• ARRL Regular Bulletin

    From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Tue Jan 3 15:19:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB001
    ARLB001 W1AW 2017 Winter Operating Schedule

    ZCZC AG01
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 1 ARLB001
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 3, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB001
    ARLB001 W1AW 2017 Winter Operating Schedule

    Morning Schedule:

    Time Mode Days
    ------------------- ---- ---------
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

    Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

    1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
    1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

    (Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

    Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

    2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
    2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
    0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
    0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
    0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
    0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


    Frequencies (MHz)
    -----------------
    CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 147.555
    DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 147.555
    VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 147.555

    Notes:

    CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
    CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
    CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

    CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
    bulletins.

    DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
    schedule.

    The voice mode used for W1AW's 40 meters voice bulletins is now
    full-carrier, double sideband AM.

    Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
    given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
    alternate speeds.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
    Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
    digital frequencies.

    A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
    0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

    Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
    bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
    named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
    here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
    with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

    All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
    note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
    sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
    or comments to w1aw@arrl.org.

    In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
    follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
    CW on the half hour.

    All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700
    UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM
    to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your
    current FCC amateur radio license or a photocopy.

    The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 96 in the
    January 2017 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Fri Jan 6 16:34:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB002
    ARLB002 FCC Dismisses Two Petitions from Radio Amateurs

    ZCZC AG02
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 2 ARLB002
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 6, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB002
    ARLB002 FCC Dismisses Two Petitions from Radio Amateurs

    The FCC has turned down two petitions filed in 2016, each seeking
    similar changes in the Part 97 Amateur Service rules. James Edwin
    Whedbee, N0ECN, of Gladstone, Missouri, had asked the Commission to
    amend the rules to reduce the number of Amateur Radio operator
    classes to Technician, General, and Amateur Extra by merging
    remaining Novice class licensees into the Technician class and all
    Advanced class licensees into the Amateur Extra class. In a somewhat
    related petition, Jeffrey H. Siegell, WB2YRL, of Burke, Virginia,
    had requested that the FCC grant Advanced class license holders
    Morse code operating privileges equivalent to those enjoyed by
    Amateur Extra class licensees.

    "Thus, Mr. Siegell's proposed rule change is subsumed within the
    changes Mr. Whedbee requests, so our analysis is the same for both
    proposals," the FCC said in dismissing the two petitions on January
    5.

    The FCC streamlined the Amateur Radio licensing system into three
    classes - Technician, General, and Amateur Extra - in 1999. While it
    no longer issues new Novice or Advanced class licenses, existing
    licenses can be renewed, and Novice and Advanced licensees retained
    their operating privileges.

    "The Commission concluded that the three-class structure would
    streamline the licensing process, while still providing an incentive
    for licensees to advance their communication and technical skills,"
    the FCC recounted in its dismissal letter to Whedbee and Siegell. It specifically rejected suggestions that Novice and Advanced class
    licensees be automatically upgraded to a higher class, concluding
    that it would be inappropriate for these licensees to "receive
    additional privileges without passing the required examination
    elements." The FCC cited the same reason in 2005, when it denied
    requests to automatically upgrade Technician licensees to General
    class and Advanced licensees to Amateur Extra class, as part of a
    wide-ranging proceeding.

    The FCC said the two petitions "do not demonstrate, or even suggest,
    that any relevant circumstances have changed that would merit
    reconsideration of those decisions."

    Whedbee had argued that automatically upgrading current Novice and
    Advanced classes would simplify the rules and reduce the
    Commission's costs and administrative burden, but the FCC said
    Whedbee provided no evidence that an administrative problem exists.
    "Moreover, such benefits would not outweigh the public interest in
    ensuring that amateur operators have the requisite incentive to
    advance their skill and technical knowledge in order to contribute
    to the advancement of the radio art and improvement of the Amateur
    Radio Service," the FCC said.

    "The Commission has already concluded that it will not automatically
    grant additional privileges to the discontinued license classes,"
    the FCC said. "Consequently, we conclude that the above-referenced
    petitions for rulemaking do not warrant further consideration at
    this time."
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Jan 12 19:33:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003
    ARLB003 Illegal Drone Transmitters Could Interfere with Air Traffic
    Control, ARRL Complaint Asserts

    ZCZC AG03
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 12, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB003
    ARLB003 Illegal Drone Transmitters Could Interfere with Air Traffic
    Control, ARRL Complaint Asserts

    In what it calls an "extremely urgent complaint" to the FCC, ARRL
    has targeted the interference potential of a series of audio/video
    transmitters used on unmanned aircraft and marketed as Amateur Radio
    equipment. In a January 10 letter to the FCC Spectrum Enforcement
    Division, ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, said the
    transmitters use frequencies intended for navigational aids, air
    traffic control radar, air route surveillance radars, and global
    positioning systems.

    "This is, in ARRL's view, a potentially very serious interference
    problem, and it is respectfully requested that the products
    referenced...be investigated and removed from the marketplace
    immediately and that the importers be subjected to normal
    sanctions," ARRL's letter said. Some of the transmitters operate on
    frequencies between 1010 and 1280 MHz. "These video transmitters are
    being marketed ostensibly as Amateur Radio equipment," the League
    said, "but of the listed frequencies on which the devices operate,
    only one, 1280 MHz, would be within the Amateur Radio allocation at
    1240-1300 MHz." Even then, ARRL said, operation there would conflict
    with a channel used for radio location.

    ARRL said the use of 1040 and 1080 MHz, which would directly
    conflict with air traffic control transponder frequencies,
    represented the greatest threat to the safety of flight. The use of
    1010 MHz, employed for aeronautical guidance, could also be
    problematic.

    ARRL cited the Lawmate transmitter and companion 6 W amplifier as
    examples of problematic devices being marketed in the US. Each costs
    less than $100 via the Internet. The device carries no FCC
    identification number.

    "[T]he target market for these devices is the drone hobbyist, not
    licensed radio amateurs. The device, due to the channel
    configuration, has no valid Amateur Radio application," ARRL told
    the FCC. "While these transmitters are marked as appropriate for
    amateur use, they cannot be used legally for Amateur Radio
    communications." In the hands of unlicensed individuals, the
    transmitters could also cause interference to Amateur Radio
    communication in the 1.2 GHz band, ARRL contended.

    The League said it's obvious that the devices at issue lack proper
    FCC equipment authorization under FCC Part 15 rules, which require
    such low-power intentional radiators to be certified.

    "Of most concern is the capability of the devices to cripple the
    operation of the [air traffic control] secondary target/transponder
    systems," ARRL said. "These illegal transmitters represent a
    significant hazard to public safety in general and the safety of
    flight specifically."

    The surge in sales of drones has been dramatic. The FAA has
    predicted that combined commercial and hobby sales will increase
    from 2.5 million in 2016 to 7 million by 2020.

    In Exhibit A of the January 10 letter, "Illegal Drones Threaten
    Public Safety," the League noted that some of the drones and
    associated equipment it has come across "are blatantly illegal at
    multiple levels," with some drone TV transmitters described as
    "particularly alarming."

    "Rated at 6 times over the legal power limit, and on critical air
    navigation transponder frequencies, these devices represent a real
    and dangerous threat to the safety of flight, especially when
    operated from a drone platform that can be hundreds of feet in the
    air," the exhibit narrative asserted.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Fri Jan 13 18:42:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB004
    ARLB004 ARRL Asks FCC to Allocate New 5 MHz Band, Retain Channels
    and Current Power Limit

    ZCZC AG04
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 4 ARLB004
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 13, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB004
    ARLB004 ARRL Asks FCC to Allocate New 5 MHz Band, Retain Channels
    and Current Power Limit

    ARRL has asked the FCC to allocate a new, secondary contiguous band
    at 5 MHz to the Amateur Service, while also retaining four of the
    current five 60-meter channels and current operating rules,
    including the 100 W PEP effective radiated power (ERP) limit. The
    federal government is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum. The
    proposed action would implement a portion of the Final Acts of World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) that provided for a
    secondary international allocation of 5,351.5 to 5,366.5 kHz to the
    Amateur Service; that band includes 5,358.5 KHz, one of the existing
    5 MHz channels in the US.

    "Such implementation will allow radio amateurs engaged in emergency
    and disaster relief communications, and especially those between the
    United States and the Caribbean basin, to more reliably, more
    flexibly and more capably conduct those communications [and
    preparedness exercises], before the next hurricane season in the
    summer of 2017," ARRL said in a January 12 Petition for Rule Making.
    The FCC has not yet acted to implement other portions of the WRC-15
    Final Acts.

    The Petition for Rule Making can be found on the web in PDF format
    at, http://www.arrl.org/attachments/view/News/87580 .

    The League said that 14 years of Amateur Radio experience using the
    five discrete 5-MHz channels have shown that hams can get along well
    with primary users at 5 MHz, while complying with the regulations
    established for their use. "Neither ARRL, nor, apparently, NTIA is
    aware of a single reported instance of interference to a federal
    user by a radio amateur operating at 5 MHz to date," ARRL said in
    its petition. NTIA - the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which regulates federal spectrum - initially
    proposed the five channels for Amateur Radio use. In recent years,
    Amateur Radio has cooperated with federal users such as FEMA in
    conducting communication interoperability exercises.

