December 2011 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:20385] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 29 Dec '11

29 Dec '11

<<122811.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 34, No. 52 December 28, 2011 -- Covers the period December 18-24. Upcoming Meetings and Events Director/Vice Director Orientation January 11 in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee January 12 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee January 12 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Annual Board Meeting January 13-14, 2012 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP The DIY video and supporting materials went live the morning of Dec 27th. Reactions through the first 4 hours (as of this writing) were all very positive and it was reposted in many places. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH Development revenue for 2011 continues to climb in the last few days of the year. Diamond Club and the Education & Technology Fund revenues have exceeded the 2011 goals and the Spectrum Defense Fund has reached 98% of goal. The Teachers Institute line is still well short of goal with a couple of large contributions expected. The first cash pledge payment of $10,000 for the Second Century Campaign is in hand. A number of lead letters will be mailed before December 31. The new Diamond Club ad in QST with a reply form has yielded its first returns. A new ad promoting planned giving prepared by Lauren Clarke and Sue Fagan will appear in February QST. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI RFI Mike Gruber compiled a list of all power line noise cases in which the FCC had been involved. He also started and nearly completed the EMC Committee Semi-Annual report for the second half of 2011. Mike continues working with a member in Florida trying to develop a cure for an RFI problem involving a pulsed DC motor in an HVAC system. ARRL Lab Radio Exhibit Bob, Mike, and Ed moved and assembled shelving and exhibits for the Lab's new Amateur Radio exhibit. Greg Kwasowski has installed overhead lighting and is currently installing electrical outlets for the operating positions and display cabinets. Bob Allison worked with John Leuzzi of SD&D Signs for the needed signage in the Lab and museum. Product Review Bob Allison retested a late mode switching supply and determined how to reduce the RF noise generated at the DC output. This "fix" was passed along to the manufacturer, who will use Bob's instructions for the needed improvement. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R The fulfillment team enjoyed a brisk amount of membership and sales processing during the week before Christmas. The warehouse crew fulfilled 1,223 packages for publication and product orders, 739 membership premiums (the majority of these processed by the Mailroom staff), and QST mailing supplements. Following a suggestion from Mike Corey, we have introduced a couple of new items from Goal Zero, a company that produces innovative portable power products. The new offerings include a Solar Crank Flashlight and 2 in 1 Flashlight/Lantern. Bob Inderbitzen contributed to a couple of ongoing projects during the week including planning for the digital edition of QST, product development for the next versions of the ARRL Exam Review software, and marketing and communications items involving the ARRL website. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Field Organization/Public Service Team Leona Adams and Steve Ewald completed preparations of Section Manager election material (for Eastern Pennsylvania, San Diego and Virginia Sections). These materials were sent off to the local printer. Chuck Skolaut reports that complaints were received regarding operations on 14.313, 3.910, and 7.213 MHz, and the FCC was updated. Multiple tone signals on 20 meters reported by several stations were determined to be caused by routers or other computer equipment. The Kentucky Official Observer Coordinator is following up on a report of interference on 10 meters being caused by a Citizen Band operator. The signal reported on channel 1 on 60 meters on the U.S. Gulf coast is likely from a government user. Also, a report and documentation regarding inappropriate images being sent on SSTV were received and the FCC was alerted. Questions that staff dealt with this week included overseas operations, antenna restrictions, location of repeaters in Mississippi, and operating privileges for technicians. In addition, Chuck filled in as the operator of two morning code practices from W1AW. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 1/2 Holiday Steve Capodicasa 2/6-2/10 Vacation Steve Ford 12/22-12/30 Vacation Dan Henderson 12/16-1/6 Vacation Mary Hobart 2/1-2/24 Medical Leave Gail Iannone 12/22-12/30 Vacation Bob Inderbitzen 2/9-2/12 NFL Section Convention, Orlando, FL Khrystyne Keane 12/28-12/29 Vacation Joel Kleinman 1/3 Vacation Lisa Kustosik 12/30 Vacation Steve Sant Andrea 12/27-12/30 Vacation Chuck Skolaut 12/27-12/30 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:20384] Document #23 - Historical Committee Report - January 2012
by Joyce Birmingham 27 Dec '11

27 Dec '11

We hope that you will enjoy this version of the Report, as it is in color and there are some really neat photos here. The 'hard-copy' in your Board books, however, will be in black and white. 73, Joyce KA2ANF ARRL Hudson Division Director Joyce Birmingham, KA2ANF 235 Van Emburgh Avenue Ridgewood, NJ 07450-2918 ka2anf(a)arrl.net

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[arrl-odv:20380] DXCC news
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 27 Dec '11

