September 2002 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[ARRL-ODV:7766] Re: 5 MHz; NTIA Opposition Late-Filed.
by K5ur＠aol.com 05 Sep '02

05 Sep '02

Tnx for update and info, Chris. 73, Rick - K5UR In a message dated Thu, 5 Sep 2002 11:46:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, W3KD writes: > Let me try to answer Rick's question and refresh recollections about this. We had extensive conversations about the NTIA's concerns at the last Board meeting while confirming the Board's intentions for the specifics of the 5 MHz band and the structure of our comments regarding, for example, mode > subbands.

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[ARRL-ODV:7765] Fwd: Articles of note
by BFITPC＠aol.com 05 Sep '02

05 Sep '02

The following, related to Ultra-Wideband, is from our UWB Coalition folks. Interesting regarding Part 15 noise studies in general. 73, Chris W3KD > > FCC Chmn. Powell responded to Sen. Burns (R-Mont.) letter requesting > more information about ultra- > wideband (UWB) devices being tested by Commission, saying there were > apparent misconceptions in Burns' > original Aug. 1 letter asking about agency's testing plans (CD Aug 6 > p5). Powell said FCC wasn't currently testing > UWB devices, few UWB devices were even available to be tested and most > of them were ground-penetrating > radar. "There is little opportunity for performing real world tests of > interference of radio services now," Powell > wrote. He said FCC anticipated conducting tests of UWB devices once > enough became available to provide representative sample. FCC currently is > testing common consumer electronic devices such as computers, electric > drills, hair dryers and others that are sources of incidental > electromagnetic radiation that can cause interference with > some radio signals. It also is studying radio noise that exists in envir > onments such as from airports and factories, > Powell wrote. In FCC's decision implementing UWB standards, major > consideration is determining whether restrictions are unnecessary > considering existing sources of radio interference, Powell wrote. "These > tests will provide a baseline measure of typical ambient noise levels as > well as noise levels from unintentional radiators that > might be present at a location where a UWB device is used," he said. In > earlier letter, Burns emphasized that testing > results should be made public and should be open for public comment. > Powell said FCC would publish report > and test methodology in fall and insert copy of report into UWB > rulemaking proceeding, which will give opportunity > for public comment. "Commission staff have extensive experience in > performing these types of measurements," > Powell said. "Therefore, it is not necessary to invite public comment > on the measurement procedures > before the report is published." > --- > --- >

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[ARRL-ODV:7764] Re: 5 MHz; NTIA Opposition Late-Filed.
by W3KD＠aol.com 05 Sep '02

