April 2014 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:22655] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 23 Apr '14

23 Apr '14

IN-Newsletter Vol. 37, No. 15 April 23, 2014 -- Covers the period April 13-19. Upcoming Meetings and Events Centennial Convention Committee Meeting May 6 @ 3:30pm in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee May 10 @ 9:00am in St. Louis, MO Development Reported by Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD The ARRL Foundation Board unanimously voted to award the 2014 William R. Goldfarb Memorial Scholarship to Padraig Lysandrou, KC9UUS, of Bloomington, Indiana. Padraig is a senior at Bloomington High School South, and has been active in Amateur Radio for many years. Padraig led a DXpedition to Cyptus, and wrote about his experiences in an article published in the May 2013 QST. Padraig writes in his application, "Amateur Radio has been a large part of my life since I earned my Extra Class at age 14. It has been everything to me, guiding my career path, interests and education. Because of ham radio, I have a huge interest in electronics, engineering and physics. I wish to pursue that field." Padraig is waiting on acceptance letters to make his final decision on where he will attend college in the fall. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The June issue of QST will be uploaded to the printer on Tuesday, 4/22/14. Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Product Review Bob Allison tested a legal limit, remote controlled antenna tuner. Bob also tested a vintage transmitter (Heathkit DX-60) with control carrier modulation for Joel Hallas, "The Doctor". A reader wanted to know why his S meter jumps higher when modulation is present with this transmitter and if the transmitter is suitable for driving a linear amplifier. Bob measured the carrier level increased 2.5 times with modulation. Historical Collection Lab Volunteer, Jonathan Allen, K2KKH unpacked a box recently removed from our warehouse that contained a Collins 4A transmitter, built in 1935. This transmitter was designed as an entry level transmitter that sold for $68.00 ($1,140 in today's dollars) . Rod Blocksome, curator of the Collins Museum, told me that he knows of six or seven other 4A transmitters in existence. We also accepted a donation of the very first variation of an Astatic D-104 microphone, made in 1933. The element is suspended in a spring stand like you see in old photographs. Please stop by the Lab to see it and the Collins 4A transmitter. Web Zack Lau uploaded the Propagation Forecasts for May. The predicted solar flux is 142. Zack Lau is working to identify parts of the Technology web pages that can either be removed or moved to less prominent locations-there is far too much clutter for most users-making the site hard to navigate. Membership & Volunteer Programs Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 4 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 3-5 Business Days W1AW Joe completed the install and wiring of the Yaesu FTdx5000 10-meter broadcast transmitter. He processed six Qualifying Run certificates. Joe also updated the web code practice files and their archives. He worked with Steve Ford in the creation of audio files that displays properly and improperly audio-driven RTTY and BPSK31 signals. He completed the cabling of two of the six high power 4O3A band pass filters in the broadcast racks. Joe continues updating Logbook of the World with the various W1AW/xx Centennial operations as well as sorting/storing the QSL card requests being received for each operation. Field Organization/Public Service Team Chuck Skolaut compiled and forwarded the monthly Official Observer Summary to all Official Observers, Official Observer Coordinators and Section Managers. Information was received regarding a monitoring request involving two 75 meter frequencies. Connecticut Official Observers were alerted regarding a report of music being heard on a Rhode Island repeater. This past week, Chuck handled questions about 10 meter privileges for Technician class licensees and the procedures for operating overseas. Leona Adams reports that Lloyd Colston, KC5FM, of Altus, Oklahoma as been nominated to run for the office of Oklahoma Section Manager. Incumbent Oklahoma Section Manager Kevin O'Dell, NØIRW, of Perry, has also been nominated to run for a new term. In addition, incumbent Idaho Section Manager Ed Stuckey, AI7H, of Post Falls, has been nominated to continue as Section Manager there. Nominations for this election cycle are due at Headquarters by June 6, and the new, two-year terms of office start on October 1. The other sections that are also a part of this particular election cycle include Connecticut, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Southern Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Education Services Reported by Debra Johnson, K1DMJ ARISS A number of contacts with school in the US have been supported during the late Feb-April time period. They include: 2/19 Marymount Univ. & Ft. Belvoir Elem. School<http://marymount.edu/newsEvents/newsDetails.aspx?Channel=%2fChannels%2fSite…>, Arlington, VA, telebridge w/Koichi Wakata, KC5ZTA 2/19 Delare Township School, Sergeantsville, NJ, telebridge w/Wakata 2/28 Exploration Place, Wichita, KS, direct