February 2013 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:21552] NFCC MOU background
by Kay Craigie 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

The EC has authorized an e-mail vote of the Board to authorize me to sign a new MOU between the ARRL and the National Frequency Coordinators Council, Inc. As Secretary, Dave will post the MOU document and the call for the vote early in the coming week. Before that call is sent, I would like to refresh everyone's memory about how we got to this point. At their March, 2012, meeting the EC concluded that it was time to re-negotiate the MOU between the ARRL and the NFCC, starting with a blank piece of paper. The old MOU was so out of date that revising it didn't make sense. The EC authorized an e-mail vote of the Board to approve re-negotiation, and the Board voted unanimously (reported by Dave in arrl-odv:20721) to do that. As background for the Board at the time of that e-mail vote, Dave circulated a backgrounder memo, which I have attached to this message. An item in Dave's memo that has been overtaken by events has to do with payment for Repeater Directory listings and accepting listings from more than one coordinator. The A&F took up that aspect, because it's a business decision. At Minute 16 of the A&F's July 19, 2012, meeting "[t]he sense of the Committee was to continue funding the acquisition of listings from the repeater coordinators. In principle, the Committee wants to keep the financial commitment relatively constant even if there are multiple coordinators from the same region." The intention was to have the new MOU done before the end of last year, but things took longer than anticipated. I am informed by the NFCC president, Mark Stennett NA6M, that the NFCC board has approved the draft MOU that Dave will distribute to you. Our EC has reviewed the document and found it satisfactory. Some of what follows may not make a lot of sense until you have seen the MOU document, so you may want to skim now and read more closely later. Except for the NFCC's self-description, the document was pretty much drafted by the ARRL and presented to the NFCC for their consideration. I did most of the original drafts, which were reviewed and improved all along the way by members of the 2012 and 2013 EC, Dave, Chris, and the Vice Presidents. Their edits, questions, and close attention to the document as it evolved were tremendously valuable. The key working parts of the MOU are the acknowledgements and commitments sections that spell out what the two organizations agree upon and intend to do. It is very significant that the NFCC gives the ARRL every point we asked of them, plus a little. They did not reject anything, including some points that amount to a major change in how the NFCC envisions itself and its role. The ARRL's acknowledgements and commitments make it plain that, contrary to what some coordinators have supposed, the ARRL does not want their job. We also reproduce language that's been in the Repeater Directory as long as I can remember which says that the ARRL recognizes there may be circumstances in which our recommended national band plans don't fit and in that case regionally-developed band plans will prevail. We make a concerted effort to express respect and appreciation for regional frequency coordinators and the work they do. Even though we may get irritated with them sometimes, coordinators are doing difficult and thankless volunteer work, and sometimes they take even more heat from the Amateur community than we do. So please stand by for Dave's message. Thanks very much and 73, Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:21571] Re: NFCC MOU background
by Bill Edgar 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

Aye. "Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ" <dsumner(a)arrl.org> wrote: >ALL DIRECTORS: > >President Craigie has given you the background on the following question >which is presented by the Executive Committee to the Board for mail >vote: > >"Resolved, that the President is authorized to sign the new Memorandum >of Understanding between the ARRL and the National Frequency >Coordinators Council, Inc. The document is identified as 'ARRL-NFCC >Draft MOU 5-February-2013b.doc.'" > >The document is attached. Please let me have your vote, aye or nay, at >your earliest convenience. > >73, >David Sumner, K1ZZ >Secretary > > >_______________________________________________ >arrl-odv mailing list >arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org >http://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv

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[arrl-odv:21569] NFCC MOU
by Dr. David Woolweaver 26 Feb '13

26 Feb '13

I vote aye David, K5RAV

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[arrl-odv:21560] Amateur Allocations at 135.7-137.8 kHz and 1900-2000 kHz; Docket 12-338
by Chris Imlay 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

