February 2008 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:16494] [arrl-odv:16488] Comments Please - division website hosting
by Bruce Frahm K0BJ 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Bob, ours is pretty low-cost and donated by the meister. Uniformity of URLs might be a good reason to look at your idea. http://www.arrlmidwest.org/ Bruce K0BJ -- BEGIN-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS ------------------------------------------------------ Teach CanIt if this mail (ID 52776592) is spam: Spam: http://spam.st-tel.net/canit/b.php?i=52776592&m=6fe9e75d4d36&c=s Not spam: http://spam.st-tel.net/canit/b.php?i=52776592&m=6fe9e75d4d36&c=n Forget vote: http://spam.st-tel.net/canit/b.php?i=52776592&m=6fe9e75d4d36&c=f ------------------------------------------------------ END-ANTISPAM-VOTING-LINKS

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[arrl-odv:16492] Operational Enhancements
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Hi, We have just activated some additional operational enhancements based on the work of the Web-Seibel team: 1. The member data change pages on our Web site have now gone "live." Members can now change their information, such as their address, on the Web site, and we do not have to re-key it manually. 2. All membership information either entered on the Web or in Siebel here at HQ, is now entered into our system within 15 minutes. (Note: an entry may take longer if there are potential problems with the information that need to be resolved by manual review.) Previously the internal manual process could back up membership orders for days. Thanks to Jon Bloom, John Proctor and Amy Hurtado 3. We can now enter credit cards much faster in DxCC. Typical processing time has gone from 15 minutes to 30 seconds. This enhancement will help us to speed up processing of DxCC applications. If you have not seen the Web story about the DxCC backlog, it is located at: http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/02/07/100/?nc=1 . 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/>

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[arrl-odv:16493] Comments Please #2
by Bob Vallio 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Thanks to Harold Kramer for having Jon Bloom explain to me the several reasons why HQ hosting of Division and Section websites would not be an economical undertaking. I will proceed with what has turned out to be a free service from a friend of mine, and of Amateur Radio's. Bob Vallio

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[arrl-odv:16491] RE: [arrl-odv:16490] IN-News
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Oops -- there's a typo in the Regulatory Information report. The reference to 75.5-76.0 MHz should be GHz, not MHz. There's a big difference! Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:16490] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

