Call to order – 7:05 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Minutes of previous meeting on February 25, 2020
Draft minutes on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO for March and April 2020
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 75 Members
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 39
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to practice caution.
Call for old business.
There was no meeting in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus.
Our Spring Picnic was cancelled by the Pandemic Orders.
Announcements.
GCARA Board met to discuss the tentative start of planning of the June 2020 Field Day. We were going to wait to decide how the Field Day would run this year due to the Coronavirus until mid- May. That idea was only focusing on whether the Parks would be open and how we would be able to do it.
Since Sunday at the meeting, I had the opportunity to discuss this with some physicians, pour over the CDC site and read several WEB-MD and JAMA articles showing that this new virus is extremely contagious, dangerous and if not fatal, leaves devastating injury to the body systems affected. The Coronavirus we are presently battling is insidious. People who have NO SYMPTOMS are testing positive. The CDC and the many articles I have read describe it as a “ticking time bomb” in our bodies and NO ONE KNOWS what health events will ultimately occur with the people who test positive without fever or apparent illness presently. The virus is setting itself up in various body systems and at unknown times is coming out with a wide array of problems. For instance, the babies, once thought to be “immune” because they were not presenting with COVID-19 infections, are now succumbing to a SEVERE INFLAMMATORY Process that is killing them. It has been seen in Spain, Italy and Great Britain so far in large enough numbers for it to be noticed.
There has been another phenomenon noticed across the younger population ages from 30 to 50 years with NO CO-MORBIDITIES dying from blood clots, stroke, heart attacks and other problems, none of whom presented with fever, cough or any of the respiratory symptoms. One doctor described being in a 30 year old patient’s brain trying to remove the mega clots there and while he did so, he witnessed more clots forming in front of his eyes. This is scary folks and more serious than we realize from the information we are getting. Some people are more afraid of going broke than of dying and they want to rush back to work. Our leaders are not GOD and none of them are researchers or doctors so at this time I personally do not feel it necessary to rush back to life as usual.
For that reason, and for the reason that most of our membership who involves themselves with Field Day outside in the park, are of an older age group and have co-morbidities, I have made a decision to cancel the June Field Day at Quiet Waters Park. The lengths we would have to go through to even pretend to try and make it safe (social distancing, disinfecting equipment, tables and chairs, masks, gloves and the like) is not worth it. The club cannot assume the financial liability in the event that someone gets sick from the event, not to mention the moral consequences.
Now, this does not mean that you cannot operate from home and if there is a strong desire to do that, the Field Day Committee will work on the ways we can do that and tally the club’s points in some manner. Hams are notoriously smart and have ingenious skills so I doubt this will be a problem.
NOTE as of 5/1/2020: The consenus of the Field Day Planning Committee was to not operate as a group due to the ARRL refusal to change any FD rules, especially the 1000 foot rule. People may operate from home according to the ARRL rules.
Ricky Eaton gave our repeater report and presented a new idea for the club. He and Eric can, with minimal expense install a remote HF station for members to use. Hopefully, some of the equipment required would be donated or purchased at a low price. In order to utilize the station, one would have to have Club Dues up to date and sign up on a list to operate. A show of hands indicated a high level of interest, so we’ll proceed with the
project.
Our speaker tonight was Kai Siwiak KE4PT. He gave a presentation on propagation, explaining that the Sun’s effect on the atmosphere, enabling long distance radio communications and ways to attempt to predict it for the various frequencies and modes of operation i.e. SSB, FM, RTTY, CW, FT8 and WSPR to name a few. His presentation is available on the website.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Call to order – 7:13 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Barry Porter played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner.
Minutes of previous meeting on April 28, 2020 on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 77 Members
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 25
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to practice caution. Gloves are not recommended as they are porous and will spread germs. They are designed for one use only.
Call for old business.
Thank you to Joe McGee for securing the new HF radio for our project at John Knox. Eric Rodriguez, Ricky Eaton and Joe are working on the antenna installation and testing soon.
Ricky stated that the Internet on the DMR Repeater is down. It should be up in 2-3 days.
Announcements.
