Weaver's Words -- School Has Started

+++ You asked: study of FCC rules +++

A few members asked the purpose of the study of FCC rules the ARRL Board authorized. It is to determine if ARRL should consider recommending a petition to change improve the rules regarding wideband transmissions. Any petition that would be considered would provide a win-win situation for everyone. The study will determine if changes in rules might possibly facilitate greater use of broadband digital operation while simultaneously reducing interference to other modes.

A problem with operating on the ham bands is interference between two or more QSOs. It happens all the time. There may be no QRM as a QSO begins but often creeps in as propagation changes. It also happens as we try to squeeze "too many" signals into "too little" space. The situation is further complicated especially with digital operation because of the difficulty in simultaneously monitoring the frequency for other modes.

QRM can result even though all stations involved operate legally. There is no FCC rule that prohibits all forms of interference -- just intentional interference.

I'll make certain you have the opportunity to cuss, discuss and comment on any proposal.

+++ You Asked: IARU Region I Bandplan +++

I've been asked to explain what is going on with reported proposals made at the IARU Region I Conference to give the entire the new 100 kHz segment of 40 Meters to SSB. The frequency segment in question is the 7.1 to 7.2 MHz segment the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) allotted to Amateur Radio at it's World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2003 (WRC-2003).

The IARU Region I conference in question has not yet been held; therefore, there are no official proposals to discuss. Rumor that the conference has already been held and the proposals have been made are incorrect.

It is important to remember that IARU decisions, regardless of region, have no impact on FCC regulations. Another fact is that the US is in IARU Region II. Finally, it is important to remember that CW is permitted throughout the bands in Region I just as it is in Region II and in the US. Therefore, the potential question really is, "On which frequencies will Morse signals have protected status?" and not "Which frequencies will be available for Morse signals?"

Precisely how IARU Region I national organizations will decide how their new 100 kHz segment will be used won't be known at least until the Region's conference in Croatia in November.

Why the question at this time? Some hams in Europe are saying that three of the regions national Amateur Radio member organizations have proposed that the new 7100-7200 band expansion will not include special assignments for CW. Whether any of this talk translates into formal proposals at the coming conference remains to be seen.

Current Region I IARU allocation (PDF Format).

+++ Michigan ACC to present Webinar +++

Michigan Affiliated Club Coordinator Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, will present a Webinar titled Kit Building. This Webinar will be on Monday, September 22 at 8 PM. This online session will provide an excellent introduction to kit building even for hams who are convinced kit-building is beyond their ability.

GLD members will receive an official invitation to the Webinar shortly. It will be hosted on Atlantic Division Director Bill Edgar's (N3LLR) Webinar system that is graciously made available for Great Lakes Division use. Additional details of the Webinar content will also be distributed in coming days.

+++ GLD Members in QST +++

Congratulations to Glenn Brown, NN8G of Mount Victory, OH and Bob Booher, K8JPM of Hartville, OH for having feature articles published in the August issue of QST. Glenn described the history and recent updating of a homebrew, 12-tube receiver that was designed and built in 1955... in Afghanistan. Interesting story, Glenn.

Bob described a remote system he developed for lowering a mobile antenna. For those of us who have mobile antennas that reach higher than our garage doors are tall, thanks Bob.

The August QST apparently was something of a Great Lakes Division issue. In addition to the articles, letters-to-the-editor from Michigan-turned-temporary Marshall Islands resident Neil Schwanitz, WD8CRT/V73NS and Ohio member Steve Bellner, W8TER of Toledo were also in the August issue.

Speaking of publishing in QST, I just received the September issue. Jim Welt, KI8BV of Sandusky, OH has a fine article about a dipole antenna with a powered controller.

Want still more GLD in print? Mike VanVoorhis, N8VIQ and children Lauren and Kaitlin are pictured in Up Front in QST. They are shown in the Edison Depot Museum in Port Huron.

Please also note that one GLD native is always in QST. This is Editor Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

+++ Happy landings, George +++

As mentioned in "Weaver's Words" last fall, Past Director George Race, WB8BGY of Albion, MI was building his own airplane -- to fly -- with himself aboard. The construction has been completed and he made his maiden flight with the "experimental" craft on August 20 -- from his side yard. The plane is an STOL (short take-off and landing) designed in Europe.

Photos of the first fight.
Photos of the plane as it progressed from kit-form to a real airplane.

Of his first flight, George said, "Building and flying your own airplane is an experience of a lifetime, and a life long dream coming true for me." He also reported that "Barb, my wife, says I can't seem to get the smile off of my face!"

The registration letter/number of the plane is N73EX. As you can guess, the N is for the US. From this point on, I had to ask George how he got the registration number.

Registration numbers that are not in use are posted by the FAA (Federal Aviation Association). Registrants such as George may choose any of the unused letters. He chose 73 for its use by hams as well as its general meaning. X (for experimental), itself, was unavailable so he chose EX.

Congratulations, George. Many happy landings and 73, indeed.

+++ Dumbing down? +++

I continue to hear amateurs say FCC licensing exams have become too easy. This increased easiness is blamed for a "dumbing down" of Amateur Radio.

I don't believe the licensing exams are the cause of any current problems and I'll tell you why. First, though, let's look back about 50 years ago.

Back when the Novice license was introduced, many older hams believed it would lead to the dumbing down of Amateur Radio. (Sound familiar?) In spite of their predictions, hamming continued to prosper for decades. Adding the Novice license simply made things different... not worse. It was a change. Many people resist change.

People who currently bemoan the dumbing down of Amateur Radio are largely the same people who benefitted from the supposedly "dumbed down" Novice license. Obviously, the dumbing down waited until after they -- and I -- were licensed.

Just how tough was this Novice (entry level) license so many say was harder than the current Technician exam? The Novice exam required four simple things. It required us to learn: how to use Ohm's law, how to calculate power, how to calculate the proper lengths of wire antennas, how to apply FCC rules pertaining to the Novice license, enough about electrical safety to avoid being electrocuted and just enough electronics theory to enable us to learn more if we wanted to learn more. This was far from being enough to earn an associate degree in electrical or electronics engineering.

