June 2016 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:25372] NTS Press release
by Dr. David Woolweaver 16 Jun '16

16 Jun '16

[Attachment(s) from w3jy@... [NTS-CR] included below] Error! Filename not specified. Press Release For Immediate Release 11 June 2016 National Traffic System Supports FEMA’s Cascadia Rising The ARRL’s National Traffic System debuted its new National Response Plan this past week during FEMA’s Cascadia Rising exercise. At the invitation of FEMA’s Disaster Emergency Communications Directorate, more than forty NTS members in the U.S. and Canada demonstrated the ability to relay situational awareness from a simulated disaster area covering the States of Alaska, Idaho, Northern California, Oregon and Washington to their National Response Coordinating Center at Washington, D.C. Methods used during this proof-of-concept demonstration project included the NTSD digital network as well as traditional radiotelephone and radiotelegraph networks. All message traffic was transmitted and delivered over RF-only circuits using the universal radiogram format, selected for its proven network management tools and enhanced accountability standards. The exercise proved the value of consistent, internationally adopted, standard procedures, practiced through regular traffic handling assignments. Some observers compared NTS radiotelegraph nets to the best of military and commercial operations. Transcontinental Corps ops displayed professionalism and skill operating CW under poor propagation conditions. An initial review of TCC traffic shows near perfect accuracy (>99%) with the random, five character groups used for message texts. Coast-to-coast traverse time averaged less than fifteen minutes. One message was relayed in less than one minute. Cascadia Rising will be the first of many exercises with FEMA designed to enhance the ability of NTS to provide efficient and reliable disaster communications services, especially vital situational awareness in the early moments of a communications failure. NTS enjoys a culture of continual improvement and lessons learned from Cascadia Rising will be used to improve the National Response Plan and provide a basis of comparison for system performance. Radio Amateurs interested in participating in NTS should check-in to a Section or local NTS net or contact their ARRL Section Traffic Manager. http://www.arrl.org/sections. Additional information about NTS and Cascadia Rising may be found at https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/NTS-CR/info. Contact: Mr Joseph A Ames Jr, Chairman ARRL NTS Eastern Area Staff w3jy@...

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[arrl-odv:25370] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 14 Jun '16

