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The Orange Park Amateur Radio Club

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OPARC Minutes of Meeting 19 January, 2012

President Greg Fitcher (N4RVD) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:30 PM, on

Thursday, January 19th, 2012. The meeting was held in Training Rooms 5 & 6 of the Orange Park Medical

Center. All members and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

The Treasurer’s Report from Rudi Hellmold (KC4WWS) was as follows:

Starting Check Balance: $515.58; Starting Savings Balance: $4,443.90; Cash on Hand: $67.30; Net Worth: $4,763.28; Receipts:

Dues: Checks: $22.50; Cash: $127.50; Savings Account Interest: $0.92; 50-50: $12.50; Donations: $.00; Total Receipts: $163.42;

Expenses: $0.00: Deposits: Checking: $162.50; Savings: $0.00; Total Deposits: $162.50;

Closing Checking Balance: $678.99; Closing Savings Account Balance: $4,444.82; Closing Cash on Hand: $67.30; Club Net Worth: $5,191.11; The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership. Incoming treasurer Mark Fields (N4QLC) took dues

payments.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Greg (N4RVD) presented plaques to Jim MacKinnon (KB2EZN), Dick Bennett

(K2LJZ) and Rudi Hellmold (KC4WWS) for their service to the club.

The meeting proceeded to standing committee reports:

ARES: Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) announced the following:

1. Next meeting will be Tuesday, 24 January 2012 at 7 PM.

2. A CERT drill is being planned for 24-25 February 2012. The location will be at the Salvation Army

Camp just south of Camp Blanding. Volunteers are requested. Approximately 16 amateurs are

needed on Saturday, and 30 on Sunday with VHF hand-held capability. APRS capability is a plus.

3. Kudos were passed to Dick Bennet (K2LJZ), Jim MacKinnon (KB2EZN) and Joe Bassett (W1WCN)

who volunteered for Science Fair judging duty at Keystone Heights.

RAM WATCH: No report was given.



REPEATERS: Larry (WB4CGD) mentioned that the repeaters are doing quite well. The 6-meter repeater is still

down.

VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s): Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned two people took the exam on January

14, 2012. There are 2 new Generals. The next exam will be Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 8:30 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Jim MacKinnon (KB2EZN) mentioned that science fair judges are needed for the Clay County

Science Fair on 14 February 2012. A motion was made and passed to offer a savings bond as a

prize.

2. Greg mentioned that the new 224.00/222.4 MHz repeater is still in the process of being assembled.

3. Carol Pangborne (KD4DIN) 17 March 8AM-12PM St. John's River Cleanup. Carol also requested

personnel bring books. Volunteers for net control and collection sites are requested.

4. Chris (NV0VB) announced that the auction will be next month. Bring your items for sale.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Adrian announced the Orlando Hamcation will be taking place on 10 February 2012. A motion was

made to sell the old club equipment taken out of Jim Iori's garage at Orlando. The motion was

passed.

2. Bill and Roberta Anlage (KB7MSC and KF4OOK) mentioned that they and Jake and Chris Jacobs

will be at the Orlando Hamcation all weekend.

3. Mark (N4QLC) mentioned that we need to have an ARES trailer cleanup day before Field Day in

June.

4. Greg asked the floor for ideas for club activities. Numerous suggestions came from all members. A

listing of the suggestions is attached to these minutes and also available on the OPARC website.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Pete Lynch (N4FPS) mentioned that Toys for Tots is prepared for next year and will have more

information on the December drive at the February meeting.

2. Echolink for the 6-meter repeater is still on hold. Per Frank Cates (WA4EWL), they are still waiting for

coax. Jim (KB2EZN) is still waiting on parts for the Echolink station on the 146.07/67 machine.

Break was called at 8:20 PM.

POT-O-GOLD: The Pot-O’-Gold of $19.50 was won by Mark (N4QLC). It was only fitting that the new

treasurer should end up with the money.

The meeting re-convened at 8:35PM.

PRESENTATION: Frank Cates made a presentation about the Atlanta QRP organizations. These groups are

meeting in city parks and operating in the public to stir up attention and interest in the hobby. On 4 February

2012, the clubs are declaring an official outing to spread the word that “HF is Fun!”



James Henry (K4) displayed his home-brew PVC compressed air tennis ball launcher for raising antennas over

trees and moon-bounce operations. The device will project a tennis ball 50 feet into the air with 40 psig in the

launcher. Greg mentioned that OPARC does not support the building or use of such a device (legal disclaimer).

The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary



One question was asked at the OPARC January meeting this month. “What would you

like to see your Club do this year?” Here are some of the answers given from the floor.

1. Would like to see more members in the club, especially youth (schools, Scouts, etc.).

2. More HF & DX long distance communications education/ opportunities.

3. Have a table at local science fairs (Clay & Duval).

4. Set up a booth at the Clay or Duval County Fair, the Ham Jam or Scottish Games, with working radios and

maps to help expose the public to the hobby.

5. Have a club station available somewhere where we can show newcomers the ropes.

6. Have a mentor program (Elmers) for those who have questions.

7. Have a weekly HF net to get hams familiar with HF communications.

8. Do fox hunts (direction/ location finding).

9. Wear our club shirts to non club events (science fairs, malls, Home Depot, etc.) to draw attention to the

hobby and get people to ask questions.

