February 2016 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:25168] Comments and observations regarding HR-1301 amendments offered
by Bob Famiglio, K3RF 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

In response to Mikes message of 2-24-16: In some ways this approach may be better for PRB-1s future. As someone who has advised maybe a hundred or more hams in PRB-1 case for over 30 years, I firmly believe in separating the rules applying to PRB-1 cases involving freely owned land without any private restriction, from rules for restricted HOA and CC&R lands. The law should evolve separately. Our PRB-1 case law, which is mixed as it is and not that great, should never be muddled and reduced with to-be-expected decisions on the application of PRB-1 to private restrictions. That will happen I am afraid. I am sure interpretation of PBR-1 in applications to CC&R situations will serve to water down the full version case law resulting from cases where there is no complication from private restrictions and also enough land to reasonably support something proposed by a ham. That would be a serious problem in my view. While I would like to see HOA restrictions eased, one can at least appreciate the oppositions needs. Now, allow me to make some observations about this language which provides CAI some serious loopholes. Sec. 3 contains the meat. BTW, I do realize that troublesome language compromise may be necessary given how legislation is made. Remember the cliché about not watching how sausage is made. Non-intrusive use of common areas without permanent installations might have been nice in a compromise, but perhaps is out of reach now, at this point in the deal. Ive tried to work deals like that for hams. Some of the below suggestions is likely a bridge too far for HOA hams, but, consider this: 1. In sec 3 (b): What if the HOA never adopts any standard? They are not required to adopt a standard, just may establish standards which of course, they could always do anyway. Idea is to require them to adopt standards . Can those standards preclude bands? Can they say only 2 meter or other small VHF vertical is allowed? In some situations, they may be justified. Others, not. Suggestion: Where no standard has been adopted by the HOA, the default shall be a standard created by the FCC (or we provide a default of some sort). 2. There is no distinction between HOA where each home is on five acres, and HOA where all the ham owns is a city apartment with little access to reasonably expansive outside areas. Suggestion: We may consider negotiating several situations a step-ladder approach, where larger properties with more privacy get more privileges that smaller property with less privacy. a. Apartment-like condo ownership, where the only area under routine exclusive use by the applicant for permission is a lanai, porch, or perhaps less just a window that opens to the world. In that case, maybe a ham may put an antenna on the roof, not to exceed 20 feet in height, and set back at least 10 feet from the nearest edge of the roof and meeting all safety codes. That is likely not going to happen though. These hams may be just out of luck. b. Common wall townhomes where minimally visible antennas may be erected that do not interfere with landscaping machinery (grass mowers and trimmers and such) and small wires may be erected in the woods out back, with feed lines underground. Antennas not visible to the naked eye from a public way are permitted. c. Stand alone homes where the HOA maintains the lawns and driveways, where minimally visible antennas may be erected that do not interfere with landscaping machinery, and small wires may be erected in the woods out back, with feed lines underground. Antennas not visible to the naked eye from a public way are permitted. d. Stand alone homes where the HOA does NOT maintain the lawns and driveways, antennas , lots exceeding perhaps 0.25 acres or more with some such standard including common area. Reasonable accommodation under the PRB-1 standard. 3. Sec 3 (b): Discusses effective, efficient antennas. What does this mean? If the HOA allows effective antennas on two meters and 440 MHZ FM, but not HF, does that meet the requirements of the statute? That argument requires 8 hours of evidence presentation alone and expert witnesses. 4. on frequencies allocated thereto by the Commission - OK, you can have a full length whip antenna on 2 and 440. But what if the ham wants to rag chew with his old buddies on 80 meter SSB? Or 160 meter AM and the HOA interprets that differently? The language suggests some and not all (which we know it cannot be all). Why cant he have an OCF or end-fed (EFHW?) wire #16 or less to the trees? Again, we certainly understand in some situations the ham will necessarily be out of luck and frankly cannot operate HF from a town house or condo. Frankly, my initial legal advice to such hams who call me as a Volunteer Counsel to complain about HOA or CC&R is still move! - As harsh as it is. 5. Can we define minimally visible something like #16 or #18 wire or less, at least 15 feet from any neighbors boundary line? 6. The language is not personal to the applicant: Does not allow frequencies that this particular amateur wants to use, for communications to areas he intends to reach, i.e., does not echo PRB-1 communications he/she desires. But again, understandably, maybe it cannot in many situations. 7. Should allow: minimally visible outdoor antennas that do not require antenna support structures (i.e., wire to trees, or wires in trees, verticals, Buddipoles or ground planes no higher than 12 feet (why 12 feet? Thats the height of a basketball net with backboard you see at many HOA developments), and should allow non-permanent (no concrete) support structures with antennas up to 12 feet in height on common area adjacent to, and normally under the exclusive use of the applicant. 8. Maybe a step-ladder (larger common area, larger non-common area) approach could be negotiated. It may be too late for that at this point. This might be argued to address the CAI concerns they articulate. We all might agree we do not argue even a lightweight self-supporting short tower with several antennas in most townhouse situations, but maybe in single family suburban/semi-rural one, two or more acre HOA developments that are common enough. And I do like: (c) The Commission shall make no change in Section 97.15(b) of Title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, which will remain applicable to State and municipal land use regulation of amateur radio communications. This actually works for us. (No change to 97.15(b) needed I would observe, of course, until we get legislation with cleaner definitions of what PRB-1 case law struggles to define with mixed results. A shortened, simplified Telecommunications Act of 1996 type law with clean, more objective definitions just for licensed radio amateurs should be our long-term project/goal. Judges, zoning boards and town managers or lawyers always ask me something like what the hell does reasonable accommodation mean? Then we are off to the races. Some state statutes are much better than PRB-1 is now in that regard. We can do much better. My 2 cents worth. Thanks for reading this. No refunds will be offered. 73. See you on the radio. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Vice Director, ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF

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[arrl-odv:25167] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 7 February 24, 2016 - Covers the period February 14-20. Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events Executive Committee March 12 @ 8:30am in Westlake, TX Administration & Finance Committee May 4 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The April issue of QST is at the printer. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Diane Petrilli reports that targeted membership e-mailings returned over 120 membership applications this month. The next large membership campaign will mail on March 11. Yvette Vinci reports that on Friday, February 19, a reminder emailing was sent to members with a summary of "What's trending" in March QST-taking advantage of some early analytics shared by Alli Barbieri. The notification was sent to 123,307 members. Jackie Ferreira and Bob Inderbitzen worked on a handful of marketing activities to help introduce the 2016-2017 ARRL Repeater Directory and RFinder online repeater directory. The new printed directory becomes available in April. Bob Inderbitzen teleconferenced with our member benefit partners: Liberty Mutual Insurance (group discounted home and audio insurance), and US Bank (ARRL Visa Card). Both partners have presented a marketing and promotion plan for the remainder of the year. Planning is underway for ARRL's exhibits and activities at Dayton Hamvention, May 20-22. Bob is finalizing a list of ARRL staff representatives for the event. Diane has committed a hotel room block for staff and Board members. Registration information will be circulated shortly. Summary of Sales and Marketing Department telephone group, reported by Yvette Vinci: Week Ending Calls Answered Calls Per Hour Total Talking Duration Average Speed of Answer 2/19/2016 812 22.5 22:32:21 9 seconds 2/12/2016 829 18.4 26:05:13 11 seconds 2/5/2016 858 19.0 27:00:55 9 seconds 1/29/2016 947 21.0 30:42:25 8 seconds Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity, reported by Steve Capodicasa: Week Ending Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 2/19/2016 776 168 2/12/2016 704 402 2/5/2016 902 383 1/29/2016 1,546 513 Field Services & Radiosport Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 2-3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 2 Days Number of Centennial applications processed: Centennial Challenge QSO 2837 W1AW/WAS 2015 W1AW Our condolences to station operator Scott Gee, WB9RRU, on the unexpected passing of his mother on Thursday, February 18. Scott will be gone for a few days as he needs to travel to Wisconsin for the arrangements. Joe Carcia updated the web code practice files and their archives. He completed initial alignment and testing of the satellite tracking software and rotator controller for the ARISS Go-Kit. Scott Gee processed some VUCC applications and certificates. Field Organization/Public Service Team Chuck Skolaut compiled and forwarded the monthly Official Observer Summary to all OOs, OOCs, and Section Managers. One radio amateur from Oregon completed requirements to become an Official Observer this past week. Interference to a nightly 40 meter net was reported, and the Kentucky OOC alerted his OOs to monitor. Questions about RACES and announcements on repeaters were referred to regulation. Several reports of fishermen using 2 meters shown on a TV show is being checked out. Supplies were also sent to several OOs who have requested them. The January activity reports from Field Organization Leaders from across the country were received, compiled and produced for May QST. Leona Adams reports that Brent Walls, N9BA, of Indianapolis, has been nominated to run for the Indiana Section Manager's position. Nominations for the Indiana SM position are due at Headquarters by Friday, March 4. Ann Foster, K0ANN, of St. Anthony, has been nominated to run for the Minnesota Section Manager's position, and the nominating petitions for this particular election cycle are due at Headquarters by June 3. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 3/25 Holiday Barry Shelley 3/4 PTO

