August 2015 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:23688] Thank You and HNY!
by Brian Mileshosky 02 Jan '17

02 Jan '17

Okay, now I'm bored on the air -- same for a zillion other League members and hams across the world. Fair warning: I'm making a Director's motion in January to create a Centennial QSO Party Anonymous or Points Anonymous service, because lots of people now find themselves staring hopelessly at their now absolutely quiet radios. A huge THANK YOU to everyone -- ODV, staff, volunteers, members, hams -- for an absolute home run on the air this past year. Centennial celebration aside, if there is one thing that I hope everyone who participated in the QSO Party walked away with, it is that they became better and more dedicated radio operators throughout the year. That they used this year-long opportunity to learn more about themselves as an op, learned more about their gear, uncovered station and operating limitations and found ways to resolve them, and rediscovered the magic, fun (God forbid), and camaraderie that is ham radio. One very profound moment today was working a few folks in the QSO Party who I hadn't worked since back in January 1, 2014. Staring at that date in the log, and greeting those hams once again, with literally one year of time padding our last QSO was an in-your-face "this year has absolutely flown by way too fast" epiphany. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as they could while it lasted. Happy Centennial, and Happy New Year everyone. Be safe this evening and see you in a few weeks. 73, Brian N5ZGT ARRL Director, Rocky Mountain Division

4 5

[arrl-odv:23529] Election results
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 20 Nov '15

20 Nov '15

Ballots were counted today in the Atlantic Division Director and Vice Director and the Great Lakes Division Vice Director elections, with Dakota Division Director Greg Widin, K0GW observing at the offices of Survey & Ballot Systems in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The results are as follows: ATLANTIC DIVISION DIRECTOR Tom Abernethy, W3TOM 1400 Phil Theis, K3TUF 1168 Mr. Abernethy is declared elected. ATLANTIC DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR Scott Bauer, W2LC 470 Bob Famiglio, K3RF 1583 John Mueller, K2BT 503 Mr. Famiglio is declared elected. GREAT LAKES DIVISION VICE DIRECTOR Tom Delaney, W8WTD 822 Steve Putman, N8ZR (SK) 517 Mr. Delaney is declared elected. 73, David Sumner, K1ZZ Secretary on behalf of the ARRL Ethics & Elections Committee

4 4

[arrl-odv:24643] As-filed comments, ET Docket 15-99; WRC-07 and WRC-12 Implementation; LF and MF Bands
by Christopher Imlay 31 Aug '15

31 Aug '15

Greetings. With the approval of the Executive Committee and with helpful input from Ed Hare, Dave Sumner, Tom Frenaye and Brennan Price, I have prepared, edited and just now filed the attached comments in FCC's Docket 15-99. The Docket implements the Final Acts of WRC-07 and proposes to adopt rules implementing WRC-12 Final Acts. This is a huge, wide-ranging proceeding but for us, it proposes to restore a primary allocation for Amateurs at 1900-2000 kHz; to allow radio buoys in that same band; to allocate to the Amateur Service our first LF band at 135.7-137.8 kHz and to allocate the MF band 472-479 kHz as well. We are hopeful that FCC will not enact preclusive rules for the LF and MF band allocations in order to protect Power Line Carrier (PLC) systems that operate between 9-490 kHz. We are also hopeful that we might steer the radio buoys out of the 1900-2000 kHz band. However, with respect to these, FCC is using the 27 MHz CB plan: where there is illegal, unlicensed operation that FCC can't control, just legalize it so the agency doesn't look toothless. Not good. As you will see, we are taking a hard line on this so as to expose FCC's lame strategy. We are hampered by an inability to quantify the illegal buoy operation, as you will see from our argument, but neither does the FCC have any record evidence to justify authorizing the buoys. Let me know any questions you have and thanks to all contributors to this. 73, Chris W3KD -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG

1 0

[arrl-odv:24642] September Update - Strategic Planning Working Group
by k9jf＠arrl.org 31 Aug '15