10. Help with passing traffic at malls, county fairs, etc.

11. Have a brochure to pass out to the general public with information about our club.

12. Have a club emergency plan (a meeting place, a meeting frequency, generators, etc.).

These were some of the ideas that were given. What are yours? Please email your answers to Greg N4RVD

[email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

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OPARC Minutes of Meeting 16 February, 2012


Thursday, February 16th, 2012. The meeting was held in Training Rooms 5 & 6 of the Orange Park Medical


The Treasurer’s Report from Mark Fields (N4QLC) was as follows:

The 2012 Starting Balances are:

Checking Balance: $753.99; Savings Account Balance: $4,446.72; Cash on Hand: $189.95; Total Starting Club Assets: $5,390.56;

Income as of 16 FEB 2012: Checking Account Interest: $0.95; Membership Dues: $120.00; Total Income: $120.95; Expenses as of 16 FEB 2012: Miscellaneous - Science Fair Award: $25.00; OPARC Miscellaneous Expenses: $9.45; Total Expenses: $34.45;

Net Income Less Expenses: $86.50; The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership.

Mark also mentioned that it's time to renew membership, and please fill out a membership report.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

Pete Lynch (N6PRS) presented a plaque for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots to the membership. Greg

accepted for the club.


ARES:

Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) announced the following:

1. Next meeting will be Tuesday, 28 February 2012 at 7 PM.

2. A CERT drill is being planned for 24-26 February 2012. The location will be at the Salvation Army

Camp just south of Camp Blanding. Volunteers are requested. Approximately 16 amateurs are needed

each day with VHF hand-held capability.

3. Clay County ARES will be providing support for the Cystic Fibrosis Bicycle Event. Dates and times are

on ClayARES.org web site.



REPEATERS:

Jim MacKinnon (KB2EZN) mentioned that the repeaters are doing quite well and the 444.500 MHz repeater

EchoLink is back up. The 6-meter repeater is still down.

VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s):

Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned the next exam will be Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 8:30 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Jim MacKinnon (KB2EZN) mentioned that science fair savings bond has been replaced with a $25

check as a prize.

2. Carol Pangborne (KD4DIN) reminded the membership that the St. John’s River Cleanup will begin on

17 March 8AM-12PM. Carol also requested personnel bring books suitable for young ladies.

Volunteers for net control and collection sites are requested.

NEW BUSINESS:

Greg discussed the potential move to the Orange Park High School. The discussion was tabled until after the

auction.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Pete Lynch (N4FPS) mentioned that Toys for Tots is prepared for next year and will have more

information on the December drive at the February meeting.

2. Greg discussed the question about what we want to do with the club this year.

3. Greg reminded the club that the OPARC VHF simplex frequency is 146.67 simplex (if the repeater

goes down).

A motion was made by Jim (WD8JRL) to suspend further discussions and break for the auction. The motion

was seconded and passed.

Break was called at 8:14 PM. The auction commenced at 8:25 PM.

The meeting was declared adjourned at 9:48 PM


Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 15 March, 2012


Thursday, March 15th, 2012. The meeting was held in Training Rooms 5 & 6 of the Orange Park Medical


The Treasurer’s Report from Mark Fields (N4QLC) was as follows: Starting Net Worth: $5,390.56; Receipts:

Dues: $142.50; Auction: $269.70; Interest: $0.92; Deposit: $413.12;

Expenses: Misc Expense: $25.00; OPARC-Misc Expense: $9.45; Florida State Fees: $61.25;

Payments: $95.70;

Closing Checking Balance: $788.99; Closing Savings Account Balance: $4,809.64; Closing Cash on Hand: $116.30; Club Net Worth: $5,714.93; The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership. Mark also mentioned that it's time to renew

membership, and please fill out a membership report.


ARES: Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) announced the following:

1. Next meeting will be Tuesday, 27 March 2012 at 7 PM in Training Room #4.

2. The CERT drill of 24-26 February 2012 was highly successful despite some hard weather on Sunday. A

unique feature of the drill was the use of two net controls for a coordinated command structure.

3. Clay County ARES manned a booth at the Green Cove Springs Railroad Museum fundraising event. Again,

the weather was somewhat harsh (high winds), but the group was able to display their ability to provide

real-time weather updates to the field.

4. Adrian attended a meeting of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at the request of the Clay county Commandant.

At the meeting, APRS mapping capability was discussed, and the auxiliary discussed its emergent needs

for surveillance of the St. John's River.

5. Mark (N4QLC) and Adrian (KJ4BOT) took part in a special emergency management training exercise on

Wednesday, 14 March at the Clay County Administrative Offices in Green Cove Springs. The exercise was

based on a major geomagnetic storm that effectively wipes out all electrical grid services throughout a

large portion of the world.

6. Clay County ARES will be supporting the St. John's River Cleanup on 16 March.

7. Clay County ARES will be providing support for the Cystic Fibrosis Bicycle Event on 17 March.

8. Work at the Clay County EOC included working on the grounding system, installing a new HF tuner,

troubleshooting the HF antenna and disposing of the dead scorpion in the corner (it was verified dead).



9. Clay County ARES is planning a few new nets, including an HF net for SSB and digital experience, a Net

Control training net, and a revival of the packet net.