<<020608.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 31, No. 6 February 6, 2008 -- Covers the period January 27-February 2. Upcoming Meetings and Events Executive Committee March 15 in Memphis, TN Regulatory Information Reported by Dan Henderson, N1ND On PAVE PAWS, Riley Hollingsworth reports he has made initial contact with or sent letters to the owners of the 75 newly identified repeaters (21 have been done by regular mail as phone numbers or email was not available for them). He reports that while the owners were not pleased they were not really surprised and have begin mitigation. At his request, the ARRL mailed mitigation letters to 6 identified owners. We are waiting for the Air Force to set up the next conference call, which is intended to update on the original list. A target date of mid-late February is on the table for a status report on the second round of repeaters. Though it has been roundly discussed on on-line forums such as e-Ham, there have only been minimal phone calls or emails to ARRL HQ on the issue. The Field Day 2008 packet was completed and proofed during the week, after which the PDF file was generated and forwarded to Web Services for posting. In addition several individual files of parts of the packet (rules, summary sheet, W1AW schedule) were created into PDFs and sent for posting. Talking points for a Web Story on the rules changes and availability of the packet were written and sent to the Web Editor for the ARRL-Letter if the Web Services Department was able to get the files posted to the website. There were the regular routine queries from various divisions on licensing issues, reciprocal operations, and rules questions. An inquiry from an ARRL Director about sale of equipment at hamfests was addressed, as well as an exchange of email with the FCC about the need to upgrade the 4mm allocation chart in Part 97.301 in the Federal Register to reflect the implementation of the rules change which removed amateur access to the 75.5-76.0 MHz band, which went into effect in 2006 (and noted in Part 97.303(r)(3). Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP As another victim of being bitten by the bug, Allen was out sick part of last week. Dan McMonigle was very busy over the Christmas holiday season and we got a copy of the formal Comcast report of the ARRL EmComm PSA being shown in the Baltimore-Harrisburg-Charlottesville-Phila-Roanoke-NY-DC-WilkesBarre areas 39,927 times on 57 different networks. Materials already received from experimenters for the 2008 campaign now include topics of NBEMS, Time distortions, D-Star, cancer, SDR radio, "Green" radio, SETI-Argus, computer programming and ARISS. Still expected in time for the intitial surge are materials on long distance WiFi, programming computer chips, more SDR radio, audio/radio and both engineering and music careers due to ham radio. We anticipate additional topics will be added through the year long program. Reports are being received to be compiled into the 2007 annual report. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH "Save the Date" postcards are being prepared for donors whose contributions of $1000 or more in 2007 entitle them to attend the annual Donor Reception in Dayton this year. The invitations will follow shortly once the Guest of Honor has been identified. The 2008 reception will be held at the Meadowbrook Country Club on Thursday, May 15. Letters are being prepared for donors whose contributions total $1000 or more in 2007 for recognition in the ARRL Annual Report, in QST and on the ARRL website. Donor files have been prepared for the W1AW Endowment campaign to be mailed to 50,000 prospects in four files. This solicitation is conducted every two years to build the endowment for ARRL's flagship station. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE A new title, a compilation of NØAX's "Hands-On Radio" columns from QST, has been released to the printer. Khrystyne Keane wrote and distributed The ARRL Letter, Vol. 27, No. 4, for February 1, 2008. It went out to 67,199 subscribers. She also voiced and produced ARRL Audio News for February 1. Joel Kleinman compiled the January 2008 news compilation, "ARRL in Action," for the ARRLWeb. Steve Sant Andrea prepared two feature articles for the ARRLWeb. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Membership Update Membership climbed again in January, up by 441 members, reaching 153,976 (153,535 in December). Sales Update January product sales were $299,199, exceeding the sales forecast of $259,368. Strong returns from direct mail sent in December and early Jan contributed over $44k this month. Instructor Discount Program sales were $19,720 ($17,444 in Jan 2007). The Warehouse crew fulfilled 1,148 packages for publication and product orders, shipped 285 free book membership premiums, and sent QST mailing supplements for January and February issues. The new 2007 ARRL Periodicals on CD-ROM was shipped to 924 international members. Steve, Bob, Amy and Ann-Marie met at the warehouse facility to discuss our year-end inventory procedure. Many ideas were proposed to further enhance inventory integrity and fulfillment processing in the coming year. Now Shipping World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion, by Lisa Spahr; ARRL Order No. 1268 <http://www.arrl.org/catalog/?item=1268> . Business Services Reported by Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ We have sent our first solicitation for April 2008 QST. This is somewhat earlier than usual but many of our current advertisers will be at the Orlando Hamcation®. A number of advertisers have already reserved increased space, so we plan for a good issue. After numerous telephone conversations, Janet Rocco drafted and sent an advertising proposal to Maha Energy. They have been absent from QST for several years, have new products and we hope to persuade them to return to QST. Advertising efforts are finished for the 2008 ARRL Repeater Directory. We will exceed the $18,500 target by a small margin. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Awards Branch Category Dec. 2007 Jan. 2008 Year End Goal WAS Certificates (Manual) 13 22 286 WAS Certificates (LoTW) 5 11 188 A-1 Op Nominations 15 16 439 A-1 Op Certificates 10 15 21 Extra Class Certificates 17 5 216 WAC Certificates 20 27 33 VUCC New / Grids 7 / 241 8 / 505 103 / 12,582 VUCC Endorsement / Grids 2 / 482 3 / 178 92 / 6,113 Processing Time Current Current Current DXCC Branch Category Dec. 2007 Jan. 2008 Year End Goal Credits Processed 40,973 86,918 605,321 Credits Received 80,720 23,628 680,397 Applications Returned 366 793 5,892 Applications Received 654 222 6,602 Applications Pending 1,668 1,097 1,669 Processing Time 9 Weeks 9 Weeks 12 Weeks Contest Branch Participation in ARRL sponsored events continues to be strong, as the summary totals for 2006 - year end 2007 indicate: Contest 2006 2007 Straight Key Night 349 408 RTTY Roundup 1,140 1,110 January VHF Sweepstakes 793 777 International DX Contest 4,772 4,739 June VHF QSO Party 1,047 859 Field Day 2,168 2,331 IARU HF World Championship 2,861 3,204 August UHF 190 167 10 GHz and Up Cumulative 115 113 September VHF QSO 532 557 International EME Competition 175 183 November Sweepstakes 2,867 2762 160 Meter 1,052 1194 10 Meter 1,863 1544 TOTALS 19,924 19,948 Logbook of the World Category Jan. 2008 Year End QSO Records Entered Into System 156,456,117 151,241,764 QSL Record Matches 11,733,012 11,033,874 Logs Processed 517,265 493,544 Active Certificates 28,893 28,115 Registered Users in System 18,964 18,436 Logbook (Email Only) Inquiries Dec. 2007 Jan. 2008 Lost Certificate 125 201 DXCC Status Inquiries 49 70 Data Not Shown 20 35 No TQ6 File Received from LoTW 3 4 Additional Certificate Requests 46 82 Cannot Log on to LoTW User Page 21 30 Cannot Upload Log to LoTW User Page 23 18 No TQ5 File Received by LoTW 30 48 Incorrect Date Range 9 55 Lost Personal Password 3 20 User Email Problems 19 19 WAS Status Inquiries 16 25 Club Inquiries 21 23 New Callsign Changes 3 10 Cannot Understand Error Messages 8 6 Logbook Startup Inquiries 40 45 Cannot Activate/Load TQ6 Certificate 4 15 Logbook Suggestions 6 8 QSO Downloaded 12 12 Additional Documents Needed 5 16 Need Postcard 11 3 VISTA Inquiries 4 2 Directions Not Followed 12 31 Duplicate Email Inquiries 1 1 Cannot Sign Logs 0 2 Other Inquiries 36 71 Total Inquiries 526 852 QSL Branch Dec. 2007 Jan. 2008 2007 Year End Cards Received 66,000 73,650 972,900 Cards Mailed 84,600 0 1,035,225 W1AW Thanks to Heil Sound for the donation to W1AW of the following items: 2 - AD1KM - Kenwood Module pigtails 1 - HS2 - Ergonomic hand switch 8 - EP Proset ear pad replacements 8 - PS EPC Proset ear pad covers 6 - AD1K Kenwood microphone pigtails These items were given to the station by Heil Vice President for Amateur Sales and Marketing, Chip Margelli, K7JA. Joe updated the web code practice files and their archives. He processed four Qualifying Run certificates and three endorsements. Joe also created the texts for the February W1AW Qualifying Runs. And, Scott worked on slow and fast code practice files for the first part of the month of February. Field Organization/Public Service Team Steve Ewald and Chuck Skolaut hosted a teleconference discussion with the Section Managers and Division Director and Vice Director of the Southwestern Division. Steve also joined Dennis Dura on a teleconference sponsored by the National Citizen Corps office for its affiliated organizations and Citizen Corps regional offices. Goals and plans for 2008 were exchanged. New Assistant SEC and Assistant DEC appointments have been coming in from Section Leaders and Leona Adams has been adding them to the data along with a variety of other appointments (including ten recommended to become Official Observers). Section Managers are also reporting changes and updates as a result of last week's detailed report sent to each SM about his or her current Field Organization's appointee roster. After receiving an e-mail from the FCC of a report of an open mic being heard on 75 meters, Chuck Skolaut listened from Headquarters. An on-the-air conversation by a North Carolina OO heard on that frequency revealed that the open mic had been heard and that the situation was resolved. The open mic was determined to be unintentional. Amateurs from Oregon and West Central Florida became Official Observers after completing their training examination. The CODAR interference heard on 75 meters earlier in California has ceased this past week. Several OOs contributed information that was forwarded to the FCC, and this aided in a resolution. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Staff Absentee List Leona Adams 2/7pm Vacation `` 2/22 Vacation Katie Breen 2/7-2/8 North Florida Section Convention, Orlando, FL Steve Capodicasa 2/15 Vacation `` 2/25 Vacation Joe Carcia 5/23 Vacation Steve Ford 2/18-2/22 Vacation Scott Gee 2/14-2/15 Vacation `` 5/15-5/16 Vacation `` 6/30 Vacation Mary Hobart 2/8-2/11 Hamcation, Orlando, FL `` 2/15 Vacation `` 2/24-3/9 Vacation Bob Inderbitzen 3/27-3/28 AES Superfest / Milwaukee, WI Khrystyne Keane 2/15pm Vacation `` 2/29pm Vacation Dave Sumner 2/8-2/13 Vacation `` 3/14-3/16 Executive Committee Meeting, Memphis, TN `` 4/4-4/8 IARU Reg. 1 Executive Committee Meeting, London Perry Williams 2/6-2/8 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:16489] Re: Comments Please
by Henry R. Leggette 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Bob, There is advantages and disadvantages in hosting a web site at ARRL HQ. I believe the disadvantages will out weigh the advantages since the ARRL main web sites is located there. The Delta Division web site is hosted by Vice Director Karl Bullock, WA5TMC. I appointed an Assistant Director to become the web master and it has worked out fine. You can call or e-mail Karl and he can give you more specifics on the hosting of a web site. Bob, I hope I didn't burst your bubble. 73, Henry - WD4Q ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Vallio To: arrl-odv Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 3:39 AM Subject: [arrl-odv:16488] Comments Please While working on getting a new hosting site (probably free) for the Pacific Division today, because of an increase of the cost of the present site, I was asked why we did not have our Division websites hosted on a server at HQ. Mine is not very big, and I doubt that the other division's are either, so it should not require much hardware and maintenance. I don't know what other divisions pay to have their sites hosted, but it would seem to be an advantage of scale to have them all hosted at one site. Inasmuch as I did not have a good answer, I'm asking for the opinions of the readers of this reflector. Thanks, Bob -- W6RGG

