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January 2006

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

MEETING OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

November 21, 2005

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ at 7:34 P.M. Present at the meeting were officers President, Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, Vice President, Bill Miller N6WGM, Treasurer, Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, and Secretary, Richard Cardinali. KG4TLE. Board members present were Russell Merkel, WB9GIU, and Ernie O"Berry K4OSM. Maurice Schietecatte W4CEO was absent. A quorum was present.

The invocation was given by Gene Layerd.

The members recited the pledge of allegiance, led by Phillip Frantz, KF4QIC.

The members introduced themselves.

Upon motion made, second and adopted, the secretary's and treasurer's reports were accepted.

Christmas Party: Members were reminded of the Christmas Party. Flyers were distributed by Barbara Million, KE4ZTW, to those who have yet to commit to going.

HAMFEST: Bill Miller reviewed several key areas to be considered for the event and asked the membership to sign up for assignments. There was also a list of prizes that would be available for the event.

MARS: There was a brief discussion concerning the log periodic and the message system operations.

Boy Scouts: Tony Blalock K4OCF mentioned that he is continuing to seek their involvement in the program. Tony also mentioned that the Discovery Science Center was seeking assistance for their Kids Day event.

Christmas Parade: Bill Britt mentioned that he has at least ten volunteers for the event.

Tech Class: The next tech class will begin on January 12, 2006. It will be held at the First Methodist Church in room 18. It was also reported that there were two participants that took the licensing test.

Club Officers 2006: A revision of the nominated slate of officers for the coming year was acted upon. Named and approved by the membership to serve were:

President Bill Miller, N6WGM

Vice President Richard Moss, KF4ML

Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA

Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ

Board Members Walter Hill , WOWRH

Russell Merkle, WB9GIU
Tony Blalock, K4OCF

Net Control: Jeanette Frantz, Net Control Manager continues to seek volunteers for the net.

There being no further business the meeting officially adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

Richard Cardinali, Secretary

PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS AS TO HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR HAMFEST!

MINUTES OF BOARD OF

DIRECTORS OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

December 5, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were President Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, Vice President, Bill Miller, N6WGM, Treasurer, Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, and Board Members Russ Merkel, WB9GIU, and Maurice Schietecatte, W4CEO. Secretary, Richard Cardinali, was absent.

The minutes of the General Membership Meeting of November 21, 2005, were approved, as corrected.

The Treasurer's report was approved as submitted.

The Silver Springs Radio Club's HamFest was discussed in great detail.

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

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA

Secretary Pro Tem

MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOARD OF

DIRECTORS OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

January 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m, by President, Bill Miller, N6WGM.

Present at the meeting were officers, President Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President Richard Moss, KF4ML, Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, and Treasurer, Bill Britt, KQ4UJ. Board Members present at the meeting were Tony Blalock, K4OCF, Walter Hill, W0WRH, and Russ Merkel, WB9GIU. A quorum was present.

HamFest: Bill Miller reported on the income received from the HamFest. Gate receipts and income from vendor tables totaled $1,399.52. The major expenditure for the HamFest was the two meter radio which was the grand prize and which was purchased by the Club at a cost of $223.63, leaving a net income of $1,175.89.

The HamFest was discussed in great detail. The Board agreed that a critique of the HamFest would be substituted for the program at the January Club Meeting.

Thank You Cards: A very nice "Thank You" card was received from Sheriff Ed Dean and wife, Sarah. Sheriff Dean and his wife were our guests at the Annual Christmas Banquet and Awards Presentation on December 12, 2005.

The Club also received a very nice "Thank You" from Rick and Donna Pourciau (The Sign Man of Baton Rouge) expressing their appreciation for allowing them to be a part of our HamFest on December 10, 2005.

Old Business: Some of the prizes donated as door prizes at the HamFest were not given away since the person purchasing the winning tickets were not present. The Board discussed disposition of these prizes. It was agreed that each member attending the January Club Meeting would be given (free) a ticket. Each member is free to deposit his or her ticket into the coffee can provided for the particular prize in which the member is interested. At the conclusion of the meeting, tickets will be drawn for the remaining prizes. The prizes remaining are:

ARRL Antenna Book (retail $39.95 value)

ARRL Repeater Directory ($10.95 value)

Call sign VE3 Sun DX Monitor computer program ($29.95 retail value). Remember, each member is to receive one FREE ticket.

Lightning Damage: The Club's equipment insurance has paid $1,228.90 for the damage the Club's equipment sustained.