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[arrl-odv:25165] 123 as of this morning
by Mike Lisenco N2YBB 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

We picked up #123 this morning. Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr. (R-LA-3). 73 de Mike N2YBB

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[arrl-odv:25164] Re: More co-sponsors
by Mike Lisenco N2YBB 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

Thanks for picking up on this Tom. It's funny how long it sometime takes things happen on the Hill. Chris and I met with Rep. Knight's people in the beginning of January, and we met with Rep. Jenkins people last October! 73 de Mike N2YBB -----Original Message----- From: Tom Frenaye Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 7:03 PM To: arrl-odv(a)arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:25163] More co-sponsors As of 2/23/16 there are two new co-sponsors for HR-1301 John Jenkins. R-WV-3 Stephen Knight. R-CA-25 Tom/K1KI _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv

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[arrl-odv:25163] More co-sponsors
by Tom Frenaye 25 Feb '16

25 Feb '16

As of 2/23/16 there are two new co-sponsors for HR-1301 John Jenkins. R-WV-3 Stephen Knight. R-CA-25 Tom/K1KI

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[arrl-odv:25161] Another amateur petition on public notice
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 23 Feb '16

23 Feb '16

Today the FCC placed on public notice the attached petition from an individual amateur as RM-11760. It is somewhat curious that the Commission chose to put this out for public comment. The petitioner has not documented his argument very well and in the past it was not unusual for the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau simply to deny such petitions by letter. In this case it could have cited WT Docket No. 12-283, action on which was completed less than two years ago, as having dealt with a similar proposal. It has not been our practice to comment on such petitions until and unless they reach the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking stage, but the EC may want to discuss this at its March 12 meeting. 73, Dave Sumner, K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:25160] ARRL System Maintenance
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY 23 Feb '16

23 Feb '16

Good morning. The ARRL IT Department will be performing additional maintenance work on the network infrastructure overnight this Saturday, February 27th. The HQ systems will be down between the hours of 8 pm Saturday night though 6 am Sunday morning, February 28th. (0100 UTC until 1100 UTC on February 28). While the main web site will be unaffected, the e-store and online membership will not be available as well as several HQ systems including Logbook of the World, National Parks on the Air, On-line DXCC and headquarters e-mail. Email will be queued up and delivered once we are back up on Sunday morning. A story will be posted on the ARRL news crawl today. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Financial Officer ARRL, Inc. The National Association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org<http://www.arrl.org>

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[arrl-odv:25159] RM-11759
by Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

Today the FCC put on public notice the petition that we filed last month, the most significant proposed change being the move of the 80/75 meter boundary from 3600 to 3650 kHz. See attached. This opens a 30-day window for comments. We should anticipate that the opposition, albeit a minority, will make their feelings known. 73, Dave K1ZZ

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[arrl-odv:25155] Re: Reaching out in new ways — Kim Commando Show
by nwdvd 22 Feb '16

