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May 2006

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING OF

SILVER SPRINGS RADIO CLUB, INC.

April 17, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Bill Miller, N6WGM, at 7:30 p.m. Present at the meeting were Officers, President Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President Richard Moss, KF4ML, Treasurer, Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, and Secretary, Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA. Board Members present were Russ Merkel, WB9GIU, and Walter Hill, W0WRH. There were 27 members and three visitors in attendance. A quorum was present.

The invocation was given by Walter Hill, W0WRH.

The membership recited the pledge of allegiance.

The membership introduced themselves.

Upon motion made, seconded and adopted, the March General Membership Meeting Minutes and April 2006 Board Meeting Minutes were approved as published in The Oracle.

Upon motion, made, seconded and adopted, the Treasurer's report was approved as published in The Oracle.

Committee Reports:

ARISS: Larry Phelps, K4OZS, reported that the ARISS program at Romeo Elementary remains on track for contact in September, 2006. Larry also reported that the bases, designed and installed, concrete weighted, and ready.

MEMBERSHIP: The membership application of Paul Lee, KI4OLK, was approved.

MARCH OF DIMES: The March of Dimes Walk-America event is scheduled for April 29, 2006. Bill Britt announced that he will need 12-15 amateur operators. The number of aid stations has been increased.

MERT: There was general discussion concerning the MERT General Membership Meeting as well as a mobile emergency communications vehicle for amateur radio. This discussion originated at the Taste of Scouting event . Further investigation will be required.

MARS: Bill Miller and Dick Moss continue to work at the MARS Station.

FLORIDA QSO PARTY: Maurice Schietecatte, W4CEO, reminded the membership that the Florida QSO Party will take place beginning April 22, 2006, and urged the membership to participate.

Oracle ARTICLES: A plea was made to the membership for articles for the newsletter, and several members have responded with promises.

FIELD DAY 2006: Pete Axson, WD4LST, has agreed to organize Field Day 2006 Events. He promised an article for The Oracle. The activities will take place near, but not in, Green Clover Hall.

There was no program.

There being no further business to come before the membership, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA

Secretary

MINUTES OF MEETING OF BOARD OF

DIRECTORS OF SILVER SPRINGS

RADIO CLUB, INC.

April 3, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by President Bill Miller, N6WGM. Present at the meeting were Bill Miller, N6WGM, Vice President, Dick Moss, KF4ML, Secretary Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA, Treasurer Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, and Board Members Tony Blalock, K4OCF, Russ Merkel, WB9GIU, and Walter Hill, W0WRH. Also present was Pete Axson, Field Day Chairman.

The Treasurer's Report was approved.

The Secretary's Report was approved.

Membership Applications of Frederick Miley, II, KI4OLL, and Frederick Miley, III, KI4OLM were submitted to the Board, and which the Board recommended be approved for membership.

Bill Britt, KQ4UJ, reported on the March of Dimes Walk-America event which occurred on April 29, 2006.

Pete Axson, WD4LST, reported on the progress he has made toward Field Day 2006 preparations.

There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Jeanette Frantz, KG4DJA
Secretary

FLORIDA HAMFESTS

May 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

Jul 14-15 Milton At Santa Rosa Auditorium Talk-in on 145.490 INFO: Dave, KC4HKJ (850) 626-7663

Aug 12 Fort Pierce At Ind. River Comm. College 3209 Virginia Ave. Talk-in on 147.345 PL 107.2 INFO: Pete, KD4SPW (772) 465-5204

Sept 23 Orlando, Bahia Shriners Tailgate, at 2300 Pembrook Drive, Talk-in on 147.390 PL 103.5, INFO: Warren, W4WHH

Sept 23 New Port Richey, at First Lutheran Church, Talk-in on 145.640, INFO: Ron, N9EE (727) 376-6575

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

THANK YOU RADIO OPERATORS

FOR MARCH OF DIMES

WALK-AMERICA

On April 29, 2006, the March of Dimes held its annual Walk-America event.

The membership of Silver Springs Radio Club members again answered the call, including a number of "newly-licensed" amateurs, provided radio communications for this event. Thank you, to those of you for those of you who supported this worthwhile cause.

