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!
CALL TO ORDER:
12:36 PM President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT Opened the meeting held at the home of Joe McGee NX4T at 1341 NE 27th
Way in Pompano Beach, FL.
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Rick Eaton, Joe McGee, Erik Olmer and Roy Neiman.
Mike Wolf was absent.
Resources: Jerry Deitch, Chuck Gress, Ricki Witte and Carol Sjursen
Rick: The new antenna will be installed when the wind is calmer. Rick and Eric are also checking to see if the 61 antenna can be moved to a better position to provide better coverage to the west. The output is 100 watts at present.
The DMR Repeater is working well.
The Boca Repeater site has had some personnel changes. Rick needs to establish who can gain access to our repeater. At present, we are at their mercy. 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 . Dan’s initial plans passed out and discussed. Jeff Stahl, Ricki 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.
Melanie and Carol will secure Quiet Waters Park.
Carol will chair the Publicity Team.
Melanie suggests Banners, rather than signs. The existing signs are too small. Where to locate and how to get permission to hang to be determined.
Jerry Deitch will head up the food committee along with help with Steve Martin, Mike Wolf and Erik Olmer.
We lost money on the winter field day. 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. (Ala Carte, Bring your own, etc.)
Dinner Dates at Wings Plus
March 7th at 7PM
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
How do we get into Broward Schools to introduce Ham Radio? Per Jeff it is very difficult as it’s not part of the curriculum. Security is another matter.
Jeff will try to set up something at Broward College when possible.
We should monitor all the Hams that we test to make certain they stay on as club members. Joe and Melanie developed a handout which will be printed and given to people taking the test.
Maybe a “Work Shop meeting” would be a good idea to train new Hams.
MEETING
ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 2:31 EST by President, Melanie
Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order by President Melanie Fernandez @ 7:34PM
by leading the group in the PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.
ROLL CALL: Thirty people in attendance (30).
Minutes of previous meeting were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Was given by Erik Olmer
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Joe McGee NX4T read the report
provided by Erik. 33 paid members so far. A few paid before the
meeting, as well as, some new members. One person is paid through
2022.
VE REPORT: Jeff Stahl KB4H had no testing today.
TECHNICAL REPORT:
Ricky Eaton KD4HGR told us he and Eric Rodriguez will install the
new 146.61 antenna this Saturday (Feb.29th) he asked for us not to
use the repeater until the antenna is installed and tested. We can
listen and report after they are finished. It should be operational by
SEFTN Net time.
Our Boca Repeater is housed in a facility that just changed hands
and the new owners have been less than responsive in allowing us to
attend to it. Further attempts will be made before we consider moving
it.
The DMR Repeater is working well.
ANNOUNCEMENTS;
Carol Sjursen KJ4AWB, asked that all the Boat Parade people that
plan to attend the Winterfest party to please RSVP right away.
Carol also announced that Steve Adams N4JRW is now a Silent Key.
She will advise us of the Memorial Service sometime in the future.
It was stated that the Repeater Council no longer exists, so it’s
possible to have overlapping Repeaters in the future.
Hope Smith W3ABE and Don Search W3AZD still need assistance as
a result of recent health issues. Contact Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
@ 954-560-3706 for ways to help them.
The Wings Plus Dinner will be on March 7th at 7 PM
The Spring Picnic/Mini Field Day at Vista View Park will be April 18th
from 10 AM to 4 PM. ALL the local clubs and Ham groups are invited.
Mike Wolfe will show the Field Day pictures at the March meeting.
WEBSITE:
Web Manager, John Cole N1QFH, asked for more Blog articles to be
submitted to him for publication on the website.
50/50 Drawing: Was won by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
SPEAKER: Jeff Stahl sat up a game played through the participant’s
Smart phone. The questions were mostly Ham related & technical.
Everyone seemed to enjoy it.
MEETING ADJOURNED @ 9:22 PM
Respectfully submitted in Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Greetings friends, hams and visitors.
I am taking this opportunity to extend gratitude for those who participated and executed a very successful Winter Field Day. AS I call out your name and task performed, please stand and stay standing to the end of the reading.
Joe McGee NX4T, our master planner for this event, did a great job of working with plans that changed during conception to end and his committee of Jeff Stahl, Dan Vasilca , Ricky Eaton, Chuck Gress were on cue for everything. Gentlemen, please stand for recognition.
