July 2008 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:16942] Re:Wednesday Meeting with FCC OET
by Henry R. Leggette 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Joel, Thanks! I know I will hear something about it here in the Delta Division. 73, Henry - WD4Q ----- Original Message ----- From: Joel Harrison To: arrl-odv Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 11:22 AM Subject: RE: Wednesday Meeting with FCC OET I've had a couple emails this morning asking if it is OK to tell members about our meeting with the FCC yesterday. Yes, it is. We're not planning to post a big gloating news story on the web but the information contained in the ex-parte filing is public information and you may use it to respond to any inquiries or to inform members in your respective area of the status of the BPL matter subsequent to the courts opinion. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:16941] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

<<070908.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 31, No. 28 July 9, 2008 -- Covers the period June 29-July 5. Upcoming Meetings and Events Administration &Finance Committee July 17 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee July 17 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Second Board Meeting July 18-19, 2008 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP Field Day produced a very high number of media hits this year and they are still coming in as of this writing. A larger proportion of these were television news coverage. There are over 40 pages of just the web links to these news stories, and while some have incorrect information in them, most are excellently done and deserve recognition. The formal ARRL wire release alone had 213 hits according to PRNewswire reports. The inclusion of the Field Day locator web page allowed many reporters to find action local to them and also see that the full scope of the event. The Public Relations Committee as a whole is working on updating PIO materials such as the handbook. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH The special campaign to say "thank you" to 18,000 Spectrum Defense donors has topped $71,000, bringing the 2008 results to more than $105,000. Revenues in support of the W1AW Endowment now exceed $50,000 against a goal of $55,000. Development continues to prepare for the July 2008 Board meeting. Draft copy is being prepared for campaigns to support the Historic Preservation, Lab and Education & Technology Funds. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE Khrystyne Keane wrote and distributed The ARRL Letter, Vol 27, No 26, for July 3, 2008. It went out to 70,707 subscribers. She also voiced and produced ARRL Audio News for July 3. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Membership Update At the end of June, membership totaled 153,441 (354 below our goal for the month). That puts us only slightly (less than 100) behind the yearend 2007 total. One of the benefits enjoyed by the automated membership application processing is improved source tracking. In June, 99 members came in as a result of the "Join Now" web button on the front of our website. Product Sales Update June product sales were $259,040, exceeding the sales forecast of $207,488 by over $51k. YTD gross sales (first 6 months) were $1,648,086, exceeding forecast by $217,315. In June, we began shipping the new edition of the Extra Class License Manual; 1,493 units @ $29,931. A mid-month email solicitation, lasting only 10 days, contributed $18,865 in publication and product sales. In early June, we stocked out of Field Day T-shirts. We had another 500 units produced which were quickly sold-out (there was probably enough demand for another 500!). Field Day products topped $13,400 in June, and totaling nearly $60,000 from March through June (peak in May). Over 3,100 t-shirts were sold this year-an all-time high! We are beginning to accumulate back orders for the new General Class Course on CD-ROM. The course was introduced in August QST, and begins shipping in September. Now Shipping: Discrete-Signal Analysis and Design by William E Sabin, W0IYH (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.); Hands-On Radio Parts Kit for use with ARRL's Hands-On Radio book by H. Ward Silver, N0AX (kit produced by Kanga US); Don C. Wallace: W6AM Amateur Radio's Pioneer by Jan David Perkins, N6AW (Vestal Press Ltd). HAM RADIO 2008, the 33rd International Exhibition for Radio Amateurs in Friedrichshafen, Germany, was held June 27-29. The team representing ARRL included President Joel Harrison, W5ZN; International Affairs Vice President Rod Stafford, W6ROD; Chief Technology Officer Paul Rinaldo, W4RI; Chief Executive Officer Dave Sumner, K1ZZ; Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager Dennis Dura, K2DCD; Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND and Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. Dennis participated in GAREC as one of the conference presenters. Dan led the DXCC card checking team. And, Bob managed most of the logistics and organized the ARRL exhibit. We signed 76 memberships, including 45 new members and 2 Life Members. We shared our stand with the