14 Jun '16

IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 20 June 8, 2016 - Covers the period May 29-June 4. Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events LoTW Study Committee July 13 @ 10:00am in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee July 14 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee July 14 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Second Board Meeting July 15-16 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT Development Reported by Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD A Spectrum Defense solicitation was mailed in early May to 75,000 members. To date, 1,036 contributions have been received totaling $85,473. The ARRL Foundation approved to award 78 scholarships totaling $115,650 for the 2016-2017 academic year. E-mail notifications were sent on June 7, 2016 to recipients, to be followed by USPS letters to both recipients and sponsors. The full list can be found at: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-foundation-announces-2016-scholarship-recipie…. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY We are working on the August issue of QST. Work has begun on The 2017 ARRL Handbook. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Steve Capodicasa reports that it was a busy week at the warehouse, fulfilling orders placed throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Bob Inderbitzen attended the Northwestern Division Convention, SEA-PAC, in Seaside, Oregon, June 3-5. The event was also attended by Norm Fusaro, President Rick Roderick and his spouse Holly, Director Jim Pace, Vice Director Bonnie Altus, and many Section Managers and Field Organization volunteers. While Bob largely supported the membership booth, he also gave a forum with suggestions for encouraging new and inexperienced hams to get active, get involved, and get on the air. The convention also featured three full-day workshops: DXing and Contesting, SDR, and a DIY experience building a Pixie radio. The convention banquet was attended by over 300 people, and included remarks from President Roderick, Director Pace, and Vice Director Altus. The banquet speaker was ARRL member Nancy Rabel Hall, KC4IYD-a research scientist and project manager working in the International Space Station (ISS) and Human Health Office at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Nancy is particularly active with the YLRL and several radio clubs. Throughout the convention, Bob received many compliments from members citing excellent service with ARRL Headquarters. Bob returned with 77 membership applications, totaling 89 membership years. Now shipping: Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio<http://www.arrl.org/shop/Storm-Spotting-and-Amateur-Radio-2nd-Edition/>, new 2nd Edition. The book is also available as an e-book, from Amazon Kindle. 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 6/3/2016 (4 days) 705 19.6 21:23:53 10 seconds 5/27/2016 848 18.8 26:47:40 9 seconds 5/20/2016 780 17.3 26:44:10 12 seconds 5/13/2016 764 16.9 23:24:06 11 seconds Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity, reported by Steve Capodicasa: Week Ending Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 6/3/2016 (4 days) 1,456 420 5/27/2016 1,013 554 5/20/2016 976 470 5/13/2016 835 420 Field Services & Radiosport Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 2-3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 1-2 Days Field Organization/Public Service Team Diana Feinberg, AI6DF, of Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, has been appointed the ARRL Los Angeles Section Manager, effective on June 1. She assumed the Section reins from David Greenhut, N6HD, who had announced his resignation from the volunteer post due to time constraints, after serving since October 2009. Dave Patton consulted with Southwestern Division Director Richard Norton before making the appointment. Diana will complete the current term of office, which extends through September 2017. Leona Adams and Steve Ewald have been in touch with Diana to assist her and the Los Angeles Section during this period of transition in section leadership. Chuck Skolaut compiled and forwarded the monthly ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch report to the IARU Region 2 Monitoring Coordinator. A Mississippi ham reported an unidentified pulse type signal causing interference on 80 meters. Further checking revealed that it was originating from his own garage door opener while in standby mode. A foreign ham asked about operating in the United States, and another radio amateur inquired about proper identification while operating here. Several complaints were received about an operation on 7200 kHz, and the FCC was updated on this matter. An eastern Pennsylvania monitoring station reported interference on 6 meters, and the FCC was notified. . Questions field this past week included using ham radio while in Federal buildings, Field Day operation, and several inquiries on the Parity Act and HOA regulations. 73, Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 7/4 Holiday Bob Allison 7/22-7/23 Oklahoma Section Convention, Oklahoma City, OK Alli Barbieri 6/9-6/13 PTO Steve Capodicasa 6/13 PTO `` 6/27 PTO `` 8/22-8/26 PTO `` 9/19-9/23 PTO Lauren Clarke 6/13-6/21 PTO Jackie Ferreira 6/23-6/24 PTO `` 7/18-7/22 PTO Steve Ford 6/10 PTO `` 7/5-7/15 PTO Norm Fusaro 6/22-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 8/5-8/7 Texas State Convention, Austin, TX `` 8/19-8/21 West Virginia State Convention, Weston, WV Tom Gallagher 6/10-6/12 West Gulf Division Convention, Irving, TX `` 6/14-6/21 PTO `` 6/22-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 6/29 Meeting with Fugate, Washington, DC `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting `` 8/12-8/14 New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, NM Scott Gee 6/30-7/8 PTO Mike Gruber 8/22-8/26 PTO `` 9/26-89/30 PTO Ed Hare 6/10-6/20 PTO Dan Henderson 6/10 PTO `` 6/29-7/1 PTO `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting Bob Inderbitzen 6/21-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 6/28-6/29 PTO `` 7/5-7/8 PTO Debra Johnson 6/16-6/23 PTO Lisa Kustosik 7/14-7/16 Board Meeting, Windsor, CT Sean Kutzko 6/17-6/19 Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, TN `` 6/27-7/1 PTO Zack Lau 6/17 PTO Diane Middleton 6/14-6/17 PTO `` 7/19 PTO `` 7/25-7/29 PTO Becky Schoenfeld 6/27-6/29 AMP Conference, Washington, DC Barry Shelley 6/17-7/1 PTO `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting `` 7/18-7/26 PTO Chuck Skolaut 8/20-8/21 Kansas State Convention, Salina, KS

