December 2008 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:17369] Re: Community relations opportunity for clubs
by Andy Oppel 07 Dec '08

07 Dec '08

I'm afraid this video demonstrates (humorously) what we're up against with the DTV conversion box hookup. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH37RiYfHT8 == Andy Oppel, N6AJO At 06:06 AM 12/4/2008, w3kd(a)aol.com wrote: >Jim, that is a reasonable question. Allen Pitts >and I spoke with George Dillon at FCC (who asked >us to participate in this program) and there of >course are various methods of having hams assist >with the technical parts of the DTV conversion. > >This program involves, as I understand it, some >basic presentations that FCC will provide if a >club wants to participate in this program, and >the assistance relates to how to connect D-A >converters, based on what FCC provides. The FCC >field offices are available if there are any >questions. The clubs don't have much exposure >under those circumstances, and there will be >backup via FCC if any tough questions arise, but >as we discussed with Dillon at FCC, this isn't >rocket science. It is principally part of FCC's >own outreach program, but the clubs would be >presenting FCC-prepared materials in the main. > >73, Chris W3KD > >Christopher D. Imlay >BOOTH, FRERET, IMLAY & TEPPER, P.C. >14356 Cape May Road >Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 >(301) 384-5525 telephone >(301) 384-6384 facsimile >W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG > > >-----Original Message----- >From: K8JE <K8JE(a)zoomtown.com> >To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> >Sent: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 5:38 pm >Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs > >Dave, > >This sounds like an Elmeri ng program that could >provide many people with a good look at radio >amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the >other hand, I have a level of concern regarding >potential liability issues. Chris, of course, >may have already addressed these, but would our >volunteer hams be covered by something akin to >the Good Samaritan laws i.e. would they be >held harmlless if someone misunderstands the >information given them . . . of if they are >inadvertently given poor information? > >This concern extends to how one deals with >requests to come into the viewers home to >provide help, directly. I realize your memo >limited help to consultation by telephone and >probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is >nearly inevitable that request for on-site help >will be received and that us well-intentioned >hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we >give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? > >Tnx, 73, > >Jim > > > >Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director >ARRL Great Lakes Division >5065 Bethany Rd. >Mason, OH 450 40 >E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net>k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 >ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! >Members - The Reason ARRL Is! > > >---------- >From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [<mailto:dsumner@arrl.org?>mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] >Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM >To: arrl-odv >Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs > >It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV >that the FCC is devoting resources to the >digital television transition, almost to the >exclusion of everything else. There is a great >deal of concern that despite the enormous >publicity being given to the fact the analog >television is going to disappear on February 17, >there are going to be hundreds of thousands if >not millions of people who donât know what to >do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. >The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a >significant pool of technical expertise and >would like to tap into it. The Commission has >asked us to help them identify local radio clubs >that would be willing to educate consumers on >how to install a converter box and how to set it >up, and possibly to provide technical advice by >telephone to consumers who may encounter >difficulty with the installation and setting up >of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be >asked to go to peopleâs homes and physically assist with installations. >The ARRL Public Relations Committee is >enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for >local radio clubs to build positive visibility >in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC >Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, >NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. >We are putting together a request to Section >Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. >Dave K1ZZ > >---------- >Trim your tree and your spending! ><http://toolbar.aol.com/holiday/download.html?ncid=emlweusdown00000007>Get >the AOL Holiday Shopping Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas. Andy Oppel andy.oppel(a)gmail.com andy(a)andyoppel.com

1 0

RE: [arrl-odv:17361] Re: Community relations opportunity for clubs
by K8JE 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Thanks for the added info Chris. Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: w3kd(a)aol.com [mailto:w3kd@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:06 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17361] Re: Community relations opportunity for clubs Jim, that is a reasonable question. Allen Pitts and I spoke with George Dillon at FCC (who asked us to participate in this program) and there of course are various methods of having hams assist with the technical parts of the DTV conversion. This program involves, as I understand it, some basic presentations that FCC will provide if a club wants to participate in this program, and the assistance relates to how to connect D-A converters, based on what FCC provides. The FCC field offices are available if there are any questions. The clubs don't have much exposure under those circumstances, and there will be backup via FCC if any tough questions arise, but as we discussed with Dillon at FCC, this isn't rocket science. It is principally part of FCC's own outreach program, but the clubs would be presenting FCC-prepared materials in the main. 73, Chris W3KD Christopher D. Imlay BOOTH, FRERET, IMLAY & TEPPER, P.C. 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG -----Original Message----- From: K8JE <K8JE(a)zoomtown.com> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 5:38 pm Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, This sounds like an Elmeri ng program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws - i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 450 40 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [ <mailto:dsumner@arrl.org?> mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ _____ Trim your tree and your spending! <http://toolbar.aol.com/holiday/download.html?ncid=emlweusdown00000007> Get the AOL Holiday Shopping Toolbar for money saving offers and gift ideas.

