August 2010 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:19254] Arcade Fire
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 06 Aug '10

06 Aug '10

An interesting confluence of the worlds of music and Amateur Radio came to light this week. Old Timers will remember guitarist Alvino Rey, W6UK, who died in February 2004 at the age of 95. He was a popular band leader in the 1940s and performed at a number of ARRL Southwestern Division Conventions in later years. Alvino Rey's grandsons Win and William Butler are members of the Montreal-based indie rock group Arcade Fire. The group is currently touring (they are performing in Columbia, Maryland tonight) to promote their latest album, "The Suburbs." One track, "We Used to Wait," relates to when communication was primarily by letter and postcard as contrasted to today's rapidly changing world. On stage their performance of the song is illustrated by, among other images, QSL cards from their grandfather's collection. Among the graphics the group is using is a variation of the ARRL diamond with the letters "ARRL" replaced by "A" and "F" in two corners and the same letters repeated upside down in the other two. Chris Imlay's law partner Cary Tepper is a trademark law expert and advises that even if we wanted to, it would be difficult to make a case that this constitutes trademark infringement. To me, the upside potential of acquainting indie rock fans with Amateur Radio seems more promising. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:19253] Re:
by Chris Imlay 06 Aug '10

06 Aug '10

This makes me nervous, because a cornerstone of our argument about setbacks in antenna cases and ordinance negotiations are that towers typically fall within a narrow radius around the base of the tower; a small percentage of their height. These towers most certainly did not do that, but that may be due to the fact that it was a three-tower DA. Not sure. And the towers were "windmill" type, too. Not a design that one would think would collapse near the base and fall laterally. 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: Gary Johnston KI4LA <ki4la(a)arrl.org> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Cc: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Thu, Aug 5, 2010 9:46 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:19251] Re: Oh my. Incredible. Sent from Gary's iPhone 4. On Aug 5, 2010, at 7:45 PM, "Jim Weaver K8JE" <K8JE(a)ARRL.org> wrote: In case you would like to see several very ugly pictures (from the perspective of anyone involved in radio) go to http://www.wwva.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=244870 From, the station;s call sign and the residence of the Ohio member who sent this to me, I believe the station is located in Wheeling, WV -- Director Bodson's territory. The winds seemed to have been straight-line, but might as well have been a tornado. Incidentally, the URL is good, but I had to cut and paste to make it work. The link appears to be broken. 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040; Tel. 513-459-1661 ARRL, The national organization for AMATEUR RADIO

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[arrl-odv:19252] Customer (Member) relations
by Jim Weaver K8JE 06 Aug '10

06 Aug '10

In reviewing the 2009 strategic Plan the Board developed, I noted we selected the following Value Disciplines to achieve. Although our self-selected task was to achieve only one of the following four items, I suggest that item No 1 (my numbering would likely be an inherent result of accomplishing either of the items I've numbered 2-4 while practicing good "customer relations." with our members, the customers. The entry in the Strategic Plan is largely on p. 7 and reads: ARRL can have a reputation and image for providing excellence in one of the following four identities of excellence: 1. Membership focus and attention (I feel like I am their only member). 2. Strong representation and advocacy for Amateur Radio (the voice of Amateur Radio). 3. Leading edge products, programs and services. 4. Operational effectiveness and efficiency. I suggest that especially in the case of the new web site, we have often lost sight of the need to practice good customer relations in dealing with either the issues members have politely or sometimes impolitely brought to the attention of staff. The problem a few GLD members have reported to me is that upon reporting issues in the proper manner to HQ (including often using the "having trouble or problems" form) they receive no acknowledgment of their their report. Although I suspect this is not always true, I also know some of the persons who have made these statements (of no acknowledgment) to me and accept they are being truthful. To me, it is difficult to understand why sending a quick response to a member who is trying to be helpful is so difficult. The acknowledgement does not need to be extensive and could be canned such as "I received your report and have passed it to the person in charge of the area. Thanks for your help.." Without a response, a message is still sent back to the member. Unfortunately, the implied message back is that ARRL doesn't giver a hoot if he is a member. Far from believing he/she is a valued member I suspect the belief is that it is only his dues money (and maybe donation money) that counts. The message he construes can also be likely to be that ARRL would be most happy if the member had not bugged it and had let it alone. This certainly not a message that says the member is about as far as one can get from our objective of giving members the believe they are the "only" member. I don't know about other directors, but my policy is to acknowledge every message I receive up to the moment at which any string may become rude. Is there a reason HQ staff should not have the same policy? . I would like to learn how others feel about this? 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040; Tel. 513-459-1661 ARRL, The national organization for AMATEUR RADIO

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[arrl-odv:19251] Re:
by Gary Johnston KI4LA 06 Aug '10