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[arrl-odv:25369] LoTW
by Bob Vallio 13 Jun '16

13 Jun '16

About an hour and a half ago, I posted a note about LoTW. I am happy to report that I can now log on to my LoTW account. Thank you. The queue status in unchanged. I hope there is some processing ongoing, that will show up in due time. Bob W6RGG

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[arrl-odv:25368] LoTW
by Bob Vallio 13 Jun '16

13 Jun '16

"This message is just an advance notification that the next maintenance outage for the ARRL network is planned for Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 7 am to 7 pm, (1100 UTC to 2300 UTC). " I checked the LoTW Status and find the most recent entry displayed to be "2016-06-12 11:59:01" The current time is 2016-06-13 01:02:00 I then tried to log on to LoTW and received this message: "Fatal error: initializeLOTWDB: -709 - CONNECT: (cannot connect to server socket): General database error [initializeLOTWDB: -709 - CONNECT: (cannot connect to server socket)]" There may yet be folks working on the system maintenance. I did not want to call HQ to interfere, if that is the case. If not, I hope this note will result in someone working on this problem. Bob W6RGG

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[arrl-odv:25366] FCC says no
by Tom Frenaye 11 Jun '16

11 Jun '16

It's good to see the FCC doesn't put all petitions for change on public notice for comment. They can decide to say no all on their own. http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2016/db0609/DA-16-6… -- Tom ===== 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:25361] Public Statements of Dissenting Views About the Amateur Radio Parity Act
by Christopher Imlay 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

Memo to the Executive Committee and to the Elections and Ethics Committee members attached. 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

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[arrl-odv:25360] H.R. 1301 / S. 1685 Update
by Mike Lisenco N2YBB 06 Jun '16

