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MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
MEETING OF SILVER SPRINGS
RADIO CLUB, INC.
January 19, 2004
The meeting was called to order by President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, at 7:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, Vice President Tony Blalock, K4OCF, Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Treasurer Johnny Williams, KQANJ, and Board Members, Richard Cardinali, KG4TLE, Bill Miller. N6WGM, and Ernie O’Berry, K4OSM.
There were 59 in attendance, including 49 members and ten visitors: Arthur Bellis (KI4DGB), Sue Carr (KG4DGI), Dave Heine (N6DH), Emory Schley (N4LP), Robert Dary (W4BRS), Wayne Hodgman (W1EXT), Pete Axson (WD4LST), Jason Watkins (KF4MNK), John Breimaier ( N2HK) and Allen Albinger (K9VNM). A quorum was present.
The invocation was given by Gene Layerd. The membership recited the pledge of allegiance, led by Victor Berger.
The membership introduced themselves.
The Minutes of the January Board Meeting were read and approved.
MEMBERSHIP: Five membership applications were submitted and approved by the membership.
TOWER ORDINANCE: Ernie O’Berry, K4OSM,reported concerning the Tower Ordinance being considered by the Marion County Commission. The question comes before the County Commission on Tuesday, February 3, 2004, at 9:00 a.m.
ARRL CODE REQUIREMENT: Vice President Tony Blalock, K4OCF, reported that the ARRL is considering creation of a new entry-level license (Novice) and dropping the Morse Code requirement for all license levels, except that of Extra.
MARS: Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, asked Johnny Williams to report on MARS, and Johnny reported that a few phone patches are being run.
PROJECT: William Miller reported on the “Tiny 2" he had seen at the Tampa HAMFEST. Keaton Floyd, KC4HST, and W9CE, have agreed to come to Ocala on a Saturday afternoon, to meet with those interested and bring the antenna kits. A number of members expressed interest.
NEW BUSINESS: The program for the February meeting was announced – Digital Communications. President Bill Britt encouraged the membership to express their wishes on Field Day and the Christmas Party, as well as any other matter of interest to the Club. There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Secretary
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MEETING NOTICE The General Membership Meeting of the Silver Springs Radio Club takes place on the third Monday of each month, except December. The February 2004 meeting will take place on Monday, February 15, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. at Green Clover Hall. All members are urged to attend. |
MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB, INC. February 2, 2004
The meeting was called to order by
President, Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, at 7:30 p.m.
Present at the meeting were President Bill Britt,
KQ4UJ, Vice President Tony Blalock, K4OCF,Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, and Board
Members Richard Cardinali, KG4TLE, and Bill Miller N6WGM. Also present at the meeting were members
Ken Frantz, KF4QID and Phillip Frantz, KF4QIC. Donna Williams had surgery today; therefore, she and
Treasurer, Johnny Williams, K4ANJ, were absent. A quorum was present.
The minutes of the January 2003 General Membership Meeting were approved as distributed to
the Board via email. The Treasurer’s report, as presented was approved.
Board Member Bill Miller, N6WGM reported that he had not received a response as to dates from Keaton Floyd (KC4HST) and W9CE, as to the date they would be willing to come to Ocala on the Tiny 2 Antenna. Bill will be reporting further on this as information becomes available.
The issue has been presented to the Board regarding Associate Membership for licensed amateur radio operators, where two licensed operators have requested Associate Membership and having The Oracle mailed to them. It was the opinion of the Board that Associate Membership is extended to individuals who are not licensed amateur operators. The Board has adopted a policy for calendar year 2004: For this year only, The Oracle will be mailed and the Associate Membership for licensed amateurs will be in effect. However, letters will be written notifying the two licensed operators seeking Associate Membership that after 2004 Associate Membership is not available to licensed amateurs.
Vice President Tony Blalock announced that Newt Williams is still quite ill and is undergoing dialysis three times a week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Newt and his family.
The Board discussed the current financial status and adopted a proposed budget to present to the membership at the February General Membership Meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Secretary
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial reports of Silver Springs Radio Club, Inc. are not available on the website. If you are a member and entitled to view the financial reports, please contact the Oracle Editor or one of the club's officers or board members to secure a copy of the financial reports.
By Direction of the Silver Springs Radio Club Officers and Board of Directors.
Thank you.
The Editor.