"HELLO" CAMPAIGN TO PUT FRIENDLY, INVITING FACE ON AMATEUR RADIO

A new ARRL public relations campaign set to launch this April will cast Amateur Radio in the light of the 21st century and focus on its universal appeal, even in today's already technology-rich society. At the same time, the "Hello" campaign will note the 100th anniversary of what many historians consider the first voice radio broadcast in 1906 by Reginald Fessenden.

"It is quite simply the largest PR campaign that ham radio has ever attempted," says ARRL Media and Public Relations Manager Allen Pitts, W1AGP.

Built around the word "Hello," the coordinated campaign will set "a positive, upbeat tone that highlights the international capabilities of Amateur Radio," he explained.

One aim of the "Hello" campaign will be to reframe Amateur Radio within a contemporary context. "ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, was correct in stating that the Main Street of today is not the same as the Main Street of yesteryear," Pitts went on to say. "To reach out today, the very first requirement is that Amateur Radio operators be perceived as friendly and trustworthy. That's a true public relations goal and the prime focus of the campaign."

Pitts says it's not helpful to lament the time in decades past when Amateur Radio grew pretty much on its own, without too much effort on the part of clubs and individuals. "Only our combined, effective action will do that today," Pitts says. "This campaign will give hams the tools they need to reach out in their communities to non-hams and influence their perception of Amateur Radio."

The national "Hello" campaign can bring curious people into contact with ham radio groups, but it will be up to local radio amateurs to make them truly welcome, Pitts maintains.

The "Hello" campaign is designed to gain momentum as the year progresses.

Components will include the release of public service announcements for use by radio and TV broadcasters and a video for meetings, presentations and even broadcast. Other highlights will include a "Hello" campaign Web site and special operating events. The high point of the "Hello" campaign will come in December on the centennial of Fessenden's first radio broadcast.

History recalls that the Canadian-born and educated Fessenden, using an early alternator, transmitted the first audio radio broadcast from his laboratory in Brant Rock, Massachusetts. Radio operators aboard ships at sea--tipped off in advance to be listening for something special--were astounded to hear Fessenden's broadcast that included the scientist and inventor playing "O Holy Night" on the violin and reading a Bible passage.

The campaign will show that despite the Internet and other technologies, the possibility of being able to talk with everyday people around the world and sometimes in exotic locales--coupled with the surprise, art and uncertainty of DXing--remains a major attraction for Amateur Radio. The "Hello" campaign also will take advantage of likely FCC action this year to drop the Morse code requirement at least for General class applicants.

"We all say we want to make a change for the better for Amateur Radio and get others interested," Pitts said. "This is the time, this is the chance.

Stay tuned! More to come.

Keeping Your Computer Safe,

Up-to-Date and Protected

From Viruses, Spyware and Hackers

When you spend hundreds of dollars on a new computer, you want it to stay in tip-top shape. Here are the three basic things you need to do.

First of all, if you're using Windows, make sure it's up-to-date. To update manually, just click "Start", then "Programs," then go to Windows Update. Click on "Windows Update." This will take you to the Microsoft Windows Update Web page. Just follow the directions on the screen. I suggest you only download "Critical Updates." If you're using Windows XP as your operating system, it's critical you put Service Pack 2 on your computer (most new computers come with Windows XP). SP2 is a comprehensive security update from Microsoft.

Learn more and download it by clicking on this Web page: www.microsoft..com/windowsxp/ sp2/default.mspx.

To see what version of Windows you're running, right click on "My Computer" then click on "Properties." This will open up the "System Properties" dialogue box. Just click on the "General" tab. There you'll see everything you need to know about your operating system (Windows XP, Windows  2000, Windows ME, etc.).

Once you download SP2, you can set your computer to check for Windows Updates automatically. Just click on "Start", then "Control Panel", then click on "Security Center" and just follow the directions on the screen.

Once you're at the Security Center, you can also make sure your Firewall is turned on. Just click on "Windows Firewall". While not fool-proof, the firewall with SP2 is better than nothing.

A firewall monitors and limits information that travels between your computer and a network like the Internet. Think of it like a fence around your house.

In Windows XP, if you're using Service Pack 2, your firewall is turned on automatically. If you'd like an extra level of protection, you can buy a firewall software program or put your computer on a router.

Zone Alarm is good program and has a free version. You can download Zone Alarm here: www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/ products/sku_list_za.jsp.

Firewalls from Symantec and McAfee are also good, but will cost you about 35-50 dollars. You can download Symantec's firewall here: www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/.