06 Jun '16

Hello – There have been major developments with respect to the Amateur Radio Parity Act in a very short period of time. I need to bring everyone up to date on the status of H.R.1301 / S.1685. We have continued our negotiations with CAI on and off over the past two and a half months because, in effect, we had no other choice. Not only did Senator Nelson of Florida have an absolute hold on the Bill, his opposition, unless withdrawn, would preclude consideration of our Bill on “unanimous consent” (the only way to get a Bill through the Senate that is not of great importance; we could not ever get Senate “floor time” for a small bill such as ours). And as we found out fairly recently from our friends in the House, the House Energy and Commerce Committee would not “mark up” our Bill (a prerequisite for the express procedure called “suspension” necessary to pass our Bill in the House) unless we had an agreement with CAI. On May 11, 2016 I announced to the Board that ARRL had reached an agreement in principle with CAI on language for a substitute amendment to the Bill. This came after we were quite sure that the negotiations with CAI had reached a permanent impasse. Indeed, after two months we had been told by CAI that our latest draft substitute amendment was in bad faith and they effectively cut off the talks. Because Dave Redl, Greg Walden’s Subcommittee Majority Counsel had spent a lot of time trying to facilitate a settlement with CAI, and because we knew that the massive effort that we made to pass this Bill this term would be very difficult to duplicate next term, we went to Dave and told him of our great surprise that CAI had cut off the discussions. Dave’s assumption, and the assumption of our friend Josh Baggett of Representative Kinzinger’s office was that CAI never really wanted a deal; that they had to look like they wanted to negotiate in good faith but that in fact, all they wanted to do was to kill time, in reliance on the opposition of Senator Nelson to the Bill. Dave, after hearing this from us, decided unilaterally to give it one last try. Dave (and Josh Baggett and Scott Wilson from Anna Eshoo’s office) met with CAI, and as Dave tells it, he presented ARRL’s latest substitute amendment draft to CAI and told them that we had assumed that that version represented agreement on both sides. He asked them what was wrong with ARRL’s latest substitute amendment. They gave him two, relatively minor edits and told him that was all they wanted. Because they were edits that were not at all critical to the utility of the preemption that would be created for hams that live or will live in deed-restricted communities, and because it represented a “global” settlement, upon the approval of the Executive Committee and members of the Legislative Advocacy Committee, we agreed to it. A copy of the final language is attached. A summary of the provisions of this Substitute Amendment are the following: 1. FCC will enact rules that prohibit the application to Amateur Radio stations of CC&Rs which preclude Amateur Radio communications on their face or as applied. 2. Also prohibited are those deed restrictions which do not permit an Amateur Radio operator living in a deed-restricted community to install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna on property under the exclusive use or control of the licensee. 3. Also prohibited are CC&Rs which do not constitute the minimum practicable restriction on Amateur communications to accomplish the lawful purposes of an HOA seeking to enforce the restriction. 4. Amateurs who wish to install an antenna in a deed restricted community where there is an HOA must notify and obtain prior approval of the HOA. 5. HOAs can preclude Amateur antennas in common areas. 6. HOAs can enact reasonable written rules governing height, location, size and aesthetic impact of, and installation requirements for, outdoor antennas and support structures for amateur communications. However, those rules are at all times subject to the “no preclusion of Amateur communications” requirement and the absolute entitlement of each Amateur living in a deed-restricted community to an effective outdoor antenna. Those are the essential elements of the substitute amendment as finally negotiated with CAI. However, there are, as you will see, some very helpful factual findings which carve in stone the strong Federal interest in Amateur Radio communications in residences of licensees. The factual findings are highly beneficial in many contexts, including spectrum protection advocacy in the future. Chris Imlay and I believe that this bill is far, far better than was the original language of the Bills, because it is far more objective and states unequivocally that every single radio Amateur living in a deed restricted community can install and maintain an effective outdoor antenna. This includes Amateurs living in condominiums and townhouses. That would be a huge accomplishment for thousands upon thousands of radio Amateurs if this language could be enacted. CAI insisted on eliminating the concept of reasonable accommodation because they were afraid of importing the zoning case law that interpreted it to the private land use regulation concept. It is important to us to leave that zoning case law alone and to not open up the concept of “reasonable accommodation” in the zoning context to reinterpretation in the CC&R context. This revised language does this too. In our view there is nothing not to like about the substitute amendment. The agreement with CAI was dependent upon the receipt of a letter from CAI which announced their support of the amended H.R. 1301 legislation. The letter was also necessary so that we could use it to lobby Senator Nelson to remove his objection to the Senate Bill and to inform him that CAI, the only entity representing HOAs on Capitol Hill, now supports the legislation. We received that letter on May 25th a few days after the Legislative Counsel released the proposed text of the Bill to Dave Redl. You received the letter immediately after it was received by ARRL. Another copy is attached. Please note the favorable language in that letter. On behalf of 68 million residents of deed restricted communities, they say in the first paragraph of the letter that they “express support for H.R. 1301, the Amateur Radio Parity Act, as it is proposed to be amended. At the end of the letter they refer to the substitute amendment as an “equitable and balanced compromise.” This is better than we hoped for. Our letter of acceptance is also attached. Our understanding is that the substitute bill will be taken up by the House Energy and Commerce Committee at the next mark-up session, with a summary vote on suspension soon thereafter. The House goes back into session on June 7th. We hope to see some movement shortly thereafter. We have every expectation that the Bill will pass the full Committee markup in June and that it will be passed by the House on an oral suspension vote. We have the full support of Anna Eshoo’s office for this substitute amendment, and that is likely the reason why CAI felt it necessary to agree to the substitute. In fact, Eshoo’s office participated with Redl and Baggett in the final negotiations with CAI. CAI needs Eshoo’s help with a bill she is sponsoring for them that would provide tax exempt status to HOAs. That will not pass this year in Congress but they want Eshoo to reintroduce it next year. On Tuesday, March 31st, Chris Imlay, Frank McCarthy (of TKG), and I visited the offices of Senators Thune, Wicker, and Blumenthal to discuss strategy for getting the bill passed in the Senate. Their staff all felt that it would be better to have the House pass the bill first, then send it to the Senate with Senators Wicker and Blumenthal deciding when to “Hotline” the bill (by having a summary vote on the Senate Floor that requires unanimous consent). Before that happens, we need to get to Senator Nelson to withdraw his objection. That is being worked on by Mr. Blumenthal’s office as well as through The Keelen Group. We also hope to elicit help from Rep. Eshoo as well in this endeavor. Changing the mind of Nelson is potentially a large problem, however. On Thursday, June 2nd, Chris and Frank had a meeting with Senator Nelson’s staff. They were brought up to date on the agreement between CAI and ARRL. Mr. Nelson’s staff was non-committal, and they were not optimistic that just because CAI and ARRL reached an agreement that Nelson would support the revised bill. They made some noise that indicated that they were looking for provisions in the substitute amendment that they could object to. It was not a positive meeting. As the bill continues to move on its course in the House, we will be intensifying our efforts in the Senate with the obvious goal of obtaining passage in that body as well. As CAI has already issued a statement in which they link to the as yet to be introduced amended bill, feel free to circulate it toy your members. However, the facts surrounding the negotiations as enumerated above are to be treated as “Confidential to the Board.” It would be appreciated if all were to honor that proviso. We will continue to keep you informed, and look forward to your comments. 73, Mike Lisenco N2YBB Chris Imlay W3KD