Greetings. Yesterday, I filed the attached comments in the FCC's docket implementing the WRC-07 Final Acts in the United States. FCC proposed a number of actions, two of which were of substantial interest to us. First, FCC considered (but did not propose) implementing domestically the WRC-07 secondary international allocation of 135.7-137.8 kHz to the Amateur Service. FCC called for comment on the extent of compatibility between Amateur LF operation and utility Power Line Carrier (PLC) systems which operate between 9 and 490 kHz. Second, FCC proposed to elevate the Amateur allocation from secondary to private at 1900-2000 kHz, which removed the "Sword of Damocles" over our heads in the top half of 160 meters, where displaced radiolocation systems were to go when the FCC created the expanded AM broadcast band at 1605-1705 kHz. While this is a good thing, FCC really fouled up the proposed rule language in the appendix to the NPRM, as you will see in the latter part of these comments (paragraphs 27 and 28). Kudos to Dave Sumner for catching this problem when the rest of us all missed it. We had some good intelligence information when putting the final version of these comments together, which helped us address counterarguments that we knew would arise. That is the good news. The bad news is that our antagonist on this, UTC, the utilities telecom council, has roused its utility members to oppose vigorously the Amateur LF proposal in this docket. It is entirely likely that UTC will similarly exhort its members to oppose our (separate) Petition for Rule Making, filed November 29, 2012, which proposes a low-MF allocation at 472-479 kHz (whenever FCC gives that Petition a file number) even though that allocation was made internationally at WRC-12. UTC is taking a hard line, apparently without any hard science to back up their interference allegations. Unfortunately for us, that worked for them in 2003 when the 135.7-137.8 kHz allocation for Amateur Radio was last considered by FCC (prior of course to WRC-07). As to the hard science(which we have and UTC apparently doesn't), please pay particular attention when reviewing this filing to the Annex A. It was expertly prepared by the EMC Committee, led by Kermit Carlson, W9XA. I think you will be impressed upon reading Annex A, as was I. Kermit and Ed Hare did a fine job on this, with help from Brennan Price and Mike Gruber. Thanks on this filing as well to Dave Sumner, President Craigie and Dick Isely for helpful edits. We will have to file strong reply comments, which are due March 27. A number of utilities have already filed in opposition to the Amateur LF allocation and the comment period closes late tonight. So expect another round of filings on this next month. The EC will be reviewing the matter at its upcoming meeting on March 11. 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:21557] Re: Specialized DXCC Browser Requirements?
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

Here is more information on web browsers and the Online DXCC Application. First, it is not now and never has been a requirement to use Firefox. The blog posting was erroneous in that respect and is being corrected. Dick, thanks for pointing that out. Ever since initial beta testing of the Online DXCC Application we have known that it works very slowly with older versions of Internet Explorer (IE 8 and earlier). It works, but the response time is longer than our typical users' level of patience. That situation leads to various and mostly irreproducible user support issues that the staff has to contend with, to the tune of 30-40 calls per week. The recommendation provided on the Online DXCC website has been and continues to be: "You will not be satisfied with the user experience if you interact with this website using Internet Explorer 8 or earlier. You should either upgrade to the current version of Internet Explorer; or if that is not possible you should try using an alternative, modern browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc." So, it is good advice to use Firefox to access the Online DXCC application if you normally use IE 8 or earlier, but it is not the only option. By the way, among visitors to the ARRL website Internet Explorer is still the most popular browser at 37%. Half of these visitors are using IE 9; the other half are still using IE 8 or earlier. Firefox is the next most popular at 26% followed by Google Chrome at 17%. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:21553] Specialized DXCC Browser Requirements?
by Richard J Norton 25 Feb '13

25 Feb '13

Is this really true, or an early April Fools story? Do people really have to install Mozilla Firefox to use this service? http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-blog 73, Dick, N6AA

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[arrl-odv:21551] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