10. The Sleepy Hollow repeater has a buzz on it, and will be looked at. Users are asked not to run packet on it.

11. All of the VHF WL2K links are back up.

REPEATERS:

Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) mentioned that the repeaters are doing quite well. The 6-meter repeater is still down.

Greg mentioned that the 222.4R/224.0T machine is working (no PL tone). Power is presently 10W, but

antenna will be raised and power will be increased.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

Greg made a presentation to Pete Lynch (N6FPS) for attending the Clay Elementary Donuts for Dads event

and providing support for the students.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) provided results from the last exam. Two new Techs, one General and one Extra took

and passed the exams. The next exam will be Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:30 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Carol Pangborn (KD4DIN) announced that on 16 March 8AM-12PM the St. John's River Cleanup would

take place. Carol also requested personnel bring books. Volunteers for net control and collection sites are

requested.

2. Bob Ivey (KE4YQR) mentioned that the CERT organization of Duval County will be teaching a technicians'

class.

3. Mike Hendershot (KJ4FEQ) will be doing the Field Day Coordination.

4. Clarence Kerous (W9AAZ) mentioned that Mike would make a good Field Day Chairman and he and Greg

dragooned poor Mike.

5. Clarence mentioned that the 630 meter band is now open. He also discussed DX-it's open. 15 meters is

open around 1400 local time.

6. Clarence also mentioned that the club needs a booth at the Clay County Fair. However-the Fair lasts 10

days, 12 hours per day, so keeping the booth staffed would be a problem.

7. Clarence also mentioned that April is the month for DX award hunting. Look for MGY call signs – these are

the call sign of the Titanic.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Greg mentioned the Hambassador article on the OPARC web site.

2. Randy Bahr (KI4RHQ) discussed mentors.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Ted Jahn (K4YLX) presented a status report concerning a potential move from the OPMC to the Orange

Park High School.

2. Greg mentioned that at the next meeting a vote will be taken on whether or not to relocate the meeting to

the Orange Park High School. After our initial meeting, the club will break and go to the high school to look

at the facility. The membership will then vote on whether or not to move the site.



BREAK: Break was called at 8:22 PM.

50-50: Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG) won the 50-50 for $16.50.

PRESENATION: Paul Eakin (KJ4G), ARES Section Manager for North Florida, announced that Bill Sander

(KA4OBP), a Duval amateur well-known in this region for is presence on the National Traffic System and ARES,

is recovering from a health crisis. Bill is going to pass the function to of Operational Observer in Chief to Mark

Fields (N4QLC).

Paul also mentioned that ARES will be responding to hurricanes by regions. Region 3 is Duval to Marion

County, and will be the area for Clay County ARES. Training will also be through the regional coordinators.

Paul also discussed the ARRL elections are imminent. Refer to WWW.ARRL-NFL.ORG for any information

regarding elections, NFL ARES and for posting local web sites on the page.

Frank Cates (WA4EWL) presented a Direction Finding (DF) antenna made of PVC pipe and ruler tape. He also

presented a small Motorola crystal radio for VHF use that would be ideal for a fox hunt target. The idea is to

organize a fox hunt for the membership as a fun exercise.



Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary

http://www.arrl-nfl.org/



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 17 May, 2012


Thursday, May 17th, 2012. The meeting was held in the cafeteria of the Orange Park High School. This was

the first official meeting at the Orange Park High School and member turnout was good. All members and

guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Carol Pangborn (KD4DIN) for Mark Fields (N4QLC). The report

follows: Check Balance: $488.99; Savings Balance: $5,049.21; Cash on Hand: $106.30; Net Worth: $5,644.50; There were no expenses paid this month.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership.

The meeting proceeded to standing committee reports.

ARES:

Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) announced the following:

1. Next meeting will be Tuesday, 22 May 2012 at 7 PM in Training Room #4.

2. KB4SA, the Camp Ochockotee Boy Scout Camp radio station, was put on air on 5 May 2012. A

demonstration of amateur radio operation was presented to the scouts on 12 May 2012.

3. Hurricane Season begins 1 June 2012. Now is the time to check out your emergency power and

communications systems, backup radios, and emergency antennas.

4. Check into the Clay County ARES Repeater, 146.925 MHz, PL 156.7, for information or to report

dangerous weather or for activation notices.

5. A state hurricane drill began without notice on Thursday, 17 May and will continue throughout the

weekend.

6. The Tour de Cure for Diabetes bicycle ride will be on Saturday, 19 May. Clay County ARES will be

providing some personnel to support the event.

7. Mike Hendershot (KJ4FEQ) also reminded the members to check for SKYWARN notices on the

146.700 W4IZ repeater. Call up on the Clay County ARES repeater for a spotter to report bad weather

if it is not possible to link to the W4IZ machine.

REPEATERS:

Larry (WB4CGD) mentioned that the repeaters are doing quite well. Jake Jacobs (K5WTA) stated that the 6-

meter repeater is up and running. Greg mentioned that the 222.4R/224.0T machine is running, but suffering

from some interference.




Dave Elmore (N4OOE) stated that five people took and successfully passed the exams on 12 May. 2 Techs, 2

Generals and 1 Extra license was earned with no failures.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Greg requested an A-frame sign that shows where to enter the OPHS Cafeteria meeting site be manufactured.

Carol (KD4DIN) gave an update on Mark Fields (N4QLC).