IARU--where visitors were greeted by IARU President Larry Price, W4RA and Vice President Tim Ellam, VE6SH. Bob has posted a recap and photos at www.arrl.org/blog. The Warehouse crew fulfilled 1,154 packages for publication and product orders, shipped 214 free book membership premiums, and sent July QST mailing supplements. Business Services Reported by Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ We are working on advertising procurement for the September issue of QST. This issue will exceed our goal despite several setbacks. Several advertisers, noting very slow sales have temporarily decreased their advertising space (LDG) or suspended their advertising for the time being (AOR). However, we are pleased to announce that Diamond Antennas will be back in the September issue with a full-page ad and ICOM has committed to 8 additional consecutive pages in the same issue. A solicitation has also just been sent to current and potential advertisers for the 2009 ARRL Handbook. We are also continuing our preliminary work on the ARRL On-Line Auction website in preparation for the October Auction. A print promotion has sent to ARRL Publication Dealers recapping all new titles since the beginning of the year. Follow-up calls will take place later in the week. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Awards Branch Category May 2008 June 2008 Year-to-Date WAS Certificates (Manual) 37 41 212 WAS Certificates (LoTW) 12 13 84 A-1 Op Nominations 31 21 122 A-1 Op Certificates 24 19 105 Extra Class Certificates 6 11 47 WAC Certificates 29 16 111 VUCC New / Grids 10 / 1,165 17 / 2,623 64 / 7,285 VUCC Endorsement / Grids 10 / 376 15 / 873 65 / 3,639 Processing Time Current Current Current DXCC Branch Credits Applications 2007 Carryover 208,275 1,758 YTD Received 342,150 3,115 Cumulative Total 550,425 4,873 YTD Processed 468,482 4,232 Remaining 81,943 641 Processing Time=7 wks. Contest Branch Not much to report here in the contest branch this week; Field Day and June VHF logs continue to roll in. IARU is coming up this weekend, and staff will spend some time preparing the robot for the IARU logs. Logbook of the World Category May 2008 June 2008 QSO Records Entered Into System 171,593,119 174,592,102 QSL Record Matches 13,570,502 13,919,660 Logs Processed 608,659 630,578 Active Certificates 31,689 32,332 Registered Users in System 20,765 21,196 Logbook (Email Only) Inquiries 2008 YTD Lost Certificates 842 DXCC Status Inquiries 443 Directions Not Followed 361 Additional Certificates 359 Startup Inquiries 252 Total 2,257 QSL Branch May 2008 June 2008 Year-to-Date Cards Received 58,650 39,000 362,400 Cards Mailed 113,800 113,800 307,150 W1AW Thanks to Bill Moore, NC1L for running the morning code practices and providing visitor coverage when necessary for Joe Carcia, who was working the night shift. Joe updated the web code practice files and their archives. He processed regular QSL card requests. Joe also assembled pictures and text for use in creating the QSL cards for the June 2008 US Power Squadron Special event operation from W1AW. Joe created the texts for the July and August W1AW Qualifying Runs. He processed two Qualifying Run certificates and one endorsement. He also worked the early afternoon/night shifts on Monday through Thursday for the vacationing Scott Gee. Field Organization/Public Service Team Team members have been working closely with the new Section Managers that began their terms on office on July 1. Section Managers and other Field Organization Leaders have reported lots of activity and fun during ARRL Field Day weekend. We received more good comments about the ARRL Web's Field Day Locator site, and one Section Manager said this should be considered for the "Good Idea of the Year" award. Ron, W6KJ, the Section Manager of Sacramento Valley, compiled a complete report about the ongoing Amateur Radio operations in relation to the multiple wildfires in Sacramento Valley. He shared that report with members of his section as well as with Headquarters. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Staff Absentee List Leona Adams 7/18 Vacation Jo-Ann Arel 7/7-7/15 Vacation Katie Breen 7/10-7/14 Rocky Mt. Division Convention, Bryce Canyon, UT `` 8/4-8/8 Vacation Joe Carcia 7/7-7/11 Vacation `` 7/14-7/31 Sick Leave `` 8/1-8/8 Vacation Jackie Cornell 7/7-7/11 Vacation Steve Ewald 7/24-8/1 Vacation Scott Gee 10/3 Vacation `` 12/23-12/26 Vacation Dan Henderson 8/23-8/30 Vacation Mary Hobart 7/17-7/19 Committee/Board Meetings `` 9/19-9/21 W9DXCC, Chicago, IL `` 10/3 Vacation Amy Hurtado 7/21-7/25 Vacation `` 8/8 Vacation Gail Iannone 8/18-9/2 Vacation Bob Inderbitzen 8/4-8/15 Vacation Khrystyne Keane 7/24-7/28 Vacation Harold Kramer 7/17-7/19 Committee/Board Meetings `` 7/26-8/4 Vacation Lisa Kustosik 7/17-7/19 Board Meeting Steve Sant Andrea 7/7-7/9 Vacation Barry Shelley 7/17-7/19 Committee/Board Meetings `` 7/20-7/25 Vacation `` 7/31-8/1 Vacation `` 8/11-8/22 Vacation Dave Sumner 7/9 Washington `` 7/17-7/19 Committee/Board Meetings Perry Williams 6/18-7/19 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:16940] Proposed Silent Key Database Partnership
by Richard J. Norton 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