27 Dec '11

The 2012 Plan includes a 75th anniversary Diamond DXCC Challenge http://www.arrl.org/diamond-dxcc that's intended to be an enjoyable and challenging history lesson. Dave Patton has done a lot of research to put together a DXCC list that's as close as possible to the one adopted in 1937 and used by DXers in the years just before World War II. Working and confirming 100 of these entities was much more challenging than today's DXCC hunt. Not only were there far fewer than there are today, the DXer of that day had far fewer bands to choose from and only two modes: CW and AM. Add in that transmitters were either unstable or crystal controlled, receivers were unstable and lacked both selectivity and accurate frequency readout, antenna systems were much less sophisticated than we have today, there were far fewer hams on the air outside the US, and there were no spotting networks like DX Cluster - not to mention CW Skimmer and LOTW - and it's easy to see that the first amateurs to earn DXCC were true masters of our craft. Another bit of DXCC news will be announced next week: a new fee structure that should help us avoid the end-of-year backlogs that have developed in the past and to provide better member service throughout the year. The announcement and fee chart are attached. Best wishes to all for an enjoyable remainder of the holiday season. 73, Dave Sumner, K1ZZ <<2012 DXCC Fee Chart.pdf>> <<2012 DXCC Fee Structure Announcement.pdf>>

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[arrl-odv:20382] IL Section Manager's Christmas Message
by dick＠pobox.com 24 Dec '11

24 Dec '11

24 DEC 2011 - 1528 CDT Fellow Members of the ARRL Board Family: Illinois Section Manager Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN, writes one of the better monthly Section Newsletters. The intro to this much published Christmas message demonstrates a tiny bit of his writing style and view of the world. Again, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas! - Dick Isely, W9GIG ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Tom Ciciora" <ttc2301(a)sisna.com> To: <SNIP> Subject: Merry Christmas Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:32:26 -0600 Message-ID: <000601ccc27b$26e92000$74bb6000$@com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0007_01CCC248.DC4EB000" I hope that this finds you all happy and healthy. A Merry Christmas to all. Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN Christmas shouldn't be a quest to reclaim or revisit the holidays of our childhood, nor a competition to exceed last year's gifts. Either will properly result in disappointment and a loss of real reason for pausing with friends and family every December 25th. Besides, it's not your birthday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Luke 2:1-20)

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[arrl-odv:20379] A&F Meeting Minutes 11-19-11
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

Enclosed are the minutes from the meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee on November 19, 2011. Please let us know if you have any questions. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:20378] Draft Agenda for Board Meeting
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 22 Dec '11

22 Dec '11

Here is the draft agenda for the Board Meeting. When preparing reports, please number them as indicated. Note that the numbers are likely to be different than for previous Board Meetings because the minutes of the July meeting already have been approved. Once committee reports are submitted I hope to be able to add lists of recommendations to agenda items 9 and 10. David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary <<01 Draft Agenda.doc>>

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[arrl-odv:20376] Meeting with Laura Smith
by Kay Craigie 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

The attached documents report on a meeting that Chris and I had with Laura Smith at the end of last month. I apologize for taking so long to provide the report to you, but Chris's time has been devoted to the BPL Petition for Reconsideration and it did not make sense to distribute our two reports several weeks apart from one another. I suggest that you read Laura Smith - Imlay - 2011.doc first, since Chris's report goes into the most detail about the discussion. Please do not share these reports outside the Board. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:20375] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

