April 2020 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:30143] Re: [ve-list:1714] ARRL VE Newsletter - April 16, 2020
by Mickey Baker 16 Apr '20

16 Apr '20

This is excellent work and is an example of the communication that greatly enhances member satisfaction. Thank you for your work on this. Mickey Baker N4MB Director, Southeast Division On Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 12:46 PM Somma, Maria, AB1FM <msomma(a)arrl.org> wrote: > > *================================================== * > > > *ARRL VE Newsletter - April 16, 2020 *We will continue to update our > volunteer examiners as new information becomes available. > Thank you for you service to the community. > > > *================================================== * > > > *Remotely Administered Amateur Exam Systems Showing Promise *Facing a > growing demand for amateur radio exam sessions in a time of social > distancing and stay-at-home orders, sponsors of some Volunteer Examiner > (VE) teams have risen to the challenge and are developing systems to > remotely proctor test sessions. > > “Many of our VEs and VE Teams have been working on remotely proctored exam > session ideas, employing both video and in-person components — following > social distancing protocols,” ARRL Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC) > Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, said. “We have been receiving interesting and > innovative suggestions, and we appreciate the dedication and ingenuity our > examiners have shown.” > > The Spalding County Amateur Radio Club in Georgia is among those that have > come up with plans to remotely administer amateur exams while complying > with ARRL VEC testing standards during COVID-19 stay-home mandates and > social distancing guidelines. Current systems leverage Zoom > video-teleconferencing technology, the “Fill & Sign” feature of Adobe PDFs, > reliable email, appropriate computer equipment and internet connection, and > no volunteer examiners (VEs) present at individual remote test sites. The > Georgia club collaborated and shared ideas with the Emergency Amateur Radio > Club (EARC) in Hawaii, which has successfully conducted sessions since 2011 > with its own remote testing system, initially with paper exams with a > proctor on site and now with fillable PDFs, with no on-site proctor. > > The Georgia club obtained ARRL VEC approval to administer video-supervised > exams. The club’s David Robinson, K4WVZ, said the first exam session took > place this week, with another set for next week, and “many more in the > pipeline” going forward. > > “We have started with testing just one candidate at a time but are > planning to ramp up to multiple candidates — probably two or three — > simultaneously,” Robinson told ARRL. “Before we do that, we want a few more > single sessions under our belt and a few more Video VEs trained. It also > gives us an opportunity to garner lessons learned from each test session > and upgrade our procedures accordingly.” Robinson said this week’s session > went “exceedingly well,” and the candidate passed the test. > > The club’s procedures entail a pre-exam video interview with candidates to > ensure they understand all the requirements and procedures. “This also > allows us to test the candidate’s ability to work with the video and > computer technology before the actual exam,” Robinson explained. “Training > sessions were conducted for VEs to make sure they understood their role and > how to use the technology.” > > Following the exam, the VEs score the test and sign off on the paperwork, > with the VE Team Leader submitting the application online and by mail, per > ARRL VEC instructions. Application and successful exam are first accepted > and then submitted to the FCC for processing. > > New England Amateur Radio Inc (NE1AR), an affiliate of New England > Sci-Tech, (NESciTech), has taken it one step further, Somma said. It got > the approval of ARRL VEC to begin trials of what it describes as > “completely online testing with strict rules and protocols for maintaining > the integrity of the testing environment.” NE1AR is limiting candidates to > one exam per candidate, due to the current candidate backlog and the > “difficulty of administering exams online.” Candidates must agree to a list > of protocols, which include no visitors (or pets) in the exam room and a > cell-phone camera scan of the entire room and exam area “to show that there > are no materials or people [in the room] that could aid in taking the > exam.” If the VE team suspects the possibility of cheating, the exam may be > terminated and the candidate barred from future online exam sessions. > > “We began a series of trials on April 1 under ARRL VEC review and have now > been asked to help train more VE Teams on the process,” NE1AR President Bob > Phinney, K5TEC, told ARRL. “We have now tested 12 applicants and are still > working on streamlining the process. We are working with the software > developer of the exam delivery system to help them adapt the system for > video-supervised testing.” At present, Phinney said, only one person at a > time can be tested. Another time-related issue is how long it takes a > candidate to go through the NE1AR security protocol. “Sometimes, the setup > and follow-up for an exam take far longer than the exam itself, in order > that we provide complete integrity of the exam session,” he said. > > With pressure continuing to build to provide testing compatible with > COVID-19 guidelines and stay-home orders, ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, > AB1FM, has asked the amateur radio community to be patient. “Please > remember that with the introduction of significant new processes such as > these, that there should be proof of concept, establishment of protocols > and procedures, and beta testing, before expanding to a larger audience,” > she said this week. Somma said video-supervised exam sessions require a > different skillset than in-person exam administration, and not all teams > will be equipped to deliver video exams right away. > > “ARRL is pleased to be one of the leaders in providing an opportunity, > although limited initially, for video-supervised exams in this time of > social distancing and isolation required by the current health situation,” > Somma said. > > > > *Visit the ARRL website for this news item and other breaking news: > http://www.arrl.org/ <http://www.arrl.org/> * > > *========================================================================* > > *The ARRL VEC Staff is Ready to Serve You* > > > As always, the dedicated VEC staff are here to answer any questions you > may have. > > ARRL VE toll free number: 1-800-9ARRLVE (1-800-927-7583) > Address: ARRL VEC, 225 Main St, > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+St,++Newington+CT+06111?entry=g…> > Newington CT 06111 > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+St,++Newington+CT+06111?entry=g…> > > > *Email: VEC(a)arrl.org <VEC(a)arrl.org> Web: > www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners <http://www.arrl.org/volunteer-examiners> *ARRL > VEC Fax: 860-594-0339 > > Maria Somma, AB1FM, Manager > Amanda Grimaldi, N1NHL, Assistant Manager > Stephanie Borden W2MAU, Service Representative > Ann Brinius, Service Representative > Lisa Riendeau, Service Representative > Joshua Nance, Service Representative > > We thank you for your efforts and interest in the ARRL VEC program. > > ======================================================================== > > > > > *Please do NOT respond to these automated emails. *A ‘reply’ to this bulk > email address will not reach us as only the list administrator may post to > the list. > > To *unsubscribe* from these messages, *forward* this message to > support(a)arrl.net. > > ======================================================================== > > > ARRL VEC VE Newsletter is published by the > American Radio Relay League, Inc. - the national association for Amateur > Radio®. > > Material from the ARRL VE E-Newsletter may be republished or reproduced > in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must > be given to > The American Radio Relay League VEC. > > ARRL VEC > 225 Main Street > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+Street+%0D%0ANewington+CT+06111…> > Newington CT 06111 USA > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+Street+%0D%0ANewington+CT+06111…> > > Sincerely, > Maria Somma, AB1FM - VEC Manager / Editor > ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio ® > 225 Main Street > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+Street+%0D%0ANewington,+CT+0611…> > Newington, CT 06111 USA > <https://www.google.com/maps/search/225+Main+Street+%0D%0ANewington,+CT+0611…> > msomma(a)arrl.org > > *========================================================================* > _______________________________________________ > ve-list mailing list > ve-list(a)reflector.arrl.org > https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/ve-list > -- “Ends and beginnings—there are no such things. There are only middles.” Robert Frost