We also learned how to draw the schematic for a Colpitts and a couple of other extremely simple oscillators. How many of us can still draw one of these? Moreover, who cares?

We didn't need to learn much to obtain an amateur license 50 years ago, did we?

Back then, the training manuals for the Novice, Technician and General licenses, each, were less than 1/4" thick with pages about 5 1/2" by about 7 1/2". These study guides were far from being encyclopedic in content. They contained relatively few study questions.

Compare the study guide of about 50 years ago with the study guides of today and a huge difference immediately jumps up and hits one in the face. Modern study guides are thicker than 1/2" with pages of about 8 1/2" x 11. This means even at first blush, that there is about four times as much material to study today than there was in "the good old days." A review of the contents of current and old study guides confirms this first-blush impression is accurate.

For sake of discussion, let's assume Amateur Radio is dumbing down. Who is at fault? In my view, the main problem newbies face is a lack of knowledge of proper operating procedures, not a lack of technical knowledge (as compared with the requirements of 50 years ago). How did we OMs and OWs (Old Men and Old Women) learn proper operating? We learned them from experienced hams who took the time to guide us. We called these people "Elmers."

Elmering of newbie or wanna-be amateurs is largely a lost practice. The most unfortunate thing is that the FCC in its infinite wisdom has done nothing to help the situation under its newer rules. Still worse, too many of us old times do no more than sit back and complain about newly-licensed amateurs instead of reaching out to help them.

Rather than being a dumbing down of Amateur Radio, I suggest what we see today is a "letting down" -- a letting down of new people by us more experienced hams.

Adhering to the license manual is fine. Having 1-day crash courses for licensing is fine. I believe that what we ought to do, though, is to take the extra step needed to develop these book-taught amateurs into rounded operators.

If we do this, new inexperienced operators who have no concept of operating courtesy and ethics will become the type of new operators who had been coached by Elmers. The new people will still make mistakes, but so did we. We still do. The difference is that they as did we will understand they don't know everything and will be eager to continue to learn.

This is my opinion. What is yours?

+++ Fee for Vanity Calls going up +++

The cost of an Amateur Radio vanity call sign will increase 60 cents, from $11.70 to $12.30. The fee will increase effective September 25. The vanity call sign regulatory fee is payable not only when applying for a new vanity call sign, but also upon renewing a vanity call sign for a new 10 year term.

+++ WRC-11 +++

The next World Radiocommunications Conference (WRC) is set to be held the third quarter of 2011. This will be the first WRC since 2007. If you are unfamiliar with WRCs, they are conferences of representatives from the world governments that develop details of international treaties governing the use of radio frequencies.

As usual, the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) is planning ahead to develop proposals to submit to the Conference through their Federal delegations.

+++ New Canadian band plan +++

The Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) has adopted a new band plan for Canada. The new plan and rationale for adopting its provisions are at .

+++ Replacement for Riley +++

When Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, retired from the FCC, Amateur Radio and ARRL lost a good friend in a key position. It isn't that Riley did anything for us that he would not have done for anyone else, but that he was dedicated to doing it -- i.e., the right thing. He also had the support of his supervisors in the Commission to do his job. Riley nearly single-handedly oversaw cleaning house of the truly bad actors in Amateur Radio.

FCC advertised for applicants for Riley's former position. Apparently, there was considerable interest in the position and several applications have been received. Evaluating the applicants is said to be in progress.

Incidentally, Riley remains very interested in Amateur Radio. He was and is a true amateur operator.

+++ MiQP Party results +++

I jumped the gun a bit when I announced the results of the Michigan QSO Party had been posted on the Internet. They are there, now. Go to: http://www.miqp.org.

The contest committee reported, ". . . 2008 was a record-setter for MiQP in many ways."

+++ Michigan Section Convention +++

Final arrangements for the Michigan State Convention are coming into shape quite nicely. The ARRL HQ representative will be one of ARRL's crucial staff leaders, Dan Henderson, N1ND our Regulatory Information Manager.

The Convention and Hamfest will be October 12 at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center and Fairground. Forums, food, DXCC QSL checking, VE testing, door prizes and free parking. A Convention banquet featuring awards and a presentation by Mr. Henderson will be at 1 PM.

Admission is $5.00. Camping as well as hotel housing is available. Information is available at www.KalamazooHamFest.com.

+++ Great Lakes Division candidates certified +++

The ARRL Elections & Ethics Committee has reviewed and certified nomination applications for four candidates. I was certified to run for Director. With no opposition, the Committee declared me elected per ARRL rules. I look forward to serving the members of this Division for another three years.

Three candidates have been certified for the Vice Director position. In call sign order, these are John Meyers, NB4K, of Butler, KY; Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, of Ann Arbor, MI and Gary Johnston, KI4LA, of Edgewood, KY.

Gary is the current Vice Director. John is former Kentucky Section Manager and is the current Division Legislative Action Chairman. Dan Romanchik is the current Michigan Affiliated Club Coordinator and is a member of the Board of Directors of the ARROW Communications Association of Ann Arbor.

Ballots will be mailed about the end of September.

Weaver's Words -- 2008 Is Half Over Already

Saturday, August 9, 2008
By Jim Weaver K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division

+++ July Board meeting +++

The July meeting of the ARRL Board of Directors is over without providing any major surprises. Much of the action involved the League web site, the Section organization and a National Convention at the Dayton Hamvention(r) for 2009.

As a result of the meeting, the ARRL web site will be totally reworked. The goal is to make it much more user friendly, to add many new features and generally to increase its value to members. The web site project is expected to take about two years to complete. Some improvements have already resulted from early discussions with the site development company.

A two-year review of the Field Organization (FO) was completed at the meeting. This review involve evaluating three surveys taken of the 73 Section Managers. The surveys obtained the SMs opinions and suggestions of FO operation and organization.

The Board decided to keep SM terms in office just as they have been and to continue the practice of SMs appointing Section Government Liaisons and Section Emergency Coordinators.

