December 2016 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:26015] Thursday Night
by k5ur＠aol.com 19 Jan '17

19 Jan '17

Hi all: Tom and I were talking earlier this week about the informal Thursday night session before the Board meeting in January and I suggested that we consider two presentations. One by Brian on the OO Study and the other by Tom on NTS and 21st Century Communications Plan. This will give all of us a chance to get an up to date status report and have some dialogue about each. Thanks. 73 Rick - K5UR ...

3 3

[arrl-odv:26021] Official Notice and Draft Agenda for 2017 Annual Meeting
by Pereira, Carla 05 Jan '17

05 Jan '17

Dear Officers, Directors, and Vice Directors of the ODV: Attached is the official notice letter for the January 2017 Annual Board meeting from the CEO. Also attached is the draft agenda for the meeting. As stated earlier, the deadline for submitting reports to the Board is January 6, to allow time to prepare the books. Motions should be sent in advance as well. Please let me know if you have any trouble opening the documents. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Respectfully, [ARRL NAFAR Logo Color.png]Carla Pereira Assistant to Tom Gallagher NY2RF ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio(tm) Tel:1-860-594-0242 Fax:1-860-594-0259 cpereira(a)arrl.org<mailto:cpereira@arrl.org>

2 1

[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:26030] Update and status of DePolo Ham antenna litigation
by Bob Famiglio, K3RF 30 Dec '16

30 Dec '16

Good Afternoon All: Several on this list have inquired recently about the infamous DePolo antenna case which resulted in an unfavorable opinion by the 3rd circuit court of Appeals earlier this year. It was reported on this reflector. If you have no interest in the DePolo antenna case outcome so far, you need not read further. For those of you who asked, I summarize the status below. The DePolo federal appeals court created new rules requiring hams to file additional appeals from a zoning appeals board hearing, to further contest a result, in both a state court and a federal court (or just the state court). Federal court filing alone will not work now, at least in the third circuit states. For lots of reasons, the rule will never allow a ham to actually get heard in federal court. Having filed dual cases in three other matter involving mixed federal and state questions, I can attest to that. Regardless, DePolo transferred his case from federal court to state court in November under a special PA state court statute allowing transfer. We believe the federal Appeals court was not mindful of that little known state law when they invented a way to sidestep deciding PRB-1. As expected, the numerous opponents including two separate townships filed massive objections on both procedural grounds and substantive grounds. The PA state court just dismissed DePolo's antenna case largely based on a finding that the US District court decided the merits of PRB-1 and somehow the circuit court sustained that. That is not actually what happened, but that did not keep the court from deciding it did. The opinion seems to cover anything the judge could think of to make sure the appeal was suppressed. The State court judge is new on the bench and came from the local law firms in that county, so we are not surprised. This court usually upholds the township appeal boards most all the time. The court would have also sustained the DePolo zoning board of appeals decision issued two years ago if we had decided to take that route instead of federal court, we are sure. DePolo prevailed in this same county court in 1999 on a 170 foot guyed tower only some 1800 feet away and on a smaller lot than he now moved to. This same court upheld that decision when the town appealed it, but that was before the FCC retreated in its position on PRB-1 in response to the League petitioning for "clarity" on standards as well as extension to HOAs, some 17 years ago. That's another subject however. Nevertheless, after consultation with a leading zoning authority in Pennsylvania, we are confident the case will be returned to the trial court by the PA appeals court. We expect a loss at trial anyway on whatever new grounds the court will manufacture. We will then appeal on the record (merits) back to the PA appellate court. In the meanwhile there are 2 more ham cases in the general geographical area which cannot now afford to file an appeal in both state and federal courts as recently required. Reasonable accommodation is now only what a town says it is, and no more. Attached are two documents. The court order with opinion and DePolo's explanation to the court in response to motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim for which relief could be granted. You will want to read the judges 3 page footnote on the rejection. Sounds formidable until one know the facts and the law, neither of which this honorable judge knows except what he has been "told" by the many briefs filed against DePolo. No review of any evidentiary record was made by any court anywhere yet. This judge even invented new facts that no other party argued. One example is - DePolo has two 17 foot antennas now. Fabricated - he has never had any antennas at his new house. Go figure. The briefs filed against Depolo are scanned images over 30 pages and therefore too big to attach. If you want them for some reason let me know and I can send a CD-ROM or one document at a time privately. DePolo's brief is in (largely) native PDF so it is a smaller file. DePolo's attached response contains a fair summary of the history of the case and the applicable law. I know several of you had continuing concerns both over this case and the state of PRB-1 generally. DePolo is widely known and heralded as an Amateur radio UHF - Microwave leader and owns and operated the University of Pennsylvania (N3KZ) repeater system serving some 5 states. The tower would support hundreds if not thousands of other hams. If you have a question or comment, feel free to call me at my office or drop me an e-mail for my home numbers to call over the weekends or evening. Happy New Year to all. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Vice Director, ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF

1 0

[arrl-odv:26029] IN-Newsletter December 30 2016
by Pereira, Carla 29 Dec '16

29 Dec '16

Due to a computer issue, this week's In-News looks slightly different. IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 46 December 30, 2016 Covers the period December 17 – December 23, 2016 Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events Logbook Study Committee January 18, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT New Director and Vice Director Orientation January 18, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee Meeting January 19, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee Meeting January 19, 2017 @ W1AW, Newington, CT Annual Board Meeting January 20 – 21, 2017 @ Windsor, CT Southeastern Division Convention, February 9 – 13, 2017 @ Orlando, FL Hamvention 2017 May 19 – 21, 2017 @ Xenia, OH Chief Executive Office Reported by Tom Gallagher, NY2RF Planning and preparations continue for the January 2017 Annual Board Meeting. Education Reported by Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Teacher Registration Instructor Registration Graduation Kit Requests License Class Listings 3 11 0 11 A unanimous vote from the executive committee approved the four Education & Technology Program grants that were recommended. Award letters were sent. Field Services Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N W1AW Reported by Joe Carcia, NJ1Q Joe updated the web code practice files and their archives. He also updated the code practice QST source web page. He constructed an AFSK interface to be used with the Elecraft KX2 for a digital demonstration at Grace Academy in Hartford, CT. He also checked a donated Yaesu FT-847 HF/V/UHF transceiver that will be given to a local school club. Scott worked on fast and slow code practice texts for the upcoming week. He also processed VUCC certificates and endorsements. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky R. Schoenfeld, W1BXY In the past week, we worked with PageSuite to improve picture quality on apps, to edit the digital QST log in screen so as to include a QST logo and ask for username, and to solve the iOS app log-in problems. We are continuing to work with them this week to upgrade image quality in the upcoming Feb 2017 issue, improve app features based on member feedback, and explore possibilities for implementing a desktop download feature, which Production will discuss in the upcoming weeks. Radiosport Reported by Norm Fusaro, W3IZ DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 2-3 Days Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Jackie Ferreira conducted some additional publication campaigns via email, leading into the holiday weekend. The campaigns were cross-promoted on our website and social media. Yvette Vinci readied the announcement for the digital edition of January QST, which she emailed to 120,288 members on Monday, December 19. The message included key information and links to help members migrating to the new digital publishing platform, PageSuite. Our team of Member Services Reps provided support to members throughout the week – mostly by email. Many of the support inquiries involved members who had forgotten their ARRL website username and/or password. Both are required to access the digital edition of QST. Members requiring more significant support are directed to Alli McLellan in the Production Dept. Bob Inderbitzen connected with the organizers of Orlando HamCation to plan ARRL’s support and booth for the event. The convention is touted as the second largest hamfest in North America. HamCation hosted ARRL’s 2016 National Convention. The 2017 convention is February 10-12, and is sanctioned as the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention. Some graphics were produced for the image carousel on the website home page – including one promoting Kids Day on January 7. We have discontinued the use of an afterhours answering service. The decision, made during 2017 planning, will save the organization money -- but we have also noticed a diminishing number of messages being taken by the service. Today, members can reach us easily by email, and our website has information answering common questions. Callers will hear a new greeting afterhours, instructing them of our operating hours and website resources to join, renew, and to place orders. Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations Bob Allison 12/26 – 12/30 PTO Lauren Clarke 01/19 PTO Jackie Ferreira 12/27 – 12/30 PTO Steve Ford 12/22 – 01/02 PTO Tom Gallagher 12/14 – 01/03 PTO “ 02/10 – 02/12 Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, FL Scott Gee 02/20 – 02/24 PTO Perry Green Medical Leave Dan Henderson 12/05 – 01/09 Medical Leave Gail Iannone 10/07 – 02/06 Sick Leave Bob Inderbitzen 12/28 – 12/30 PTO “ 02/09 – 02/13 Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, FL Sean Kutzko 12/22 – 12/30 PTO Monique Leveque 12/21 – 01/02 PTO Carla Pereira 12/30 PTO Sincerely Compiled by, Carla Pereira, Assistant to CEO