05 Sep '02

In a message dated 9/4/2002 11:55:54 AM Eastern Standard Time, K5ur(a)aol.com writes: > Seems I recall in the back of my mind some discussion about NTIA on this. > I'm concerned due to Chris' comments, especially that the FCC will not > override NTIA. Sounds like a done deal already. Where does that leave us > now? Move above or below 5250 - 5400? > > Given our previous discussions and planning about 5 MHz, makes me wonder > why we didn't have some better idea of the magnitude of what we would be up > against ahead of time. > > Let me try to answer Rick's question and refresh recollections about this. We had extensive conversations about the NTIA's concerns at the last Board meeting while confirming the Board's intentions for the specifics of the 5 MHz band and the structure of our comments regarding, for example, mode subbands. We chose the 150 kHz segment rather than any other portion of the band near 5 MHz because our consultant on this subject, who had access to a version of the Government Master File (GMF) broke the band up into 50 kHz chunks. We chose the three, 50-kHz chunks which had the fewest Government assignments. We were well aware of the need to protect Government assignments, and felt that the segment we chose was the best one from that perspective. We could not know which assignments were where, however, as that is classified information, not available to us. We only had raw numbers of assignments. We used the best information available to us. Right after we filed our petition in this case, I received a call from Russ Slye at NTIA asking for a copy of the petition. He said that he was asked to speak about it at some amateur radio club meetings, and wanted it for that reason. I now believe that his request was professional, rather than in his role as a Radio Amateur, but I can't prove that. We like Russ, and he has always been candid with us, so we provided him a copy right away. Then, some time prior to the release of the NPRM in this case, we received a call from Kathryn Medley at FCC in the Office of Engineering and Technology, attempting to set up a meeting with us, NTIA reps Slye and Nebbia, and numerous FCC staff. Kathy told us that NTIA was not pleased about the 5 MHz proposal due to concerns about interference to Government assignments, especially Coast Guard and Department of Justice. We were asked to consider some interference minimizing concessions, such as limiting the use of the band to Extra Class licensees only, power limitations, and perhaps mode limitations. Concerned about this, and because we had a warm relationship with Slye at NTIA, Paul and I spoke with Russ, who was uncharacteristically closed-mouthed about it. He asked us to consider regulatory restrictions that would limit the number of users in the 5 MHz band at any one time. He said he couldn't say much about the interference problems, but that he looked forward to the meeting and wanted us to be ready to look for ways to minimize interference and band occupancy. Hard to do when you aren't told the nature of the problem or its magnitude. I called Kathy Medley, to get as much additional information as possible so that we could plan for the meeting. Kathy added little to what she had said before, but was somewhat dismissive of the NTIA concern. I asked her whether the IRAC had addressed the NPRM, and she said that it had, but that the Coast Guard and Justice had objected. That was not going to stop the FCC from issuing the NPRM, though, according to her. Before the scheduled meeting occurred, FCC Commissioners released the NPRM, and Kathy Medley promptly cancelled the meeting. She said that FCC wanted to get some comments in first, and then she would reschedule it. However, in subsequent inquries by telephone, she declined to reschedule the meeting, apparently wanting to just proceed with the notice and comment proceeding. I don't know whether this was because FCC was going to ignore the NTIA's concerns, or whether FCC just wanted to see what comments were filed, and proceed only on the written record. When the Board was considering mode subbands at 5 MHz, as Directors Frenaye and Stinson had proposed, we discussed the nagging problem of NTIA's objections, and the fact that it was difficult to evaluate the seriousness of them, given NTIA's closed-mouthed approach to it, and FCC's refusal to reschedule a meeting about it. Under the circumstances, we had to presume that the NTIA concerns were substantial, and it was a surprise when no comments or reply comments were timely filed. The strength of the NTIA opposition, late-filed, however, was more than we anticipated. We expected conditions to be demanded, not an all-out opposition to the allocation. Ed Hare suggests we read the NTIA letter filing as a "not yet" suggestion. I don't read it that way. However, subsequent conversations with Slye have revealed that there is still some negotiation to be done, and he urged that we meet not just with him (though President Haynie and I will do that on the 17th of this month) but also with the IRAC reps from the Coast Guard and the Justice Department, and that we ask Karl Nebbia, who chairs the IRAC, to allow us to make a presentation to them as soon as possible. We are arranging all that now. I am also trying to get a read from OET on this, to see whether they are going to take the NTIA letter seriously, or proceed with the allocation, with some restrictions. We may have to make some concessions. Slye asked whether, for example, we could avoid certian segments, or even accept an allocation only of specific frequencies, rather than an entire band segment (He must have heard of the Great Britain plan). So, it is not exactly that we were blindsided, or at least avoidably blindsided, on this at all. Rather, it is a somewhat typical example of the problem of coordinating with Government uses in an HF band where Quiet Zones can't work, and other fairly normal sharing techniques are difficult due to interference potential. The ARRL Lab has no suggestions for interference avoidance other than power limitations, since they agree with NTIA about inteference potential as described in the NTIA letter comments. I am copying Rick Lindquist on this memo, because I told him earlier that how this is billed may determine membership and public attitudes about the issue. It is in any case work in process. I will keep you informed with the details about our efforts here, and suggestions are welcome, as usual. President Haynie's trip to Washington this time is timely and urgent, perhaps more than usual. 73, Chris W3KD