1 0

[arrl-odv:17367] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

<<120408.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 31, No. 49 December 3, 2008 -- Covers the period November 23-29. Upcoming Meetings and Events Annual Board Meeting January 16-17, 2009 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP The FCC has requested Amateur Radio to aid in providing technical information to communities during the DTV conversion. The request came from George Dillon. A plan has been formed using the Section Managers as the primary contact points between FCC, which will provide free information and media supplies, and the clubs in their section. The short timeline for this activity is horrible, but we shall see what can be done in response to their request. The December CONTACT! was published. 95% of the files needed for a new video PSA highlighting the technology of AR have come in and volunteer editing options are being explored. A meeting has been set with CTDLC for possibilities of hosting a coming PR-101 class on their systems. There appear to be 8 Leonard Award nominations either completed or coming in the next few days before the deadline. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH The ARRL Diamond Club revenues topped $268,000 in November. Through November 30 this program has realized 72% of its budgeted goal for 2008. The biggest drop in participation is in the first level ($75 - $249) reflecting the conservative mood among donors this year. That mood has carried over to the fall campaign for the 2009 Spectrum Defense Fund. This important annual fund raising campaign is still facing an uphill climb to reach its goal for the year. Revenues through November 30 total $193,105 from 2051 donors....well short of prior years. E-messages have been added to the campaign strategy and have added to the campaign messaging and some revenue as well. We have received one $10,000 commitment to the defense Fund from a Maxim Society donor that should arrive before year end. The planned year end campaign will be more modest this year. Rather than mailing 75,000 envelopes, we will use electronic media to offer a comprehensive year-end giving message with an added bonus for every gift of $25 or more...a $10 off publication coupon. This message will go out December 5. Holiday cards of thanks have been mailed to all major donors. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE Khrystyne Keane wrote and distributed The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 46, for November 26, 2008. It distributed to 73,240 members. ARRL Audio News will resume December 5. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Product Review Bob Allison is working on a load test fixture to test AC inverters for Product Review. Bob Allison will be touring the Essco calibration lab the next time he brings our test equipment up to Chelmsford MA for calibration. TIS Statistics 11/24-11/30 Question BA MG EFH ZL AN Totals 01 What rig is best? / Prod Rev 1 1 02 RFI/EMI/FCC issues 1 4 2 6 13 03 How to use equipment 2 2 04 Propagation 2 2 05 Antenna/Feed line/Tower questions 2 1 4 1 8 06 Locate companies, parts or services 6 1 7 07 Software problems 1 1 08 Regulatory questions 0 3 3 6 09 Operating / amateur exam questions 3 3 10 Article photocopy/archive corrections 153 3 16 172 11 Other 1 6 6 12 BPL 5 5 13 PAVE-PAWS 2 2 14 Misdirected 1 1 2 A summary of categories will appear at the end of each month. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R We're pleased to welcome Membership Manager Diane Petrilli, KB1RNF <mailto:dpetrilli@arrl.org> , to the Headquarters staff. Diane comes to the ARRL with more than 15 years of experience in marketing and membership management, including nine years with the Connecticut Bar Association. She earned her Amateur Radio license on her fourth day here! At the end of November, membership totaled 154,334 (start of year 153,535)--a small gain of 82 members over October. November product sales were $234,981. The sales forecast was $275,912. YTD, we are ahead of forecast by $144,057. The month's shortfall was distributed across most of our publication categories, which is untypical. A contributing factor may be the weak economy and poor retail climate. We are following the indicators day-by-day, and ramping-up promotions and incentives. The customer service team is working hard to keep up with the holiday orders, increased phone calls and membership renewals during this busy season. We came out of the Thanksgiving Holiday with 400 online orders (Thurs-Sun), and other 414 orders following a "Cyber Monday" publication promotion. The winter edition of the ARRL Publications Catalog is being prepared. A TravelPlus special upgrade mailing was sent out to 5,000 previous users. The second printing of 50 Years of Amateur Radio Innovation is shipping. We accumulated another 340 orders since the first 500 copies were distributed. The results of our first telemarketing trial are in. The call center spoke with 1,055 lapsed members, and signed 89 applications. We are preparing the second half of this effort, which will involve phone calls to recently licensed membership prospects. The Warehouse crew fulfilled 594 packages for publication and product orders, and shipped 220 free book membership premiums during the short week. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Awards Branch Category Nov 2008 Year-to-Date WAS Cert. (Manual) 16 299 WAS Cert. (LoTW) 18 163 A-1 Op Nominations 14 191 A-1 Op Certificates 17 173 Extra Class Cert. 22 120 WAC Certificates 15 271 VUCC New / Grids 17 / 2,105 126 / 13,987 VUCC Endorse/Grids 13 / 1,386 145 / 8,521 Processing Time Current Current Contest Branch 1,277 logs have been received for SS CW and 1,511 logs for SS Phone. Sean, KX9X, will be making preliminary counts this week for the number of magnets and Clean Sweep brooms we will need to send out, thanks to the donation of Ken Adams, K5KA. Trey Garlough, N5KO, has implemented a matrix for the Contest Robot that will help better deduce a submitted log's category for the 160M and 10M contests. These matrices have proven quite effective for IARU and Sweepstakes and helped reduce the number of logs that end up in an incorrect category. Sean will spend some time this week prepping the Robot for this weekend's 160M Contest. DXCC Branch Credits Applications 2007 Carryover 222,602 1,842 YTD Received 681,792 6,324 Cumulative Total 904,394 8,166 YTD Processed 854,458 7,754 Remaining 49,936 412 Processing Time 4 weeks Logbook of the World Category Nov 2008 Percentage Change Jan - Nov 08 QSO Records Entered Into System 192,108,929 23% QSL Record Matches 16,105,200 37% Logs Processed 744,777 44% Active Certificates 35,212 22% Registered Users in System 22,959 21% Logbook (Email Only) Inquiries 2008 YTD Lost Certificates 1,273 DXCC Status Inquiries 714 Directions Not Followed 584 Additional Certificates 542 Startup Inquiries 406 Total 3,519 Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Staff Absentee List All Staff 12/25 Holiday `` 1/1 Holiday Kathy Allison 12/26 Vacation Bob Allison 12/26 Vacation `` 1/2 Vacation `` 1/2 Vacation Mark Dzamba 12/1-12/5 Vacation Steve Ewald 12/1-12/5 Vacation Steve Ford 12/22-1/5 Vacation Norm Fusaro 12/23-1/2 Vacation Scott Gee 12/8-12/9 Vacation `` 12/24-12/26 Vacation Joel Hallas 12/24-12/31 Vacation Dan Henderson 11/25-12/5 ARI Headquarters Milan/Pescara Convention, Italy `` 12/18-1/5 Vacation Khrystyne Keane 12/26-1/2 Vacation Joe; Kleinman 12/3-12/9 Vacation `` 12/11 Vacation Rose-Ann Lawrence 12/8 Vacation Bill Moore 12/26-1/3 Vacation Dave Patton 12/22-12/26 Vacation Allen Pitts 12/26-1/4 Vacation Steve Sant Andrea 1/2-1/5 Vacation Alex Tara 1/2 Vacation Sharon Taratula 12/24 Vacation

1 0

[arrl-odv:17366] PR Survey
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

FYI, Allen Pitts is conducting a small online survey about PIO and PIC communications and training requirements. This survey uses our usual Zoomerang survey software. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: 860 594 0220 email: hkramer(a)arrl.org web: www.arrl.org/ <http://www.arrl.org/>

