December 2012 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:21328] Formal Call for 2013 Annual Board Meeting
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

December 13, 2012 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING ALL DIRECTORS: In compliance with the requirements of the Articles of Association and the relevant provisions of the Bylaws, the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of The American Radio Relay League, Incorporated, is hereby called for 9:00 A.M., Friday, January 18, 2013, at the Renaissance Pere Marquette at 817 Common St., New Orleans, Louisiana. I am circulating this Notice a few days earlier than usual because I will be out of the country from tomorrow until the evening of December 19. Arrangements have been made for a group dinner on the Thursday evening preceding: attitude adjustment at 5:30 P.M. and dinner at 6:00 P.M. The timing of these arrangements on Thursday may be subject to change. Other group meals are Friday and Saturday breakfast and lunch, and Friday dinner. Note that there will be a cash bar, not an open bar, prior to the dinners. Purchases from the cash bar are not reimbursable. We expect the meeting will conclude by 5:00 P.M. on Saturday. A group photograph will be taken on Friday after the luncheon break; the dress code for that occasion is business attire (for men, jackets and ties). Honorary vice presidents, directors emeritus, past presidents, and past directors are invited to attend in observer status at personal expense. Vice directors are authorized to attend with expenses charged to the Board Meeting account. Cash advances are available upon request for those traveling at League expense. Transportation from and to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is by taxi or shuttle (not provided by the hotel). The taxi fare is $32.00 one way for up to 2 people. For more than 2 people there is a flat rate of $14.99 per person. By airport shuttle the rate is $38.00 per person round trip, but the shuttle is likely to make multiple stops. An accommodation form accompanies this Notice; please return the form or respond by email as soon as possible, and in any case by December 28, to Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ, at HQ: lkustosik(a)arrl.org. Accompanying spouses are invited to attend breakfast and dinner with the Board family. The tentative agenda for the meeting will be circulated separately by email. As of now there are no proposals for amendments to the Articles of Association or Bylaws that have been brought to the attention of the Secretary. Please note the provisions of Article 10: These articles may be amended by a three fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall have been placed in the mail to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two thirds vote of all Directors. The Board of Directors may from time to time adopt Bylaws not inconsistent with the Articles and applicable statutes. Bylaws may be amended by a three fourths vote of all Directors, or, provided due notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to each Director at least thirty days in advance, by a two thirds vote of all Directors. Notices shall be sent by First Class mail or electronic mail to the last known address to each Director. A notice of a proposed amendment distributed either via arrl-odv(a)arrl.org or arrl-od(a)arrl.org no later than December 19 would meet the advance notice requirement. Bylaw 45 requires that the President, all Vice-Presidents, the Treasurer, all Directors and all Vice-Directors shall annually sign a statement which affirms that such person: (i) has received a copy of the current conflict of interest policy; (ii) has read and understands the policy; (iii) has agreed to comply with the policy; and (iv) understands that the Association is a non-profit organization and that in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes. A form to accomplish this affirmation will be distributed along with the meeting agenda. It is requested that insofar as possible, motions to be submitted at the meeting be prepared in advance in writing so that a copy can be handed to the Secretary at the time of presentation. It is important that the motion as handed to the Secretary be the same as that submitted for Board consideration. While we will have word-processing and duplicating capability at the meeting site, this should not replace advance preparation. If you wish to have a proposed motion circulated in advance, either send it to me as soon as possible or post it on the Board's electronic remailer. Please also note Standing Order 30: "Each Director offering a motion requiring the expenditure of funds for implementation shall include with the motion his [or her] estimate of the costs involved and the suggested method of funding those costs." Also note Minute 42 of the 2004 Annual Meeting: "Any motion to create or substantially modify a program or activity shall include documentation of the expected revenue and expense generated by the proposed program or activity." Finally, meeting attendees are advised that the proceedings will be recorded electronically. Sincerely, David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary

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[arrl-odv:21327] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