    "While the Amateur Radio community is grateful to the Commission and
    to NTIA for the accommodation over the past 14 years of some access
    to the 5-MHz band, the five channels are, simply stated, completely
    inadequate to accommodate the emergency preparedness needs of the
    Amateur Service in this HF frequency range," ARRL said, adding that
    the five 2.8-kHz wide channels "have not provided sufficient
    capacity to enable competent emergency preparedness and disaster
    relief capability."

    Access even to the tiny 15-kHz wide band adopted at WRC-15 would
    "radically improve the current, very limited capacity of the Amateur
    Service in the United States to address emergencies and disaster
    relief," ARRL said. "This is most notably true in the Caribbean
    Basin, but the same effect will be realized elsewhere as well, at
    all times of the day and night, and at all times of the sunspot
    cycle."

    In its Petition, ARRL also called upon the FCC to retain the same
    service rules now governing the five channels for the new band. The
    WRC-15 Final Acts stipulated a power limit of 15 W effective
    isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which the League said "completely
    defeats the entire premise for the allocation in the first place."

    "For precisely the same reasons that the Commission consented to a
    power increase on the five channels as recently as 2011 [from 50 W
    PEP ERP to 100 W PEP ERP], the Commission should permit a power
    level of 100 W PEP ERP, assuming use of a 0 dBd gain antenna, in the
    contiguous 60-meter band," ARRL said. "To impose the power limit
    adopted at WRC-15 for the contiguous band would render the band
    unsuitable for emergency and public service communications."

    ARRL pointed out that the ITU Radio Regulations permit assignments
    that are at variance with the International Table of Allocations,
    provided a non-interference condition is attached, limiting the use
    of such an assignment relative to stations operating in accordance
    with the Table.

    The League asked that General class or higher licensees be permitted
    to use the band. The FCC will not invite comments on the League's
    Petition until it puts it on public notice and assigns a Rule Making
    (RM) number.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Tue Jan 17 18:55:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB005
    ARLB005 New "Amateur Radio Parity Act" Bill Introduced in US House
    of Representatives

    ZCZC AG05
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 5 ARLB005
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 17, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB005
    ARLB005 New "Amateur Radio Parity Act" Bill Introduced in US House
    of Representatives

    H.R. 555 - a new "Amateur Radio Parity Act" bill - has been
    introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill's language
    is identical to that of the 2015 measure, H.R. 1301, which passed in
    the House late last summer but failed in the waning days of the US
    Senate to gain the necessary support. As with H.R. 1301, the new
    measure introduced on January 13 in the 115th Congress was sponsored
    by Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), with initial co-sponsorship by Rep.
    Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Rep. Greg Walden, W7EQI (R-OR). Walden now
    chairs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, to which the new
    bill has been referred. H.R. 555 will get an initial airing in the
    Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. When H.R. 1301 came
    up in committee, Walden spoke forcefully in favor of the measure,
    which ultimately attracted 126 House cosponsors.

    Information on H.R. 555 can be found on the web at, https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/555?r=27 .

    "Rep. Kinzinger has again stepped forward to introduce this
    important legislation," said ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF.
    "Kinzinger's commitment stems from exposure to what the Amateur
    Radio community brings to the service of all communities. The ARRL
    and radio amateurs nationwide owe Rep. Kinzinger a resounding 'Thank
    You!' for his efforts on their behalf."

    H.R. 555 calls on the FCC to establish rules prohibiting the
    application of deed restrictions that preclude Amateur Radio
    communications on their face or as applied. Deed restrictions would
    have to impose the minimum practicable restriction on Amateur Radio communications to accomplish the lawful purposes of homeowners
    association seeking to enforce the restriction.

    The ARRL Board of Directors is expected to discuss the pending
    legislation when it meets January 20-21.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Jan 26 18:07:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB006
    ARLB006 Amateur Radio Parity Act Speeds to U.S. House Passage, Heads
    to U.S. Senate

    ZCZC AG06
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 6 ARLB006
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 26, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB006
    ARLB006 Amateur Radio Parity Act Speeds to U.S. House Passage, Heads
    to U.S. Senate

    Just 10 days after being introduced, the 2017 Amateur Radio Parity
    Act legislation, H.R. 555, passed the U.S. House of Representatives
    this week on unanimous consent under a suspension of House rules.
    The bill's language is identical to that of the 2015 measure, H.R.
    1301, which won House approval late last summer after attracting 126 co-sponsors, but failed to clear the U.S. Senate last fall as the
    114th Congress wound down. The new bill, again sponsored by Rep.
    Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), was introduced on January 13 with initial
    co-sponsorship by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Rep. Greg Walden,
    W7EQI (R-OR), who chairs the influential House Committee on Energy
    and Commerce.

    H.R. 555 can be found on the web at, https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/555?r=27 .

    "The grassroots effort of Amateur Radio operators across this nation
    in support of the Amateur Radio Parity Act has been remarkable,
    nothing like we have ever seen before," ARRL President Rick
    Roderick, K5UR, said. "To all hams, keep going! Now is the time to
    charge forward with that same momentum to the Senate. We can do it!"
    The bill arrives in the U.S. Senate with ample time in which to
    garner its approval through an education campaign.

    "We're very encouraged by the speed with which this bill made it
    through the House. It's amazing that this happened," said ARRL
    Hudson Division Director Mike Lisenco, N2YBB, who has been at the
    forefront of the legislative initiative. "With the help of ARRL
    members, we believe we can get this done," Lisenco continued. "We
    came within a hair's breadth last time, with 110,000 e-mails to
    members of both houses of Congress, as well as letters and telephone
    calls. Member participation in this final push is critical."

    H.R. 555 calls on the FCC to establish rules prohibiting the
    application of deed restrictions that preclude Amateur Radio
    communications on their face or as applied. Deed restrictions would
    have to impose the minimum practicable restriction on Amateur Radio communications to accomplish the lawful purposes of homeowners
    association seeking to enforce the restriction.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/THUNDER to All on Wed Feb 22 06:26:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB007
    ARLB007 FCC Invites Comments on ARRL Petition to Allocate New 5 MHz
    Band

    ZCZC AG07
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 7 ARLB007
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT February 21, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB007
    ARLB007 FCC Invites Comments on ARRL Petition to Allocate New 5 MHz
    Band

    The FCC has invited comments on the ARRL's January 12 Petition for
    Rule Making to allocate a new, contiguous secondary band at 5 MHz to
    the Amateur Service. The League also asked the Commission to keep
    four of the current five 60-meter channels - one would be within the
    new band - as well as the current operating rules, including the 100
    W PEP effective radiated power (ERP) limit. The federal government
    is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum. The FCC has designated
    the League's Petition as RM-11785 and put it on public notice.
    Comments are due Monday, March 20. ARRL plans to file comments in
    support of its petition.

    The proposed ARRL action would implement a portion of the Final Acts
    of World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15) that provided
    for a secondary international allocation of 5,351.5 to 5,366.5 kHz
    to the Amateur Service; that band includes 5,358.5 KHz, one of the
    existing 5 MHz channels in the US. The FCC has not yet acted to
    implement other portions of the WRC-15 Final Acts.

    "Such implementation will allow radio amateurs engaged in emergency
    and disaster relief communications, and especially those between the
    United States and the Caribbean basin, to more reliably, more
    flexibly and more capably conduct those communications [and
    preparedness exercises], before the next hurricane season in the
    summer of 2017," ARRL said in its petition.

    The League said that 14 years of Amateur Radio experience using the
    five discrete 5-MHz channels have shown that hams can get along well
    with primary users at 5 MHz, while complying with the regulations
    established for their use. "Neither ARRL, nor, apparently, NTIA is
    aware of a single reported instance of interference to a federal
    user by a radio amateur operating at 5 MHz to date," ARRL said in
    its petition. NTIA - the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which regulates federal spectrum - initially
    proposed the five channels for Amateur Radio use. In recent years,
    Amateur Radio has cooperated with federal users such as FEMA in
    conducting communication interoperability exercises.

    The League said in its petition that while the Amateur Radio
    community is grateful to the FCC and NTIA for providing some access
    to the 5-MHz band, "the five channels are, simply stated, completely
    inadequate to accommodate the emergency preparedness needs of the
    Amateur Service in this HF frequency range," ARRL said. Access even
    to the tiny 15-kHz wide band adopted at WRC-15 would "radically
    improve the current, very limited capacity of the Amateur Service in
    the United States to address emergencies and disaster relief," ARRL
    said.

    The WRC-15 Final Acts stipulated a power limit of 15 W effective
    isotropic radiated power (EIRP), which the League said "completely
    defeats the entire premise for the allocation in the first place."
    ARRL said the FCC should permit a power level of 100 W PEP ERP,
    assuming use of a 0 dBd gain antenna, in the contiguous 60-meter
    band. "To impose the power limit adopted at WRC-15 for the
    contiguous band would render the band unsuitable for emergency and
    public service communications," the League said.

    The ITU Radio Regulations permit assignments at variance with the
    International Table of Allocations, provided a non-interference
    condition is attached.

    Interested parties may comment on RM-11785 using the FCC's
    Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) at,
    https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/ .
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/THUNDER to All on Wed Feb 22 06:26:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB008
    ARLB008 New Section Manager Appointed in Illinois

    ZCZC AG08
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 8 ARLB008
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT February 21, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB008
    ARLB008 New Section Manager Appointed in Illinois

    Ron Morgan, AD9I, of East Peoria, Illinois, has been appointed ARRL
    Illinois Section Manager, effective February 16. He succeeds Tom
    Ciciora, KA9QPN, of Sandwich, who stepped down for personal reasons.
    ARRL expressed its thanks to Ciciora, who has served at the helm of
    the Illinois Field Organization for more than 10 years, since July
    2006.