NEW BUSINESS:

1. The web site will be changed to indicate the relocation of the meeting site at the Orange Park High

School.

2. Scott Roberts (KK4ECR) presented the by-laws committee results. Scott, Berta Anlage (KF4OOK),

Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) were on the committee. Scott, with the approval of the committee and the

Board of Directors, reintroduced a motion to make the dues flat for all members at $7.50. The motion

was seconded and passed without objection.

3. Scott passed out the proposed changes to the bylaws for the membership.

a) The lifetime membership option was discussed. A motion to accept was seconded and

approved.

b) Special meetings will be referred to the president and notices shall be sent by e-mail, website

post or postal delivery was proposed. A motion was made, seconded and approved.

c) Elections of officers will still take place in November, but the nominating committee will present

their recommendations in October. A motion to accept was made, seconded and approved

without objection.

d) Section 4 changes to gender were presented. Where “He” is used, “He/She” will be

introduced. A motion to accept was made, seconded and approved without objection.

e) The proposal to change to a flat dues structure changes most of Section 5. The addition of a

Lifetime Membership was added, and sections 5.03, 5.04 and 5.05 will be removed. A motion

was made, seconded and approved to remove the sections.

f) The proposed change to section 5.06 was discussed and a suggestion came from the floor to

rephrase the change to add that all dues shall be paid in a lump sum and shall not be prorated.

A motion was made, seconded and passed.

g) A discussion arose concerning the dues of new members. The board took the issue and will

include it in the rules.

h) The dues for the Lifetime Membership ($150 under 60, $75 over 60) was discussed. A motion

to accept was made, seconded and passed.

i) Section 11.01 proposed to change the quorum of the members from 20 to 25 was challenged.

A recommendation to change the proposal to a percentage to 50%. A motion was made to

accept the proposed change, but no second was received. A motion was made to change the

proposal to 40% of the membership, seconded, and approved without objection.

j) Section 12.01 modifies the existing text to add e-mail, web site posting or postal delivery. A

motion to accept was made, seconded and approved without objection.

k) Section 1.02 was modified as follows: “Lifetime membership is open to any person who

qualifies for full membership and pays the Lifetime Membership dues. The person will have the

same rights as a full member. A motion to accept was made, seconded and passed without

objection.



OLD BUSINESS & PRESENTATION:

1. Mike Hendershot (KJ4FEQ) discussed the plans for Field Day. We are still one large cooler short.

2. Mike also mentioned that the trailer has been gone through and is ready for Field Day.

3. Mike presented the laptop network system and demonstrated the logging software.

There was no 50-50 this month. The discussion of the by-laws took most of the meeting time.



Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 21 June, 2012


Thursday, June 21st. The meeting was held in the cafeteria of the Orange Park High School. All members and

guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

The Treasurer’s Report from Mark Fields (N4QLC) was presented by Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) as follows:

Starting Balances (5/31/2012):

Check Balance (5/31/2012): $488.99; Savings Balance: $5,049.21; Cash on Hand: $106.30; Starting Net Worth: $5,644.50; Expenses: Post master-PO Box: $86.00; Liability Insurance: $329.42; Trailer Tags: $63.80; Tower Repair Parts: $68.33; Total Expenses: $547.55; Transfers: Savings to Checking: $400.00; Deposits: Interest (Savings): $1.00; Dues (Checking): $45.00; Net Receipts: $46.00; Closing Balances (6/1/2012): Check Balance: $386.44; Savings Balance: $4,650.21; Cash on Hand: $106.30; Closing Net Worth: $5,142.95. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership.


ARES: Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) announced that the next meeting will be Tuesday, 26 June 2012 at 7 PM in

Training Room #4. Adrian also announced that his call sign will change to K4AWG sometime in late June.

REPEATERS:

Larry (WB4CGD) mentioned that the repeaters are doing quite well. There were no complaints from the

members.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned that the next exam will be Saturday, 8 September 2012 at 8:30 AM. The

location may be changed due to work being done on the classrooms where the exams were previously held.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Greg showed the new iron-on OPARC logos.

2. Adrian announced that copies of the existing and proposed bylaws are available for people to take

home.

3. Frank Royal (WB0X) has requested equipment and materials from the members.

4. Greg announced that the list of e-mail addresses that are bouncing when sending out OPARC minutes.

NEW BUSINESS:

The web site will be changed to have a list of members with some of their information. Only Names and call

signs will be displayed on the OPARC web site. E-mail addresses and telephone numbers will not be posted.

Members wanting e-mail or telephone information should send an e-mail to the OPARC Secretary (Adrian).

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Mike Hendershot (KJ4FEQ) discussed the plans for Field Day.

2. New Field Day signs have been made. Banners will be coming next year.

3. Mike also informed the members that Ted brought the laptops for logging.

4. Mike also mentioned that new people should come and Get On The Air with the GOTA radio.

5. Mike indicated we will be running new software.

6. Mike also showed the laptop interconnections.

7. Mike asked for someone to pull the trailer to the school. Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG) and Frank Cates

(WA4EWL) volunteered for the task.

8. Coolers: Roberta Anlage (KF4OOK) and Greg indicated we have enough coolers.

9. Roberta mentioned dinner is at 6 PM, wives and children invited.

10. Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) and Adrian will bring gas for generators.

