Laramie Uhles, N6CUL, formerly KN6ART, is an amateur radio operator and professional Communications Technician based in Bakersfield, California. He shares his interest in radio and outdoor adventures with his wife, Kylee, KO6GAD. His activities include emergency communications, portable operations, and HF contacts on 40 and 20 meters, primarily using SSB.
Laramie’s introduction to amateur radio came through Civil Air Patrol and the encouragement of his friend and mentor, Dave, NF6P. As his squadron commander and eventual Elmer, Dave helped him understand RF and HF communications. With experience already serving as a radio operator on CAP missions, earning an amateur radio license was a natural next step.
Emergency Communications
Emergency communications remains a central part of Laramie’s involvement in radio. He serves as a Civil Air Patrol Communications Unit Leader and as the Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Operations with Western Kern County ARES.
Professionally, he works as a Communications Technician for an ambulance service in Kern County. Across his work and volunteer activities, he enjoys putting radio equipment to practical use, supporting field operations, and helping people communicate when dependable communications matter most.
POTA, SOTA, and Portable Operations
Taking radio into the field has become one of Laramie’s favorite parts of the hobby. His portable operations combine amateur radio with hiking, camping, and exploring California’s mountains, forests, and public lands.
He participates in Parks on the Air (POTA) and is beginning to explore Summits on the Air (SOTA). Whether operating from a campground or carrying equipment toward a summit, he enjoys seeing what modest power and a simple antenna can accomplish.
One particularly memorable activation took place with Kylee in San Bernardino National Forest during their honeymoon in October 2025.
Parks Activated
- US-4463 — San Bernardino National Forest
- US-4464 — Sequoia National Forest
- US-4466 — Sierra National Forest
- US-4453 — Angeles National Forest
- US-3583 — Tule Elk State Natural Reserve
His portable HF station generally centers around a Xiegu X6100 and a K6ARK 40-meter end-fed half-wave antenna, with other lightweight antennas selected to suit the location. VHF and UHF equipment often comes along for local contacts and communications with other operators in the field.
More parks, summits, and radio adventures are ahead.