<<022013.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 36, No. 8 February 21, 2013 -- Covers the period February 10-16. Upcoming Meetings and Events Executive Committee: March 9 @ 8:30am - Irving, TX Administration & Finance Committee April 13 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT CEO Office Reported by Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ COO Harold Kramer, WJ1B, was awarded the 2012 Bringing it Home Award on behalf of the ARRL. This Award is given to Connecticut residents by the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. It is awarded to those individuals who help book conventions and meetings in Connecticut venues and hotels. We were given the Award for booking the 2014 Centennial Convention at The Hartford Convention Center. Members of the Centennial Convention Planning Committee attending the ceremony on February 21st included NE Division Director Tom Frenaye, Bob Inderbitzen and Lisa Kustosik. <<Acrobat Document>> Media & Public Relations Reported by Allen Pitts, W1AGP Allen continues to come in 2 mornings a week and cover email from home while also scripting the Centennial video. Notable recent PR events include the unexpected use of ham radio in a Velveeta cheese commercial currently airing on TV. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTeAtPFEuyc and Dr. Kimberly Elmore, N5OP from Norman, Oklahoma on NPR's All Things Considered. Still coming (March?) is the use of ham radio in a Last Man Standing show. We're also working with Ed Perry of WATD FM. Allen met him at the RTDNA conference last fall. Ed is producing a series about Amateur Radio for broadcast talk radio stations. The Public Relations Committee has invited the Centennial Committee to meet together using GoToMeeting on February 27 at 8:00pm. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R We are beginning to plan ARRL's large exhibit area, ARRL EXPO, for this year's Dayton Hamvention. This event makes the most of many staff and ARRL Field Organization volunteers to be successful. An online registration form has been circulated to staff participating as part of this year's ARRL Dayton Team. The same registration information has also been shared with Officers, Directors, Vice Directors, and Section Managers. Questions should be directed to Bob Inderbitzen. The final tallies have been reported for our recent membership exhibits at conventions in Puerto Rico (January) and Orlando (February). In Puerto Rico, we returned with membership applications totaling 95 years; revenues of ~ $3,920. 64% of the applications were from new or previous members. In Orlando, we returned with membership applications totaling 498 membership years, plus 1 new Life Membership application; revenues of ~ $19,668. 18% of the applications were from new or previous members. April QST will feature a variety of new books and supply items, including Ham Radio for Arduino and PICAXE, Radio Science for the Radio Amateur, The ARRL Repeater Directory(r) (pocket and desktop editions), TravelPlus for Repeaters CD-ROM(tm) and 2013 ARRL Field Day gear (pins, t-shirts, hats, etc.). Now Shipping: W1AW 75th Anniversary Challenge Coin. Membership emailings with a Valentine's Day theme returned nearly 100 membership applications. Diane Petrilli participated in conference call with members of PSC subcommittee. A handful of membership promotions have been updated for the following items: ARRL General Class License Manual, Instructor's Manual, and exam session handouts. A new version of the membership renewal notice is being tested. Messaging on the ARRL membership card mailing has been updated to encourage members to become involved: sign up for e-newsletters, find a local club, and to "keep learning" by checking out ARRL's continuing education programs and publications. The mailing also highlights the digital QST benefit and QST app. Summary of Sales and Marketing Department telephone group (reported by Amy Hurtado): Week of Phone calls Per hour Average wait Complete without transfer 2/4/2013 897 21 39 seconds 76% 2/11/2013 1,091 24 40 seconds 85% Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity (reported by Steve Capodicasa): Week of Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 2/11/2013 869 738 Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 6 Weeks Field Organization/Public Service Team Laura Smith from the FCC gave a nice report about Official Observers and the importance they play in assisting the FCC at the Orlando Convention. She stressed her support to any Official Observer who received harsh comments due to an advisory sent in trying to alert an amateur of possible problems. One radio amateur from Eastern Washington completed requirements to become an Official Observer this past week. Chuck Skolaut compiled and sent the monthly Official Observer summary to all OOs, OOCs, and Section Managers. A South Texas Official Observer forwarded a nice report back regarding an advisory he had sent. Information about a case that involves a CB operator who allegedly is using high power and causing interference to 10 meter Amateur Radio operation in Missouri was received at HQ and forwarded to the FCC. The FCC is following up. Questions this week involved recording amateur transmissions, operating overseas, and complaints about operations on 3840 kHz and 14313 kHz. Peter Stohrer, K1PJS, of Concord, New Hampshire, has been nominated to run for New Hampshire Section Manager. Nominations for this election cycle are due at ARRL Headquarters by March 8, and the new term of office begins July 1. Leona Adams also received and processed a number of Field Organization appointments and updates from Section Managers. Field Organization Reports representing January activity from around the country were received by at HQ and these reports were compiled for the column in April QST. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All staff 3/29 Holiday Steve Ford 3/4 PTO Bob Inderbitzen 3/20-3/21 MAKE Media, Sebastopol, CA `` 3/22-3/24 RadioFest, Monterey, CA `` 3/25-3/26 PTO `` 4/4-4/6 AES Superfest, Milwaukee, WI Zack Lau 3/7-3/12 PTO Diane Petrilli 3/9-3/13 ASAE Conference, Colorado Springs, CO Barry Shelley 2/20-2/22 PTO