1 0

[arrl-odv:26028] Step Up to the Plate
by k5ur＠aol.com 26 Dec '16

26 Dec '16

Hi all: As we close the year, I'dlike to ask those who have not made a monetary donation to the League to pleasedo so. As volunteers we all contribute our time, and then some, but you alsoknow it's important to our development efforts to be able to say that all Boardmembers have made a donation. Oftentimes when seeking donations, especially frommajor donors, one of the first questions they will ask is whether all Board membershave given. As a group, we've done prettygood this year but we still have a ways to go to hit 100% participation. I'vemade my annual donation. I am asking you to please do the same. To give, clickon the link below: https://www.arrl.org/arrl-donation-form Please help us achieve 100% ARRLBoard participation. Step up to the plate and let's all give something! Thanks. 73 Rick - K5UR ...

1 0

[arrl-odv:26026] Dismissal with Prejudice of Ames v. ARRL et al.
by Christopher Imlay 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

I am pleased to report that the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has dismissed with prejudice, in its entirety, the civil action filed by Joe Ames against ARRL, Jim Boehner, Tom Gallagher and Rick Roderick. I’ve only given the opinion a quick skim, but it looks like Judge Jones agreed that Ames’ own evidence shows that the ARRL statements were true, and thus, cannot be defamatory. Mr. Ames has 30 days in which to appeal if he chooses to do so. I anticipated this; frankly, Ames complaint and his responsive pleading after ARRL's Motion to Dismiss were poorly drafted and the argument was weak. The Cozin, O'Connor firm did a bangup job of representing ARRL. Merry Christmas. 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