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[arrl-odv:30142] Fwd: Anchorage ARC VEC Scores a Hat Trick!
by Michael Ritz 16 Apr '20

16 Apr '20

Just a note about what's currently going on with the Anchorage Alaska VE remote testing program I received this morning. Their team up in the tundra has been working tirelessly to pull this off. They are apparently now working with VE programs in 32 states, and that's keeping them VERY busy. I hope every body is staying safe. 73; Mike W7VO > See the following post about a REALLY COOL testing day for the Anchorage ARC VEC! > > https://kl7aa.org/anchorage-arc-vec-scores-a-hat-trick/ > > 73, > > Kent Petty, KL5T >

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[arrl-odv:28968] Fwd: Lawsuit Opens to Other States/Communities in CA and How You Can Halt 5G Now
by Richard J. Norton 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

The following message is from the woman in my town that I call the anti-smart-electric-meter lady. As the message shows, her group is raising money for its quest to save us from 5G cellphone service. Remember that they have already been successful in Los Angeles by stopping installation of a first-responder network. They make noise, and our technically savvy politicians listen. I want to forward the e-mail to the League's RF Safety Committee, and have them comment on whether there is such a thing as "electrohypersensitive people," as discussed in the last reference. The ARRL's web-site does not appear to be up to date regarding the RF Safety Committee. At least putting *RF Safety Committee* into the search window brings up old membership. If this finds its way to someone who can get the question answered, please do so. Thanks. 73, Dick Norton, N6AA ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Liz, Peoples Initiative News <mandatoryussmartgridblock(a)gmail.com> Date: Tue, Nov 12, 2019 at 11:49 AM Subject: Lawsuit Opens to Other States/Communities in CA and How You Can Halt 5G Now To: <richardjnorton(a)gmail.com> <http://s.rs6.net/t?e=642tG4sr4Fs&c=1&r=1> <http://s.rs6.net/t?e=642tG4sr4Fs&c=3&r=1> <http://s.rs6.net/t?e=642tG4sr4Fs&c=4&r=1> <http://s.rs6.net/t?e=642tG4sr4Fs&c=5&r=1> <https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Lawsuit-Opens-to-Other-States-Communiti…> [image: Black] <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1128337193175&a=1133507147528&e…> To share this email just copy and paste the below link https://conta.cc/2NICDv8 <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016IMu61KNZQ0z0-UU_DVzLdJaAhk-QFnMq1kRtGaOpkCZ…> 1) Update on Lawsuit Fund Raising 2) Lawsuit Open to Other states 3) Lawsuit Opens to Other Communities in CA 3) How You Can At Least Temporarily Halt 5G Dear Precious People, First of all I want to thank from the bottom of my heart, each and every one of you who so generously contributed to our lawsuit. We would be absolutely nowhere without you!! I would also like to thank those of you who passed the link on...that is a big part of fund raising - making sure the link is passed on to your friends and associates, re-posted on FB and other social media platforms. I know some of you have expressed your desire to join our suit and I do apologize that I am sending this email out as opposed to calling you individually, just I got so inundated with calls and emails, it will take much longer for me to go through them and I can get this news to you much quicker by sending this email out. *HOW MUCH WE HAVE RAISED THUS FAR* Thus far we have managed to raise a whopping *$48,276!!* That's in only 1 month of fund raising! We have right now, $20,256 from the Go Fund Me Page and in mailed checks and direct donations on the website (that do not show up on Go Fund Me), we have raised $28,020! I am so incredibly grateful and so excited!! We are absolutely on our way!! *LAWSUIT OPENS TO OTHER STATES* Also I have fantastic news!! The lawsuit is now open to other states in addition to just CA! This lawsuit is going to be expensive, so we are welcoming other states into the suit which will require an in state attorney to partner with our NY attorney to do "pro hac vice" which is the Latin legal term for an out of state attorney working with a law firm that is licensed to practice law in the state in which the out