31 Aug '15

Greetings: Below is an update from the Strategic Planning Working Group as of our last meeting held on September 8. Also, attached as a Word Document is a summary of an article from the Harvard Business Review discussing the implementation of a Strategic Plan with the author's take on some myths and realities concerning the process. Thanks to the Board for approving (in Principal) the revised Mission, Vision, and Value Statements that were presented. This action gave the Working Group the consideration that we are on the right track which will result in a recommendation to the Board in January 2016. Since the Board Meeting, the Working Group has had three additional meetings. We have been reviewing the Goals and Initiatives you saw at the meeting. As you recall, these were presented to give those assembles an idea regarding our thoughts up to the meeting. Two additional Goals have been identified bringing the total number to eight. It was understood that these two might be included somewhere within the six previously presented. But, as you can understand, the ARRL's Strategic Plan is both a summary of the future direction of the League as well as a political document that will be analyzed by those reading its text. Given this fact, the two additional goals have been created as their own goals in order to highlight the League's dedication to specifically address problems, issues, challenges and to focus on these programs. Of course, it is the Board's responsibility to review the entire document as proposed, to determine how these are displayed. Additionally, we have reached out to our QST Advertisers to get their impression of the League and how we can strategically move forward to meet mutual needs and business issues. We received 10 comments at this time. We plan to complete the Goals (Strategy) portion of the Plan at the next meeting. These Goals define what we "want to do". Will will also begin to define and brainstorm and consolidate Tactics designed to provide solutions to satisfy the Goals. The Tactics are, in simple, "what we need to do" to accomplish the initiatives attached to the Goals. As of this writing, the Goals include: 1) Support the Growth of Amateur Radio Worldwide 2) Advocate for Meaningful Access to the Radio Spectrum 3) Increase the Vitality of Amateur Radio 4) Encourage discussion and dissemination of technical information relevant to Amateur Radio 5) Organize and Train Volunteers to Support their Communities by providing Public Service and Emergency Communications 6) Ensure the Continued Development of a Strong Association capable of Advancing the ARRL's Mission, vision, and goals - An Association that is responsive to future Opportunities and Challenges. 7) Review and Revise, if necessary, the ARRL Governance Structure to create a more Member-Centric and efficient Leadership Team. 8) Develop and Monitor a long-term Outreach Program to Attract new Communities into the Amateur Radio Service and that will enhance the historical base of recruits. Additionally, we have established a schedule for completion of our analysis and recommendations. September 2015 - Complete the Goals and Define Potential Tactics October 2015 - Finalize and segment Tactics November 2015 - Finalize Recommendations December 2015 - Create the Summary of Recommendations and forward to ODV for review and comments January 2016 - Board discusses and Approves Strategic Plan NMRA Convention During the past week, I attended the Annual Convention of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) held in Portland, OR. During this convention, I was able to discuss their leaders, the organization and learn the how's and Why's of their mission. The NMRA is a membership organization like the ARRL. They have around 18,000 members and an annual budget of just over $2 million. They have similar problems like the ARRL...a greying membership and high perceived cost of the hobby. What really excited me was their approach to education and training. The NMRA has developed a program called EduTrain. They strive to provide a series of education modules covering various aspects of Model Railroading that will be available to members and can be used as programs at club meetings. There are specific guidelines for the modules which are developed by members across the country. I have contact names and numbers for those in leadership positions within the NMRA and will gather additional information during the next few months. Summary: We continue to discuss and wordsmith the Strategic Plan. Please provide comments, concerns, and opinions that the Working Group can consider as we work through the fall. James E. Fenstermaker K9JF 2nd Vice President American Radio Relay League (206) 930-9372

1 0

[arrl-odv:24640] Note from W0ANT
by Kay Craigie 28 Aug '15

28 Aug '15

In yesterday's mail I received a handwritten note from Anna W0ANT, thanking the ARRL for giving her the Hiram Percy Maxim Award. She writes," I am very grateful for the recognition and even more so, for everything the ARRL does for youth." The note concludes by saying, "I look forward to continue my efforts to promote amateur radio wherever I go." Here's a young person whose good manners could serve as a model for a lot of people who are much older than she. I am glad that the ARRL can give a boost to someone who will undoubtedly do good things for amateur radio as her life goes along. 73, Kay N3KN