06 Aug '10

Oh my. Incredible. Sent from Gary's iPhone 4. On Aug 5, 2010, at 7:45 PM, "Jim Weaver K8JE" <K8JE(a)ARRL.org> wrote: > In case you would like to see several very ugly pictures (from the perspective of anyone involved in radio) go to > http://www.wwva.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=244870 > > From, the station;s call sign and the residence of the Ohio member who sent this to me, I believe the station is located in Wheeling, WV -- Director Bodson's territory. The winds seemed to have been straight-line, but might as well have been a tornado. > > Incidentally, the URL is good, but I had to cut and paste to make it work. The link appears to be broken. > > 73, > > Jim > > > Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director > ARRL Great Lakes Division > 5065 Bethany Rd. > Mason, OH 45040; Tel. 513-459-1661 > ARRL, The national organization for AMATEUR RADIO

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[arrl-odv:19250]
by Jim Weaver K8JE 05 Aug '10

05 Aug '10

In case you would like to see several very ugly pictures (from the perspective of anyone involved in radio) go to <http://www.wwva.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=244870> http://www.wwva.com/cc-common/gallery/display.html?album_id=244870 From, the station;s call sign and the residence of the Ohio member who sent this to me, I believe the station is located in Wheeling, WV -- Director Bodson's territory. The winds seemed to have been straight-line, but might as well have been a tornado. Incidentally, the URL is good, but I had to cut and paste to make it work. The link appears to be broken. 73, Jim Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division 5065 Bethany Rd. Mason, OH 45040; Tel. 513-459-1661 ARRL, The national organization for AMATEUR RADIO

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[arrl-odv:19249] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 05 Aug '10

