October 2012 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:21157] QST Dedicated iOS App -- Status Update
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 01 Nov '12

01 Nov '12

Hi, Here's an update on the launch of the dedicated QST app for Apple iOS devices. We will not be launching to our target group of 10,000 members until the beginning of next week. There are a couple of reasons for this. The storm set us back a day or so in our work. The membership and publications sales support staff are busy dealing with publication and membership orders that have accumulated over the last few days. We need these entered as quickly as possible, so we do not want the staff dealing with launch app support issues at the same time. Also, it is not smart to launch a new product at the end of the week since member support staff is not here during the weekend. In addition, because of concerns that have been raised, we are still seeking answers from Nxtbook about the tracking features of the iOS app. We need clarification from them about exactly what they are tracking. We believe that there is no personally identifiable information tracked and that the information is standard web analytics such as what pages were visited. It is common for publishers to track user traffic patterns, page views, click-through rates, and search terms that users enter into a search utility to monitor the flow of traffic and make improvements to the publisher's content. The tracking feature can be easily disabled by the user but the wording on the app setting is confusing. [Disable Tracking needs to be ON]. We will not launch to the general membership until we clarify this issue. We will also alert our members about this when we send the launch emails. We will place information about the tracking feature in the text of the email along with a link to a web page that explains how it is used. We will also be adding language from the ARRL Privacy Policy to the app. This policy will require revisions as we publish more digital content. The app itself is working well for those who are using it on their iPhones, iPads and iTouch. The app is of course, optional. Members can always view, but not download, digital QST through the Safari (or any other) browser on an iOS device. Nxtbook has also improved access to the magazine on a mobile web browser-delivering a native-app-like experience. We'll send out more detailed information next week. In the meantime, please feel free to informally let members know that the QST app is available in the Apple Apps Store. We don't have a problem with that as long as it is not in a written "public" communication just yet. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL -the national association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594 -0220

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[arrl-odv:21161] Donations to the ARRL
by Kay Craigie 31 Oct '12

31 Oct '12

We lead by example, and when I encourage members to donate to the ARRL if they are financially able to do it, I am not asking them to do something I have not done myself. Many Board members have already made a donation to the ARRL this year, and that is sincerely appreciated. All Board members give generously of personal time, effort, and expertise. However, a financial donation -- no matter what the amount -- is also important. Many people prefer to wait until the end of the year to make their charitable donations, when they've had time to see how their personal finances are shaping up and how much money they will have available to divide among the organizations they'd like to help. If you haven't already made a donation to the ARRL this year, please do so. Mary Hobart would be happy to talk with you privately about specific funds that may have personal significance for you. I do not know who has donated or how much -- that's between you and the Development Office. Even as we consider our individual participation in the Second Century Campaign, our regular annual support is vital for the Diamond Club, Spectrum Defense, Education & Technology, and other funds. Each gift is a testament to our Board's commitment to the continuing ability of the ARRL to serve Amateur Radio and our members. Yes, there are potential big-bucks donors who ask about the Board's track record for donations. Thanks for leading by example in every way, including donations to the ARRL. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:21159] FW: Hurricane Sandy Update 10/30/12
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

