MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

September 15, 2003

The meeting was called to order by Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, on behalf of Johnny Williams, K4ANJ, Vice President, at 7:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, Vice President, K4ANJ, Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, and Board Member Tony Blalock, K4OCF. There were 31 members in attendance. A quorum was present.

The membership recited the pledge of allegiance.

The invocation was given.

The Minutes of the August General Membership Meeting were read and approved. There was no Board Meeting in September since the meeting date fell on a holiday.

The Treasurer's report was read and approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

MARS: Bill Britt, Kq4UJ, reported no phone patch activity at the MARS Station.

OLD BUSINESS:

Boy Scouts: Tony Blalock, K4OCF, reported on the plans for the Scouts Camporee scheduled for October 17, 18 and 19, 2003. Tony outlined the plans and locations for Silver Springs Radio Club's participation.

Christmas Party: Barbara Million, KE4ZTW, reminded the membership about the Christmas Party.

Program: There was no program.

Membership: The membership application of Ellery Dunn was unanimously approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Charles Hensley, KA0OGU, announced that the Friendship ARC was conducting a Technician's Class at the fire station, commencing Wednesday, October 1, 2003. Any one having any questions, please call 732-3795. There is a $10.00 donation.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Secretary

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

October 20, 2003

The meeting was called to order by President Ernie O'Berry (K4OSM) at 1932 local time on October 20, 2003. Ernie stated that Ken Frantz (KF4QID) is in the hospital. Since Jeanette (KG4DJA) has been with Ken, there will be no Oracle publication this month. The Pledge of Allegiance was followed by the invocation by Walt Schuler (WA2LWR). The 24 members present introduced themselves, and then the program speaker was introduced by Bill Britt (KQ4UJ). Ernie Walden from Audibel spoke on the causes of hearing loss and answered questions from the club.

At 2000 local time committee reports were presented. A brief progress report on the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) project was given by Larry Phelps (K4OZS). The new Phase 2 amateur radio equipment that was flight certified this summer was delivered to the ISS by a Progress service vehicle. The Expedition 8 crew of three amateur radio operators launched on October 18 aboard a Soyuz spacecraft will soon be on board. The educational proposal for our ARISS school contact is now being written. The MARS committee report was given by Bill Britt. Bill reports that a few patches are being run from Iraq and Kosovo. A reminder was given that the Christmas Parade is on the first Saturday in December. The club Christmas party will be held on the second Saturday in December at Brick City (same location as last year). Tickets for Cordon Bleu or Prime Rib are $17. Drinks will be served at 6:30 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. Tony Blalock (K4OCF) gave a report on the Boy Scout Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) that was held on the weekend of October 18, 2003. President Ernie O'Berry brought out the Marion County Sheriff's Mobile Command Center (MCC). The SSRC club trailer was also on site at the BSA Camporee at Silver Springs Youth Camp. Approximately 125 scouts from the central Florida area observed demonstrations of Amateur Radio communications given by SSRC club members. Introduction of requirements for the Radio Merit Badge and Electronics Merit Badge were presented to the scouts. The terms often heard from the scouts during these sessions were "cool" and "awesome". Hopefully some of these scouts will make the short jump from their merit badge classes to an Amateur Radio license.

New business was presented by Terry Reeves concerning proposed changes to the county ordinance covering communications towers. A petition stating opposition to these changes was read. A motion was made and seconded to participate in this petition as a group. The members then voted to submit this petition to the upcoming county zoning workshop in the name of the SSRC.

It was noted that Gene Layerd (N4QFA) has had cataract surgery.

The formal meeting was adjourned at 2034, followed by a lengthy discussion among members about the county tower ordinance.

Larry Phelps, K4OZS

Secretary Pro Tem

For a complete listing of Hamfests in Florida, please visit the Florida Ham Website at its new location, Hamfests in Florida

Thank you.

The Editor.

INTERESTING TIDBIT

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.

See if you can read this!

MEETING NOTICE The General Membership Meeting of the Silver Springs Radio Club takes place on the third Monday of each month except December. The Aug 2003 meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. All members are urged to attend.

Marion County Emergency Radio Communications Team Net: 7:30 p.m. LOCAL TIME Repeater (146.610-)PL 123 Every Thursday, K4GSO

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Well, it's about time for our friendly little community to have another Christmas parade - All the pretty floats, marching bands and all to get the spirit of the season off on the right foot. It will be gigger and better this year, it always is. But . . . do you remember previous years . . .

How few churches are taking an active part in the parade and those that do make a less than whole-hearted effort to stress what Christmas is about.

Sure! There's support for the parade - but only if it will come by THEIR place of business.

Have a drink before you go. It may be cold and anyway, it is the "Season to be Jolly" isn't it?

No need to take the kids - won't be that much Christmas music to listen to and, it's for the adults anyway!

All those funny little cars will be there again. Will it be this year one will lose control and run over somebody?

Park your car anywhere! It's Christmas - people really don't mind if you happen to be on their property - It is Christmas.

Put the adults in front along the parade route - THEY need to be seen! (the kids don't understand a parade anyway).

Be sure to wave at the "important people" when they go by. Course, don't expect them to wave back - they may spill something.

Maybe Santa Clause will be in it again! I mean, HE represents the season doesn't he for toys, candy and fun - what else could it be for?

When the prade is over be sure to get a souvenir from a float. They won't be needed anymore. Let the next community make their own floats!