05 Aug '10

<<080410.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 33, No. 31 August 4, 2010 -- Covers the period July 25-31. Regulatory Information Reported by Dan Henderson, N1ND After several conversations with NC Section Manager Bill Morine, N2COP, and ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, a set of talking points was drafted to be used at the public hearing on the proposed Cleveland County NC tower ordinance the week of August 2. It appears the county commission may table the proposal and appoint a committee to draft an ordinance to meet the basic county desire while accommodating the PRB-1 and NC state statutory obligations. At the request of General Counsel, we reviewed the comments and replies on FCC Docket 10-98 - the 60-meter revision. A key area to consider is comments from both supporters and opponents of allowing Pactor III as one of the approved digital modes on the channels. Several comments were also offered suggesting that digital modes be restricted to only one of the five channels. A lengthy telephone conversation was conducted with Fred Hopengarten, K1VR, discussing a tower case in Virginia which he is working on. It was valuable to the RIB office in that Fred explained some of the subtle nuances on the "flagpole" proposal he was working on with a client and its possible use down the road to help amateurs living in CC&R-restricted communities. At the request of IN Section Manager John Poindexter, W3ML, we looked into a situation where a club in Indiana was apparently considering a contract with their county government that would provide real-time reports on their bi-weekly tornado warning siren system back to the county emergency management office via amateur radio. In return, the county would provide the electricity for the club repeater. This situation is a violation of 97.113 by providing amateur radio communications in exchange for indirect compensation (the county paying the club's electric bill). The latest report received is that the contract was never formally implemented. We advised that while the amateurs could participate by making reports, there could not be a quid pro quo arrangement. Working with the Contest Branch, we assisted in revising the template signatures for certificates for several ARRL events, as well as for the IARU HF Championship event. In addition, Field Day submissions continue to be processed. As of the July 27 deadline, 2,126 entries had been received via the www.b4h.net <http://www.b4h.net/> web applet. An additional 200 regular paper entries have been entered into the database. Staff has also printed out all non-applet email submissions, and data entry on those will begin the week of August 2. They are also notifying, via email, entries that have problems. Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP The QST article is done, the postcards are here, the stickers are ordered, announcements have been in the emails and CONTACT!, press release materials are ready - looking forward to the 75th anniversary of ARES in September. Joe Montani's story and pictures of asteroid 31531-ARRL have been added to the technology promotion website at www.WeDoThat-Radio.org . Meanwhile, the August issue of CONTACT! is making use of the audio and photo options the new Web site allows plus Don Carlson, KQ6FM, and Walt Palmer, W4ALT, have provided clips for the "Now Hear This" audio files posted for PIOs. There has been a flurry of concerned reports regarding Chris Paget (believed to be KJ6GCG), and the "hacking" of GSM cell phones - the protocol used by AT&T and T-Mobile. Thus far it has not been an Amateur Radio story, but it is being followed closely just in case something turns. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH The W1AW campaign revenues have topped $74,000 from 1131 donors. Modest July net revenues from the Diamond Club totaled $13,670, bringing the year-to-date net revenues to $152,252 which is 58% of the 2010 goal. The Education & Technology mail campaign is in production. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE Khrystyne Keane wrote and distributed The ARRL Letter and voiced and produced ARRL Audio News for July 29, 2010. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI D Star Repeater and W1HQ Bob worked with Bill Unghire, N1CNV, to install the gateway software in our D-Star repeater system. Bob also researched unused frequency pairs in the 70 and 23 cm bands for our unused D-Star repeaters on those bands. Pairs were found and a formal request of frequency coordination will be requested this week. 2 meter coordination should take place within the next few weeks. Mike Gruber assembled the 70 cm D-Star repeater antenna. Joe Carcia built custom mount for both the 70 and 23 cm repeater antennas. XX-Towers will be installing them atop HQ on the 4th. Good work by all! QST Support Bob Allison completed testing of two home brew projects that were submitted for QST articles. Data Tables were created and passed along to our technical editor. Books MG spent much of his time on the new EMC chapter of the 2011 ARRL Handbook-it is now complete. RFI MG discussed open PG&E cases with Jerry Ramie. Jerry is a consultant that will be assisting in several cases. A longstanding power line noise case in Lakeland, Florida continues. J.C. Flynn, the complainant in this matter, has received a letter from the FCC's CGB stating that his problem "does not come under the jurisdiction of the FCC." This letter is signed by a deputy division chief, who referred Mr. Flynn to the Florida PUC. Ed Hare and MG continue to look in to this matter. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Branch Credits Applications 2009 Carryover 173,903 1,297 2010 Received 441,577 3,676 Cumulative Total 615,480 4,973 2010 Processed 557,658 4,619 Remaining 57,822 354 Processing Time 4 Weeks Logbook of the World Category July 2010 % Change Jan - July 2010 QSO Records Entered In System 291,826,478 11% QSL Record Matches 31,472,429 17% Logs Processed 1,574,766 22% Active Certificates 52,806 11% Registered Users in System 34,968 11% Logbook (Email Only) Inquiries July 2010 Maintenance 672 Initial Setup Inquiries 631 Award Related Concerns 173 Customer Usage Issues 384 Phone Calls 247 Total 2,107 W1AW Joe updated the weekly code practice source list on the web and updated a few other W1AW web pages with current data. He also updated the web code practice files. Joe created the texts for the August W1AW Qualifying Runs. He compiled pictures and station texts for W1AW/5, W1AW/WY7 and W1AW/8 QSL cards in preparation for printing. Joe assembled a side-arm mount for use at HQ station W1HQ's D-Star station. He also readied another M-Square rotator in preparation for it to be placed on the 120' Rohn tower. (The current rotator atop this tower failed two weeks ago.) Field Organization/Public Service Team Dale Bagley, K0KY, Section Manager of Missouri, and George Strayline, W2GSS, Section Manager of Southern New Jersey, have been nominated to run for new terms of office in their respective sections. Nominations for this particular SM election cycle are due at Headquarters by September 10, and new terms of office begin in January. ARRL HQ received a report from a Section Manager in the Atlantic Division describing long-standing problems occurring on two local 2 meter repeaters. Reports had previously been sent to the FCC, and we forwarded additional information requesting assistance in resolving the issue. A prompt response was received saying it would be followed up on. The cooperation is much appreciated. Official Observers in Eastern Pennsylvania are checking on interference to a local repeater. An unknown "buzzing type" signal on the high end of 75 meters heard in several southeastern states for 2 days prompted calls from 3 different sources to Headquarters. The signal ceased before a source was determined. Several intruder reports were received including what appeared to be a Coast Guard station that was heard briefly on 14.005 MHz and a shortwave broadcaster on 7.125 MHz (believed to be Radio Conakry in Guinea). Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Staff Absentee List All Staff 9/6 Holiday Leona Adams 8/6 Vacation Jon Bloom 8/25-9/3 Vacation Hugh Brower 8/10 Vacation `` 8/16 Vacation Steve Capodicasa 9/13-9/17 Vacation Joe Carcia 8/6-8/13 Vacation `` 8/20 Vacation `` 8/27 Vacation Michael Corey 7/30-8/6 APCO Conference, Houston, TX `` 8/20-8/22 Southeastern Division Convention, Huntsville, AL Steve Ford 8/2-8/6 Vacation Norm Fusaro 7/30-8/6 Vacation Scott Gee 8/30-8/31 Vacation Mike Gruber 8/23-8/27 Vacation `` 9/27-10/1 Vacation Dan Henderson 8/23-8/27 Vacation `` 9/24-10/3 Ten-Tec Hamfest,(TN)/W4DXCC/SEDCO/Vacation `` 10/14-10/19 Pacificon Mary Hobart 8/11-8/13 Vacation Gail Iannone 8/20-9/7 Vacation Bob Inderbitzen 8/4-8/5 Training `` 8/6-8/9 Vacation `` 8/23-8/27 Vacation Sabrina Jackson 9/1 Vacation Joel Kleinman 8/5 Vacation `` 8/23 Vacation Harold Kramer 8/2-8/6 Vacation Sean Kutzko 8/16-8/25 Tokyo Ham Fair Greg Kwasowski 7/21-8/5 Vacation Bill Moore 9/10-9/12 Virginia Section Convention Dave Patton 8/6-8/7 Texas State Convention, Austin, TX Diane Petrilli 8/4-8/5 Training `` 8/23-8/27 Vacation John Proctor 8/16-8/18 Training Steve Sant Andrea 8/30 Vacation Andy Shefrin 8/5-8/16 Vacation Barry Shelley 8/9-8/20 Vacation `` 8/26-8/27 Vacation Dave Sumner 8/20 PM Vacation Perry Williams 7/22-8/11 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:19248] Re: ReconRobotics; Petition to Deny 68 applications for Public Safety licenses at 433-445 MHz
by Bob Vallio 04 Aug '10

