December 2019 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:29097] By-Law Change Motions from A&F
by Jeff Ryan 10 Dec '19

10 Dec '19

Board: The attached motions will be submitted to the board on behalf of the Administration and Finance (A&F) committee. The A&F committee approved these changes at its past meeting in Newington and they will be submitted for the Board’s consideration at the January meeting. As they are changes to the By-Laws, they are presented here for review. A&F Motion #1 will be the 2020/2021 Financial Plan submission which will be discussed next week and is not included here. A&F Motion #2 moves the age of reduced dues for young persons from 22 to 26 in keeping with the League’s focus on college age students—allowing for students in programs that span greater than 4 years or accommodating individuals who take a year or two off before starting college. A&F Motion #3 allows for a reduction in dues for any member who chooses to receive a “digital only” subscription. A&F Motion #4 provides for an alternative publication to be mailed to the member in lieu of QST. Please let me know if there are any questions. Thank you es 73, Jeff, K0RM Chair, A&F Committee

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[arrl-odv:29092] Re: Fw: NPRMs will devastate AREDN as Amateur Radio Emcom Technology
by Bob Famiglio, K3RF 09 Dec '19

09 Dec '19

Is this good info too late? Perhaps counsel may recommend how to present this information or already has, for what it is worth, before the upcoming commissioners’ meeting on this subject. Is this proposed reallocation of 3 GHz and adjustment of users on 5.9 GHz a fait accompli at this point? Bob Famiglio, K3RF Vice Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF From: arrl-odv On Behalf Of Norton, Richard, N6AA via arrl-odv Sent: Monday, December 09, 2019 3:34 AM To: Arrl-odv(a)arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:29090] Fw: NPRMs will devistate AREDN as Amateur Radio Emcom Technology ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Andre Hansen < <mailto:andre.k6ah@gmail.com> andre.k6ah(a)gmail.com> To: " <mailto:n6aa@arrl.org> n6aa(a)arrl.org" < <mailto:n6aa@arrl.org> n6aa(a)arrl.org> Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019, 7:03:03 AM GMT+3 Subject: NPRMs will devistate AREDN as Amateur Radio Emcom Technology Hi Dick, I would like your assistance in connecting me with the appropriate group at ARRL Headquarters. The Proposed Rule Making Docket 19-348 and Docket 19-138 will devastate the AREDN as an emcom technology. Below please find our position. Thank you, Andre, K6AH ----------------------------- <https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/kSRMXs1ICLs1tkgL1e_a6w8Yu7PXlgJuZ3Bgya-Gb…> ARRL Call to Action in Defense of Part 97 Allocations in the 3 and 5 GHz Bands Executive Summary The FCC WT Docket 19-348 and WT Docket 19-138 will severely curtail growth of one of the newest and most effective means for Amateurs to support emergency communications. Existing installations will be severely curtailed or, with no reasonable alternatives, be forced to cease operations. Thousands of hams have built, or are in the process of constructing high-speed data networks in the 3 & 5 GHz ham microwave allocations. Background AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) was an outgrowth of the ARRL working group on High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM). It has evolved over the past 10-12 years from its first implementation by Broadband Hamnet (BBHN). Over the years the AREDN Project has developed software support for nearly 70 commercial wireless routers---moving them from their Part 15 allocation into adjacent Part 97 allocations in the .9, 2, 3, and 5 GHz bands---providing an inexpensive and easy way for hams to implement high-speed (up to 144 Mbps) data networks in support of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Non-governmental Agencies (NGOs) and first responders. The project has twice been recognized by the league for the significance of its achievements by awarding the Project the ARRL Microwave Development Award in 2014 and 2018. <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Slk-TYaQnLALQGZ4eRK-kDRrdJPqeD6MP6BTdcLVc…> >From our website statistics we estimate that over 2600 hams have or are in the process of building these networks. The above illustration depicts currently active locations, voluntarily disclosed (hams need to notify the AREDN Project to appear on this map). We believe approximately 60% report their locations (referred to as “nodes”). These networks are comprised of RF links in one or more of four ham bands AREDN software supports. Band .9 GHz 2 GHz 3 GHz 5 GHz Network Nodes 65 2602 197 1068 These maps best illustrate the diversity: <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/AeKHSMSobXZzdYU__XSPuDFGlltV3sJtoYd7hlMVU…> <https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/qS31Pg2pfU31SyfMLTRmC4Ci7i3FkhEA_d496ku4U…> <https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/f6j1QtcLwklPWu7yOJUMuLglGPwDJ3YOGaOGo0_Vy…> <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vmNi7gInKdh01JuT3Y2WQql1WLz4OkUlYf79wkMXP…> <https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/hVSEWs4YZuUcSyAXIqE3hkXzL88DjeE56FyGiY-Io…> <https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/RwjU2ifeByjGuu20sK25ofAeC9h1icMt9_3R-1KSf…> <https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/N2Y9febcm3wfxIevF3bmUg99UQd8t20Dq9L8MuGz2…> <https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/RqYbfJ0oQfY4F229PlqIgFQXL_LPNRo7kcQhwF_WU…> The devices that form these links are comprised of inexpensive ($45-$95) commercially available wireless ISP routers which have been repurposed for ham use by replacing the original manufacturer’s software with that developed by The AREDN Project. A detailed discussion on just how these networks are constructed and operate can be found in the June 2017 QST, in an article entitled AREDN — A High-Speed Data Network – A thorough discussion of a high-speed multimedia network for public service applications (https://www.arednmesh.org/content/qst-june-2017) These networks transport data via 802.11n WIFI-like encoding and TCP/IP, the same protocols utilized on the Internet, so much of what is possible over the Internet is also possible across these networks. This empowers hams to provide agencies with texting, email, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone service, video surveillance and video conferencing, as well as agency-access to their respective Internet-based cloud services. In building a network to provide these services, best practice is to start with a “backbone” of nodes on the highest ground available followed by additional distribution nodes within communities. Generally, all of these locations coincide with where wireless ISPs (WISPs) have placed their equipment. It is impossible to compete with WISPs in spectrum where Part 97 and Part 15 allocations overlap, so as a result AREDN-based networks are configured to operate on channels inside the Part 97-only portions of the 5 GHz, and 3 GHz bands where no commercial allocations currently exist in the US. The following chart illustrates the 24 channels available to AREDN network implementers in the 3 GHz band. Actual channel selection is based on the local band plan and is coordinated with other ham interests. <https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/oBLLmY2lDA_USLcrn2gZwjf4c2BVwQ6Y3BYAGBcd7…> A substantial part of the Part 97 allocation at 5 GHz is already shared with Part 15 WISPs, however 14+ channels provide enough spectrum so that a useful colocation can currently exist: <https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/x_PQtyo1uD3wrG2MsKIFuVXfqFDYzJbXW-TsSMe8m…> The Current FCC Proposals The current WT Docket 19-348, “Facilitating Shared Use in the 3.1 – 3.55 GHz Band” and WT Docket 19-138, “…a fresh and comprehensive look at the 5.9 GHz band rules” will devastate these networks. 19-348 will eliminate our use of the most effective resource hams have to build these networks. The AREDN Project is able to leverage these low-cost commercial devices solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations (worldwide on .9, 2.4 and 5.7 WIFI; outside the US on 3.4 WIFI). Moving to other allocations would be difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture, purchase, and installation of new custom Amateur hardware and software… raising the price out of reach for the typical ham. If these proposals succeed: * the Part 15 “competition” for this spectrum will effectively kill this technology over ham radio; * it will have a significant potential impact on the EOCs, NGOs, and other disaster responders which depend on the backup services they are currently being provided by the ham community; * it will negatively impact the influx of new hams, as an ongoing stream of computer technical-types are flowing into our hobby due to their interest in and the success of this ham radio technology; * It will completely devalue a large part of the investment made by the amateur radio community. Their investment includes tens of thousands of dollars and likely as many hours freely given in support of public service. Many amateurs may be induced to wonder about the wisdom of attempting to provide any public service if their efforts are so capriciously thrown away. The AREDN project is eager to assist the league in persuading the FCC to not move forward with these dockets. We look forward to an open channel of dialog. For The AREDN Project, Andre Hansen, K6AH Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) K6AH(a)arrl.net <mailto:K6AH@arrl.net> 760-685-3769