Sure you can miss church the next day if you're out late - can always catch up next week can't you?

Have fun . . . it only comes once a year . . . enjoy yourself . . . Gee Whiz, it's just like any other event except you don't have to go to work the next day.

Yeah, this year will be even bigger and better. Had a whole year to plan it.

Birthday? Are you kidding? This is Christmas. Who would have a birthday on a holiday? Just think of all the gifts and parties - all the fun you'll have.

Who would want to spoil it with a birthday?

Bah, Humbug!

Loyd Adams, K4SLM

YOU'RE GROUNDED!

www.packetradio.com/grounds.htm

ANTENNAS AND SUPPORTING STRUCTURES

Metal antenna structures that are anchored into the ground are inherently self-protected.

An overview of how a communications site is grounded.

Some radio systems antennas and beams may be unlikely to be damaged by direct lightning strokes, but they should be bonded to metal supporting structures to eliminate arcing. If the ability of an antenna to withstand direct lightning strokes is doubtful, Lightning rods atop the tower or supporting structure, to intercept strokes should be provided where the transmission pattern permits.

Lightning rods may be attached directly to a metallic supporting structure and should protrude sufficiently above vulnerable elements to provide an adequate "cone of protection". Top lighting fixtures may also be subject to damage if they are not properly shielded. Metallic antenna towers, either guyed or self-supporting, provide an excellent conducting path for stroke currents but the footings, base, and guy anchors of such structures must be properly connected to suitable grounding electrodes.

When wood poles are used to support antennas a lightning rod should be provided at the top of the pole to intercept strokes. This lightning rod should have a large size ground wire cadwelded to it and routed to a good ground system. This will give protection against pole splitting and possible antenna damage. In a common arrangement, a ground rod is attached to the pole with one end protruding sufficiently above the top of the pole to provide a suitable cone of protection. A #6 AWG (or larger), solid, bare copper, down conductor is connected to the rod and stapled directly to the pole on the side opposite the coax or transmission line to the antenna. All pole-top hardware, the antenna, and any supporting guys should be bonded to this grounding conductor.

At the base of the pole the shields of lines, equipment cabinets, and any other conducting objects should be bonded to the down lead which then must be connected to the common area ground system similar to that shown below.

Your site should not contain an independent ground(s). ALL grounds should be connected together as shown in the illustration above. A single point (common) ground is noted by the Master Ground Bar or MGB, as shown. Ground rods are chemical rod systems that are used in areas where grounds are hard to achieve.

The drawing above is a "cut-away" that illustrates how the chemical "L" ground is installed. Chemical ground rods are also available in straight or "vertical" shaft design.

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Silver Springs Radio Club

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

AEA CP-1 Computer Interface $ 50.00

Ameritron 2.5 KW QSK T/R Switch $200.00

Amidon W2FMI 2:1 Balun $ 30.00

Astatic D-104 Microphone $ 50.00

Bearcat III xtal scanner $ 1.00

Heathkit HM2102 SWR meter $ 20.00

Heathkit HM102 SWR meter $ 20.00

Heathkit HW2036 2m XCVR $ 20.00

Heathkit AM-2 SWR meter $ 20.00

Heil Hand Mic $100.00

MFJ 16010 Tuner $ 20.00

Misc/Unknown External VFO(not working) $ 1.00

Misc/Unknown Practice Code Oscillators $ 5.00

Radio Shack HTX-245 2m/70cm HT $100.00

Realistic Pro 2020 Scanner (not working) $ 20.00

Redi-Kilowatt Electronic Keyer $ 50.00

Ten Tec Power Mite QRP rig $ 20.00

Yaesu FT-747GX HF XCVR $400.00

Yaesu FT-212RH 2m mobile $100.00

Anyone interested in any of this equipment should contact Jack Scott, N4NWT at 622-4447; Bill Britt, KQ4UJ at 694-1605, or Station Manager, Ken Frantz, KF4QID, at 489-0571.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW FOR SSRC'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BANQUET AND AWARDS PRESENTATION/FONT>

CLUB MEETINGS are the third Monday of each month 7:30 PM at Green Clover Hall in the Marion County Government Complex on Southeast 25th Avenue. Coffee & Doughnuts are available.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are the first Monday of each month, 7:30 PM at Marion County Facilities Management Office..

K4GSO, club station, Green Clover Hall, is available to all members. Phone number is 620-7210. Contact Ken, KF4QID at 489-0571.

MARS, club station located at 161 Oak Circle, Silver Springs Shores. Phone number is 680-1528. Contact Bill KQ4UJ, at 694-1605.

LICENSE TESTING, on the second Monday of each odd number month, except July, 7:30 PM at Green Clover Hall. Call Jack Scott at 622-4447.

RADIO NETS are conducted over the club repeater, K4GSO, on 146.610 MHz (-600).

LADIES AUXILIARY. Sunshine - Provides flowers and get-well cards for members or members' family. Also orders SSRC logo shirts and caps, Barbara Million, KE4ZTW, 694-5744.

NOTE: For change of address or corrections (with SSRC) contact the Membership Chairman.

SSRC NET, every Tuesday at 7:30 (local time). Contact Jeanette at (352) 489-0571.

Silver Springs Radio Club Website:

http://www.qsl.net/ssrc/

Ocala Radio Amateur's Candid Letter of Enlightenment

SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB

P.O. BOX 787

SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34489

October/November 2003