February 2023 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:34514] Interactive On-line VOTA State Coordinator Sign-Up Sheets — Available To All
by John Robert Stratton 09 Mar '23

09 Mar '23

All Mark Kleine, N5HZR, Oklahoma West Gulf Division Section Manager and Oklahoma VOTA State Coordinator, has developed a superb and easy to use i_*nteractive, on-line*_ sign-up sheet for VOTA State Coordinators to use to simplify the process of scheduling volunteer W1AW/x portable operators. It significantly automates obtaining sign-ups and capturing the information needed by a State Coordinator. Mark has offered to make it available to anyone in the ARRL for their use. I have advised Bob Naumann and Bart Jahnke that Mark is willing to permit the League to offer it on the ARRL's website. However, you or your designated State Coordinators may contact Mark directly to arrange to use it. Oh, ask him about the automated email reminder the program is capable of generating for each scheduled operator. If you wish to see how it operates you may go to either: https://ok.arrl.org/w1awok/ <https://ok.arrl.org/w1awok/> or https://ok.arrl.org/w1awtx/ <https://ok.arrl.org/w1awtx/> If you do, /*please*/ don't sign yourself up — both sites are live and in active use. If you do sign yourself up, expect representatives of the Five Nations to appear at your doorstep with freshly forged Wouff Hongs. If you are interested, please contact Mark Kleine directly at: Mark Kleine Oklahoma Section Manager N5HZR Mark Kleine <mkleine(a)live.com> 1-405-410-6756 If you wish a second opinion as to how well it operates, call the Texas VOTA State Coordinator: Steve Smith North Texas Section Manager KG5VK Steven Smith <lottsphoto(a)icloud.com> 1-318-470-9806 Feel free to contact me, if you wish. John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office:512-445-6262 Cell:512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 ****

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[arrl-odv:34618] Field Day Point Value Changes
by Michael Ritz 01 Mar '23

01 Mar '23

I'm sure many have seen the rants from the guys on MyARRLVoice, and have received letters from the CW Ops guys about the recent PSC recommendation to level the score playing field for all modes in FD. Below is my comment to one such complaint, and provides some background on the issue. These are my opinions, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ARRL staff or the the PSC. "First of all, know that I'm pretty much ambivalent in this, and don't really have a dog in the fight. I operate SSB, CW and RTTY pretty much equally, but am not on FT-8 at all. I'm too busy tending to e-mails and my other Board work to even get on the air except the big contest weekends! I've received a few e-mails that are saying what the PSC are doing here is OK and maybe even needed action, and a few that are espousing that equalizing mode scores in ARRL FD is going to destroy amateur radio as we know it. This question was hotly debated in the PSC meeting over the last few months. We received a lot of complaints last year about the intrusion of FT-8 and FT-4 into Field Day, to the detriment of the other modes, just as is happening with just about the entire rest of amateur radio. That is borne out somewhat with in the attached graph. You will also notice in the graph that CW contacts in FD now outnumber SSB contacts. Why is that? It's probably because CW has had a recent resurgence because of groups like CW ops, and that's a good thing. Has the elimination of CW as a license requirement in 2004 killed off CW as an amateur mode and destroyed amateur radio, as predicted? No. Again, refer to the graph. Will CW die in FD because the points are now the same for all modes? I don't know, but I would bet against it. Now a question: Is the main reason new hams are learning CW is that they know that CW operators are able to get twice the points of the phone guys for the same number of Qs in FD? FD is technically not a contest, and in fact, no logs are even submitted. I don't think that's the reason at all. It's because they want to learn something new, and find they enjoy it. The hardcore CW guys love CW, and for the most part, despise phone. I know quite a few elite contesting hams that refuse to even own microphone, and I'm sure you know some too. It's somewhat an elitist attitude, and I'm sure that's one of the reasons the CW guys want their point advantage. They believe they are better than everybody else because they "know code", and I don't think they would deny that thought. "I learned CW, so I'm smarter than you"! The opening remark about the "ARRL dumbing down amateur radio" by leveling the FD playing field on the recent MyARRLVoice Facebook topic on the subject pretty much says it all. One of the arguments I've seen also is that FD is supposed to be an Emcomm event, and "when all else fails, CW gets through in an emergency." That said, the newer digital modes are actually better than CW for this, and there is no CW mode that I know of used within Winlink, something very often used in EmComm activity. We, (the PSC),thought of reducing the points for digital to match SSB as an incentive to get off FT-8, leaving CW alone at the top, but that would end up reducing points for those attempting to use traditional digital modes, such as RTTY, or the other non-FT-x modes in FD. So, we decided that maybe just letting market forces take over and equalize the points between all three modes was the best strategy. People will use then mode they are most comfortable with, and everybody has fun. No advantage for anybody. OK, now the question: Why should CW Qs have a 2:1 point advantage over other modes in FD? Is it because one can make more Qs per hour with phone over CW? No, that's not the case. If one researches the CQWW contest rates over the last few years, one will see that they are pretty much equal now, with the edge now to CW ops. I haven't heard a real and valid reason yet provided by the CW guys for the point advantage not being eliminated in FD, other than what I've heard above, and the fact that the incentive "has been in place since 1974, so why change it"? That said, the CW guys are all crying foul loudly, and we will listen to them. I plan on holding a special PSC meeting to discuss the change, and may propose that we change it back to what it was before, then have ARRL Staff set up a survey of ALL ARRL members, and get everybody's input on this, not just hearing from the loud and proud CW guys." I hope this helps the discussion. I don't appreciate the bullying attitude being taken by some on social media, and the PSC is just trying to make sure that FD stays a "fun factor" operating event/contest for all. Field Day is what you want to make it. Thanks for listening. 73; Mike W7VO