1 0

[arrl-odv:17365] Skywarn Recognition
by Bruce Frahm K0BJ 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Kay, here I sit 32 miles from the founding SRD office WX0GLD. But we're going with Janice to her state school board assn. meeting in Wichita and I'll miss the event. Some of my buddies will be over with the NWS staff on HF, IRLP and EchoLink. We'll have fun in Wichita but I do regret missing SRD. Have fun. 73 Bruce ----- Original Message ----- From: Kay Craigie ........ On another topic ... anyone else going to operate Skywarn Recognition Day tomorrow and/or Saturday? Carter N3AO and I plan to be at WX4RNK from about 9 AM to noon on Saturday. Probably 20 and 40 meters SSB. 73 - Kay N3KN

1 0

[arrl-odv:17364] Re: Community relations opportunity for clubs
by w3kd＠aol.com 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Right, Kay, it was because (1) of the state licensing statutes and regulations, and (2) the obvious liability issues associated with putting unvetted hams into people's houses, that we didn't want to be involved in a program involving individual hookups. The sponsoring of club program kind of approach and providing advice to people based on what FCC provides is the limit of the concept for us. If an individual ham wants to do more than that, it is up to her or him, not part of what we will be asking them to do at all. Christopher D. Imlay BOOTH, FRERET, IMLAY & TEPPER, P.C. 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG -----Original Message----- From: Kay Craigie <n3kn(a)verizon.net> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:36 am Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17359] Community relations opportunity for clubs I can't remember where I read it, but somewhere in relation to hams helping others hook up their digital converter boxes pro bono it was claimed that in some states, it's illegal to install TV equipment for others unless you are a licensed TV repair person. ? I know we're talking about involving clubs in providing information supplied by the FCC, rather than about actually hooking up converter boxes, but one thing can kinda lead to another because hams are nice guys who want to help others. ? As Jim said, most of us on the Board grew up as hams in the era when you did not install TVI filters on neighbors' sets, to avoid accusations of breaking something. I don't know if that CYA advice carries over into the present situation or not.?It's worth thinking about some kind of caveat, however, because many newer hams came in after the TVI thing died down and may not be aware that people who can't figure out how to hook up their DTV converter box may also be unable to figure out that you didn't break their TV when you helped them. ? The issue may not be liability per se but just a fuss with clueless neighbors -- which nobody needs. ? On another topic ... anyone else going to operate Skywarn Recognition Day tomorrow and/or Saturday? Carter N3AO and I plan to be at WX4RNK from about 9 AM to noon on Saturday. Probably 20 and 40 meters SSB.?73 - Kay N3KN ?

1 0

[arrl-odv:17363] Re: RE: RE: Community relations opportunity for clubs
by andy.oppel＠gmail.com 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Your scenario is exactly why we should discourage members from visiting homes or handling any components that belong to the citizen.. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -----Original Message----- From: "K8JE" <K8JE(a)zoomtown.com> Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 01:57:33 To: arrl-odv<arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:17360] RE: [arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, Chris, Thanks for each of your comments. Chris, I was thinking of a perceived problem; however, perceived problems are as serious in many cases as are tangible problems. I'm ancient enough to remember the fallout that occasionally occurred when we "nice guys" sometimes put filters on our neighbors' TV sets to block our transmissions from getting into those with 21 MHz IFs .in particular. By helping the wrong person (i.e. the person whose picture tube or other component was ready to blow) hams were sometimes accused vigorously of screwing up the TV if it failed soon after the filter was put on the antenna input posts. I believe the analogy is reasonably applicable to the coming situation. The analog sets in need of conversion very often are rather old and more likely to pop their tops coincidental with even the proper installation of a converter. By following the first couple of steps in the scientific process (gathering information and developing a theoretical relationship between them) citizens who do not follow the other steps in the process often believe that if B (my TV failed) follows A (just after this guy installed the converter) this is proof that A caused B. I still believe the project is useful and potentially valuable to those who do not know how to install a converter and also to amateurs who show or describe how this is to be done provided the hams involved in this activity practice caveat amicus "nice guy." 73, Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 10:10 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Yes we will, Jim. I have hooked up a couple of the DTV converters. It's hard to imagine a liability issue arising from telling someone how to do it, but if an individual amateur is concerned about it then he or she doesn't have to volunteer. Dave _____ From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@zoomtown.com] Sent: Wed 12/3/2008 10:38 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws - i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