Also related to SMs, the Board directed staff to develop a nomination package that describes the duties of SMs and lists resources available to them. This package will be given to persons who submit a nomination petition to run for the Section Manager post.

Moving to the Official Observer program, the Board instructed staff to implement an online system for OOs to file reports with HQ. When put into place, these reports will be reviewed by staff to determine if any apparent pattern develops regarding poor operating practice or rules violation.

The Board also addressed a recently-developed concern over publication of contest and DX logging information. It instructed staff to adopt a rule that would disallow QSOs of stations that publish log information in sufficient detail as to permit construction of information needed to obtain credit for a QSO.

Finally, for you who need to have a challenge to meet, the Board established the Triple-Play Award. Winning this award will require working WAS -- one using voice, another using CW and the third using digital modes. Each of the 150 QSOs required to achieve the award must be processed by LoTW. The rules and beginning date of the award will be announced by staff at a later date.

+++ Special study +++

Potentially of great importance, the Board voted to establish an ad hoc study committee to review Part 97 of the rules governing the Amateur Radio Service. This study is to determine if there are changes in FCC rules that would promote wideband digital modes and at the same time minimize potential interference to narrowband modes.

+++ Awards +++

ARRL Laboratory Supervisor Ed Hare, W1RFI, received the prestigious Technical Merit Award for his exceptional work in quantifying and measuring interference caused by poorly-designed BPL systems. Ed is the first person to receive this award in the past several years. The award is open to staff and non-staff, alike.

Ed's work was far greater than would be expected of someone who was "doing their job" that the Board decided his exceptional effort should be recognized.

ARRL offers a variety of awards to recognize extraordinary contributions of amateurs to the ham community. Other awards approved at the meeting are:

The 2007 Philip J. McGan Memorial Silver Antenna Award for public relations was given to Walter Palmer, W4ALT, Delaware.

The 2007 Hiram Percy Maxim Award was given to the young amateur who best exemplifies the characteristics of H. P. Maxim, W1AW. It was given to Jim Fagan, KE7IDC, Assistant SM for Youth in Arizona.

The Doug DeMaw, W1FB, Technical Excellence Award for 2007 was given to John Stanley, K4ERO of Georgia.

The Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year Award for 2007 was given to Doug Loughmiller, W5BL, of Texas.

The ARRL Technical Innovation Award for 2007 was given to Dave Bernstein, AA6YQ of Massachusetts.

+++ Division Web Site +++

Thanks to the fine effort of our new Webmeister, Gary Osborne, W8XS, the Great Lakes Division web site has a new look. It also has a few new features that we will begin to use in the near future.

There appeared to be incompatibilities between the site and the programs a few members are using to access it. These incompatibilities are displayed as overlaps. If you are still experiencing a problem in viewing the site, please let Gary know (osborne@fuse.net). He is working to correct this issue.

+++ You asked +++

A couple of amateurs have asked the reason US non-members are not given the same use of Logbook of The World (LoTW) as is given to members. I've given incorrect answers to this question in the past, so let me correct the record.

There is no prohibition against US non-members using Logbook.

LoTW is the computer program ARRL developed to allow amateurs to confirm QSOs for credit toward operating awards without investing the expense and time in exchanging QSLs. LoTW differs from other online QSL services in that it is the only program that maintains the high degree of security DXers demand for the DXCC program.

All amateurs may enter QSOs into LoTW. All amateurs may use Logbook to match QSOs for awards credits provided two criteria are met. The first is that the award must be linked to LoTW. This involves developing an interface between Logbook and the award program.

The second requirement is that the applicant must be eligible to receive the award. This requirement is dictated by the rules of the award and is unrelated to Logbook.

At present, DXCC and WAS are the only awards serviced by Logbook. We are working to expand the awards that can be serviced through it.

Only ARRL members and foreign non-members are eligible to obtain DXCC and WAS. US non-members are not eligible to obtain these awards. Therefore, with US non-members have no reason to use Logbook.

It is the long-standing rules of the two awards serviced through LoTW that prevent US non-members from using the program, not the rules governing Logbook. If awards that do not require ARRL membership become linked with Logbook, US non-members will be able to use this program to confirm QSOs prvided they are eligible to receive these awards.

+++ Legislative contacts +++

Many of you probably recall that the ARRL Legislative Action Program is divided basically into two phases -- visits to home offices and writing letters. You, the ARRL members, have been asked to write letters in the past. For the first time, Legislative Action Assistant teams in the Division will spring into action to call on our US Representatives and US Senators in their home offices for the first time.

Division Legislative Action Coordinator John Meyers, NB4K, has distributed guidelines for our LAA teams to use in lobbying our Federal legislators asking their support of S1629 or HB463. These US Senate and House bills would require the FCC to give detailed reports to Congress on the interference capacity of BPL to Amateur Radio operations and measures needed to avoid interfering. In visiting the lawmakers, the LAA teams will also introduce them to Amateur Radio and its crucial value in emergencies.

We continue to need member volunteers to carry the message in several Congressional districts in Michigan and Ohio. Anyone interested in becoming a member of an LAA team should contact Brent Stover, WD8PNZ, wd8pnz@arrl.net for Ohio or Lou Gembolis, KG8NKI, lgembolis@chartermi.net for information.

+++ Division convention +++

Organizations in the Great Lakes Division that are interested in hosting the next Great Lakes Division Convention are requested to let me know of this interest. E-mail me at k8je@arrl.org. The convention would occur in 2009.

To host the next GLD convention, please understand that we will need a facility that will hold 150-200 attendees, and include facilities for a dinner and rooms for seminars and attendees. During recent years, GLD Conventions have been associated with hamfests that attract attendance of about 1,800. The convention has been held the day before the hamfest.

+++ Ohio QSO party +++

The 2008 Ohio QSO Party will be from 1600Z - 0400Z, August 23. Operation will be on the non-WARC band from 10M-80M using CW and SSB. For the rules and list of prizes, go to www.oqp.us/.

As is true of most contests, OQP is in the mood in which it will graciously consider adding new sponsors to its list of awards.