Chuck handled satellites and all modes, Joe handled CW and all modes, Dan handled CW and general Troubleshooting, Ricky did a fantastic job of coordinating Digital Communications, despite being with fever and very ill throughout the whole event. Talk about a person with perseverance!
Thanks to Carol Sjursen, who came early to the park to help set up and streamline our serving line and assorted condiments. She helped our Chef de jour, Stephen Martin and our sous chef, Gerry Deitch prepare our food and get it to the serving table nice and hot! A special note of thanks to Gerry also for doing all the heavy lifting and accompanying me to Sam’s Club for shopping. He witnessed part of what goes into meal planning as well as preparation. He also crafted a tasty Kielbasi and Rice dish that we enjoyed eating. I appreciate all three of you so much. Thank you!
Thanks to Henry Garcia from Weston and Martin Caminos who came from Miami to attend, for their help with operations and set up at the park. Fantastic effort gentlemen!
Thanks to Erik Olmer who did a fantastic job as secretary keeping track of funds and providing a food break down with his receipt system and sign up sheet. He did a marvelous job collecting and reporting the necessary data to the Board.
As Always, thanks to our special FD Ambassador, David Crane, who came early, stayed a long time and finished up with us for the breaking down of equipment as our Safety Officer. Event after event, we have come to depend on this gentleman for help and it is so appreciated by me and the rest of the planners. He deserves a kiss!
We would not be anywhere without Kenny Hollenbeck and his wife Salley who always shows up early and sets up the grill and antennas and fills in with all the needs for feeding and operating that we have as a club. He is a cheerleader on top of that and a wealth of information. This bright man volunteers to do a lot for amateur radio and he never expects anything in return. He is requesting volunteers for the Traffic Net and for our future events. I am a fan of his personally and commend him for his generosity.
Many thanks to Mike Sams who appeared on Sunday at the park and helped trouble shoot some touchy issues we were having with PSK.
Last but not least, a hearty thanks to Mike Spivak of Mike’s Electronics for his generosity of time, and advice to me for a smoother running club. He always has time for me to ask questions, helps us store our equipment for food handling and is a big asset in providing us with good suggestions for raffle prizes for the HAM. Thank you so much, Mike for all that you do, noticed and unnoticed for our community. You are indeed a blessing to all of us and have been throughout your tenure as a member.
Thanks to everyone who came to support us, the Palmetto Ama. Radio Club, Marty Falk, Richard Trowell and Howard and Edna as well as all those faces I saw but did not mention like Roy, Vicki and Hope , Al Mandel, Tony Becker, Jeff Beals, Mickey Baker and a few others I recognized but am not familiar with their names.
I believe this was another successful endeavor by the club and we did it differently so it counts double in my book. A good Ham is a resourceful Ham and we sure have a lot of those in this club.
This is how many people it takes to through a Ham Bash!!!!!
SO, ONWARD TO THE NEXT EVENT WE PLEDGE TO WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER in 2020!
Mike of Mike’s Electronics has offered to place an apparel order for ANY apparel item and have it shipped to the store Free of Charge to the purchaser. Please go to the ARRL website and check out the offers
Items being targeted are for the ARES people.
There are ARRL clothing and VEC clothing available as well. Please get your order into Mike’s ASAP. Thank you.
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order by President Melanie Fernandez @ 7:30PM by leading the group in the PLEDGE of ALLEGIANCE.
ROLL CALL:
Thirty Three people in attendance (33).
SECRETARY NOTES:
President Melanie Fernandez expressed gratitude for the many hams who showed up at the Winter Field Day Event @ Quiet Waters Park on Sat. Jan 25 and Sunday Jan. 26, 2020. It was a huge success.
Dan Vasilca AI4WW provided an informal breakdown of our points ending with a total of 18,342. Formal report to be filed at a later date.
Melanie formed more Committees to help the Board provide assistance in planning future events.
Sunshine Committee will be Roy Neiman KJ4EGN and Ron LaFontaine W4RDL who will address the special needs of our community in times of illness and report to the group.
The Food Committee will handle the planning, purchase and preparation of the food for our outdoor events in the future.