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[arrl-odv:34639] ODV - registration for ARRL Team at Dayton Hamvention, May 19 - 21, 2023
by Middleton, Diane, W2DLM (CFO) 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

On behalf of Bob Inderbitzen: To: ARRL Officers, Directors and Vice Directors attending Dayton Hamvention, May 19 - 21, 2023 This message includes a registration link for Board members who are interested in volunteering as part of the ARRL Team at 2023 Dayton Hamvention, held annually at the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. ARRL will again host our large exhibit area in Building 2. Hours are Fri & Sat 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sun 9 AM to 1 PM. 2023 Hamvention is sanctioned as the ARRL Great Lakes Division Convention. Board members will each receive an ARRL exhibitor's badge (in lieu of purchasing a Hamvention ticket) and ARRL team shirts (same dark blue polo shirts as used for 2022 events). REGISTRATION: If you're interested in volunteering to support ARRL's exhibits and activities at Hamvention, please complete and submit the following online registration form by Thursday, April 6. The online registration form will help us organize room reservations, badges, apparel and staffing for the event. Even if your plans are not entirely committed, please complete the form with your tentative information so we can meet the deadline for our hotel room block. The registration form should not be shared with anyone else. If you have a spouse, companion, or other family member accompanying you-and they're interested in volunteering with you-please have them complete a registration form, too (be sure they mention your participation, so we can associate their registration with your own). REGISTRATION FORM is due by Thursday, April 6: https://form.jotform.com/230584218859163 TRAVEL EXPENSES: ARRL Officers, Directors, and the Great Lakes Division Vice Director may seek travel expense reimbursement, expensed to their respective ARRL budgets. HOTEL: ARRL's staff team and Board members will be housed at the Marriott at the University of Dayton, 1414 South Patterson Blvd in Dayton, Ohio. This is the same Marriott as 2019 and 2022. The hotel is 17 miles from the exhibition fairgrounds in Xenia. Our online registration form will capture your hotel registration information (please don't book directly with the hotel). ARRL's room block must be committed by April 6. The room rate is $163, plus taxes (currently 16.5%). Each room includes up to 2 breakfasts per day based on occupancy, complimentary self-parking, and wireless internet. You will be required to use a credit card at check-in to cover all charges and incidentals. Smoke-free property. Check-in 3 PM; Check-out 12 PM. PARKING: Hamvention parking is free and includes limited onsite parking (weather permitting) and remote lots served by a free shuttle. No parking passes are necessary. Those requiring ADA/Handicap parking should visit the Hamvention website for instructions. Shuttles and golf carts will be going through the lots to facilitate easy access. A list of our staff and program areas for Hamvention is included below. Volunteer assignments will be made by late April. We enjoy welcoming Board members as part of the ARRL Dayton Team! Thank you for your interest. Please contact us if you have any questions. 73 Bob, NQ1R and Yvette, KC1AIM - ARRL Dayton Team Co-Organizers Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R - Director of Marketing and Innovation Yvette Vinci, KC1AIM - Membership Manager ________________________________ ARRL Exhibits and Team for 2023 Dayton Hamvention(r) ARRL Membership and Store (large exhibit area) 1. Yvette Vinci, KC1AIM 2. Jackie Ferreira, KB1PWB - also organizing Meet-the-Author (Meetup!) 3. Kim McNeill, KM1IPA 4. Margie Bourgoin, W1MRG 5. Brian McNeill 6. Jherica Goodgame, KI5HTA Meet the Author (Meetup!) 1. Mark Derks, KC1RVQ ARRL Year of the Volunteers 1. Sierra Harrop, W5DX 2. Mike Walters, W8ZY - also the Section Manager meeting (Thursday, 2-4 PM) at hotel 3. Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH - also ARRL Volunteer Monitoring forum, and Section Manager Meeting (Thursday, 2-4 PM) at hotel Development and Foundation 1. Kevin Beal, K8EAL - also Thursday Donor Reception 2. Regina Galuppi, W3DGI - also Thursday Donor Reception Radiosport and DXCC 1. Bob Naumann, W5OV - also presenter during Membership Forum, ARRL representative for the DX Forum, and attend Saturday Contest Dinner 2. Bart Jahnke, W9JJ - also staff representative for Contest University (all day Thursday), Good Operators forum, and attend Saturday Contest Dinner Education and Learning 1. Steve Goodgame, K5ATA - also Youth Outreach and Collegiate Amateur Radio forums 2. Wayne Greene, KB4DSF Education & Technology Program Instructor ARRL Lab: Handheld Radio Testing 1. George Spatta, W1GKS - also ARRL Lab forum 2. Steve Anderson, W1EMI -- also ARRL Lab forum Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative (booth and forum) 1. Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR - also ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio forum and attend Friday Collegiate Ham Radio Dinner 2. Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT - also ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio forum and attend Friday Collegiate Ham Radio Dinner 3. TBD ARES(r) - Amateur Radio Emergency Service(r) 1. Josh Johnston, KE5MHV - also ARRL ARES forum 2. Jeremy Dunkley, KC1SIV Great Lakes Division and KY, MI, OH Sections Meet & Greet (ARRL Officers, only) 1. David Minster, NA2AA, CEO - also presenter for ARRL Membership forum International Amateur Radio Union Operational Leads 1. Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R - ARRL Team Co-coordinator - also Collegiate Amateur Radio forum 2. Alex Norstrom, KC1RMO - ARRL Events app and social media Forums tentative list Amateur Radio and the Law Moderator: Fred Hopengarten, Esq., K1VR, member of the ARRL Amateur Radio Legal Defense & Assistance Committee The ARRL Laboratory - Behind the Scenes! Presenters: * George Spatta, W1GKS, ARRL Lab Manager * Steve Anderson, W1EMI, ARRL RFI Engineer Protecting Amateur Radio Moderator: John Robert Stratton, N5AUS, Chair of the ARRL Legislative Advocacy Committee ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service - ARES Forum Presenter: Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, ARRL Director of Emergency Management Good Operators and Interference Presenter: Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program Administrator Participants: * Lark Hadley, KA4A, Director, Region Three, FCC Enforcement Bureau * Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, ARRL Regulatory Information Manager * Steve Anderson, W1EMI, ARRL RFI Engineer ARRL Membership Forum Moderator: Dale Williams, WA8EFK, ARRL Director - Great Lakes Division Panelists: Rick Roderick, K5UR, ARRL President; David Minster, NA2AA, ARRL CEO; John R. Sager, WJ7S, ARRL Treasurer; Bob Naumann, W5OV, ARRL Director of Operations Youth Outreach Presenter: Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, ARRL Education and Learning Manager ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Forum Moderators: * Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT, Advisor, ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative * Andy Milluzzi, KK4LWR, Advisor, ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative * Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, Staff Liaison, ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative * Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, Staff Liaison, ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative --end--

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[arrl-odv:34630] Update on Bill Hudzik, W2UDT
by Jairam, Ria, N2RJ (Dir, HD) 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

Mary Ann has informed me that Bill is now in the hospital (Morristown Medical) after suffering several falls and contracting Covid, and will likely be moving to subacute rehab. His condition is getting worse as Parkinson's takes its toll. She has been fighting with the VA as his Parkinson's may have been caused by Agent Orange in Viet Nam. Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Ria N2RJ

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[arrl-odv:34637] Fwd: [Arrl-ariss:900] Re: news release--ARISS opens window to receive ARISS Education Proposals
by Mark J Tharp 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