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[arrl-odv:16488] Comments Please
by Bob Vallio 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

While working on getting a new hosting site (probably free) for the Pacific Division today, because of an increase of the cost of the present site, I was asked why we did not have our Division websites hosted on a server at HQ. Mine is not very big, and I doubt that the other division's are either, so it should not require much hardware and maintenance. I don't know what other divisions pay to have their sites hosted, but it would seem to be an advantage of scale to have them all hosted at one site. Inasmuch as I did not have a good answer, I'm asking for the opinions of the readers of this reflector. Thanks, Bob -- W6RGG

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Re: [arrl-odv:16470] Re:Stormy WX in Mid-South
by k5ur＠aol.com 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

<<I have not heard anything from Joel and family or?Rick Roderick?and family.?>> Howdy Henry and all: We are safe from the tornados. The homestead is fine. The antennas and station of the "loudest and most powerful station in America" survives. (hi) Thanks to those Directors who called Holly to check on us. The tornados were close. I'm out of town negotiating with the Steelworkers union and was out of town. Holly said she clocked 60 mph winds at the home weather station. We live on tornado hill. We had the second level of out home blown away by a twister about 15 years ag?and had another twister take one 140 foot tower out of the ground and twist it like a pretzel about 10 years go, cement and all...... it was wild. Joel is fine, too. Holly talked to Kim today a couple of times checking on things. Joel is on the road and coming back in this evening. 73, K5UR -----Original Message----- From: Henry R. Leggette <wd4q(a)bellsouth.net> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 7:33 am Subject: [arrl-odv:16470] Re:Stormy WX in Mid-South Hi All, ? I have received some e-mails checking on my status and well being.? My family and I are all well!? We were not hit by?a tornado.? ? I will give a partial report near the Memphis area. It is my understanding in the Memphis area some 30 tornados were spotted. Of course, Jackson, TN is further East and Union University was torn up badly. In Southaven, MS there was a warehouse hit.? This is right across the stateline of Tennessee.??I have a report a tornado touch down near Little Rock area.? ? ? The shopping mall where Irma and I walk every morning was hit hard and is closed today.? That is West of me, within Memphis City Limits about 6 or 7 miles from here. ? I talked to Karl last night before the last part of the storm?came over and they are ok.?It is?very hard to get a telephone circuit going out of the Memphis area late last night or this morning. ? I have not heard anything from Joel and family or?Rick Roderick?and family.? ? The Skywarn and ARES?amateur radio operators?performed an excellent job here last night. ? 73, ? Henry R. Leggette, WD4Q Director, Delta Division ARRL??? ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com