FYI, Since some of you have asked about what is happening, here's a copy of Mike Corey's latest update the SMs. 73, Harold From: Corey, Michael, KI1U Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2012 2:45 PM To: Beaudet,Robert(SMRI); Cecere, Pete SM ENY; Clements, Carl (SM,VA); Cross, Jim, (SM, MDC); Doane, Betsey, K1EIC (SM, CT); Emco,Ed (SM,WMA); ENY SEC; Famiglio, Bob K3RF (SM, EPA); Filipkowski, Frank ( SM, DE); Gayet, Paul SM VT; George; John; Julio; Krohn, Richard (SN,NNJ); Lisenco, Mike (SM,NLI); Morine, Bill (SM,NC); Rinehart, Ann (SM,WV); Rob; Robert VT; Rodgers, John (SM, WPA); Shuman,Al, (SM,NH); Strayline, George, (SM,SNJ); Tarplee, Marc (SM,SC); Temples, Phil (SM,EMA); Woodhead, William (SM, ME) Subject: Hurricane Sandy Update 10/30/12 Hi all, Here's the latest from HQ on hurricane Sandy. - HQ reopened this morning at 10am and it's back to business as usual. A quick assessment of the W1AW and W1HQ station showed all seemed OK. - We are continuing to receive updates from national level partners through participation in VOAD conference calls. Today I participated in the New England and Mid Atlantic VOAD calls. Tomorrow there will be a national member conference call. - Ham Aid equipment has been sent to Southern New Jersey. One of our National VOAD partners, NACHAMA - Jewish Response to Disaster, has provided transportation to Ocean County NJ. I cannot stress enough the importance of requesting Ham Aid equipment assistance early on in getting ready for a known event. We have transportation procedures in place that can get equipment to just about anywhere in the country with enough notice. If you think you may need it please let us know. We were very fortunate that NECHAMA was able to assist us in this. - Thank you all for the updates you've sent us on ARES activities in your sections - Please make sure your PIC's are aware of what is going on. We cannot afford to neglect media and PR. - A very special thanks to the guys at VOIP WX Net, WX4NHC, and Hurricane Watch Net for all their work over the last few days. - For those that are beginning to scale down activities please forward any after action reports to HQ. These are very useful in assessing the overall picture of Amateur Radio activity related to the storm Thanks again all for your response to Sandy and all the hard work you've done over the last few days. Mike Mike Corey, KI1U Emergency Preparedness Manager ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: 860 594 0222 email: ki1u(a)arrl.org web: www.arrl.org/ www.twitter.com/arrl_emcomm

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[arrl-odv:21156] Fairfax status update
by Price, Brennan, N4QX 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

The Fairfax office appears to have lost power at some point last night, but it has been restored. Phone, internet, and electric service is intact, as is the facility.

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[arrl-odv:21155] Delayed Opening
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

At the moment, the recovery situation around the state varies. The shoreline communities were the hardest hit although there are over 600,000 customers without power throughout Connecticut. The HQ building does have power. The Governor has not officially rescinded his ban on the state highways at this time, however. He will be having an official press conference at 8:30 am. Accordingly, I have decided to delay opening the HQ building until 10 am. If the Governor continues his travel ban or makes an announcement that would affect that decision, we will update the decision at that time. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc.

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[arrl-odv:21154] Exam NPRM
by Kay Craigie 30 Oct '12

30 Oct '12

The clock is ticking on WT Docket 12-283, as you know from Dave's recent message to the ODV. The attached document is for your reference in formulating your position and discussing the issues with your members for their input. Because licensing requirements and examination procedures are so important, the Executive Committee wants all Directors to have the opportunity to have your opinions considered. The EC would appreciate hearing from you at your earliest convenience. This is a far-reaching proposal, and the time line for developing the ARRL's position is fairly short. The document attached to this e-mail was created by combining a very good outline written by Chris Imlay and Dan Henderson with an outline that I prepared independently. The NPRM itself was posted to the Board attached to [arrl-odv:21081] FCC Multi-Topic NPRM. When the NPRM asks for comments on the "costs and benefits" of something, I take that to mean "pro's and con's" or "advantages and disadvantages" and not just costs in the financial sense of the term. If that's not what the FCC meant, I think we are not only able but indeed duty-bound to interpret the phrase in the broader sense. Maria Somma has been asked to provide some statistics about the number of VEs and license test sessions, going back several years, and if possible breaking these numbers down geographically. This will help us evaluate the proposition that there is a shortage of license test opportunities now. When you have comments to share, please send them to Dave or me for relay to the EC. If you also wish to post them to the ODV also, that's fine. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:21144] Hurricane Sandy
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

While Connecticut is not in the likely path of the worst of Sandy, last year's double dose of storms that left large swaths of the state without power for days got everyone's attention. Tree-trimming crews have been busy all summer and we can only hope that their work pays off when the wind picks up, as it will -- Sandy's footprint is huge. The folks between New York City and DC have the most to worry about, especially along the shore. Mike Corey and the HQ emergency response team are prepared to support the field organization in the affected areas as needed. I was scheduled to fly on Tuesday from Hartford to Ho Chi Minh City for the IARU Administrative Council meeting and Region 3 Conference. I tried to arrange an earlier flight from Hartford to Chicago, the departure point for the second leg of the trip (Hong Kong), but the effort fell through when that flight was canceled as well. So I am currently driving toward Chicago and am already far enough west to be out of Sandy's immediate path. I hope those of you in the storm's path are able to stay safe and dry. 73, Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:21150] [BergenSkywarn] GOES Satellite view of storm to use today
by Joyce Birmingham 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

