August 2013 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:21965] LightSquared in the news
by Kermit Carlson 30 Aug '13

30 Aug '13

Hello All; Here is a short link to an article in the Dow Jones News about LightSquared. Interesting background to the move the sell their assets since it was determined that their system would cause intereference to GPS - the article does mention that "... The FCC has done further testing of LightSquared's network and is currently considering whether to approve the company's application to share some of the government's spectrum and modify its licenses. Such an approval would allow LightSquared to deploy some of its network quickly while it waits for approval on other parts of it. ..." I wonder to which portion of the spectrum they are looking to deploy it's modified licenses? Here is a link to the story http://www.nasdaq.com/article/lightsquared-to-explore-sale-of-assets-201308… http://www.nasdaq.com/article/lightsquared-to-explore-sale-of-assets-201308… Happy Labor Day ! 73, Kermit W9XA

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[arrl-odv:21964] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 30 Aug '13

30 Aug '13

IN-Newsletter Vol. 36, No. 33 August 21, 2013 -- Covers the period August 11-17. Upcoming Meetings and Events Executive Committee: October 5 @ 8:30am - Denver, CO Director/Vice Director Elections November 15 LoTW Study Committee November 15 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee November 16 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT CEO Office The office will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Have a safe Holiday weekend! Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 1 Week Logbook Processing Time 3-5 Business Days W1AW Joe Williams - who owns and operates Joe Williams Painting Company - was on hand to paint the upstairs conference room. He and his workers repaired and painted the ceiling, painted all the walls leading down to the side door and all the trim. The work was completed in four (4) days. In the previous week, Joe assisted Mike Gruber in presenting to engineers from Eaton Corporation the arc breaker text bed and the issues with breakers tripping in the present of RF. Joe also processed three Qualifying Run certificates. He updated the web code practice files and the CW practice source pages. He processed regular QSL cards and W1AW/0 card requests. He also cleared the area in the upstairs conference in preparation for painting. Field Organization/Public Service Team Leona Adams received a nominating petition for Pacific Section Manager Bob Schneider, AH6J, to run for a new term of office that begins in the spring of next year. In the meantime, the upcoming fall Section Manager election cycle's nomination period concludes on September 6. Thanks to the editors of the ARES E-Letter, the ARRL Letter and the ARRL Web's News page, the announcement has been made that nominations are now open for the George Hart Distinguished Service Award. A couple of names have already been placed into nomination. The receipt deadline for these award nominations are due on November 1, and they should be sent to Dave Patton or Steve Ewald. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 9/2 Holiday Steve Capodicasa 9/3 PTO `` 11/25-11/27 PTO Joe Carcia 9/27 PTO `` 10/14 PTO Steve Ford 9/5 PTO Scott Gee 10/4-10/7 PTO Mike Gruber 9/30-10/4 PTO Zack Lau 9/23-9/27 PTO Diane Petrilli 9/20-9/30 PTO Dave Sumner 8/21-9/8 PTO `` 9/20-9/28 IARU Region 2 Conference, Cancun, Mexico

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[arrl-odv:21963] Centennial QSO Party and W1AW portable
by Kay Craigie 28 Aug '13

28 Aug '13

David Patton and other members of Staff are putting the finishing touches on the Centennial QSO Party, which will last throughout 2014. I don't believe the art work for the certificates has been done yet. He wrote to me, "I have been announcing the QSO Party at events with directions to watch the web. Response has been energetic. Ops enjoyed the Diamond DXCC and want something to do like this again." I hope everyone in the Board family will participate in the QSO Party event. W1AW will be operated portable from around the country during the centennial year. David reports that hosts and stations have been signed up for about 35 states so far. I don't have the list of states. If you have questions / suggestions about W1AW portable host stations, perhaps in your Division, please contact David directly. The Board's mandate to seek Congressional backing for W100AW has not been forgotten. As soon as Dave is back from vacation, we will kick this into high gear. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:21958] Petition for Rule Making Filed; 10 GHz Band Threatened.
by Chris Imlay 27 Aug '13

