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.
NOTE: Due to the Coronavirus most of the dates have been cancelled or postponed.
This virtual meeting was sucessfuly held on “ZOOM”
CALL TO ORDER:
2:07 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: There is great concern regarding the June Field Day. Will we be allowed in Quiet Waters by then? So far all outings have been cancelled up until that date. Barry stated that the 1000 ft. rule is still in the rules.
Would a “Backyard” setup work? Where would it be? If Barry gets permission for the individual home stations to use the Club call will it work?
Basically, it was decided to wait until the next meeting to make the decision.
Other points of discussion were:
- Jeff asked if the Boca Club could hold the NBEMS Net on the 146.61 Repeater at 8 PM. The net normally lasts for ½ to 1 hr. We voted and granted permission. To participate one needs to download FLDIGI.
- Melanie asked everyone to participate in the Thursday “Fun Net” at 7 PM. Presently it has no Net Control, nor has it had a lot of activity over the recent months. Melanie would like for the Board to be present on the net to handle any discussions relevant to the Club. Maybe a Net Control will be necessary.
- Should we consider a Wednesday virtual Club meeting?
- Tony the President of the BARC Club is conducting a Net on the 146.91 Repeater on Tuesday April 7th. At 7 PM Please check in.
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:44 EDT by President, Melanie
Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN,
Secretary.
It is with much sadness that I report that Donald Search, W3AZD, resides no longer on Earth for us to enjoy. Happily, he has been given to God for his Eternal care now. I was informed by his nephew, Fred Reed, this morning that his uncle passed away between 2 and 3 am March 26, 2020 as a hospice patient at Wilton Manors Rehab Center. Don had long struggled with health issues related to a fall where he hit his head on a table at a restaurant on December 17, 2019.
Don was enamored of Amateur radio most of his life and worked as a Electronic Technician for Burrows Communications in Maryland among other businesses. He served in the ARRL in Connecticut as Administrator for the DXCC Award for 15 years. Per Hope, he took care of QSL for many, many years too.
Among some of his side interests, Don enjoyed reading about Astronomy. Being devoted to the care of Hope for over 55 years, and being a member of several clubs for Amateur Radio and traveling from one Ham Fest or another, occupied most of his retirement in Florida. He had many friends all over the Northeast of this country as well as locally.
It is impossible to recreate a life in a few paragraphs so I shall not try at this juncture. I will simply say with pride that I knew Donald Search and was very pleased to know him. I will look for him in the stars and hear his voice saying “W3AZD” for much longer.
Arrangements have not been made to my knowledge thus far but if and when I do find out what is being done, I will pass the word on. Meanwhile, it would be such a kindness if you pray for his longtime partner, Hope Smith, and possibly drop her a line or card to my address in my care so I may make sure she gets it. The address is:
Hope Smith
c/o Melanie Fernandez
4860 NW 3 ST, Apt D
Delray Beach, FL. 33445
I do not know at this time where Hope will be residing in the near future and I want to make sure the mail gets to her. Thank you for every prayer that went upon Don’s behalf. I am sure God heard them.
Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT
CALL TO ORDER:
12:36 PM President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT Opened the meeting held at her home in DelRay Beach, FL.
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Rick Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer, Mike Wolfe and
Roy Neiman.
Resources: Chuck Gress, and Carol Sjursen
Rick: The new antenna is installed and working great! It was moved to the Southeast corner of the building. The output is 100 watts at present. Note: We have no backup equipment in case the Repeater has problems.
The DMR Repeater is working well. The Fusion Repeater is on Dirk’s building.
The Boca Repeater site has had some personnel changes. Rick needs to establish who can gain access to our Repeater. Hopefully Ralph, N0LO can speak to his contact. The Repeater overheated when the Boca Club used it for their nets while their repeater was down.
Joe McGee: Agreed to work out the technical aspects of the June Field Day again with Dan Vasilca ,Jeff Stahl, Rick and Chuck will work as a committee to support the plan on Field Day this June 27 and 28, 2020. We will have 3 transmitters. Joe and Kenny will bring generators. Erik will handle the GOTA station that Jeff will provide. The GOTA must have its own call sign.
Chuck Gress will handle the VHF and Satellite contacts. Rick and Chuck will do PSK31 and RTTY. It was suggested that Chuck keep the Satellite station running and announce the passes of the International Space Station.
Melanie and Carol will secure Quiet Waters Park.
Carol will chair the Publicity Team.
Melanie suggests 48X60 Banner(s), rather than the small signs. It was suggested that it say “Radio Field Day Exhibition” Where to locate to be determined. A 10x10ft. Popup tent may be considered for the satellite stations.
Jerry Deitch will head up the food committee along with help with Steve Martin, Mike Wolf and Erik Olmer.
Erik has the Deerfield Beach Proclomation in the works .
We will Email a Survey to the club to determine the best way to handle the food, which continues to be a challenge to plan for without waste.
VIP’s are to be there at 3 PM on Saturday.
Secretary Notes: Rick is a member of 2 local clubs. Roy is a member of 3 Local and 1 Michigan club.
Dinner Dates at Wings Plus
May 23rd at 7PM
July 18th at 7PM
October 3 at 7PM
Vista View Picnics
April 18th at 9 to 4
November 7th at 9 to 4
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:48 EDT by President, Melanie
Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN,
Secretary.
Members of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association will be working at the W4BUG repeater site at John Knox Village tomorrow, Saturday 29-FEB-2020.
An upgrade of the transmit antenna will be completed.
Around noon, the repeater will be taken off the air until the work is completed. Keep an eye out on Facebook for live photos and video of the work.
If you have a vertical antenna and are a decent distance from the site in Pompano Beach, please listen in the afternoon / evening and provide a signal report so we can get a feeling for how the new antenna is functioning.
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO: The entire haul up to the top
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO: Moving the antenna to its final location
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO: It’s vertical!
