CALL TO ORDER
The Gold Coast Amateur Radio Assn. was called to order at 8:22 AM at JJ’s Café 6051 NW 31st Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 by Melanie Fernandez
Attendees were: Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Erik Olmer, Joe McGee, Ricki Witte and Roy Neiman. Rick Eaton was ill so no Repeater details were available at the meeting. Mike Wolfe was also absent as he had to work.
Web Site:
- Rick Eaton (Repeater Trustee) will enter technical information regarding the Repeater.
- Jeff Stahl will enter announcements for upcoming events. Joe McGee will also provide information to Jeff.
- Melanie will put in all minutes and notes. The President’s message to be sent on Email, as well as, on the Website.
- Ricki Witte will be editor for submission of anything legal, financial or membership related.
- Erik Olmer was voted in to edit the Facebook page in conjunction with Mike Wolfe. Erik will also be our Public Information Officer. He will be a contributor to the website with info about Facebook page and PIO events.
- Carol Sjursen to be a contributing editor regarding ARE/RACES.
JOHN KNOX VILLAGE REPEATER/ANTENNA:
Joe McGee, Jeff Stahl, Ricky Eaton and Eric Rodriguez to form committee to define and analyze problem with the JKV Antenna now that the hardline was installed. Problems with line noise, static and SWR going back to the amp and repeater to be studied further and corrected before any funds are disseminated for a new antenna.
Imperial Point ANTENNA:
Robin Terrell and Carol Sjursen need to be contacted about the antenna situation at Imperial Point Hospital and who RACES will get with proper credentials to man in a hurricane. They are on the RACES list for EOC information.
Field Day:
Jeff, Joe, Ricky and Dan Vasilca to start making plans for the June Field Day. All logging computers are to be synchronized beforehand. Joe stressed that more operators are needed. They also want to emphasize more Digital. Rick and Chuck Gress are to handle those contacts. The Field Day Team will meet independently to make plans and then disseminate to Board when ready.
CERT members are encouraged to get their Ham license. Many have already attained theirs.
New Business:
John Knox Village: Ricky is to find how Jerry Felsky will fit into the situation of manning the site during an emergency, as well as, assisting with the Repeater.
The 120 volt AC plug group hasn’t been handled by the maintenance man. Only 1 outlet is available and if it fails, the Repeater is down. Joe McGee offered to look at it and get with Ricky to see how it can be tactfully remedied.
We also need to verify that our equipment is secure. No door on room. Should we add Echolink to the Repeater? More discussion at future meetings. The subject of GCARA owned radios related equipment was voted down. The main reason is that coming out of storage over a long period of time, it may not perform properly. Members radios are used frequently, which makes them more reliable. Will inform Ricky Eaton. The combined group picnic and Mini Field Day on April 13 will begin at about 10:00 AM and end around 4 PM. A “Fox Hunt” will be after lunch. Also, please attend the Cy Harris Free Flea before heading to the park.
There is a prize for the PIO given by the ARRL Erik was voted into that position and will take the test. Mike Wolf will assist as can. The discussion on the Survey was tabled until all results are in.
Other suggestions were: A welcoming committee to help new people who join the club or new hams when they pass their tests to get integrated into the Ham Community.
Personal introductions to be made to other members who agree to help mentor new people or to be ELMERS.
“Tell your story.” Put on Website? Idea for new feature for website. Prorating dues was discussed. Presently the $30.00 dues for the year are expected in January, February and March. More discussion needed at the next meeting. Ricki Witte to produce the info and report by email to the Board.
Next Board Meeting May 4, 2019
Meeting adjourned 9:56 AM
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman, Secretary
REVISED
CALL TO ORDER:
The regular meeting of the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association, Inc., was called to order on Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 7:48 pm in the Auditorium of Imperial Point Medical Center by President Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT. A quorum was present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the 40 persons in attendance introduced themselves by first name, call sign, and City.
MINUTES: The Minutes of the February 26th meeting were approved as posted on the website.