New Business: Membership Application of Kevin Young, KC7FPF, was approved by the Board, pending receipt of copy of amateur license.

An Audit Committee must be appointed to audit the Treasurer's books. The Club's budget must be submitted to the membership and approved at the February, 2006, General Membership Meeting.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, Secretary

FLORIDA HAMFESTS

January 2006

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

Jan 21 Ft. Myers, at Araba Shrine Auditorium, 2010 Hanson St., talk-in on 146.880, INFO: Earl, K4FQU (239) 332-1503

Jan 28 Arcadia, at Turner Civic Center, 2260 NE Road Street, talk-in on 147.075; INFO: Doug, KN4YT (863) 491-0618

Feb 4/5 Miami, at Sunshine Hall, Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24^th Street, talk-in on 146.730 PL71.9; INFO: Robert, KE4MCL (786) 306-5900

Feb 11/12 Orlando, at Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, talk-in on 146.760; INFO: Cindy, KD4NLV (407) 273-1405

Feb 18 Sebring, at AgriCivic Center, 4505 George Blvd. (U.S. 27 * George Blvd.) Talk-in on 147.045; INFO: Robert, WA0NZI (863) 385-6093

Feb 18 Brooksville, at Hernando County Fairgrounds, on U.S. 41; talk-in on 146.715; INFO: Jerry, N8VTW (352) 683-3617

Mar 11 Port Charlotte, at Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road, talk-in on 147.255; INFO: Reg, K9ZKS (941) 627-9828

Mar 18 Ft. Walton Beach, at NW Florida Fairgrounds, 1958 NW Lewis Turner Blvd., talk-in on 146.790; INFO: Gene, KK4IB (850) 515-2784

Mar 25 Jacksonville, FREE! At Terry Park Baptist Church (NEW LOCATION), 7024 Merrill Rd., talk-in on 146.700 PL 127.3; INFO: Billy, N4UF (904) 765-3230

For a complete listing of Hamfests in Florida, please visit the Florida Ham Website at its new location, bellsouthpwp.net/k/b/kb4vol.

PRESIDENT'S AWARD

On December 12, 2005, President Bill Britt presented the President's Award to Bill Miller, N6WGM. Bill Miller has certainly contributed more than his fair share of effort in SSRC's Club activities, activities such as Walk-America, Field Day, and Boy Scouts. But that isn't all. When your editor had to undergo shoulder surgery this past July, Bill stepped to the plate and single-handedly prepared and mailed The Oracle.

Many of you are unaware of his efforts at the MARS Station on a regular basis, but you all must surely be cognizant of the work Bill has done in organizing, promoting and putting forth much effort to make Ocala's HamFest a smashing success.

There could be no one more deserving of this honor. Congratulations, Bill, from your fellow-members! Your efforts are much appreciated.

In addition to the President's Award, several members were recognized for their efforts with a Silver Springs Radio Club cup, including Richard Moss, KF4ML, who has worked tirelessly at the MARS Station and participated in every other club event; Larry Phelps, K4OZSS for his participation and efforts for Field Day 2006, and for his efforts for the ARISS program, Pete Axson, WD4LST, for his efforts during Field Day and other club activities, Barbara Million, KE4ZTW, for being there with coffee and doughnuts every month, and the Christmas Party, and Maurice Schiettecatte, W4CEO, for his assistance to Bill Miller for the HamFest.

Congratulations to all of you for a job well done!.

KD2JO Bill Hildreth from Ocklawaka Fl: Recieving the VX5 Radio (HamFest Grand Prize) from N6WGM Bill Miller.

US, Thai and Brazilian Youngsters

Learn About Life in Space

via Ham Radio

NEWINGTON, CT, January 11, 2006--Students in Michigan, Thailand and Brazil are among the latest to learn about life in space by speaking directly with the International Space Station's current commander, Bill McArthur, KC5ACR, via ham radio. The three contacts with NA1SS in space were arranged by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program. McArthur told pupils at Carman Park and Rankin elementary schools in Flint, Michigan, December 21, that wearing eyeglasses in space poses special problems.

"My glasses get oily from my skin a little more quickly than on the earth, and if my face is wet, they do fog up because we don't have the same breezes to keep them clear," said McArthur, who's commander of ISS Expedition 12.

McArthur also told the youngsters that the ISS is relatively safe from collisions with space debris, although it does collide with "minor pieces of dust" as it orbits Earth. Responding to another question, he said he's able to keep in touch with the ground via e-mail at least three times a day.