of state attorney is bringing the suit. Please call or email me to discuss details if you are interested in joining. *OTHER COMMUNITIES/INDIVIDUALS WITHIN CA* We are also accepting a VERY limited number of people and/or communities within the state of CA. We really do need to raise more funds and some of you have stated you are able to do that. Please DO contact me as we may be able to name you in the suit and therefor possibly file injunctions in your area until the suit is adjudicated at which time we expect a win based on the research the law firm has completed, on what we will be suing under, which I will email out to you once I get permission from the attorney. I will still try and call you individually, but I have to sift through everything and I was so slammed with people wanting to join (yey! :) that my notes may not be perfect on this. Although our attorney told us we would be mot likely be filing this month, it looks more like another month or so. I look forward to sending it to you as soon as we have it! In the meantime, let's go for our next round of funding goal...$100,000! We are almost @ $50,000 and if you can donate again and/or pass the link on to those who would be interested, we would be so very grateful to you. We MUST raise these remaining funds and I KNOW we can do it!! Please click on the below link to help us get there! Go Fund Me video by clinking here. <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016IMu61KNZQ0z0-UU_DVzLdJaAhk-QFnMq1kRtGaOpkCZ…> If you'd like to just re-post the Go Fund Me page you can do so by copying this link... https://www.gofundme.com/f/y6ca8t-suing-fcc-for-protection-from-5g?utm_sour… <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016IMu61KNZQ0z0-UU_DVzLdJaAhk-QFnMq1kRtGaOpkCZ…> Thank you so much to those of you who have donated. Please consider helping us get to the next level of funding, the $100,000 mark. Please donate what you can and please do pass Go Fund Me the link or this entire email on! *HOW YOU CAN AT LEAST TEMPORARILY HALT 5G* We have had the incredibly good fortune of having a court rule in our favor regarding NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) and the roll out of 5G and small cell wireless facilities. Please click here for a sample letter <http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016IMu61KNZQ0z0-UU_DVzLdJaAhk-QFnMq1kRtGaOpkCZ…> you can send your town, city or county to at least temporally halt 5G until such time as we win our lawsuit! (You may notice I have posted it on one of our sites that is not the non profit through which we are bringing the suit, as we are still fixing the issues with that site but are almost there.) Please be sure and read our legal disclaimer at the top of the page in the link. Very special thanks to Paul McGavin and Mark Graham for their continued, amazing, diligent work and help on this issue and the letter. With love, light and gratitude, Liz Barris (google has also deleted most of my pages from their search engine) 310-281-9639 http://citizensforaradiationfreecommunity.org/ http://thepeoplesinitiative.org/ http://stopsmartgrid.org/ http://americanassociationforcellphonesafety.org https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pilot-study-shows-dramatic-differe… [image: Black] <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?m=1128337193175&a=1133507147528&e…> <https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=xgogc89ab&p=oi&m=11283371…> The Peoples Initiative Foundation www.thepeoplesinitiative.org, 101 S. Topanga Cyn. Blvd. #586, Topanga, CA 90290 SafeUnsubscribe™ richardjnorton(a)gmail.com <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001vKdVFuQ8RrDVnIrnW0codQ%3D%…> Forward this email <http://ui.constantcontact.com/sa/fwtf.jsp?llr=xgogc89ab&m=1128337193175&ea=…> | Update Profile <https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001vKdVFuQ8RrDVnIrnW0codQ%3D%…> | About our service provider <http://www.constantcontact.com/legal/service-provider?cc=about-service-prov…> Sent by mandatoryussmartgridblock(a)gmail.com in collaboration with [image: Constant Contact] <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=PT_FAMDC&rmc=VF19_V8> Try email marketing for free today! <http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=PT_FAMDC&rmc=VF19_V8>

