The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association hosted the 2019 Summer Field Day festivities in the Bald Eagle Pavilion at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida on June 22nd and 23rd. Also invited to participate were the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club and Broward County ARES/RACES.
Approximately 100 amateur radio operators and guests were in attendance for a weekend of fun, food and camaraderie as they practiced their operating skills under simulated disaster conditions.
As you are aware, there are numerous tasks involved in putting on a successful Field Day. A big thank you goes out to all who helped with the planning, preparation, shopping, cooking, event day activities, setup, breakdown and much more.
We had many visitors including park guests, Elmo, CERT members from around the County, the media, Coco, the German Shepherd Therapy Dog, representatives from Broward County Emergency Management, the ARRL and the Red Cross.
We are very thankful that we had the opportunity to practice our emergency communication operating skills under adverse conditions.
Should we ever have a major disaster in Broward County, the amateur operators will be ready.
Submitted by,
Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB
Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT
Call to Order: 7:30 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, called the meeting to order and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Roll call of the entire membership present was given. Thirty (30) people were in attendance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting on April 28, 2019 were approved as they appeared on the website.
Treasurer’s Report:
None
Membership Report:
None
Testing Report:
Two people took the test and both passed
Repeater Report:
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, TRUSTEE, stated that the new Antenna is on it’s way. It will be installed soon after it’s arrival with Eric’s assistance.
Webmaster Report:
John Cole, N1QFH is on vacation, so no report is expected until September.
Call for Old Business: Mike Wolf is working on Field Day pictures for showing at August meeting
Annnouncements:
Barry Porter is in rehab and showing improvement. Jeff Beals is out of the Hospital. He was hoping to make this meeting.
Melanie asked if there were any members interested in learning Morse Code. 3 people expressed an interest.
50/50 Raffle: Was won by Jeff Ronner W4AEQ
SPEAKER: Robert Erik Olmer.Erik gave an excellent presentation regarding the need for more Hams at Shelters. He explained what to expect upon arrival. He also listed the items one should bring to the site such as, personal items, Radio(s), back up batteries, coax adapters, etc. The Radio operators are in the staff area, not in the general population. There are generators at most all the sites.
The speaker was thanked and the meeting was adjourned at 9:08PM.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
Congratulations GCARA for a wonderfully executed Field Day. About half of the membership currently attending our meetings showed up for Field Day to help us with set up, pull down and operating. I counted 38 members, 34 of which were ARRL members attend. This was the BEST Field Day effort I have witnessed from the club thus far. There were over 50 visitors and other HAMS who just dropped by to visit and lend a hand as well. I did not get an accurate count on paper but informally I believe we had close to 100 people at the event.
We started early to plan and everyone who volunteered for a part did an excellent job of performing. I want to thank the four architects of Field Day this year, Joe McGee, NX4T, Jeff Stahl, K4BH, Dan Vasilca AI4WW, and our wonderful Repeater Trustee, Ricky Eaton, KD2HGR, for their due diligence in planning, meeting separately and facilitating a memorable Field Day.
Instrumental in advertising and creating a general interest in Field Day this year, were, Erik Olmer, W4EJO, Carol Sjursen, KJ4AWB, and Mike Wolf, K2HXC, who got the media attention and worked on Facebook to make announcements and create interest. Thanks to Erik, we saw Coco, the K-9 and ELMO from Sesame Street. Carol used her connections to get Emergency Management there as well as various officials of city agencies.
Where would we be without good food? Nowhere, that’s where. Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, made a batch of her Fabulous Chili and Mike Wolf made his mouthwatering Cole Slaw. The great fresh burgers, dogs and sausages were cooked to perfection by Sherry Tullo, KB5VWW and she was aided by her husband Ralph Tullo, N0LO, in keeping the grill up and running. Sherry’s presence this year made all the difference to me for cooking. She cooked to order, kept the grill spotless and kept her usual smiling demeanor while doing it. The ambient temperature that day outside was approaching 100 degrees. Add to that the temperature of the grill 350 degrees to 450 degrees and you have a hot house to work in. Well done Sherry and Ralph. Thank you so very much!
We had an antenna farm like no other I have ever seen at Field Day. Both sides of the Bald Eagle Pavilion was surrounded by all sorts of antennas and it was impressive to say the least. Thank you to all who helped erect the antennas, brought the equipment and designed special ware for the event. There were some new innovative technology tried and this time we were able to make solar contacts and we were set up for satellite as well. There were also some impressive GO KITS, the likes of which I have never witnessed as well. Thank you Erik Olmer W4EJO and Mark Lukinovich KW1O and our loveable Kenny Hollenbeck KE2NEC, who had all sorts of interesting things for us to look at and buy or trade. It was a lot of work but it was done impeccably with a “little” help from our friends.