+++ Michigan QSO party +++

Speaking of QSO parties, results of the Michigan QSO Party held April 19 are posted at www.miqp.org/.

+++ Scholarships awarded +++

The Foundation for Amateur Radio (FAR) has awarded 55 scholarships to Amateur Radio operator applicants. Five of the scholarships went to three recipients from the Great Lakes Division. They are:

Michael Volz, W2NRL, East Lansing, MI -- The Rose Ellen Bill Memorial Scholarship of $2,000 and a Radio Club of American Scholarship of $1,000.

Stephen M. Sciarini, KC8IDJ, Dover, OH -- A QCWA Silent Key Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 and the Robert E. True Memorial Scholarship of #1,000.

Jacob Wagner, KD8CDC, Rocky River, OH -- A 10-10 International Net Scholarship of $1,000.

Congratulations to the recipients.

FAR consists of approximately 50 Amateur Radio organizations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. It is an affiliate of ARRL.

+++ What to do? +++

A glance at the Tentative Schedule below shows I plan to be in Flint, MI on August 15 and in nearby Lapeer, MI on August 17. Although it is generally considered to be nice to have a day off, I will welcome any suggestions on how I can be of service to amateurs in the general Flint area on Saturday. If anyone knows of an activity that would be useful for me to attend, please let me know.

+++ A Board meeting surprise +++

One pleasant although relatively minor surprise I received at the Board meeting are lists of the standings of Board members and staff in DXCC entities and the DXCC Challenge. If nothing else, this listing shows that the Board and staff are active on-the-air.

At the top of the list for DXCC is Pacific Division Director Bob Vallio, W6RGG with 369 entities. Topping the DXCC Challenge list is Second Vice President Rick Roderick, K5UR with a score of 3092. I fell in at tenth place in the Board/staff Challenge list with 1359 point and nineteenth place in entities with 313. I obviously have a long way to go.

Weaver's Words - New Survery Special

Saturday, May 31, 2008
By Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division

+++ Division-wide Internet and telephone conferences? +++

What is your opinion?

The technology is available to permit us to hold Division-wide Internet/telephone conferences involving hundreds of members simultaneously. These conferences would permit a greater exchange of thinking between Division members and Division leaders. I've been looking into developing such a conferencing system for the Great Lakes Division. I would like to learn if you believe I should proceed with them.

The conferences would variously be among Division members. They could include one or more guests as well. Guests could include ARRL officers, ARRL HQ staff or other personalities of interest to Amateur Radio operators. We could field questions from members and share information among Division members on a person-to-person basis. These conferences also could help members provide input into planning for future events.

To express your opinion, please send an e-mail to me. Type YES, I'M INTERESTED in the subject line of the heading if participating in a trial of these conferences. Type NO, I'M NOT INTERESTED in the subject line if you have no interest in participating in the trial conferences.

If you have suggestions, questions or comments, please place these in the body of the e-mail.

You know the drill. Send your message to k8je@arrl.org.

+++ Great Lakes Division Scholarship Winners +++

I am very pleased to announce the follow GLD amateur who have been awarded ARRL Foundation Scholarships for 2008:

Michael Volz, W2NRL, East Lansing MI. Earl I. Anderson Scholarship - $1250.

Jacob Wagner, KD8CDC, Rocky River OH. Dayton Amateur Radio Association Scholarship - $1,000.

Thomas Fielitz, KC8YAK, Smiths Creek MI. K2TEO Martin J. Green Sr. Memorial Scholarship - $ 1,000.

Janet Ruminski, KC8WGT, Beavercreek OH. The David W. Misek, N8NPX Memorial Scholarship - $1,500.

John Shipp, KC8TPN, Saint Bernard. OH. The Thomas W. Porter, W8KYZ, Scholarship Honoring Michael Daugherty, W8LSE - $1,000.

Kayla Check, N8KAY, Independence, OH. The Carol J. Streeter Scholarship - $750.

Kathryn Ankenbauer, KD8AHA, Portage MI. The YASME Foundation Scholarships - $2,000.

A substantial number of scholarships are available through ARRL each year. Most scholarships and programs are directed toward young. In addition, the League offers Technical Awards to recognize technical service, innovation and microwave development.

Information about ARRL scholarships and awards is available at this link.

+++ A brief poll +++

In the last issue of Weaver's Words, I asked if you believe ARRL should "ban" the practice that many contesters have of issuing 59 or 599 signal reports automatically, rather than to give individualized reports based on the actual signal quality they hear. I asked for a YES or NO vote on a ban. I also asked for YES voters to outline a way to enforce the ban.

Here are the result of the poll and the takeaways I have from it:

- 205 members responded. - 150 (74%) of these voted a flat NO. - 6 (2% of these voted a flat YES. - 40 (24%) of these in effect voted that the contest exchange should be changed to include information other than a signal report.

I wonder how many of the 150 who voted NO, would have voted to change the contest exchange to avoid the signal report if I had offered this possibility. Nonetheless, I interpret your NO or YES vote that suggests changing the report to avoid signal reports was a vote to move ARRL away from being claimed to support false signal reporting.

Thanks for your help. I apologize for improperly wording the questionnaire.

One additional point on the subject of banning false signal reports: These repo0rts are not illegal. FCC has no rules concerning signal reports. In addition, ARRL has no enforcement power. It would be virtually if not totally impossible for ARRL to ban this and any additional legal practices.

+++ Congratulations to DHARA +++

Congratulations to the Dixie Heights High School ARA for becoming affiliated with the ARRL. The affiliation was formalized this past March and it was presented in a brief ceremony at the school on May 30 by Vice Director Gary Johnston, KI4LA and Kentucky SM Jim Brooks, KY4Z.

+++ Classes in good operating practices +++

Congratulations to the Cuyahoga ARC for offering training in good operating practices to students and new licensees. This is one of the best ways there is to instill good operating in hams. As you know, I feel it is important that we provide training in good operating practices to new hams.

Thanks to other clubs that offer this training as well.