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[arrl-odv:25359] IN-News
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 03 Jun '16

03 Jun '16

IN-Newsletter Vol. 41, No. 19 June 1, 2016 - Covers the period May 22-28. Upcoming In-Person Meetings and Events LoTW Study Committee July 13 @ 10:00am in Newington, CT Administration & Finance Committee July 14 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Programs & Services Committee July 14 @ 8:30am in Newington, CT Second Board Meeting July 15-16 @ 9:00am in Windsor, CT Media & Public Relations Reported by Sean Kutzko, KX9X On Tuesday, May 31, Sean Kutzko KX9X, accompanied by Mike Corey KI1U and Tom Gallagher NY2RF, activated NPOTA site HP27, the Minute Man National Historic Monument in Lincoln, Massachusetts. The team made more than 100 contacts during the brief morning stopover, including former ARRL board president, Kay Craigie, N3KN, and ARRL Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK. The team also made several FO-29 satellite contacts including veteran satellite operators Clayton, W5PFG and Paul, N8HM. In the middle of the activation, they were joined by two National Park Rangers, Kevin Kavanaugh and Tony Sudnick who gave a briefing on the historic significance of the site. Following the events at Lexington (the shot heard 'round the world), the colonials marched east toward Boston and engaged British troops that same afternoon in Lincoln in what was likely the first skirmish of the American Revolution. Ranger Kavanaugh pointed out that most Americans know the big parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and Acadia, but National Parks on the Air has highlighted smaller parks like Minute Man. After the NPOTA activation, the ARRL continued on the real purpose of their journey, and met up with Bob Phinney of Dexter Southfield School in Brookline MA. The school offers a robust electronics and ham radio program, as well as an astronomy program, to students and also to the greater Brookline community. More than a dozen students are participating at any one term. Bob-who runs the school's impressive Clay Science Center-has developed training curriculum and education materials, including hands-on learning aids for students of all ages. Clay Center also provided an evening with their rooftop observatory, including watching a direct overhead pass by the International Space Station. Eastern Massachusetts Section Youth coordinator Jeremy Breef-Pilz, KB1REQ, organized a discussion group of the section's young Amateur Radio leadership with the ARRL team on the topic of youth engagement. Production/Editorial Reported by Becky Schoenfeld, W1BXY The July/August issue of QEX has been released to the printer. Sales and Marketing Reported by Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R Diane Petrilli reports that May ended with 167,992 members, 608 members ahead of the year-to-date goal. This represents a loss from April of 636 members; a larger loss of 985 was forecast. The on-time renewal rate for May (May expirees who renewed by end of May) is 70.38% vs. 71.06% last May. The largest sources of acquisition were responses to a membership campaign, our regular mailings to "new hams", ARRL notification of FCC license expiration, traffic to the ARRL website, and our exhibit at Dayton Hamvention. There were 1,019 membership applications taken in Dayton, totaling 1,486 membership years; dues of $58,415. Applications from new or previous members at Hamvention totaled 130. Jackie Ferreira reports that May product sales were $281,956, short of the sales forecast of $291,510. All of the shortfall is attributed to the discontinued TravelPlus for Repeaters software product. Direct sales were $197,649; dealer sales were $84,307. Direct sales are $16,679 higher than May 2015. Year to date sales are $1,341,383, $18,002 ahead of forecast. Sales at our exhibit in Dayton contributed $50.8k to direct sales. It was a strong month for royalties earned on sales of our Kindle e-books; $8,706 ($37,054 year to date). The 2016 Field Day product line (t-shirts, hats, pins, patches, mugs) contributed $30,933 in sales this month ($62,854 YTD). We readied materials to support the ARRL booths at the upcoming Northwestern Division Convention in Seaside, Oregon, June 5-7; West Gulf Division Convention in Irving, Texas, June 10-11; and the International