What I saw this year that stood out for me was the combined efforts of very giving people who love the hobby of amateur radio and are generous enough to share it with everyone. We would not be effective if not for them. That is what attracted me the most about Ham Radio, the people and their generosity and willingness to work for others so unselfishly. It is less about “me” and more about “we”. What can “we” do to make things better? This demonstration of all the concerted efforts of those named and unnamed, are the HEART of Ham Radio. Congratulations to GCARA and our guests, Palmetto Amateur Radio Club, for a job well done!
Warmest regards,
Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Call to Order: 7:32 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, called the meeting to order and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Roll call of the entire membership present was given. Thirty-four (34) people were in attendance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting on May 28, 2019 were approved as they appeared on the website.
Treasurer’s Report:
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, gave the Treasure’s Report
Membership Report:
There is a paid membership of 79 people so far this year. About half are ARRL members.
Testing Report:
Three people took the test and 2 passed
Repeater Report:
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, TRUSTEE, gave us the updated report for the repeater projects being worked on. The Boca site will be serviced in the upcoming months. The new 146.61 antenna is expected to be in and installed by next month. Plans are being made to get a 6 meter antenna to go with the 6 meter repeater that was donated to the club by Eric Rodriguez, KF4LZA, of our repeater team.
Webmaster Report:
John Cole, N1QFH is on vacation, so no report is expected until September.
Call for Old Business: Mike Wolf, K2HXC gave out the club shirts.
Announcements: Field Day was a great success. Thanks to the hard work and organization of Joe McGee NX4T, Jeff Stahl K4BH, Dan Vasilca AI4WW and Ricky Eaton KD4HGR. We made about 3864 points. More details to come.
Thanks to Erik Olmer, Carol Sjursen and Mike Wolfe for handling the advertising, which resulted in an outstanding attendance. Elmo from Sesame Street attended, as well as, Coco the K-9.
Melanie, Ricki, Ralph and Sherry did a great job handling the food.
Richard Trowell of the Palmetto Club furnished deserts. Melanie thanked all of the other members that participated.
The quarterly dinner at Wings Plus will be on Saturday July 13th. A wrap up and discussion regarding Field Day will be the discussed.
Melanie suggested that we pray for Frank Baker and Barry Porter and hope they get better soon.
50/50 Raffle:
The raffle was won by Joe McGee NX4T He returned the money to the Treasury. Joe also won a gift certificate for $30.00 Dan Vasilca AI4WW won the $50.00 gift certificate. The AnyTone DMR radio was won by Jim Gallagher KN4RGG.
SPEAKER: Robert Molleda gave another very interesting presentation. He explained the various aspects of predicting, tracking and damage caused by Hurricanes. He stressed that the “Cone” may not react as one would expect.
The speaker was thanked and the meeting was adjourned at 9:08PM.
Respectfully submitted by Secretary Roy Neiman KJ4EGN
June 15, 2019
CALL TO
ORDER:
8:20 am President, Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT opened the meeting for
Field Day Planning.
Members Present
Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Ricki Witte, Rick Eaton, Joe McGee, Mike Wolfe, Roy Neiman.
Resource: Erik Olmer { ABSENT: Kenny Hollenbeck, Dave Crane, Dan Vasilca }
SECRETARY NOTES: Our additional features this year will be: Solar Power, Satellite contact and Mickey will show his project. We will run as a 3A station with a GOTA station for guests to use.
Member’s Responsibilities:
Melanie: Along with Ricki, Sherry and Ralph will handle the food. NOTE: The club members must plan to eat around Noon. The dignitaries and visitors must be fed at 3PM. Melanie will also be in charge of the sale of the raffle tickets and gift certificates.
Mike: Has contacted the major TV channels and Newspapers and will send reminders next week. Mike asks that all pictures be forwarded to him, so that he can post them on the Facebook page. Mike will collect and send Radiograms to Kenny. He will also bring his 30 cup coffee urn and a griddle if needed.
Kenny: Will deliver the Radiograms on 80 meter outgoing traffic net.
Erik: Will secure as many proclamations as possible. He will also invite as many dignitaries as possible. Some have already agreed to attend. Erik will also post some pictures during Field Day. He will be the safety officer first and host second. States the Coco the K-9 will come as well as Elmo from Sesame Street.
Joe McGee: Has written and distributed a list of each member’s duties for Field Day.
He still needs more operators. Joe noted that he has to pick up his Son at the airport, so will turn off and refill the generator before he leaves. On Sunday June 23, breakdown, clean up and pack up will begin.
