ARRL Hudson Division 
February 2002
Hudson Division Beacon - e-mail edition
By Frank Fallon, N2FF, Director, Hudson Division, ARRL
30 East Williston Avenue, East Williston, NY 11596
(516) 746-7652 n2ff@arrl.org
  
Hudson Division Home Page - http://www.hudson.arrl.org
 
ARRL Members
 
Please continue to spread the word to others who may want to receive this
information that they will need to access the ARRL members only web site and
after becoming a member they must edit their profile and elect to receive
bulletins from the Section Manager and Director.
 
> DALLAS ARRL BOARD MEETING 
 
Here is a highly edited summary of the January Board meeting minutes with
some comments.
 
The Board of Directors of the American Radio Relay League, Inc., met in
annual session at the DFW Airport Marriott South, in Ft. Worth, Texas, on
Friday, January 18, and Saturday, January 19, 2002. The meeting was called
to order at 8:36 AM CST, January 18, with President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, in
the Chair.
 
2. On motion of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by the entire Board, the following
resolution was ADOPTED and read aloud by President Haynie:
 WHEREAS, the United States suffered unparalleled acts of war during
the attacks occurring on September 11, 2001; and
 WHEREAS, Radio Amateurs were among those whose lives were lost on
that day; and
 WHEREAS, numerous Radio Amateurs were among those who participated
in the rescue and recovery efforts on September 11, 2001, and thereafter;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League Board
of Directors extends the organization's most sincere condolences to the
families and friends of the Radio Amateurs who lost their lives on September
11, 2001.
 AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the American Radio Relay League
Board of Directors commends and honors all the Amateur Radio operators who
generously volunteered their time and expertise during the rescue and
recovery efforts on September 11 and thereafter.
3. The assembly observed a moment of silence in recollection of Radio
Amateurs who have passed away since the previous Board meeting, including
the following from the Hudson Division:
 Robert D. Cirri Sr., KA2OTD; Gerard J. "Rod" Coppola, KA2KET; Winston A.
Grant, KA2DRF; Steven A. Jacobson, N2SJ; Bill James, WA2QHL; Craig
Mellinger, N2MNA; Lyndell C. "Chuck" Miller, WA0KUH; Dave Nicholson, KD4NYC;
J. Dawson Ransome, W2SAI; William V. Steckman, WA2ACW; and George Veraldo,
WB2BAU.
 
 7. Mr. Frenaye reported on the activities of the ARRL Foundation,
and reported that the Foundation has assets totaling $2.15 million. He
thanked the ARRL for the excellent support of the staff, particularly ARRL
Foundation Secretary Mary Lau, N1VH.
 
It is my privilege to serve on the ARRL Foundation for a second year.
 
 11. The Chair opened nominations for the office of an additional
Vice President. Mr. Bodson nominated Mr. Kanode. Mr. Goddard nominated Mr.
Fried Heyn, WA6WZO. On motion of Mr. Butler, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was
VOTED to close nominations. At this point, the Chair appointed Mr. Stafford,
Mr. Frahm, and Mr. Huntington as Tellers. The Tellers found 8 votes for Mr.
Heyn, and 7 votes for Mr. Kanode, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Heyn
elected as an additional Vice President. (Applause).
 
 20. The Chair opened nominations for Director members of the
Executive Committee for one-year terms. Mr. Bodson nominated Mr. Butler. Mr.
Day nominated Mr. Roderick. Mr. Frenaye nominated Mr. Fallon. Mr. Bellows
nominated Mr. Frenaye. On motion of Mr. Race, seconded by Mr. Goddard, it
was VOTED to close nominations, whereupon the Chair declared Mr. Butler, Mr.
Roderick, Mr. Fallon, and Mr. Frenaye elected as Executive Committee
members. (Applause).
 
This will mark my fourth year on the Executive Committee. 
 
 Discussion ensued until the Board recessed at 5:18 PM. The Board was
in recess until 8:35 AM on January 19, reconvening with all persons herein
before mentioned.
 