Exhibition of Radio Amateurs in Friedrichshafen, Germany, June 24-26. Jackie prepared a very successful email solicitation for the Memorial Day holiday weekend featuring a handful of bundled products. Among the whopping 751 orders received were orders for 476 bundled items. The last membership campaign before the summer gap in mailings was sent May 13. The mailing has already contributed 75 membership applications. The next mailing will be sent September 9. Diane shared that several of our volunteer tour guides have taken the summer off, and she's busy looking for substitutes to cover 25+ days over the next 3 months. There are some big tours upcoming, including 23 students and 2 teachers Thursday from E.C. Goodwin Technical HS. 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 5/27/2016 848 18.8 26:47:40 9 seconds 5/20/2016 780 17.3 26:44:10 12 seconds 5/13/2016 764 16.9 23:24:06 11 seconds 5/6/2016 799 17.7 23:23:55 9 seconds Summary of warehouse fulfillment activity, reported by Steve Capodicasa: Week Ending Packages fulfilled Member Premiums 5/27/2016 1,013 554 5/20/2016 976 470 5/13/2016 835 420 5/6/2016 968 716 Lab Reported by Ed Hare, W1RFI ARRL Expo at Dayton Bob Allison, WB1GCM, Mike Gruber, WIMG, along with Lab Volunteers Martin Ewing, AA6E and Pete Turbide, W1PT, traveled to Dayton, Ohio to participate in the ARRL Expo on behalf of the ARRL Laboratory. As in past years, the Lab tested handheld transceivers for FCC Part 97 emission requirements. As in previous years, most of the cheaper makes and models failed to comply with FCC requirements. The purpose of this work is to identify makes and models that are not to be advertised in QST magazine, or reviewed for Product Review. Over 250 handhelds were tested; the data obtained will be combined with data taken at Pacificon last year and at Orlando, Florida earlier this year, which will be a key part of a future QST Technical Correspondence. The Lab would also like to thank volunteers, Vice Director, Kermit Carlson, W9XA, Lloyd Stallkamp, KA0ADZ, Christian Stallkamp, W0ADZ and Matthias Zapatka, AJ4BB for their dedicated help in the Lab's booth. During the Friday morning of the event, Bob Allison gave a presentation about the work the ARRL Lab does. The room was nearly full and the presentation was well received. After the event was over, Bob Allison and Mike Gruber located several power line noise sources using Radar Engineering equipment in Cable, Ohio and Tipp City, Ohio. In the cable case, Mike Gruber educated Tom Holmes, K8ZR, on how to use the equipment. Tom and another Radio Amateur are looking into purchasing the same equipment to train and assist others in locating power line noise sources. In the Tipp City case, Mike Gruber educated utility workers on what equipment to purchase and how to use it. All in all, Mr. Gruber did an outstanding job of sharing his skills! Bob Allison received Keysight equipment training from Tom Holmes, K8ZR after the power line noise hunting was complete. Bob learned how to capture and record radio spectrum on the N9020A Keysight Spectrum Analyzer and play it back as a signal source on the Keysight signal generator. This method will be very useful for developing new tests. Web Zack Lau updated the Propagation Forecasts for June. The predicted solar flux is just 91. It is likely that we are in for a long decline in solar flux. Product Review Testing Bob Allison completed testing of a software defined transceiver. A data table is being compiled at this time. Bob also started the testing of a 2 meter analog/digital mobile transceiver. Bob received a donation from the Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of CT of a Bit Error Rate test box, made by Tektronix, last calibrated in 2006. Though not functioning at the moment, lab volunteer, Pete Turbide is currently looking into it. If functional, the test box will be calibrated and then used to test data error rates of digital signals. Field Services & Radiosport Reported by Dave Patton, NN1N DXCC Paper/Fieldcheck Processing Time 3 Weeks Logbook Processing Time 2-3 Days W1AW Scott Gee worked on fast and slow code practice files for the week. He also processed some VUCC applications. Joe Carcia processed regular QSL card requests. He also updated the W1AW QST code practice source web page. He updated the web code practice files and their archives. Joe also created