Bruce Tyler KJ7VJD

Several things led me to becoming a ham. My dad was a ham and I remember him talking about it; it was something I told him I’d want to do some day. The last three letters of his call were BZO—BOZO! It was actually before the time of Bozo the Clown but I remember him using ‘bottled zebra oil.’ I’m trying to get more info from my mom so that I can get his call sign as my own. 

I work at St. Peter’s Hospital as the Director of Environmental Services and Laundry. CCARC has volunteers who come to the hospital to help us to update and maintain our emergency communications equipment. I thought it made sense for me to become an amateur radio operator at the hospital. 

John Monson, AJ7MT is a friend of mine and he encouraged me to come to the ham radio classes. I took the first class and then COVID hit so the classes stopped. John suggested that I do the work on my own with the study guide. I studied for a while, John invited me over for a test, and I earned my license!  

I’m currently trying to get funding to update and improve our equipment at the hospital; it’s old.  John has offered to help us update and relocate our equipment. I’m currently trying to recruit two other co-workers to become licensed hams. I just need to be persistent. 

I currently have one of John’s walkie-talkies in hand. I made some serious hints to my family at Christmas about wanting a Baofeng but no one took me up on it. Looks like I’m just going to get it myself. 

I try to remember to check in on the ARES net on Tuesday nights. I participated in Trivia! a couple of times but found a hack for the game and felt it might not be fair for me to continue. 


My wife and are about to become empty nesters. We’d like to get a mobile ham radio set-up in the RV we plan to buy. Originally my wife was coming to classes with me; maybe she’s lost interest now that I’m licensed. I’d like to get my own system so I can give John back his walkie-talkie!

By Kathe Simons N1NYT
March 2022