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[ARRL-ODV:7763] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 05 Sep '02

05 Sep '02

In-Newsletter Vol. 25, No. 35 September 4, 2002 Media Relations Favorable publicity about the federal grant continues. The Newington (CT) Life magazine piece was published, and the reporter did an excellent job covering the many aspects of the grant, the UTC grant, the online communications course and Amateur Radio in general. We received word from our EPA PIC Bob Josuweit, in Eastern Pennsylvania that a release he wrote on the topic led to an excellent article in the Daily Item (Sunbury, PA). Bob is now working with his PIOs to further the good PR. Jennifer has an interview scheduled with Connecticut's WSHU Radio on September 9th. Jennifer was also interviewed by a reporter with Disaster News Network (www.disasternews.net) The Web based news outlet covers stories about volunteers who respond during emergencies. The Bill Leonard, W2SKE, Professional Media Award has been announced and Jennifer has fulfilled several member requests for nomination forms. A mailing of almost 6,000 fliers is in the works. Those filers go to newsrooms throughout the country. Jennifer worked with a ham in Hawaii who has a lead on a possible Senate co-sponsor for HR 4720. She has turned over the details to Chwat & Company for their use. Jennifer has fulfilled several requests for PSAs and other PR materials. Production/Editorial We are pleased to welcome Stu Cohen, N1SC, formerly of Hillsboro, Oregon, to the Editorium as QST technical editor. The October 2002 issue of QST and the ARRL Digital Communications Conference Proceedings have been released to the printer. Sales & Marketing Deb Jahnke finished creating preliminary 2003 and 2004 budget forecasts for membership, QEX and NCJ subscriptions and QEX, NCJ and QST advertising revenue. With the assistance of Kathy Capodicasa, a preliminary forecast of existing ARRL publications is also nearing completion. All forecasts will be analyzed further this week with Bob Inderbitzen and Dennis Motschenbacher. Work continues on the new revenue programs that will be included in the 2003/2004 budgets. Lisa Tardette has been busy on the phone selling current titles and personally informing dealers of anticipated arrival dates for the new edition of The ARRL Handbook (and racking up quite a few orders for the upcoming title.) During the next week, she will begin work, with the assistance of Bob Inderbitzen, on a new Dealer Newsline piece to promote titles in our Fall line-up. Dennis make contact with the president of the Brazilian society LABRE, Gustavo de Faria Franco PT2ADM regarding ARRL publication distribution in South America. LABRE has expressed interest in exploring an arrangement wherein they would actively promote ARRL pubs in South American and maintain a stock that would allow them to service orders direct instead of from ARRL HQ. Hanan Rayyashi is nearing completion of drafting new electronic file requirements for QST advertisers. The piece will provide user-friendly information regarding mechanical requirements, electronic file formats, etc. The leaflet will take into consideration the most frequently asked questions and should clear up last minute confusion regarding what is needed to provide our advertisers with the best possible service. This piece will round out our new advertiser/dealer package that also includes ARRL Business Practices, a new insertion order and a new credit application. In addition, we will also have our Commercial Mailing List information reformatted to match the other pieces. Thanks go to Jodi Morin in Production for giving these sales documents the new crisp, professional look the Sales & Marketing teams is eagerly applying to everything we do. Hanan has also been doing double duty in Advertising sales as we close the month, with staffer Joe Bottiglieri on vacation. Bob Inderbitzen worked with our official sportswear vendor to finalize the introduction of our new ARES gear. Bob furnished product descriptions and images. The items can be viewed at http://www.barkerspecialty.com/arrl. A new product announcement was prepared, and Steve Ewald in FE&S is sharing the news with Field Organization volunteers. Bob also prepared an email solicitation with interest in stirring up some online ordering activity over the long Labor Day holiday weekend. The piece highlighted some combination book specials and a product rollout for the new ARES gear (vest, jacket, and equipment bag). Some computer technical problems were encountered when the solicitation was distributed on Thursday night. It was resent successfully on Friday afternoon. Bob modified and updated the online publications catalog