An opportunity presently exists for the ARRL to provide an additional service to Radio Amateurs, start a working relationship with an existing group of long-term volunteers, and get the ARRL attached to a well-run web-site with an interesting callbook-like history component. The opportunity requires minimal effort to get started. The League has published Silent Key information in QST starting from about 1927. The proposed concept is to have the SK data appear on a web-site, and be searchable by name and callsign. We have an offer from the acclaimed www.vanityhq.com website, run since 1999 by Michael Carroll, N4MC, to include ARRL's SK data with appropriate ARRL branding on each entry. To see an example navigate to www.vanityhq.com/index-unique-dev.html and click on the silent key link in the main window's seemingly blank screen. The lookup will default to N4MC. Once you arrive at the developmental lookup page, you can enter any call sign in the upper right-hand area of the page. Do not use the upper left-hand call entry area. Here are some call signs in the silent key database: N6HUH W0LHS W8BX WB3BHX WD0A K4CQD K6UA K4IP K7KOT The Vanityhq site presently contains a history of each callsign, going as far back as 1981, when electronic data became available. You can see who held the callsign, and the location. In addition, hams are encouraged to submit their callsign history from earlier years, which gets added after moderator approval. Silent Key information is a natural for understanding callsign changeovers, and adding to this documented history. When I first inquired of Carroll about the possibility, he was honored that the ARRL would consider becoming involved with him. His work is something that I feel would be appropriate to eventually transition to the League when and if N4MC ceases doing it. There is no better way to promote that possible transition for the future than by establishing a good relationship today. Involvement with the existing VanityHQ site allows the SK data to be automatically connected to old callsigns as well as the single callsign listed in QST, providing more information than can the League. What is presently desired is for Amy Hurtado, the ARRL staffer in charge of the SK data, to output all the SK data that is on her computer from previous QSTs, and send it electronically to N4MC. Then, monthly update N4MC with the data for the present magazine. Some of us will then work with N4MC to get the data from earlier QSTs either scanned or typed. Sending the existing electronic data simply saves scanning 8 or 10 years of QSTs. ________________________ Michael Carroll expressed his thoughts on the proposed project as follows: "This is what I would do: 1. Someone at ARRL write an agreement that basically states the ARRL is allowing me to display SK data at my website, and use certain ARRL copyrighted logos. No ownership rights are transferred, neither for the SK data, nor for my website code. 2. Give me the name and email address of the real person at ARRL who makes the SK database. I can communicate with that person directly, and specify what data I need in my copy of the SK database Excel file. This person will also send me monthly updates. 3. Once I get the data, I will prepare it and post it on my website. 4. Once this accomplished, I will enhance the search tools for querying the SK database. After this, we can figure out what, if anything, is next. I am sitting on 'go' and ready to move on this thing. You can ask anyone who knows me through my website. I run a clean, professional, and strictly above-board operation. I have been a ham for 31 years, and I have built a solid reputation in the national ham community. I also have 25 years of professional software design and engineering. Just give me SK data. I know what to do with it." ___________________________ My research confirms Carroll's description of himself. Allying with VanityHQ assures the job will be done well, at essentially no cost to the League, and the League will receive full credit. By the way, there is no need for Carroll to get our permission to use facts about deaths from QST. I do not know if Carroll is aware of that or not, but Legal heads should become familiar with the Supreme Court ruling in Feist vs. Rural, and the implications. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feist_Publications_v._Rural_Telephone_Service I've discussed the electronic SK concept with a good number of ARRL members and have received nothing but support. I expect to introduce a motion at the July Board meeting to take advantage of Michael Carroll's generous offer. 73, Dick Norton, N6AA