<<121212.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 35, No. 50 December 12, 2012 -- Covers the period December 2-8. Upcoming Meetings and Events Administration & Finance Committee January 17 @ 8:30am in New Orleans, LA Programs & Services Committee January 17 @ 9:00am in New Orleans, LA Annual Board Meeting January 18-19, 2013 @ 9:00am in New Orleans, LA Development Reported by Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD Additional end of year e-blasts are planned for this week and the last week of December featuring the $10 Donor Rewards Certificate if they make a gift to any ARRL Fund of $50 or more. To date: The Diamond Club has raised $229,971 from 1,194 donors and is currently at 78% of the goal for 2012. The Spectrum Defense Fund has raised $304,122 from 2,471 donors and is currently at81% of goal. The W1AW Endowment Campaign has raised $54,303 in contributions from 875 donors and is at 70% of goal. The Education & Technology Program has raised $68,659 from 647 donors and $109,000 toward TI gifts. Two additional gifts toward TI are expected by the end of the year. We are at 106% of goal. The Second Century Campaign (SCC) has reached $3.86 million in cash and commitments. Committee members are actively cultivating key prospects and are receiving positive indications of commitments to come in 2013. There is some concern about the impact of decision to be made in Washington this month, or later. The SCC leadership and committee is scheduled to determine the public goal by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Vintage Amateur Equipment Exhibit Bob Allison and Steve Ford produced a three minute video about our Vintage Amateur Equipment Exhibit. Bob created a new web page on our web site featuring this video and a link to it will be provided in Mike Marinaro's article about the ARRL Historical Committee's work in February, 2013 QST. http://www.arrl.org/arrl-vintage-amateur-radio-equipment-exhibit Product Review Bob Allison started the testing of three, high power, balanced, manual antenna tuners. The first one failed and is being shipped back to the factory, so Bob has moved onto the second tuner. Bob Allison and Steve Ford produced two Product Review Videos for February, 2013 Digital QST. The videos were of a solid state, 100 Watt Linear Amplifier and a low cost, high performance spectrum analyzer. The spectrum analyzer review is a first for QST, since this is the first instrument of this type that is affordable for the serious experimenter. Bob Allison completed testing of a medium priced HF/6 meter transceiver. Test data and Bob's comments were passed along to the Product Review Editor. The HF transceiver and HF power amplifier tested the previous week were then handed off to the reviewer. Radio Frequency Interference Mike Gruber completed putting conducted emissions data for bulbs into graphs for a Word document. Mike Gruber participated in a Webinar meeting for the EMC Committee. Mike completed a review of the ARRL Handbook Chapter on RFI. Web Zack Lau did some research on quick and easy half-tone scanning of QST photos to improve the web archive. Publications The lab had a meeting with Ward Silver to discuss the Troubleshooting Chapter in the ARRL Handbook. Mike Gruber reviewed a potential QST article. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Happy Birthday" Member postcards have been updated with a brand new design for 2013. These have been a hit! In November, sales generated from members redeeming birthday coupons totaled over $14,000. An email follow-up to recipients of the "ARRL Holiday Gift Guide" mailing was distributed Friday. It was sent to all those who have not yet placed an order and are subscribed to received publication promotions by email. Flyers featuring the 2013 ARRL Handbook and The Amateur Radio Public Service Handbook were mailed Thursday/Friday last week to selected segments of our mailing lists. Now Shipping: Radios to Go! Getting the Most from Your Handheld Transceiver by Steve Ford, WB8IMY. This book was promoted by email when it arrived in-stock on Thursday, and generated over 175 individual orders for the book overnight. Amy Hurtado and Deb Jahnke attended a quarterly conference call with QST's printer RR Donnelley. The call was an opportunity to review contracted details for 2013: CPI, paper, postage and ink, and options for reducing costs associated with paper and distribution. A meeting to review our shipping volume with FEDEX yielded some interesting statistics for packages shipped in 2012 (through 11/22/12)... ...29% distributed