REPORTS:
President
President Fernandez reported that the “Free Flea” and the Spring Picnic will both occur on April 13th. Members were requested to try to attend both activities. Food for the Spring Picnic will be $10 per person paid on site. Summer Field Day will be the weekend of June 22nd and will include raffle prizes. Bylaws, showing proposed amendments, have been posted on the website, but it did not appear that enough members had seen them, and the planned vote was deferred to the April meeting. President Fernandez said that Jeff Ronner, W4AEQ, is unable to continue as PIO (Public Information Officer) and has resigned. Mike Wolf, K2HXC, Vice President, was willing to assume that post, and Joe McGee, NX4T, was willing to assume the duties of Vice President. Both changes were approved by voice vote without opposition.
Treasurer
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ, gave the treasurer’s report reflecting income since January 22nd of $1,108.00 and expenditures of $688.58, leaving a balance in the checking account of $3,843.15. The process of seeking IRS status of a 501(c)(3) organization is being explored. Members are encouraged to renew their membership in both GCARA and ARRL together, since the Association can retain $2 for renewals and $15 for new members from the ARRL dues.
Membership
In the absence of Joe McGee, NX4T, Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, reported a total current membership of 82, of whom 50 have renewed for 2019. Dues are delinquent after April 1st.
Volunteer Examiners
Jeff Stahl, K4BH, reported four persons had taken licensing tests of whom one passed.
Trustee
In the absence of Trustee Ricky Eaton, KD4HGR, a report on the condition of the repeaters was not available.
ARRL (American Radio Relay League)
Barry Porter, KB1PA, announced that there will be a QSO Party at the end of April. Jeff Beals, WA4AW, said that ARRL support for pending legislation regarding ability to put up antennas notwithstanding homeowner associations’ regulation was withdrawn, but a better version of such law, supported by ARRL, will be introduced in Congress.
RAFFLE:
The 50/50 raffle was won by Al Nevares, N4ACN, who donated a portion back to the club.
PROGRAM:
Kai Siwiak, KE4PT, spoke about his trip to New Zealand, including DX contacts.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm.
Roy Neiman, KJ4EGN, Secretary.
By Jeff Stahl Lt. Col., CAP K4BH
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). It is an integral part of the USAF total force. Established on December 1, 1941 CAP has provided service to our community, state, and nation for over 78 years.
CAP members are volunteers who train in the three mission areas of CAP, which are emergency services (ES), aerospace education (AE), and the Cadet program.
ES includes coordinated air/ground search, electronic direction finding (both air and ground), radio communications and other major disaster related relief skills.
AE includes both internal and external programs. Internal AE involves learning about technical aeronautical issues and socioeconomic impact of aeronautical related events and practices. Cadets may participate in a model rocketry program where they build and fly three model rockets. External AE involves educating the general public about aeronautical issues and their socioeconomic impact. Often working with the school system to reach as many young people as possible.
The Cadet Program is for youths 12 – 18 years old. It has several facets in it including character development, physical fitness, followership and leadership training, and public speaking and writing. Community service is emphasized throughout the cadet curriculum. Cadets who enter CAP prior to their 18th birthday may remain in the Cadet Program until they reach 21 years of age. At that time they may choose to become senior members or leave the program.
Senior members manage all levels of CAP service. Mission participation is as much a part of the Senior program as the Cadet Program. Air crews must be 18 years old or older. Major missions are run under the Incident Command System (ICS) using trained CAP incident commanders.
All senior members participate in at least one area of specialization, which represents a skill set or job function they are trained to do. Many missions are to locate Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) or Emergency Position Indicating Reporting Beacon (EPIRB) unit that have been heard and reported to the FAA and/or the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC). This skill translates well into Amateur Radio Service “fox hunting.”
CAP has provided disaster related services for hurricanes and for the Deep Water Horizon incident. Some CAP sorties support Homeland Security and DEA activities.
For more information go to www.gocivilairpatrol.com.
CALL TO ORDER: 8:10 President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT Opened the meeting
Members Present Melanie Fernandez, Jeff Stahl, Ricki Witte, Jeff Ronner, Ricky Eaton, Joe McGee & Roy Neiman
SECRETARY NOTES: Next Board Meeting early April
Member’s Responsibilities:
Mike: Absent (in hospital). Working on Facebook Page.