Rick: The new antenna is on order. Rick is in the process of setting up a remote receiver site. He is acquiring a new “Voter” at a good price. There is no tone on the repeater as the “Cat” controller will not take one at this time. Rick can control the repeater from home, so he doesn’t have to go to the repeater to make changes.
The noise problem is caused by something in the building.
Roy: Along with Erik, Dave Crane, Rhonda will man the Welcome Station and will sign them in, hand out information, take pictures and guide the visitors to their area of interest. NOTE: Paper handouts are available to remind guests to peak softly if near the radio operators. Avoid all antennas and any area cordoned off with yellow caution tape….Also, Mike and Roy will position the signs.
Jeff Stahl: Will man the GOTA station and hopefully set up a “Fox Hunt” if time permits.
Ricki: Will make chili and bring breakfast. On another matter, has drafted a letter to the IRS. Jeff will have a friend look at it too, regarding the 501 C application.
Mickey: Is to bring the Field Day signs. Also will conduct a class for visitors.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM EST by President,
Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Call to Order: 7:40 PM
President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, called the meeting to order and lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Roll call of the entire membership present was given. Absent was Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN (vacation). Tardy was Mike Wolf, K2HXC.
Thirty-three (33) people were in attendance.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting on April 23, 2019 were approved as they appeared on the website.
Treasurer’s Report:
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, told all in attendance that our treasury has some significant cash outlay for the Post Office box and for a new voter for our repeaters totaling $483.00 and leaving a balance after our deposit of $298.00 from the previous meeting of $3,824.47.
Membership Report:
There is a paid membership of 76 people so far this year. About half are ARRL members. Twenty-five % of the members have not brought their dues current yet. Notices will go out shortly.
Testing Report:
Three people took the test and 2 passed with technician licenses.
Repeater Report:
Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, TRUSTEE, gave us the updated report for the repeater projects being worked on. The Boca site will be serviced in the upcoming months. The new .61 antenna is expected to be in and installed by next month. The antenna was bought by funds generated from a sale of equipment that was donated to the club by patron and member Dirk Basting, N4AN, from his site. Plans are being made to get a 6 meter antenna to go with the 6 meter repeater that was donated to the club by Eric Rodriguez, KF4LZA, of our repeater team.
Webmaster Report:
John Cole, N1QFH, had no website information for us but invited us to join the Boca Club in the NBEAMS Net. Contact John or Jeff Stahl, K4BH, for further information.
Call for Old Business:
Mike Wolf, K2HXC did not have the shirts yet as the provider did not have all of them ready yet. He will pick up and bring to Field Day for members who ordered them (3).
Call for New Business: Annnouncements:
Plans for Field Day are coming along nicely and there are a few surprises planned for the Saturday we begin our practice drill. Elmo from Sesame Street is supposed to attend as well as Coco the K-9 and we expect a visit from the Emergency Management Team at the EOC. They are scheduled to share some lunch with us and bring their command vehicle. A request was made for everyone to bring kids, families and friends to our field day.
Joe McGee, NX4t, made a brief statement about the FD plans and enlisted the help of a few volunteers for various tasks.
We counted about 15 interested parties planning to go and took quite a few advance registrations for the Food with payment. Melanie Fernandez and Ricki Witte are chairing the Food committee with the help of Ralph and Sherry Tullo and will be planning for at least 50 people to eat.
50/50 Raffle:
The raffle was won by Dan Vasilca AI4WW and he returned the money to the Treasury ($42.00).
SPEAKERS:
The main speaker, Dan Vasilca gave an interesting talk on the NiMM program, a computer program used in contesting on the amateur radio bands. He has written many macros for CW and contesting and the program is very helpful for use in doing so. He demonstrated by live demo how it is done and explained it to the group. It generated a lot of interest which no doubt will be carried over to FD. Jeff Stahl, Ricky Eaton and Joe McGee did make additional comments about everything and a good question and answer session followed.
The speakers were thanked and the meeting was adjourned at 9:40PM.
-Respectfully submitted by President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, in Secretary Roy Neiman’s absence.
The next two months will be the busiest months in a long time. Our Spring Picnic was the last outdoor meeting for our group and it went very well for many of us who chose to go and participate. Safety Fest in Margate hosted by CERT was also a lively affair with much to see and do and many friends to make contact with. Facebook has a lot of pictures of both events so you can check it out if you missed it.