For those of you who are not on the East Coast and are not affected by Sandy, here's a nice view from the GOES Satellite of today's approaching storm. Keep in mind this is only usable during the daylight hours. http://www.aviationweather.gov/adds/satellite/displaySat.php?region=BWI&isi ngle=mult_big&itype=vis -- Update from Bergen County - today most businesses are closed, towns closed, except for emergency personnel and first responders - yes, even my business shut down - you can't build cell sites in the wind-driven rain - HIHI! We have one Shelter that just opened at Community College 3 miles from here - they are on the air. Localized flooding is occurring from storm surge down along the shore line from Sandy Hook, NJ to Atlantic City, NJ. Also being hard hit with storm surge is the battery park area of NY and all of lower New York City. Winds here are sustained at 35 to 40 MPH right now, with higher gusts to 70 MPH. Rain is occurring in some areas, not all. Trees are being taken down by sustaining winds and high gusts. Power outages are sporadic at this time. There are bands of light to heavy rain entering into our area now. Locally - Shelters are open throughout the Bergen County, Passaic County, Morris County areas, as well as other areas and are manned with Amateur Radio Operators. A call-out for equipment and operators is slow to bring much needed help. **Note for Mike Corey, we could have used a few GO Boxes from Headquarters here in the NNJ area. We have folks who would have been willing to drive to Newington to secure items needed. Coordination between NNJ and SNJ - both SM's and SEC's is excellent, as always. Both have been working together to support shelter operations and to help with Served Agency requests - mainly from Red Cross for operators. Right now we are monitoring communications from NWS - UPTON LI, NY, as well as NWS - MT Holly, NJ - Southern NJ. Also the radio room is alive with scanners and VHF/UHF radios covering communications from all over the NNJ Section. HF radio is also being used by many Shelters and EOC's. So we are ON THE AIR and ready! Thank you all for your prayers and well-wishes. 73, Joyce KA2ANF

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[arrl-odv:21135] Idea to solicit more Member input
by Brian Mileshosky 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

Hi Everyone -- An idea... As we know, members always like being invited to share their thoughts on matters related to their organization. ARRL has the frequent QuickStats poll (http://www.arrl.org/news/new-quickstats-poll-now-available-on-arrl-website- 21) that I don't think is meant purely for entertainment purposes, and major topics such as the past Regulation by Bandwidth have had unique calls for member input, along with a mechanism to provide that input (special email address). ARRL's website has contained a web forum for a while now. How about a devoted "flash poll" section where, for perhaps 72 hours or a week each month, a "What are your thoughts about (insert specific ARRL operations topic, position, or upcoming agenda item here)?" question is opened briefly for member input, and then closed? Seems like an easy way to collect a bunch of opinions, ideas, and constructive criticism quickly, gather an idea of how the membership sides on certain topics, and -- most importantly -- give the membership an additional sense that their input is valued and wanted. Of course there will be some posts that lean far on both sides of any topic. That's unavoidable, but not a compelling reason to avoid using our web forum for this purpose. The risk of public constructive criticism isn't either. Like eHam.net product reviews, one can quickly identify an average position/opinion of that particular product based on the range of posts. That's valuable, and the same would be true in an ARRL poll. One idea, to really get this out there, would be to open this poll during the same time-frame of each month, and advertise the poll and topic in a small table within QST. That way it's promoted with consistency, and available for input consistently. And the beauty is that only ARRL members can post within ARRL forums. Posters are known by callsign, and non-member haters wouldn't be able to dust things up. Seems like a win-win to me: ARRL leadership and staff gains a great deal of ideas and opinions to important topics, and members get the satisfaction of being called to action to openly opine on subjects related to their organization. And the mechanism to make this happen already exists. Your thoughts? 73, Brian N5ZGT ARRL Director, Rocky Mountain Division

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[arrl-odv:21147] ARRL Closing
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 29 Oct '12

29 Oct '12

Due to the approaching storm, the Governor of Connecticut has closed state highways to all but emergency traffic as of 1 pm today. He also closed it to trucks as of 11 am. As such, we will be closing the ARRL HQ building at 11:30 am so that the staff can get home before the road closures take effect. The worst of the winds, at least inland, are predicted for later today through early Tuesday morning. There are significant power outages also being predicted for the state which may extend for several days. We will make decisions about opening the building going forward early each morning as dictated by the conditions at that time. 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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