w/Wakata 3/3 Central Square, Middle School, Central Square, NY, direct w/Wakata 3/5 Rock Bridge Elem. School<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDNyBQQ3Ui8>, Columbia, MO, direct w/Michael Hopkins, KF5LIG 3/14 Warren Consolidated Schools<http://www.candgnews.com/news/local-students-reach-stars-amateur-radio>, Warren, MI, direct w/Wakata 3/20 Forest Knolls Elem. School<http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/25034126/elementary-students-at-md-school-spea…>, Silver Spring, MD, direct w/Wakata 4/21 Dixon Elem. School<http://www.jdnews.com/jdnewstream/local-students-to-talk-to-astronauts-on-i…>, Holly Ridge, NC, direct w/Wakata Links are provided to video and media coverage of the events listed. In addition, during the same period, ARISS supported international contacts with schools in Australia (2), Canada (1), Russia (5) and Japan (1). The commissioning of the Ham Video station on board the Columbus module of the ISS has been successfully completed. For more information, read the recent ARRL news story<http://www.arrl.org/news/ham-video-transmits-live-images-of-astronaut-mike-…>. A meeting of the ARISS international partners was held at European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands on April 3 and 4, 2014. The opportunity for face-to-face interaction among the international partners renewed and re-energized working relationships. Among topics discussed were plans for management and operation of the Ham Video equipment and HamTV system in the Columbus module, strategies to rehabilitate radio equipment in the service module for school contacts and a long term plan to develop and reconfigure amateur radio station equipment on the ISS. Meanwhile US ARISS program management is currently trying to identify funding to sustain operational support for the ARISS program as the impact of Congress' budget curtailments for the current fiscal year begin to affect NASA education programs. The ARISS program has awarded a scheduled contact opportunity to the CT Science Center, to be held in concert with the ARRL Centennial Convention. Planning is underway with members of the local Hartford area ham radio community who will support the technical and educational outreach requirements for this event. ARRL is assisting with the coordination of the event. Education & Technology Program Inquiries for the 2014 Teachers Institute are being fielded and applications received. Three sessions will be offered for 34 participants, including two sessions of the Introduction to Wireless Technology, (TI-1), and one session of the TI-2 Remote Sensing and Data Gathering. Resources, including the new marine research buoy to be featured at the TI-2, are being prepared by Mark Spencer, WA8SME the ARRL ETP Director. Two new instructors, Larry Kendall, K6NDL and Bill Richardson, N5VEI will be training with the Teachers Institute this summer. Mark Spencer conducted a training class for headquarters volunteers on April 17 to familiarize them with some of the newer resources developed for the Education & Technology Program. Licensing Instruction The development of a new Instructors' Manual for Technician License Courses is underway. The new instructor materials will be developed to coordinate with the presentation of topics in the new Ham Radio License Manual, 3rd edition, and will be released for online download from the ARRL website in June. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations Leona Adams 5/9 PTO Allison Barbieri 5/9 PTO `` 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention `` 6/3-6/10 PTO `` 8/25 PTO Margie Bourgoin 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Joe Carcia 5/2 PTO `` 5/23 PTO Lauren Clarke 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention `` 6/6-6/8 Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, OR `` 8/16-8/17 Southeastern Division Convention, Huntsville, AL Mike Corey 5/30-6/1 Nevada State Convention, Virginia City, NV `` 8/8-8/10 Rocky Mountain Division Convention, Albuquerque, NM Steve Ewald 5/2-5/4 South Carolina Section Convention, Spartanburg, SC `` 5/5-5/9 PTO Scott Gee 4/28-5/1 PTO Mike Gruber 5/2 PTO `` 6/2-6/6 PTO `` 6/27 PTO `` 8/25-8/29 PTO Ed Hare 4/28-5/2 ANSI C63 EMC Committee Meeting, Austin, TX `` 5/14-5/19 QRP ARCI Four Days in May, Dayton, OH Dan Henderson 4/21-4/30 PTO `` 5/9-5/11 PSC Committee Meeting, St. Louis, MO `` 6/21-7/3 Friedrichshafen Hamfest / PTO `` 8/1-8/2 Texas State Convention, Austin, TX `` 8/16-8/17 Southeastern Division Convention, Huntsville, AL Mary Hobart 5/15-5/18 Dayton Hamvention `` 6/13-6/14 Ham-Com, Plano, TX Gail Iannone 5/13-5/16 PTO Bob Inderbitzen 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention `` 6/6-6/8 Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, OR `` 6/13-6/14 HamCom, Plano, TX `` 8/16-8/17 Southeastern Division Convention, Huntsville, AL Carol Krukiel 5/15-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Sean Kutzko 4/21-4/25 PTO `` 6/6-6/8 Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, OR Kim McNeil 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Diane Petrilli 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Michael Scharr 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Dave Sumner 5/15-5/18 Dayton Hamvention Yvette Vinci 5/14-5/18 Dayton Hamvention