2 1

[arrl-odv:24639] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 28 Aug '15

28 Aug '15

IN-Newsletter Vol. 40, No. 29 August 26, 2015 - Covers the period August 16-22. Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events Executive Committee October 3 @ 8:30am in Bloomington, MN LoTW Study Committee November 13 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee November 14 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Director/Vice Director Elections November 20 @ 9:00am in Newington, CT Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The October issue of QST is at the printer. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Jackie Ferriera reports that ARRL has received its fourth donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation, $993, as a result of program activity between April 1 and June 30, 2015 (Q1/2015 $997; Q4/2014 $1188; Q3/2014 $725). The foundation donates 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible AmazonSmile items to ARRL-from purchases made by members and friends who have selected American Radio Relay League (ARRL) as their charity of choice. More information is available at http://www.arrl.org/Amazon. We encourage member participation in AmazonSmile through our e-mail solicitations, Facebook page, ARRL News, and e-newsletters. Yvette Vinci, Bob Inderbitzen, Dan Henderson, and Harold Kramer all helped support the ARRL booth at the nearby New England Division Convention, Boxboro - held Aug 21-23. The booth was also supported by Director Tom Frenaye, Vice Director Mike Raisbeck, Director Mike Lisenco, Vice Director Bill Hudzik, and volunteer Nancy Hallas. Joel Hallas attended as the invited "ARRL Membership Contact" person-giving multiple presentations. Dave Sumner presented during the Yankee Clipper Contest Club (YCCC) Meeting--sharing a recount of his DXpedition to Azores, CU4DX in May 2015. Bob and Harold participated in the ARRL Membership Forum, led by Director Frenaye. Director Frenaye also made multiple presentations: the ARRL George Hart 2014 Distinguished Service Award to David B. Colter, WA1ZCN of New London, New Hampshire; the ARRL 2015 Silver Antenna Award to Randy Thompson, K5ZD of Uxbridge, Massachusetts; and a QST Cover Plaque presented to Bob De Mattia, K1IW of Berlin, Massachusetts for his article in April QST. We returned with 114 membership applications (21 new) including 1 Life Membership pledge; applications totaling 233 membership years. Volunteer Card Checkers collected 26 award applications. Additionally, Dan carried back a couple of inches of member letters supporting the 2015 Amateur Radio Parity Act, for our legislative advocacy team. Bob posted photos to ARRL's Facebook page<https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153256878562408.1073741879.2006…> throughout the convention. Some final reminders have been emailed, touting the special promotion for operating-themed publications<http://www.arrl.org/shop/Operating-Books-and-Resources-Price-Rollback/> purchased from ARRL's online store. The promotion ends August 31. QST house ads were finalized for October. Jackie has turned her attention to merchandise planning for the 2016 National Parks On The Air operating event. The logo design has been finalized. Revenue forecasts and expense budgets are being prepared for the 2016/2017 plan. A mailing promoting the dynamic duo of the 23rd edition ARRL Antenna Book and 2016 edition ARRL Handbook will reach mailboxes of previous edition owners and other prospects soon. The books, available in softcover and hardcover editions, can be ordered now<http://www.arrl.org/shop/What-s-New/>, with shipping in early October. Discounts are offered for purchases of both books, together. 2016 National Convention Planning - Orlando HamCation, Feb 12-14, 2016 Diane Petrilli and Bob Inderbitzen have finalized planning for a National Convention Banquet, to be held on Saturday evening, Feb 13. Details will be announced in September. The Florida Contest Group (FCG) will hold their Contest Dinner on Friday, Feb 12. Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity, reported by Steve Capodicasa: Week ending Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 8/21/2015 867 304 8/14/2015 1,123 455 8/7/2015 647 395 7/31/2015 992 424 Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI Product Review Bob Allison tested a 2 meter FM mobile transceiver. No surprises were found. A data table was created and all test data was shared with the manufacturer. Bob also started testing a software defined HF transceiver, but later learned from ARRL Laboratory Technical Advisor, Rob Sherwood, that there will be a firmware update in the upcoming weeks. Thanks to Rob, valuable test time was saved as a firmware update always means extensive re-testing. Bob moved onto the next device to test; a dual band FM mobile transceiver. Donations Bob picked up a donation of two used HF transceivers from the estate of a very local Silent Key. Laboratory Volunteer Pete Turbide, W1PT evaluated both; one of which needs some work, the other is completely functional. Both will be sold, possibly placed on the Annual ARRL Auction next month. FCC Filings Zack Lau looked over a filing to be submitted by Fritz Raab, W1FR, concerning the mitigation of RFI between amateurs operating in the proposed low frequency bands and power line communication equipment operated by Power Companies. This is a filing on his behalf, independent of the ARRL. Field Services & Radiosport Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 2-4 Business Days Number of Centennial applications processed: Centennial Challenge QSO 2488 W1AW/WAS 1743 W1AW Joe Carcia processed one Qualifying Run certificate and one endorsement. He processed regular QSL card requests. He updated the web cod practice files and their archives. Joe also assembled an instruction book on how to make use of the W1HQ Satellite preamp system. Scott worked on fast and slow code practice files for the week. He also processed VUCC applications and certificates. Field Organization/Public Service Team The Los Angeles Section Manager ballots were counted on Tuesday, August 18, at ARRL Headquarters. Thanks to Leona Adams, Gail Iannone, and Steve Ewald for heading up this ballot-counting effort. Incumbent Los Angeles Section Manager David Greenhut, N6HD, was re-elected to a third term of office starting on October 1. The Sacramento Valley Section will have a new Section Manager starting in October. Dr. Carol Milazzo, KP4MD, of Citrus Heights, California, was the only nominee for the position. Milazzo is presently the Assistant Section Manager. Ron Murdock, W6KJ, of Yuba City, California, the outgoing Section Manager of Sacramento Valley, decided not to run for another term of office. Murdock has been Section Manager since July 2007. The following incumbent Section Managers did not face opposition in this spring season's election cycle, and they will continue with new two year terms of office starting October 1: Mark Tharp, KB7HDX (Eastern Washington); Monte Simpson, AF7PQ (Western Washington); Bill Hillendahl, KH6GJV (San Francisco); Jack Ciaccia, WM0G (Colorado); Gene Clark, W4AYK (Georgia); Lee Cooper, W5LHC (South Texas). Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 9/7 Holiday Leona Adams 8/24-8/28 PTO Bob Allison 10/18 Connecticut State Convention, Meriden, CT Steve Capodicasa 8/24-8/28 PTO `` 9/21-9/25 PTO Lauren Clarke 8/31pm PTO `` 9/3pm PTO Mike Corey 11/13-11/15 HamJam, Alpharetta, GA Steve Ford 8/24-8/28 PTO `` 9/3-9/4 PTO `` 10/9-10/11 Digital Comm. Conference, Chicago, IL / PTO `` 10/16-10/18 AMSAT Symposium, Dayton, OH Mike Gruber 8/24-8/28 PTO `` 9/28-10/2 PTO `` 10/16 NEAR-Fest, NH Ed Hare 9/11-9/13 Southwestern Division Convention, Torrance, CA Dan Henderson 9/3-9/6 Roanoke Division Convention, Shelby, NC `` 10/8-10/18 RSGB Convention, Milton Keynes, UK / PTO Gail Iannone 8/27-9/4 PTO Bob Inderbitzen 10/16-10/18 Pacific Division Convention, San Ramon, CA Debra Johnson 8/31-9/4 PTO `` 9/10-9/14 PTO Lisa Kustosik 8/31 PTO Dave Pingree 8/19-9/22 PTO Brennan Price 10/16-10/18 Microwave Update, San Diego, CA Dave Sumner 9/4 PTO