 35. On motion of Mrs. Craigie, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, it
was unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.
 WHEREAS, Amateur Radio's emergency communications capability ranks
first among the bases and purposes of the service set forth in the FCC's
Rules; and
 WHEREAS, non-emergency public service communications events are
training experiences which prepare Amateurs for service in both natural and
man-made disasters; and
 WHEREAS, since the founding of our League, the ARRL has sponsored
programs which train, organize, and enable Amateur Radio volunteers to
provide emergency communications support to charitable agencies and
government authorities; and
 WHEREAS, in these challenging times not only for our country but
also for the entire civilized world, it is essential for Amateur Radio to
offer the most efficient and effective emergency communications systems,
including support for Homeland Security;
 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the ARRL's Volunteer Resources
Committee is directed to perform an in-depth study of the League's programs
related to emergency communications and non-emergency public service
communications, and to report recommendations for modernizing, streamlining,
and increasing the effectiveness of these programs to the Board at the
Annual Meeting in January, 2003.
 
If you have any input on this issue, please let me know ASAP.
 
 39. Mr. Stinson, as Chairman, presented his detailed written and
visual report on the activities and recommendations of the Administration
and Finance Committee. He observed that while traditional revenues and
expenses are roughly flat over the last few years, the Board has directed
the ARRL into an aggressive and expensive agenda that will require
re-evaluation of priorities. 
 40. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was
unanimously VOTED that League management is authorized to establish the page
count of QST. The Board was in recess for luncheon from 12:02 PM until 12:52
PM, reconvening with all persons hereinbefore mentioned.
 41. On motion of Mr. Stinson, seconded by Mr. Isely, it was MOVED
that the 2002 budget submission is approved. On motion of Mr. Bellows,
seconded by Mr. Maxwell, it was VOTED to amend the motion by adding the
following resolution:
 WHEREAS, the ARRL management and ARRL Board of Directors are
committed to effectively and efficiently providing information of interest
to all ARRL members; and
 WHEREAS, the two primary means of providing information to members
are QST magazine and the ARRL Web site; and
 WHEREAS, ARRL management and the ARRL Administration & Finance
Committee have proposed moving Section News and Contest Result line scores
to the enhanced ARRL Web site in an effort to reduce ARRL operating losses
while still affording a means of providing that information to ARRL members;
and
WHEREAS, prior to deciding to relocate QST content from QST to the Web site
it is desirable that members are aware of the reasons for the proposed
relocation and the enhanced capabilities available on the Web site; and
WHEREAS, deferring the decision to relocate QST content will afford an
opportunity to better understand the effect of such an action and
investigate how best to provide this information and expanded content to
members while being mindful of our fiscal responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, deferring the decision to relocate Section News and Contest Result
line scores will afford an opportunity to evaluate variations and
alternatives to the proposal.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the determination of whether to
relocate Section News and Contest Line scores from QST to the ARRL Web shall
be deferred until the July, 2002 Board meeting.
 The question then being on the motion as amended, the same was
ADOPTED.
 
This means that we have postponed a final decision on the implementation
until the July meeting. Please take a look at the information available to
Section Managers on the ARRL web page. Some of them have already begun to
use pictures. Contesters should check http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox
for information now available about the ARRL CW 2002 which took place this
past weekend. While still in development it is pretty timely and will give
you an idea of the possibilities now available. Additionally an enhanced
searchable listing of line by line contest scores is under development.
 
 44. On motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by Mr. Fallon, it was
unanimously VOTED that the following resolution is adopted.
 WHEREAS, the Spectrum Strategy Committee (Stratcom) has initiated an
important process in evaluating the impact of Part 15 and other devices
operating in the Amateur Radio Service; and
 WHEREAS, the remaining objectives of Stratcom are shared with the
RFI Task Force.
 NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that the remaining objectives and
recommendations of Stratcom be transferred to the RFI Task Force. The RFI
Task Force shall be renamed the Electromagnetic Compatibility Committee (EMC
Committee). The current members of the RFI Task Force shall be appointed to
the EMC Committee and additional members appointed by the President as
necessary.
 IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Spectrum Strategy Committee is
discharged with thanks.
 
 50. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was
unanimously VOTED that, as recommended by the Public Relations Committee,
Mr. Michaelangelo Conte is selected to receive the "2001 Bill Leonard W2SKE
Professional Media Award." (Applause).
 
I will be very pleased to make this presentation in mid March.
 