    ARRL Field Services Manager Dave Patton, NN1N, appointed Morgan in
    consultation with ARRL Central Division Director Kermit Carlson,
    W9XA.

    Morgan, who has been an Assistant Section Manager in Illinois since
    2002, will complete the current term, which continues through June
    2018. He's also a Central Division Assistant Director.

    A retired electrical engineer, Morgan currently teaches technology
    at Illinois Central Christian School.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/THUNDER to All on Fri Feb 24 18:46:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB009
    ARLB009 Winter Cycle Section Manager Election Results Announced

    ZCZC AG09
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 9 ARLB009
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT February 22, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB009
    ARLB009 Winter Cycle Section Manager Election Results Announced

    Four candidates for Section Manager (SM), including one incumbent,
    outpolled challengers to win 2-year terms beginning on April 1,
    while a second incumbent was defeated in a run for a new term, and
    one candidate ran unopposed to succeed an incumbent who did not run
    again. Ballots in contested races in the winter election cycle were
    counted and verified on February 21 at ARRL Headquarters.

    In Arizona, Rick Paquette, W7RAP, of Tucson, topped the field in a
    three-way race, receiving 638 votes to 375 for Steven Wood, W1SR, of
    Tucson, and 353 for Virgil Silhanek, K7VZ, of Phoenix. Paquette has
    served as an Assistant Section Manager and has been a volunteer
    instructor, mentor, and volunteer examiner for many years. Robert
    Spencer, KE8DM, of Yuma, who has served as SM since 2013, decided
    not to run for another term.

    In North Texas, Jay Urish, W5GM, of McKinney will become the new
    Section Manager after defeating Brent Boydston, KF5THB, of Henrietta
    829 to 490. Urish will be returning as SM, having served previously
    from 2009 to 2011. He will succeed Nancy McCain, K5NLM, of Fort
    Worth, who has been North Texas SM for the last 2 years and did not
    run for another term.

    In Kentucky, Steve Morgan, W4NHO, of Owensboro, unseated incumbent
    SM Alan Morgan, KY1O, of Paris, 323 to 146. Steve Morgan served
    previously as the Kentucky SM from 1991 until 1997. Alan Morgan has
    served in the office since 2015.

    In Iowa, incumbent Section Manager Bob McCaffrey, K0CY, of Boone
    overcame a challenge to win a new term, polling 306 votes to 218 for
    Paul Cowley, KB7VML, of Ames. This will mark McCaffrey's third term
    in office.

    In Arkansas, James Ferguson, N5LKE, of Searcy, will become the new
    Section Manager when he succeeds incumbent SM Dale Temple, W5RXU, of
    North Little Rock, on April 1. Temple, who is completing his third
    term, decided not to run for re-election.

    These incumbent Section Managers did not face opposition during the
    nomination period and have been declared elected to new terms
    beginning on April 1: Malcolm Keown, W5XX (Mississippi); George
    Forsyth, AA7GS (Montana); Carl Gardenias, WU6D (Orange), and Jack
    Mitchell, N7MJ (Wyoming).

    These incumbent Section Managers began new 2-year terms on January
    1: Tom Walsh, K1TW (Eastern Massachusetts); Cecil Higgins, AC0HA
    (Missouri); Matt Anderson, KA0BOJ (Nebraska); Jim Mezey, W2KFV (New
    York City/Long Island); Tom Dick, KF2GC (Northern New York); Marc
    Tarplee, N4UFP (South Carolina); Skip Arey, N2EI (Southern New
    Jersey), and Darrell Davis, KT4WX (West Central Florida).

    In Western Pennsylvania, Joe Shupienis, W3BC, of Falls Creek, on
    January 1 succeeded Tim Duffy, K3LR, who decided not to run for a
    second term. Shupienis had been the Affiliated Club Coordinator and
    a Public Information Officer.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/THUNDER to All on Fri Feb 24 18:46:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB010
    ARLB010 New Section Manager Appointed in West Virginia

    ZCZC AG10
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 10 ARLB010
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT February 24, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB010
    ARLB010 New Section Manager Appointed in West Virginia

    Dan Ringer, K8WV, will become West Virginia's Section Manager
    starting on March 1. He has been appointed to succeed Phillip
    Groves, N8SFO, who is stepping down for personal reasons after
    serving since July 2015. Ringer, an attorney who lives in
    Morgantown, will serve the remainder of the current term of office,
    which ends on September 30.

    An ARRL Life Member, Ringer serves as an Assistant Section Manager,
    Volunteer Counsel, and Local Government Liaison and is a past
    Assistant Roanoke Division Director. ARRL Field Services Manager
    Dave Patton, NN1N, made the appointment in consultation with ARRL
    Roanoke Division Director Jim Boehner, N2ZZ.

    The next new 2-year term for West Virginia Section Manager starts on
    October 1. Nominating petitions to run for this office are due at
    ARRL Headquarters on June 9. Information can be found on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/section-terms-nomination-information . See
    April QST for more information.
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/THUNDER to All on Mon Mar 13 16:32:00 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB011
    ARLB011 W1AW 2017 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

    ZCZC AG11
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 11 ARLB011
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT March 13, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB011
    ARLB011 W1AW 2017 Spring/Summer Operating Schedule

    Morning Schedule:

    Time Mode Days
    ------------------- ---- ---------
    1300 UTC (9 AM ET) CWs Wed, Fri
    1300 UTC (9 AM ET) CWf Tue, Thu

    Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

    1400 UTC to 1600 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM ET)
    1700 UTC to 1945 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM ET)

    (Station closed 1600 to 1700 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM ET))

    Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

    2000 UTC (4 PM ET) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    2000 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    2100 " (5 PM ET) CWb Daily
    2200 " (6 PM ET) DIGITAL Daily
    2300 " (7 PM ET) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
    2300 " " CWf Tue, Thu
    0000 " (8 PM ET) CWb Daily
    0100 " (9 PM ET) DIGITAL Daily
    0145 " (9:45 PM ET) VOICE Daily
    0200 " (10 PM ET) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    0200 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    0300 " (11 PM ET) CWb Daily


    Frequencies (MHz)
    -----------------
    CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 147.555
    DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 147.555
    VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 147.555

    Notes:

    CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
    CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
    CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

    CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
    bulletins.

    DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
    schedule.

    Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
    given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
    alternate speeds.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2230 UTC (6:30 PM ET), Keplerian Elements
    for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular digital
    frequencies.

    A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
    0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Thursdays and 0000 UTC (8 PM ET) Fridays.

    Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, and CW/digital/phone bulletins
    is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server named
    "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented here as
    well. The CW/digital/phone audio is sent in real-time and runs
    concurrently with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

    All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
    note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
    sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
    or comments to w1aw@arrl.org.

    In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
    follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
    CW on the half hour.

    FCC licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1400 UTC to 1600
    UTC (10 AM to 12 PM ET), and then from 1700 UTC to 1945 UTC (1 PM to
    3:45 PM ET) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your current
    FCC amateur license or a photocopy.

    The complete W1AW Operating Schedule may be found on page 105 in the
    April 2017 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
    NNNN
    /EX


    Posted by VPost v1.7.081019
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/TBOLT to All on Mon Nov 6 17:05:11 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB020
    ARLB020 W1AW 2017/2018 Winter Operating Schedule

    ZCZC AG20
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 20 ARLB020
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 6, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB020
    ARLB020 W1AW 2017/2018 Winter Operating Schedule

    Morning Schedule:

    Time Mode Days
    ------------------- ---- ---------
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

    Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

    1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
    1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

    (Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

    Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

    2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
    2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
    0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
    0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
    0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
    0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


    Frequencies (MHz)
    -----------------
    CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 147.555
    DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 147.555
    VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 147.555

    Notes:

    CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
    CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
    CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

    CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
    bulletins.

    DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
    daily schedule.

    Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
    given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
    alternate speeds.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
    Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
    digital frequencies.

    A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
    0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

    Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
    bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
    named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
    here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
    with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

    All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
    note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
    sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
    or comments to w1aw@arrl.org.

    In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
    follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
    CW on the half hour.

    All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700
    UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM
    to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your
    current FCC amateur radio license or a photocopy.

    The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 95 in the
    November 2017 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
    NNNN
    /EX


    ---
    ■ Synchronet ■ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/TBOLT to All on Tue Nov 14 17:48:12 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB021
    ARLB021 Section Managers to Begin New Terms of Office on January 1

    ZCZC AG21
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 21 ARLB021
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 14, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB021
    ARLB021 Section Managers to Begin New Terms of Office on January 1

    One ARRL Section will welcome a new Section Manager when the New
    Year begins, while incumbent SMs will continue to head five others.
    In Western Massachusetts, Raymond Lajoie, KB1LRL, of Lunenburg, will
    become the new Section Manager in January. He was the only candidate
    nominated for the position by the time the September 8 deadline
    arrived. He will succeed Ed Emco, W1KT, the current SM, who has
    decided not to run for another term after leading the Western
    Massachusetts Field Organization since 2006.

    These incumbent Section Managers were the only valid nominees and
    have been declared re-elected: JVann Martin, W4JVM (Alabama); Ray
    Hollenbeck, KL1IL (Alaska); Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH (Delaware); Ron
    Cowan, KB0DTI (Kansas); and Keith Miller, N9DGK (Tennessee).

