SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION JULY 10, 2006 MINUTES OF MEETING

PRESIDENT: RONNIE HAIK KG4DBI

VICE PRESIDENT: ERNESTO DIAZ KG4LXH

SECRETARY: JOANNE CARBANA KG4GKU

TREASURER: CAESAR CARBANA KG4BZA

DIRECTORS:

ANDY PICHS N3PI 01-07

SAM HARTE KQ4MR 00-09 (NOT PRESENT)

JEFF GARNETT KG4CNM 05-08

WEB SITE: http://www.sffma.net

MAIL YOUR DUES TO:

SOUTH FLORIDA FM ASSOCIATION

POB 430028

MIAMI, FL 33243

Meeting was called to order at 19:47 with 28 present. Tonight we are again having a joint meeting with the SFMMA and the Dade Radio Club.

Ronnie welcomed everyone to the joint SFFMA and DRC meeting. The SFFMA will have its meeting first and then the DRC will have its meeting. The meeting was being broadcast live on the air tonight from the EOC. Testing is being conducted tonight in another room. We have quite a few people again tonight.

The microphone was then passed around the room and everyone stated their name and call sign.

Ronnie welcomed everyone again. We have a guest speaker tonight. Merritt will speak about generators and their safety, with a demonstration outside after the meeting.

The minutes were not posted on the web. They will be approved at the next meeting.

Repeater update:

Carl advised that the 444.200 is still working. He looked at it and the cabinet is still there. He is going to try to do some improvements. There are not enough people using it and wee need to start using it more or we will lose it.

John spoke about the 147.000. It is on the air, but running on ¼ watt. Hopefully it can be fixed this weekend.

Ray spoke about the 146.760. It’s working fine. It has a new antenna cut to our band. Thanks to all that helped.

Robert reported on the 220.000. It is not working. He pulled it down to retune it. The antenna predates Andrew and need a new antenna. He will look on line.

Old Business:

Ronnie spoke about Field Day. He thanked everyone for their support. Carl talked about the trailer and that it needs work. The brakes are locking up. The roof has a leak and needs to be fixed. We need to seal the seams with a special tape. With the rain that we are having lately, it makes the roof a priority. It also needs new tires and to be cleaned. It does work. This Saturday, July 15 at 10AM, weather permitting; we need about 5 people to meet at the EOC. If we get rained out, July 29th is the alternative date.

Merritt spoke about Field Day and how we should consider changing the place next year to a more “out in the woods” place. Jeff also spoke about Field Day. The consensus was that it rained a lot and they made a lot of contacts. American Radio Club roasted the pig and we provide the drinks. The total was $160.00 and we are going to split-it with them.

Robert spoke about bringing a MFJ loop antenna to one of our show and tell meetings and show how it can be broken down into a backpack and used on HF outdoors.

Ronnie explained about what we use the trailer for and how important it is to our groups.

Ronnie reminded everyone that dues were officially due Jan 1, 2006. We are going to be using the same PO Box as the Dade Radio Club. He will get the address and advise everyone if you want to mail in your dues. In the meantime, you can give your dues to Ronnie or Caesar tonight. Dues are $30.00 per year and $5.00 for each family member. If you are a new ham, you can become a non-voting member for 1 year free, and are considered honorary members for the rest of the year. A membership list will be posted on the website. Ronnie advised what we use the dues for. Corporation filing fees, insurance for events, snacks at the meetings, etc. Robert advised that we should look at the policy to make sure we are insuring all of our equipment.

Ernesto spoke about the MS 150 Break Away Bike-A-Thon. He is the new Chairman. Frank volunteered to take over as communications coordinator for the next Bike-A-Thon. Next year, we will have from 2500 – 3000 riders. He picked-up awards for Andy Pich and John Vecchio for their communications assistance and one for the ARPSC. He presented Andy with his award. He will give John his when he sees him. The club awards are going to be hung on the wall at the EOC with our other awards. The next meeting for the MS Bike-A-Thon will start in August. This year teams can register early and people will be able to go online and donate money. On the day of the race, the MS had over $1million in the bank. Next year it will be the 3rd or 4th weekend in April, it will not be in May again.

Eddie Rodriguez from the American Red Cross also advised that the DCAT Team received an award and the members will receive pins from the President. Ronnie advised that this award will also go on the wall.

Joanne spoke about CERT. If you are interested, please see her for the telephone number to contact Rosilyn at the OEM to take classes and become certified or you can go to the website, MiamiDade.gov for more info. Due to the hurricanes last year, attendance is up for people wanting to take classes.

Ronnie asked if there was any more Old Business. There was none and we went on to New Business:

New Business:

Ernesto spoke about getting together to test the range of the UHF repeater 442.700 with our handheld radios. He suggested that we program our radios now and test them before a hurricane strikes. He also spoke about how slow scan TV can be used for damage assessment. Brian said that if we have a storm, it can be used with the American Red Cross Damage Assessment Teams.

Ronnie then made an announcement that was brought to him by Eddie Rodriguez of the American Red Cross on the Miami-Dade Police Civilian Traffic Control Training for Saturday, July 22, 7:30 AM – 3 PM at the Miami-Dade Police Department Training Bureau at 9601 N.W. 58 Street. Contact Detective Ted Peterson at 305-471-1752 or email tpeterson@mdpd.com if you are interested. Joanne advised that she will call Detective Peterson and find out when the next class will take place for those who cannot attend the July 22 date. Ronnie has copies of the announcement for those that are interested.

Ronnie inquired as to the testing status. It was unknown.

Ronnie opened the floor to any other new business. There was none.

With no other business, Ronnie thanked everyone for coming and turned the meeting over to the Dade Radio Club.

Ronnie reminded everyone that Merritt will give a demonstration outside after the Dade Radio Club Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 20:40.

Joanne Carbana

KG4GKU