You can download McAfee's firewall here: http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=101&WWW_URL=www.mcafee.com/myapps/firewall/ov_firewall.asp.

Third, you also need to make sure you have both anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, and make sure both are up-to-date.

A computer virus according to Whatis.com is "a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail note or in a downloaded file, or be present on a diskette or CD. The immediate source of the e-mail note, downloaded file, or diskette you've received is usually unaware that it contains a virus. Some viruses wreak their effect as soon as their code is executed; other viruses lie dormant until circumstances cause their code to be executed by the computer. Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect ("Happy Birthday, Ludwig!") and some can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting. A virus that replicates itself by resending itself as an e-mail attachment or as part of a network message is known as a worm."

A great free anti-virus program is "AVG" from Grisoft. You can download it here: http://free.grisoft. com/freeweb.php/doc/2.

Symantec (Norton Anti-Virus) and McAfee both make great programs, but they'll cost you about $30-$50. You can download Norton Anti-Virus by Norton here: www.symantecstore.com/dr/sat1/ec_ MAIN.Entry17c?CID=39910&SID= 27674 &SP=10007&PN=5&PID=641220&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=39910.

McAfee's Anti-Virus can be downloaded here: http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=100.

Spyware is what most people have problems with on their computers. According to Whatis.com, spyware "is any technology that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge."

On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties.

At best, spyware or adware, whatever you call it, keeps track of where you go on the Internet without your knowledge. At worst, it can hijack your browser settings for your Internet connection (make your start page something you don't want it to be) and it can bombard you with incessant pop-ups you're constantly having to click to get rid of.

Most spyware is perfectly legal, but can significantly slow down your computer, which is bad, so how does it get on your computer? Generally, it comes as part of something you download on the Internet. That's why it's best not to download anything unless you're 100% positive where it comes from and what effect it will have on your computer.

As far as spyware cleaning programs go, I recommend Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware. Both are free. Spybot S&D can be downloaded here: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html.

Ad-Aware can be downloaded here: www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware. Pest Patrol is a great program, but will cost you about 30 dollars to download. Pest Patrol can be downloaded at this address: http: // store.ca. com/dr/sat3/ ec_MAIN. Entry?CID=0&SID =35715&SP=10007&DSP =0&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0.

Microsoft has its own free spyware removal program. It's in the beta stage, which means it's still being tested. If you'd like to test it yourself, go to this Web page: www.microsoft.com/athome/ security/ spyware/ software/default.mspx.

Field Day 2006

Field Day is just around the corner! Mark your calendars for the weekend of June 24-25. This is the premier ARRL sponsored event of the year, designed to both give us an opportunity to refine our skills as amateur radio operators and to provide an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of amateur radio to the general public.

This year, the Silver Springs Radio Club will be conducting Field Day activities at the Marion County government complex, in the area in front of Green Clover hall. This centralized location should allow us to get the public to come out and see what ham radio is all about. We will have a GOTA (get on the air) station available to allow anyone the opportunity to experience amateur radio.

The Marion County Emergency Radio Communications Team (MERT) will have a station set up to show their emergency communications capabilities. The Marion County Sheriff's Mobile Command Center will be on location with public preparedness information. The communications group of the local Civil Air Patrol will also have their Mobile communications center on display.

AAR4CSS, the local Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) station will have a display set up to allow the public to see their steadfast commitment to American service personnel stationed abroad.

A special invitation is extended to all of the newly licensed hams, as well as the new members of the Silver Springs Radio Club. This is the perfect opportunity to jump in and get your feet wet. Regardless of your license class, you WILL be able to operate HF during this event. Come on out, learn some new tricks, operate with fellow hams, and have fun! Whether you are a seasoned operator, or just received your ticket, your participation will be key to the success of Field Day.

Set up will begin early Saturday morning so that we can get all of the work of antenna erecting and station setup done before the heat of the day sets in. Saturday morning until early afternoon will also be the busiest in terms of public interaction. At 2:00 p.m. (1800z), the contesting portion of field day begins. This will continue throughout the night until no later than 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

If you have any questions, or would like to make known your preferred operating band/mode/time for field day, please email me at wd4lst@alltel.net.

You can also get more information on the web at: www.arrl.org/contests/announcements/fd/

73s,

Pete Axson, WD4LST

your friendly field day coordinator dude

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

May 2006