to the Western Region with CA having the largest state volume ...27% distributed to the Southern Region with TX having the largest state volume ...26% distributed Central Region with OH having the largest state volume ...18% distributed to the Northeast Overall, our shipping volume is consistent with 2011 data. On Thursday, December 6, a "thank you" luncheon was held for 23 HQ volunteer tour guides and other building volunteers. We're grateful for all the ways our volunteers help represent ARRL to visitors, and for the variety of ways these dedicated members support the staff team around the building. A handful of targeted e-mails have been sent, soliciting ARRL membership. Appeals were emailed to November expirees, December expirees, lapsed members, website "GUEST" users, prospective hams, and recent license upgrades. In addition, responses to a large membership campaign conducted by mail are just beginning to come in. A membership appeal is being designed for January. The campaign will test some newly designed mailing pieces. Summary of Sales and Marketing Department telephone group (reported by Amy Hurtado): Week of Phone calls Per hour Average wait Complete without transfer 12/2/12 1,131 25 1.38 min* 83% *The average caller wait time is higher than typical this week, as the phone system was mistakenly not switched over to the after-hours answering service on December 6. Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity (reported by Steve Capodicasa): Week of Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 12/2/12 955 607 Congratulations to Membership Manager Diane Petrilli, KB1RNF on earning her Amateur Extra Class license upgrade, and to Amy Hurtado, KB1NXO and Jackie Ferreira, KB1PWB on their upgrades to General Class. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 4 Weeks Field Organization/Public Service Team In advance of the December 7th receipt deadline, Leona Adams received a petition nominating Robert McCaffrey, K0CY, of Boone, Iowa, to run for Iowa Section Manager. Upon learning this news, Iowa Section Manager Tom Brehmer, N0LOH, decided to withdraw his petition to run for a third term of office. Since no other petitions from Iowa arrived before the receipt deadline, Robert McCaffrey, K0CY, will assume the position as Iowa Section Manager as of April 1, 2013. Robert Spencer, KE8DM, of Yuma, Arizona, will become the new Arizona Section Manager starting in April 2013 since no other nominating petitions were submitted. Tom Fagan, K7DF, who has served as the SM of Arizona since 2005, decided not to run for a new term of office. Incumbent Kentucky Section Manager Jim Brooks, KY4Z, was nominated to run for another term as Section Manager. Since no other petitions arrived from Kentucky, he will begin his fourth term as SM in April. Other incumbents that do not face opposition for new terms starting in April include Carl Gardenias, WU6D, Orange; Dale Temple, W5RXU, Arkansas; Garth Crowe, N7XKT, Wyoming; Malcolm Keown, W5XX, Mississippi; and Walt Mayfield, KE5SOO, North Texas. There will be a Section Manager election taking place in Montana this winter. Incumbent Doug Dunn, K7YD, of Livingston, and George Forsyth, AA7GS, of Great Falls, are running for the position. One radio amateur from Washington requested to join the ARRL Monitoring Service/Intruder Watch and was approved by the Division Director. Reminders were sent out to the various sectors regarding the International Humanitarian Award nomination period ending on December 31st. An Ohio station reported unlicensed operation on 3516 kHz USB. Questions handled involved Armed Forces cross band day, operating overseas, technician class licensees connecting to 10 meter FM repeaters via links, the 40 meter QRP calling frequency, and the band plans in Central and South America. Chuck Skolaut also conducted one code practice run at W1AW. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations Holiday 12/24-12/25 Holiday Joe Carcia 12/20pm PTO Lauren Clarke 12/26-12/31 PTO Steve Capodicasa 12/14 PTO `` 1/16 PTO Jackie Ferreira 12/31 PTO Steve Ford 12/20-1/2 PTO Scott Gee 12/21-12/26 PTO Dan Henderson 12/17-1/7 PTO Mary Hobart 12/26 PTO Amy Hurtado 12/17-12/21 PTO Gail Iannone 12/21-12/31 PTO Bob Inderbitzen 12/14 PTO `` 12/26-12/31 PTO Debra Johnson 12/26-12/27 PTO Khrystyne Keane 12/14 PTO `` 12/21-31 PTO Harold Kramer 12/26-1/2 PTO Maryann Macdonald 12/26-28 PTO Nathan McCray 12/28 PTO Diane Petrilli 12/14 PTO `` 12/21 PTO `` 12/31 PTO Barry Shelley 12/17-12/19 PTO Dave Sumner 12/14-12/19 Business Travel `` 12/26 PTO `` 12/31-1/2 PTO