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RE: Wednesday Meeting with FCC OET
by Joel Harrison 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

I've had a couple emails this morning asking if it is OK to tell members about our meeting with the FCC yesterday. Yes, it is. We're not planning to post a big gloating news story on the web but the information contained in the ex-parte filing is public information and you may use it to respond to any inquiries or to inform members in your respective area of the status of the BPL matter subsequent to the courts opinion. 73 Joel W5ZN

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Thursday Evening Informal Session
by Joel Harrison 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

After consultation with the vice presidents, we have concluded the primary topic for our Thursday evening informal session will be an update on Pave Paws. Dan Henderson has been assisting Chris in this matter and I have requested that Dave have him join us for the session. Of course, as usual, there will be an opportunity to discuss other matters as may be pertinent but this will be a good opportunity to receive an update on this very important topic. 73 Joel W5ZN

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Wednesday Meeting with FCC OET
by Joel Harrison 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

Yesterday morning Dave, Chris and I met with representatives of the FCC's Office of Engineering & Technology. ARRL requested this meeting in order to determine what the FCC's intentions are to address the Court's remand and to also provide some input as to what would be acceptable to ARRL in order to resolve this matter. Dave and I traveled from Hartford to BWI, took the train into D.C. and met Chris at FCC at 10:40 AM, just prior to our 11 AM scheduled meeting. After a quick refresher briefing on what we would present we proceeded to the 7th floor offices of OET. We were met by Julius Knapp, Chief of OET, and then went into their conference room. Also present from OET were Bruce Romano, Anh Wride, Geraldine Matise and Ira Keltz in addition to three additional representatives via video conference. The meeting was cordial and in a friendly environment, unlike some of our previous meetings at FCC regarding this topic. Chris began by thanking OET for meeting with us to discuss what we considered to be a win-win proposal for all parties in this matter. It is ARRL's position that since the 2004 rulemaking in Docket 04-37 was commenced, BPL technology has evolved. Second generation (2G) BPL modems are typically capable of -35 dB "notching" which is more than 10 dB better than the first generation but currently the Commission's rules do not require that Amateur Radio allocations be "notched" even though the 2G modems now deployed almost universally can do so and DS2, Homeplug and Panasonic have indicated that their 2G modems are capable of such. It is our position that rule modifications can be adopted to incorporate these two parameters the modems are now capable of, which is mandatory notching of all Amateur Radio allocations by BPL systems with notch depths of 35 dB. We told them these two factors would be sufficient together to reduce the number of potential interference problems to a small enough number that it would be practical to address them on a case-by-case basis and it is achievable by present BPL technology without significant limitation on BPL deployment. As to the 40 dB/decade extrapolation factor, the Commission must revisit this matter per the Court's Opinion. We advised them that since a reasoned justification for a 40 dB/decade extrapolation factor cannot be sustained in the face of the existing contrary evidence, the Commission should adopt another extrapolation factor this is consistent with the evidence. Julie thanked us for coming in for a meeting and assured us they are taking the Court's decision seriously. He told us he does not know what the Commission will do regarding this matter as it is not entirely his decision to make. He appreciated our proposal and effort to offer a compromise and stated they would review and consider it in their deliberations of what their appropriate next step will be. I found it interesting that Julie asked our opinion of why the BPL market had not grown, whether it was a result of regulatory uncertainty or a failing market place. We simply offered that we felt the utility industry was never interested in providing broadband consumer service but rather desires the system to utilize smart grid technology and monitoring for their benefit. Dave also added that many of the BPL deployments that the Commission likes to reference are simply that and don't offer broadband consumer service and that is why notching of the Amateur Radio allocations shouldn't be a problem as they don't need the bandwidth. Our meeting concluded after approximately 25 minutes. Dave, Chris and I left the building and had a quick debriefing following which Chris returned to his office while Dave and I had lunch to discuss a couple of other ARRL related matters. In accordance with FCC rules, we were required to submit an ex-parte filing on today's meeting. A copy is attached that also includes our paper we circulated at the meeting. So, the next step is the FCC's to make as the ball is clearly in their court (no pun intended) and we have taken the initiative of proposing a path with which they can move forward. As always, Dave and Chris are free to provide their perspective of the meeting and any additional comments they feel appropriate. 73 Joel W5ZN