 56. At this point, the President announced the committee
appointments as follows: Administration and Finance: Directors Bellows,
Chairman; Stinson, Fuller, Day, Isely, Vice Director Fenstermaker, Vice
President Harrison, and Treasurer McCobb. Membership Services: Directors
Goddard, Chairman; Bodson, Fallon, Milnes, Frenaye, Vice Director Frahm, and
Vice President Stafford. Volunteer Resources: Directors Maxwell, Chairman;
Race, Walstrom, Butler, Vice Director Edgar, and Vice Presidents Craigie and
Heyn. Election: Directors Stinson, Chairman; Goddard, and Fallon. Industry
Advisory Council: Director Goddard, Chairman. RFI Task Force: Director
Bodson, Chairman. Public Relations: Diane Ortiz, K2DO, Chairman; Vice
Director Johnston, Rich Moseson, W2VU; Jeff Reinhardt, AA6JR; Jim McDonald,
KB9LEI; Phyllisan West, KA4FZI; Gary Pearce, KN4AQ; Tom Webb, WA9AFM; and
Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO. RF Safety: Vice Director Huntington, Liaison.
SAREX/ARISS: Roy Neal, K6DUE, Frank Bauer, KA3HDO, and Vice President
Harrison. Technology Task Force: Vice Directors Huntington, Chairman,
Raisbeck, and Director Frenaye. Historical: Directors Frenaye, Chairman,
Maxwell, Treasurer McCobb, and Al Cohen, W1FXQ. Antenna Defense: Directors
Bellows, Chairman; Fallon, Counsel Imlay, and Jim O'Connell, W9WU.
 
The news here is that in addition to being elected to the Executive
Committee for a fourth year running I am also on Membership Services,
Elections, and Antenna Defense. I am no longer the Chairman of Membership
Services and I am happy about that as it was taking a great deal of my time
that I really wanted to devote to lobbying efforts and legislation.
Normally directors on the Executive Committee do not also chair a standing
committee as I did last year. Steve will most likely be put on one of the
ad-hoc committees that President Haynie will form later in the year.
 
 61. Mr. Stafford, as Chairman, presented the report of the Novice
Spectrum Study Committee. The Committee's report included its
recommendations and a sampling of comments from some of the 4744 respondents
to a survey placed on the ARRL Web site and in QST. On motion of Mr.
Stafford, seconded by Mr. Race, it was MOVED that the following resolution
be adopted.
 WHEREAS, the FCC in a 1999 Report and Order stated it would no
longer issue Novice Class Amateur Radio Licenses after April 15, 2000; and
 WHEREAS, at Minute 66 of the January, 2001 Annual Meeting the
President was authorized to appoint a committee to study the issue of
"re-farming" the Novice bands through solicitation of input from the Amateur
Radio community; and
 WHEREAS, the Committee, using QST and the ARRL Website, sought input
from the entire Amateur Radio community; and
 WHEREAS, the committee received input from approximately 5000
amateurs on this issue; and
 WHEREAS, a large majority of responses indicated a preference for
expansion of the phone bands.
 NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the ARRL Executive Vice
President and Counsel are instructed to file a petition containing the
following request for changes in the phone, CW, and digital and image mode
portions of the following bands:
1. 80 Meters phone, image, CW:
 General Class 3800 to 4000 kHz
 Advanced Class 3725 to 4000 kHz
 Extra Class 3700 to 4000 kHz
 
2. 40 Meters phone, image, CW:
 General Class 7175 to 7300 kHz
 Advanced Class 7125 to 7300 kHz
 Extra Class 7125 to 7300 kHz
 