to facilitate orders resulting from the solicitation. The site highlights the unique money-saving specials. Labor Day holiday order activity included $12,159.28 in publication sales with ARRL while Barker Specialties, our sportswear vendor, booked $8,993.30. The new ARES items make up the majority of their holiday sales with item breakdowns of 203 vests, 89 jackets, and 72 gear bags. An ARRL products ad was produced for Amateur Electronic Supply's Fall/Winter catalog. The insertion features the 2003 ARRL Handbook (softcover, hardcover, and CD-ROM). A special questionnaire to be mailed over President Haynie's signature was drafted. Once finalized, it will be used to survey a test sample of lapsed members to ask why they did not renew. Exchanges with members of the Book Team continue as we review results from the recent Antenna Book Survey to provide direction for revisions to the next edition. Deb and Bob have been working with John Proctor to finalize leads for a major upcoming membership mailing. The mailing will also serves as a test, comparing the effectiveness of two very different direct mail pieces. The new Antenna Modeling Course book has been added to the online catalog. The book is derived from a course offered through the ARRL Certification and Continuing Education Program. ISBN: 0-87259-872-1, ARRL Order No. 8721, retail $39.95. For more information, visit http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=8721. Our staff has been devoting as much time as possible to continuing Siebel/Great Plains training. Kathy Capodicasa and Zoe Belliveau are continuing to test as much as possible. Lab The August 22-23 RFI Services workshop was a resounding success! Of the 18 scheduled students, 17 showed up. Among the students was Riley Hollingsworth. The course presenter, Mike Martin, K3RFI, noted that normally, about half of the scheduled students are "no shows," so the excellent attendance demonstrates that the importance of this topic to the industry is growing. The students spent a day in the classroom, followed by a day in the field. During the field exercises, the students located the two power-lien noises that have plagued W1AW for years. Three of the students were from Northeast Utilities, so it is expected that the noise will be repaired promptly. John Phillips provided the staff support for the course. Ed Hare attended the Thursday classroom session. On Thursday evening, Ed Hare and Jody Boucher, WA1ZBL, the "utility" representative on the ARRL EMC Committee, invited Riley out do dinner, for an RFI jawbone session. John Phillips reports that he has received 7 new power-line cases over the past two weeks. Spectrum: Ed Hare and Zack Lau reviewed a draft document on 70 cm synthetic-aperture radars. Zack noted some serious omissions and Ed ran a few of the scenarios manually and could not justify how they had calculated that the interference potential of some of the proposed SARs was "0.0%." Ed will continue to work with the DC team on this, who will remain in charge of the overall ARRL positions on this matter. Ed Hare represented ARRL HQ at the West Virginia state convention at Jackson's Mill. His technical presentation this was a technical quiz. The high score was 58% He and Jim Wilcox, W3WV, also helped raise over $400 for the West Virginia council at the WV equipment auction by once again serving as the auctioneers. Membership Services Awards Branch 5 Band WAS Plaques 6 Extra Class Certificates 16 Code Proficiency Certificates 7 Code Proficiency Endorsements 3 Code Proficiency Returns 3 Long Term Member Inquiries 2 A-1 Operator Nominations 3 VUCC Endorsement Applications 1 Grids (Data Entry) 24 VUCC Initial Applications 4 Grids (Data Entry) 419 VUCC Certificates Processed 11 VUCC Awards Mailed 11 Processing Status: Current or within three weeks. For the coming week - WAC QSL card checking, U.S. WAC awards, VUCC awards processing and mailing, and work on budget matters. DXCC Branch Weekly Report September 1, 2002 Beginning Cards 89,097 Cards Received 10,293 Cards Processed 5,871 Ending Cards 93,519 Applications Pending 1,058 Processing Time 4.5 Weeks Year-to-date Cards Received 417,469 Cards Returned 443,241 QRPs Issued This Week 6 QRPs YTD 231 DXCC is currently mailing applications received on July 30, 2002. DXCC is currently entering cards received on August 2, 2002. One new card checker was appointed this week. Contest Branch The data entry for Field Day 2002 was finished and the list of Logs Received page was posted to the web. About 18 submissions are missing information necessary to report the entry properly and these stations have been contacted. Data entry on paper logs for the IARU HF World Championships has finished, the Logs Received page created