Our Zoom meetings are working well, however, sometimes members have a TV or other background noise which disrupts the meeting. Please mute yourself if you notice your square lights up, even though you’re not speaking.
We are accepting donations for the HF project to cover the Radio, Antenna and possibly an Amplifier. Please mail to:
GCARA PO Box 773
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
In memo section write FOR HF RIG
Dirk Basting donated an Icom 91AD HT. It was auctioned off and the winning bid was $91.91 by Roger Elliot N4RHE.
Speaker: Tony Becker N4AEB
Gave a presentation on Digital communications, describing various radios and modes. DStar, DMR systems are in general use. DMR is less expensive. He also discussed “Hot Spots” which allows one to connect to the internet, rather than having to find a Repeater. He also mentioned the “MESH” System.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Call to order – 7:06 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Barry Porter played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner.
Minutes of previous meeting on May 26, 2020 on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 82 Total Members
Testing Report: Jeff Stahl no testing yet, will advise when available.
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 26
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to be careful.
Repeater and HF report:
Ricky Eaton. 146.61 Repeater working well. He needs to update firmware to enable him to control with his PC.
HF Station, needs coax more to come.
Call for old business.
Thank you to Joe McGee for securing the new HF radio for our project at John Knox. Eric Rodriguez, Ricky Eaton and Joe are working on the antenna installation and testing soon.
Ricky stated that the Internet on the DMR Repeater is down. It should be up in 2-3 days.
Announcements. We haven’t heard from the Hospital regarding when we can use their facility again. All dinners, picnics are canceled until further notice. Zoom meeting only for now.
Field Day June 27 and 28. Please participate at home. Reports must state: Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association to be counted. N1MM report is preferred. Erik is hosting a 1A site. The Mayor, CERT Coordinator to attend. He plans to have a GOTA station.
Marty Falk says that the Don Search Memorial Plaque has been paid for by one of the South Florida clubs. Don and Hope attended most club meetings, dinners and Field Days. Roger Elliot suggested that we apply the money collected to purchase a memorial brick for Hope. A vote was taken and passed.
Kenny H. asked members to be a Net Control for the SEFTN, even if for only 1 day.
Carol Sjursen needs AREA/RACES volunteers for shelters.
Speaker: Robert Molleda from the National Weather Bureau. He stated that we’ve already had 4 named storms and an active season is anticipated. They have reduced the size of the “Cone.” It still is difficult to predict how many storms and their intensity. He said this season that Shelter in Place is preferred, due to the Coronavirus. Go to website: weather.gov.miami for latest information.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 PM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Good morning my fellow hams! I wish you a joyous and bountiful week, full of the many blessings that we all need and desire.
First, I ask for good health for all of us as we isolate ourselves from this unseen, insidious virus, that has taken so many innocents already. It is just a powerful reminder to me that life is fragile, and every moment given to us must be cherished and appreciated. In my case, I give thanks to my Creator, who sees all, knows all and looks over all. To Him be the Glory.
Second, I ask that all people are taking this time to evaluate their lives, to do some introspection, and check to see if the way they are living their lives is consistent with what they believe they are on Earth for. This is important for ALL of us, no matter what beliefs we hold. Are we spending each moment, a gift of life, as we intend? Are we looking out for others in our daily lives? Are we cognizant of what is truly important in the act of living? “For where your Treasures lie, there is your heart”, from my favorite book.
Third, I ask that there is a great awakening in this country, a wizening of it’s people and a great ability to discern right from wrong . I ask that people really think on the premise on which this country is founded. I hope that they hold all elements intact as the forefathers wrote our constitution. Our forefathers came from tyranny and inequality of many types, and they wrote a document, our Constitution, from the lessons learned and the desire to go forward in a “more perfect union”. Let us not forget that.
I have asked that people submit to me their deepest desires or what they would like to share with their fellow hams but no one has responded yet. Please, do give thought to the days we are living in and share your thoughts with the rest of us. We are all interested in what everyone is thinking on, or , at least I am. I would like to share discourse with others.