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[arrl-odv:21550] Due March 30: ARRL Team registration for Dayton Hamvention: http://www.arrl.org/Dayton-Hamvention-ARRL-Team-Registration
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

It's coming up to that time again. This is from Bob Inderbitzen Regards/73, Harold ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------------- To: ARRL Officers, Directors and Vice Directors attending Dayton Hamvention, May 17-19, 2013 We are beginning to plan ARRL's large exhibit area, ARRL EXPO, for this year's Dayton Hamvention. This event makes the most of many staff and ARRL Field Organization volunteers to be successful. ARRL Board officials may volunteer as part of the big ARRL Dayton Team. Volunteers will each receive an ARRL exhibitor's badge (in lieu of purchasing a Hamvention ticket), lunch on Friday and Saturday, and ARRL team shirts. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete and submit this online registration form by March 30: http://www.arrl.org/Dayton-Hamvention-ARRL-Team-Registration. The online registration form will help us organize room reservations, badges, apparel and staffing for the event. Even if your plans are not entirely committed, please complete the form with your tentative information so we can develop counts for hotel bookings. The registration form should not be shared with anyone else. If you have a spouse, partner, or other family member accompanying you-and they're interested in volunteering with you-please have them complete a registration form, too (be sure they mention your participation, so we can associate their registration with your own). This year's hotel rooming block is again at the Courtyard Marriott Dayton <http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dayud-courtyard-dayton-university -of-dayton/> - University of Dayton, 2006 Edwin C Moses Boulevard * Dayton, Ohio 45417. You must provide a credit card for booking: Single (King) - $129, Double - $134; plus taxes (currently ~ 13%). Includes 1 breakfast per room and Internet. Please note: Travel expenses for this event are not reimbursable (with the exception of the local Director and Vice Director). Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact me if you have any questions. Exhibit and Program Organizers: Radiosport/DXCC - David Patton, NN1N Public Service - Ken Bailey, K1FUG W1AW 75th Anniversary Exhibit - Norm Fusaro, W3IZ QST - Digital Edition - Magdalena Owczarska, W1MGZ Youth Activities - Megan McClellan, K5MEM VEC - Amanda Grimaldi, KB1VUV ARRL News & Publications - Steve Ford, WB8IMY Business Services / Advertising - Deb Jahnke, K1DAJ Education - Mark Spencer, WA8SME Lab - Bob Allison, WB1GCM Sales & Membership - Amy Hurtado, KB1NXO TravelPlus - Al Ambrose, N8DHF Development - Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD and Mary Hobart, K1MMH ARRL EXPO Coordinator - Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R 73, Bob, NQ1R ________________________________ Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R - Marketing Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio(r) 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA Telephone: (860) 594-0213 FAX: (860) 594-0303 email: expo(a)arrl.org web: www.arrl.org <http://www.arrl.org/>

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[arrl-odv:21549] 5 GHz NPRM
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 21 Feb '13

21 Feb '13

Back on January 29 I mentioned that the FCC had not yet adopted an NPRM with respect to the proposed additional 190MHz for 5 GHz WiFi, including the 5850-5925 MHz where we are now secondary to federal radiolocation and the Intelligent Transportation Service. The NPRM is now out and is attached. Note in particular paragraphs 88-94. Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:21548] Jim Millsap, WB4NWS update
by Greg Sarratt 20 Feb '13

20 Feb '13

Jim tells me that he is improving daily from 5 by passes heart surgery and he will be in the hospital 2 more days. Thank you for your concerns. 73, Greg Sarratt, W4OZK Director, Southeastern Division American Radio Relay League www.southeastern.arrl.org

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