4PK, Rod W9PG and Bill W4ASE) made their way to Dayton Ohio for the 2012 Dayton Hamvention. Four members of this group were selected to represent the Country Uncles by mounting up and flying the Country Uncle Cavalry Banner. It has been reported that the Country Uncle Cavalry caused only a few pedestrian casualties, along with several verbal assaults, but no actual fights ensued. All in all the Country Uncles were represented well in the assault on Dayton, both on foot and mounted.
See the Dayton 2012 tab in the photo album for a few more pictures. One picture required your reporter to question what was caught on film. At first, it appeared that Joe W4JSM, was not pleased with Kenwood and their new Flagship transceiver. However, it has now been reported that he was simply indicating that the TS-990S is Number One.
Additional Photo Albums have been added to the site - Van's Mule disaster, The Diabetic Lunch on 3-28-2012and The new creatures at the Smith house.