1 0

[arrl-odv:24637] FW: HR 1301
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

I'm pleased to report that Congressman Larson, who represents the district where ARRL Headquarters is located, will be cosponsoring HR 1301. That makes 80% of the Connecticut House delegation; I will chase the staffer in Congresswoman DeLauro's office, whom I have met with twice, to make it 100%. By the way, the reference to the NFA Ham Radio Club is because Scott's father and I went to the same high school. Connecticut is a small place. Dave K1ZZ ________________________________________ From: Stephanou, Scott [Scott.Stephanou(a)mail.house.gov] Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 4:29 PM To: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ Subject: RE: HR 1301 Dave – I wanted to let you know that Congressman Larson will be cosponsoring HR 1301. Cosponsors can’t officially be added to bills when the House is out of session so his name likely won’t appear on the bill until after Labor Day but we’ve asked Rep. Kinzinger’s office to add him. Sorry it took a while to run this up the flag pole but we’re 100% behind you on this. Let me know if there’s ever anything else we can do to be helpful. All the best, Scott From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Monday, July 20, 2015 9:29 AM To: Stephanou, Scott Subject: RE: HR 1301 Hi Scott, I hope you’re weathering the triple-digit weather down there. I haven’t heard from you about Congressman Larson’s co-sponsorship of HR 1301, the Amateur Radio Parity Act, and thought I should touch base since we just received confirmation from Allison Smith in Rep. Esty’s office that she is going on the bill this week. Not counting Rep. Esty we have 87 co-sponsors now; with her, we have 60% of the Connecticut House delegation. We really want to achieve 100% and especially value Congressman Larson’s co-sponsorship since ARRL Headquarters is in the 1st District. By the way, Senator Blumenthal is the original co-sponsor of S. 1685, the Senate counterpart bill. If there is anything more we can do at our end, please let me know. Thanks. Dave Sumner Chief Executive Officer, ARRL 860-594-0205 From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ Sent: Friday, May 22, 2015 11:11 AM To: 'Stephanou, Scott' Subject: RE: HR 1301 That’s great, Scott. Thanks. I know you folks have been up to your eyeballs the past few weeks. As of yesterday the co-sponsor count stood at 57 including Rep. Himes. Dave Sumner From: Stephanou, Scott [mailto:Scott.Stephanou@mail.house.gov] Sent: Friday, May 22, 2015 10:58 AM To: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ Subject: RE: HR 1301 Dave, It was great meeting with you on March 20th. I enjoyed our discussion and getting to know more about ARRL. I’m sorry for the delayed response to your previous e-mail. I plan to have a response for you in the next few days regarding HR 1301. Best regards, Scott Scott Stephanou Legislative Assistant Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) 1501 Longworth House Office Building 202-225-2265 larson.house.gov From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org] Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 10:40 AM To: Stephanou, Scott Subject: HR 1301 Scott, thank you again for meeting with me on March 20 to discuss HR 1301 and the possibility of Congressman Larson’s co-sponsorship. As a reminder, this is a bipartisan bill introduced by Rep. Kinzinger and my own Congressman, Joe Courtney, to instruct the FCC to extend its existing policy for reasonable accommodation of amateur radio communications in state and local land use regulations to property that is subject to private land use restrictions. The number of co-sponsors is now up to 44. I hope Congressman Larson is considering co-sponsoring the bill. It would mean a lot to have the support of the Congressman for the district where the ARRL’s national headquarters and almost 100 staff are located. If there is any additional information you need, please let me know. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, David Sumner Chief Executive Officer ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio Newington, CT 860-594-0205 P.S. On a personal note, on May 6 I will be visiting the NFA Ham Radio Club to see what the club members at my alma mater are up to.