    New 2-year terms of office commence on January 1. No Section Manager
    elections took place this fall.

    No Section Manager nominations have been received from the East Bay,
    Michigan, New Mexico, or Santa Barbara Sections. Jim Latham, AF6AQ,
    has served as East Bay SM since 2008; Larry Camp, WB8R, has served
    as Michigan SM since 2012; Ed James, KA8JMW, as New Mexico SM since
    2015, and Jim Fortney, K6IYK, as Santa Barbara SM since 2016. All
    four decided not to run for new terms in their respective sections

    ARRL will resolicit nominations for Section Manager candidates for
    those four Sections in the January and February issues of QST for
    18-month terms of office beginning in July 2018. Section Manager
    nomination forms and related information is available on the ARRL
    website.
    NNNN
    /EX

    ---
    ■ Synchronet ■ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/TBOLT to All on Mon Nov 20 15:57:35 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB022
    ARLB022 Michigan Section Manager Appointment Begins on January 1

    ZCZC AG22
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 22 ARLB022
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 20, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB022
    ARLB022 Michigan Section Manager Appointment Begins on January 1

    Jim Kvochick, K8JK, of Brighton, Michigan, has been appointed as
    Michigan Section Manager for the first half of next year. His
    appointment will begin on January 1, 2018, and will continue through
    June 30. Kvochick was appointed by ARRL Radiosport Manager Norm
    Fusaro, W3IZ, in consultation with ARRL Great Lakes Division
    Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, and outgoing Michigan Section
    Manager Larry Camp, WB8R. Camp, who has served as SM since 2012,
    intends to step down from the volunteer position on December 31,
    when his term of office concludes.

    An ARRL Life Member, Kvochick was licensed in 1968. He has been
    active in many facets of Amateur Radio, including public service, experimenting, and equipment restoration. He currently serves as an
    Assistant Emergency Coordinator and a Volunteer Examiner. He is
    president, newsletter editor, and technical director for the
    Livingston Amateur Radio Klub.

    Kvochick's appointment will bridge the gap until a Section Manager
    is elected in Michigan. According to the Rules and Regulations of
    the Field Organization, when a Section Manager vacancy occurs
    between elections, the position is filled by appointment.

    The Michigan appointment was necessary because no candidate was
    nominated to succeed Camp by the time the deadline for Section
    Manager nominations arrived in September. The same situation exists
    in the ARRL East Bay, New Mexico, and Santa Barbara sections.
    Nominations are being resolicited in all four sections for
    candidates to serve an 18-month term of office starting on July 1,
    2018; the resolicitation will appear in the January and February
    2018 issues of QST. Section Manager nomination forms and related
    information are available on the ARRL website.
    NNNN
    /EX

    ---
    ■ Synchronet ■ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/TBOLT to All on Mon Nov 20 15:57:37 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB023
    ARLB023 Ballots Counted in 2017 Director, Vice Director Elections

    ZCZC AG23
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 23 ARLB023
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 20, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB023
    ARLB023 Ballots Counted in 2017 Director, Vice Director Elections

    The votes are in, and the ballots have been tallied at ARRL
    Headquarters in contested Director and Vice Director elections.

    In a two-way race to fill the Dakota Division Director's chair being
    vacated by Kent Olson, KA0LDG, the Division's members have elected
    Matt Holden, K0BBC, of Bloomington, Minnesota. Holden, the current
    Vice Director, received 698 votes, while Dean Summers, N0ND, of
    Dickinson, North Dakota, got 345 votes. Holden had been appointed as
    Vice Director in February 2016 after former Director Greg Widin,
    K0GW, became ARRL First Vice President. Olson announced earlier this
    year that he would not seek another term.

    In a four-way race for the Vice Director's chair that Holden will
    vacate, the winner was Lynn Nelson, W0ND, of Minot, North Dakota.
    Nelson earned 427 votes; Tom Karnauskas, N0UW, of Owatonna,
    Minnesota, received 338 votes; Chris Stallkamp, KI0D, of Selby,
    South Dakota got 175 votes; and Jay Maynard, K5ZC, of Fairmont,
    Minnesota, picked up 93 votes. Nelson is North Dakota Section
    Manager, while Stallkamp is South Dakota Section Manager.

    In the Atlantic Division, now headed by Director Tom Abernethy,
    W3TOM, who qualified for re-election, ARRL members chose Riley
    Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, as Vice Director. In the final tally,
    Hollingsworth of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, received 2,559 votes,
    while Lloyd Roach, K3QNT, of Bedford, Pennsylvania, garnered 1,348
    votes. Hollingsworth had served as FCC special counsel overseeing
    Amateur Radio enforcement.

    In the Midwest Division, Director Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, was
    challenged for re-election by Cecil Miller, WB0RIW, of Wichita,
    Kansas. The winner was Blocksome with 1,249 votes, while Miller
    tallied 792. Blocksome was elected Midwest Division Vice Director in
    2011. Subsequently he was the only candidate for the Director's
    chair, succeeding Cliff Ahrens, K0CA, who retired in 2014. Vice
    Director Art Zygielbaum, K0AIZ, was unopposed for re-election.

    Running unopposed for new terms were Delta Division Director David
    Norris, K5UZ; Vice Director Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ; Great Lakes Division
    Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, and Vice Director Tom Delaney,
    W8WTD.

    The Ethics and Elections Committee established the eligibility of
    all candidates and declared all unopposed candidates elected for
    3-year terms starting January 1, 2018.
    NNNN
    /EX

    ---
    ■ Synchronet ■ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN/TBOLT to All on Fri Dec 1 16:36:44 2017
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB024
    ARLB024 W1AW to begin scheduled transmissions on 6 meters
    starting January 2, 2018

    ZCZC AG24
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 24 ARLB024
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT December 1, 2017
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB024
    ARLB024 W1AW to begin scheduled transmissions on 6 meters
    starting January 2, 2018

    Beginning with the 9 AM EST fast code practice on Tuesday, January
    2, 2018, W1AW will add 6 meters - specifically 50350 kHz - to its
    regular CW code practice, and CW, digital and phone bulletin
    transmission schedule.

    Prior to late 1989, W1AW had a presence on 6 meters for all its CW
    practice, and regular bulletins. Since that time however, the
    station was absent on 6 meters, with the exception of regular
    visitor operations and contests.

    In addition to providing regularly scheduled transmissions on 6
    meters, another goal is to act as a beacon on 6 meters, especially
    from the Northeast US.

    Signal reports will be welcome. A web page that will allow
    listeners to provide signal reports will be made available after the
    start date. Reports may also be emailed to W1AW at, w1aw@arrl.org.
    NNNN
    /EX

    ---
    ■ Synchronet ■ The Thunderbolt BBS - wx1der.dyndns.org
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Sep 28 12:51:40 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB026
    ARLB026 ARRL Seeks Changes in FCC Proposal to Delete 3.4 GHz Amateur
    Band

    ZCZC AG26
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 26 ARLB026
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT September 28, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB026
    ARLB026 ARRL Seeks Changes in FCC Proposal to Delete 3.4 GHz Amateur
    Band

    ARRL met via telephone with FCC staff members this week to emphasize
    its opposition to the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in
    Docket 19-348 to delete amateur radio from the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band.

    The FCC will take final action in the proceeding when it meets on
    September 30.

    The NPRM can be found online in PDF format at, https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/121661888341/FCC-19-130A1.pdf .

    In comments filed earlier this year, ARRL urged that the secondary
    status for amateur radio in the band be continued. In a series of
    meetings with Commissioner legal advisors and staff members, ARRL
    explained how continued secondary use by radio amateurs will not
    impair or devalue use of this spectrum by future primary licensees,
    including those intending to provide 5G or other services. ARRL also
    stressed the various public-benefit uses of the spectrum by
    amateurs, including ongoing use of television and mesh networks on
    the west coast of the US as part of efforts to contain wildfires.

    With regard to interference potential, ARRL stated that amateur
    radio operators using these bands are technically proficient and
    have a long history of sharing with primary users in this and other
    bands without causing interference.

    FCC staff expressed concern that because amateur operations in the
    band are less clearly defined than those of other services also
    operating on a non-interference in the band, they would be difficult
    to locate should interference occur. ARRL Washington Counsel David
    Siddall, K3ZJ, noted that Section 97.303(g), an existing amateur
    rule, could be amended or used to craft a notification requirement,
    if the FCC concluded that relying on other methods would be
    insufficient.

    The FCC participants indicated that such a requirement, in place of
    deleting the secondary allocation, would be given serious
    consideration. (Section 97.303(g) contains specific
    frequency-sharing requirements for the 2200- and 630-meter amateur
    bands.)

    Siddall also pointed out that the Amateur Television Network (ATN)
    filed an email with the Commission that included a letter from the
    California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
    describing amateur radio's contributions, specifically calling out
    the need for 3.4 GHz access and explaining why other bands are not
    sufficient.

    ARRL also argued that, in any event, continued operation in the band
    should be permitted until and unless an actual potential for
    interference exists in a specific geographic area. ARRL said the FCC
    should not intentionally leave spectrum capacity unused during a
    build-out period that the Commission's own proposal indicates will
    last for at least 12 years in some areas.

    The record in the proceeding is now closed. Please be reminded that
    there can be no calls, emails, or filings to the FCC with regard to
    the issues under consideration until a final FCC Report and Order
    and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is released.