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[arrl-odv:30132] setting up a group for SM's and ODV members
by Mike Raisbeck 15 Apr '20

15 Apr '20

Hi All, I sent out a suggestion several weeks ago suggesting that we set up a Groupio group for SM's and ODV member. I know of several Directors who like the idea, but I haven't heard much else. What do people think? Such a thing wouldn't be mandatory, so people could choose to participate or not as they see fit. I don't imagine this takes a Board vote to do, but I would like some idea as to whether folks are willing, or if not, why not. Thanks - Hope all are doing well hunkered down. 73,MikeK1TWF Mike Raisbeck k1twf(a)arrl.net

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[arrl-odv:30136] CEO Search Committee Access
by Kermit Carlson 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

Hello All - If you do not have access to the CEO Search Committeeminutes, please send me an email. The replacement invitationshave gone out today. Should you need help signing on andgaining access to your DropBox we can have someone work with you by telephone. This access is for all of the minutes of the Committee. Theaccess to the resume's of the applicants will be including in yourDropBox account after the June 1st submission deadline for candidate application. There has been a question about which candidates have beenrejected. The applicants who are not licensed amateur radio operatorsare the only group that are being sent rejection letters. This was a very strong sentiment of the Board, and the members. So to put aside any misinformation, the only applicants who have beensent rejection letters are those who are non-hams. Please be safe and stay well,. Thank You, 73, Kermit Carlson W9XA Director, ARRL Central Division