<<122111.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 34, No. 51 December 21, 2011 -- Covers the period December 11-17. Upcoming Meetings and Events Director/Vice Director Orientation January 11 in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee January 12 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee January 12 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Annual Board Meeting January 13-14, 2012 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT CEO Reported by Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Just a quick note reminding all of you that the ARRL will be closed Monday , December 26 and also Monday, January 2. Happy Holidays to all of you and a Healthy and Happy New Year! Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP The DIY campaign kicks off Dec 27th with articles, power point, speaker notes and the video on our website and YouTube. W5KUB will do a streaming video at 8:30 that evening of interviews with Pasternak and Bell, a short commentary by myself and the main video. The following Tuesday it will be the topic of the HamNation webcast. Many people who have gotten pre-release copies of the video also plan to use it in presentations between Christmas and New Years. Two people have become involved in PR this past week. Dr. Kim Manwaring will not be able to come to HQ this week, but still hopes to in January. We will do a phone interview on Thursday for the WeDoThat.org website plus any news uses. Mark Kraham, recent Chairman of the RTDNA, formally joined the PRC last week. Possibly their oldest "member," the A-1 Operators Club got Louise Evans, KE7LSF, as a member last week. While licensed long ago, she had let it lapse. So she re-earned her Tech license in her 90's and recently got her General at age 102. She encourages others in the retirement community and regularly controls local nets. She came to our attention following an article in their local newspaper. Development Reported by Mary Hobart, K1MMH Development revenues are inching closer to the 2011 goal, while the Diamond Club has exceeded its goal. The Diamond club has topped its target by $15,000 and the Education & Technology campaign is only $200 under goal. The Spectrum Defense Fund needs $15,000 to reach its target. Overall, Development revenues for operations are at 88% of goal for 2011. Lauren Clark worked with Sue Fagan on a new ad for planned giving for February QST. Production/Editorial Reported by Joel Kleinman, N1BKE Two books have been released to the printer: Getting on the Air with HF Digital, by Steve Ford, and the 2nd Edition of Emergency Power for Radio Communications. The February 2012 edition of QST was released to the printer December 16. Joel Hallas has turned in the final chapter of his fifth book, tentatively titled The Care and Feeding of Transmission Lines. Khrystyne Keane wrote and distributed the ARRL Letter and produced and voiced ARRL Audio News for December 15, 2011. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Unlike November, we have enjoyed brisk levels of membership and sales activity every week this month. Response to all of our holiday and end-of-year messaging and promotions has been very good. We are well-positioned for the final 2 weeks of the year. It was a particularly busy week fulfilling orders to meet the holiday shipping deadlines for in-time Christmas deliveries. The warehouse crew fulfilled 1,524 packages for publication and product orders, 230 membership premiums (with help from the Mailroom staff), and QST mailing supplements. US Bank, our partner for the ARRL Visa Credit Card, is preparing mailings for January and March. We have approved the mailing pieces and supplied an updated membership list. ARRL has earned year-to-date payments of nearly $35,000 for program royalties through November ($33k for the same period in 2010). Bob Inderbitzen, Allen Pitts and Sue Fagan met to collaborate on designs for an ARRL centennial logo. An ad was completed featuring the upcoming second edition of Emergency Power for Radio Amateurs and some related, new product offerings; self-powered emergency radios and a couple of LED flashlights. The ad will appear in February QST. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC DXCC paper/fieldchecked application processing time is currently at 4 weeks. Logbook-only application processing time is 3 business days. W1AW Thanks to Joel Hallas, W1ZR, for his work in antenna modeling the two new 40-meter antennas - Cushcraft XM240s - that will eventually be installed on the Rohn 65 (120' tower). These new antennas will replace the two 40-meter antennas - M-Squared 40LL2s - that were damaged in October's snowstorm. Joe processed regular QSL card requests. He worked the early afternoon/night shift on Friday for the vacationing Scott Gee. Joe also created the January W1AW Qualifying Run texts. He updated the web code practice files and Qualifying Run web schedules. Joe also has been in contact with Bart Hasz from SteppIR Antennas Inc. to coordinate the W1HQ vertical antenna replacement (with a new, donated SteppIR vertical). Field Organization/Public Service Team Leona Adams has continued preparing election-related materials for the upcoming Section Manager elections in Virginia, San Diego, and Eastern Pennsylvania. She is also receiving and handling many section expense reports as the end of the year approaches. Steve Ewald has been in touch with and is assisting the three new Section Managers in Tennessee, New Mexico and Michigan who are starting their first terms of office on January 1. Chuck Skolaut compiled and sent out the monthly Official Observer Summary to all OOs, OOCs, and Section Managers. A west coast station reported hearing a shortwave broadcaster on 7.175 MHz. That station is believed to be VOBME from Ethiopia. An Over the Horizon Radar was reported on 40 meters as well as several unidentified carriers on 20 meters. An investigation continues regarding interference reported on 14.099 MHz from a US shortwave broadcaster. Station K1UN reports his call is being bootlegged. He has received a number of DX cards and he hasn't been on the air for several years. Chuck also participated in an online meeting regarding 60 meters and ran one morning code practice from W1AW this past week. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 12/26 Holiday All Staff 1/2 Holiday Steve Ford 12/22-12/30 Vacation Scott Gee 12/22-12/23 Vacation Dan Henderson 12/16-1/6 Vacation Gail Iannone 12/22-12/30 Vacation Joel Kleinman 1/3 Vacation Lisa Kustosik 12/23 Vacation `` 12/30 Vacation Steve Sant Andrea 12/27-12/30 Vacation

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[arrl-odv:20374] BPL Petition for Reconsideration Filed with FCC
by Chris Imlay 21 Dec '11

21 Dec '11

Greetings. The attached Petition for Reconsideration was filed yesterday by courier and electronically with FCC. It consists of a 25-page (the page limit is firm) Petition and two exhibits prepared (I think expertly) by Ed Hare. The Petition is in essence a single-issue argument, though we question the complete range of FCC's errors in the 2nd Report and Order on remand from the Court of Appeals. Our goal is to attempt to obtain mandatory, full-time, Amateur band "notching" of BPL systems to a notch depth of at least 25 dB. This was strategized by the Executive Committee and especially by President Craigie and CEO Sumner. Thanks especially to them and to Ed Hare, but also to the Executive Committee members, most notably Director Frenaye and IVP Bellows, who provided important edits to and input for this document. We can talk about further strategies at the Board meeting if you wish. It ain't over until it's over. 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:20373] Year End Expenses
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 19 Dec '11

19 Dec '11

Ladies and Gentlemen: The year-end is fast approaching and with the earlier than usual Board meeting, it will be a challenge to collect as much financial information as possible for the preliminary year-end financial reports. To the extent possible, we would appreciate your submitting all year-end expenses as soon as possible. All travel related expense reports should be submitted no later than Friday, January 6th. If you have estimates of any administrative expenses we would appreciate your filing those at the same time so we can present financial reports that are as accurate as possible at the Board meeting. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org

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