    Release is currently expected to be within a few days after the
    Commission's September 30 meeting. At that time, ARRL will evaluate
    the impact on amateur radio of the Commission's decisions and
    consider what further action, if any, may be merited.
    NNNN
    /EX
    --- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
    ■ Synchronet ■ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Oct 1 18:44:31 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB027
    ARLB027 Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, Appointed South Texas Section Manager

    ZCZC AG27
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 27 ARLB027
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT October 1, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB027
    ARLB027 Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, Appointed South Texas Section Manager

    Stuart Wolfe, KF5NIX, has been appointed ARRL South Texas Section
    Manager. He succeeds Paul Gilbert, KE5ZW, of Cedar Park, who has
    stepped down as Section Manager to become ARRL Director of Emergency Management.

    Wolfe, of Rockdale, Texas, will complete the remainder of Gilbert's
    term. Wolfe's appointment as Section Manager begins on October 1 and
    extends until September 30, 2021. ARRL Radiosport and Field Services
    Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the appointment after consulting
    with ARRL West Gulf Division Director John Robert Stratton, N5AUS,
    and receiving recommendations from Gilbert, West Gulf Division Vice
    Director Lee Cooper, W5LHC, and others in the South Texas Section.

    Stuart Wolfe currently serves as South Texas ARRL Affiliated Club
    Coordinator and Emergency Coordinator. He is the founding member and
    President of the Milam Amateur Radio Club. He is also active as a
    Volunteer Examiner and teacher of amateur radio licensing classes.
    NNNN
    /EX
    --- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
    ■ Synchronet ■ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Oct 8 19:05:55 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB028
    ARLB028 FCC Orders Amateur Access to 3.5 GHz Band to "Sunset"

    ZCZC AG28
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 28 ARLB028
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT October 8, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB028
    ARLB028 FCC Orders Amateur Access to 3.5 GHz Band to "Sunset"

    Despite vigorous and continuing opposition from ARRL and others, the
    FCC has ordered the "sunsetting" of the 3.3 - 3.5-GHz amateur radio
    secondary spectrum allocation. The decision allows current amateur
    activity on the band to continue, "grandfathering" the amateur
    operations subject to a later decision. The FCC proposed two
    deadlines for amateur operations to cease on the band. The first
    would apply to the 3.4 - 3.5 GHz segment, the second to 3.3 - 3.4
    GHz. The FCC will establish the dates once it reviews additional
    comments.

    "We adopt our proposal from the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to
    remove the amateur allocation from the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz band," the FCC
    said in its R&O. "[W]e adopt changes to our rules today that provide
    for the sunset of the secondary amateur allocation in the band, but
    allow continued use of the band for amateur operations, pending
    resolution of the issues raised in the Further Notice."

    The Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    in WT Docket No. 19-348 adopted on September 30 followed a 2019 FCC
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in which the FCC proposed
    re-allocating 3.45 - 3.55 GHz for "flexible-use service" and
    auctioning the desirable "mid-band" spectrum (generally defined as
    between 1 GHz and 6 GHz) to 5G providers. These and other recent spectrum-repurposing actions stem from the MOBILE NOW Act, enacted
    in 2018, in which Congress directed the Commission to make
    additional spectrum available to auction for mobile and fixed
    wireless broadband. The FCC action is consistent with worldwide
    allocations adopted by the ITU for these frequencies.

    The Report and Order can be found online in PDF format at, https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/1002214202488/FCC-20-138A1.pdf .

    In the run-up to the Commission's decision, ARRL met with the FCC's professional staff to explain its concerns and to answer questions. Subsequently, ARRL met with the wireless advisors to the FCC
    Chairman and two Commissioners. In those meetings, ARRL reiterated
    that continued secondary status for amateurs will not impair or
    devalue use of this spectrum by the primary licensees intending to
    provide 5G or other service. ARRL noted amateur radio's long history
    of successful coexistence with primary users of the 9 cm band,
    sharing this spectrum with the federal government users and
    secondary, non-federal occupants.

    ARRL pointed out that vital links in amateur television and amateur
    radio high-speed mesh networks using the band have been especially
    valuable during such emergency situations as the wildfires currently
    raging on the west coast. Deleting the amateur secondary allocation
    will result in lost opportunities for experimentation and public
    service with no public interest benefit to make up for that.

    ARRL argued that deleting the secondary allocation would waste the
    scarce spectrum resource, particularly in areas where commercial
    services often do not construct full facilities due to small
    populations. The FCC action means that amateur radio will lose
    access to the 3.5-GHz secondary allocation even where commercial
    operations do not exist. ARRL told the Commission that it should not intentionally allow this spectrum to be vacant and unused, wasting
    the public resource, when amateurs can use some portion of it in
    many geographic areas with no detriment to any other licensee, just
    as it has in the past. ARRL argues that amateur operations should be
    permitted until and unless an actual potential for interference
    exists.

    Deletion of the 3.3 - 3.5 GHz secondary amateur allocation will
    become effective on the effective date of the FCC's order, but
    amateur radio operation as of that date may continue while the FCC
    finalizes rules to license spectrum in the 3.45 - 3.55 GHz band and
    establishes deadlines for amateur operations to cease. The FCC
    proposed allowing amateur operation in the 3.3 - 3.4 GHz portion of
    the band to continue "pending further decisions about the future of
    this portion of the spectrum," the timing for which is unknown. The
    Commission proposed to mandate that operations cease in the 3.4 -
    3.5 GHz portion when commercial licensing commences for the new 3.45
    - 3.55 GHz "5G" band, which is predicted to begin in the first half
    of 2022.

    "[W]e seek comment on whether it is in the public interest to sunset
    amateur use in the 3.3 - 3.55 GHz band in two separate phases, e.g.,
    first above 3.4 GHz, which is the focus of [the R&O] and later in
    that portion of the band below 3.4 GHz," the FCC said.

    ARRL expressed gratitude to the many members and organizations that
    joined ARRL in challenging the FCC throughout this nearly year-long
    proceeding. They included multiple radio clubs, weak signal
    enthusiasts, moonbounce participants, and the Amateur Radio
    Emergency Data Network (AREDN), the Amateur Television Network
    (ATN), AMSAT, and Open Research Institute (ORI).

    ARRL will continue its efforts to preserve secondary amateur radio
    access to 3.3 - 3.5 GHz. Members are invited to share comments by
    visiting http://www.arrl.org/3-GHz-Band .

    "We recognize that any loss of our privileges will most directly
    impact radio amateurs who use the frequencies to operate and
    innovate," said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. "Such instances
    only embolden ARRL's role to protect and advocate for the Amateur
    Radio Service and Amateur Satellite Service. There will be continued
    threats to our spectrum. So I urge all amateurs, now more than ever,
    to strengthen our hold by being ceaseless in our public service,
    experimenting, and discovery throughout the radio spectrum."
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Wed Oct 14 09:28:24 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB029
    ARLB029 Bob Buus, W2OD, Appointed as Northern New Jersey Section
    Manager

    ZCZC AG29
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 29 ARLB029
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT October 13, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB029
    ARLB029 Bob Buus, W2OD, Appointed as Northern New Jersey Section
    Manager

    Bob Buus, W2OD, of Holmdel, has been appointed as Northern New
    Jersey Section Manager to succeed Steve Ostrove, K2SO (SK), who
    stepped down on September 22 due to failing health. Buus will serve
    out the current term of office, which concludes on June 30, 2021.

    An ARRL Life Member, Buus had been serving as an Assistant SM and an
    Emergency Coordinator. He is also an ARRL Volunteer Examiner and
    Life Member of ARRL. Ostrove had recommended Buus to be appointed to
    replace him, and ARRL Hudson Division Director Ria Jairam, N2RJ,
    agreed with his choice. ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager
    Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, made the appointment, which is effective
    immediately.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Wed Oct 14 09:28:33 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB030
    ARLB030 Mark Stillman, KA3JUJ, Appointed as New Delaware Section
    Manager

    ZCZC AG30
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 30 ARLB030
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT October 13, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB030
    ARLB030 Mark Stillman, KA3JUJ, Appointed as New Delaware Section
    Manager

    Mark Stillman, KA3JUJ, of Newark, Delaware, has been appointed as
    ARRL Delaware Section Manager. He succeeds Bill Duveneck, KB3KYH,
    who had served since 2014. Duveneck has moved out of the Delaware
    Section.

    ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ,
    appointed Stillman after consulting with ARRL Atlantic Division
    Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM. The appointment is effective
    immediately and extends through the end of Duveneck's term on
    December 31, 2021.

    Stillman is a member of the local Amateur Radio Emergency Service
    (ARES), an ARRL Volunteer Examiner, and an American Red Cross
    volunteer. He serves as treasurer of the Delaware Repeater
    Association.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Oct 29 06:12:54 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB031
    ARLB031 ARRL Urges Members to Join in Strongly Opposing FCC's
    Application Fees Proposal

    ZCZC AG31
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 31 ARLB031
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT October 28, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB031
    ARLB031 ARRL Urges Members to Join in Strongly Opposing FCC's
    Application Fees Proposal

    ARRL will file comments in firm opposition to an FCC proposal to
    impose a $50 fee on amateur radio license and application fees. With
    the November 16 comment deadline fast approaching, ARRL urges
    members to add their voices to ARRL's by filing opposition comments
    of their own. The FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) MD Docket
    20-270 appeared in the October 15 edition of The Federal Register
    and sets deadlines of November 16 to comment and November 30 to post
    reply comments, which are comments on comments already filed.

    The NPRM can be found online at, https://tinyurl.com/yyk8f2yp .