+++ Good show, HARA +++

No, not HARA as in the home of the Hamvention(r), instead, in this instance HARA is the Hiawatha ARA of Marquette, MI. The "good show" is for their thoughtfulness to give the local public library a set of ARRL manuals and books in an effort to promote Amateur Radio. Similar "good shows" go to other clubs who have done this, but have gone undetected beneath the radar beam here in SW Ohio.

ARRL gives a special price to clubs that make similar presentations to local libraries.

Incidentally, one of the presenters in Marquette was HARA President Lou Gembolis, KG8NK who also is the Michigan Legislative Action Coordinator. Lou is looking for a few good ARRL members who are willing to help by making occasional visits to offices of US Representatives and Senators in Michigan. The visit would be in support of legislation that benefits Amateur Radio and the public. Please contact Lou at kg8nk@arrl.net if you would like to volunteer or to learn more about this program.

+++ New look for Internet publications +++

As you may have noticed, the ARRL Contest Rate Sheet has a new look and name -- the ARRL Contest Update -- News and Techniques for the Active Operator. This biweekly e-letter is just the first in a series of upgrades in League Internet offerings that will appear during coming months. The ARRL Contest Update also is essentially the first to appear in HTML format as well as in plain text. With HTML, it is easy to insert "eye pleaser" photos and other plain text no-no's so keep your eyes open as things develop.

+++ Vice Director candidacies announced +++

Sitting Vice Director Gary Johnston, KI4LA has indicated he plans to file for re-election later this year. He will apparently have opposition from close friend John Meyers, NB4K. John is former Kentucky Section Manager as well as being the Division Legislative Action Chair (DLAC) for the Great Lakes Division. I wish good luck to each of these men.

Weaver's Words -- June Is Bustin' Out

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
By Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division

+++ Red Cross: Good news; not-so-good news +++

The good news: As announced in the ARES forum at the Hamvention(r), National Red Cross (RC) sent a letter to ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, saying it will limit its demand for background checks of ham volunteers to criminal background checks only. RC said it is directing Mybackgroundcheck.com to remove the demands that volunteers agree to having credit and mode of living checks done.

This letter seemingly meets the requests made by ARRL when it protested RC's demand that all volunteers agree to having widespread background checks (criminal, credit, manner of living) performed.

The not-so-good news is that aspects of the letter are confusing if not contradictory. This includes the discussion of the changes in wording RC says it will make. The fact that RC did not involve ARRL in a dialogue to resolve the issue doubtlessly contributed to the confusion that still exists.

The League continues to attempt to open communication with RC to clear the issues. In the meantime, there still is no Memo/Statement of Understanding (SOU) between RC and ARRL. The previous SOU expired at the end of 2007 when RC failed to respond to our offer to begin discussions to develop a new SOU.

The RC letter offers promise for resolving the issues between RC and ARRL, but it does not resolve them. ARRL remains eager to join in discussions with RC to help relieve the concerns of both parties.

+++ Another blow to BPL +++

In spite of the unabashed hype the FCC continues to give BPL, the effort to use power lines to connect consumers to the internet just isn't doing very well. The latest example of BPL's frailty as a consumer product is the announcement that the Current Group is selling the system it has been building in Dallas to the Oncor Electric Delivery Company. Oncor emphasized it is not in the entertainment or telecommunications business and that it does not want to get into these. The company will use the system solely to control the distribution of electricity to its customers. Electric power companies have routinely used signals transmitted over their power lines to manage the flow of electricity through distribution systems. Power companies are becoming deeply involved in developing Smart Grids that will enable consumers to become much more efficient in using electricity.

The BPL system that was being built in Dallas had previously been touted as the largest system in the world for delivering broadband to businesses and homes. As we all know, nothing is small in Texas. I suppose this includes failures.

+++ FCC to raise vanity call fee? +++

On May 8, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order (NPRM) designed to increase fees for Amateur Radio vanity call signs. The Commission proposes to raise the fee to $12.30. This is a $.60 increase over the current fee of $11.70. As is true of regular call sign licenses, vanity call licenses are good for 10 years. Vanity call fees have varied from a high of $50.00 to the current low of $11.70.

The FCC expects to receive about 15,000 vanity call applications during the coming fiscal year.

+++ A brief poll +++

I've received a few letters from a non-GLD member who is highly concerned over a practice that is common particularly during Contest and DX operation. This is the apparent practice of many operators routinely to give signal reports of 59 or 599 rather than give reports that "accurately" depict the received signal. The writer of the letters contends this is a dishonest practice and that ARRL not only condones this dishonesty but also encourages it. He is so concerned over this practice that he wants ARRL to outlaw it.

I'd like to know how you feel about this concern.

My question to you is simple. Do you believe ARRL should ban the practice of automatically giving 59 and 599 signal reports?

If you believe the practice should be banned, send me an E-mail with YES in the subject line. In addition, if you believe the practice should be banned, tell me in the body of the message how you suggest ARRL could enforce this ban. A ban is not useful if cannot be enforced.

If you do not believe the practice should be banned, send an E-mail with NO in the subject line. There is no need to explain this vote.

Send your E-mail answer to me at

+++ Practicing what I preach +++

Most of you may remember seeing my pleas for help with the ARRL Legislative Action Program. In addition to asking you occasionally to write letters to your US Senators or Representative, I've asked you to volunteer to make infrequent visits to their home offices.

Being a person who believes I should practice what I preach, I accepted an opportunity to do essentially what I've asked you to do. The difference is that Ohio SM Joe Phillips, K8QOE asked me to call on my Ohio State senator. This was a request I could not refuse.

My request to meet with the Senator was readily granted. Rather than wait until he was back home, I met with him in his office in the Statehouse in Columbus.

Typical of what I have suggested you would experience, the senator was very personable. He was attentive during our conversation and sincerely appreciated that I drove from the Cincinnati area to meet in his office.

Not so typical of what one might expect in meeting with US senators and representatives, my meeting lasted for 45 minutes. This was 45 minutes of friendly, interesting and relaxed discussion. Most important, the discussion provided valuable and welcomed insight to the senator.