3. 15 Meters phone, image, CW:
 General Class 21250 to 21450 kHz
 Advanced Class 21200 to 21450 kHz
 Extra Class 21175 to 21450 kHz
IT IS FURTHER MOVED that the CW only portion of the following bands,
available to Novice Class and Technician Plus Class licensees, be amended as
set out below:
 80 Meters 3525 to 3700 kHz
 40 Meters 7025 to 7125 kHz
 15 Meters 21025 to 21175 kHz
AND FURTHER MOVED that the CW, RTTY and data band available to Novice and
Technician Plus licensees of 28100 to 28300 kHz be expanded to 28000 to
28300 kHz; 
AND FURTHER MOVED that Novice and Technician Plus licensees shall be limited
to 200 watts output power when operating CW or digital modes within these
expanded band segments. Section 97.313 (C) (1) shall be amended so as to
apply only to the 10100 - 10150 kHz band.
On motion of Mr. Roderick, seconded by Mr. Walstrom, it was VOTED to amend
the parts of the resolution regarding 80 Meters and 15 Meters to read:
1. 80 Meters phone, image, CW:
 General Class 3800 to 4000 kHz
 Advanced Class 3750 to 4000 kHz
 Extra Class 3725 to 4000 kHz
 
3. 15 Meters phone, image, CW:
 General Class 21275 to 21450 kHz
 Advanced Class 21225 to 21450 kHz
 Extra Class 21200 to 21450 kHz
And CW for Novice and Technician Plus licensees, 3525 to 3725 kHz and 21025
to 21200 kHz.
The question then being on the amended motion, it was unanimously VOTED to
adopt same.
 
I did not vote for the amendment as it did not move the phone and image
frequencies low enough into the band. The Novice Survey indicated that
members wanted the band to be lower. The amendment did not follow the
results of the survey. There may now well be problems convincing the FCC to
do it this way as they have repeatedly told us that we should have consensus
in the amateur community before we make any requests for changes to Part 97.
 
62. At this point the Board considered Directors' motions.
64. On motion of Mr. Fallon, seconded by Mr. Bodson, it was MOVED that the
following resolution be adopted:
WHEREAS, it is important to advertise Amateur Radio when responding to
disasters and while communicating at special events;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED that staff be tasked with designing and
developing a distinctive garment similar to that used by Red Cross
volunteers, which can be sold by ARRL to our ARES volunteers and worn by
them when responding. 
Mr. Butler moved, seconded by Mr. Day, that the matter be referred to staff
for study, but the motion failed. On motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr.
Stinson, it was unanimously VOTED to refer the matter to the Volunteer
Resources Committee for study.
 
It was a bit confusing. Here is an example of a committee that wants to be
involved. There was not sufficient time to run this idea through the
committee before the meeting and the director members of the committee
wanted to be involved and now they are. Most board members feel that any new
idea should work its way through a committee. Here is an example of that
thinking. What I saw after 9/11 was our ARES volunteers responding in great
numbers but getting lost in a sea of Red Cross uniforms. Our operators were
either in civilian clothes or wore the Red Cross vest. When a media
representative arrived on the scene we were thought to be Red Cross radio
operators and our ARES/RACES story did not get covered. We need to change
that fast. We need a distinctive garment identifying us and helping to tell
our Amateur Radio story. I hope that before 2002 ends we will have
developed this garment.
 
 67. On motion of Mr. Isely, seconded by Mr. Harrison, it was VOTED
that "Moved and Seconded" be moved from QST but be published on the ARRL Web
and other media.
 
The staff wanted to have us go on record here on this change. With the
recent flap about moving "Section News" to QST we felt we needed to show
that director egos were not involved in forcing members to read about our
actions at two Board meeting a year. It takes up a lot of pages and for
many the type is painfully small which may cut down on the number of
readers. It is better moved to the Web site at this time. Those interested
in the activities of the Board and the Executive Committee minutes will
still be able to read them, but it will be on-line.
 
 68. On motion of Mr. Maxwell, seconded by Mr. Milnes, it was VOTED
that the MSC study a digital bandplan for the 40 Meter band, anticipating
favorable FCC response to the ARRL Spectrum Refarming proposal.
 
For those of you who, like me, use digital modes on 40 Meters, you may
realize that this is currently impossible if you want to work DX. As the
two thirds of the world who have only one hundred kilohertz use the segment
around 7030 to 7050 for digital modes and the US and Canadian gang use 7070
to 7100 a band plan is not practical. Few Europeans will move up above 7050
to work RTTY as this is voice territory. All heck therefore breaks loose in
a RTTY contest as it did a two weeks ago during the CQ/RJ WPX RTTY Contest.
There were RTTY stations on from 7025 to 7050 and also at 7075 to 7090. All
this on Saturday evening during the NA Sprint CW contest. I am sure that
some regular 40 Meter cw operators thought a war had started when they heard
all the RTTY stations invade the band. It was wild for a few hours. But
the bottom line is that we will not be able to devise a "digital bandplan
for the 40 Meter band" until after WRC 2003 and the adoption of a
standardized world wide band plan. I have my fingers crossed this does
happen. Until then this is an idea before its time. I did not vote for this
motion and spoke against it as impractical and not timely.
 