    ARRL has prepared a Guide to Filing Comments with the FCC which
    includes tips for preparing comments and step-by-step filing
    instructions. File comments on MD Docket 20-270 using the FCC's
    Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). The instructions can be
    found online at, http://www.arrl.org/FCC-Fees-Proposal .

    Under the proposal, amateur radio licensees would pay a $50 fee for
    each amateur radio application for new licenses, license renewals,
    upgrades to existing licenses, and vanity call sign requests. The
    FCC also has proposed a $50 fee to obtain a printed copy of a
    license. Excluded are applications for administrative updates, such
    as changes of address, and annual regulatory fees. Amateur Service
    licensees have been exempt from application fees for several years.

    The FCC proposal is contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    (NPRM) in MD Docket 20-270, which was adopted to implement portions
    of the "Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern
    Services Act" of 2018 - the so-called "Ray Baum's Act." The Act
    requires that the FCC switch from a Congressionally-mandated fee
    structure to a cost-based system of assessment. In its NPRM, the FCC
    proposed application fees for a broad range of services that use the
    FCC's Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the Amateur Radio
    Service. The 2018 statute excludes the Amateur Service from annual
    regulatory fees, but not from application fees. The FCC proposal
    affects all FCC services and does not single out amateur radio.

    ARRL is encouraging members to file comments that stress amateur
    radio's contributions to the country and communities. ARRL's Guide
    to Filing Comments includes "talking points" that may be helpful in
    preparing comments. These stress amateur radio's role in
    volunteering communication support during disasters and emergencies,
    and inspiring students to pursue education and careers in
    engineering, radio technology, and communications.

    As the FCC explained in its NPRM, Congress, through the Ray Baum's
    Act, is compelling regulatory agencies such as the FCC to recover
    from applicants the costs involved in filing and handling
    applications.

    In its NPRM the FCC encouraged licensees to update their own
    information online without charge. Many, if not most, Amateur
    Service applications may be handled via the largely automated
    Universal License Service (ULS). The Ray Baum's Act does not exempt
    filing fees in the Amateur Radio Service, and the FCC stopped
    assessing fees for vanity call signs several years ago.

    See also "FCC Proposes to Reinstate Amateur Radio Service Fees,"
    reported by ARRL in August, at, http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-proposes-to-reinstate-amateur-radio-service-fees
    .

    A summary page of the proceeding can also be found online at, http://www.arrl.org/FCC-Fees-Proposal .
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Nov 2 11:46:13 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB032
    ARLB032 W1AW 2020/2021 Winter Operating Schedule

    ZCZC AG32
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 32 ARLB032
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 2, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB032
    ARLB032 W1AW 2020/2021 Winter Operating Schedule

    Morning Schedule:

    Time Mode Days
    ------------------- ---- ---------
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

    Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

    1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
    1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

    (Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

    Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

    2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
    2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
    0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
    0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
    0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
    0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


    Frequencies (MHz)
    -----------------
    CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
    VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

    Notes:

    CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
    CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
    CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

    CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
    bulletins.

    DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
    schedule.

    Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
    given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
    alternate speeds.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
    Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
    digital frequencies.

    A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
    0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

    Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
    bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
    named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
    here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
    with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

    All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
    note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
    sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
    or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

    In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
    follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
    CW on the half hour.

    All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700
    UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM
    to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your
    current FCC amateur radio license or a photocopy.

    However, please note that because of current COVID-19 restrictions,
    W1AW is not open for visitor operations at this time.

    The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 87 in the
    November 2020 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Nov 9 17:46:47 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB033
    ARLB033 Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, is New ARRL Pacific Division
    Director

    ZCZC AG33
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 33 ARLB033
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 9, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB033
    ARLB033 Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, is New ARRL Pacific Division
    Director

    Kristen McIntyre, K6WX, of San Jose, California, has assumed the
    office of ARRL Pacific Division Director following the recent
    vacancy in the office. The ARRL Articles of Association stipulate
    she will serve as Director for the remainder of the current term,
    which expires on December 31, 2022. She will join the ARRL Board
    which is comprised of the organization's 15 Directors - each
    representing a geographical area.

    McIntyre was appointed as the Division's Vice Director in 2018, and
    was unopposed as a candidate for the position in 2019. She was first
    licensed in the late 1970s while a student at Massachusetts
    Institute of Technology. She holds an Amateur Extra class license.

    She has served as ARRL Technical Coordinator for the East Bay
    Section, and is a member of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio Club.
    McIntyre also is licensed in Japan, her second home, as JI1IZZ. She
    is a senior software engineer at Apple.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Nov 16 23:56:18 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB034
    ARLB034 Clear Frequencies Requested for Caribbean Hurricane
    Emergency Traffic

    ZCZC AG34
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 34 ARLB034
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 17, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB034
    ARLB034 Clear Frequencies Requested for Caribbean Hurricane
    Emergency Traffic

    Stations handling emergency traffic during the response to Category
    5 Hurricane Iota, just off the eastern coast of Nicaragua, are
    requesting clear frequencies.

    Radio amateurs not involved in the emergency response are asked to
    avoid (plus/minus 5 KHz) the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) and WX4NHC
    (National Hurricane Center) frequencies of 14.325 and 7.268 MHz, as
    well as a Honduran emergency net operation on 7.180 MHz (net control
    station is HR1JFA), and a Nicaraguan emergency net operating on
    7.098 MHz.

    With maximum sustained winds of 160 MPH, Hurricane Iota is expected
    to bring catastrophic winds, life-threatening storm surge, and
    torrential rainfall to Central America.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Nov 19 12:23:52 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB035
    ARLB035 ARRL Seeks Waiver of Proposed FCC Amateur Application Fees

    ZCZC AG35
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 35 ARLB035
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 19, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB035
    ARLB035 ARRL Seeks Waiver of Proposed FCC Amateur Application Fees

    ARRL has urged the FCC to waive its proposed $50 amateur radio
    application fee. The Commission proposal was made last month in a
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD 20-270. The proposal
    already has drawn more than 3,200 individual comments overwhelmingly
    opposed to the plan. The fees, directed by Congress and imposed on
    all FCC-regulated services, are to recover the FCC's costs of
    handling and processing applications.

    The NPRM can be found in PDF format at, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-116A1.pdf .

    "Amateur radio applications were not listed when the Congress
    adopted its 1985 fee schedule for applications, and therefore
    amateur license applications were excluded from the collection of
    fees," ARRL said on November 16 in its formal comments on the
    proposal. "Similarly, a decade later when regulatory fees were
    authorized, the Amateur Service was excluded, except for the costs
    associated with issuing vanity call signs." The new statutory
    provisions are similar. Amateur radio license applications are not
    addressed in the application fees section and explicitly excluded
    from regulatory fees," ARRL said, and there is "no evidence of any
    intent by Congress to change the exempt status of amateur
    applications and instead subject them to new fees."

    ARRL's formal comments can be found online at, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filing/111762316365 .

    ARRL argued that the FCC has explicit authority to waive the fees if
    it would be in the public interest, and should do so for the Amateur
    Radio Service. Unlike other FCC services, the Amateur Radio Service
    is all volunteer and largely self-governing, with examination
    preparation, administration, and grading handled by volunteers, who
    submit licensing paperwork to the FCC, ARRL pointed out.

    "Increasingly, the required information is uploaded to the
    Commission's database, further freeing personnel from licensing
    paperwork as well as from day-to-day examination processes," ARRL
    said. "The addition of an application fee will greatly increase the
    complexity and requirements for volunteer examiners."

    The Communications Act, ARRL noted, also permits the FCC to accept
    the volunteer services of individual radio amateurs and
    organizations in monitoring for rules violations. In 2019, ARRL and
    the FCC signed a memorandum of understanding to renew and enhance
    the ARRL's Volunteer Monitor program, relieving the Commission of
    significant time-consuming aspects of enforcement.

    These volunteer services lessen the regulatory burden - including
    the application burden - on the Commission's resources and budget in
    ways that licensees in other services do not, ARRL said.

    Amateur radio's role in providing emergency and disaster
    communication, education, and other volunteer services also
    justifies exempting radio amateurs from FCC application fees. For
    example, ARRL noted, last year more than 31,000 participated as
    members of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and
    local ARES teams reported taking part in more than 37,000 events,
    donating nearly 573,000 volunteer hours, providing a total value of
    more than $14.5 million.

    Amateur radio also has motivated many students to develop critical
    science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills.
    ARRL noted that the Amateur Radio Service contributes to the
    advancement of the radio art, advances skills in communication and
    technology, and expands the existing reservoir of trained operators, technicians, and electronics experts - all expressed bases and
    purposes of the Amateur Radio Service.

    "Accomplishing these purposes entails working with young people,
    many of whom may have difficulty paying the proposed application
    fees of $50, $100, or $150," ARRL said. "The $150 fee would be the
    cost of passing the examinations for the three amateur license
    levels in three examination sessions," ARRL said. "Such multiple
    application fees to upgrade would dampen the incentive to study and
    demonstrate the greater proficiency needed to pass the examinations
    for the higher amateur classes."