2 1

[arrl-odv:26025] IN-Newsletter Dec 23 2016
by Pereira, Carla 22 Dec '16

22 Dec '16

[ARRL logo-and-logotype black gold vertical] IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 45 December 23, 2016 Covers the period December 10 - December 16, 2016 Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events Logbook Study Committee January 18, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT New Director and Vice Director Orientation January 18, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee Meeting January 19, 2017 @ HQ, Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee Meeting January 19, 2017 @ W1AW, Newington, CT Annual Board Meeting January 20 - 21, 2017 @ Windsor, CT ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention January 27 - 29, 2017 @ Hatillo, Puerto Rico Southeastern Division Convention, February 9 - 13, 2017 @ Orlando, FL Hamvention 2017 May 19 - 21, 2017 @ Xenia, OH Chief Executive Office Reported by Tom Gallagher, NY2RF The 95th Anniversary of the first transatlantic signal reception was commemorated on December 11, in Greenwich, CT and Ardrossan, Scotland, as noted in last week's IN-News by Dave Patton. The event was covered on the UK side by BBC Scotland. A link to the BBC story can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-38262397 On December 14, Tom Gallagher met with ABC/Disney news executive, Howard Price, KA2QPJ, who is also President of the Broadcast Employees Amateur Radio Society, Inc. (BEARS), along with the founder of RFinder, to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration. Planning and preparations continue for the January 2017 Annual Board Meeting. Development Reported by Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD A recent mailing was sent to Life Members who have never contributed to ARRL - the letter, signed by Tom Gallagher, NY2RF, asked these Life Members to join the Diamond Club. In the past month, we have gained 25 new Diamond Club members and $3,915 in revenue through this mailing. Part of Development's business plan is to encourage recurring donations, i.e., giving $10 a month for a total of $120 a year. A new buck slip has been created for recurring donations and will be included in Diamond Club renewals and solicitations in 2017. The ARRL Foundation is in the process of approving the W1FDR Scholarship Fund, funded through the generosity of Bob Ravenstein, W1FDR. Education Reported by Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Teacher Registration Instructor Registration Graduation Kit Requests License Class Listings 2 9 0 9 IT continues to work on resolving bugs in the new instructor feedback system. It is not yet fully operational. Debra coordinated with Radio Waves contributing editor Edith Lennon to identify stories to solicit for future issues. ARISS International contacts supported this week included a direct contact between Astronaut Thomas Pesquet, KG5FYG and students at the Maristes High School, Toulouse, France on Dec. 12; a direct contact between cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov and students at The Communication College of Vologda and Information Technologies, in Vologda, Russia, on Dec. 13; and a telebridge contact with students at Scuola Secondaria di Primo Grado "Niccolò Pisano" in Marina di Pisa, Italy, on Dec. 15 with astronaut Shane Kimbrough, KE5HOD. Debra sent notices to the accepted applicants to the ARISS program whose proposals were received during the fall proposal window, generated the announcement of selected schools, and updated the ARRL website. She also corresponded with schools that were not selected, advising them on how to improve their proposals for resubmission. Education & Technology Program Debra met with Sean to revise the script for the video about the Teachers Institute being produced with the help of Vice Director Tom Delaney. Field Services Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N Field Organization With four Section Manager elections scheduled for this winter, Leona Adams received Section Manager candidate statements from all nine candidates who are running for the next terms of office. Leona prepared these statements and section ballots for Arizona, Kentucky, Iowa, and North Texas ARRL section elections. After proofing and additional coordination efforts with other departments at Headquarters, these items were sent to the local printer. Steve Ewald completed work on the Field Organization Reports column for February QST. As expected, the end of the year ARRL related section expense reports have been flowing into this branch of the department, and staff has been handling these. W1AW Reported by Joe Carcia, NJ1Q Joe processed three Qualifying Run certificates. He also processed regular QSL card requests. Joe repaired a power distribution breaker panel used for the 15-meter broadcast transmitter. He performed frequency measure tests (CW, digital) on all the broadcast equipment. Joe also processed three authorization requests for the use of W1AW next year during one ARRL State convention (Puerto Rico) and two ARRL Division conventions (Northwestern and Southwestern - Sea-Pac and Hamcon, respectively). Scott worked on slow and fast code practice texts for the upcoming week. He also processed VUCC certificates and endorsements. Lab Reported by Bob Allison, WB1GCM QST Product Review Bob Allison, WB1GCM, is currently testing an HF/VHF mobile transceiver. Testing should be wrapped up shortly. There are many other transceivers scheduled for testing, so please look for Bob in the screen room if you need him. RFI Mike Gruber, W1MG, responded to numerous telephone calls and emails regarding radio frequency interference. Mike also stayed at Headquarters very late to chair the p1897 Working Group meeting for IEEE. Ask Mike about this very important work he's conducting. Technical Information Service Zack Lau, W1VT, uploaded the Propagation Forecasts for January 2017. The predicted solar flux is a very low 78. He also handled quite a number of emails and phones calls that routinely come into the Lab each day. At home, Zack worked two more countries, Montenegro on CW and Sardinia on JT65, to push his 160M country total to 101 worked and 96 confirmed. Working 100 countries (DXCC) on 160 meters is no easy feat! Production/Editorial Reported by Becky R. Schoenfeld, W1BXY The February2017 issue of QST is at the printer. Radiosport Reported by Norm Fusaro, W3IZ DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 2 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 1-2 Days Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Bob Inderbitzen traveled to Dayton on December 8 to meet with key members of the 2017 Hamvention Committee. He committed ARRL's exhibit space at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio - the new home for Hamvention. ARRL's exhibit area is approximately one-third of the size we occupied at the Hara Complex since 2005 (when Hamvention approached ARRL for help filling unsold exhibit space). Other buildings on the property will house forums and some additional exhibits. Preliminary layouts depict over 300 booths, an outdoor flea market, and onsite parking. Registration and instructions for lodging reservations will be circulated in late January. 2017 Hamvention is May 19-21. Jackie Ferreira crafted a handful of holiday-themed publication campaigns conducted via email and promoted on our website and social media. These activities have been responsible for driving the majority of traffic to our e-store throughout the month. One campaign, which concluded last week, required participants to subscribe to a daily email for 12 days featuring specific products and offers. The campaign reached 3,700 unique members and subscribers, and contributed 367 orders. With help from John Proctor, our sales reports have been modified to include costs of goods and net revenue. The information will help us closely track the effectiveness of our marketing and promotion activities. A campaign featuring the ARRL Visa Signature® Card was promoted to members by email and in the ARRL Letter. ARRL earned $3,468 in November for the ARRL Visa Card program; year to date $42,311 ($39,458 Jan-Nov 2015). Yvette prepared "reminder letters" that were mailed to 553 members making quarterly payments toward Life Membership. She also continues to participate with an interdepartmental team to define the criteria for programming a new membership system. Our staff reviewed planning for the introduction of the new digital publishing platform for QST, so we can support members as they migrate to the improved digital QST benefit. The warehouse clerks are readying the facility for the end of year physical inventory. Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations Leona Adams 12/27 - 12/28 PTO Bob Allison 12/26 - 12/30 PTO " Jackie Ferreira 12/27 - 12/30 PTO Steve Ford 12/22 - 01/02 PTO Norm Fusaro 12/22 - 12/27 PTO Tom Gallagher 12/14 - 01/03 PTO " 01/27 - 01/29 ARRL Puerto Rico State Convention, Hatillo, PR " 02/10 - 02/12 Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, FL Scott Gee 12/23 - 12/27 PTO " 02/20 - 02/24 PTO Perry Green Medical Leave Dan Henderson 12/05 - 01/09 Medical Leave Gail Iannone 10/07 - 01/09 Sick Leave Bob Inderbitzen 12/28 - 12/30 PTO " 02/09 - 02/13 Southeastern Division Convention, Orlando, FL Debra Johnson 12/23 PTO Sean Kutzko 12/22 - 12/30 PTO Lisa Kustosik 12/22 - 12/23 PTO Monique Leveque 12/21 - 01/02 PTO Carla Pereira 12/23 PTO " 12/30 PTO Sincerely Compiled by, Carla Pereira, Assistant to CEO