04 Aug '10

Great job, Chris. Thanks, OM. 73, Bob On Wed, Aug 4, 2010 at 8:05 AM, Chris Imlay <w3kd(a)aol.com> wrote: > Greetings. Just now, after approval from the Executive Committee and > following helpful edits from Dave Sumner, I filed the attached Petition to > Deny 68 pending applications for Part 90 licenses in the Public Safety > service. These license applications were filed for the sole purpose of > authorizing operation of the ReconRobotics device in the 433-445 MHz band. > There were several flaws in these applications (stemming from flaws in the > grant in April of certification for the ReconRobotics device by FCC's OET). > While we are not optimistic that the applications will ultimately be denied, > we have most certainly slowed them down a good bit pending FCC action on our > Petition for Reconsideration in the ReconRobotics docket (08-63), whatever > that turns out to be. We can be certain that the devices are already in the > hands of the 68 public safety entities that applied for them. The > applications were prepared and filed by the frequency coordinator, APCO, and > probably were arranged and paid for by ReconRobotics, so we will likely hear > back from ReconRobotics directly. > > The major problems with these applications are that they: (1) specify a 100 > kHz emission designator, when the necessary bandwidth of these channelized > devices is 6 MHz; and (2) they specify a narrower frequency range (433-445 > MHz) than is specified in the ReconRobotics waiver (430-448 MHz). The waiver > order specified operation on three channels in that latter range, in a > specific order of priority. The first unit sold to an eligible entity has to > operate in the 436-442 MHz range. So the frequency range specified in each > of the subject applications (each of which specifies only one device) makes > no sense at all. Again, however, the applications reflect what showed up in > the grant of equipment authorization. But in any case, there are good, > technical reasons to ask that these applications be dismissed. > > 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 >

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[arrl-odv:19247] ReconRobotics; Petition to Deny 68 applications for Public Safety licenses at 433-445 MHz
by Chris Imlay 04 Aug '10

04 Aug '10

Greetings. Just now, after approval from the Executive Committee and following helpful edits from Dave Sumner, I filed the attached Petition to Deny 68 pending applications for Part 90 licenses in the Public Safety service. These license applications were filed for the sole purpose of authorizing operation of the ReconRobotics device in the 433-445 MHz band. There were several flaws in these applications (stemming from flaws in the grant in April of certification for the ReconRobotics device by FCC's OET). While we are not optimistic that the applications will ultimately be denied, we have most certainly slowed them down a good bit pending FCC action on our Petition for Reconsideration in the ReconRobotics docket (08-63), whatever that turns out to be. We can be certain that the devices are already in the hands of the 68 public safety entities that applied for them. The applications were prepared and filed by the frequency coordinator, APCO, and probably were arranged and paid for by ReconRobotics, so we will likely hear back from ReconRobotics directly. The major problems with these applications are that they: (1) specify a 100 kHz emission designator, when the necessary bandwidth of these channelized devices is 6 MHz; and (2) they specify a narrower frequency range (433-445 MHz) than is specified in the ReconRobotics waiver (430-448 MHz). The waiver order specified operation on three channels in that latter range, in a specific order of priority. The first unit sold to an eligible entity has to operate in the 436-442 MHz range. So the frequency range specified in each of the subject applications (each of which specifies only one device) makes no sense at all. Again, however, the applications reflect what showed up in the grant of equipment authorization. But in any case, there are good, technical reasons to ask that these applications be dismissed. 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

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[arrl-odv:19246] WP Docket 10-72 effective date September 3
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 04 Aug '10

04 Aug '10

The Report and Order in FCC WP Docket 10-72 (amendment of Section 97.113) is in today's Federal Register. The effective date of the new rule is September 3, 2010. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:19245] State Legislative Report
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 03 Aug '10

03 Aug '10

Here is the latest state legislative report from Chwat & Co. If you know of any legislation that should be listed but is not, please let me know. Thanks. Dave K1ZZ

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