    ARRL concluded that the FCC should exercise its authority to exempt
    amateur radio from application fees generally. If the FCC cannot see
    its way clear to waive fees for all amateur radio license
    applications, the fees should be waived for applicants age 26 years
    and younger. Such individuals, ARRL contended, have the most to
    contribute to the future of radio technology and other STEM-related
    activities and are the most likely to find the proposed application
    fees burdensome.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Nov 23 17:48:12 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB036
    ARLB036 ARRL Announces Director, Vice Director Election Results

    ZCZC AG36
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 36 ARLB036
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 23, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB036
    ARLB036 ARRL Announces Director, Vice Director Election Results

    The ARRL Dakota Division will have a new Director, and the Great
    Lakes and Midwest Divisions will have new Vice Directors on January
    1. The results of four contested elections for Director and Vice
    Director in three ARRL Divisions were announced on November 20,
    after ballots were tallied at ARRL Headquarters.

    In the Dakota Division, incumbent Matt Holden, K0BBC, lost his
    re-election bid to challenger Vernon ''Bill'' Lippert, AC0W. The vote
    was 982 to 485. Holden had served as Director since 2018.

    In the Great Lakes Division, incumbent Director Dale Williams,
    WA8EFK, retained his seat in a challenge from Michael Kalter, W8CI.
    The vote was 1,840 to 1,398. In a three-way contest for Great Lakes
    Division Vice Director, Ohio Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY,
    received 1,670 votes to outpoll Jim Hessler, K8JH, with 975 votes,
    and Frank Piper, KI8GW, who received 611 votes. Incumbent Vice
    Director Tom Delaney, W8WTD, did not run for another term.

    In the Midwest Division, Dave Propper, K2DP, will become the new
    Vice Director in January. He received 1,164 votes to 623 votes for
    challenger Lloyd Colston, KC5FM. Current Vice Director Art
    Zygielbaum, K0AIZ, will become the new Director in January. He was
    unopposed to succeed incumbent Director Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, who
    did not seek a new term.

    Declared Elected without Opposition:

    * In the Atlantic Division, Director Tom Abernethy, W3TOM, who has
    held the seat since 2015, and Vice Director Bob Famiglio, K3RF,
    elected to a 3-year term (2015 - 2018) and then appointed in 2019 to
    fill a vacancy when the incumbent stepped down.

    * In the Dakota Division, Vice Director Lynn Nelson, W0ND, in office
    since 2018.

    * In the Delta Division, Director David Norris, K5UZ, who's served
    in that office since 2012, and Vice Director Ed Hudgens, WB4RHQ,
    appointed in 2013.

    * In the Midwest Division, current Vice Director Art Zygielbaum,
    K0AIZ, will become the new Director in January, succeeding incumbent
    Rod Blocksome, K0DAS, who is stepping down. Zygielbaum has been Vice
    Director since 2014.

    All newly elected officials take office at noon on January 1, 2021.
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Wed Nov 25 17:47:55 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB037
    ARLB037 New York City-Long Island Section Manager Re-Elected in Fall
    Balloting

    ZCZC AG37
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 37 ARLB037
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT November 25, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB037
    ARLB037 New York City-Long Island Section Manager Re-Elected in Fall
    Balloting

    New York City-Long Island Section Manager Jim Mezey, W2KFV, has been
    re-elected in the Fall election cycle. Mezey, of Carle Place,
    received 527 votes to 136 for challenger Donnie Katzovicz, W2BRU.
    The race for NYC-LI SM was the only contested election. Mezey begins
    a new 2-year term of office on January 1, 2021. He has served as New
    York City-Long Island Section Manager since 2013.

    In the West Central Florida (WCF) Section, Michael Douglas, W4MDD,
    of Wauchula, Florida, will become Section Manager starting on
    January 1, 2021. He was the only nominee for the post. Douglas is
    currently Affiliated Club Coordinator, a Technical Specialist, and
    an Official Emergency Station. Incumbent WCF Section Manager Darrell
    Davis, KT4WX, did not run for a new term after serving for the past
    6 years.

    These incumbent Section Managers were the only candidates for
    re-election and will begin new terms of office on January 1: Tom
    Walsh, K1TW (Eastern Massachusetts); Cecil Higgins, AC0HA
    (Missouri); Matt Anderson, KA0BOJ (Nebraska); Thomas Dick, KF2GC
    (Northern New York); Marc Tarplee, N4UFP (South Carolina); Tom
    Preiser, N2XW (Southern New Jersey), and Joe Shupienis, W3BC
    (Western Pennsylvania).
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Wed Dec 2 18:41:16 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB038
    ARLB038 FCC to Require Email Addresses on Applications

    ZCZC AG38
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 38 ARLB038
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT December 2, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB038
    ARLB038 FCC to Require Email Addresses on Applications

    Amateur radio licensees and candidates will have to provide the FCC
    with an email address on applications, effective sometime in
    mid-2021.

    If no email address is included, the FCC may dismiss the application
    as defective.

    The FCC is fully transitioning to electronic correspondence and will
    no longer print or provide wireless licensees with hard-copy
    authorizations or registrations by mail.

    A Report and Order (R&O) on "Completing the Transition to Electronic
    Filing, Licenses and Authorizations, and Correspondence in the
    Wireless Radio Services" in WT Docket 19-212 was adopted on
    September 16. The new rules will go into effect 6 months after
    publication in the Federal Register, which hasn't happened yet, but
    the FCC is already strongly encouraging applicants to provide an
    email address.

    When an email address is provided, licensees will receive an
    official electronic copy of their licenses when the application is
    granted.

    The Report and Order can be found in PDF format online at, https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-adopts-electronic-licensing-report-and-order
    .

    Under Section 97.21 of the new rules, a person holding a valid
    amateur station license "must apply to the FCC for a modification of
    the license grant as necessary to show the correct mailing and email
    address, licensee name, club name, license trustee name, or license
    custodian name." For a club or military recreation station license,
    the application must be presented in document form to a club station
    call sign administrator who must submit the information to the FCC
    in an electronic batch file.

    Under new Section 97.23, each license will have to show the
    grantee's correct name, mailing address, and email address. "The
    email address must be an address where the grantee can receive
    electronic correspondence," the amended rule will state. "Revocation
    of the station license or suspension of the operator license may
    result when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable
    because the grantee failed to provide the correct email address."
    NNNN
    /EX
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    ■ Synchronet ■ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Jan 4 17:57:18 2021
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB001
    ARLB001 W1AW 2021 Winter Operating Schedule

    ZCZC AG01
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 1 ARLB001
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 4, 2021
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB001
    ARLB001 W1AW 2021 Winter Operating Schedule

    Morning Schedule:

    Time Mode Days
    ------------------- ---- ---------
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWs Wed, Fri
    1400 UTC (9 AM EST) CWf Tue, Thu

    Daily Visitor Operating Hours:

    1500 UTC to 1700 UTC - (10 AM to 12 PM EST)
    1800 UTC to 2045 UTC - (1 PM to 3:45 PM EST)

    (Station closed 1700 to 1800 UTC (12 PM to 1 PM EST))

    Afternoon/Evening Schedule:

    2100 UTC (4 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    2100 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    2200 " (5 PM EST) CWb Daily
    2300 " (6 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0000 " (7 PM EST) CWs Mon, Wed, Fri
    0000 " " CWf Tue, Thu
    0100 " (8 PM EST) CWb Daily
    0200 " (9 PM EST) DIGITAL Daily
    0245 " (9:45 PM EST) VOICE Daily
    0300 " (10 PM EST) CWf Mon, Wed, Fri
    0300 " " CWs Tue, Thu
    0400 " (11 PM EST) CWb Daily


    Frequencies (MHz)
    -----------------
    CW: 1.8025 3.5815 7.0475 14.0475 18.0975 21.0675 28.0675 50.350 147.555 DIGITAL: - 3.5975 7.095 14.095 18.1025 21.095 28.095 50.350 147.555
    VOICE: 1.855 3.990 7.290 14.290 18.160 21.390 28.590 50.350 147.555

    Notes:

    CWs = Morse Code practice (slow) = 5, 7.5, 10, 13 and 15 WPM
    CWf = Morse Code practice (fast) = 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 13 and 10 WPM
    CWb = Morse Code Bulletins = 18 WPM

    CW frequencies include code practices, Qualifying Runs and CW
    bulletins.

    DIGITAL = BAUDOT (45.45 baud), BPSK31 and MFSK16 in a revolving
    schedule.

    Code practice texts are from QST, and the source of each practice is
    given at the beginning of each practice and at the beginning of
    alternate speeds.

    On Tuesdays and Fridays at 2330 UTC (6:30 PM EST), Keplerian
    Elements for active amateur satellites are sent on the regular
    digital frequencies.

    A DX bulletin replaces or is added to the regular bulletins between
    0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Thursdays and 0100 UTC (8 PM EST) Fridays.

    Audio from W1AW's CW code practices, CW/digital bulletins and phone
    bulletin is available using EchoLink via the W1AW Conference Server
    named "W1AWBDCT." The monthly W1AW Qualifying Runs are presented
    here as well. The audio is sent in real-time and runs concurrently
    with W1AW's regular transmission schedule.

    All users who connect to the conference server are muted. Please
    note that any questions or comments about this server should not be
    sent via the "Text" window in EchoLink. Please direct any questions
    or comments to w1aw@arrl.org .

    In a communications emergency, monitor W1AW for special bulletins as
    follows: Voice on the hour, Digital at 15 minutes past the hour, and
    CW on the half hour.

    All licensed amateurs may operate the station from 1500 UTC to 1700
    UTC (10 AM to 12 PM EST), and then from 1800 UTC to 2045 UTC (1 PM
    to 3:45 PM EST) Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring a reference
    copy of your current FCC amateur radio license.