27 Aug '13

Some alert ARRL members in Tom Frenaye's Division spotted and brought to his attention the attached Petition for Rule Making that was filed May 1, 2013 by Mimosa Networks, Inc. of Los Gatos, CA (a wireless broadband products manufacturer). The petition seeks a Part 90 mobile allocation in the 10.000-10.500 GHz band, and service rules permitting Part 90 licensing of mobile wireless service providers in that band. It has not been given an RM number and it has not been on any public notice. It will at some point, perhaps soon, be given an RM number and it will be placed on public notice and that will trigger a 30-day comment window. This is not a band that was studied closely by the National Broadband Plan Committee because it is significantly higher in frequency than the NBP bands typically considered. However, the NBP Committee did anticipate that this might be a band that would be a target for broadband reallocation in the future. Of course, we have a secondary allocation at 10.0-10.5 GHz and the Amateur Service has a secondary allocation at 10.45-10.5 GHz. Both the Amateur Service and Amateur-Satellite Service are secondary only to Federal Government radiolocation. By footnote, NON-government radiolocation has to share with us on a non-interference basis (i.e. they cannot interfere with us). The petition seeks to mimic the Part 90 licensing proposal that has existed for some years now in the 3.6 GHz band, which is available for non-exclusive, Part 90 licensing for Wi-Max systems. Non-exclusive, nationwide licenses with registered fixed sites. Very odd, but Mimosa is suggesting the same basic plan. However, Mimosa has a very unusual approach here. They are not arguing that Amateur Radio operators don't use the band. In fact, they concede that Amateur use of this band is increasing. They are not asking that Amateur use of the band be compromised or precluded. They instead propose to protect Amateur operations in this band by several means, including the mandatory use by wireless broadband systems of "contention-based protocols." This would not work, according to Ed Hare, at all well to prevent interference to Amateur Radio weak signal reception across long transmission paths and of course we will have to explain why and how. However, they also suggest using "band plans" that would channelize the mobile broadband systems and backhaul fixed links to avoid popular Amateur Radio segments including our traditional weak signal segment. Their bandplan (which they are NOT proposing to incorporate in the Rules, but some version of it could be incorporated in the rules pursuant to a counterproposal) looks like this: APPENDIX B: Proposed Band Plan Proposed 10.0-10.5 GHz Band Plan Frequency >From To Use 10.000 10.010 Guard Band 10.010 10.030 Channel 1 10.030 10.050 Channel 2 10.050 10.070 Channel 3 10.070 10.090 Channel 4 10.090 10.110 Channel 5 10.110 10.130 Channel 6 10.130 10.150 Channel 7 10.150 10.170 Channel 8 10.170 10.190 Channel 9 10.190 10.210 Channel 10 10.210 10.230 Channel 11 10.230 10.250 Channel 12 10.250 10.270 Channel 13 10.270 10.290 Channel 14 10.290 10.310 Channel 15 10.310 10.330 Channel 16 10.330 10.350 Channel 17 10.350 10.370 Amateur Calling Band 10.370 10.390 Channel 18 10.390 10.410 Channel 19 10.410 10.430 Channel 20 10.430 10.450 Channel 21 10.450 10.500 Amateur Satellite The channel numbers refer to Finally, they propose a footnote in the table of allocations that would require that mobile Part 90 wireless systems protect Amateur Radio. So our defense of this band does not NECESSARILY trigger the normal, knee-jerk, "defend every Hertz to the death," scorched-Earth administrative litigation approach that we have used in the past. We could propose some compromise, or we could take any of a series of "constructive opposition" positions that the Board might wish to have. Normally, I would inform the Executive Committee of this type of petition, because the EC is having a meeting soon and the Board isn't, and because this petition is something that the EC is charged with addressing typically. However, Tom Frenaye asked that I circulate it to the entire Board, and it is a good idea to do so because we have not had a full-band spectrum threat of this nature in some time. The Executive Committee will be meeting on October 5. This may or may not wait that long. It has been on file at FCC for four months without action, but it addresses mobile broadband which would normally entitle it to some priority at FCC. However, the EC will likely be discussing the strategy for addressing this spectrum threat and it would be helpful to them to have some thoughts on the table.... In any case, let's keep in mind that this is a broadband proposal and that makes as successful defense difficult. What makes it more so, and unusual in this respect, is that the Petitioner is seemingly trying to avoid a confrontation with ARRL about this. We have a headstart in addressing this petition (also an unusual situation) so some strategizing is called for, it seems to me. 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:21957] Centennial activities and "stuff"
by Kay Craigie 26 Aug '13