Joe McGee: We scored 4500 points on Winter Field day, even though only a few hours were active due to the weather. We placed 110 out of 240. He suggested that the Club purchase Radio(s) & Antennas for our Field Days. Joe has the room at Wings Plus scheduled on March 23rd. 7 to 9 PM Note: There is no guarantee that we’ll have the room to ourselves.
Ricky: Write up a “Wish List” for the Repeater(s) He and Eric are planning to install a “Hard Line” ASAP. This will provide more reliability & minimal line loss. Eric is travelling overseas, so April installation is realistic. Linking the repeaters is expensive, so will table for now. Ricky is looking for used on the Internet.
Roy: When advised by members, send sympathy or get well cards to the family. Also, send cards to Hams that are sick or in the Hospital. Roy needs to create a Job Description.
Jeff Stahl: When possible, meet with John Cole Melanie to work on web site. Also, get Phone numbers & Emails of all who test. Jeff Stahl obvious candidate to talk to Robin and Carol regarding the Imperial Point situation and the Broward repeater with regards to the EOC designation of an emergency repeater. Robin was going to linmkm into John Knox (GCARA) repeater as a back up this year.
Ricki: is to investigate a better type of Non-profit label that fits our group better.
Jeff Ronner: tendered his resignation from the Board if acceptable to all due to his time constraints and other obligations. He will instead, donate time to the Repeater team. Melanie to seek a replacement for PIO slot. Possible candidate Mike Wolf. Mel will discuss with Mike since he also has a time issue with his new job and has experience in the PIO arena. He is also doing FB.
GENERAL: For the Imperial Point problem of NO antenna or Radio with which to support the EOC, Jeff Stahl will coordinate solution with Carol Sjursen and Robin Terrill. Races will staff Imperial Point with trained ham operators to meet qualifications required by EOC operations.
As for John Knox, Joe McGee to coordinate with the gentleman who lives at John Knox and is an experienced ham operator to cover the site in hurricanes. Joe McGee to provide back up if necessary.Melanie Fernandez to be third back up.
Sunshine Committee: To keep in contact with new Hams
Repeater Committee: Consists of: Ricky, Jeff Stahl & Jeff Ronner. Erik W4EJO is also interested in learning about the Repeater.
MEETING ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 AM EST by President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
Hello to all the hams that come across this new website. GCARA hopes to make it a most beneficiary site in the upcoming months. While we LOVED the old site, our webmaster, Joe Ruby KJ4OW has retired from doing it to pursue other life pleasures. We all owe Mr. Ruby a debt of gratitude for his many years of continued service to our club as the web master and sole payer of all of the costs for doing this out of his own pocket. Thank you Joe, for being so generous and kind with your time, talents and money. You are one in a million!!!!!
If anyone is interested in writing for the new webpage, please contact Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT, who will with the help of Jeff Stahl, K4BH and Ricky Eaton, KD4HDR, will be adding content to the site. It is being currently designed by another member of the club, John Cole,N1QFH, who has done many sites for non profits already and most recently manages the Boca Raton Amateur Radio Association. He does wonderful work and if you would like to see for yourself you may check out the BRARA.ORG site. Thanks John for helping us fill some mighty big shoes.
GCARA will be paying for the site, the domain name and the SSL certification that GOOGLE has decided is needed to deem a website “safe” to view, even if there are no money transactions being done. We realize that this is an added expense to the club, however, we cannot avoid this expense any longer and must try to recoup the money elsewhere while still providing our hams a useful and valuable site. We hope that more donations will be coming in to help support this effort and the many activities we want to provide our growing club.