At our last GCARA BOARD MEETING on May 4, 2019, we met to discuss replacing the old commercial antenna for the repeater on the John Knox building. Although we put it to good use for many years, it was not the proper frequency nor was it for a 2meter repeater. It was putting a high SWR back into our equipment and ran the risk of damaging our brand new equipment up there at Cassels Tower. Through the diligent research of Ricky Eaton, Eric Rodriguez, Joe McGee and Jeff Stahl, it was decided that the old commercial antenna could not be tuned or modified without some taking apart and welding and even then it may not have been suitable. It was indeed a frustrating conundrum for experienced hams who can homebrew/fix anything and make it work. After a lengthy bit of experimenting and talking and looking into other possibilities, we have all agreed that purchasing a new antenna, one that is built precisely for our unit and is wind resistant to 195 MPH winds, is the best option available tous now. While it comes with a hefty price of about $1200.00, we are trying to get a discount, have sold some equipment donated back to the club by Dirk Basting and have some small anonymous donations that can be made available towards the purchase. We feel that these donations have come at a much needed time and we should make them work for us. It is hoped that with all brand new equipment, our repeater should last another 15-20 years without major problems. When you see Eric Rodriguez and Ricky Eaton, please tell them how grateful and appreciative you are. These gentlemen have put many long hours into problem solving and workmanship into keeping us on the air. Special thanks also to Joe McGee and Jeff Stahl who did a wonderful job of researching and explaining and asking appropriate questions so the Board could make the best decision for the club.
Now there is a noise problem at JKV which is occurring at certain parts of the day and is not associated with our equipment , nor is it malicious in nature. Apparently, some entity is using something that when in use, causes a “motor-boating” sound that crosses several frequencies and interferes with our club transmission. Several of the same above named angels at our service are trying to isolate and identify the source so we can alleviate the problem. We hope to clear this up soon and I invite everyone’s patience for the process.
Also at the May Board Meeting, we had the guidance of Ricki Witte, our Treasurer in re-writing the Articles of Incorporation for our club. The older Articles were not only full of information no longer viable, there was no current living person associated with it. Ricki did a fantastic job and there were minimal changes made with a unanimous outcome. These articles will be sent out in Mail Chimp and voted on at the next general meeting by affirmation. Please read and be ready to ask questions if you have any. Thank you RIcki for all of your due diligence and the great use of your paralegal mind and precious time.
Our May meeting will include speakers from the club who will let us know all of the plans for Field Day in June. Hopefully, we will hear from Dan Vasilca on CW and N1MM as well as Ricky Eaton and Jeff Stahl on Digital and supportive radios for the event. We are eagerly looking forward to the practice of emergency transmission by amateur radio on emergency power. We will use the practice to as accurately perform as we would have to in an emergency. I sincerely hope to see a lot of you there to cheer us on if you cannot directly operate. It is always fun and rewarding for all of the participants and every year it gets better and better. Thank you for considering to stop by and taking a look at what we are up to.
Ricky Eaton has found a voter system that is self contained and may be useful to helping get our remote sites operable again. He will be working on that procurement and we will hear a report from him at our meeting all about it.
Michael Wolf and Erik Olmer will be getting the publicity out for Field Day, each in different areas. Mike Wolf has also kindly taken on responsibility for making a slide show for us of all the Field Day pictures, once they are obtained. He asks that everyone kindly email the pictures they take on Field Day to him at K2HXC@comcast.net. He prefers an email over texting because the conversion to slide show is quicker for him with emailed pictures. We appreciate all of the pix you send.
All of us on the Board appreciate all of your efforts to attend meetings,picnics and dinners, to volunteer for the many jobs that are available, such as shelters in hurricane season, net controls of the various NETs like SEFTN, etc. and the cross-clubbing you do to show your support for amateur radio. This network is vital for all of us and encourages the growth and exposure of the ham radio hobby in general. Thanks for all that you do to make our club special.
Meeting called to Order at 8:15 am at JJ’s Café on Saturday morning, May 4, 2019 by Melanie Fernandez.
Members present were Melanie Fernandez, Ricki Witte, Ricky Eaton,Jeff Stahl, Joe McGee, Eric Rodriguez, Kenny Hollenback, and Eric Olmer.
Absent Board Members were Roy Neiman and Mike Wolf.
Invited Resource personnel not available today were Dave Crane and Dan Vasilca.
OLD BUSINESS:
After pros and cons were discussed the Board voted to purchase a new Telewave antenna over any of the other possible choices discussed. Having been discussed both prior to the meeting over several weeks as we tried to find a replacement for our old improper antenna, the Board felt that the purchase of the new antenna was both prudent and reasonable. Pricing of $1300.00 to be negotiated down by Eric Rodriguez and funds will come from the sale of D-Star equipment donated to club by Dirk Basting and sold by Ricky Eaton for $1000.00 plus some other money donated to the club.