FYI.. ------------------------------ *From:* White, Rosalie, K1STO <k1sto(a)arrl.org> *Sent:* Friday, February 17, 2023 12:04 PM *To:* arrl-ariss(a)reflector.arrl.org <arrl-ariss(a)reflector.arrl.org>; Inderbitzen, Bob, NQ1R <rinderbitzen(a)arrl.org>; Harrop, Sierra, W5DX < sharrop(a)arrl.org>; John Ross <jross(a)arrl.org> *Subject:* news release--ARISS opens window to receive ARISS Education Proposals Hello to all, Here is a news release on ARISS opening a new window to receive ARISS Education Proposals. I hope you will be able to distribute the news. If you have any questions, I'm here. Thank you and 73, Rosalie K1STO _______________________________________________ Arrl-ariss mailing list Arrl-ariss(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-ariss

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[arrl-odv:34634] Ham radio balloon spotlighted in Scientific American.
by RBFamiglio＠verizon.net 28 Feb '23

28 Feb '23

Well, we thought this was likely the case. If you have not seen this yet, Scientific American gives ham radio the spotlight regarding the possible identity of the balloons of late. This should open for you without subscription. Any publicity is good publicity? I think this is. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/did-the-pentagon-shoot-down-a-har mless-ham-radio-balloon Bob Famiglio, K3RF Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 Serving NNY, WNY, WPA, EPA, SNJ, DE and MD/DC sections <http://www.qrz.com/db/K3RF> www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF

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[arrl-odv:34628] Bart is on hold for FD rules..
by Michael Ritz 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

I've just put Bart and company on hold for any proposed FD rule changes until this is sorted out. As mentioned, I'm going to set up a special PSC meeting later this week to discuss that one issue. Of course, I'll take input in the meeting from anybody on ODV, so I'll send you guys and gals all the link. Thanks for the help on this. As mentioned a few times by myself and others on PSC, the goal was to maximize the "Fun Factor" for all FD participants. If the CW crowd need a 2:1 point advantage over SSB to stay happy in FD, we'll have to consider that too. ;-) Again, I'm soliciting ALL input. (I already know Dale's from the Board meeting!) 73; Mike W7VO

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[arrl-odv:34623] Storm Anthony
by Middleton, Diane, W2DLM (CFO) 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

Dear ODV - For the safety of our staff due to the timing and amount of snow expected, the ARRL building and W1AW will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday. The majority of staff will be working remotely and will be available to assist members throughout normal business hours. The appropriate notifications will be on our website and phone greeting. Thank you. 73, Diane Middleton, W2DLM Chief Financial Officer ARRL, The National Association for Amateur Radio(r) 225 Main Street Newington, CT 06111 (860)594-0225 [cid:image001.png@01D94AB6.3F153CC0]

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[arrl-odv:34616] Fwd: 2-point Q for CW
by Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) 27 Feb '23

27 Feb '23

This member asked that I send this to the board. I have more emails on this than ANY issue other than the fee reinstatement. Our members believe leveling the points are a bad idea. I’ve emailed PSC separately. Respectfully, this looks like us making changes that have no compelling reason to change. I can’t defend this to members. Mickey N4MB Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: Douglas Young <sunburned.ham(a)gmail.com> Sent: Monday, February 27, 2023 12:18:37 PM To: Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) <n4mb(a)arrl.org>; k5ur(a)aol.com <k5ur(a)aol.com>; dminster(a)gmail.com <dminster(a)gmail.com> Subject: 2-point Q for CW Hello Mickey et al, I am reading the latest developments regarding ARRL Field Day and understand that all QSOs will count the same 1 point thereby eliminating the 2-point Q for CW and digital. Our club promotes CW as part of the amateur radio experience and training. I am sure you can understand my disapproval and disappointment with this change. Learning CW is no small task. It represents a significant commitment to training over a period of months or years to accomplish proficiency. Most Licensed Operators do not make this commitment and are content to operate SSB or Digital. However, those amateur radio operators that do make the commitment to improving their operating skills should be recognized for their commitment to the art of CW. The 2-point CW Q provided an incentive for more licensed hams to take the lonely path of learning the Code. Please forward my comments to the ARRL Leadership and Board. Best wishes, Doug KM4LKC

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[arrl-odv:34614] NASA's Call For Amateur Radio Operators
by John Robert Stratton 25 Feb '23

25 Feb '23

See the enclosed screen capture and the related links below: https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/citizenscience/ham-radio-operators-we… https://hamsci.org/eclipse https://hamsci.org/contest-info The League should assist NASA in promoting these events. It is an opportunity to polish the image of Amateur Radio and provide further evidence to the public (and the government) of our value to science and how our continued existence benefits society. The request for ARO participation will also sell well in Congress. We should produce a QST and On The Air article(s) about the events, the related programs and encourage our Members to participate. Opportunity knocks. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office:512-445-6262 Cell:512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 *_______________________________________***

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