General Meeting - Dave Vest, K8DV DX Engineering Customer Support
2024-04-02 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Hybrid
Our speaker this month is Dave Vest, K8DV. Dave was first licensed in 1978 at 14 and through the years has experienced many phases of ham radio including code, voice AM, FM and Sideband, HF, VHF, UHF, Slow-scan TV, and Radioteletype. David is a Life Member of ARRL. Over the past 2 decades David has become more active than the first half of his ham career earning five band DXCC, five band WAS (worked all states), five band WAZ (worked all zones). Dave is also a member of the DXCC Honor Roll and 2500 DXCC Challenge slots. David is active restoring and using vintage SSB equipment such as Collins and Drake equipment. David works part time for DX Engineering and enjoys helping new and experienced hams get or stay on the air successfully. David will give a summary of his experiences supporting ham operators over the phone. There will be a Q&A following Dave’s presentation.

BOARD MEETING
2024-04-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Monthly Meeting BRARA Officers and Board Members

Satellite Communications Antenna Build
2024-04-12 08:30 - 11:30 | Zoom
We will be having our BRARA Satellite Antenna Build Friday, 4/12/24 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Shack. Members participating have made firm reservations and paid the $35 kit fee. The session is basically full. If you have interest please contact Henry Seidner, WA2ROA at hseidner@me.com

APRIL 2024 LUNCH - Casa Tequila
2024-04-20 13:00 - 14:30 | CASA TEQUILA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8228 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33434, United States
CLICK TO RSVP
Casa Tequila
8228 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-430-5458
www.greatmexicancuisine.com

General Meeting - Robert Molleda, NWS, Space Weather
2024-05-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
Our speaker this month is Robert Molleda from the National Weather Service. Robert will give a presentation on Space Weather followed by a Q&A. This will be a Zoom only meeting due to the unavailability of the library

May Lunch
2024-05-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Mama Mias Trattoria West, 7410 W Boynton Beach Blvd, W Boynton Beach, FL, 33437, United States
Mamma Mia’s Trattoria of West Boynton Beach
7410 W. Boynton Beach Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 3343
Phone: 561-509-0925
www.mammamiastrattoria.com
Everyone will order off the regular menu and pay individually, including tax and a
gracious tip. If anyone needs to cancel, even at the last minute, e-mail Henry
Seidner, WA2ROA at hseidner@me.com. There are many Mamma Mia’s. Please
make sure to attend the above location. This is the one we always use.
CLICK TO RSVP

General Meeting - June 4 - Sammy Hadid, NWS - Hurricane Outlook
2024-06-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
Our speaker for June will be Sammy Hadid. Sammy is a meteorologist at the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office (WFO) in Miami, FL. Information will be provided on the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Seasonal Outlook and the potential impacts of La Niña on this hurricane season. We will talk about the main hurricane hazards, a history of hurricane impacts in South Florida, and how to interpret National Weather Service hurricane forecast information and use it to properly plan and prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes. There will be a Q&A following Sammy’s presentation.

BOARD MEETING JUNE 12
2024-06-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Monthly Meeting BRARA Officers and Board Members. Members are welcome to attend. Contact the Board at directors@brara.org to get the Zoom link.

FIELD DAY 2024
2024-06-22 13:00 - 2024-06-23 13:00 | Shack
The BRARA Board and Officers have decided to cancel our planned Field Day activities after the top section of our tower folded over during an unexpected severe storm. Members who would like to participate in Field Day activities are welcome to join the Gold Coast Amateur Radio Society who will be at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. If you want to participate with GCARS, please fill out their registration form for attending and/or food. Their web site is https://www.w4bug.org.

General Meeting - July 2 - Frank Haas KB4T - Interference
2024-07-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
Our speaker for July will be Frank Haas KB4T. Frank has been licensed as an Amateur Radio Operator since April 1965. Haas earned both his Amateur Extra Class and First Class Radiotelephone Operator’s Licenses in 1979. Haas serves as the Technical Coordinator for ARRL’s North Florida Section. Haas is employed by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) as a Land Mobile Wireless Communications Specialist for FPL’s North Area. In addition to servicing and maintaining sophisticated P25, Microwave and Data communications systems, Haas specializes in Power Line Interference Investigation and Mitigation. Over his 20 year career with FPL, Haas has investigated hundreds of Interference issues both power line related and non-power line related. He has a 99% successful resolution record. His success in this specialty won him a seat on the IEEE Working Group that recently created Recommended Practices and Standards for Power Utilities to follow regarding power line interference complaints and resolutions. Haas speaks to Amateur Radio groups on the subject of Power Line Interference Investigation. Hams from around the United States contact Haas for assistance in resolving Interference issues of all sorts. While Ham Radio is his primary hobby, Haas is an Instrument Rated Private Pilot, former Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Broker and personal computing expert and consultant.