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[arrl-odv:21326] K1ZZ Travel to Qatar
by dick＠pobox.com 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

13 DEC 2012 - 1406 CST Hello Dave... I wish you a boring (pleasant and on time) round trip to Qatar and success in your efforts to build a continuing positive personal and IARU relationship with your hosts. - Dick Isely, W9GIG

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[arrl-odv:21325] K1ZZ travel
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 13 Dec '12

13 Dec '12

In late November I received an invitation, including the promise of a plane ticket and accommodation, from the Qatar Amateur Radio Society to attend an international Amateur Radio event to be held in conjunction with Qatar National Day on December 18. After consulting with President Craigie and International Affairs Vice President Bellows (who attended a QARS event in April 2010) it was agreed that I should accept. The Arab states are the most difficult for the IARU to influence and we can never have enough friends there. It took until noon today for everything to fall into place but I now have a ticket to Doha and back, leaving tomorrow and returning next Wednesday. IARU Region 2 Secretary Ramon Santoyo, XE1KK, will also be among the small group of international guests in Doha. Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:21323] 2013 Mileage Reimbursements
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 12 Dec '12

12 Dec '12

The IRS recently announced the standard mileage rates to be used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable purposes in 2013. Longstanding ARRL policy states that we use the business rate determined by the IRS as the rate for reimbursement of mileage incurred by staff and volunteers in service to the organization. Accordingly, the rate for reimbursement for mileage incurred in 2013 will be $0.565 per mile. This is up $0.01 from the rate in 2012. For those interested, the mileage rate used for calculating deductions for charitable purposes remains at $0.14 per mile. I've attached a revised expense reimbursement report form that should be used for travel expenses incurred in 2013 which incorporates the new rate. Please let me know if you have any questions. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc-The National Association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/> Phone: (860) 594-0212 E-mail: bshelley(a)arrl.org <mailto:bshelley@arrl.org>

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[arrl-odv:21320] LoTW Status Updates on ARRL Website
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 11 Dec '12

11 Dec '12

Hi, We added some additional information to the LoTW pages web pages late this afternoon. Here is the information about these changes that I posted on the LoTW blog page. --------------------------------------------- LoTW's status in http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world <http://mymail.arrl.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arrl.org/logboo…> will be updated daily to convey information of interest to the user community, including planned downtime and changes that will impact operations. In addition, the state of LoTW's processing queue is now updated hourly in http://www.arrl.org/logbook-queue-status <http://mymail.arrl.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.arrl.org/logboo…> . Updated hardware to improve LoTW's throughput is on order and expected in six to eight weeks. We appreciate the user community's patience while we while work to bring LoTW's performance to an acceptable level. Harold Kramer WJ1B ARRL COO ---------------------------------------------------------------- We'll put out a news story about it tomorrow on our website. I wanted to get it to you in advance so you could direct people to the information. In case you were not aware, the updated hardware was approved by the A & F Committee at their meeting. Barry Shelley and Mike Keane made the presentation to the Committee about the hardware upgrade. Also, thanks to Volunteer, Dave Bernstein, AA6YQ, for his help and contribution so far with this LoTW upgrade project. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B Chief Operating Officer ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington , CT 06111 860 594 0220 www.arrl.org

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[arrl-odv:21321] SK Policy for DXCC Listings
by James F. Boehner MD 11 Dec '12