70. There being no further business, those present were invited to make
informal closing comments and the meeting was adjourned at 5:23 PM. (Time in
session as a Board: 13 hours, 51 minutes).
 
In all we had three full days of meetings. By the time Steve and I flew
home HRU 2002 was over. 
 
> ARRL ASKS FCC TO DROP RFID RULES PROPOSED FOR 425-435 MHz
 
Perhaps you have seen ARLB013 and wondered what is going on. One local club
newsletter has been carrying the story and I am not sure all our members are
getting it right. There are two things at issue here. One is a serious
threat to the 440 band and the other is a BIG increase in the threat of Part
15 devices. Part 15 is the FCC rules which allow unlicensed low power short
duration devices to share our bands. The thinking is that there will be few
of them and they will not cause us interference as they are very low power
devices. Many of them have been there for years, but now here is a real
threat. What the FCC is proposing here is a CHANGE in the Part 15
regulations as we know them. In this case the power level proposed is
higher than currently allowed by law and it's a LONG duration device. These
devices are going to be permitted to transmit for two minutes and then turn
off for ten seconds. That's about as close to constant on as is possible.
It sets a very bad precedent for future Part 15 devices, which are
increasingly used in many of our bands. The real problem is that since the
devices are unlicensed, should they be found to cause interference, there is
no way to trace them and recall them. It's a bit like unleashing what
promises to be a hoard of undocumented alien transmitters in the 440 band. 
 
If the FCC insists on doing this we feel they should be licensed so they can
be traced. We are almost certain that in some cases there will be a
problem.
 
ARRL's approach and continued action on this matter will be on the agenda at
the March 2nd ARRL Executive Committee meeting I will attend In Washington.
 
Here is the text of the bulletin:
 
The ARRL says the FCC ''cannot legally proceed with the rules proposed for
unlicensed RFID tags at 433 MHz,'' and it's asked the Commission to not
adopt them. The League filed comments February 12 as part of its continued
opposition to what it called ''this ill-conceived proposal'' of SAVI
Technology to deploy unlicensed transient RF identification devices between
425 and 435 MHz at much higher field strengths and duty cycles than Part 15
rules now permit for such devices. The FCC appears inclined to agree with
SAVI's proposal, but FCC staff members have told the ARRL that it's not a
''done deal.''
 
''The level of interference from the devices permitted under the proposed
rule is intolerable,'' the ARRL argued, citing its own interference study.
The League reiterated its stance that the Communications Act of 1934 ''is
devoid of any authority to allow unlicensed devices with substantial
interference potential; such
devices must be licensed.''
 
SAVI, the ARRL argues in its comments, ''wants to have its cake and eat it
too'' by getting high power levels and lengthy duty cycles operating on a
band heavily used by a licensed radio service that uses sensitive receivers
''and all of the above on an unlicensed basis.'' Among other applications,
RFID tags are used to track and inventory parcel shipments and vehicles.
 
The ARRL said the FCC's inclination to go along with SAVI Technology's
proposal ''eviscerates the periodic radiator rules, is vague and
overbroad,'' and would permit digital RFIDs to operate ''at
unsuitable power levels and duty cycles.'' The result would be unacceptable
interference that would ''preclude or repeatedly disrupt amateur
operation,'' the ARRL said.
 
The ARRL also said that the cost of the tags is a problem for SAVI, and the
choice of frequency band is related only to the cost of components. The
League said SAVI chose 433.9 MHz as an operating
frequency because of the availability of relatively cheap components in
Europe, where the 433.05-434.79 MHz band is available for industrial,
scientific and medical uses in at least 10 countries.
 
Given the global direction in this technology, the ARRL pointed out,
deploying the proposed RFID tags elsewhere would make much better sense.
''SAVI should seriously consider the frequencies around 868 or
915 MHz, which apparently stand at least some reasonable chance of global
standardization,'' the ARRL advised.
 