and handling of problems has begun. The certificates for the 2002 EME Competition were mailed. Data entry for the August UHF Contest has begun. QSL Branch QSL Service Status: Current. Cards mailed as of 09/01/2002: 1,402,175. Cards mailed on 08/30/2002: 100,450. Janet Rocco spent 4 hours conducting tours around HQ. Field & Educational Services Rosalie worked with the ARISS Team and Chris Imlay to develop an agreement for the lead of the pop singing group, 'N Sync, who may use the ARISS equipment on-orbit, and was trained by the team this week. Kursk School in Russia had a successful QSO with the ISS crew this week. Rosalie worked with President Haynie on scheduling a visit to Red Cross. She took part in a VRC teleconference and drafted notes. She met with visitors SM Phillips and AMSAT's Ken Chaffee. CCE Howard Robins, working with Jon Bloom and Tom Hogerty, in streamlining Web access to ARRL CCE registration. Howard worked with Dan Miller to develop 2003 budget projections for CCE. The RFI course is being proofread and reviewed. Field & Educational Support Team Jo-Ann Arel updated 28 clubs, 1 teacher, 8 instructors, and mailed 6 exhibit kits, 18 videos, 2.5 JOTA Kits, 30 brochures, and 12 graduation kits. She also assisted with a Contest mailing this week. Gail Iannone sent 2 initial hamfest application packets to the clubs requesting ARRL-sanction for their events, 4 hamfest approval letters and 1 convention approval, processed 8 door prize orders, 4 label requests, and sent 8 handout packages for upcoming events. She coordinated travel for Wayne Mills, N7NG, to be the HQ rep at the W0DXCC Convention on September 28 in Omaha, NE. Field & Educational Support Team Mary Lau turned over the tasks of F&ES's SOU/MOU preparations to Chuck Skolaut, as these tasks are being returned to the Field Services side that has frequent liaison with served agencies. Mary also relayed Sections e-messages for: 3 = AR; 2 = GA, SDG and; 1 = PAC, LA, MN, NE. Margie Bourgoin is still seeing additional SSC renewals coming in. Her registered teacher renewal mailing has gone out, thanks to Cathy Scharr and the Mailroom. Jean Wolfgang has noticed a significant increase in ARISS activity. She continues to handle incoming applications and inquiries. Jean discovered the K_BSA call sign has only been assigned in 3 call areas for use during JOTA. Ray Moyer, (from BSA headquarters), said it is unusual that they aren't all spoken for by now, but thinks all call areas will be soon. Jean posted contact information at a Scout/Ham site. Field Organization/ Public Service Team Steve Ewald and Dan contacted all SMs to encourage nominations for ARECC Level l mentors/ instructors for the first CNCS-funded class. Steve coordinated answers and clarifications with Dan for SMs about this program and the proposed mentor/ instructor seminars. While preparing for next week's SM Workshop, Steve received assistance from department and staff members; thanks to all! The press release about the new ARES garments was released to SMs and SECs. Leona Adams has been catching up after a brief vacation. She received SM nomination petitions from West Central Florida for Dave Armbrust, AE4ML, and from South Carolina for Pat Hensley, N4ROS. All petitions are due Friday, September 6. Chuck Skolaut visited the New England Convention with Steve where they had a good chance to meet with OOCs from Eastern Mass, Maine, and New Hampshire, and other ARRL officials and Section Leaders. Chuck says, "I was impressed with the dedication and caliber of these people." Chuck took calls and handled e-mail for John Hennessee who was on vacation this week. The Big Project Jerry Hill reviewed work done by Production Department on the first units of the Radio Lab Handbook. He worked on the bibliography and Station Layout section. He has received six more pilot school applications, and expects two more in the next few weeks. Grant-Sponsored Courses Dan Miller reports that 22 students have graduated from the UTC-sponsored Level l course. Sixty-two SMs have submitted nominees for taking the first CNCS-sponsored Level l classes. Graduates who have no prior mentoring experience, but want to be mentors, will receive additional mentor training. 73, Sincerely, Mark Wilson, K1RO Chief Operating Officer MW:lk Staff Absentee List Name Date(s) Reason Dave Sumner 9/1-9/24 Geneva & Vacation Dan Miller 9/3-9/6 Vacation `` 9/9 WPA Convention Steve Ford 9/12-9/15 Digital Communications Conference Joe Carcia 8/30-9/6 Vacation Judy Miller 9/3-9/9 Vacation Joe Bottiglieri 8/27-9/4 Vacation Dennis Motschenbacher 9/26-9/27 Ten-Tec Show / Sales Presentation Mary Lau 9/16 Holiday Rosalie White 9/16-9/19 Vacation `` 9/20-9/21 Arkansas State Convention Ed Hare 9/9 Medical