    The weekly W1AW and monthly West Coast Qualifying Runs are sent on
    the normal CW frequencies used for both code practice and bulletin transmissions. West Coast Qualifying Run stations may also use 3590
    kHz.

    Please note that because of current COVID-19 restrictions, W1AW is
    not open for visitor operations at this time.

    The W1AW Operating Schedule may also be found on page 85 in the
    January 2021 issue of QST or on the web at, http://www.arrl.org/w1aw-operating-schedule .
    NNNN
    /EX
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    ■ Synchronet ■ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Mon Jan 4 17:57:30 2021
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB002
    ARLB002 FCC to Require Email Address on Applications Starting on
    June 29, 2021

    ZCZC AG02
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 2 ARLB002
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 4, 2021
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB002
    ARLB002 FCC to Require Email Address on Applications Starting on
    June 29, 2021

    Effective on June 29, 2021, amateur radio licensees and candidates
    must provide the FCC with an email address on all applications. If
    no email address is included, the FCC may dismiss the application as "defective."

    On September 16, the FCC adopted a Report and Order (R&O) in WT
    Docket 19-212 on "Completing the Transition to Electronic Filing,
    Licenses and Authorizations, and Correspondence in the Wireless
    Radio Services." The R&O was published on December 29 in the Federal
    Register. The FCC has already begun strongly encouraging applicants
    to provide an email address. Once an email address is provided, the
    FCC will email a link to an official electronic copy of the license
    grant. An official copy will also be available at any time by
    accessing the licensee's password-protected Universal Licensing
    System (ULS) account.

    The R&O is available online in PDF format at, https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-adopts-electronic-licensing-report-and-order
    .

    Licensees can log into the ULS License Manager System with their FRN
    and password at any time and update anything in their FCC license
    record, including adding an email address. For questions or password
    issues, call the CORES/FRN Help Line, (877) 480-3201 (Monday -
    Friday, 1300 - 2300 UTC) or reset the password on the FCC website.

    The only way to refrain from providing an email address on an
    application would be to submit a request to waive the new rule,
    providing justification for the request. (The FCC would not be
    obliged to grant such a request.)

    Under Section 97.21 of the new rules, a person holding a valid
    amateur radio station license "must apply to the FCC for a
    modification of the license grant as necessary to show the correct
    mailing and email address, licensee name, club name, license trustee
    name, or license custodian name." For a club or military recreation
    station license, the application must be presented in document form
    to a club station call sign administrator who must submit the
    information to the FCC in an electronic batch file.

    Under new Section 97.23, each license must show the grantee's
    correct name, mailing address, and email address. "The email address
    must be an address where the grantee can receive electronic
    correspondence," the amended rule will state. "Revocation of the
    station license or suspension of the operator license may result
    when correspondence from the FCC is returned as undeliverable
    because the grantee failed to provide the correct email address."
    NNNN
    /EX
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    ■ Synchronet ■ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net
  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Thu Dec 31 18:03:40 2020
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB041
    ARLB041 FCC Reduces Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fee to $35

    ZCZC AG41
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 41 ARLB041
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT December 31, 2020
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB041
    ARLB041 FCC Reduces Proposed Amateur Radio Application Fee to $35

    The FCC has agreed with ARRL and other commenters that its proposed
    $50 fee for certain amateur radio applications was "too high to
    account for the minimal staff involvement in these applications."

    In a Report and Order (R&O), released on December 29, the FCC scaled
    back to $35 the fee for a new license application, a special
    temporary authority (STA) request, a rule waiver request, a license
    renewal application, and a vanity call sign application. All fees
    are per application. There will be no fee for administrative
    updates, such as a change of mailing or email address.

    The R&O can be found online in PDF format at, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-20-184A1.pdf .

    This fall, ARRL filed comments in firm opposition to the FCC
    proposal to impose a $50 fee on amateur radio license and
    application fees and urged its members to follow suit.

    As the FCC noted in its R&O, although some commenters supported the
    proposed $50 fee as reasonable and fair, "ARRL and many individual
    commenters argued that there was no cost-based justification for
    application fees in the Amateur Radio Service." The fee proposal was
    contained in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD Docket
    20-270, which was adopted to implement portions of the "Repack
    Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act" of
    2018 - the so-called "Ray Baum's Act."

    Information on Ray Baum's Act can be found online in PDF format at, https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ141/PLAW-115publ141.pdf .

    "After reviewing the record, including the extensive comments filed
    by amateur radio licensees and based on our revised analysis of the
    cost of processing mostly automated processes discussed in our
    methodology section, we adopt a $35 application fee, a lower
    application fee than the Commission proposed in the NPRM for
    personal licenses, in recognition of the fact that the application
    process is mostly automated," the FCC said in the R&O. "We adopt the
    proposal from the NPRM to assess no additional application fee for
    minor modifications or administrative updates, which also are highly automated."

    The FCC said it received more than 197,000 personal license
    applications in 2019, which includes not only ham radio license
    applications but commercial radio operator licenses and General
    Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) licenses.

    The FCC turned away the arguments of some commenters that the FCC
    should exempt amateur radio licensees. The FCC stated that it has no
    authority to create an exemption "where none presently exists."

    The FCC also disagreed with those who argued that amateur radio
    licensees should be exempt from fees because of their public service contribution during emergencies and disasters.

    "[W]e are very much aware of these laudable and important services
    amateur radio licensees provide to the American public," the FCC
    said, but noted that specific exemptions provided under Section 8 of
    the so-called "Ray Baum's Act" requiring the FCC to assess the fees
    do not apply to amateur radio personal licenses. "Emergency
    communications, for example, are voluntary and are not required by
    our rules," the FCC noted. "As we have noted previously, '[w]hile
    the value of the amateur service to the public as a voluntary
    noncommercial communications service, particularly with respect to
    providing emergency communications, is one of the underlying
    principles of the amateur service, the amateur service is not an
    emergency radio service.'"

    The Act requires that the FCC switch from a Congressionally-mandated
    fee structure to a cost-based system of assessment. The FCC proposed application fees for a broad range of services that use the FCC's
    Universal Licensing System (ULS), including the Amateur Radio
    Service, which had been excluded previously. The 2018 statute
    excludes the Amateur Service from annual regulatory fees, but not
    from application fees.

    "While the Ray Baum's Act amended Section 9 and retained the
    regulatory fee exemption for amateur radio station licensees,
    Congress did not include a comparable exemption among the amendments
    it made to Section 8 of the Act," the FCC R&O explained.

    The effective date of the fee schedule has not been established, but
    it will be announced at least 30 days in advance. The FCC has
    directed the Office of Managing Director, in consultation with
    relevant offices and bureaus, to draft a notice for publication in
    the Federal Register announcing when rule change(s) will become
    effective, "once the relevant databases, guides, and internal
    procedures have been updated."
    NNNN
    /EX
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  • From Daryl Stout@HURRICAN to All on Fri Jan 8 17:54:16 2021
    SB QST @ ARL $ARLB003
    ARLB003 FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer
    Examiner Coordinators

    ZCZC AG03
    QST de W1AW
    ARRL Bulletin 3 ARLB003
    From ARRL Headquarters
    Newington CT January 8, 2021
    To all radio amateurs

    SB QST ARL ARLB003
    ARLB003 FCC Invites Comments on Expanding the Number of Volunteer
    Examiner Coordinators

    In a January 5 Public Notice, the FCC requested comments on whether
    the current 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) are sufficient
    to facilitate the efforts of their accredited Volunteer Examiners
    (VEs) in administering amateur radio examinations. The ARRL VEC is
    the largest of the 14 VECs in the US. Comments are due by February
    5, and reply comments are due by February 19. After Congress
    authorized it to do so, the FCC adopted rules in 1983 to allow
    volunteers to prepare and administer amateur radio examinations, and
    it established the system of VECs and VEs.

    The Public Notice can be found online in PDF format at, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-9A1.pdf .

    "VECs introduced consistency into the volunteer examiner program by centralizing accreditation of volunteer examiners, coordinating the
    dates and times for scheduling examinations, and managing the
    various administrative tasks arising from examinations," the FCC
    said. Authorized VECs may operate in any of the 13 VEC regions but
    must service at least one region. The FCC pointed out that some VECs
    now offer remote examinations.

    "The Commission has long maintained 14 VECs and now seeks to
    consider whether they continue to serve the evolving needs of the
    amateur community, or whether there are unmet needs that warrant
    considering expanding the number of VECs."

    The FCC Public Notice provided questions for framing comments:

    * Are the existing 14 VECs sufficient to coordinate the efforts of
    Volunteer Examiners in preparing and administering examinations for
    amateur radio operator licenses, or are additional VECs needed?

    * What needs are currently being met, and which needs, if any, are
    not?

    * If the FCC were to allow additional VECs, how many more would be
    needed to satisfy existing Amateur Radio Service license examination
    needs? (The FCC indicated that it will likely cap the number of
    additional VECs at five.)

    * Given that VECs use a collaborative process to create examination
    question pools and volunteer examination administration protocols,
    would additional VECs enhance or hinder this process?

    * How would increasing the number of VECs address the unmet needs,
    if any, of the amateur radio community, and what obstacles or
    complications could result from increasing the number of VECs?

    Interested parties may file short comments on WT Docket No. 21-2 via
    the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing Service (Express) at, https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express .

    Visit the FCC's "How to Comment on FCC Proceedings" page for
    information on filing extended comments at, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-comment .
    NNNN
    /EX
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