Upcoming in March is our Quarterly GCARA Dinner at Wing’s Plus, located at 9880 W. Sample Road in Coral Springs 33065. We will meet in the back (just ask at the front desk) at 7 PM and dine not only on the best Wings there are but the best American cuisine for the price anywhere. I have tried a lot of items there and have never been disappointed. It is our hope that many members will choose to join us there that Saturday, March 23, 2019. Please bring your guests with you as all are welcome. Please RSVP to Jeff Stahl K4BH@arrl.org or call Melanie at 954-560-3706. We would like to know how many people to prepare for. Our guest speaker that evening will be the ever entertaining Chuck Gress, K3NXH, who will speak about digital communications, possibly moon bounce and satellite communications, time permitting. What he does not cover that evening, he will follow up with Ricky Eaton, KD4HDR at the general meeting in April. Our thanks to Chuck for offering to speak and to Joe McGee, NX4T, who contacted Chuck and made the arrangements. I am so encouraged by all of the people who step up to help make this a positive environment for learning about our hobby. We are all truly blessed by our Board and membership.
In conclusion, I would like to say happy birthday to all of our members who enjoy a March birthday and a general get well message to those who are too ill to come to our general meetings. We miss all of you and you will remain in my prayers for you until you are better. We thank all of our friends from GCARA who have blessed us with your presence and participation in the past and present. We hope for an even more exciting and fruitful future as we help in our community and practice our hobby with each other. Take care and be well, each and every one of you.
Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
LOCATION: WEST BOCA LIBRARY
ATTENDEES:
JOHN COLE, JEFF STAHL. MELANIE FERNANDEZ, RICKI WITTE
EXCUSED FOR WORK: RICKY EATON, MIKE WOLF, JEFF
RONNER, ROY NEIMAND
• Meeting called to order 6 PM
• Meeting adjourned 7:30 PM
Summary of meeting:
John Cole introduced himself and advised that we could have a blog
type website after he constructs the shell of the page.
• Three administrators will be needed to add content and they will
be: Melanie Fernandez will submit Gen Meeting and Board
notes, President’s Message, etc.
• Jeff Stahl will cover testing reports and upcoming events
• Ricky Eaton will cover Repeater information and work being
done etc.
Ricki Witte will get financial set up for domain and webpage
transferred for GCARA (club account) immediately. Create paypal
accounts in GCARA name linked to Club Debit card.
Ricki Witte will look into getting the 501 non profit Tax benefit for the
club and report back to the board no later than the April 6 , 2019
Board Meeting.
John Cole to take care of creating a site from our old site, no texture
background, edited streamer, updated until members are up to speed
and trained as contributors (Melanie, Jeff, and Ricky) in Word Press.
Both the old and the new sites are to be backed up.
Will meet again with the whole board for training end of March 2019
at which point club shall take over Webpage and only refer special
problems to John for consultation.
Report respectfully submitted by Melanie Fernandez March 6, 2019
CALL TO ORDER:
7:35 President, Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT & lead the Pledge of Allegiance
SPEAKER THIS MONTH: Ralph Boyd KK4GUB
Ralph gave an interesting presentation on the aspects of Radio Astronomy.
He first said that “HAMS like to avoid receiving noise” —in Radio Astronomy, they seek noise for evaluation. He was able to access his system & demo some of the graphs. He checked into the SE Florida Traffic Net the next evening & said that the signals that came up during the meeting were from the Christmas T Nebula.
ROLL CALL:
There were 31 in attendance
SECRETARY NOTES:
The 50/50 was won by Melanie KJ4VCT. She donated it back to the club. Thanks, Melanie
Joe Ruby was given an engraved mug & a thank you for his managing the web site & posting the minutes of the Board & General meetings.
Robert Walters will also receive his engraved mug at our Board Meeting on March 2 for his past support as treasurer.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
None given at this meeting.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
No report available at this meeting
VE Report:
Jeff Stahl tested 1 -Todd upgraded to General
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The address for our Facebook page is:
Gold Coast Amateur Radio Association (print name of club in the look-up section) It is maintained by Mike Wolf, K2HXC
TECHNICAL REPORT:
The 146.61 Repeater and the DMR Repeaters are both working well. Ricky and Eric plan to install new coax in the near future.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM EDT by President, Melanie Fernandez,
KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
CALL TO ORDER:
7:32 President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT & lead the Pledge of Allegiance
SPEAKER THIS MONTH: Jeff Stahl
Jeff gave a presentation covering the various characteristics and technical information
required to select the proper battery for Ham operation. He recommended (extended
power batteries) for HT radios.