Ricky Eaton will purchase a voter system he found on Ebay for $300. It will be used to replace our old voter system to hopefully link the Briarwood alternate site set up so western service (Coral Springs, Parkland) will be increased. Old site intact but not presently depended on. Ricky Easton to contact the Board of Briarwood on university and Sample and get permission to go to the roof to work on the equipment. He will report back to the board after he has done so.
Webpage availability of member names and call signs were considered public information and could be reasonable published by us. An affirmative statement will be added to the membership form giving us permission to make to roster public on the website.
Melanie will publish a statement not to reply to the email box given on MailChimp as it is an unmonitored mailbox.
All emails sent to the Website to the general mailbox will be handled by Erik Olmer, the ARRL PIO for the club.
NEW BUSINESS:
RIcki Wittee presented the new ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION that update and will replace the old Articles as soon as presented to the general membership and vote taken for or against. In a previous meeting with Ricki Witte and Melanie Fernandez, Dave Crane, agreed to be our registered agent for the club Articles.
Ricki has applied for the tax exempt status for Non Profit 501(C)(3). Rough proposals for Field Day presented. Committee consisting of Dan Vasilca, Joe McGee, Jeff Stahl and Ricky Eaton to meet and prepare for the N1MM computers to be used at Field Day on June 9, 2019.Ricky Eaton to work on the USB problem which prevented him last year from reporting Digital contacts. We will be a 3A group with 5 working radios this year operating on low power to closely mimic the circumstances during a hurricane as much as possible with emergency power. Batteries, generator and solar power to be used. Publicity to be handled by Mike Wolf who will contact Channels 4,6,7,and 10 as well as the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel. Joe McGee to send press release to the Pelican. ARRL PIO Erik Olmer to establish community contacts with mayors and local and county PD to invite to FD. He will also investigate the internet Agencies and get the proclamations. Carol Sjursen will be the source of contacts. Melanie and RIcki to handle the Food Committee again. Will appeal to the membership for relief cooks and help with serving when they are not present. Discussion to be held later. Kenny Hollenback will provide gas grill and gas. Last item discussed was the HY GAIN Beam donated to the club several years ago and stored in Jeff Stahl’s garage.
Member Mickey Galper would like to purchase the $500.00 antenna and the Board discounted it at $300. Jeff can accept offer of $250.00 which will be donated to the club Treasury.
NEXT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 15, 2019 (the week before Field Day).
Motion to adjourn by Joe McGee at 10.00a.m.
CALL TO ORDER:
7:40 President, Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT & lead the Pledge of Allegiance
SPEAKER THIS MONTH: Chuck Gress K3NXH & Rick Eaton KD4HGR Together, they presented the various aspects of FT 8 Digital Program. Very little power is required. Also Rick said his antenna is in the attic & performs well. Chuck showed his home system running in real time, showing many QSO’s that were in process.
ROLL CALL:
There were 34 in attendance.
SECRETARY NOTES:
The 50/50 was won by Melanie KJ4VCT.
The March Minutes were approved by all present.
A motion was made to approve the amended By-laws by Al Flapen and seconded by Ralph Tullo. The motion passed.
Erik Olmer explained the difference in the “Group” & General Facebook pages.
Joe McGee outlined the plans for the June 22nd & 23rd Field Day. He stressed that it IS a competition & that last year we were in the “middle of the Pack.” He & Jeff Stahl plan to enter as a 3A this time, meaning that we will have 3 operating stations. Rick will handle the Digital station. Joe, again stressed that more operators are needed. Erik agreed to be the Safety Officer. Mike will handle the media. Kenny will monitor the VHF. Joe warned that the hood over the grill is a real danger and we will address it this year.
Ricki Witte mentioned that dues would be prorated and gave an example.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Given by Ricki Witte. $3931.47 is the current balance.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
Will be given at the next meeting.
VE Report:
Jeff Stahl tested two. One passed, upgraded to General.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be a Safety Fest in Margate on Saturday, April 27 from 11 AM to 5 PM
Tee shirts will be ordered, so see Mike to place your order & make payment.
On May 18 The “Eye of the storm” will be presented at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Carol Sjursen mentioned that the EOC will have a test to determine which repeaters that most Hams can reach.
TECHNICAL REPORT:
The 146.61 Repeater is getting some kind of intermittent interference. Hopefully Rick & Eric can locate it. The temporary antenna is in a different position on the building. It flexes in the wind, which distorts the signal pattern. The DMR Repeater is working well.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM EDT by President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