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[arrl-odv:16936] Contest gavels
by Kay Craigie 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

The Contest Branch information in the July 2 IN-News says: "I have processed all gavels for Club Competition in numerous ARRL contests going back to late 2006 and will ship them out the door today. This gets us back up-to-date on gavels." I don't recall hearing before this report that we were over a year behind in sending out contest gavels. How did that get so far out of whack? 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:16935] Re: Order 63 - Volunteers - Chapter 5, QRZ.COM and EHAM.COM
by Brian Mileshosky 10 Jul '08

10 Jul '08

> There isn't a need for the ARRL to replicate what others are doing. We > would be starting too late and are too far behind. The ARRL has a > large number of friends, many who would be likely willing to pitch in. I disagree with this position. We are the National Association for Ham Radio, and if we'd like to bring these qualities to our website, people will use them. Notice that Apple has plenty of competitors to their Ipod. They may have a sizeable portion of the market share, but they don't have it all. If ARRL's website possesses the qualities found on eHam and QRZ -- and those sites, beyond their content, leave a lot to be desired (so does ours, but we're fixing that) -- people will make use of it. Re-read the email I forwarded to ODV from Scott Westerman W9WSW, one of my closest ham buddies, on his thoughts about the ARRL website and the opportunities we have (and would be foolish not to take). Soon our website could suddenly become the Apple Ipod of ham radio websites -- as I'd expect from ARRL --, and the tables will be turned. Too late and too far behind? Not at all. 73, Brian N5ZGT ARRL Director, Rocky Mountain Division On the web at www.RockyMountainDivision.org

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[arrl-odv:16934] Re: Marriott Confirmation Numbers
by w6rod＠comcast.net 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Oops, never mind. At first I didn't see the words, "driving trip." Rod -- Amateur Radio W6ROD www.flickr.com/photos/rodstaffordphotography -------------- Original message -------------- From: dick(a)pobox.com > 9 JUL 2008 - 1150 CDT > > Even though Lisa's list of hotel confirmation numbers does not show > my wife, Judy, as coming with me to our July board meeting (I > included her on Lisa's hotel form.), she will be there. :-) > > We leave on a driving trip to Nova Scotia (via oceanic ferry) very > early tomorrow morning and we should be arriving at the Marriott > around Noon on Thursday, 17 JUL. > > 73 - Dick, W9GIG > >

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[arrl-odv:16933] Re: Marriott Confirmation Numbers
by w6rod＠comcast.net 09 Jul '08

09 Jul '08

Interesting. Are you sailing up the Connecticut River? Rod -- Amateur Radio W6ROD www.flickr.com/photos/rodstaffordphotography -------------- Original message -------------- From: dick(a)pobox.com > 9 JUL 2008 - 1150 CDT > > Even though Lisa's list of hotel confirmation numbers does not show > my wife, Judy, as coming with me to our July board meeting (I > included her on Lisa's hotel form.), she will be there. :-) > > We leave on a driving trip to Nova Scotia (via oceanic ferry) very > early tomorrow morning and we should be arriving at the Marriott > around Noon on Thursday, 17 JUL. > > 73 - Dick, W9GIG > >

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