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[arrl-odv:29091] Draft Agenda ARRL Annual Board Meeting
by Pereira, Carla, KC1HSX 09 Dec '19

09 Dec '19

Dear Officers, Directors and Vice Directors: Attached is the draft Agenda for January's Board meeting. Please review and send me any items you wish to have placed on the agenda (please copy Dee Methe at dmethe(a)arrl.org<mailto:dmethe@arrl.org>.) The full agenda is scheduled to be circulated on January 6. I also remind you that if you have an item for amending the Articles of Association and/or By-Laws, in order for them to be passed with the simple 2/3s majority, those items must be circulated no later than 30-days before the meeting January 17. You may still bring items for amending the AA/BL after January 16, but their passage will require 12 affirmative votes, rather than 10. Respectfully, Carla Pereira, KC1HSX [ARRL NAFAR Logo Color.png]Carla Pereira, KC1HSX Executive Manager ARRL Newington, CT 06111 860-594-0242 http://www.arrl.org/

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[arrl-odv:29090] Fw: NPRMs will devistate AREDN as Amateur Radio Emcom Technology
by richardjnorton＠yahoo.com 09 Dec '19

09 Dec '19

----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Andre Hansen <andre.k6ah(a)gmail.com>To: "n6aa(a)arrl.org" <n6aa(a)arrl.org>Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019, 7:03:03 AM GMT+3Subject: NPRMs will devistate AREDN as Amateur Radio Emcom Technology Hi Dick, I would like your assistance in connecting me with the appropriate group at ARRL Headquarters. The Proposed Rule Making Docket 19-348 and Docket 19-138 will devastate the AREDN as an emcom technology. Below please find our position. Thank you, Andre, K6AH ----------------------------- ARRL Call to Action in Defense of Part 97 Allocations in the 3 and 5 GHz Bands Executive Summary The FCC WT Docket 19-348 and WT Docket 19-138 will severely curtail growth of one of the newest and most effective means for Amateurs to support emergency communications. Existing installations will be severely curtailed or, with no reasonable alternatives, be forced to cease operations. Thousands of hams have built, or are in the process of constructing high-speed data networks in the 3 & 5 GHz ham microwave allocations. Background AREDN (Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network) was an outgrowth of the ARRL working group on High-Speed Multimedia (HSMM). It has evolved over the past 10-12 years from its first implementation by Broadband Hamnet (BBHN). Over the years the AREDN Project has developed software support for nearly 70 commercial wireless routers---moving them from their Part 15 allocation into adjacent Part 97 allocations in the .9, 2, 3, and 5 GHz bands---providing an inexpensive and easy way for hams to implement high-speed (up to 144 Mbps) data networks in support of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), Non-governmental Agencies (NGOs) and first responders. The project has twice been recognized by the league for the significance of its achievements by awarding the Project the ARRL Microwave Development Award in 2014 and 2018. >From our website statistics we estimate that over 2600 hams have or are in the process of building these networks. The above illustration depicts currently active locations, voluntarily disclosed (hams need to notify the AREDN Project to appear on this map). We believe approximately 60% report their locations (referred to as “nodes”). These networks are comprised of RF links in one or more of four ham bands AREDN software supports. | Band | .9 GHz | 2 GHz | 3 GHz | 5 GHz | | Network Nodes | 65 | 2602 | 197 | 1068 | These maps best illustrate the diversity: | | | | | | The devices that form these links are comprised of inexpensive ($45-$95) commercially available wireless ISP routers which have been repurposed for ham use by replacing the original manufacturer’s software with that developed by The AREDN Project. A detailed discussion on just how these networks are constructed and operate can be found in the June 2017 QST, in an article entitled AREDN — A High-Speed Data Network – A thorough discussion