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[ARRL-ODV:7762] Re: 5 MHz; NTIA Opposition Late-Filed.
by K5ur＠aol.com 04 Sep '02

04 Sep '02

Hi All: Seems I recall in the back of my mind some discussion about NTIA on this. I'm concerned due to Chris' comments, especially that the FCC will not override NTIA. Sounds like a done deal already. Where does that leave us now? Move above or below 5250 - 5400? Given our previous discussions and planning about 5 MHz, makes me wonder why we didn't have some better idea of the magnitude of what we would be up against ahead of time. 73, Rick - K5UR In a message dated Wed, 4 Sep 2002 9:11:35 AM Eastern Standard Time, W3KD writes: > It was difficult to determine how serious their opposition was at the time. Now, it appears extremely serious. We work well with NTIA, and a non-confrontational approach is clearly the only workable plan. FCC will have NO incentive to override NTIA here.<

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[ARRL-ODV:7761] 5 MHz; NTIA Opposition Late-Filed.
by W3KD＠aol.com 04 Sep '02

04 Sep '02

Greetings. There is bad news today. I received a call from our friend at NTIA, Russ Slye, who told me that NTIA had filed comments in the Amateur allocation proceeeding, Docket 02-98; that I needed to read them and then "we need to talk". The comments are attached. They support the LF allocation, but oppose in no uncertain terms the 5 MHz allocation, due to concerns about interference to government operations, including Coast Guard search and rescue, and etc. You can read the comments for yourself. After conferring with Paul Rinaldo and President Haynie, I set up a meeting with Slye for September 17 at 9:30 AM. However, Russ urged us to meet with the entire IRAC at the earliest opportunity, and see what coordination procedures could be proposed to minimize potential interaction with Government stations. We discussed some options, including power limits, discrete channelized operation by Amateurs, or emission mode limitations. I am attempting to set up a presentation with the IRAC now, with Paul's assistance. Karl Nebbia at NTIA is the chairman of the IRAC, and is closely acquainted with Paul. As we discussed at the Board meeting, we were well aware of the concerns that NTIA had. It was difficult to determine how serious their opposition was at the time. Now, it appears extremely serious. We work well with NTIA, and a non-confrontational approach is clearly the only workable plan. FCC will have NO incentive to override NTIA here. Slye said that this would have panned out differently had the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks not occurred. Now, however, NTIA is entrenched. We have some other specific plans in the works. We will keep you up to speed. 73, Chris W3KD

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[ARRL-ODV:7760] Re: Shelby Hamfest Report
by Dennis Bodson 04 Sep '02