Volunteers include Erik Olmer W4EJO, Stephen Martin W4NQR, Mike Wolf K2HXC, and Gerald Deitch W4LST.
Special Event Planning (an addendment to the meeting) will have two coordinators. Dan Vasilca AI4WW will lay out FD plans and Joe McGee NX4T will plan the Quarterly Dinners and picnics in Spring and November and assist Dan in setting up the Field Day efforts.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Erik Olmer W4EJO, our new treasurer, thanked the past Treasurer, Ricki Witte KJ4FSH for doing an outstanding job the past several years. Her outgoing report was provided and showed a Total of $4151.01. Our January report will be reported at the February Meeting once our Field Day expenses are tallied.
See outgoing report from November 2019.
(ESTIMATED Balance after Field Day costs is $3641.41)
MEMBERSHHIP REPORT:
Joe McGee NX4T read the report provided by Eric Olmer W4EJO
Members number 85, 25 which have paid their 2020 dues. There are 16 Life Members and 43 members belong to the ARRL. One person is paid through 2022.
VE REPORT:
Jeff Stahl KB4H told us 1 person tested and passed his general exam.
TECHNICAL REPORT:
Ricky Easton KD4HGR told us he and Eric Rodriguez are working on the DMR problems. They swapped out the old DMR repeater with a new one to troubleshoot if that was causing the inadequate and spotty coverage for some hams. Results to be discussed at next meeting.
Our Boca Repeater is housed in a facility that just changed hands and the new owners have been less than responsive in allowing us to attend to it. Further attempts will be made before we consider moving it.
ANNOUNCEMENTS;
Carol Sjursen KJ4ABW, gave a RACES announcement. The Broward EOC was put on alert for a National Security Special Event (NSSE) as of 5pm January 27, 2020. Staffers have been asked to report to the Broward EOC should the need arise. If activated, Hams will be needed to support and assist the EOC in it’s communications effort.
RACES in Miami-Dade are also on alert and are partially activated.
The RACES members present were presented with their new RACES uniform shirts.
John Cole N1QFH announced plans to go to Orlando Hamcation in 2 vans on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 6 am sharp from the Delray Boca Shack. See more info on website. (Note Three clubs, GCARA, BRARA and WPBARA are combining resources and traveling together)
Mike Wolf, K2HXC will once again be ordering club shirts. Please contact him with shirt size and name and call sign to be embroidered on shirt. Money to be paid to Treasurer Erik Olmer W4EJO. MikeK2HXC@gmail.com. (Note: Pictures from Field Day may be submitted to him as well for the making of a slide show to be presented at the February Meeting.)
Hope Smith W3ABE and Don Search W3AZD need assistance as a result of recent health issues. Contact Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT @ 954-560-3706 for ways to help them and details.
Barry Porter KB1PA, is also fighting a battle with MG and is in the VA getting Immunotherapy for the disease. Cards and texts appreciated. See Melanie for details. Text him @ 561-251-9150.
Knight of the Round Table is growing and they meet on 146.550. Please check the website for details.
Ralph Boyd, KK4GUB is moving and there is no website as a result.
Contact Kenny Hollenbeck for details and how you can help out.
WEBSITE:
Web Manager, John Cole N1QFH, asked for more Blog articles to be submitted to him for publication on the website.
50/50 Drawing:
Norm Mandel AC4NM, won the drawing and donated back $25.00 of the winnings to the club. Ralph Tullo N0LO won an ARRL book donated by Ricki Witte.
SURPRISE WFD RAFFLE:
Paradan Radio Equipment was raffled off.
Paradan Antenna Disconnect went to Dan Vasilca AI4WW and Paradan Power Strip 4+ went to Brandy Coolidge N1HO . It will be drop shipped to him from Mike at Mike’s Electronics.
January SPEAKER:
Kenny Hollenbeck KE4NC gave a short presentation covering the proper use of antenna and power options for the shack. Reminded us that we should not overpower our signals and always invest in the best antenna for the shack, over and above any items used to boost power.
MEETING ADJOURNED @ 9:30 PM
Notes taken by Carol Sjursen KJ4AWB and transcribed by Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT. Respectfully submitted in Roy Neiman’s KJ4EGN absence.