Break was called at 8:12 PM.

The meeting resumed at 8:20 PM

50-50: The 50-50 of $ $22.50 was won by Ian Wollen (W3UZI).

PRESENTATION:

Bob Frey (WA6EZV) made a presentation about competition Amateur Radio Direction Finding. A four-minute

video made at one of the championships was presented. Maps showing an event that took place in the Cibola

Forest of New Mexico were passed around to the members.

Direction-finding frequencies are all over the spectrum, including 80 meters.

ARDF is a combination of fox-hunting and “orienteering”, which involves foot-searching an area using radio

direction finding equipment, a compass and a topographical map. Orienteering can be thought of as a rather

sophisticated version of “Find the Flag”.

Bob mentioned that although the sport is not very big here in the US, it is much bigger in Europe and Asia.

Practical equipment displays included demonstrations of the types of equipment used, including tape-measure

two-meter antennas.



Members interested in more information are invited to view Bob’s web site at: [email protected], or the

ARDF web site at www.homingin.com.



Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.homingin.com/



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 19 July, 2012

President Greg Fitcher (N4RVD) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at

7:30 PM, on Thursday, July 19, 2012. The meeting was held in the cafeteria of the Orange Park

High School located on Kingsley Avenue. All members and guests were welcomed and then

introduced themselves.

The minutes of the 21 June 2012 meeting were accepted as written without amendment.


Starting Check Balance: $454.77; Starting Savings Balance: $4,650.21; Cash on Hand: $106.30; Net Worth: $5,211.28;

Receipts: Interest: $0.96;

Expenses: Trailer Repairs: $63.88:

Closing Check Balance: $386.44; Closing Savings Balance: $4,651.17; Cash on Hand: $106.33; Net Worth: $5,143.91. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership.


ARES:

Adrian Gray (K4AWG) announced the following: Next meeting will be Tuesday, 24 July 2012 at 7 PM in Training Room #4.

REPEATERS:

Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) said that all of the repeaters are doing well, and there were no

complaints from the members. Greg mentioned that the 220 machine is running. Jake

Jacobs (K5WTA) mentioned that the 6-meter repeater is up, but is very quiet.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned that the next exam will be Saturday, September, 2012 at 8:30 AM.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Pete Lynch (N6PRS) mentioned that he has made arrangements at the Golden Corral for the December dinner. 20 Dec 2012 at 0730.

2. Adrian announced that copies of the existing and proposed bylaws are available for people to take home.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Greg mentioned that the next meeting we will vote on the Bylaws.

2. Adrian mentioned that a list of names and call signs will be posted on the OPARC web site, but contact information (phone number and e-mail addresses), will not be posted.

3. Mike Hendershot (KJ4FEQ) discussed the results of Field Day. Only five contacts were lost using the software. We will submit 2426 points. We made 645 contacts on all stations: 168 CW, 371 phone.

4. Roberta (KF4OOK) mentioned that next year we will need to allocate $400 for food.

5. Greg and Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG) discussed taking one of the antennas out periodically and clean and check them.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Ian (W3UZI) also asked the membership if there was any additional desire for club shirts. Contact Ian for them. Ian will put the shirt and costs on the OPARC web site.

2. Adrian mentioned that the auction will take place at the August meeting.

3. Greg discussed the Starke Hamfest will be in November. The plan is to network with all of the clubs in the area to improve the quality of the hamfests.

4. Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) also mentioned that the OPARC Tailgate Hamfest needs to be organized.

5. Adrian mentioned that we need to start the nominations committee for officer elections.

Break was called at 8:10 PM. The meeting resumed at 8:22 PM.

50-50:

The Pot-O’-Gold of $15.00 was won by Mike Hendershot (K4MKH). A second prize of a

remote-controlled truck was won by Adrian, who stated he would have preferred a much larger

truck.

PRESENTATION:

Dave Jordan (AA4KN) made a presentation about Amateur Space Communications. Dave is the AMSAT and ARISS coordinator for the Southeast Region. Dave's discussion included communications with the International Space Station Crew, which presently includes three



amateur radio operators. Dave indicated that so far, ARISS has arranged 719 contacts between schools and the International Space Station.

Dave showed a typical setup with a 50-watt dual channel FM VHF radio capable of odd splits, a vertical/horizontal crossed polarization yagi, good LMR-400 coax and a combination azimuth and elevation rotor system. Tracking software SATPC32 is available from the AMSAT store at www.amsat.org. MacDoppler for Mac Computers is also available from AMSAT.

Additionally, a G6LVB tracker box is the interface between a computer and a rotor control box. This device controls the rotor for tracking the satellite as it passes overhead. The tracker will also shift transceiver frequency to correct for Doppler Effect by using a CAT connection to the radio. This device will extend the contact time to a maximum of around 9 minutes.

Random contacts can be as simple as a hand-held with a mobile whip. For most small conversations, 20 to 30 watts are adequate. Using a ground-plane antenna will increase the likelihood of a successful contact.

Frequencies are 144.490 uplink/145.800 downlink. Dave and other members entered into a discussion about communicating with the ISS, and it was mentioned that there is a spot on the NASA web site that will help determine when the ISS will pass over a particular location on the earth.



Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary

http://www.amsat.org/



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 16 August 2012

President Greg Fitcher (N4RVD) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club

meeting at 7:30 PM, on Thursday, August 16th. The meeting was held in the cafeteria

of the Orange Park High School. All members and guests were welcomed and then

introduced themselves.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented to the Secretary by Mark Fields (N4QLC) and

was as follows:

Starting Check Balance: $386.44; Starting Savings Balance: $5,049.21; Cash on Hand: $106.30; Net Worth: $5,143.91; Receipts: Interest (savings) $1.00; Dues (savings) $41.25; 50-50 (cash) $14.00; Total Receipts $56.25; Expenses: None. Closing Check Balance: $386.44; Closing Savings Balance: $4,693.42; Cash on Hand: $120.30; Net Worth: $5,200.16. A motion was made by Jim Mackinnon (KB2EZN) to accept the Treasurer’s Report

without review by the membership. The motion was seconded and approved.


ARES:

1. Adrian Gray (K4AWG) announced the following: Next meeting will be Tuesday,

25 September 2012 at 7 PM in Training Room #4.

2. Adrian also reminded members about the North Florida Bicycle Association's

Watermellon ride on 9 September. Participant volunteers can sign up on the

Clay County ARES web site at www.clayares.org.



REPEATERS: Greg announced that the repeaters are all working well.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned that the next exam will be Saturday, 8 September,

2012 at 8:30 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Mike Hendershot (K4MKH) mentioned the Oct 6 Hamfest at the Jacksonville Dog

Fanciers site.

2. Mike further announced the Watermellon ride, with information that the routes

and route assignments had changed. He informed all that he would pass the

updates to all volunteers via e-mail to them before the event.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Jim (WD8JRL) made a motion to accept the new bylaws. The motion was

passed.

2. Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) mentioned that the OPARC Tailgate Hamfest needs to

be organized.

3. Adrian mentioned that we need to start the nominations committee for officer

elections.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Greg asked for volunteers for the nominating committee. None were forthcoming.

2. Greg discussed the Starke Hamfest will be in November. The plan is to network

with all of the clubs in the area to improve the quality of the hamfests.

3. A motion was made to pass on the 50-50 and proceed to the auction. The

motion was passed.

The official part of the meeting was declared adjourned at 8:00 PM.

The auction began at 8:10 PM, and continued long after the club secretary left the

building, so the exact time it closed is not known.


Adrian Gray K4AWG

OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 20 September 2012

Vice President Frank Cates (WA4EWL) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club

meeting at 7:30 PM, on Thursday, 20 September, 2012. The meeting was held in a

classroom at the Orange Park High School located on Kingsley Avenue. All members

and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

The minutes of the meeting of 16 August, 2012 were accepted as written without

amendment.


Starting Check Balance: $386.44;

Starting Savings Balance: $4,693.42;

Starting Cash on Hand: $120.30;

Starting Net Worth: $5,200.16;

Receipts:

Interest (to Savings): $1.00;

Dues (to Cash): $26.25:

Auction Receipts (to Checking): $169.50;

Net Receipts (all accounts): $170.50.

Expenses:

Misc OPARC expense (from Cash): $19.25;

Auction Payouts (from Cash): $79.45;

Net Expenses (all accounts): $98.70.

Closing Check Balance: $555.94;

Closing Savings Balance: $4,694.42;

Cash on Hand: $47.85;

Net Worth: $5,298.21





ARES:

1. Adrian Gray (K4AWG) announced that the next meeting will be Tuesday, 25

September 2012 at 7 PM in the Clay County EOC on SR 16 just west of Green

Cove Springs.

2. Adrian also thanked all the people who participated in the Watermellon Race on

9 September 2012. Despite having over 600 participants, the crew handled the

event very well.

3. Adrian also reminded the membership that volunteers are still welcome and

needed to support the upcoming MS-150 bicycle race on 29-30 September 2012.

Check on the www.clayares.org web site under EVENTS.

REPEATERS:

1. Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) said that the repeaters are working well.

2. Adrian mentioned that the Sleepy Hollow Repeater (146.925) is working better

since some repairs were made to the machine in early September.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned that the last exam on Saturday, 8 September, 2012

at 8:30 AM created two technicians and one General out of three examinees. Next test

will be 10 November 2012 at 8:30 AM.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

There were no announcements.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Adrian reminded the membership that we only have six requests for T-shirts. We

need a minimum of ten for an order. Interested parties should contact Adrian or

Ian Wollen (W3UZI).

2. Art Schnapp (WB2HIF) asked if we could get new hats.

3. Elections-Frank and the membership appointed Carol Pangborn (KD4DIN), Dick

Bennett (K2LJZ), Bob Cheney (N4ENV) and Larry Filzen as the nominating

committee and set a meeting date of 27 September 2012, 7 PM, at the Burger

King on the corner of Blanding and Kingsley Avenues.

http://www.clayares.org/



4. Mike Hendershot (K4MKH) discussed the preparations for the OPARC Hamfest.

He displayed the fliers, and provided examples of the signs that will be posted.

He also announced that we have a food vendor for breakfast and lunch (at a very

reasonable price).