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[arrl-odv:22652] FCC consent decree with ex-KD5OZY
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 22 Apr '14

22 Apr '14

In February the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $7,000 to KD5OZY for alleged intentional interference to other amateur stations on 7.195 MHz. The matter has been resolved by a Consent Decree that costs him $1,000 plus the relinquishment of his amateur license. Apparently he couldn't afford $7,000. It's a good result. Kudos to the Enforcement Bureau for bringing the matter to a prompt conclusion. 73, Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:22650] Federal Government Spectrum Use
by Price, Brennan, N4QX 21 Apr '14

21 Apr '14

NTIA has very recently published spectrum use reports describing and, to an extent, quantifying the use of their bands from 225 MHz to 5 GHz. At least on the bands we share within this range, it is interesting and worthwhile reading. The reports are linked here: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/other-publication/2014/federal-government-spectrum-… Chris Imlay and I recently met with Fred Moorefield, a senior executive level spectrum manager in the Department of Defense, and Chris subsequently met with him again in his capacity as counsel for SBE. At both meetings, Fred stated a desire to somehow formally organize VHF-to-microwave spectrum users from both the public and private sectors in an effort to resist what he sees as a broadband onslaught. These reports may be the first effort of federal users toward such resistance. Fred asked Chris and I, point blank, whether ARRL would participate in such an organization. I understand from Chris that he asked the same of others at his subsequent meeting. We responded by saying we would recommend participation to our Board if such an alliance gets off the ground. There is a potential downside: broadband is politically favored, and resistance that is too aggressive or public may not go over well with some on Capital Hill. Such an organization would have frame its message carefully. My opinion: it can be done, but it's easier said than done. If this concept advances beyond the talking stage (it may not, but Fred seemed awfully serious), Chris and I will report again. In the meantime, we felt it should be on the Board's radar. 73, Brennan T. Price, N4QX Chief Technology Officer American Radio Relay League 3545 Chain Bridge Rd Ste 209 Fairfax VA 22030-2708 Tel +1 703 934-2077 Fax +1 703 934-2079

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[arrl-odv:22631] Changing election rules
by Tom Frenaye 21 Apr '14