The RFID rules proposed in response to SAVI's Petition for Rule Making last
year ''are flawed from their inception and should not be adopted under any
circumstances,'' the League concluded. The ARRL has
said it will ''do whatever it takes'' to keep the FCC from permitting the
RFID tags on 70 cm. That could include further direct appeals to FCC
staffers, Imlay has said.
 
The FCC included the Part 15 RFID proposals within a larger proceeding,
ET-01-278, that's aimed primarily at reviewing and updating portions of its
Part 2, 15 and 18 rules. ARRL's comments in the proceeding are available on
the ARRL Web site 
http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/savi/arrl-savicmts-0.html.
Reply comments are due by March 12, 2002.
 
If you are a heavy user of 440 you may want to comment to FCC. We can
always use support.
 
> METROCOR UPDATE
 
Effective January 17th 2002, Stephan Anderman resigned as President of
MetroCor. In his place, Larry Lutzak/WA2CNV has assumed the Presidency of
MetroCor, Inc. Larry's association with amateur radio dates back to 1967.
 
MetroCor is an organization born out of a need to replace the defunct TSARC
organization. After a great deal of work and effort, MetroCor, Inc. was born
in July 2000. Over the last several weeks, MetroCor has been in "proactive"
mode. The 'number one priority" according to Larry has been the annual
filing of an updated amateur radio coordinated database with the ARRL.
MetroCor is painstakingly working to verify the old TSARC records with the
aid of many volunteers in the Hudson Division. Larry's findings thus far
indicate that, "In many respects, the old TSARC dB continues to be
representative of a large segment of active repeaters that have been around
since the early 1980s'."
 
Larry now feels that MetroCor is beginning to function as all in the
affected area had first hoped. He adds "with the talent pool available in
the MetroCor area, everything is possible. MetroCor is very much alive and
functioning and thanks to a host of help and support, we've moved well
beyond the point of saddling the ARRL with outdated information. The ARRL
will now have an updated dB, without using data sources from outside the
MetroCor area."
 
In a telephone conversation with ARCC's Vice President Gene Pressler/W3ZXV,
Larry stated that Gene reiterated ARCC's offer of assistance, to further
MetroCor's mission of coordination for the MetroCor area.
 
As President of MetroCor, I thank everyone who wishes to assist and support
MetroCor in achieving a level of service akin to its neighbor councils.
 
Larry Lutzak/WA2CNV
President - MetroCor, Inc.
 
This is a very positive development. I have asked Vice Director, Steve
Mendelsohn, W2ML who was formerly President of TSARC, to contact area
repeater owners to let them know about this promising development. It's
time to get behind the "new" MetroCor and make sure we again have a
functioning coordinating body in the metro NYC area. Larry assures me that
the "new" MetroCor will provide an updated listing for the 2002 ARRL
Repeater Handbook, which will go into production shortly. There will be
changes this year. Check http://ww.qsl.net/metrocor
 
> NEW YORK TOWER BILL STATUS....
 
This is year three for our antenna support structure bill in New York State.
Currently all bills not passed by the end of 2001 were sent back to their
originating committees. That means that our bills have gone back to the
Local Government Committee in both the Senate and the Assembly. This is not
a setback. All of last year's bills, which were not passed, suffered a
similar fate. It's simply the way the legislature operates. We hope to move
them along as fast as possible.
 
Just last Wednesday, February 13th, three of us made a lobbying trip to
Albany. I picked up Gerry Agliata, W2GLA, in New Rochelle and we drove to
Albany where we met Ray Wempel, KA2DVM. It was a freezing cold day with
temperatures down around 24 degrees and winds that made the wind
chill about 6 degrees. I mention this because we could not park in the
underground visitors parking area as usual and had to find a parking garage
about three blocks away. I had on only a sports jacket as I did not
envision parking outside. So much for emergency preparedness!
 