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Larry Filzen made a motion that if a person elects to join OPARC at the October

6, 2012 Tailgate Hamfest, the dues would be $5. Roberta Anlage

KF4OOK)raised a question that if the members did renew at the Hamfest, would

they have to renew in January at the regular dues rate? A discussion resulted in

the decision that these dues would cover the period from the Hamfest to the end

of 2013. The motion was voted upon, and a hand count was taken, but the

motion did not pass. Pete Lynch (W6PRS) suggested we table the motion for

future discussion, which was seconded. The motion to table was passed.

2. A motion was made by Larry to cancel the Golden Corral breakfast on the

Saturday of the Hamfest. The motion was seconded and passed.

BREAK: Break was called at 8:10 PM. The meeting re-convened at 8:28 PM.

50-50: The Pot-O’-Gold of $20.50 was won by Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG).

PRESENTATION:

Todd Lovelace (K1KVA) made a presentation on Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse.and

the treats to our country, along with what amateur radio vulnerabilities are. It was VERY

interesting.



Adrian Gray K4AWG

OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 18 October 2012

Vice President Frank Cates (WA4EWL) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club

meeting at 7:30 PM, on Thursday, 18 October, 2012. The meeting was held in the

cafeteria of the Orange Park High School located on Kingsley Avenue. All members

and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

The minutes of the 20 September 2012 meeting were accepted as written without

amendment.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Adrian Gray (K4AWG) for Mark Fields

(N4QLC), and was as follows:

Starting Check Balance: $555.94;

Starting Savings Balance: $4,694.42;

Starting Cash on Hand: $47.85;

Starting Net Worth: $5,298.21;

Receipts:

Interest (to Savings): $0.97;

Dues (to Cash): $7.50:

50-50 (to Cash): $20.50;

Donations (to Cash): $2.50;

Net Receipts (all accounts): $31.47:

Expenses: --NONE--

Closing Check Balance: $555.94;

Closing Savings Balance: $4,695.39;

Cash on Hand: $78.35;

Net Worth: $5,329.68



ARES: Adrian Gray (K4AWG) announced the following:

1. The next meeting of Clay County ARES will be on Tuesday, 23 October 2012 at

the Orange Park Medical Center, Training Room #4.



2. The 27 November 2012 meeting will be held at the Journey Church. This will be

a special dinner meeting. There will be a nominal charge of $10 per person.

3. Adrian discussed comments made at the Melbourne Hamfest meeting of the

ARRL Southern Section leadership. ARRL is looking for more recruits for the

Observer corps and is taking requests for training.

REPEATERS:

Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) said that all repeaters are working well.


Dave Elmore (N4OOE) mentioned that the next and last test of the year will be 10

November 2012 at 8:30 AM. One of their members, Don Fraser (K2DF) will be laid up

for a month.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mike Hendershot (K4MKH) discussed the Tailgate Hamfest. The event was very

successful. The club received $303.00.

OLD BUSINESS:

A discussion was made to relocate the Hamfest to another venue that is less subject to

weather. We lost quite a few people due to the bad weather.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Carol Pangborn (KD4DIN) stated the nomination meeting has taken place.

a. For president, Greg was nominated (N4RVD).

b. Two nominations for vice president Frank (WA4EWL) and Mike

Hendershot (K4MKH).

c. Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG) was nominated for secretary.

d. Mark Fields (N4QLC) was nominated for treasurer.

e. For directors, Carol Pangborn (KD4DIN) and Dick Bennet (K2LJZ).

f. Bob Norman (K4GRD) will be the chairman of the nominating committee.

Additional nominations will be accepted.

g. Voting will be at the November meeting.

2. Carol also mentioned that voting for Ham of the Year will take place via secret

ballot at the November meeting.

3. Bob Norman is putting out a survey to all amateur radio operators in Clay County.

The survey will also include a drawing for a prize, which will be an incentive for



people to submit their reply. The intent is to figure out what people are interested

in and how they participate in the hobby. This will help the club leadership to

figure out what the club needs to do to increase its membership. Mike

Hendershot mentioned that he has the ability to create the mailing/database

systems to make that happen.

4. Mike mentioned that the JOTA will take place on 20 Oct 2012 at the Echockotee

Boy Scout camp.

5. Carol made a motion to reinstate the new amateur free membership for the first

year (twelve consecutive months). The motion was carried without objection.

6. Larry mentioned a donation of a scanner and 10 meter rig, and suggested that

they could be the prize for the surveys.

7. Greg stated that OPARC is on CraigsList. Greg is looking for people to take the

comments from CraigsList and respond to them.

BREAK: Break was called at 8:23 PM. The meeting re-convened at 8:38 PM.

50-50: The Pot-O’-Gold of $23.00 was won by Chris Jacobs (WB5TWK).

PRESENTATION:

Frank Cates made a presentation on homebrew work. He presented an 80/40 meter

receiver and a matching QRP transistor transmitter that he made and operated during

the 1970’s. The discussed how his homebrew experience led him into QRP work,

which is mostly homebrew.



