CQ, CQ, CQ! Calling all Parrots & Ham Radio Enthusiast’s!
2 meter Fox Hunt and HF Radio Station Setup for Contacts
Date: Saturday, April 20th
Time: 10 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Markham Park
Markham Park
& BBQ Picnic
16001 W State Road 84
Sunrise, FL 33326
Click Here: Directions
Lunch: RSVP
Please RSVP TODAY! Click Here: Event RSVP
Join us! Event Highlights:
Fox Hunt & Stations setup for contacts
All you need is your:
Fox Hunting
Dual band 2m/70cm HT
If you wish to setup your station to make contacts
- Radio
- Antenna, coax
- Chair
- Power Supply
- Small table
- Other essentials you may need to set your your station
We will have tents for shaded space for everyone to be comfortable.
Click here for Details and Lunch RSVP: https://parrotarc.org/parrot-events/
Get ready to find the FOX and connect with fellow Radio Enthusiasts!
Everyone is welcome!
Please RSVP if you would like to have lunch so we bring enough food for all of us who wish to eat.
See you at Markham Park on Saturday, April 20th, from 10 am to 4:00 pm.
The Parrots
fly far and high!
When all else fails we’re still talking!
Click here to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
General-Meeting-Minutes-2024-03-26
We are honored to announce the 85th Anniversary of the WPBARG club in West Palm Beach.
They will hold a celebration on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at the STEM Center of the COX Science Center located at 4881 Dreher Trail, WPB 33485 from 10 AM to 2 PM. All hams are invited to join them and a lunch will be available 12-1PM plus the multiple food trucks that will be available.
In celebration of the special event, NWS meteorologist will be there speaking about the Hurricane Season and staying safe in 2024. Many contacts will be made on the Remote Stations.
More info: https://wpbarg.com/2024/03/26/wpbarg-85th-anniversary-event/
Submitted by Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Yes, ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is still a popular hobby around the world. There are over 750,000 licensed hams in the United States and over 3 million around the world.
Here are some of the reasons why ham radio is still relevant:
- Communication: Hams can communicate with each other locally, regionally, and even internationally without relying on cell towers or internet access. This can be especially useful in emergencies when traditional communication methods are down [10].
- Technology and experimentation: Ham radio allows people to experiment with different radio technologies and communication modes. Hams can build their own radios, antennas, and other equipment [9].
- Community: Ham radio offers a sense of community and camaraderie. Hams can connect with other people who share their interests and learn from each other [10].
- Public service: Ham radio operators often volunteer their time and skills to provide emergency communication during disasters. They can also be found assisting with public service events such as marathons and bike races [9].
If you are interested in getting started with ham radio, you will need to obtain a license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States. There are different license levels available, each with its own requirements. You can find more information about ham radio licensing on the FCC website [10]. There are also many resources available online and in libraries to help you learn more about ham radio.
- Amateur radio provides a way for people to communicate worldwide using various communication modes like voice, Morse code, and digital modes, without relying on the internet or cell phone networks. 1345
- There are over 600,000 amateur radio operators in the United States and over 2 million worldwide. The hobby continues to attract new participants, with a 1% annual growth rate in the US. 14
- Amateur radio operators can obtain different license classes from the FCC, which grant them access to different frequency bands and communication privileges. This allows them to experiment with electronics, build their own equipment, and participate in activities like contests and emergency communications. 135
- While amateur radio was once seen as an “old man’s hobby”, it has gained renewed popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people had more time to explore the hobby. The growth of digital communication modes has also breathed new life into amateur radio. 5
- Amateur radio remains relevant as it teaches valuable skills in electronics, radio operation, and communication that are applicable to various industries. It also serves an important role in providing emergency communication when other systems fail. 134
In summary, the search results indicate that amateur or “ham” radio is still a thriving hobby with a sizable and growing community of enthusiasts worldwide. It continues to offer unique communication capabilities and opportunities for experimentation and skill development.
here are the key benefits of getting a ham radio (amateur radio) license:
- Ham radio is still a popular and growing hobby, with over 2 million amateur radio operators worldwide and a 1% annual growth rate in the US. 145
- Getting a ham radio license allows you to legally operate and experiment with radio communication equipment, which can be a fun and rewarding hobby. 145
- Studying for the ham radio license exam teaches valuable technical skills in areas like radio theory, electronics, electrical circuits, and radio wave propagation. This knowledge can be applicable to various industries. 34
- Ham radio provides a way to communicate worldwide using various modes like voice, Morse code, and digital, without relying on the internet or cell networks. This can be useful for emergency communication. 135
- Ham radio helps bridge generational gaps, as the hobby appeals to people of all ages and allows for connections across international boundaries. 4
- Obtaining a ham radio license can boost your self-confidence, as you accomplish the goal of passing the exam and gain competence in operating radio equipment. 4
- There are many local ham radio clubs that offer free classes to help people study for and obtain their licenses, providing a social community aspect. 3
In summary, the search results indicate that getting a ham radio license provides a fun, educational, and community-oriented hobby that teaches valuable technical skills and can be useful for emergency communication.
HELP SUPPORT – Bike MS: Breakaway to the Palm Beaches 2024 – April 6 & Fri April 7 – MS Bike Ride in Palm Beach County
Contact Jeff Stahl to sign up to volunteer to serve as communicators at rest stops..
MEALS ARE PROVIDED
Date & Location
April 6 – 7, 2024
Start and Finish Line:
Boca Raton Innovation Campus
5000 T-Rex Ave Unit 160 Boca Raton, FL 33431
When you volunteer, you become part of the MS movement – a community of passionate individuals working together to create a world free of MS.
Contact Jeff Stahl to sign up to volunteer to serve as communicators at rest stops.. k4bh@bellsouth.net
Check back for updates: https://w4bug.org/amateur-radio-events/2024-ms-bike-ride/
CHANGE IN DINNER VENUE!!
6:00pm Club Monthly Dinner at Pizza Time in Coral Springs
This month, GCARA will be meeting at and eating at PIZZA TIME in Coral Springs.
The Board has decided to “eat around” at different restaurants until we find a possible “home” for us. Stay tuned each month for our restaurant addresses.
The meeting is open to all hams and guests but if you do not normally attend our meetings and are expected, kindly give Melanie a shout so she can make sure we can be accommodated in comfort. Thank you.
Pizza Time Italian Restaurant
11504 W Sample Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33065
Menu: pizzatimecs.com
If you have a favorite restaurant to suggest, all suggestions are welcome. Please contact Melanie Fernandez @ 954-560-3706. Thank you.
Vista View Park
4001 SW 142nd Ave, Davie, FL 33330, USA
Please join us May 28, 2024, for the GCARA General meeting held on Zoom.
Rick has been a ham for over 60 yrs
We will learn about making satellite contacts and some theory.
Our Speaker this month, Rick Rosen K1DS, has over 65 years as a licensed and active Ham Operator.
He will introduce us to satellite contacts and give us some pointers on doing so.
During his long career of amateur radio, he as authored many articles for QST on EME and VHS Contest reports.
His varied experience will lend to his presentation I am sure. Drop in
and have a listen to an interesting speaker.
Submitted by Melanie Fernandez KJ4VCT
Click to download and print the PDF version NOTE: Meeting minutes are posted online as a draft for review until approved at the following meeting. Corrections can be sent to the Secretary, currently rickiwitte4@gmail.com.
Board-Meeting-Minutes-2024-03-17