22 Feb '16

I will let you know as soon as I know. Sent from Jim's Samsung Galaxy Tab®4 -------- Original message -------- From: John Robert Stratton <N5AUS(a)n5aus.com> Date:02/18/2016 10:08 AM (GMT-08:00) To: arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:25154] Re: Reaching out in new ways — Kim Commando Show Folks Kim Commando's three hour radio show [The Kim Komando Show] is a BIG deal; it is heard on 500 stations. She maintains a website at: https://www.komando.com, has a weekly column on USAToday.com and her radio show also appears as a podcast. If the "Digital Goddess" as she is known, is receptive and runs a piece on her program, it will be worth many thousands in advertising and name ID. She is VERY influential and can hurt or harm any product or manufacturer or group. If the piece airs and the subject matter is treated well, we should explore whether it opens opportunities for us. When we know that the piece is going to run we should alert all Members by email and a news piece on the website. If you are into Facebook, see: https://www.facebook.com/kimkomando Also see: https://www.komando.com/about-kim 73 ----------------------------------------------------- John Robert Stratton N5AUS Office telephone: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 PO Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 ----------------------------------------------------- On 2/18/16 11:04 AM, Northwestern Division Director - Jim K7CEX wrote: The following was sent to me by SM Ed Stuckey, AI7H, from Idaho. "Talk Radio" interview, Mike Meier (WB7RBH) (our SEC and PIC) gave an audio interview about Amateur Radio on 02/09 for the "Kim Komando" radio show. (I was not familiar with this lady, but she does a radio talk show on "technology"). Mike said the interview went well, they process the material into future shows and they will advise when this segment will air. I also advised Sean K9KX at HQ. I'll be meeting with the Idaho delegation next week 73 and good Hamming Jim Pace, K7CEX ARRL the National Association for Amateur Radio Northwestern Division Director _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv

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[arrl-odv:25156] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 19 Feb '16

19 Feb '16

IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 6 February 17, 2016 - Covers the period February 7-13. Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events Executive Committee March 12 @ 8:30am in Westlake, TX Administration & Finance Committee May 4 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Jackie Ferriera reports that ARRL has received its sixth donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation, $1,493, as a result of program activity between October 1 and December 31, 2015 (Q3/2015 $1,241; Q2/2015 $993; 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. We enjoyed a successful 2016 ARRL National Convention, hosted by Orlando HamCation, February 12-14. There were 278 membership applications collected throughout the weekend; nearly a quarter of those from new and previous members. Publication and product sales were approximately $15,000, and dues exceeded $18,000. The National Convention Banquet had attendance of 200. A photo album from the event is posted to the ARRL Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153573975132408.1073741888.2006…> page. Summary of Sales and Marketing Department telephone group, reported by Yvette Vinci: Week Ending Calls Answered Calls Per Hour Total Talking Duration Average Speed of Answer 2/12/2016 829 18.4 26:05:13 11 seconds 2/5/2016 858 19.0 27:00:55 9 seconds 1/29/2016 947 21.0 30:42:25 8 seconds 1/22/2016 931 20.6 29:45:14 8 seconds Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity, reported by Steve Capodicasa: Week Ending Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 2/12/2016 704 402 2/5/2016 902 383 1/29/2016 1,546 513 1/22/2016 1,067 387 Field Services & Radiosport Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 2 - 3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 1 - 2 Business Days Number of Centennial applications processed: Centennial Challenge QSO 2836 W1AW/WAS 2014 W1AW Joe Carcia processed three Qualifying Run certificates and three Qualifying Run endorsements. He updated the web QST code practice source page and continued with construction of an antenna switch for use in W1HQ. Scott worked on fast and slow code practice files for the week. He also processed some VUCC applications and certificates. Field Organization/Public Service Team Leona Adams reports that Vermont Section Manager Paul Gayet, AA1SU, has been nominated for a new term of office as Section Manager. Patrick Moretti, KA1RB, of Dousman, Wisconsin, has been nominated to run for the office of Wisconsin Section Manager. Nominations for these term of office are due at Headquarters by Friday, March 4, and new terms of office begin July 1. The Field Organization staff is planning to count ballots received in the San Diego, the Pacific, and the Virginia Section Manager elections on Tuesday, February 23. Chuck Skolaut compiled and forwarded the monthly ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch report to the IARU Region 2 Monitoring Coordinator. An Eastern Pennsylvania radio amateur reported intentional interference on 7.177 MHz, and it was referred to the section's OOC. KJ3P, an EPA OO gave a presentation to the Pottstown Area Amateur Radio Club about the OO program. EA5RM, the winner of the 2015 International Humanitarian Award was notified. Chuck also conducted one morning code practice session at W1AW to fill-in for station staff. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 3/25 Holiday Leona Adams 2/18 Jury Duty Lisa Kustosik 2/22 PTO Barry Shelley 3/4 PTO

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