Thanks to Ohio SM Phillips for allowing me to participate in this Section project.

+++ John Haungs, W8STX +++

Former Ohio SM John P. Haungs, W8STX died on May 10 while working in his garden in Springdale (Cincinnati), OH. John was Assistant SM to Ohio SM Joe Phillips, K8QOE as well as Special Assistant to me as the Great Lakes Division Director. John was also a long-time officer of the Greater Cincinnati Amateur Radio Association, a former officer of ARES and a leader in many additional amateur organizations in Ohio.

In addition to being a major force in Amateur Radio, John was a kind and just man -- and a good friend.

John's funeral was May 16. Because so many of his friends had firm commitments at the Hamvention(r) for this date, Ohio SM Joe Phillips, K8QOE, has arranged a special memorial service for Amateur Radio operators on June 17.

+++ Conducting business via Amateur Radio +++

I recently commented on the acceptability of using Amateur Radio to support commercial activity during certain forms of emergency. Bruce Moyer, KI8GR, reminds me of an additional type of business activity that is legal for hams to practice on a daily basis. This involves using Amateur Radio to purchase personal items.

First, let me point out that the FCC did not change its rule against using ham radio for pecuniary interest. Instead, the Commission clarified what is and what isn't financial interest as regards hamming. Examples of the clarification are two people talking by radio (simplex or by repeater) to order a pizza or to pass along a list of items to be bought on the way home do not represent prohibited activities.

On the other hand, it would not be permissible for a pizza shop to take orders directly off the air with a rig set up in the shop.

+++ FD statistics obtainable +++

In response to an inquiry from a member, Director Tom Frenaye, K1KI of the New England Division wrote the following concerning the availability of date from Field Day operation:

"Field Day results are posted (on the ARRL web site, 'JE) in a format that can be downloaded and imported into a database. These are at: this link.

"I just downloaded the 2007 results, imported them into MS Excel, and calculated a couple of totals:

"Entries - 2333 FD groups Participants - 34,933 QSOs - 1,214,113

"Wow . . .!"

If you ever want to fiddle around with FD number, you know where to get them. There are two requirements for obtaining this information. First, the person who will obtain it must be an ARRL member. Second, this member must sign up to access the Members Only page of the League web site. There is no charge to do this.

+++ You asked +++

Evan, K9SQG wants to know: "Why does the FCC give complete latitude to the illegal CBers, illegal linear amplifier builders and sellers including Ebay, while putting ham operators under the legal microscope and letting any and every commercial interest infringe upon the ham bands?"

Good question. However, it is one that only the FCC can answer. I will try to add a little perspective, though. Please understand I am not in any way attempting to defend the FCC.

Regarding illegal equipment, the Commission does take action against these. The fact is that the problem is so large as compared with the policing power of FCC that it cannot hope to prevent this illegal activity totally.

As to infringement on ham bands, one needs to recognize that much of our band space is allocated to us on a secondary or shared basis. In these cases we must learn to enjoy the frequencies that are open to our use while not interfering with others that share the bands. The decision to have us share the bands with others can come from the FCC or the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) through International treaty. The type of sharing we experience on our bands with US government communication is largely because of the FCC and its intra-government counterpart. The type of sharing we see in the 75M band results from the ITU through international government treaty.

To be honest, we have not experienced the loss of much of our spectrum though having it reassigned by the FCC to another service. This occurred with part of the 220 MHz band. It is always a possibility with other frequencies. However, these losses have been offset with the acquisition of the 5, 10, 18 and 24 MHz bands.

The bottom line on this is that some non-amateur transmissions in the amateur bands are there legally because of band-sharing. Other non-amateur transmissions are fully illegal.

+++ ARRL eligible for Combined Federal Campaign gifts +++

"I am pleased to report that ARRL has received official notification from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management that ARRL has once again qualified to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign. For 2008 the code for donors to use in designating contributions to ARRL is 10099.

"Since the Combined Federal Campaign was first suggested by Vice Director Woolweaver several years ago, ARRL has been the recipient of thousands of dollars in contributions from federal employees who are radio amateurs. Pledges have been made by these donors to Spectrum Defense, Education, W1AW and the Diamond Club."

From Mary Hobart, K1MMH

+++ Federal Non-Profit rules changed +++

(As reported in the Monthly Michigan Monthly News Summary)

"Hank N8XX calls the following to our attention: "The IRS has new rules for charitable organizations...it would appear that ALL 501c3 organizations must file a 990-N, or more complicated 990 or 990-EZ regardless of income level or asset amounts. 'Details are at this link.

'A very important point on that page is: Late Filing or Failure To File the e-Postcard. If you do not file your e-Postcard on time, the IRS will send you a reminder notice but you will not be assessed a penalty for late filing the e-Postcard.

'However, an organization that fails to file required e-Postcards (or information returns -- Forms 990 or 990-EZ) for three consecutive years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status. The revocation of the organization's tax-exempt status will not take place until the filing due date of the third year. So, you're not financially penalized for not filing, except that after three years the organization loses its non profit status, which could affect contributions.

'73 de N8XX'"

+++ Hamvention is over for another year +++

There is less than a year to before the 2009 Dayton Hamvention(r).

I don't know about others who attended the 2008 Hamvention, but I had a ball. Nearly all of my time was spent in the ARRL Expo area talking with fellow amateurs from the Great Lakes Division. As usual, the weekend experienced its allotment of rain, but this didn't seem to dampen the spirits of being in Dayton.

My congratulations to the Dayton ARA and the Dayton Hamvention Committee for another great event. The Hamvention, indeed, is the largest hamfest in the world regardless of the yardstick one uses to measure it.

+++ Congratulations to MARA +++

I congratulate and thank the Mound ARA, Miamisburg, OH for becoming an ARRL Affiliated Club. I was very pleased to present the club with the Certificate of Affiliation at its May meeting.

+++ Director candidacies announced +++

Michigan Affiliated Club Coordinator (ACC) Dan Romanchik, KB6NU, announced his intended candidacy for Great Lakes Division director at the Hamvention(r). Dan has served Michigan Section clubs well as ACC.

