Back to the News Section
March 2005
|
Minutes of the General Membership of the Silver Springs Radio Club February 21, 2005 The meeting was called to order by President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, at 7:32 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, Vice President Bill Miller, N6WGM, Treasurer Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, and Board Member Maurice Schietecatte, W4CEO. Secretary Richard Cardinali, KG4TLE, was ill. There were 25 members in attendance and two visitors. A quorum was present. The membership recited the pledge of allegiance, led by the Vice President, Bill Miller, N6WGM. The membership introduced themselves. Upon motion made, seconded and adopted, the January General Membership Minutes were approved as published in The Oracle. The Board Meeting Minutes were approved as published in The Oracle. The Treasurer's report was read and approved. WALK AMERICA: The annual March of Dimes Walk America event will take place on April 30, 2005. Amateur operators are needed to man the various check-in stations along the route. Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, pointed out that although the Walk America is the same Saturday as the Gainesville HamFest, those who wish to attend the Gainesville HamFest could still participate in Walk America, and leave by 9:00 a.m. to go to Gainesville. VE TESTING: Otto Hoel, N1OH, reported on recent testing activity MEMBERSHIP: There was one new membership application this month, John Wilcox, NS1Z. The application was unanimously approved. HAMFEST /TAIL GATE: Silver Springs Radio Club will conduct a HamFest event the second Saturday in December (December 10, 2005). The membership was urged to participate to make this event an even bigger success than the 2004 HamFest. MARS: Johnny Williams reported that band conditions have not been good enough to provide phone patches to Iraq. BOY SCOUTS: The Boy Scouts have requested that Silver Springs Radio Club participate in the Cub Scout Camporee scheduled to March 11, 12 and 13, at the State Fire College. A meeting for planning purposes is scheduled on Sunday, February 27, at 3:00 p.m. Those attending the meeting at the UniFirst will carpool to the Fire College. 2005 BUDGET: The Club's Budget for 2005, as published in The Oracle was approved. NEW RADIOS: President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, reported that the new radios purchased for the Club Station had been received and that the Ham Radio Outlet had given the Club a $70.00 discount on the equipment, and had give the Club a 2005 ARRL Handbook (cost of $40.00). There being no further business to come before the meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Secretary Pro Tem
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING March 7, 2005 The meeting was called to order by President Bill Britt KQ4UJ @7:32 P.M. Board members present were Bill Miller N6WGm, Richard Cardinali, KG4TLE, Jeanette Frantz KG4DJA, Ernie O'Berry K4OSM,Russell Merkel WB9GIU, and Maurice Schietecatte W9CEO. Also present was Tony Blalock K4OCF, Phillip Frantz KF4QIC membership Chairperson and Michael Stewart, Associate member. The treasures Jeanette Frantz distributed a balance sheet and a summary of dues collected for the period 11/1/04 to 3/06/05. Both these documents constituted the treasure's report which were accepted. Bill Britt reported that he received a check for $455.00 to pay for the recently purchased 2 meter radio for the "radio shack". Bill Britt also conveyed several pieces of correspondence to the treasurer. The president also reported that the new VHF radio had been mounted and is in concert with the repeater. The 2005 budget was announced. It was a slight modification of the 2004 budget and the expenditure level was pegged at $2100.00. The "hard copy" will be disturbed at the March meeting. Bill Miller suggested that next year's budget consider setting aside monies for the Hamfest. Tony Blalock suggested that the times for the event be extended to 1630 hours. It was agreed by the board that this would be a good idea. There was a brief discussion of the meeting that Tony, Bill Miller,Richard and Emily Cardinali attended with the Boy Scout Council. Based on presentations by Emily Cardinali, Richard Cardinali and Tony, at least four individuals showed some interest in securing their amateur radio license. Richard Cardinali volunteered to teach the course. Several minutes of discussion was generated concerning possible future locations for the HamFest. The VFW hall was suggested but Bill Britt explained that there may be a parking problem. The livestock pavilion was again discussed. For the time being, the appromixaly $550.00 daily rental fee appears to be beyond our immediate reach. A letter received notified the board that Clarence Madison, KM4ZK a long time club, member passed away. Tony Blalock briefed the board concerning the boy scout upcoming Camporee. It appears that the club trailer will be utilized. It was strongly suggested by Bill Britt that the trailer be inspected prior to leaving its parking spot at the MARS location. It was also mentioned that the "big" scout event will be on October 15,16,and 17 and we will be involved. The satellite program at Romero school incorporating Emily Cardinali was discussed and appears to be on track. New Business Bill Britt strongly suggested that the radio shack equipment be upgraded. Several areas were mentioned as well as equipment possibilities. Tony Blalock has been directed to present a list for the membership at the March meeting. A rough cost estimate for the "upgrade" was circa. $500.00. Bill Britt mentioned the March of Dime "Walk America" event taking place on April 30, 2005. This was previously reported in the February 21, 2005 meeting notes. Michael Stewart brought to the floor a suggestion that he purchase the weather station currently in disrepair. He suggested a price, which was quickly tabled. Bill Miller has been assigned to examine the station and determine what a fair price would be for the station, if the board agrees to sell. Jeanette Frantz directed a question to Bill Britt concerning the status of the insured item list. Bill and Jeanette will engage in further discussion on this matter. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 P.M. Richard Cardinali Silver Springs Radio Club Secretary