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[arrl-odv:30133] Field day
by rjairam＠gmail.com 13 Apr '20

13 Apr '20

>From updates by other directors I’m hearing that no changes were made to FD rules by PSC. In that I am disappointed. The idea behind the proposed rule changes for this year was not to make it so that we move the goal posts because of coronavirus, nor was it to water down an emcomm preparation exercise (this is what I’ve been hearing from people). Not at all. Rather, these were simple changes to encourage social distancing. Think about it - hams go to extreme lengths to win a contest. And yes, FD is a contest (according to the original FD article in QST, June 1933). It is an emergency exercise and a public display of amateur radio, and an “operating event” but it is also a contest and treated as such by many. I can already see some clubs going about FD as usual, and taking a chance and ignoring social distancing rules in the name of scoring more points. In some states they are already talking about reopening the economy, even at the expense of “a few” deaths. Some are openly defying orders and going about business as usual, often with consequences of getting infected. I can see it happening where clubs hold FD as usual and that is not good. For me this is about being proactive. Look at how other organizations have done it - Our diocese closed all of the churches and the bishop has ordered the church doors locked and public services suspended. Our diocesan schools also suspended all classes a full week before the state issued lockdown orders. Our parish has begun live streaming all church services. Some things are immovable but adjustments have been made. This was in the interest of discouraging large gatherings. Most importantly, official action was taken to influence adherence to social distancing policies. We should have as well. We can easily say that it is an emcomm exercise, adapt (or die?) But I think that at the very least we should have made it easier for people to stay apart or stay home. Going outside is not going to happen for many people due to orders. Encouraging use of emergency power will encourage use of fossil fuel powered generators, moreso than regular non-pandemic FD since people won’t be consolidating into clubs. Some may even poison themselves from carbon monoxide. There are a whole host of things that can and will go wrong. We could and should have made simple, common sense changes to encourage social distancing and safety but we didn’t. These are my thoughts and opinions and while I respect the committee’s decisions I am in disagreement with the outcome. 73 Ria N2RJ

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[arrl-odv:30127] Update on VE Testing
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) 12 Apr '20

12 Apr '20

Good afternoon. Happy Easter and Passover. I wanted to give you a status report on VE testing. Despite not making any public statements on the subject, the ARRL VEC has been working with a very few VE teams to expand their capabilities for different methods of delivering amateur radio exams. We will be changing our public stance with the attached statement although, once again, I strongly urge everyone not to promote any of this as the ultimate solution. The truth is, one ARRL VE team in Massachusetts has conducted two video supervised, electronic exam sessions. Each one was for only one examinee and, in this age of social distancing, that's all we can really expect to do. No other VEC's teams have done it for more than one examinee at a time either. The Massachusetts team has offered to produce an operating manual for other teams that are interested but we will still have to monitor this closely as our VEs are not as technologically savvy as we might think they are. Surprisingly, while examinees seem to be clamoring for video supervised, electronic exams, our VE teams are not. Please remember, the VEC testing system is one that has been based for decades in producing and moving paperwork. The skillsets of everyone involved in the process (including the ARRL VEC) are centered on pushing paper. Everyone is demanding we turn the Queen Mary on a dime in this time of the COVID-19 crisis. This is not the best way to change the entire process. While we offer our VE teams rudimentary electronic methods for completing and filing all the information required after an exam session, the online processes need to be expanded to the front end registration and payment processes, and quite honestly, we need to automate the entire process. And finally, for the record, the early work to provide electronic exams through the ARRL VEC precedes both the COVID-19 crisis and my current tenure as CEO. Internal discussions began in the fourth quarter of last year. We currently have a basic set of specifications for the process, from beginning to end, and are using those specs to hold discussions with several parties that may be able to help us deliver on this concept. As reported to you earlier, we are talking to the creator of Exam Tools, the system used by the Massachusetts team, another commercial exam software company and, finally, some volunteer programmers who have done good work in other areas for us in the past. We want to be sure we look at all viable options in a business-like manner, not simply rush to respond to a perceived need. I realize that we're not going to have what everyone seems to think is possible immediately, but if there's any message to take away from this it's that the ARRL is in the game, just as much as W5YI or any other VEC. I hope everyone is continuing to be safe and healthy. 73, Barry, N1VXY