11 Dec '12

Harold, et al., Offering my opinion, the current system of retaining SK's on the DXCC roll is a good one. It truly does leave a legacy for the ham that has achieved DXCC status and makes that achievement all the more valuable. It would be preferable that the SK's call could remain on the list in some manner, even if their call is reassigned afterwards. I see that has been accomplished using both call and name on the A-1 operator lists. Perhaps a similar system could be used for DXCC, now that data is kept electronically. We all know that the SK issue is a potential mine field. Documentation is never complete, and people get very touchy when they are reported as an SK, and they are not(!). I remember that Maria is handling the SK database, and there are documentation requirements prior to adding to that database. There should be some way of the databases communicating with each other. After this is in place, I'm sure there will still be complaints that someone is not listed as an SK on the DXCC list. If that is the case, they can be referred to the department that handles the SK database, and offered the opportunity to aid in supplying the documentation. As far as the VE program, I suppose there could be an active and inactive list, so that those who volunteered as VE's would also have a legacy. Hopefully this database could communicate with the SK database as well. As far as other awards/appointments and legacies, that would be up for debate. Fortunately, listings on the web are not as restricted as in the print edition of QST. '73 de JIM N2ZZ ARRL Vice Director Roanoke Division From: arrl-odv-bounces(a)reflector.arrl.org [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Kramer, Harold, WJ1B Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 10:17 AM To: arrl-odv Cc: Moore, Bill, NC1L (ARRL Awards Branch); Patton, David NN1N Subject: [arrl-odv:21319] SK Policy for DXCC Listings Hi, Here is my response to Director Norton's questions. These are issues that we are, regrettably, going to have to grapple with more and more. Harold ------------------------------------------------ From: Dick Norton: 1) I just had an inquiry from a member asking about the ARRL's policy regarding listing of callsigns on the DXCC Honor Roll that are Silent Keys. The DCXX lists include only call signs. A reasonable number of the 6th call-area DXCC Honor Roll members have passed away, and others now hold the call signs. 2) I notice the same thing on the list of A-1 Operators. However, since these are identified not only by callsign, but also include name, there should not be any confusion. 3) The same situation probably exists on the VE list. I did not have an answer regarding the DXCC list question. Do we have a policy? If so, what is it ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I asked Bill Moore about this. While we do not have a formal policy, according to Bill, he has never had any reason to immediately delete SKs for the DXCC list. He believes that keeping them on the list is a nice way for friends and family to remember amateurs who have passed away. Also, with DXCC lists now published on the website, limited print space is no longer a consideration. While Bill does have access to the SK files, there is no automatic method to delete those Amateurs who are SK unless he has personal knowledge of the situation or someone brings it to his attention. He notes that there is one specific instance when he removes an SK's callsign and that is when the callsign is reissued. Bill said that it is important to update the DXCC database in this instance, because if we do not, we run the risk of adding the past record to the new callsign holder. This has happened, but it is rare. He believes that there are a number of people on the current DXCC list who are SK's. If he is alerted that someone on the list is SK, he verifies the information and updates the file. He also notes that the DXCC list is a recognition of someone's life long achievement and wiping it out with the push of a button just "does not feel right" to him. The SK's QSL data is retained for historical purposes even if it is removed from the published list. While you did not ask specifically about LoTW, you should be aware that we do not delete LoTW data because QSO records are retained for matching purposes. Bill and Dave Patton are currently working on creating of a list of SKs and their final DXCC numbers and we hope to publish this information on the website apart from the daily DXCC listings. The same unofficial policy applies to the A-1 Operator Award. On the A-1 Operator Club Roster, as Dick correctly points out, we do list names and we also put an "SK" next to their callsign if we know that an Amateur is SK. For Volunteer Examiners, we disable their record if we are alerted to the fact that they are SK. If we are alerted by the FCC that an Amateur has been deleted from their database, then they are automatically removed as a Volunteer Examiner. 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:21319] SK Policy for DXCC Listings
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 10 Dec '12