FLORIDA HAMFESTS March 2005 Compiled by Bill Britton KB4VOL/AAM4AFL
THESE LISTS ARE ONLY AS ACCURATE AS THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. PLEASE SEND CORRECTIONS OR ADDITIONS---SEE BELOW. SEND PL FOR REPEATERS WHERE NEEDED. DATE LOCATION NOTES Mar 26 Mar 26 April 2 April 16 April 23-24 371-0654 May 1 May 14 For a complete listing of Hamfests in Florida, please
visit the Florida Ham Website at its new location,
bellsouthpwp.net/k/b/kb4vol THIS SPACE CONTAINED THE SSRC BUDGET IN THE ORIGINAL NEWSLETTER. THAT INFORMATION IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. NOTICE: THE 2005 MEMBERSHIP ROSTER IS ATTACHED TO THE MAILED ISSUE OF THE ORACLE PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD ROSTER! NOTICE: IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID YOUR CALENDAR YEAR 2005 DUES, THIS IS THE LAST ISSUE OF THE ORACLE YOU WILL RECEIVE!
FCC NOTICES/DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS Your editor, prior to preparation of this issue of The Oracle reviewed the various FCC notices, etc. as shown on the internet website. In almost every series of FCC Letters, there was a notice to a utility company concerning interference with amateur radio stations. This is a source of great concern to the amateur community. One can only wonder how many other instances of power line interference occur. Amateurs, beware. If you have a legitimate complaint, by all means voice it. Otherwise, the interference continues unchecked. This is just another danger to the amateur frequencies. FCC Notices also include many instances of sales of what purports to be amateur radios, which are actually Citizens Band radios which are not licensed by the FCC. Furthermore, one instance of sales of such radios has resulted in a $125,000 fine levied by the FCC. These radios are, again, another threat to the amateur bands. Perhaps one of the most threatening instance of violation of FCC Rules are commercial vehicles (over-the-road commercial vehicles) containing amateur radios and which are operated by individuals who are NOT LICENSED. Then, there are the individuals who operate in frequencies for which they are not licensed, and those who operate amateur radios and are not licensed at all. Another danger to amateur bands. Perhaps the greatest threat to the amateur bands are those individuals who maliciously interfere with communications of others on the amateur bands, those who abuse the use of repeaters, and those who use the repeaters spouting obscene expressions. There was even one letter to an individual in Ocala, but, there was also a follow-up to that individual advising that the violation letter was sent to that amateur in error! Your editor is grateful that, with few exceptions, malicious interference does not exist. Additionally, with very few exceptions, obscene expressions and/or language do not present a problem in this locale. Did you know, though, that many FCC Notices are sent to individuals whose fence chargers are, purportedly causing interference to the amateur bands? Did you also know that many FCC Notices are sent to owners of portable phones that are also allegedly causing interference to the amateur band? It is shocking that there were several FCC Notices to amateurs who were, allegedly, interfering with emergency communications. There were no FCC Notices for this violation in Florida for the past year. The real essence of all this is that, as amateur operators, we are ALL required to operate with consideration for our fellow man. No one is perfect and mistakes will occur. Fortunately, we don't seem to have severe problems with any of these issues in the Ocala/Marion County area. I hate to think of the consequences this past summer, if the amateur operators providing emergency communications from the shelters, had to contend with malicious interference. Such behavior can and undoubtedly has at some point in time resulted in loss of health and/or loss of life. That is not only unfortunate, it is also criminal. FCC penalties are NOT light, and include prison time, substantial fines and loss of amateur license. Malicious interference and operating without a license can, eventually, lead to felony convictions. That's a heavy price to pay for stupidity! Thank you, amateurs in Ocala/Marion County, for being courteous and considerate of others. Your Editor. BOY SCOUT CAMPOREE AT STATE FIRE COLLEGE On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 11, 12 and 13, the Boy Scout Camporee was held at the Florida State Fire College on Old Gainesville Road. Several SSRC Members, were present. In addition to the SSRC Members present, the Sheriff's Mobile Command Center was there on Saturday. According to the reports heard, there was substantial interest expressed. Many of the Scouts and the Scout Masters have indicated a substantial interest in pursuing amateur radio licenses. The SSRC Emergency Trailer was at the site. Also attending the event was Bill Parker, WB4GAA, acting MERT Liason. Kudos to those who participated!
|