ROLL CALL:
There were 31 in attendance
SECRETARY NOTES:
The 50/50 was won by G.W. Lanahm WA3OYW. He donated it back to the club.
Joe Ruby desires to hand off the website task. We are thinking of turning the job over
to John Cole of the Boca Club, due to his experience with their web site.
FINANCIAL REPORT:
Ricki Witte, KJ4FSJ gave the monthly financial report.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
Joe McGee reminded everyone that the 2019 dues need to be paid.
VE Report:
Jeff Stahl tested 1 Tech, Juan from Ecuador.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Joe McGee presented the plan for Winter Field Day on January 27th, 2019. Cost for
simple Food & drinks are $10.00 OR bring your own. Joe NX4T needs 3-4 men to help
raise his Beam antenna. Set up starts @ 9AM. He plans to run high wattage again &
run bands: 10-15-20 & 40. Ricky will handle the FT8 mode. “Digital Dan” will be there
with his 60 ft. Antenna & super radio system. “Fox Hunts” are planned @11AM & 1
PM. Bring those tape measure Yagi’s.
The Quarterly Dinner will be at Wings Plus on Saturday March 23, 2019
The Annual Picnic will be at Vista View on April 13th. Details later.
Mike Wolfe is working on the Facebook page for the club. The address is:
GCARAGoldCoast Amateur Radio Association
TECHNICAL REPORT:
The 146.61 Repeater and the DMR Repeaters are both working well.
CALL TO ORDER:
8:34 President, Melanie Fernandez J4VCT Opened the meeting
ROLL CALL:.
Melanie Fernandez, Mike Wolfe, Ricki Witte, Roy Neiman, Jeff Stahl (New Director at Large)
Jeff Ronner, (New PIO) Resource agent: Joe McGee (Club Attendance & Field Day Chair.)
SECRETARY NOTES:
Melanie suggested that we acquire the phone numbers, Emails & addresses of persons that are tested at the meetings. We need to stay in contact with them to keep them in the Club. Jeff Stahl can send Radiograms to invite them to the meetings & such. She also suggested that we do a survey at the meeting & online to discover the members interests & encourage input.
Winter Field Day is January 26th & is chaired by Joe McGee. Food will cost $10.00. Setup
starts at 8:00 AM Shutdown at about 4-5 PM. We will use FPL power this time. Jeff Stahl is
loaning his Router & other equipment. Jeff Ronner is to advertise & to invite Sheriff’s, Police, Mayors & other dignitaries to our Field Day.
The annual picnic The will be held at Vista View Park on April 13th more details in the future.
Mike: Speaker for 1/22/19 meeting will be Jeff Ronner, W4AEQ. He will present technical
information on DMR. *The February speaker is to be advised. March will be Kai Siwiak
KE4PT
Mike is still working on the Facebook Page. He needs some authorization from Joey Jet.
Jeff Stahl & Joe McGee: Will reserve the room at Wings Plus scheduled on March 23. Note:
There is no guarantee that we’ll have the room to ourselves. Jeff Stahl & Joe McGee will give a
report on the Winter Field Day. Also, they will schedule for July 13th or 20th.
Ricky: Was ill but sent a letter regarding the Repeaters. The 146.61 is fine, the 146.82 is OK,
however, Ricky & Eric will install an amplifier soon. The DMR system is working but
additional tweaking is necessary. A 6 meter Repeater is in the future.
Dirk’s systems are functioning but still work in progress.
Website: Joe Ruby wants to be replaced as Webmaster. Both Jeff’s recommended John Cole
from the Boca Club. Jeff Ronner will ask John if he will take it over.
- originally said Jeff Diperna but not firmed up.
General: Give Robin N4HHP Two $25.00 gift cards for TooJays. Also Joe McGee is to contact
Robin re installing an antenna on Imperial Point. Keep Jeff & Carol in the loop.
Jeff Stahl is attempting to stir up interest in starting a Ham Club at a College. He’s willing to
conduct a training class for Technicians
MEETING ADJOURNED:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 AM EST by President, Melanie Fernandez, KJ4VCT.
Respectfully submitted by Roy Neiman KJ4EGN, Secretary.