of a high-speed multimedia network for public service applications (https://www.arednmesh.org/content/qst-june-2017) These networks transport data via 802.11n WIFI-like encoding and TCP/IP, the same protocols utilized on the Internet, so much of what is possible over the Internet is also possible across these networks. This empowers hams to provide agencies with texting, email, Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone service, video surveillance and video conferencing, as well as agency-access to their respective Internet-based cloud services. In building a network to provide these services, best practice is to start with a “backbone” of nodes on the highest ground available followed by additional distribution nodes within communities. Generally, all of these locations coincide with where wireless ISPs (WISPs) have placed their equipment. It is impossible to compete with WISPs in spectrum where Part 97 and Part 15 allocations overlap, so as a result AREDN-based networks are configured to operate on channels inside the Part 97-only portions of the 5 GHz, and 3 GHz bands where no commercial allocations currently exist in the US. The following chart illustrates the 24 channels available to AREDN network implementers in the 3 GHz band. Actual channel selection is based on the local band plan and is coordinated with other ham interests. A substantial part of the Part 97 allocation at 5 GHz is already shared with Part 15 WISPs, however 14+ channels provide enough spectrum so that a useful colocation can currently exist: The Current FCC Proposals The current WT Docket 19-348, “Facilitating Shared Use in the 3.1 – 3.55 GHz Band” and WT Docket 19-138, “…a fresh and comprehensive look at the 5.9 GHz band rules” will devastate these networks. 19-348 will eliminate our use of the most effective resource hams have to build these networks. The AREDN Project is able to leverage these low-cost commercial devices solely because they are designed to operate on adjacent allocations (worldwide on .9, 2.4 and 5.7 WIFI; outside the US on 3.4 WIFI). Moving to other allocations would be difficult if not impossible without a complete redesign, manufacture, purchase, and installation of new custom Amateur hardware and software… raising the price out of reach for the typical ham. If these proposals succeed: - the Part 15 “competition” for this spectrum will effectively kill this technology over ham radio; - it will have a significant potential impact on the EOCs, NGOs, and other disaster responders which depend on the backup services they are currently being provided by the ham community; - it will negatively impact the influx of new hams, as an ongoing stream of computer technical-types are flowing into our hobby due to their interest in and the success of this ham radio technology; - It will completely devalue a large part of the investment made by the amateur radio community. Their investment includes tens of thousands of dollars and likely as many hours freely given in support of public service. Many amateurs may be induced to wonder about the wisdom of attempting to provide any public service if their efforts are so capriciously thrown away. The AREDN project is eager to assist the league in persuading the FCC to not move forward with these dockets. We look forward to an open channel of dialog. For The AREDN Project, Andre Hansen, K6AH Amateur Radio Emergency Data Network, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) K6AH(a)arrl.net 760-685-3769

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[arrl-odv:29089] Fwd: RBN Stats for CQWW CW
by Michael Ritz 08 Dec '19

08 Dec '19

As a reference point, CW is neither dead, nor dying (at least worldwide....) 73; Mike W7VO > > The raw RBN spot archive is actually available online for research by anyone interested. > Go to reversebeacon.net, click on "dx spots", then "download raw data". > > For past 4 years: > > 2016: 6,065,066 RBN spots > 2017: 7,007,320 RBN spots > 2018: 8,388,800 RBN spots > 2019: 8,745,037 RBN spots > > Tim N3QE >

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[arrl-odv:29072] Re: Fwd: ID call with /
by k5ur＠aol.com 07 Dec '19