I will be a candidate for re-election to the directorship also. I welcome Dan as a competent competitor. As I've said repeatedly, competition for ARRL elected positions is good for the organization.

Good luck, Dan. I promise to compete in a friendly, fair manner.

Weaver's Words - Dayton Hamvention Upon Us

Saturday, May 3, 2008
By Jim Weaver, K8JE, Director ARRL Great Lakes Division

+++ FCC must review BPL rules. +++

In a decision released April 25, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia directs the FCC to reconsider rules it made concerning technical rules for the operation of Broadband over Powerlines (BPL). This ruling came as a result of the lawsuit ARRL brought against the Commission. The case is identified as No. 06-1343. This decision is nearly as much as we could have wanted, and is a victory for ARRL and Amateur Radio.

What is the practical meaning of this decision? It means that the FCC must reconsider its technical rulings concerning BPL and the technical bases for these rulings, and the level of interference that should be allowed. It also means that the Commission must make data it says it uses in reaching conclusions to all interested parties to review. In essence, FCC cannot hide data as it had done in issuing BPL regulations.

We don't know the final cost of the suit, yet, but the Board had allocated $300,000 for it. This should indicate the great importance my 14 fellow directors and I placed on the suit. The effort and expense the Board authorized was made possible by members who contributed to the relevant ARRL fund drives over the last few years. Without these contributions the League would not have had funds available to wage a suit, let alone to wage the quality of action that proved good enough to win most of the points we made in our argument.

Does this put a little different perspective on the "please donate" pleas Mary Hobart, N1MMH has been sending to each of us? Our money served a valued, precedent-setting purpose. Thanks to you who contributed.

+++ Ohio amateur sounds the alarm! +++

On March 25, Geauga ARA President Eric Bartholomew, KF8YK sent me an e-mail warning that an Ohio university had submitted a request asking the FCC to assign five frequency pairs in the 420-430 MHz band to it. He pointed out that the higher frequency of each pair was in the Amateur Band and not legally available for commercial assignment. The following is an abbreviated summary of how his warning very likely saved the university and the ARRL (i.e. you) a significant amount of money, effort and hassle.

After re-reading the relevant portion of Part 97 of the FCC regulations, I initially thought Eric's assessment was not correct. To be certain, I forwarded his memo to ARRL President Harrison, W5ZN, CEO Sumner, K1ZZ and Chief Counsel Imlay, W3KD to obtain expert review. K1ZZ and W3KD promptly confirmed Eric's assessment. My problem was that I did not read FCC's commercial radio rules -- Part 30 in this instance -- which apply in this situation.

Our unanimous view was that ARRL should voice a formal objection to the frequency assignment request to the FCC even though its denial should have been automatic. Even as the ink on this formal objection was drying, the FCC granted the university's request for the frequencies. The FCC in essence violated its own rules -- again.

Counsel Imlay tossed our objection into the round file even before its final in-house review was completed. In its place, a formal request for review was sent to the Commission in its place.

Concurrent with submitting the petition for review to the FCC, General Counsel Imlay notified the university administration of the problem. Its spokesman immediately offered to withdraw the request and to modify it by resubmitting it to cover frequencies that are consistent with FCC rules. In turn, ARRL agreed to withdraw our petition for review as soon as the university's revised petition was submitted. The problem had been the result of an error by a consulting firm.

Arguments over frequency assignments typically cover long periods of time and eat many thousands of dollars. In this instance though, everyone acted promptly in good faith to avoid a potential, major and costly problem. All this was accomplished thanks to the watchfulness and action of KF8YK, and to the capability of ARRL that he called on to resolve the problem.

Thanks, again, Eric. Good eyes! Thanks, also, to General Counsel Imlay for knowing the appropriate prompt action to take with the right people.

+++ Hamvention travel advisory +++

"Finally, after . . . 6 weeks, the construction info is now on the Hamvention(r) web page," wrote Robert Lunsford, KB8UEY of the Hamvention Committee. The information provides valuable tips on avoiding difficulties that could result from highway construction near the 2008 Hamvention. You will recall the Hamvention Committee is expecting a bumper crop of Ohio "orange barrel" State flowers to be in full-bloom at Hamvention time.

If you will be driving or riding shotgun to the Hamvention, you will want to review the information Bob has prepared. Navigating the final several miles to HARA will be much easier if you have studied his suggestions.

Bob added, "As always if anyone has any Talk-In related questions they can email me at talkin@hamvention.org."

+++ ARRL at the Hamvention +++

ARRL Expo --

The 2008 offering of the Hamvention promises to be another fine example of one of the world's greatest Amateur Radio festivals. As part of the annual event, the ARRL will present another edition of the ARRL EXPO. The EXPO has been so successful its previous two years that many vendors ask to have their booths placed near it to benefit from the high level of traffic it receives from hams from throughout the US and overseas.

Read QST and watch ARRL web announcements to learn of the many features that will be available at the EXPO this year.

The ARRL EXPO is at the same location as in 2006 and 2007. It promises to be even better than before.

Great Lakes Division --

As was true last year, the Great Lakes Division will have a booth for members and appointees to stop by, rest a few minutes if they wish and talk with Division and Section leaders who are likely to be there. Drop by to say hello, to ask questions, to make suggestions or simply to see the faces.

+++ From the Great Lake Division Legislative Action Chairman +++

Since assuming the role of Great Lakes Division Legislative Action Chairman I have been bringing myself up to speed on fulfilling the position. Now that I have a couple of months under my belt we are beginning to move, again.

First and foremost I am very happy to announce that Louis A. Gembolis, KG8NK of Ishpeming, MI has accepted appointment as Legislative Action Coordinator (LAC) for Michigan. In this position, he will coordinate the activities of Legislative Action Assistants (LAA) in the Legislative Action Program (LAP) in Michigan. Lou is president of the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association, AEC of Marquette County, Official Observer and MARS operator AAR5AD. He also directs over 100 amateurs in communicating for a major, annual dogsled race in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

What is the ARRL Legislative Action Program (LAP), you ask? It is a grass roots program that makes it possible for ARRL members to promote and protect Amateur Radio through coordinated, legitimate political action at the Federal government level. Federal Legislators frequently vote based upon their understanding of the wishes of their constituents. As a constituent, your opinion is important to them.