the texts for the June W1AW Qualifying Runs. He installed a new cooling fan for one of the transmitters used on the broadcast racks. Joe continues with certain equipment installs with the ENG van. Field Organization/Public Service Team On Tuesday, May 24, the Alabama Section Manager election ballots were counted at Headquarters. JVann Martin, W4JVM, of Chelsea, won the election over Dennis Littleton, K4DL. JVann starts his 18-month term of office on July 1 because the call for nominations were re-solicited. (Normal terms of office for SMs are for two years.) The outgoing Alabama Section Manager, David Drummond, W4MD, decided not to run for another term of office. David, W4MD, has been SM since 2011. Thanks to Leona Adams, Chuck Skolaut, Gail Iannone, and Steve Ewald for handling the ballot counting and election duties. Starting July 1, the Indiana Section will be led by Brent Walls, N9BA, of Indianapolis as the new Section Manager. He has been the Assistant SM under current Section Manager Joseph Lawrence, K9RFZ. Joseph, of Fort Wayne, decided not to run for a new term of office after serving as Section Manager since July, 2014. The Oregon Section will also have a new Section Manager. John Core, KX7YT, of Portland, will assume the duties from Everett Curry, W6ABM, of Hillsboro, who has been the Oregon SM since January 2014. John is currently active as a District Emergency Coordinator and the Assistant Section Emergency Coordinator. Patrick Moretti, KA1RB, of Dousman, Wisconsin, will become the new Section Manager on July 1, when he was the only nominee. Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, of Oxford, who has been the Wisconsin Section Manager since July, 2013, decided not to run for another term of office. Moretti has been serving as the Wisconsin Official Observer Coordinator, an Official Observer and as a Technical Specialist. The following incumbent Section Managers were not opposed in this springtime election cycle. They will begin their new terms of office on July 1. Ray Hollenbeck, KL1IL (Alaska); Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN (Illinois); Bill Crowley, K1NIT (Maine); Steve Szabo, WB4OMM (Northern Florida); Brandon Bianchi, NI6C, (Santa Clara Valley); and Paul Gayet, AA1SU, (Vermont). Chuck Skolaut reports that we received a report regarding an Over the Horizon Radar heard on 18.080 MHz, and it's thought to be originating from Cyprus or Turkey. A radio amateur from Western Washington was approved and joined the ARRL Monitoring System/Intruder Watch. Documentation was also received regarding interference to the Early Bird Net on 3.940 MHz. Several complaints were received regarding 3.843 MHz and 7.200 MHz. Sincerely Compiled by, Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO Hamfest/Member Contact/ARRL Representative/Meetings/Vacations All Staff 7/4 Holiday Bob Allison 7/22-7/23 Oklahoma Section Convention, Oklahoma City, OK Alli Barbieri 6/9-6/13 PTO Steve Capodicasa 6/13 PTO `` 6/27 PTO `` 8/22-8/26 PTO `` 9/19-9/23 PTO Lauren Clarke 6/13-6/21 PTO Steve Ford 7/5-7/15 PTO Norm Fusaro 6/3-6/5 Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, OR `` 6/22-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 8/5-8/7 Texas State Convention, Austin, TX `` 8/19-8/21 West Virginia State Convention, Weston, WV Tom Gallagher 6/10-6/12 West Gulf Division Convention, Irving, TX `` 6/14-6/21 PTO `` 6/22-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 6/20 Meeting with Fugate, Washington, DC `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting `` 8/12-8/14 New Mexico State Convention, Albuquerque, NM Scott Gee 6/30-7/8 PTO Mike Gruber 5/31-6/3 PTO `` 8/22-8/26 PTO `` 9/26-89/30 PTO Ed Hare 6/10-6/20 PTO Dan Henderson 5/31-6/3 PTO `` 6/10 PTO `` 6/29-7/1 PTO `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting Bob Inderbitzen 6/2-6/6 Northwestern Division Convention, Seaside, OR `` 6/7 PTO `` 6/21-6/27 International Exhibition, Friedrichshafen, Germany `` 6/28-6/29 PTO `` 7/5-7/8 PTO Debra Johnson 6/16-6/23 PTO Lisa Kustosik 7/14-7/16 Board Meeting, Windsor, CT Sean Kutzko 6/17-6/19 Tennessee State Convention, Knoxville, TN Zack Lau 6/17 PTO Diane Middleton 6/14-6/17 PTO `` 7/19 PTO `` 7/25-7/29 PTO Barry Shelley 6/17-7/1 PTO `` 7/14-7/16 Committee Meetings/Board Meeting `` 7/18-7/26 PTO Chuck Skolaut 8/20-8/21 Kansas State Convention, Salina, KS