07 Dec '19

Mike, that doesn't ring a bell with me. Dan Henderson could check for you. (Dan, can you check, please?) As to a committee, I'd suggest it be a Board motion if there is any interest. I'm not sure the FCC would want to spend any time on this given the current FCC, but you could at least bring it up for discussion so you could tell your constituent that the issue was raised. 73Rick - K5UR -----Original Message----- From: Michael Ritz <w7vo(a)comcast.net> To: arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> Sent: Thu, Dec 5, 2019 6:17 pm Subject: [arrl-odv:29068] Fwd: ID call with / I seem to recall that the FCC has already ruled on this type of proposal, at least once. Does anybody have anything related to this that I can send this guy? If not, which ARRL committee would be the proper one to sent this request to for consideration? Thanks! 73; Mike W7VO ---------- Original Message ---------- From: C Williams <wa6ctb(a)yahoo.com> To: w7vo(a)arrl.org Date: December 5, 2019 at 3:18 PM Subject: ID call with / Mike I hope you remember to bring up for discussion at the Board meeting the proposal I sent you re having the FCC require ID'ing with a /# if their call is different from the area they are in. If you remember it would require no work or cost from the FCC other than a order. Stations would ID with a /# if they are mobile or living in an area different from their call. No change to the License would be required only on the air ID'ing. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Chuck KI7DG ASM. _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv

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[arrl-odv:29085] Fwd: WinLink - New York University Petition for FCC Declaratory Ruling
by Michael Ritz 06 Dec '19

06 Dec '19

Just an FYI. The ARRL has already responded to this, but the next step might be "Write your Director"..... 73; Mike W7VO > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: ARRL ID Section <arrl.idaho(a)gmail.com> > To: w7vo(a)arrl.net > Date: December 6, 2019 at 2:55 PM > Subject: WinLink - New York University Petition for FCC Declaratory Ruling > > Jerry Kutche, N9LYA posted the below on the ARRL's Voice Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/myarrlvoice/permalink/1776596265817700/ . > If he is right, then this is something we should all be aware of. Dan - K7REX- > ------------------------------------------- > > TAKE ACTION NOW! > > New York University Petition for FCC Declaratory Ruling > > As many of you know, New York University has, for some time now, attempted to shut down the Winlink system, largely through the instrumentation of its "NYU Wireless" advocacy organization, which normally represents large commercial telecommunications common carriers. In their attempts to eliminate Winlink, NYU has submitted a Petition for Declaratory Ruling to the FCC, which places numerous digital modes and networks at risk.. > > • Modes affected include, but are not necessarily limited to; PACTOR, WINMOR, VARA, NBEMS...and others. > > • Activities affected include public service/emergency communications, traffic handling, and experimentation. > > • Organizations affected include RRI (Digital Traffic Network), NTS, ARES, RACES, AUXCOMM, etc. > > This is where you come in! > > We respectfully ask that all traffic handlers and those involved in public service communications file comments in support of the RRI and ARSF filings. This is easily done by following these simple instructions: > > • Go to the FCC Electronic Comment Filing Service at: https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express > • Enter "16-239" ("Amateur Baud Rate") in the "Proceedings Field." > • Complete the minimum personal contact information (name, address, email). > • Enter your comment in support of the Radio Relay International and Amateur Radio Safety Foundation responses to the NYU Petition. > > A typical comment might be as simple as: > "After reviewing the claims contained within the New York University Petition for Declaratory Ruling, it is my opinion that their case lacks merit. I agree with the responses filed by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation and Radio Relay International and therefore recommend that the NYU Petition for Declaratory Ruling be dismissed with prejudice..........." > > One should: > • Use his own words. > • Remember that comments will not be read by radio amateurs or technical people. > • Avoid the use of technical jargon and instead, stress factors such as the importance of these digital modes to public service communications. > • Point out the negative impacts of the NYU petition on public service and emergency communications. > • Point out the fact that you agree with RRI and ARSF in that dynamic compression is not encryption. > • Point out the fact that the NYU petition is regressive and unnecessary. > • State that you have witnessed no national security issues or other significant abuses of these digital modes. > • Be logical, concise and unemotional in your comments. > • Exercise decorum and courtesy at all times. Remember that your tone will reflect on the Amateur Radio Service and the organizations you support. > > You will need to act by December 15. > > Do not let New York University dictate the scope of our privileges and activities within the Amateur Radio Service! Take the time to file comments. > > Thank you, > Board of Directors, > Radio Relay International > www.radio-relay.org > > P.S. These are links to the documents discussed above: > > New York University Petition for Declaratory Ruling: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/…/NYU%20Wireless%20Petition%20for%2… > > Radio Relay International Response: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/…/RRI%20Response%20to%20NYU%20Petit… > > ARSF Response: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/…/ARSFIcomments.12.2.19.WT.16-239.p… > > Past RRI filing in reference to RM-11831: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/…/FOR%20FILING%20RRI%20PUBLISHED%20… > > Past RRI filing in reference to RM-11708: https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/…/FOR%20FILING%20-%20RRI%20Publishe… > >