As far as the Field Day planning is going, the Board is postponing any real planning until mid-May, the time we feel we may know for certain whether we will have to be ingenious and plant to broadcast from home, as a club, or whether we will again be privileged to meet at Quiet Waters Park. We will participate in any event and are thinking about both entities.
We are in the process of trying to put together a live presentation for the April 28th meeting. As our work bears fruit, I shall share the details. I really miss seeing all of you and I hold you dear to my heart in so many ways, as volunteers, as loving and proactive people, and as many friends and hams that you have been.
Thank you to the many of you who have made donations to the club, in leiu of our not having had a meeting with income. Your generosity is a show of heart that all hams share. You are the most forward thinking and creative people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Even those, who choose to observe and support the club with their dues, are welcome and cherished. Not every sport demands an athlete, there must be room for the audience, as well. So, those who are not able to participate for various and assundry reasons are still appreciated and welcome.
Meanwhile, it is my fervent hope that all of you have the warmth of family and friends surrounding you and if not, that your isolation is not a negative experience. There is a lot of beauty being left to one’s thoughts and activities. I, myself, have not been bored, nor depressed in the solitude. I feel the positive energy all around me in this life, if not by humans who know and love me, then by the nature that surrounds me and goes on without missing a beat.
If anyone desires to talk and just say hi, feel free to call me. My door is always open and my ears still work well. If you would like to get in touch with someone in the club, send me your contact info and I will pass the message on to them so there can be some communication. My phone number is 954-560-3706.
May the Creator who designed us and Who is always aware of our situations through our prayers, continue to bless us all. God bless the world as well as the USA!! May we continue to strive for the survival of ALL.
Melanie KJ4VCT
Note: I have been dropping off the Net at 6 pm because of microphone issues that I hope to clear up with the help of one of my Elmers’, Joe McGee. If I can, I would love to be on the FUN Net tonight at 7 pm and I invite all of you to try and make contact. It is indeed, be a FUN NET if you come!!!!!
Good morning, my fellow amateur radio enthusiasts! I am hoping with all of my heart that everyone is safe and sound and has what they need in this present challenge to our lives. I urge you to keep things in perspective and to keep calm in every situation. Slow down your driving if you are going out to forage for goods you need at the store. Be courteous to your fellow human being. If dealing with an upset person, just smile and let them get in front of you in line or let then take the item that you both need and want. Remember, as you treat others, you are being blessed. We are not at war with one another, we are all in the same situation with the same needs and I feel strongly that the Almighty will supply those needs in His time.
This situation certainly puts everything in the proper perspective in life. Remember that flashy new car you were dreaming about getting one month ago? Or the bigger home, or all of the tangible things you thought you needed to be happy in life. I will guess that those “needs” or “wants” no longer have any bearing on your desires now. Today, what we all want most is toilet paper, gloves, masks, and things we never gave a thought about in the past. SO, take this opportunity to think of how you want to conduct you lives now. Besides, surviving this viral epidemic, do you not also feel a twinge of compassion for others? I do. I feel more love for humanity than ever and my compassion and attempts at understanding the behavior of others is being met with great patience. My fellow man is at as much risk as I and it does not matter what we own but how we behave towards one another that matters.
I encourage you to continue being a good neighbor to all. Check on people by phone and take the opportunity to let them know they are cared about and thought about and that you feel pride in having known them. If they have done something that particularly impacted your life in a positive way, thank them and show your appreciation. Above that generosity of spirit, BE GRATEFUL for your God given life and all of the bounty that we enjoy on a daily basis that others in the world have to struggle for. We have been so blessed for so long and this present circumstance certainly puts everything into proper perspective.
I would also hope that people stop identifying themselves as a Democrat or Republican in this Nation and become an average citizen, striving to make the country a better place for our progeny to live and grow up. Let the idea of shared community take root in your hearts because NO ONE CAN STAND alone. We all need each other now as much as ever. Mutual cooperation is tantamount to survival as a whole.
I would urge everyone to go directly to the CDC website for facts on the Corona virus and not listen to the media. I cannot understand why it is necessary to know of numbers of people being infected and those numbers who are critically ill and dying. What does that information DO for us? It cannot save us, it cannot comfort us, so what is behind knowing those statistics? I find they are useless info and have no bearing on me. Instead I will check on all of my friends and family personally and keep courage that “this too shall pass.”
