BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 13
2024-10-16 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
BRARA Officers and Board Members. 6pm on Zoom. Contact the Board at directors@brara.org to get the Zoom link.

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
CLICK TO RSVP
Casa Tequila
8228 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-430-5458
www.greatmexicancuisine.com

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, 2025-01-12 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.

Winter Field Day 2025
2025-01-25 11:00 - 2025-01-26 16:59
This coming weekend is Winter Field Day and we plan to dedicate all 3 HF stations to the event, which runs from 11am Saturday through 4:59pm Sunday.
We hope to keep 3 bands active at a time, and so far there are only a handful of signups for operating time.
If you are planning to or would like to participate, please send me an email ASAP to ko4xl@brara.org and indicate what day/hours your are available and whether you prefer to operate phone or CW. (We will not operate digital for this event.)
When you do arrive at the station this weekend, please be sure to add your name to the check-in sheet on the bookshelf by the front door.
73 de KO4XL
Bruce

General Meeting - February 4
2025-02-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
Our BRARA February 4, 2025, monthly meeting will take place in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm
Beach County Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498 and via Zoom. People arrive in person between
6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the
presentation begins about 7:10 PM.
You’re invited to a interactive forum on Electric Cars. This will be presented by the Valencia Falls Computer
and Technology Club President Jason Doskow, Ed Grumit, KE2EF and Buzz Van Ness, WA4AIM discussing
advancements, incentives, and charging strategies. All these moderators have expertise in EV, many of them were early
adopters.
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
ZOOM MEETING LINK

LUNCH - Khao Thai & Sushi
2025-02-15 13:00 - 14:30 | KHAO THAI AND SUSHI, 13900 Jog Rd Suite 205, Delray Beach, FL, 33446, United States
New owner. We’ve eaten here when it was known as Sabai Thai. Maximum capacity is 35. Lunch RSVP
Khao Thai & Sushi
13900 Jog Rd Suite 205
Delray Beach, FL 33446
Phone: (561) 774-2612

General Meeting - March 4
2025-03-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Library
Our BRARA March 4, 2025, monthly meeting will take place in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm
Beach County Library, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498 and via Zoom. People arrive in person between
6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the
presentation begins about 7:00 PM.
Our guest speaker for March is Bart Jahnke, W9JJ. Bart has been with ARRL in several different roles. Primarily:
 1985-1989 Repeater Directory Editor and Contest/Regulatory Assistant
 1989-2005 ARRL VEC Manager
 2016-2019 Contest Program Manager
 2019-present, Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager (interim Field Services
Manager), then more recently Radiosport and Regulatory Information Manager. His present role
also includes extensive lead LoTW support. He is planning to share his screen and:

Walk through installing TQSL,
Requesting a certificate,
Installing the certificate and setting up station locations
Uploading QSOs
Confirming the upload results
Applying for an Award(s)
Q&A (at end or anytime in say chat or live

A document; Get going with ARRL’s LoTW can be found at https://www.g4ifb.com/LoTW_New_User_Guide.pdf
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 7:00.
The meeting is at the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
ZOOM MEETING LINK
Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]

BRARA BOARD MEETING MARCH 12
2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The next BRARA Board meeting is on March 12, 2023 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be on Zoom. Members are welcome to attend. Contact a director or officer for the link.

BRARA BOARD MEETING APRIL 10
2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The next BRARA Board meeting is on April 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be on Zoom. Members are welcome to attend. Contact a director or officer for the link. Note that this is a Thursday.

INTRO TO CONTESTING - PART 3
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
Remember to sign up for the Saturday March 15 @ 2pm Zoom class: “Introduction to Contesting – Part 3”. RSVP to Chris NX4N cqdenx4n at gmail.com.
Please use this latest link for the meeting:

ZOOM MEETING LINK
ZOOM Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]

MARCH 2025 LUNCH - Casa Tequila
2025-03-22 13:00 - 14:30 | CASA TEQUILA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8228 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33434, United States

APRIL 1 BRARA GENERAL MEETING
2025-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Our speaker this month will be ARRL CEO David Minster NA2AA, His topics will be “The Future of Amateur Radio”
The meeting will be held April 1 starting at 6:30 pm at the Boca West branch of the Palm Beach County Library and will also be on Zoom.

Spring 2025 Radiator Grille
2025-04-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Shack
BRARA SHACK 11AM until 2PM
April 5, rain date April 6
$5 Donation toward food is requested
Please RSVP by 5:00 PM April 3
RSVP Spring-2025-Radiator Grille

MAY 6 BRARA GENERAL MEETING
2025-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Our BRARA monthly meeting will take place May 6th in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm Beach County Library. People arrive in person between 6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the presentation begins about 7:00 PM.
Our speaker this month will be Carol Sjursen KJ4AWB, Her topic will be “Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): From Concept to Deployment”
This training will show how CERT went from a “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” concept to a deployable asset in Florida’s Emergency Response Framework. You will learn how CERT training relates to ham radio and why all hams should take this training, even if you don’t plan on becoming active on a deployment team.
Some of Carol’s credentials:

Public Information Chair, Florida CERT Association
CERT Program Manager, Deerfield Beach CERT
Past President – Florida CERT Association
Past Region 7 Representative to the Board of Directors, Florida CERT Association
2018 and 2020 National CERT Conference Planning Committee

The meeting location is the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
ZOOM Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]

May Lunch - Lucilles BBQ
2025-05-17 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
Please RSVP by Thursday May 15 at 5:00 PM
CLICK TO RSVP

Palm Beach County EOC Exercise
2025-05-31 07:00 - 16:00
Palm Beach County is planning an emergency exercise that includes ham radio participation on Saturday, May 31. More information to follow.