21 Apr '14

Its interesting to see so much discussion on the North Florida Section Manager election process. I thought it would be useful if you were to hear from the E&E Committee on our deliberations on this issue since no one has asked us for background The Ethics and Elections Committee was asked if it was OK if K4ACs Director e-mail privileges could be used for a reminder to the Northern Florida section about the current voting process for Section Manager. In January, the Board and President asked the Committee to look at ways to improve member turnout in elections by reviewing our present Director/Vice Director electronic voting process. That review is still underway. No request was made to review Section Manager election turnout. Note that Section Manager elections are still conducted by mail with paper ballots. Nothing has changed in the process for conducting them in years (and years). There has not been any data gathered showing a decline in turnout for SM elections. That may be a useful thing to research. According to K1ZZ, the policy in the past has been not to allow SMs or Directors to remind members about ongoing balloting at all. Messages from SMs to their members are screened by WV1X, messages from Directors are screened by K1ZZ. In 2012 when it looked liked the turnout in a Director/Vice Director election was a bit low, the E&E Committee decision was that a reminder should not be sent out. During last years Director balloting the E&E Committee did allow a plan to remind voters about Division elections via the ARRL web. We decided that it would not be good for Directors to be able to send out reminders about elections, as requested by Director Rehman. This could become a problem during a Directors election year, for example. What happens during the SM or Division election period? We need to review our present policy and take the time to update it if the policy is to be changed. After discussion, we considered whether such a reminder should come from HQ in a general email to members in the Section or Division. We thought it was a good idea to consider. We discussed the impact of voter turnout efforts. Generally, we agreed it is desirable to have higher member participation in our elections. The editorial in May QST was generated as a result of the lousy turnout in last years Division elections, our discussions at the January Board meeting, and the need to highlight to members how the organization works (this was not directed by the E&E). On the other hand, voter turnout efforts are quite contentious on the national level with strong efforts currently underway to both reduce and increase it depending on your political views. The same issue exists with our elections. A change in turnout will impact the results. The general research on voter turnout is that a higher turnout usually favors change or candidates that are more disruptive to the status quo. A low turnout favors incumbents. We decided it was not a good idea to make any change now for several reasons: * There are four SM elections currently underway, some contentious. E&E has already dealt with an election complaint related to the Indiana SM race. If there is a desire to improve turnout, it has to be done for all Sections, not just one. * The E&E Committee should not make a general change in policy in this area, it should be a Board decision (or at least the Board should be informed before change is made). * We have to recognize that a change in turnout will impact the results of the election. We anticipate making a recommendation that HQ send out an e-mail reminder(s) for SM (and Division?) elections in our report to the Board in July. Director Rehman has stated he has not disclosed how he will vote (he is a member from the NFL section) but he clearly has an interest in the results or he wouldn't be so insistent in trying to increase the turnout at this point. (my opinion) If a change is needed, it should be done with care and thought. Making a precipitous change can easily make for a bad outcome. We may miss something important. -- Tom (Chairman, E&E) ===== e-mail: k1ki(a)arrl.org ARRL New England Division Director http://www.arrl.org/ Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444

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[arrl-odv:22640] E&E Appeal
by James F. Boehner MD 19 Apr '14

19 Apr '14

To be totally fair and candidate-neutral, I would suggest that there is a reminder 2 weeks after the beginning of EVERY contested ARRL election that is sent out by ARRL HQ. That responsibility should not be shouldered by the Director. The reminder should encourage members to vote, and for SM's, that they should have received a ballot in the mail. Those who did not receive a ballot should have an easy to follow process to have a replacement sent to them upon request. All of these reminder e-mails need to have a similar template, and (of course) sent out only to the involved Sections/Divisions. For Electronic elections, members have generally received one e-mail. Granted that a larger voter turnout does not favor the incumbent, but what is the probability that ONE e-mail reminder will significantly affect an election? Low turn-outs for elections is a concern, but if we are not interested in trying to improve voter turn-outs, is there a reason to even discuss the issue? '73 de JIM N2ZZ

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[arrl-odv:22643] Re: E&E Appeal
by k4ac 19 Apr '14

19 Apr '14

In further full disclosure, one of the candidates came to my home club's meeting this morning. He had contacted the President (which is not me) and asked for a few minutes to speak. He spoke for about 5 minutes. The other candidate did not make any request to speak before the club. If he had, he would have been given an equal opportunity to speak. While I did greet him (we already know each other), I remained in the back of the room and said nothing before, during, or after his brief comments to the club. After the meeting, the candidate and I exchanged brief pleasantries in the back of the room while he was getting ready to leave. (For anyone that has a question as to the accuracy of my reporting or my integrity, I will be happy to obtain sworn affidavits from club members and visitors that were present at the meeting.) Thanks & 73, Doug Doug Rehman, K4AC Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