M arion County EmergencyR adio Communications Team Net: 7:30 p.m. LOCAL TIME Every Thursday, K4GSO Repeater (146.610-) PL 123 |
FLORIDA HAMFESTS
February 2004
Compiled by Bill Britton KB4VOL/AAM4AFL
| Feb 13-15 | Orlando Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 West Colonial Drive (SR-50), Talk-in on 146.760; INFO: Hal, KK1B (407) 923-8699 | |||
| Feb 21 | Brooksville Hernando County Fairgrounds (NEW DATE) On US 41, 2 miles south of Highway 50, Talk-in on 146.715; INFO: John, WB4NOD (727) 856-2568 | |||
| Feb 21 | Sebring Highlands Agri-Civic Center (NEW DATE AND LOCATION) 4505 George Boulevard, Talk-in on 147.045 (up 600); INFO: Ben, KA6R (863) 314-0963 | |||
| Feb 22 | Zephyrhills at the Lions Club (SUNDAY ONLY) 5827 Dean Dairy Road, Talk-in on 147.135; INFO: Ron, N9VFE (813) 782-1602 | |||
| March 6 | Port Charlotte EARS/PRRA Hamfest, Charlotte County Fairgrounds, on CR-776 2.4 miles south of US 41, Talk-in on 147.255; INFO: George, KA4JKY (941) 697-3445 | |||
| March 13 | Tampa at Egypt Shrine Building, 4050 Dana Shores Boulevard, Talk-in on 147.345; INFO: Larry, W4LGP (813) 948-6500 | |||
| March 13 | Ft. Walton Beach Okaloosa County Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Talk-in on 146.790; INFO: Louis, KF4HRM (850) 243-4315 | |||
| March 20 | Stuart, FREE, at Martin County Fairgrounds (NEW DATE) A1A South of Stuart, Talk-in on 147.060 (up 600); INFO: Dave, KE4AMW (772) 288-7100 | |||
| March 20 | Ft. Walton Beach Okaloosa County
Fairgrounds, 1958 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Talk-in on 146.790; INFO: Louis, KF4HRM (850) 243-4315 | |||
| March 27 | Sunrise, FREE! At Motorola NE lot (NEW DATE) Sunrise Boulevard & University Drive, Talk-in on 146.790, INFO: Robin, N4HHP (954) 583-3625 | |||
| March 27 | Jacksonville, FREE FLEA at Jax Raceway, I-95 at Pecan Park Boulevard, Talk-in on 146.700, INFO: Billy, N4UF (904) 765-3230 | |||
| March 27v | New Port Richey at Ridgewood High School, 7650 Orchid Lake Drive, Talk-in on 146.760, INFO: Don, AA4EK (727) 372-3811 | |||
| March 27 | Leesburg at LARA Clubhouse on Highway 473, Talk-in on 147.255 (PL 103.5); INFO: Al, K2SSE, k2sse@ comcast.net. | |||
For a complete listing of Hamfests in Florida, please visit the Florida Ham Website at its new location,
http:// bellsouthpwp.net/k/b/kb4vol
ANNOUNCING:
TECHNICIAN CLASS 2004
Silver Springs Radio Club, Inc. will again sponsor a Technician’s Licensing Class. Classes will commence with registration on Tuesday, February 3, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. The length of each class is two hours (from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.), with a total of eight (8) classes. There is no charge for the class itself, but the text for the Tech License Manual is $18.00. The FCC License Examination will be administered at the end of the course. There is a fee of $12.00 for the examination fee.
The Technician Class instructors are Richard Cardinali (KG4TLE); Brian Hancher (KV4CA), Charles Hensley (KA0OGU); Otto Hoel (N1OH); and Jack Scott (N4NWT).
For additional information, please call Jack Scott at 622-4447, or Charles Hensley at 732-3795
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Barry Rimmer K4MG
Email: k4mg@arrl.net
Phone: 352-625-6580
Peet Bros. complete ULTIMETER 2000 Weather Station, asking$375.00, original cost $1035.00. Up and operating at my QTH in Ocklawaha, sending APRS data to Find U viewable at: Click here Package includes the console, wind gauge, rain gauge, indoor and outdoor humidity sensors, Weather Picture with four displays, tower mount, software to interface with equipment and display results on PC, or optionally send to internet for APRS or Weather Underground, and all cables. A more detailed description of equipment is on SCARS Junque cars webpage, at: Click here
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Andy Anderson, N4JAQ
(352) 629-5450
11 Element 2 meter Beam, $30.00
CDR Antenna Rotor & Control, $115.00
Complete Mobile Antenna and Radio, High
Sierra Screw Driver Antenna and T5430S
Kenwood Radio, $650.00.
Attention All Amateurs...
League Files "A Plan for the Next Decade" with FCC
(Jan 28, 2004) -- The ARRL has filed a Petition for Rule Making asking the FCC to amend its Part 97 rules to complete the Amateur Service restructuring the Commission began in 1999 but left unfinished. The League wants the FCC to create a new entry-level license, reduce the number of actual license classes to three and drop the Morse code testing requirement for all classes except for Amateur Extra (see "ARRL to Propose New Entry-Level License, Code-Free HF Access"). The ARRL says its petition follows in the footsteps of changes in Article 25 of the international Radio Regulations adopted at World Radio communication Conference 2003. Among those changes, WRC-03 deleted the Morse testing requirement for amateur applicants seeking HF privileges and left it up to individual countries to determine whether or not they want to mandate Morse testing. While several countries--including Germany, the UK and Australia--already have dropped their Morse testing requirements, the ARRL emphasized in its petition that Morse code is not the primary issue at hand. (Reproduced from the ARRL website)
The Little Club that Could
By Clem Small, KR6A
March 21, 2001
Reports of the impending demise of ham radio have been greatly exaggerated. The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club found a new life by applying the most elementary technique of resuscitation – motivation!