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RE: [arrl-odv:16476] Fwd: D-Star; Request for Informal Opinion
by K8JE 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Chris, You certainly weren't just "blowing your pipes" on this one. FB. 73, Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040 E-mail: <mailto:k8je@arrl.org> k8je(a)arrl.org; 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: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:59 PM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:16476] Fwd: D-Star; Request for Informal Opinion Greetings. This was just sent to FCC. It is a letter request for an informal opinion about the proper regulatory classification of D-Star systems. This letter was discussed at the Board meeting. It was delayed for editorial reasons, and has now become urgent, inasmuch as Bill Cross at FCC has received a similar request from the Northern California Packet Association, asking about the simultaneous retransmission concept. Cross wanted our letter before March 1. So this is it. We believe that we will receive the interpretation that we are looking for, but will continue to contact Cross to make sure as best we can in the near term. Let me know any questions you have about this filing. Thanks to Dan Henderson for initially drafting it, and to Dave Sumner for important and substantial edits. 73, Chris W3KD -----Original Message----- From: w3kd(a)aol.com To: Riley.Hollingsworth(a)fcc.gov; William.Cross(a)fcc.gov Cc: dhenderson(a)arrl.org; dsumner(a)arrl.org; prinaldo(a)arrl.org Sent: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:52 pm Subject: D-Star; Request for Informal Opinion Greetings. Letter attached regarding D-Star and the proper regulatory classification of D-Star operation. Please contact the undersigned with any questions. This letter is being delivered by U.S. Mail as well as by e-mail. Kind regards, Chris 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 _____ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail <http://o.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/mailtour/aol/en-us/text.htm?ncid=ao lcmp00050000000003> !

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[arrl-odv:16485] Re:RE: Followup NTIA Inflated Figure Story
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 07 Feb '08

07 Feb '08

Thanks, Bob. I'm told the original story from last Friday was picked up in today's Communications Daily, although I haven't seen it. I have fed the Communications Daily reporter today's story and expect he'll do something with it. Something that was drilled into me early in my career (the incident at the time had to do with an unflattering Jack Anderson column about the ARRL) was to never say "no comment." I was surprised that the TIA Communications Manager let it go at that. 73, Dave K1ZZ ________________________________ From: Bob Vallio [mailto:rbvallio@gmail.com] Sent: Thu 2/7/2008 12:43 AM To: arrl-odv Subject: [arrl-odv:16484] Re: Followup NTIA Inflated Figure Story Way to go, Dave! Thank you. 73, Bob -- W6RGG On Feb 6, 2008 9:18 AM, Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ <dsumner(a)arrl.org> wrote: This is going on the Web momentarily and into this week's ARRL Letter. Dave "Source" Disavows Inflated NTIA BPL Figure The National Telecommunications and Information Administration report "Networked Nation: Broadband in America 2007" that was released on January 31, 2008 includes the following: Reliable BPL [broadband over power lines] subscribership figures are difficult to find. The FCC's most recent data identify fewer than 5,000 BPL customers as of yearend 2006. That figure appears low, however. TIA [The Telecommunications Industry Association] estimates 200,000 current BPL subscribers... Five years of experience in dealing with BPL systems as a radio interference source have given the ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio, considerable insight into the BPL industry. Based on that experience, the ARRL has concluded that the FCC's figure of fewer than 5,000 BPL customers is entirely credible. Therefore, the ARRL set out to determine the source of the "estimate" of 200,000 current BPL subscribers. We contacted TIA and were advised that the figure came from a market study prepared by Wilkofsky Gruen Associates Inc. (www.wilkofskygruen.com <http://www.wilkofskygruen.com/> ) and based on research conducted by In-Stat (www.instat.com <http://www.instat.com/> ), a unit of Reed Business Information. So, we contacted In-Stat and asked how the figure was derived. They responded: "The 200,000 number for BPL subs did not come from In-Stat. In our US broadband forecast, we estimate about 231,000 broadband subscribers in the "other" category besides DSL, cable, satellite. Other includes BPL, but is not solely BPL." We then contacted Wilkofsky Gruen Associates. They responded, "Our source for the BPL figures was In-Stat." When In-Stat's denial was shared with them they responded, "It was our understanding that BPL was the principal component as it was the first item listed by In-Stat." TIA was invited to comment but declined to do so. In other words, here is what we have learned. In-Stat does not claim to know how many BPL subscribers there are, but provides an estimate of 231,000 broadband subscribers who receive service via delivery systems other than DSL, cable, and satellite. Wilkofsky Gruen Associates, on the basis of nothing more than that BPL is listed first, assumes that the bulk of these 231,000 are BPL subscribers and arbitrarily attributes 200,000 of them to BPL. In turn, NTIA - not satisfied with an FCC figure that is derived from required reports from service providers - cites this arbitrarily chosen figure - a figure that is entirely unsupported by any data whatsoever - as evidence that the FCC's figure - which is fully supported by data - "appears low." On February 1 (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/02/01/101/?nc=1 <http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2008/02/01/101/?nc=1> ) we called upon the NTIA to issue a corrected report. We renew that call now. David Sumner Chief Executive Officer, ARRL February 5, 2008

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