After I warmed up we had a very productive meeting in Senator Farley's
office which was arranged by his aide, Dave Smingler. Farley is the deputy
whip. Dave who has been friendly to our cause from day one arranged for
Waynette Engel, Director of Legislative Operation for our senate sponsor,
Senator Volker, to be there. Also in attendance were Peter Rupert and
another assistant from Senator Bruno's office. Bruno is the Majority Leader
and nothing happens in Albany without his approval. We therefore had some
very important people at the meeting. We met for almost an hour. We
distributed a PR package that Jennifer Hagy had sent down which included a
copy of the November QST with the 9/11 story and some local news stories
about Amateur Radio and ARES. It's a very professional package. We made
out pitch for the bill stressing the need for a state standard which will
protect us from local government which all too frequently does not
understand PRB-1, the federal limited preemption. We pointed out that local
government looks to the state for guidelines rather the remote federal
government. When we spoke about the recent federal decision involving
Saratoga Springs we discovered that Peter Rupert was a resident. We
explained that at the moment there were was no limited federal preemption
protection for property which had CC&Rs. (We did not tell him that ARRL
would like to change that.) Rupert lives in a gated community with CC&Rs.
We distributed copies of the Saratoga decision which I had fortunately
brought along just in case. I stressed the point that the judge felt the
town made the ham involved jump through too many hoops and did not negotiate
in good faith. Here was another good reason to pass the New York bill.
They appeared to understand the need for the bill and we answered the few
questions they had. We took the time also to explain that there was no
financial impact to local government pointing out that while there was a
section in the bill which protected us from local assessments for the
support structure which are temporary in nature. We pointed out that the
support structure moves with the ham and is not like a garage or a pool,
which adds value to the home. Before the meeting ended Ms. Engel announced
to all the Senator Volker was pushing for passage this year. It was
important that Bruno's aides hear this. We came away with a very good
feeling about progress this year.
 
On the way back to Assemblyman Tocci's office we spotted the office of
Senator Mary Lou Rath who heads the senate Local Government Committee, where
our bill currently resides, and decided to stop in and see if we could talk
to someone. We were very lucky here. While the senator was not in, the
legislature is not in session for the next two weeks, we were able to meet
with Carol Cybulski who is Rath's Director of Operation and Legislation. We
gave her the same PR package and had a lengthy discussion of emergency
communications after we discovered that Senator Rath is the new head of a
Disaster Preparedness Committee and is dealing with implementation of a
statewide emergency communications system. All three of us pointed out that
the system would take more than ten years to bring on line unless the state
preempted local government and made it impossible to block tower
construction. We spoke in detail about the opposition our bill had
encountered from the Adirondack Park Association and the problems
encountered with local government in understanding the limited federal
preemption. She appreciated our comments and input as this was a new
responsibility for her and her senator. 
 
In all we had two very productive sessions. We are planning another trip to
Albany next month.
 
I believe that this year ARRL members should have personal conversations
with their representatives and stress the need for passage this year of A.
1565 and S. 2893. We need to remind the legislators that very frequently
the net control stations in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack were operating
from home rather than from an EOC or a Red Cross HQ. If these home stations
had no outside antennas or nice high support structures such operation would
not have been possible.
 
> NEW FEDERAL TOWER CASE IN WESTERN NEW YORK
 
Atlantic Division Director Bernie Fuller, who has been working with us in
the effort to get a New York State tower bill, recently forwarded the
following e-mail to me. Remember New York and New Jersey has since 1925
been shared by two divisions - Hudson and Atlantic. Please take the message
below as another indication as to why we need passage of S.2893 and A. 1565.
 
--Alan Paul, KC2GZY, is suing the Village of East Aurora, NY in Federal
Court in the Western District of NY. 
 A building permit for a tower was denied, based on an absolute
prohibition against towers in Village residential zones. The zoning board
denied his appeal, based on the zoning ordinance with only a
passing reference to federal law cited by KC2GZY in both his building permit
application and request for appeal. 
 Mr. Paul was represented by attorney Denis J. Uminski, N2HP, in
preparing the building permit application and presenting the appeal. Also
present at the appeal hearing was attorney Peter Vasilion, KB2NMV, who
offered his expertise and moral support. Local attorney Glenn Murray has
been retained to represent Alan in federal court.
 KC2GZY is being forced to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees
because PRB-1 has still not been written into New York State law, despite
the ongoing efforts of his State Senator, Dale Volker.
 