Youngsters at the two Michigan schools had been studying about the ISS and preparing for their big moment since September. Nancy Rocheleau, WH6PN, in Hawaii served as the Earth station control operator, and MCI donated a teleconference link to provide two-way audio to the students in Michigan. Despite some delay in getting the contact under way, 17 questions were asked and answered during the QSO.

The contact marked the second with a school in Flint. In 2004, students at Armstrong Middle School chatted with Expedition 8 crew member Mike Foale, KB5UAC.

On December 31, several young radio amateurs attending the 25th Asia-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Bangkok, Thailand, spoke with McArthur. During the approximately eight minute contact between NA1SS and E25AJ, the ISS commander left open the possibility of life on other planets.

"There are billions and billions of stars in the universe, so there must be billions and billions of planets," McArthur said. "Certainly other planets must have the ability to sustain life."

The Bangkok ARISS event attracted several TV, radio and newspaper reporters. Nui Apornrum, E20YZD, served as the Earth station control operator for the direct VHF contact.

The first ARISS school group contact of the new year took place January 2 between NA1SS and PY1KCF at the STS Flight School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The contact marked the second ISS QSO with Brazil, and McArthur answered 15 questions put to him by students, professors and flight instructors at the school.

McArthur told the group that keeping fit was the most difficult challenge of living in space. "The most difficult thing is keeping healthy in the absence of gravity, keeping muscles strong as well as our bones, and we do that through intense exercise," he said.

Being fit, he said in response to a later question, is one requirement for venturing into space. "I think the greatest skill is doing a spacewalk," he said. "It requires physical strength, endurance and significant training."

Replying to another question, the Expedition 12 commander described the ISS as much more than a spaceship "It is a very large ship, rather than an aerospace vehicle," McArthur said, "because it is so stable, and there is no turbulence and very little vibration."

Earth station operators for the direct contact were Tadeu Fernandes, PY1KCF, of ARISS-Brazil, and Felipe Joséé, PY1IA. Cáássio da Fonte, ZZ1UMS, and Kevin Fernandes handled the real-time translation for the approximately 60 people on hand, using a multimedia projector. Audio from the contact was simultaneously transmitted on HF (7.080 MHz) and via EchoLink.

ARISS is an international educational outreach with US participation by ARRL, AMSAT and NASA

Reprinted from the ARRL Website.

Remember, everyone, these children have attained the goal of our own students at Romeo Elementary School. Great work, Larry, K4OZS.

MERT GENERAL

QUARTERLY MEETING

The Mert General Quarterly Meeting will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2005.

This meeting will include a discussion and demonstration of EchoLink,

In addition, there are several questions relative to emergency communications which will be posed to Emergency Management Officials.

Finally, there will be a short workshop for MERT Net Control Stations.

All MERT Members are urged to attend. Now is the time to begin preparation for the hurricane season which is rapidly approaching.

Let's get prepared NOW!

DUES ARE DUE JANUARY 1,

2006

The Memers are reminded that 2006 dues are due January 1, 2006, and become delinquent on March 1. Any member whose dues are not paid will not receive a newsletter in April.

CLUB MEETINGS are the third Monday of each month 7:30 PM At the Health Department Auditorium, 1801 Southeast 32nd Avenue, Ocala, Florida., Ocala, Florida. Coffee & Doughnuts are available.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS meetings are the first Monday of each month, 7:30 PM at the Marion County Health Department, 1801 Southeast 32^nd Avenue, Ocala, Florida.

K4GSO, club station, Green Clover Hall, is available to all members. Contact Bill, KQ4UJ, 694-1605.

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 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Room 18, located on East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala.. Call Otto Hoel, N1OH, 291-4934.

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 Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA at (352) 489-0571.

President William Miller, N6WGM 873-2017

V. President Richard Moss, KF4ML 873-2079

Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571

Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605

Trustee Bill Britt, KQ4UJ 694-1605

Board

Members: Russ Merkle, WB9GIU 624-2285

Walter Hill, W0WRH

Tony Blalock, K4OCF 622-4960

Oracle

Editor: Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA 489-0571

Oracle _editor@prodigy.net

Membership Phillip Frantz, KF4QIC 489-0571

Ladies'

Auxiliary Barbara Million, KE4ZTW 694-5744

Email: funyet2@earthlink.net

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

January 2006