1 0

[arrl-odv:26024] 2017 Expense Reimbursements - Mileage Rate
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

Good Afternoon: The IRS recently announced the standard mileage rates to be used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable purposes in 2016. Longstanding ARRL policy states that we use the business rate determined by the IRS as the rate for reimbursement of mileage incurred by staff and volunteers in service to the organization. Accordingly, the rate for reimbursement for mileage incurred in 2017 will be $0.535 per mile. This is a reduction of one-half cent from the 2016 rate. For those interested, the mileage rate used for calculating deductions for charitable purposes is unchanged at $0.14 per mile. Attached is the expense reimbursement form to be used for all expenses incurred beginning on January 1, 2017 which reflects the new rate. Please let me know if you have any questions. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc-The National Association for Amateur Radio(tm) 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 www.arrl.org<http://www.arrl.org/>

1 0

[arrl-odv:26020] Transatlatic Anniversary
by Pereira, Carla 19 Dec '16

19 Dec '16

Dear Members of the ODV and Staff: On Sunday, Dec 11, staffers Bob Allison, Kathy Allison, Dave Patton, Bob Inderbitzen, and Tom Gallagher travelled to Greenwich CT to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the first TransAtlantic signal reception by Amateurs in 1921 between Greenwich, CT and Ardrossan, Scotland. The BBC covered the event from Scotland. Below is a link to the story on the BBC Scotland news website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-38262397 Also attached is an MP3 of the item as broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland the day after the event. Please feel free to copy and distribute this material to anyone who’d like t.

3 2