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[arrl-odv:30105] Fwd: ARES Related NTS Test Message
by Mickey Baker 12 Apr '20

12 Apr '20

All, This is from W4CMH - South Florida SEC. The section has 2700 members (more than several divisions), includes the Florida Keys to Melbourne, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Fort Myers - population of about 10 million, one of the most vulnerable sections to natural disaster in the US. John is the lead SEC for Florida and is our appointed liaison to the Florida Government. Retired career law enforcement. This is a report where he originated messages and found that NTS is only delivering 50% of originated messages? His conclusion based on his trial messages is that we cannot count on NTS for health and welfare messages in emergencies. What are your thoughts? What QA are we running on this asset to ensure its fitness for function? Mickey Baker, N4MB Palm Beach Gardens, FL *“Tell me, and I will listen. Show me, and I will understand. Involve me, and I will learn.” *Teton Lakota, American Indian Saying. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: J Wells <w4cmhae(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 at 4:18 PM Subject: Fwd: ARES Related NTS Test Message To: Barry Porter <barryp13(a)mac.com> Cc: Mickey Baker <n4mb(a)arrl.net> Barry and Mickey, I wanted you to have a copy of my email related to an NTS evaluation that I took upon myself, in case you are asked about it. -- John Wells W4CMH Section Emergency Coordinator ARRL Southern Florida Section ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: J Wells <w4cmhae(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 at 1:30 PM Subject: Re: ARES Related NTS Test Message To: <wb3kas(a)aol.com>, <kb9wwm(a)arrl.net>, <nd0cw(a)srt.com>, < shane.m.lee(a)hotmail.com>, <wb8rcr(a)arrl.net>, Joe C <k2ol(a)yahoo.com>, < k0rpt(a)arrl.net>, <n5wvr(a)arrl.net>, <wa7rf(a)arrl.net>, <kd7nhc(a)arrl.net>, < n4tab-public(a)earthlink.net>, <w5whn(a)arrl.net>, David Gillespie < dgillespie13(a)gmail.com>, <ke7ejf(a)arrl.net>, <ke5fga(a)arrl.net>, < kd0s(a)arrl.net> Cc: Dave Sheppard <csxtbonevalley(a)comcast.net>, Karl Martin < kg4hbn(a)gmail.com>, Bennie Henley <ben(a)bhenley.com> Dear Fellow SEC's, I wanted to advise you that I have completed my NTS evaluation that I discussed in my initial email to you. As you know, we have served agencies that count on us and our members to get messages through to its destination. As I stated before, I am an NTS traffic handler as well as SEC and I have seen differing opinions on the viability of the NTS during incidents. I am also an Official Relay Station for the Southern Florida Section. I have observed that many times I have not received delivery receipts for messages (Handling Instructions HXC on Radiograms) that I have sent, which is crucial to knowing that the message did or did not make it to its destination. I was not bashing the system, just evaluating its effectiveness for EMCOMM if we would need to utilize it or if we refer others to utilize it for welfare traffic. My analysis of the evaluation follows as I had promised that I would do in my initial email and I offer it as food for thought on the topic as a way to guide your decisions in future incidents. Between the dates of March 23 and March 26, 2020 I sent each of you a Radiogram via the NTS using the same initial traffic net and operator to move it. In total I sent 16 Radiograms, because I accidentally sent one to a SM in addition to an SEC randomly selected from each Division. I discovered that 50% of the messages ultimately were delivered to the recipients and that means that 50% were never delivered to their destination. The messages were delivered between the day that they were sent on to 12 days later. The average days needed for delivery was 4 days. I received 8 service messages indicating that they had delivered messages, but 2 of those were sent by the recipient via email and not by the delivering station. My opinion of the results follows. I was disappointed with the results based on the fact that I had spread the messages over several days to not overwhelm any one handler and the fact that many people are home due to the COVID-19 stay at home orders. Based on my analysis, there are better options for moving our mission essential messages and even welfare traffic, but welfare traffic is not our primary mission in most incidents until we are no longer needed to move tactical and priority traffic. If the recipient never receives the message that is an obvious problem or if it is delivered well after the incident that is not effective either. I believe that I would consider finding an efficient traffic handler who has access to HF and VHF/UHF Winklink (RMS Express) modes who may not be an ARES member who could help move welfare messages. I also believe that the Red Cross Safe and Well system if active in the area where the incident occurs would be my first choice since it would keep pressure off of our Amateur Radio operations. There are other methods to consider as well. I appreciate your cooperation and I hope that all of you, your families and your ARES members are doing well and not infected with the virus that is impacting us all. -- John Wells W4CMH Section Emergency Coordinator ARRL Southern Florida Section On Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 10:30 AM J Wells <w4cmhae(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Dear Fellow SEC's, > > I wanted to advise you that I have randomly selected an SEC from each of > the 15 Divisions to conduct an evaluation of utilizing the NTS to move > messages. If you are receiving this email, then you have been selected. I > am an NTS traffic handler as well as SEC and I have seen differing opinions > on the viability of the NTS during incidents. I have also observed that > many times I have not received delivery receipts for messages that I have > sent, which is crucial to knowing that the message did or did not make it > to its destination. I am not bashing the system, just evaluating its > effectiveness for EMCOMM if we would need to utilize it. As you know, we > have served agencies that count on us and our members to get the message > through to its destination. This is the process that I have selected to > evaluate that function. We utilize many other methods as well and here in > Florida we test them regularly, but to my knowledge we have not done an > evaluation like this in recent times. > > Within the next week, I will be sending a Radiogram to you via the NTS. > You could receive it on the air, via email or via phone. I have a simple > request from you and that is if you could email me advising that you > received the Radiogram, how it was delivered and whom you received it from > with their call-sign. Later next week or shortly there after, I will > provide all of you with the results of the activity. > > I hope that all of you, your families and your ARES members are doing well > and not infected with the virus that is impacting us all. I appreciate your > assistance with this project and hope that the results will help guide our > decisions in future incidents. > -- > John Wells W4CMH > Section Emergency Coordinator > ARRL Southern Florida Section >