If you are concerned about the much talked about fading away of ham radio, don’t just worry about it; do something about it. There are things that you can do to improve the situation, things that can insure that the hobby remains an interesting and viable option for our grandchildren and beyond. This is an account of how our club, the Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club of Hamilton, Montana, ignored the predictions of ham radio’s impending demise and made Amateur Radio grow and prosper in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.Five or six years ago attendance averaged three to seven members per meeting. Activities generally consisted of a report by the club president, followed by small talk, coffee and donuts. It was a comfortable agenda and some of the members probably felt it was fine. On the other hand, a few of us were not satisfied. There were no activities such as technical demonstrations, talks on interesting aspects of ham radio, Field Day, transmitter hunts and the like – the things that make you really want to attend club meetings.
Hoping to make club meetings more interesting, we decided to create some activity and to increase the membership. We envisioned programs that would interest current members and attract other hams who were not now attending meetings. Many hams in the valley either were not interested in the club or didn’t know it existed. We decided to take a two-fold approach to making the club attractive to these hams. First, we would make the meetings more interesting, and then we would tell the local hams about them.
Our first step was to have the club president
appoint our small group to be the program committee. Then we listed all the sources where we might find interesting topics for meetings. Someone who was active in amateur TV or Dxpeditioning or had technical expertise on other ham topics would be asked to present a program on that topic. For instance, we found a ham who was a good Dxer and asked him to talk to the club about Dxing. We wrote to ARRL for a list of videos and then built meetings around those various ham radio topics. We invited speakers from the radio section of the Forestry Service, emergency helicopter rescue units, and anyone else who could tell us how they used radio in their work. We organized transmitter hunts and began participating in ARRL Field Day operations.We had a meeting with our county’s Office of Disaster and Emergency Service, and made plans for providing communications for them when we were needed. We tried to implement anything we could think of that sounded like fun.
But just having interesting programs and activities wasn’t enough. Local hams had to know what we were doing. We asked the FCC for a list of all the hams in the area and did our best to write and call every one of them. Then we followed up with a short, free subscription to the newsletter that we had started. And we began to talk up our activities on the club’s repeater during the Wednesday night net. Using the net, we were able to make and maintain contact with a growing number of check-ins who were starting to get interested in our new activities. Our original meeting place, a small backroom in a local restaurant, was now too small and we had to find much larger quarters. In fact, the club was now so big that we decided to have our own VEC program. Prospective hams and upgraders were coming from well beyond our local area to be tested. Soon we were adding new people to the ranks of Amateur Radio almost every month, and upgrades became common. Many of our members went all the way to Extra Class. We now have almost 100 members and typically 25 to 35 attend each meeting. We are quite proud of the fact that we have a good representation of young people in their 40s, 30's, 20s and teens. It is no longer just a club of senior citizens interested in a dying hobby; we are alive, well and growing.
Perhaps what we did here in Bitterroot Valley won’t work for every club that wants to grow. The point is that there is much we can do to make our hobby more satisfying for ourselves, and more attractive to potential members. Furthermore, these things will benefit the hobby for the long haul. Remember that it took only a few hams to start the ball rolling. Now that membership has reached a critical mass there are activities to appeal to everyone. If hams could duplicate this kind of spirit routinely around the country, we could all paraphrase Mark Twain’s famous comment to say that the reports of the impending demise of ham radio have been greatly exaggerated!
.SSRC DUES WERE
DUEJANUARY 1, 2004
Renewal forms were mailed with the December Oracle, and will be
available at the General Membership Meeting on January 19, 2004, and subsequent meetings. (Pay dues to SSRC Treasurer)KF4QID, Membership Chairman.
Please support Silver Springs
Radio Club by paying your dues
NOW.
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.
MERT (Marion County Emergency Radio Communications Team) NET, every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. LOCAL time. Contact Charlie Lord, NR2F at (352) 489-9185.
Repeater Trustee,(146.610)Bill KQ4UJ, at 694-1605;
President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605
V. President Tony Blalock, K4OCF 685-2028
Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571
Treasurer John O. Williams, K4ANJ 685-2028
Trustee Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605
Board Members:
Richard Cardinali, KG4TLE 690-7500
William Miller, N6WGM 873-2017
Ernie O'Berry, K4OSM 732-0374
Oracle Editor: Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571
Oracleeditor@prodigy.net
Membership Ken Frantz, KF4QID 489-0571
Ladies'
Auxiliary Barbara Million, KE4ZTW 694-5744
Email: funyet2@earthlink.net
Silver Springs Radio Club Website:
Ocala Radio Amateur's Candid Letter of Enlightenment
SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB
P.O. BOX 787
SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34489
February 2004