26 Aug '13

Sean Kutzko reports on planned PR activities having to do with the centennial as follows: 1) Allen continues work on two video projects. The first is the Centennial video. Allen is working with a local, well-respected videographer to compile a history of ARRL over the last 100 years. QST Editor Becky Schoenfeld has agreed to be the host of the video. She has extensive theater and acting experience, spanning nearly three decades. It is a great strategic move to feature a young, active female operator as the host of the Centennial video. The second video project, "I Am The ARRL," features clips from numerous ARRL members at work and then doing something radio related. They identify themselves and their radio interests, then tag it with, ".and I am the ARRL." We have received several video submissions already and plan to have a staging area at the convention where members can take 10-15 seconds to be included in this project. Pins that say "I Am The ARRL" will be given away to those that take part in the campaign. 2) The PR Committee is planning several PR-related seminars on the Friday of the convention. John Amodeo will give a presentation on "How To Appear On Television," Mark Kraham will offer "How To Interview With A Reporter" (which will also feature mock interviews), and a third as-yet undetermined track. Each session will be 45 minutes with some time for questions at the end. 3) Plans are to have an audio booth available on the convention floor, complete with some stock audio PSAs. These PSA's would include a 5-10 second "hole" of space to allow members to record a promo for their own club and take the completed PSA with them to use on the air in their local markets. 4) Sean Kutzko launched a "Google Doodle" campaign within the PR community the week of August 5.. A Google Doodle is a special set of art that appears on Google's main search page to commemorate an event in history. We are campaigning to have a Google Doodle on the Friday of the Convention to celebrate 100 years of ARRL. Sean provided a form e-mail for PR folks to use in the campaign and sent it out to over 500 members of the ARRL's PR reflector. Response has been keen so far. 5) The ARRL Timeline of the last 100 years will be on our web site and is now on display at ARRL HQ. Printed copies of the timeline are being considered to be used as promotional/membership recruitment tools during 2014. Numbers printed will depend on budget. Regarding centennial things for sale, we have heard from Harold about publications. Bob Inderbitzen says that he is moving quickly through the planning to introduce ARRL Centennial merchandise: pin, patch, sticker, decal, neck tie, scarf, mug, polo shirt, t-shirt, sling bag, challenge coin, hat, etc. There will be no shortage of ARRL Centennial logo items, according to Bob. We have seen the call for convention presentation proposals on the web site. Dan Henderson is encouraged by the quality of programming that has developed thus far. We don't want to do anything to undercut attendance at the National. However, realistically many members will not be able to come to the National. Consequently, in consultation with the host Directors, Bob Inderbitzen is working with the sponsors of the country's largest conventions to amp up the ARRL presence with a centennial theme. These conventions are Dayton, Orlando, Seaside, Ham Com, Pacificon, and Huntsville. Except for Pacificon and Huntsville, these conventions take place before the National, so a heightened presence gives opportunities to draw people's attention to the National. 73 - Kay N3KN

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[arrl-odv:21956] Re: Failed Division Emailing
by David Norris 24 Aug '13

24 Aug '13

TNX All, Key staff members were out of pocket... No systemic problems occurred. 73 David A. Norris, K5UZ Director Delta Division Sent from my iPhone On Aug 24, 2013, at 9:10 AM, "Jim Weaver K8JE" <K8JE(a)ARRL.org> wrote: > David, > > Not aware of problems in the GLD. > > Jim > > > Jim Weaver, K8JE > Director, Great Lakes Division > 5065 Bethany Rd. > Mason, OH 45040 > Tel. 513-459-1661; e-mail K8JE(a)arrl.org > ARRL: The reason Amateur Radio Is > Members: The reason ARRL is > > -----Original Message----- > From: arrl-odv-bounces(a)reflector.arrl.org > [mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of David Norris > Sent: 24 August, 2013 12:15 AM > To: arrl-odv > Subject: [arrl-odv:21955] Failed Division Emailing > > All, > > Has anyone else had a problem today with an email to your division not > getting sent?? > > David A. Norris, K5UZ > Director Delta Division > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > _______________________________________________ > arrl-odv mailing list > arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org > http://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6603 - Release Date: 08/23/13 >