Adrian Gray K4AWG

OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 15 November 2012

President Greg Fitcher (N4RVD) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:30 PM, on Thursday, 15 November 2012. The meeting was held in the cafeteria of the Orange Park High School. All members and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Mark Fields (N4QLC) as follows: Starting Check Balance: $555.94; Starting Savings Balance: $4,695.39; Cash on Hand: $78.35; Net Worth: $5,329.68; Receipts: Auction (to Savings): $230.00; Auction (to Cash): $41.75; Interest (to Savings): $0.97; 50-50 (to Cash): $23.00; Total Receipts: $295.72. Expenses: $0.00. Closing Check Balance: $555.94; Closing Savings Balance: $4,926.36; Cash on Hand: $143.10; Net Worth: $5,625.40. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership. The meeting minutes of 2018 October 2012 were amended by Adrian Gray (K4AWG) as follows:

1. Frank Cates (WA4EWL) has requested that his name be removed for consideration as Vice President.

2. Ted Jahn (K4YLX) has been nominated for director instead of Dick Bennett (K2LJZ). 3. Bob Norman (K4GRD) will be chairman of the new Membership Committee.

The meeting minutes, as amended, were approved by the membership without objection. The meeting proceeded to standing committee reports.



ARES: Adrian Gray (K4AWG) announced the following: Next meeting will be Tuesday, 27 November 2012 at 7 PM in the cafeteria of the Journey Church in Lake Gray. This will be an awards meeting and dinner.

REPEATERS: Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) announced that the repeaters are all working well.

VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s): The last exam session was held on 10 November 2012 at 8:30 AM at the Orange Park High School. Three Technician licenses were awarded. Pete Lynch (N6PRS) announced that there may be a change of location for the testing site due to issues with the high school administration. Ted Jahn (K4LX) stated he would look into the matter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Greg announced that the Starke HamFest will be Saturday, 24 November 2012.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. The election commenced with recognizing the nominating committee. Greg announced the nominees:

President-Greg Fitcher (N4RVD); Vice President: Mike Hendershot (K4MKH) Secretary: Jim Winfrey (KJ4SBG) Treasurer: Mark Fields (N4QLC)

A motion was made, seconded and approved without objection to accept the nominees. A motion was made, seconded and approved without objection to elect the nominees by acclamation.

2. Ian Wollen (W3UZI) mentioned that we have six orders for shirts and we need minimum

of ten. Interested parties are requested to contact him.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Pete Lynch (N6PRS) announced that the Christmas Party will take place at the Golden Corral on Thursday, 20 December 2012 at 7 PM. He requested that members bring a toy for the annual Marine Toys For Tots drive.

2. Ham of the Year was voted on. Result will be withheld until the Christmas Party. 3. Mark Fields announced that dues are due. 4. Mark also mentioned that an annual audit was due in October but was not performed.

He suggested that the audit be performed in January 2013. Dick Bennett and Carol Pangborn will perform the audit.



BREAK: Break was called at 8:05 PM. The meeting was called to order at 8:17 PM.

50-50: Greg Fitcher (N4RVD) won the 50-50 of $20.00.

PRESENTATION: Dick Bennett (K2LJZ) made a presentation on designing antennas. He bought a book and reviewed a special type of bent yagi antennas called a “box kite” antenna. The author lives in St. Augustine, and researched a number of modified antennas for confined spaces that match or exceed the performance of standard antennas.


Respectfully submitted, Adrian Gray K4AWG OPARC Secretary



OPARC Minutes of Meeting 21 April, 2011

Vice President Frank Cates (WA4EWL) convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:30 PM,

on Thursday, April 21st, 2011. The meeting was held in classrooms numbers five and six of Orange Park

Medical Center located on Kingsley Avenue. All members and guests were welcomed and then introduced

themselves.

The minutes of the March 17th, 2011 meeting were accepted as written without amendment.

The Treasurer’s Report from Rudi Hellmold (KC4WWS) was as follows:

Dues: $35.00 50-50: $23.00 Total Receipts: $88.00 Checking: $740.37 Savings: $4837.08 Cash on hand: $59.00



REPEATERS: Larry Filzen (WB4CGD) said that Motorola MSR conversion is being installed in the new repeater. John Cantrell and Frank are working on the system. ARES: Adrian Gray (KJ4BOT) mentioned that the next ARES meeting would be Tuesday, 26 April at 7 PM. He also mentioned the ARES SETs of 2 and 16 April. The Cystic Fibrosis bike run of 10 April was a success. Clay ARES was approached by another group to assist them in another race, and Cystic Fibrosis Walk-a-thon also wants our help for their 30 April event. RAM WATCH: No report was given. VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s):

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Gainesville Hamfest was mentioned for the weekend of the 23rd

of April. St. Johns River cleanup went great. Roger Pangborn was remembered by the issuance of a tee-shirt with his name on it. Presented to the group by Jake (K5TWA). NEW BUSINESS: Adrian mentioned the MARS cross-band test 0400Z 14 to 1200Z 15 MAY. Field Day (Larry Filzen WB4CGD) was discussed. The topics covered were food, the trailer and meeting with law enforcement and school district personnel. Jake (K5TWA) will not be at Field Day. We will need to relocate the trailers and get tags. Pete Lynch (N6PRS) will check with the school. Frank Cates and Larry Filzen are the Field Day Committee. Food was “tabled” until the next meeting. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.

Break was called at 8:05 PM. The meeting resumed at 8:15 PM.

The Pot-O’-Gold of $18.00 was won by Catherine Rieman (KB2JXQ).



PRESENTATION: Frank presented a Drake TR-4 transceiver and a Hallicrafters receiver.



Adrian Gray KJ4BOT

OPARC Secretary

the orange park amateur radio club a oorraannngggeee r pppaaarrkkk

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