BOARD MEETING JULY 10
2024-07-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
Monthly Meeting BRARA Officers and Board Members. 6PM on Zoom. Members are welcome to attend. Contact the Board at directors@brara.org to get the Zoom link.

July Lunch
2024-07-25 11:30 - 13:00 | ICHIYAMI BUFFET & SUSHI, 145 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL, 33432, United States
Ichiyami
In the Royal Palm Place
145 SE Mizner Blvd
Boca Raton, FL
561-395-7977
www.ichiyamisushi.com
Ichiyami offers several choices of buffet food. There is sushi, prepared Chinese items, and Mongolian Barbeque as well as salad and dessert items. As an option guests can order tea (hot or iced) for an additional charge. Attendees are expected to pay cash. The estimated cost per person is typically $20 to $25 which includes tax and tip.
Note: This is a Thursday which allows us to take advantage of lower prices. It is set early because parking is hard to find. Please RSVP by 5:00pm, Monday, July 22.
CLICK TO RSVP

General Meeting - AUGUST 6 - Palm Beach County Commissioner Greg Weiss - AI (ZOOM ONLY)
2024-08-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
THIS MEETING WILL BE ZOOM ONLY
Commissioner Gregg Weiss, a retired business executive from California, was elected to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He focuses on several key priorities. First, Gregg advocates for accessible technology and ethical AI use in local governance, serving on the FCC’s Intergovernmental Advisory Board and leading efforts to expand high-speed internet access. Second, he champions water conservation and quality, chairing the Water Resources Taskforce and the Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative Steering Committee. Third, Gregg actively fights against bigotry and hate crimes through local ordinances and community leadership.
Additionally, he prioritizes improving mental health services, including expanding the mental health court in Palm Beach County. Finally, Gregg promotes economic development for well-paying jobs and has worked to reduce property taxes while advocating against wasteful spending. Before his commissioner role, Gregg held leadership positions in the business sector and was actively involved in community organizations. He and his wife, Rebecca, settled in West Palm Beach after retiring early to sail around the world.
THE TALK: “Understanding Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Journey into The World of AI Innovation”.
Commissioner Weiss will explain what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is and how the technology developed, as well as give examples of how it’s being used today, from everyday life to healthcare. He will also discuss how we can navigate the challenges of AI — for instance, its ethical considerations and potential for misuse – as well as AI in governance. At the end of his presentation Commissioner Weiss will take questions from the audience.

BOARD MEETING AUGUST 14
2024-08-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom

General Meeting - SEPTEMBER 3- JOHN KRUK N9UPC YAESU SALES MANAGER
2024-09-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
THIS MEETING WILL BE AT THE LIBRARY AND ON ZOOM
John’s Bio

Licensed since the mid-90’s in northern WI
Started working in two-way radio in 1999
Has worked in Law Enforcement, Fire, and is still a Community/Critical Care Paramedic

– Trained in FEMA Com-L, Com-T, and AUXCOM

Has worked numerous local events requiring emergency communications and vital comms
Serves as the West Central DEC for Wisconsin ARES/RACES
Used multiple digital voice modes and runs a server allowing cross connection to other modes

BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 11
2024-09-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom

SEPTEMBER 2024 LUNCH - Mama Mia's Trattoria
2024-09-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Mama Mias Trattoria West, 7410 W Boynton Beach Blvd, W Boynton Beach, FL, 33437, United States
CLICK TO RSVP
7410 W Boynton Beach Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Phone: 561-509-0925

BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 28
2024-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Second Monthly Meeting BRARA Officers and Board Members. 12 noon at Shack and on Zoom. Members are welcome to attend. Contact the Board at directors@brara.org to get the Zoom link.

General Meeting - OCTOBER 1- CERT
2024-10-01 18:30 - 20:20 | Zoom
THIS MEETING WILL BE ZOOM ONLY