2 1

[arrl-odv:24636] More letters
by Kay Craigie 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

According to Dan Henderson, about 800 letters were generated at the New England Division convention this past weekend in a cooperative effort by New England and Hudson Division officials and HQ Staff. They are part of the 1031 letters shipped to TKG today - going to 77 House and 61 Senate offices. He adds that by his count we have done almost 8300 letters total with about 4600 to the House and 3700 to the Senate. We have sent letters for 411 House districts, including non-voting delegates, and all 100 Senate offices. Of course that's in addition to an unknown number of phone calls and e-mails done individually by members. That's good but not enough. Here's a thought you may want to work into your member communications. We know that our bills' opponents are sending false statements to Capitol Hill. Who do members want our Senators and Congressmen to listen to? Us hams, or people who are not telling the truth about what the bills say and what the bills mean? There will be a story urging members to advocate now appearing in the next edition of the ARRL Letter. Perhaps you could reinforce that message with a bulletin to your Division's members. 73, Kay N3KN

1 0

[arrl-odv:24634] Certificates
by Marty Woll 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

I just received a certificate for my finish in last year's 10 GHz & Up Contest. It's visually striking -definitely not just another scroll-bordered piece of paper. Nice work by Sue and her graphics team! 73, Marty N6VI

2 1

[arrl-odv:24633] FW: [smlist:7195] Club Updates on the ARRL Web pages;
by Kramer, Harold, WJ1B 25 Aug '15

25 Aug '15

Hi, Just FYI, this email was sent to the SMs this morning. 73, Harold Harold Kramer, WJ1B ARRL Chief Operating Officer From: smlist [mailto:smlist-bounces@reflector.arrl.org] On Behalf Of Ewald, Steve, WV1X Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2015 10:24 AM To: smlist Subject: [smlist:7195] Club Updates on the ARRL Web pages; Special Service Club pennants Hello, Section Managers. Norm Fusaro, W3IZ, asked me to forward his message to you about club update information on the ARRL Web pages and the Special Service Club pennants. 73, Steve Ewald, WV1X Supervisor, Field Organization Team ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio(r) 860-594-0265 sewald(a)arrl.org<mailto:sewald@arrl.org> ================================================== Section Managers, The Club Update mechanism has been upgraded. Now when a club updates the information on the ARRL club pages the changes are displayed as soon as the information is submitted. The tutorial on the club page www.arrl.org/clubs<http://www.arrl.org/clubs> has been updated to reflect the changes in the updating procedure. Here is the direct link to the pdf tutorial. http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Clubs/Club%20Update%20Online_20150806.pdf At the July meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors, the board directed HQ to issue one of our new SSC pennants to each Special Service Club. Please reach out to your Special Service Clubs and have them verify that the club information is correct and that their Special Service Club status is up to date. http://www.arrl.org/ssc-application Having this information correct will reduce the number of items returned to HQ because of a bad address. Be sure to include your section Affiliated Club Coordinators in this task. If you have any questions about any of this or other club business please contact me at w3iz(a)arrl.org<mailto:w3iz@arrl.org> or call me at 860-594-0230. 73, Norm Fusaro, W3IZ Assistant Manager Field Service & Radiosport Dept.

1 0