10 Dec '12

Hi, Here is my response to Director Norton's questions. These are issues that we are, regrettably, going to have to grapple with more and more. Harold ------------------------------------------------ From: Dick Norton: 1) I just had an inquiry from a member asking about the ARRL's policy regarding listing of callsigns on the DXCC Honor Roll that are Silent Keys. The DCXX lists include only call signs. A reasonable number of the 6th call-area DXCC Honor Roll members have passed away, and others now hold the call signs. 2) I notice the same thing on the list of A-1 Operators. However, since these are identified not only by callsign, but also include name, there should not be any confusion. 3) The same situation probably exists on the VE list. I did not have an answer regarding the DXCC list question. Do we have a policy? If so, what is it ---------------------------------------------------------------------- I asked Bill Moore about this. While we do not have a formal policy, according to Bill, he has never had any reason to immediately delete SKs for the DXCC list. He believes that keeping them on the list is a nice way for friends and family to remember amateurs who have passed away. Also, with DXCC lists now published on the website, limited print space is no longer a consideration. While Bill does have access to the SK files, there is no automatic method to delete those Amateurs who are SK unless he has personal knowledge of the situation or someone brings it to his attention. He notes that there is one specific instance when he removes an SK's callsign and that is when the callsign is reissued. Bill said that it is important to update the DXCC database in this instance, because if we do not, we run the risk of adding the past record to the new callsign holder. This has happened, but it is rare. He believes that there are a number of people on the current DXCC list who are SK's. If he is alerted that someone on the list is SK, he verifies the information and updates the file. He also notes that the DXCC list is a recognition of someone's life long achievement and wiping it out with the push of a button just "does not feel right" to him. The SK's QSL data is retained for historical purposes even if it is removed from the published list. While you did not ask specifically about LoTW, you should be aware that we do not delete LoTW data because QSO records are retained for matching purposes. Bill and Dave Patton are currently working on creating of a list of SKs and their final DXCC numbers and we hope to publish this information on the website apart from the daily DXCC listings. The same unofficial policy applies to the A-1 Operator Award. On the A-1 Operator Club Roster, as Dick correctly points out, we do list names and we also put an "SK" next to their callsign if we know that an Amateur is SK. For Volunteer Examiners, we disable their record if we are alerted to the fact that they are SK. If we are alerted by the FCC that an Amateur has been deleted from their database, then they are automatically removed as a Volunteer Examiner. 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:21317] Notes of EC teleconference
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 09 Dec '12