04 Sep '02

Les: Thanks for a great job. Dennis -----Original Message----- From: K4NK(a)aol.com [mailto:K4NK@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 7:27 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [ARRL-ODV:7757] Re: Shelby Hamfest Report Dennis ; I called headquarters and had them send me 2 extra boxes of hand outs , gave them all away . They moved us to a nice corner (2 tables ) in the air conditioned metal building next door. All who worked the booth said good things about the spot. We had 2 walls for banners and lots of room. Claude NC4NC got us free lunch tickets and free tickets to the DX dinner sat. night. Had a good time . However you missed getting wet as it rained some on friday and all day saturday and sunday. Flea market was poor with good ham stuff and full of junk . Next planned hamfest Sumter , SC. later this month. 73 Les K4NK

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[ARRL-ODV:7759] HQ Computer Conversion Postponed
by Wilson, Mark K1RO 03 Sep '02

03 Sep '02

The data conversion over the weekend did not work as planned, and the switchover has been postponed for several weeks. HQ business continues as usual this week using the TASS system. Dave, Barry and I met with Alan Cohen and the ISD team this morning to discuss the situation. The problems encountered over the weekend appear to be in the configuration or software installation on the big server cluster that will run the system. Testing indicates that the conversion process works as expected on other machines, but runs extremely slowly on the server cluster. This was particularly frustrating because we have run the process on the server cluster before with test data, and everything worked fine. The software on the server cluster was initially installed about 2 years ago and has been changed and upgraded numerous times. Over the next several days, ISD is rebuilding the SQL server cluster (wiping the drives clean and reinstalling all software). They will then attempt the conversion again with last Wednesday's data dump from TASS and we will thoroughly test the system with the full data load. At this point, we plan to stop data entry in TASS again on Wednesday Sept 18, perform the data conversion, and start using Siebel Monday Sept 23. However, this date is very tentative and depends on what we learn in the next few days. Some good news: The conversion of the accounting records to the Great Plains software was successful, and staff began using Great Plains today. Barry and I will keep you posted on our progress. 73, Mark K1RO

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[ARRL-ODV:7758] Confidential: 7 MHz WRC problems in Asia-Pacific continue
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 03 Sep '02

03 Sep '02

IARU Vice President David Wardlaw has filed a preliminary report on a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Conference Preparatory Group that took place last week in Busan, Republic of Korea. The problems that I reported to the Board in July continue. There was some support for reducing or eliminating the inter-regional sharing between amateurs and broadcasting, perhaps by swapping broadcasting and fixed/mobile allocations so that our sharing would be with the fixed and mobile services rather than with broadcasting, but in the end the support was insufficient to result in a common proposal. The short explanation of the situation is that the prevailing political and economic uncertainties in that part of the world are causing increasing reluctance to depart from the status quo. The conference is still 9 months away and anything can happen in that length of time. However, at this point the "no change" forces clearly have the upper hand in the Asia-Pacific region and it is difficult to see how a worldwide solution is going to be achieved in the face of that. It remains to be seen whether this will tend to undermine the support we have built in Europe, but that is certainly a possibility. I hate to strike such a pessimistic note. Status quo would be worse news for amateurs in Regions 1 and 3 than here in Region 2, of course, but we have been working (and will continue to work) for something better. Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

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[ARRL-ODV:7757] Re: Shelby Hamfest Report
by K4NK＠aol.com 03 Sep '02

03 Sep '02

Dennis ; I called headquarters and had them send me 2 extra boxes of hand outs , gave them all away . They moved us to a nice corner (2 tables ) in the air conditioned metal building next door. All who worked the booth said good things about the spot. We had 2 walls for banners and lots of room. Claude NC4NC got us free lunch tickets and free tickets to the DX dinner sat. night. Had a good time . However you missed getting wet as it rained some on friday and all day saturday and sunday. Flea market was poor with good ham stuff and full of junk . Next planned hamfest Sumter , SC. later this month. 73 Les K4NK

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