Dave, Chris,

 

Thanks for each of your comments.

 

Chris, I was thinking of a perceived problem; however, perceived problems are as serious in many cases as are tangible problems.  I’m ancient enough to remember the fallout that occasionally occurred when we “nice guys” sometimes put filters on our neighbors’ TV sets to block our transmissions from getting into those with 21 MHz IFs .in particular.  By helping the wrong person (i.e. the person whose picture tube or other component was ready to blow) hams were sometimes accused vigorously of screwing up the TV if it failed soon after the filter was put on the antenna input posts.

 

I believe the analogy is reasonably applicable to the coming situation.  The analog sets in need of conversion very often are rather old and more likely to pop their tops coincidental with even the proper installation of a converter.  By following the first couple of steps in the scientific process (gathering information and developing a theoretical relationship between them) citizens who do not follow the other steps in the process often believe that if B (my TV failed) follows A (just after this guy installed the converter) this is proof that A caused B.

 

I still believe the project is useful and potentially valuable to those who do not know how to install a converter and also to amateurs who show or describe how this is to be done provided the hams involved in this activity practice caveat amicus “nice guy.”  

 

73,

 

Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director

ARRL Great Lakes Division

5065 Bethany Rd.

Mason, OH 45040

E-mail:  k8je@arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142

ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is!

Members - The Reason ARRL Is!

 

From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 10:10 PM
To: arrl-odv
Subject: [arrl-odv:17359] RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs

 

Yes we will, Jim.

 

I have hooked up a couple of the DTV converters. It's hard to imagine a liability issue arising from telling someone how to do it, but if an individual amateur is concerned about it then he or she doesn't have to volunteer.

 

Dave

 

From: K8JE [mailto:K8JE@zoomtown.com]
Sent: Wed 12/3/2008 10:38 PM
To: arrl-odv
Subject: RE: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs

Dave,

 

This sounds like an Elmering program that could provide many people with a good look at radio amateurs and possibly at Amateur Radio.  On the other hand, I have a level of concern regarding potential liability issues.  Chris, of course, may have already addressed these, but would our volunteer hams be covered by something akin to the Good Samaritan laws – i.e. would they be held harmless if someone misunderstands the information given them . . . of if they are inadvertently given poor information?

 

This concern extends to how one deals with requests to come into the viewers home to provide help, directly.  I realize your memo limited help to consultation by telephone and probably otherwise at off-site locations.  It is nearly inevitable that request for on-site help will be received and that us well-intentioned hams will feel we can provide the help.  Will we give strong recommendation against honoring such in-home help?

 

Tnx, 73,

 

Jim

 

 

 

Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director

ARRL Great Lakes Division

5065 Bethany Rd.

Mason, OH 45040

E-mail:  k8je@arrl.net; Tel.: 513-459-0142

ARRL - The Reason Amateur Radio Is!

Members - The Reason ARRL Is!

 

From: Sumner, Dave, K1ZZ [mailto:dsumner@arrl.org]
Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 4:21 PM
To: arrl-odv
Subject: [arrl-odv:17356] Community relations opportunity for clubs

 

It has been mentioned a couple of times on ODV that the FCC is devoting resources to the digital television transition, almost to the exclusion of everything else. There is a great deal of concern that despite the enormous publicity being given to the fact the analog television is going to disappear on February 17, there are going to be hundreds of thousands if not millions of people who don’t know what to do to avoid staring at blank screens on that day.

The FCC is aware that radio amateurs represent a significant pool of technical expertise and would like to tap into it. The Commission has asked us to help them identify local radio clubs that would be willing to educate consumers on how to install a converter box and how to set it up, and possibly to provide technical advice by telephone to consumers who may encounter difficulty with the installation and setting up of their converter box. Amateurs would NOT be asked to go to people’s homes and physically assist with installations.

The ARRL Public Relations Committee is enthusiastic about this as an opportunity for local radio clubs to build positive visibility in their communities. Coincidentally, PRC Chairman Bill Morine, N2COP is in Wilmington, NC, which was the site of the first pilot transition in September.

We are putting together a request to Section Managers to help identify clubs willing and able to assist.

Dave K1ZZ