09 Dec '12

Notes of Teleconference ARRL Executive Committee November 29, 2012 The members of the ARRL Executive Committee participated in a teleconference on Thursday evening, November 29, 2012 for the purpose of reviewing the FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making in WT Docket No. 12-283 and beginning the formulation of the ARRL's response to the proposals contained therein. The teleconference began at 9:03 PM EST. President Kay Craigie, N3KN presided over the discussions. Also present were First Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR; Chief Executive Officer and Secretary David Sumner, K1ZZ; Directors Cliff Ahrens, KØCA, Jim Fenstermaker, K9JF, George R. Isely, W9GIG, Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT, and Dr. David Woolweaver, K5RAV; Second Vice President Bruce Frahm, KØBJ; International Affairs Vice President Jay Bellows, KØQB; and General Counsel Christopher D. Imlay, W3KD. Mr. Fenstermaker was on a mobile phone and could not remain connected for the entire duration of the teleconference. In addition to various amendments to the rules governing examinations and license renewals, the FCC has proposed to permit phone emissions with the emission designator FXE and data emissions with the emission designator FXD. The Commission requested comment on whether any other specific emission types should be permitted. Mr. Imlay noted that amateurs also needed authorization to use F7E emission. It was agreed to include this point in the ARRL's draft comments. If additional emission types are suggested by other commenters they can be addressed in reply comments. Discussion then proceeded to the proposals related to examinations and license renewals. Directors and vice directors had been asked to provide the Executive Committee with input based on member feedback and their own assessments, and several had done so. This input was considered along with that gathered by teleconference participants and their own observations. The general feeling reflected in most of the input was that the existing Volunteer Examiner program was working and did not need "fixing." Similarly, while reinstating expired licenses without re-examination would benefit some individuals there was no compelling need for a change. However, some changes would be acceptable. Examination credit for expired licenses: Moderate, but not strong, opposition was reported to be the prevailing membership attitude and was also the sense of the group. Some membership support for the principle was expressed but administrative difficulties are recognized to be considerable, particularly if Volunteer Examiners are going to be called upon to evaluate the validity of various old documents with which they may not be familiar. Certificates of Successful Completion of Examinations (CSCEs) are handwritten and subject to alteration, and the copies submitted to VECs are not retained indefinitely. It may be difficult or impossible to objectively verify the documentation someone might present, especially in the field. Granting lifetime credit for exam elements and/or CSCEs would be burdensome on both VEs and VECs. Chances of fraud and mistakes would be significant. If expired licenses are to be eligible for reinstatement, it must be determined whether this should extend to Advanced and Novice licenses, including those that were non-renewable when originally granted. Opposition to a lifetime operator license was not as strong as to granting exam credit on the basis of old CSCEs, but this would require that the FCC treat operator and station licenses differently. A lifetime station license would take desirable call signs out of the available pool indefinitely. Grace period: Membership support for reducing, extending, and maintaining the existing two-year grace period was reported. No strong rationale for a change was identified. Window for filing renewal application: While this is not included in the FCC's proposals, Director Norton raised the question of why renewal applications cannot be submitted earlier than 90 days prior to expiration. Mr. Imlay observed that it might be a problem to get software rewritten. After discussion it was agreed to include in the ARRL's comments a proposal to expand the window to begin six months prior to expiration. If this can be achieved there would be even less reason to lengthen the grace period. Burdensome to require renewal every ten years? President Craigie posed the question of whether it is burdensome on amateurs to require the timely filing of a renewal application every ten years. The conclusion was that it is not. Reduction in required number of Volunteer Examiners at an exam session: While a couple of directors had indicated that a reduction from three to two in the number of Volunteer Examiners required to be present at an exam session would be acceptable, others were strongly opposed. The interview of Laura Smith that appears in December 2012 QST includes the following quote: Surprisingly, the numbers of potentially actionable complaints has remained fairly consistent over the past four years. The only area that has seen a marked increase is the area of cheating on amateur exams. The VECs have reported multiple cases to the Commission this year already. This is an increase from past years where we might receive one such complaint during the course of a year. I am not sure why there has been such a significant rise in the area of cheating on exams; but I strongly commend the VECs for their vigilance in this year and encourage them to keep up the good work. It was observed that this is inconsistent with the idea of reducing the required number of VEs. There are other potential ways to increase exam opportunities in remote locations, if needed - although generally there is no shortage of exam opportunities. It was concluded that the ARRL should oppose this change. Remote proctoring of exams: While the need was recognized for amateur exams to be proctored remotely on rare occasion, such as in Antarctica, it was generally felt that this should continue to be done by waiver rather than by a change in the Part 97 rules. The need has not been quantified, so there is insufficient reason for such a sweeping change in the rules. The ARRL's comments should oppose incorporating remote proctoring into the rules because of the difficulty of ensuring adequate supervision but support the continued use of waivers as required. Waivers should rarely be granted for exams to be conducted without at least one accredited Volunteer Examiner physically present on site. Proposed elimination of the "paperwork upgrade" for pre-1987 Technicians to General Class: The committee concluded that this rule should not be eliminated. It does no harm and there are still some, admittedly not many, who continue to make use of the opportunity. Mr. Imlay was asked to prepare draft comments reflecting the results of the evening's discussions. The Executive Committee will review the draft and make its recommendations to the Board, bearing in mind the comment deadline of December 24 and Mr. Imlay's scheduled vacation December 8-16. The teleconference was concluded at 10:50 PM EST. David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary

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[arrl-odv:21315] FW: New Upgrades
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 07 Dec '12

07 Dec '12

I thought that ODV would like to know about our latest staff license upgrades Congratulations to these new General Class Licensees: Lauren Clarke- KB1YDD Becky Schoenfeld- W1BXY Jackie Ferreira - KB1PWB Amy Hurtado - KB1NXO And, thanks to Nathan, their General Class Instructor. Congratulations to Diane Petrilli, KB1RNF, on achieving her Extra Class License. Good job all. 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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