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[arrl-odv:25357] New Deputy Bureau Chief at FCC
by Dr. David Woolweaver 02 Jun '16

02 Jun '16

Media Contact: Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509 will.wiquist(a)fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC WIRELESS BUREAU ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES -- WASHINGTON, June 1, 2016 – FCC Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief Jon Wilkins today announced his intention to appoint Suzanne Tetreault as deputy bureau chief. Ms. Tetreault will move from her current position as deputy general counsel in the Office of General Counsel. “Suzanne’s legal expertise and extensive experience as a senior leader at the FCC will make her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Mr. Wilkins. “With the many complex legal and policy issues we deal with in the Wireless Bureau, it is essential that we have talented professionals such as Suzanne as part of our leadership team. I appreciate her willingness to take on this new challenge.” The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau develops and executes policies and procedures for fast, fair licensing of all wireless services, ranging from amateur radio to mobile broadband services. The bureau oversees nearly two million licenses, conducts auctions to award services licenses, and manages the tower registration process. It also produces an annual assessment of the wireless industry – the Mobile Wireless Competition Report. In addition to her current position as deputy general counsel, Ms. Tetreault has held senior leadership positions in the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and Wireline Competition Bureau since she started at the agency in 1991. Prior to joining the Commission, Ms. Tetreault worked at the Federal Trade Commission and in private practice. She received her J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a B.A. in economics from Harvard College.

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[arrl-odv:25356] BOD Meeting
by Kustosik, Lisa, KA1UFZ 01 Jun '16

01 Jun '16

Sincerely, Lisa Lisa Kustosik, KA1UFZ Assistant to the CEO / Meeting Planner ARRL--The National Association for Amateur Radio 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 Tel: 860-594-0245 --- Fax: 860-594-0259 email: lkustosik(a)arrl.org

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