If I have not been in touch with you yet, please know that I will be calling everyone in our club and offering an encouraging word and a prayer if that is what is needed by the recipient. I love you all and care for you all. I am so grateful that you have let me help share your lives. Take care and be well.
73 and 88’s,
Melanie KJ4VCT
This virtual meeting was successfully held on “ZOOM”
CALL TO ORDER:
1:38 PM By President Melanie Fernandez
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Ricky Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer, and Roy Neiman.
Resources:
Carol Sjursen hosted ZOOM meeting for us. Absent: Mike Wolf due to work schedule. Among the invited who did not attend were Charlie Artner who obtained the Margate Proclamation for Field Day, Chuck Gress who was on vacation and Dan Vasilca who decided his presence was not needed in regards to the scoring of Field Day.
Field Day:
GCARA will be noted on all the contact logs by participating individuals and the ARRL will add them to the GCARA Club to obtain the aggregate scoring.
Erik Olmer and Charlie Artner are going to invite the Mayor and Commissioners and Police of Margate to maximize points. They will set up at a remote site and will run on generator and Solar Power.
Erik mentioned a suggestion that generating a lot of Radiograms would be an ideal way to boost points and generate practice for the hams.
Repeater Report:
There have been reports that the Repeater wattage seems to go lower at times. Rick says that if it gets hot enough, it could lose enough wattage that it won’t drive the amplifier. He hopes to check it all out ASAP and maybe put some fans in to prevent the overheating. He noted that the ambient temperature in the Repeater Room is higher than the exterior area that houses it.
IF the Repeater happened to fail, it could cost $10,000 plus to replace all of the components. A discussion ensued about how much money should be kept aside in our Treasury for emergency repairs. It was decided that we should set aside $3500.00 for Repeater maintenance. Our current balance is $4283.00. It was noted that 16 present members have not paid their 2020 dues. Melanie and Joe will work on obtaining them.
Ricky Eaton, Repeater Trustee, would like to add add the Emergency Weather reporting system to the 146.610 Repeater. Presently the system is at the Boca Hospital site and can’t be accessed at this time. He will continue to try and gain access and make the switch of the weather system to 146.610 repeater so that all people within the repeater’s coverage area will be alerted to emergency storm conditions.
We presently have 5 Club Repeaters, including the 2 that Dirk has in our name.
Rick expects to have the HF setup going by the end of June for all the Board members to check out. It was noted that almost the whole project was paid for by donations.
John Knox Village, the site for our main repeaters and antennas, asks us each year to help support the Hurricane and Disaster Communications for them. We work in tandem with their security team to assist in communications with the Broward EOC when normal routes of communication are not available. This is a very important and necessary alliance and we are asking for volunteers to help who are not already assigned to AresRaces posts. Joe McGee works at Cassels Towers and may need a relief operator to cover when he is resting during the storms. Jerry Felski also helps cover from his home base at his residence in another section of JKV.
Joe was ready to go to Cassels Tower at John Knox for the last Hurricane, however, was not activated.
Gifts, Awards, Memorials
Requests should be sent out in Email format to the Board members for approval.
Melanie stated that Board members are not being responsive to urgent emails requiring a vote by email. Each Board member should respond within 24 hours.
Regarding the Memorial Brick for Don Search, it was recommended that we attempt to get $100.00 or more through donations, rather than drawing from the treasury. The Palmetto club is willing to donate $60.00, the total needed being $250.00. Don was a valuable member and an upstanding ham in many clubs throughout his life and it was felt that some sort of tribute was in order. Melanie will reach out to the other club presidents to ask if they wish to participate in the purchase of the memorial brick.
It’s time to Audit our Treasury. Some members who have participated before will be invited to do so again if it is convenient for them. More on this later.
The PO Box costs are high ($168.00 per year). Erik hopes to find a less expensive one at a UPS store. There was discussion regarding just using Erik’s (or the Treasurer’s) address, however, that is not a good idea long term. It is essential that we have a mailbox of some sort with a known and an unchanging address.