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[arrl-odv:22642] E&E Appeal
by James F. Boehner MD 19 Apr '14

19 Apr '14

To be totally fair and candidate-neutral, I would suggest that there is a reminder 2 weeks after the beginning of EVERY contested ARRL election that is sent out by ARRL HQ. That responsibility should not be shouldered by the Director. The reminder should encourage members to vote, and for SM's, that they should have received a ballot in the mail. Those who did not receive a ballot should have an easy to follow process to have a replacement sent to them upon request. All of these reminder e-mails need to have a similar template, and (of course) sent out only to the involved Sections/Divisions. For Electronic elections, members have generally received one e-mail. Granted that a larger voter turnout does not favor the incumbent, but what is the probability that ONE e-mail reminder will significantly affect an election? Low turn-outs for elections is a concern, but if we are not interested in trying to improve voter turn-outs, is there a reason to even discuss the issue? '73 de JIM N2ZZ

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[arrl-odv:22639] E&E Appeal
by James F. Boehner MD 19 Apr '14

19 Apr '14

To be totally fair and candidate-neutral, I would suggest that there is a reminder 2 weeks after the beginning of EVERY contested ARRL election that is sent out by ARRL HQ. That responsibility should not be shouldered by the Director. The reminder should encourage members to vote, and for SM's, that they should have received a ballot in the mail. Those who did not receive a ballot should have an easy to follow process to have a replacement sent to them upon request. All of these reminder e-mails need to have a similar template, and (of course) sent out only to the involved Sections/Divisions. For Electronic elections, members have generally received one e-mail. Granted that a larger voter turnout does not favor the incumbent, but what is the probability that ONE e-mail reminder will significantly affect an election? Low turn-outs for elections is a concern, but if we are not interested in trying to improve voter turn-outs, is there a reason to even discuss the issue? '73 de JIM N2ZZ

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[arrl-odv:22638] Re: E&E Appeal
by dick＠pobox.com 19 Apr '14

19 Apr '14

18 APR 2014 - 2151 CDT My vote is: I support having HQ issue reminders in both division and section elections. My personal feelings are: I have no problems with a candidate-neutral reminder being issued by either HQ or the Division Director. However, I believe there will be some ARRL members who will think, even possibly accuse, the Director of taking sides. I prefer to steer clear of that swamp. - Dick Isely, W9GIG

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[arrl-odv:22627] E&E appeal
by Kay Craigie 18 Apr '14

18 Apr '14

Just so we are all clear about what's on the table. I have re-read the messages from the past few days. The specific wording of the appeal by Director Rehman asks that *he* as Director be allowed to send out a reminder. The last sentence of his message says: "I respectfully request that Directors that agree that my sending a reminder email to the NFL members needs to be decided by the entire Board so indicate." As I understand it, the question is not about having HQ send out a non-partisan reminder notice that a SM election is in progress but rather about the Director doing so. Not HQ, not either HQ or the Director, but the Director. Period. Thus far, here are 10-cent versions of the responses of the 8 Directors who have commented on the ODV. If I have mis-characterized your position in boiling it down, I apologize: Lisenco - OK for either Director or HQ Edgar - OK for "generic" reminder Mileshosky - OK Norris - OK for either Director or HQ, changed to OK for HQ but not Director Widin - OK for "neutral" reminder Ahrens - OK for HQ Woolweaver - OK Weaver - OK for HQ We may be able to see 5 Directors in support of Director Rehman's specific appeal on the basis of those responses. On re-reading all the comments this morning, I'm just not certain about that and respectfully ask for your help in reaching clarity. In no way whatsoever do I want to sandbag the process, thereby thwarting the will of the Board. Also, I'm aware that the clock is ticking on the NFL election. However, it would be very helpful and much appreciated if Directors would re-post your position about the *specific language* in Director Rehman's appeal to the ODV, so we can be certain that there are at least 5 Directors supporting the appeal. 73 - Kay N3KN

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