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[arrl-odv:21955] Failed Division Emailing
by David Norris 24 Aug '13

24 Aug '13

All, Has anyone else had a problem today with an email to your division not getting sent?? David A. Norris, K5UZ Director Delta Division Sent from my iPhone

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[arrl-odv:21954] Harold Vacation Plans
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 22 Aug '13

22 Aug '13

Hi, Just a reminder, I am leaving today (Thursday) for my vacation. I'll be back Wed the 28th. I am going to visit my daughter in Washington, DC. All of you know my cell phone number if, for some reason, you need to get in touch with me. I will also be checking my email when I can. 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:21953] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 22 Aug '13

22 Aug '13

<<082113.doc>> IN-Newsletter <<Microsoft Word Picture>> Vol. 36, No. 33 August 21, 2013 -- Covers the period August 11-17. Upcoming Meetings and Events Executive Committee: October 5 @ 8:30am - Denver, CO Director/Vice Director Elections November 15 LoTW Study Committee November 15 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee November 16 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Magdalena Owczarska, W1MGZ Digital Content Coordinator The ARRL Home <http://www.arrl.org/home> page now displays the tagline: "Devoted Entirely to Amateur Radio." The promotional carousel on the Home page has been brought to the top and the quick-links have been labeled "What's Popular." Beta testing of the Android app continues and Nxtbook is resolving final bugs prior to the Android app release in the fall. Regulatory Information Reported by Dan Henderson, N1ND The Regulatory Information office reviewed potential tower ordinance issues in New York and Alabama during the week. The Alabama ordinance has a specific exemption for amateur radio structures and does not pose a problem. After contacting the Northern New York Section Manager, we have been in contact with local amateurs in West Carthage for an update. We have offered to speak with the town attorney on the issue and provide relevant information if needed to clarify PRB-1 for the town if requested. Occasionally questions arise related to Advanced and Novice class licenses. These questions usually are either from Advanced class licensees who ask when they are going to be grandfathered to the Extra class license or from General class licensees who want to know when we are going to update our frequency charts. We explain that while there are no new Advanced or Novice class licenses being tested, those who hold those licenses are entitled to renew them, so our frequency charts accurately reflect that Part 97 still has frequencies designated for those two license classes. Several membership queries on reciprocal operating and station ID requirements were handled, as was a question pertaining to the AO-7 satellite operation. A member questioned a statement from a recent AO-7 web story. When I returned from vacation, we tracked down that the information came from an outdated AMSAT webpage and the story was corrected. We answered a question about whether a specially authorized 1x1 US callsign could be used outside of US territory under a reciprocal operating agreement. There is no licensee for a 1x1 callsign since it is really a special temporary assignment. Reciprocity is granted to individuals not to calls, so using a 1x1 in a foreign territory, such as I0/N1N would not be a valid use of the 1x1 call. If, however, it was being used on a US-flagged vessel in international waters, then reciprocity doesn't come into play and N1N/MM would be a valid use. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The October 2013 issue of QST has been uploaded to the printer. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Product Review Bob Allison tested a newer version of an inexpensive SSB/CW HF QRP transceiver that had been purchased for Product Review. Unfortunately, this transceiver can also easily transmit on the Citizen's Band like the old one--the review has been halted. Bob also started testing of a dual band, handheld, digital/analog transceiver. One day was needed to get familiar with the rather complicated handheld. RFI Mike Gruber met with two representatives from the Eaton Company, Andy Foerster and Daryll Fogal. They spent the Wednesday afternoon with us discussing a wide variety of topics, including RF immunity challenges and problems with the AFCI Circuit breakers. We learned a lot-it was a very successful meeting. Web Zack Lau updated the Propagation Forecasts for September. The predicted solar flux is 128. http://www.arrl.org/propagation Lab Display The Lab's FlexRadio 5000C (software defined transceiver) was returned to the Lab after repairs from the manufacturer. It was not working after a lightning storm passed close to headquarters. Fortunately, no lightning damage was found, only a faulty antenna relay. The relay issue is a known problem to FlexRadio, which they replaced, free of charge. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Pre-orders from individuals for the ARRL Centennial Edition 2014 Handbook have topped 1,400 units. Orders will ship in early October. Bob Inderbitzen and Harold Kramer attended the Huntsville Hamfest--the ARRL Alabama State Convention. Along with Director Greg Sarratt, they supported the busy ARRL booth throughout the 2-day event. The event draws 2-3,000 attendees, making it one of the larger annually-held conventions in the US. Diane Petrilli sent an email to prospective attendees in Alabama promoting the membership incentives offered at the ARRL booth. There were 112 membership applications taken (up 30% from 2012), totaling 205 membership years. This includes one paid-in-full family Life Membership, one new Life Membership pledge with a first payment, and one Diamond Club renewal. Dues and subscriptions collected at the convention will exceed $6,400 ($4,194 in 2012). Bob gave a 1-hour presentation as part of the convention's forum slate-covering highlights of ARRL headquarters, membership benefits and publications, planning for the ARRL Centennial year, and some cheerleading for the organization's Second Century. He also published a photo album to ARRL's Facebook page throughout the event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151643676797408.1073741837.2 0069212407&type=1&l=2f0d4d4cec Diane Petrilli reports that the next large membership campaign will mail September 16. She is also immersed in membership planning for 2014. A Tour Guide training is scheduled for August 28 for half a dozen new tour guides. We are expanding the base of volunteers in anticipation of the Centennial celebration next year. A series of targeted emails has been sent out to website guests, prospective hams, lapsed international members and LoTW international users, bringing in nearly 100 new members. Yvette Vinci prepared the email notification for the September 2013 edition of digital edition of QST, distributed to ARRL members on Wednesday, August 14. The distribution list included 113,186 members-up a bit from last month. Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity (reported by Steve Capodicasa): Week of Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 8/12/2013 628 408 Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 1 Week Logbook Processing Time 3-5 Business Days Field Organization/Public Service Team Three radio amateurs, two from Ohio and one from Alabama successfully completed requirements to join the Field Organization as Official Observers this past week. Chuck Skolaut compiled and sent out the monthly Official Observer Summary to all OOs, OOCs, and Section Managers. The New York Aviation Weather station heard on 2000 kHz has ceased operating on that frequency. Reports of QRM to a net on 14.320 MHz and bad language and jamming on 14.313 MHz were received. Chuck also prepared for traveling to the Kansas State Convention in Salina. Leona Adams received a nominating petition for New Mexico Section Manager Bill Kauffman, W5YEJ, to run for a new term of office that begins on January 1, 2014. Additional petitions for this Section Manager election cycle are due at Headquarters by September 6. Steve Ewald continues to prepare and plan for next month's Workshop at Headquarters for new Section Managers on September 20 -22. He has been working with Headquarters staff members to schedule session presentations. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 9/2 Holiday Allison Barbieri 8/19-8/23 PTO Steve Capodicasa 9/3 PTO `` 11/25-11/27 PTO Joe Carcia 8/23 PTO `` 8/30pm PTO `` 9/27 PTO `` 10/14 PTO Steve Ford 8/26-8/30 PTO `` 9/5 PTO Scott Gee 8/26-8/27 PTO `` 10/4-10/7 PTO Mike Gruber 8/26-8/30 PTO `` 9/30-10/4 PTO Gail Iannone 8/22-8/30 PTO Bob Inderbitzen 8/29-9/2 North Carolina Section Convention, Shelby, NC Debra Johnson 8/30 PTO Harold Kramer 8/23-8/27 PTO Lisa Kustosik 8/29 PTO Zack Lau 9/23-9/27 PTO Diane Petrilli 8/23 PTO `` 9/20-9/30 PTO Barry Shelley 8/12-8/26 PTO Chuck Skolaut 8/19-8/26 Kansas State Convention, Salina, KS/PTO Dave Sumner 8/21-9/8 PTO `` 9/20-9/28 IARU Region 2 Conference, Cancun, Mexico Yvette Vinci 8/23 PTO

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[arrl-odv:21952] Trip report: New Mexico State Convention
by Kay Craigie 22 Aug '13

22 Aug '13

The attached documents report on my trip to the New Mexico State Convention. I only attached the Saturday forum schedule, since it was the key day of the event. The Friday and Sunday schedules are still posted on the convention web site, whose URL appears in the report. 73 - Kay N3KN

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