[FADCA] Meeting Minutes - Melbourne Hamfest 2002

[bud Thompson]

Deltona
Thursday Sept 19 0650EST

MINUTES OF FADCA MEETING SEPTEMBER 14, 2002 - MELBOURNE HAMFEST 

Officers and Directors in attendance: 

    President Bill Sinbine, N4XEO
    Vice President Douglas G. Welcker, WB4KGY
    Secretary-Treasurer L. E. 'bud' Thompson, N0IA 
    Web Page Manager Free Crosby, W1NPR 

Others: 

    Dave Armbrust AE4MR W.C.F. Section Manager
    Dave Calder N4ZKF
    Dennis Griffin W4DG    
    Bob Harrison N4WFH    
    Paul Touth NA4AR W.C.F. Section Emergency Coordinator 

NA4AR reported the ARRL has indicated that it is important that 
field organizations embrace the use of digital modes in their 
emergency plans.  His purpose for attending the meeting was to 
enlist help to (re) build the packet network in the Tampa area, 
thus insuring coverage in the West Central Florida Section as 
well as linking with the rest of the statewide Layered Packet 
Network. 

A general discussion of the Layered Packet Network included: 

    The merits of the network for tactical use within local areas 
      (LANs) and transfer of data files among served agencies in 
      different LANs    
    Bridging the Last Mile
    Use of radio-to-internet e-mail links
    Security of data 

Short-term needs for the system and operations include:

    Closing the gap between Orlando and Melbourne along the East 
      Coast    
    Refurbishing existing switches in the West Central Florida 
      Section 
    Establishing sites/switches for a cross-state link between 
      Orlando and Tampa    
    Education and training    
    Letter of appreciation/intent to network sponsors from the 
      ARRL and other organizations. 

Long-term concepts were mentioned:

    Hi-speed (greater than 9.6kb) links
    Digitized voice 

Dave, N4ZKF indicated he might be of assistance in obtaining sites. 
 After a short discussion it was determined that moving the Orlando 
switch to a site near St. Cloud should bridge the gap between 
Orlando and Melbourne, as well as be sufficient as the East Coast 
end of the east-west trunk across Central Florida.  He indicated 
a site about 35 miles west of St. Cloud would make a first hop 
toward Tampa. 

W4DG reported that space could be made on the "Big Stick" to carry 
the cross-state trunk on into Tampa.  He also has several VHF 
Mitrek radios that can be used for LANs. 

Through the FADCA data base and help from Chuck Hast, KP4DJT, 
the District 4 Director, an inventory/status of all existing switches 
in the Tampa - St. Petersburg area will be developed.  Recommendations 
for refurbishing and adding switches will be made.  

Several FADCA members can provide training sessions for clubs/groups. 

NA4AR invited FADCA representatives to attend an organizational 
meeting in Bradenton on October 5, and requested a presentation 
at the Florida State Convention - December 7 and 8 at the Manatee 
Co. Civic Center in Palmetto 

All interested will join the FADCA e-mal list so we can keep in 
touch and work toward reading from the same page.  NA4AR will 
provide an e-mail summarizing the needs in his Section. 

FADCA will prepare a letter of appreciation/intent that can be 
sent to companies/groups to enlist their continued support. 

Note: There was no quorum established, so no official business 
was conducted. 

L. E. 'bud' Thompson N0IA 
FADCA Secretary-Treasurer