Members who would like to learn more about the LAP are invited to contact me at nb4k@arrl.org or Director Weaver at k8je@arrl.org.

73,

John D. Meyers, NB4K Great Lake Division Legislative Action Chairman

+++ Michigan QSO Party +++

The annual Michigan QSO Party is April 19, 1200 to 2400 EDT (1600Z Saturday April 19 until 0400Z Sunday April 20) The major objective is to work as many stations possible in as many Michigan counties as possible. Details are at miqp.org.

Current information on who will be/is operating and other information about participating stations is available through the Michigan QSO Party reflector.

+++ Ohio State Parks contest +++

Here is an interesting, new contest. The Portage County (OH) ARS is sponsoring the very first Ohio State Park on the Air Contest. The contest will be Saturday, September 6, 2008 from noon to 8 p.m. EDT (1600Z to 2400Z). The contest is open to all amateurs from their base, portable or mobile stations and from inside or outside an Ohio State Park.

This contest presents an opportunity to visit and enjoy Ohio's parks. Information on them and their features is available at this link.

Full information on the contest is available at http://parks.portcars.org" target=_blank>parks.portcars.org or from the contest chairman, Chuck, K8CMP, at k8cmp@portcars.org.

+++ What's you opinion? +++

This is the sixth year I've stressed that I would like to know what about ARRL or Amateur Radio bothers or confuses you, or what you think could be done better. Over the months, asked a number of questions that were answered by many of you. Your answers provided guidance to me in reaching positions I have taken on issues studied by my 14 best friends and me on the ARRL Board of Directors. I would like to have your help again.

What I would like you to do is to tell me which single issue regarding ARRL and its activities you feel has not been explained to your satisfaction or that in some other manner concern you. This doesn't need to be a complaint, but is the single point that confuses you the most, makes the least sense to you, bothers you the most or however you view it.

Please send your top-choice issue to me by e-mail. Please also be brief in doing this. As much as I may like to receive full discussions from you, there simply aren't enough of me to deal with anything that approaches the size of a Funk & Wagnall's Dictionary. If I need more information on your top-choice issue, I'll ask.

Be certain to include your name and call. Send your single, top-choice issue to k8je@arrl.org. In addition to getting an answer from me, you just may plant a seed that may grow into action at HQ.

+++ Radios On-Line, offline +++

Effective April 30, the ARRL Radios On-Line person-to-person want-ad site will go the way of the telegram. Declining use as well as abuse by a few hams caused the demise of this ARRL program intended to assist hams sell equipment.

+++ Passing commercial traffic +++

"Is it legal, and if so when, to handle business traffic during emergencies?"

This is a frequent question by amateurs. The question partly comes about as a result of changes made by FCC in Part 97 in December 2006. The changes dropped reference to Emergency Communications Declarations (ECD) by the FCC. The result of this change is that the FCC no longer declares when an emergency exists and, therefore, when amateurs may deviate from FCC Amateur Radio rules to protect the public.

The bottom line is that other clauses in Part 97 allow amateurs to deviate from standard Amateur Radio practices when legitimate emergencies warrant such actions. Provided the purpose of businesslike communication is to protect life and property during an emergency, hams should have no fear of being threatened with enforcement action.

+++ Hamvention forums announced +++

The list of forums at the Dayton Hamvention has been released by the Hamvention Committee. To see the list, go to this link.

+++ Do you want to be GLD Director or Vice Director? +++

If you think you would like to become the Director or Vice Director for the Great Lakes Division, you probably already know that Gary's and my seats will be up for election this summer (see Tentative Schedule, below). The July QST will contain details of the requirements for these positions as well as instructions for obtaining, completing and submitting nomination forms to become a candidate.

These (non-paying) jobs are steady, involve a significant amount of travel and require one to be attached to a computer by a strong umbilical cord. I personally find that meeting many fellow amateurs is more than ample reward for the time and effort.

+++ Tentative Schedule +++

30 Apr: Meet on Ohio antenna bill (Columbus) - Jim
(I am a volunteer in the Ohio Section organization in this action.)
7 May: Mound ARA - present Certificate of Affiliation - SM Phillips, Jim
15 May: ARRL Donor Reception, Dayton - Jim
16 May: Hamvention(R), Dayton - Jim, Gary
17 May: Hamvention, Dayton - Jim, Gary
Meet with Legislative Action staff, Dayton - Jim
18 May: Hamvention, Dayton - Jim, Gary
Hamvention Awards Dinner, Dayton - Jim, Gary
30 May: Dixie Heights HS ARC (KY), Present Certificate of Affiliation - SM Brooks, Gary, Jim
21 Jun: Milford (OH) Hamfest - Jim
28-29 Jun: Field Day - Jim
Jul QST-noon 8 Aug: Nominations open for Director/Vice Director
10 Jul: Mahoning Valley ARA, Youngstown - Jim
17 Jul: A&F Meeting, Newington - Jim
18-19 Jul: Board Meeting, Newington - Jim, Gary
22 Jul: Quarterly GLD Teleconference
1 Aug: Massillon (OH) RC - Jim
10 Aug: Central Kentucky Hamfest, Lawrenceburg - Jim
15 Aug: Genesee County RC, 75th Anniv., Flint, MI - Jim
13 Sep: OH Section Conf, Columbus - Jim
21 Sep: Cincinnati Hamfest - Jim
23 Sep-1 Oct: Director/Vice Director ballots mailed.
7 Oct: OH-KY-IN ARS (Cincinnati) ARRL Night - Jim
12 Oct: Michigan State Convention, Kalamazoo - Jim
28 Oct: Quarterly GLD Teleconference
21 Nov: (Noon) Deadline for return of ballots. Ballots counted
22 Nov: (by end of day) Candidates notified of election results