Erik suggested that the Board members could accept checks from members and deposit them by phone to speed up processing of fees, donations and membership dues. It was decided that Ricky could be set up to handle those that might be delivered by members visiting Mike’s Electronics. The actual check hard copy could be given to Erik at a later date. This will allow quick processing of checks.( Melanie will be the other Board member with the ability to deposit checks as she is already a signatory on the account.)
.
Jeff Stahl mentioned that the BOCA Club is planning to give an award to the winners of the FD participation with the highest number of points. It is being done with the idea of cultivating more competition and participation in FD as individuals. GCARA will also consider a certificate or “prize” of some sort for the winners.
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 3:01 EDT by President, Melanie
Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Call to order – 7:13 p.m. in Zoom Portal
Barry Porter played a recording of the Star Spangled Banner.
Minutes of previous meeting on April 28, 2020 on website. Approved by group
Treasurer’s report by Erik Olmer W4EJO
Membership report. Joe McGee NX4T 77 Members
Members present on this Zoom Meeting was 25
COVID-19 REPORT by Jeff Stahl K4BH we still need to practice caution. Gloves are not recommended as they are porous and will spread germs. They are designed for one use only.
Call for old business.
Thank you to Joe McGee for securing the new HF radio for our project at John Knox. Eric Rodriguez, Ricky Eaton and Joe are working on the antenna installation and testing soon.
Ricky stated that the Internet on the DMR Repeater is down. It should be up in 2-3 days.
Announcements.
Our Zoom meetings are working well, however, sometimes members have a TV or other background noise which disrupts the meeting. Please mute yourself if you notice your square lights up, even though you’re not speaking.
We are accepting donations for the HF project to cover the Radio, Antenna and possibly an Amplifier. Please mail to:
GCARA PO Box 773
Pompano Beach, FL 33061
In memo section write FOR HF RIG
Dirk Basting donated an Icom 91AD HT. It was auctioned off and the winning bid was $91.91 by Roger Elliot N4RHE.
Speaker: Tony Becker N4AEB
Gave a presentation on Digital communications, describing various radios and modes. DStar, DMR systems are in general use. DMR is less expensive. He also discussed “Hot Spots” which allows one to connect to the internet, rather than having to find a Repeater. He also mentioned the “MESH” System.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
This virtual meeting was successfully held on “ZOOM”
CALL TO ORDER:
1:09 PM By President Melanie Fernandez
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Rick Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer, and Roy
Neiman.
Resources: Barry Porter
Secretary Notes: Rick suggested that an HF station could be added at John Knox that can be operated remotely. Club members only and first come first serve, unless controlled by a written schedule.
This would set our Club ahead of most and may spark more interest in the club.
Equipment needed: HF radio with USB port for easy connection approximate cost used $600.00 and an antenna costing about $300.00 Rick has the necessary computer. Tests would be run to make certain that we don’t interfere with the other systems on the building. The antenna would require routine maintenance.
We should contact a Manufacturer or 2 to see if they would consider donating a radio.
There was discussion whether to make it part of the annual dues or add a surcharge to those that use it.
Note: At the virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 28th we should determine the level of interest before proceeding.
Rick will explain the system to the attendees and Joe McGee will handle the Voting procedure.
We presently have 75 members
We aren’t losing any money by not having physical meetings. No donut and coffee cost offsets the loss of 50/50 and coffee donations.
Melanie wants the Board members to check into the Tuesday meeting at 6:30 to visit before the General meeting.
Could we record our meetings so that members not able to attend can see the activity?
Melanie asked everyone to support the “Fun Net” on Thursday at 7
Field Day: Erik suggested that Melanie speak with Carol re approaching the park managers with the fact that we’re conducting an Emergency exercise, not just a fun day at the park.
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:07 by President, Melanie
Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Dan Vasilca AI4WW submitted our Winter Field Day results.
- Phone: 45 for 15%
- Digital: 2 for 1%
- CW: 256 for 84%
- Points: 12,342
- Bonus: 6,000
- Total: 18,342
More than half of the QSOs were CW by Dan and we had a satellite contact by Chuck Gress K3NKH.
