Florida Amateur Digital Communication Association
Promoting packet radio in the State of Florida


Mail Address:
L. E. "bud" Thompson
1131 Abady Court
Deltona, FL 32725



MINUTES OF FADCA BOD MEETING
DECEMBER 6, 2003
(TAMPA HAMFEST)

ATTENDING

Bill Sinbine, N4XEO - President and Director District 3
Doug Welcker, WB4KGY - Vice President and Director District 2
Bud Thompson N0IA - Sec/Treasure and Director District 5
Russell Order, N4KOX - Frequency Coordinator and Director District 6
Freeman Crosby, W1NPR - Website manager
John Green, WB4MOZ - Property Manager
Doug Christ, KN4YT - Member
Charlie Crook, N3PPC - Member
Jack England KG4GWB - Guest

Sufficient officers and directors being present for a quorum the meeting started at 1420hrs local time.

General discussion included the recent interest throughout the state in refurbishing the FPAC/ROSE Layered Packet Network. Most notable is the return of three switches in the Tampa area and moving the Melbourne switch to a better site. The site at Stuart will soon be lost due to the tower being taken down; alternate site possibilities are being investigated. Upgrades to backbone links continue in the southern and western parts of the network to establish or enhance cross-state linking and into the Tampa area.

A discussion on adding Telpac nodes resulted in a general agreement that adding a Telpac node to every LAN would eventually enhance the usefulness of the network for EMCOMMs.

A general discussion included the problems with FADCA getting its registration re-instated with the State of Florida since the previous secretary/treasurer Robert Owens, AA4RU, has let the registration lapse and has not delivered the necessary files to Bud, N0IA, for continuing the process. The discussion included the fact that it will cost FADCA at least $420 to get up to date with the state. It was noted that the Palm Beach Packet Group has some FADCA money that could, if required, be applied to re-registering FADCA. It was also discussed that FADCA may need to take legal remedies to recover the FADCA archival records and FADCA funds (which several members remember may be as much as $2200) from Robert AA4RU who has refused to transfer the records or the funds to the new treasurer. This has hampered opening up a check account in FADCA's name.

John WB4MOZ suggested that in the process of adding UHF backbones, the 223 MHz ports not be abandoned, but retained on 223.42 MHz. This would allow alternate routing for emergency purposes and be available for folks who like to node hop. After a short discussion, there was general agreement on maintaining 223.42MHz as a 1200b WAN backbone where local conditions permit.

The treasurer reported an anonymous donation of $50 had been received during the hamfest.
The Palm Beach Packet Group also reported an anonymous donation to PBPG.

An updated treasurer's report will be posted on the FADCA website soon after the hamfest.

The following motions and actions were taken:

Moved by John WB4MOZ and seconded by bud N0IA that the secretary/treasure proceed with the process of getting FADCA re-instated with the State of Florida and pay whatever fees are required. Motion carried.

Moved by bud N0IA and seconded by Doug WB4KGY that FACA pay for a new UPS battery for the Lake Placid switch. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 1515 hours local time.

Respectfully submitted

Loren E. `bud' Thompson N0IA
Secretary/Treasurer


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