Our speakers this month are Fredrick (Rick) DeTar from the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management and Dolph Holmes WA2NTW
Rick DeTar is the Emergency Program Coordinator for the Palm Beach County (PBC) Division of Emergency Management – Public Safety Department and along with his other responsibilities Coordinates the Community Emergency Response (CERT) Program, is located at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
His team coordinates the FEMA based CERT Basic Training Classes through Grants originated from FEMA, provide ongoing training and exercises for the participating CERT Teams, chairs quarterly meetings at the EOC for the CERT Team Leaders and provides the overall support for the CERT Program.
His office provides the frequency coordination for the 6 Emergency Operation Areas (EOAs) in Palm Beach County, maintains the Amateur Radio station at the EOC and runs the Captive AUXCOMM Program at the EOC to provide communications support across Palm Beach County and at the Shelters during Emergencies.
Dolph Holmes has been an Amateur Radio Operator since 1972 and is an Amateur Radio Instructor Teaching Classes and participating in the Licensing Exams.
He has been a CERT Instructor since 2003 and has been providing the PBC Division of Emergency Management with the CERT Basic Training Classes and hosting other related classes across the Country.
He is a CERT Program Manager an Incident Command System Instructor as well as a former ICS Team Member and an Incident Management Assistance Team Member.
The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the CERT Program to our Amateur Radio Community, and to highlight the importance of coordinating and practicing emergency communications during disasters. The program needs more active and trained Hams to participate during emergencies with communications between the Amateur Radio Operators in various CERT communities and the EOC. Amateur Radio Operators have long been relied upon to provide communications during emergencies, so the intent of this program is to insure we are well coordinated in order to utilize our skills most effectively.

BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 16
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
BRARA Officers and Board Members. 6pm on Zoom. Contact the Board at directors@brara.org to get the Zoom link.

BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 13
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom

OCTOBER 2024 LUNCH - Casa Tequila
2024-10-19 13:00 - 14:30 | CASA TEQUILA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8228 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33434, United States

General Meeting - NOVEMBER 5 - National Traffic System
2024-11-05 18:30 - 20:20 | Zoom
THIS MEETING WILL BE ZOOM ONLY

Our speakers this month are David Sheppard W2PAX who is the ARRL Southern Florida Section Traffic Manager and John Wells W4CMH who is an Official Relay Station for the National Traffic System (NTS), Liaison for the Southwest Florida Traffic Net and a Professional Teacher.
They will present an introduction to the National Traffic System, which is a field organization of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), with the objective to pass written messages around the United States through a series of formal networks that includes modes such as CW, SSB, Phone, Digital etc.
This is a skill that we should all understand with the goal of this presentation to interest our members to attend a 4 hour in person class, in the near future, to learn how to become a Traffic Handler in our area.
The Zoom link will open at around 6:00 for general discussion and rag chews. The business meeting starts at 6:30. Our speaker generally starts at around 7:10.

Fall Radiator Grille
2024-11-16 11:00 - 14:00 | Shack
BRARA SHACK 11AM until 2PM
November 16, rain date November 17
$5 Donation toward food is requested
Please RSVP by 5:00 PM November 14
RSVP Fall Radiator Grille

Intro to Contesting Class
2024-11-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Hello BRARA Members,
We are *very* excited to announce a new Introduction to Contesting class! All radio license levels and experience are most welcomed to this fun series of ‘learning and doing’ events.
The first class of the series is in two parts:
1. Zoom call presentation and Q/A learning session
Saturday November 23 @ 2:00 pm

2. Hands-On practice session at the BRARA Shack – DEC 14-15
Each student will have an opportunity to get on the air that weekend for the ARRL 10m Contest (Phone mode only)
The ARRL 10m contest is one of the very best ways to get your feet wet.
Please don’t be shy – we will be with you every step of the way and you can go at your own pace.

Please sign up by following the instructions below to get started – we promise a fun learning experience.
See you via zoom Saturday!

73,
Chris, NX4N
Intro to Contesting instructor and head cheerleader

Contest Class RSVP

ZOOM link for Class

BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 11
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom

ARRL 10 Meter Contest
2024-12-14 08:00 - 2024-12-15 17:00 | Shack
N4BRF will be participating in the ARRL 10 meter contest as part of the contesting training program being run by Chris, NX4N.

December Holiday Lunch - Lucilles BBQ
2024-12-15 13:00 - 14:30 | LUCILLE’S AT DELRAY MARKETPLACE, 9173 W Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL, 33446, United States
Lucilles Bad to the Bone BBQ
9173 W Atlantic Ave
Delray Beach, FL 33446
Phone: (561) 810-4045
Lucille’s Bad to the Bone BBQ
MAX BRARA RESERVATIONS 45
CLICK TO RSVP

General Meeting - JANUARY 7
2025-01-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
Our speaker this month is Harold Gretsky K4KZM. Harold is a BRARA member who will be discussing his experience permitting and getting HOA approval for his amateur antenna system.
Doors and Zoom open at 6:00 for general discussion and rag chews. The business meeting starts at 6:30. Our speaker generally starts at around 7:10.
The meeting is at the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498

Technician Training Class and FCC Exam
2025-01-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Shack
A Technician class is planned for the weekend of January 11th and 12th with an exam session on January 12. We will be using the Gordon West study book. Class will run from 9 until 5 on Saturday with a one hour lunch break. The Sunday class will run 9 until noon with the exam starting at 1. If interested send an email to training@brara.org.