1 0

RE: [arrl-odv:17359] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by Kay Craigie 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

I can't remember where I read it, but somewhere in relation to hams helping others hook up their digital converter boxes pro bono it was claimed that in some states, it's illegal to install TV equipment for others unless you are a licensed TV repair person. I know we're talking about involving clubs in providing information supplied by the FCC, rather than about actually hooking up converter boxes, but one thing can kinda lead to another because hams are nice guys who want to help others. As Jim said, most of us on the Board grew up as hams in the era when you did not install TVI filters on neighbors' sets, to avoid accusations of breaking something. I don't know if that CYA advice carries over into the present situation or not. It's worth thinking about some kind of caveat, however, because many newer hams came in after the TVI thing died down and may not be aware that people who can't figure out how to hook up their DTV converter box may also be unable to figure out that you didn't break their TV when you helped them. The issue may not be liability per se but just a fuss with clueless neighbors -- which nobody needs. On another topic ... anyone else going to operate Skywarn Recognition Day tomorrow and/or Saturday? Carter N3AO and I plan to be at WX4RNK from about 9 AM to noon on Saturday. Probably 20 and 40 meters SSB. 73 - Kay N3KN

1 0

[arrl-odv:17361] Re: Community relations opportunity for clubs
by w3kd＠aol.com 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Jim, that is a reasonable question. Allen Pitts and I spoke with George Dillon at FCC (who asked us to participate in this program) and there of course are various methods of having hams assist with the technical parts of the DTV conversion. This program involves, as I understand it, some basic presentations that FCC will provide if a club wants to participate in this program, and the assistance relates to how to connect D-A converters, based on what FCC provides. The FCC field offices are available if there are any questions. The clubs don't have much exposure under those circumstances, and there will be backup via FCC if any tough questions arise, but as we discussed with Dillon at FCC, this isn't rocket science. It is principally part of FCC's own outreach program, but the clubs would be presenting FCC-prepared materials in the main. 73, Chris W3KD Christopher D. Imlay BOOTH, FRERET, IMLAY & TEPPER, P.C. 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG -----Original Message----- From: K8JE <K8JE(a)zoomtown.com> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Wed, 3 Dec 2008 5:38 pm Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addresse d these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws – i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thou sands if not millions of people who don’t know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people’s homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

1 0

[arrl-odv:17360] RE: [arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs
by K8JE 04 Dec '08

04 Dec '08

Dave, Chris, Thanks for each of your comments. Chris, I was thinking of a perceived problem; however, perceived problems are as serious in many cases as are tangible problems. I'm ancient enough to remember the fallout that occasionally occurred when we "nice guys" sometimes put filters on our neighbors' TV sets to block our transmissions from getting into those with 21 MHz IFs .in particular. By helping the wrong person (i.e. the person whose picture tube or other component was ready to blow) hams were sometimes accused vigorously of screwing up the TV if it failed soon after the filter was put on the antenna input posts. I believe the analogy is reasonably applicable to the coming situation. The analog sets in need of conversion very often are rather old and more likely to pop their tops coincidental with even the proper installation of a converter. By following the first couple of steps in the scientific process (gathering information and developing a theoretical relationship between them) citizens who do not follow the other steps in the process often believe that if B (my TV failed) follows A (just after this guy installed the converter) this is proof that A caused B. I still believe the project is useful and potentially valuable to those who do not know how to install a converter and also to amateurs who show or describe how this is to be done provided the hams involved in this activity practice caveat amicus "nice guy." 73, Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 10:10 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Yes we will, Jim. I have hooked up a couple of the DTV converters. It's hard to imagine a liability issue arising from telling someone how to do it, but if an individual amateur is concerned about it then he or she doesn't have to volunteer. Dave _____ From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@zoomtown.com] Sent: Wed 12/3/2008 10:38 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs Dave, This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio. On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues. Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws - i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information? This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly. I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations. It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help. Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help? Tnx, 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.net> k8je(a)arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142 ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is! Members - The Reason ARRL Is! _____ From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don't know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day. The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people's homes and physically assist with installations. The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September. We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist. Dave K1ZZ

1 0