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[arrl-odv:30126] TAPR-ARRL DCC Digital Communications Conference - goes “online”
by Kermit Carlson 12 Apr '20

12 Apr '20

Hello All - This announcement just received from Stan Horzepa; “ Due to recent events, the 2020 ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference (DCC), originally planned for Charlotte, North Carolina, will be moved to an online virtual conference on the same dates as originally planned, September 11-13, 2020. The details of the Virtual DCC will be announced in the coming months as details and plans are finalized. We plan to hold the 2021 DCC in Charlotte in the September 2021 time frame. Final details of the 2021 DCC will be announced later in the year. “ 73, Kermit W9XA Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

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[arrl-odv:30115] Fwd: Executive Dropbox shared "CEO SEARCH COMMITTEE MINUTES" with you
by Mark J Tharp 10 Apr '20

10 Apr '20

Mickey, here you go. This should work. I think Mark, HDX ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Executive Dropbox (via Dropbox) <no-reply(a)dropbox.com> Date: Mon, Mar 30, 2020 at 5:08 AM Subject: Executive Dropbox shared "CEO SEARCH COMMITTEE MINUTES" with you To: <kb7hdx(a)arrl.org> Hi Mark, Executive Dropbox (exec_drop(a)arrl.org) invited you to view the folder "*CEO SEARCH COMMITTEE MINUTES*" on Dropbox. Go to folder <https://www.dropbox.com/l/scl/AAABCgoO9JBwclafkdH85tDSS9sdt4078D0> Enjoy! The Dropbox team *Executive and others will be able to see when you view files in this folder. Other files shared with you through Dropbox may also show this info. Learn more <https://www.dropbox.com/l/AAAELAWhD-mGc0P8bby2CLGLrl-RhpDCqik> in our help center. * Report to Dropbox <https://www.dropbox.com/l/AAAm_wDCMa6_WG8suQxxBexEHyQXeYuz2fQ/report_abuse> © 2020 Dropbox

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