JUNE 3 BRARA GENERAL MEETING
2025-06-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Our BRARA monthly meeting will take place June 3rd in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm Beach County Library. People arrive in person between 6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the presentation begins about 7:00 PM.
Our speaker this month will be Patrick Bolan KJ7ZSU, His topic will be Geochron clocks.
20 years ago, Patrick was working as a construction manager for Home Depot, and saw his 1 st mechanical Geochron in a conference room. 10 years later, he bought an old Geochron that – Patrick discovered – he could not repair. He took the clock to the only place in the world that still made Geochrons… just a mile
from his house. He felt a moment of destiny, and told the retiring owners, “If you were ever interested in selling his company, I’d like to be a part of that conversation.” He couldn’t afford their price, but offered his own house as collateral to purchase Geochron’s tools and inventory. Today, the mechanical clock is built and restored in Colorado, and Patrick manages the Geochron Atlas product he created from the Pacific Northwest with a small team of local developers. Every Atlas is kitted in his basement.
Patrick has a talent for persistence. He’s a 2x Ironman triathlete, 2 graduate degrees, married 30 years, and recently finished a 23,000 mile motorcycle tour to visit 48 Geochron owners in 48 states. And he’d like to install a ham rig on his motorcycle someday.
The meeting location is the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
ZOOM Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]

June Lunch - Lazy Dog
2025-06-14 13:00 - 14:30 | LAZY DOG, 9636 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33434, United States
Lazy Dog Restaurant
Uptown Boca Shopping Plaza
9636 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
Phone: 561-489-5607
Lazy Dog Restaurants, LLC | Location | Boca Raton, FL
Please RSVP by 5:00 PM, Thursday June 12
CLICK TO RSVP

ARRL FIELD DAY JUNE 28-29
2025-06-28 08:00 - 2025-06-29 15:00 | Shack
BRARA is planning to have a low key operation for Field Day on June 28 and 29. The plan is to operate between 2 and 8PM on Saturday and 8AM to 2PM on Sunday. There are currently four or five members who have expressed an interest in operating. We may have a second station active and operate 2D. We know that FD runs overnight but we are not planning to have Board coverage if you are not familiar with the Shack or don’t have a key to get in.

JULY 1 BRARA GENERAL MEETING
2025-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Our BRARA monthly meeting will take place July 1st in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm Beach County Library. People arrive in person between 6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the presentation begins about 7:00 PM. Our speaker this month is Robert Garcia from the National Weather Service. His topic will be, Thriving in the Tropics: Hurricane Preparedness and Probabilistic Forecasting.
A brief review of South Florida’s hurricane history, tropical weather threats, and ways for residents and businesses to prepare. A look at the latest in probabilistic hurricane forecasting and the future of threat communication will be explored. Space weather topics will also be explored including services provided by the NOAA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center.
Robert Garcia is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Miami/South Florida Forecast Office. He was born and raised in South Florida and received his BS degree in Meteorology from Florida State University and later a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Florida Gulf Coast University, and he is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
He began his career with the NWS as a student trainee in the Miami office in 2009. Upon graduation, he accepted postings with the NWS at its offices in Atlanta and Tampa. In 2016, he returned to South Florida to accept a position as Lead Forecaster at the Miami/South Florida Office before becoming the Warning Coordination Meteorologist this past year. His professional areas of interest include radar meteorology, hydrology, and public outreach.
The meeting location is the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
ZOOM Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]

JULY 2025 LUNCH - Casa Tequila
2025-07-19 13:00 - 14:30 | CASA TEQUILA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8228 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33434, United States
Casa Tequila
8228 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
561-430-5458
www.greatmexicancuisine.com
Please RSVP no later than 5:00 PM Thursday, July 17th, and include any guests. 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 Mike Greenfeld at lunchrsvp@brara.org. Capacity is 40. Parking is tight here so you need to arrive early if you want a close spot.
CLICK TO RSVP

August 5 BRARA GENERAL MEETING
2025-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Hybrid
Our BRARA monthly meeting will take place August 5 in person at the West Boca Branch of The Palm Beach County Library. People arrive in person between 6:00 – 6:30 PM and Zoom chat opens about 6:00 PM. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:30 PM and the presentation begins about 7:00 PM. Our speaker this month is Andrew Auster KO4TZK. Andrew is the ARRL Southern Florida Section Youth Coordinator. He will be speaking about getting more youth involvement in Amateur Radio and his own experience.
The meeting location is the Palm Beach County Library Boca West Branch, 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498
ZOOM Meeting ID: 865 5255 5294
Passcode: [REDACTED]