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[arrl-odv:29069] Questions about Mintz-Hoke project from the newbie...
by Mickey Baker 06 Dec '19

06 Dec '19

Allow me to quote the minutes of the October 12, 2019, Executive Committee meeting: *"Concerns were raised by Mr. Stratton, Mr. Hippisley, Mr. Abernethy and Mr. Tiemstra including the expected timeframe and deliverables from Mintz+Hoke and the continued absence of a contract between the ARRL and Mintz+Hoke that defined the deliverables expected by the ARRL and established the metrics by which the progress and success of the LL project could be measured."* I read this and my jaw dropped. As far as I can tell, this is the single largest project at ARRL and is highly visible to members. This concerns meet deeply. Since there is no contract (perhaps there is by now?) I suspect that there is no project plan with deliverables, time frames, and responsibility delineation between the contractor and ARRL staff. Quoting the aforementioned minutes again, it appears that the group thought that there should be a preliminary contract by now. Several were asked to *"formalize a contract for the Lifelong Learning project, with a preliminary document to be provided by November 15, 2019."* Formally, I am on the outside until January 1, but I do understand Mr. Sarratt's query about the short Committee of the Whole meeting after this discussion. That leaves me with several questions about this project... - This project should be well underway, then 10 months after the board vote to fund the project. Why was there no contract? - Dr. Michel has reported (Huntsville Hamfest, August) that the project was underway. What mechanism are they using to bill ARRL without a contract? - Are we tracking work/billing vs. the budgeted amount? Where does that stand? - Is there a staff project manager assigned to this? Or, is project management and reporting called out as the vendor's responsibility? - Is there now a preliminary contract with Mintz-Hoke? - Is there a project plan that could be shared with the Board? (Has it been?) - If there's no plan, what is the standard of success? My apologies if this has been discussed and answered on this list before my time. I would appreciate a "catch up" call from any of you that would like to discuss it if the history is too long or painful to explain here. Mickey Baker, N4MB Palm Beach Gardens, FL Phone: 561 320-2775 *“The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead." Robert K. Greenleaf*

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[arrl-odv:29082] IN Newsletter December 6 2019
by Pereira, Carla, KC1HSX 06 Dec '19

06 Dec '19

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[arrl-odv:29068] Fwd: ID call with /
by Michael Ritz 06 Dec '19

06 Dec '19

I seem to recall that the FCC has already ruled on this type of proposal, at least once. Does anybody have anything related to this that I can send this guy? If not, which ARRL committee would be the proper one to sent this request to for consideration? Thanks! 73; Mike W7VO > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: C Williams <wa6ctb(a)yahoo.com> > To: w7vo(a)arrl.org > Date: December 5, 2019 at 3:18 PM > Subject: ID call with / > > Mike > I hope you remember to bring up for discussion at the Board meeting the proposal I sent you re having the FCC require ID'ing with a /# if their call is different from the area they are in. > If you remember it would require no work or cost from the FCC other than a order. Stations would ID with a /# if they are mobile or living in an area different from their call. No change to the License would be required only on the air ID'ing. > > Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year > > Chuck KI7DG > ASM. >

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