Denis J. Uminski, Esq., N2HP
 
> RACING THE CLOCK-AND A SNOWSTORM
 
When the Technical Committee of the 10-70 Repeater Association
(Bergen-Passaic Counties) arrived at the Repeater site, to install a new
"machine", on the morning of January 19, they knew they had a full day's
work ahead of them. With dire predictions of the season's first significant
snowstorm, they wanted to exit the remote location and be able to turn the
W2PQG repeater over to the local SkyWarn team, as expeditiously as possible.
 With the temperature hovering in the icy 20's, Howie, WB2AWQ;
Pat, WA2PFS; George, KC2GLG, Bill, KC2BLN; and Paul, KC2CJW carted the
pre-assembled and pre-programmed components to the recently cleaned-out
radio shack. "We improvised as we went along, and when we hit a snag, we
literally went back to the drawing board" commented Paul Beshlian. 
 The equipment had functioned flawlessly, during the trial runs,
but when everything was in place, a severe desensing problem developed.
Fortunately, the "tech gang" had a back-up strategy, which
was pressed into service, but as the afternoon dragged on, the inevitable
"little gremlins" appeared, as did the encroaching snow.
 The route leading to the repeater site was shut down by the
police department and the roads were icy and treacherous. As darkness fell,
club members monitored the input for updates on the installation
efforts. Some communications shifted to the 145.450 repeater, which is also
owned and operated by the 10-70 club.
 At 8:00 PM, the Bergen SkyWarn Net signed on the air, utilizing
the back-up machine. With only six stations checking in, the results were,
nonetheless, forwarded to the National Weather Station, at Upton, NY, and
the CBS, NBC, FOX, and ABC local affiliates.
 Shortly before 10:00 pm, the new repeater was "up and running".
When a request went out for a signal report, club members from Bergen,
Passaic and Morris Counties enthusiastically replied with "5-9" reports.
After a little tweaking of the tones and messages, the new, much-improved
10-70 repeater was ready for duty.
 At 10:30 PM, the New Jersey VHF Traffic Net was called, by
Peter, K1VDH /NCS. A heavier than usual QNI of 23 stations checked-in,
including: Stew, KB2VVB; Nat, KB2KLH; Missy, K2MIS; Kymm, KY2MMM; Jeff,
KC2BRF; Brian, N2BVM; Pat, WA2PFS. Also, Paul, KC2CJW; Bill, KC2BLN;
George, KC2GLG; David, K2DBK; Bob, WB2KNS; Herb, N2OPJ; Justin, KC2GIK;
Frank, WB2SFN; Bob, N2LYY; Mike, WA2MWT; Sam, KC2GMS; Bill, KC2FYA; Efrem,
W2CZ; Mark, KB2UPP; and Lou, N2CYY.
 At 10:45 PM, the Bergen SkyWarn Net was convened, by David,
K2DBK, Deputy SkyWarn Coordinator. 15 stations reported the snow
accumulations throughout Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties, in New Jersey;
and Orange County, in New York. 
 SkyWarn Spotters checking-in included: John, KC2FTT; Ernie,
N2URU; Brian, N2BVM; Stew, KB2VVB; Bill, KC2FYA; Justin, KC2GIK; Lou, N2CYY;
Bob, N2LYY; Frank, WB2SFN; Missy, K2MIS; Mike, WA2MWT; Herb, N2OPJ; Sam,
KC2GMS; and Bill, KC2BLN.
 George Sabbi summed up the day's activities: "What stood out
most to me, other than the extensive knowledge base and diverse, but
well-matched skill sets of the various members of the team, was the true
teamwork exhibited , not just by the Tech-Committee, but by the club as a
whole. This was indeed a shared project!"
 
Submitted by Michael Adams, WA2MWT
 
> ONE DAY EXTRA CLASS LICENSE STUDY COURSE PLANNED
 
One of my favorite songs from the 1950's was Dina Washington's "What a
Difference a Day Makes." As a teenager I actually saw her sing it in a
small Brooklyn cabaret, but that's another story. Here is a chance to
change your Amateur Radio privileges in a one-day course. Taking advantage
of the one-day course will make a big difference in your ham radio career.
Registration is limited.
 
The Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club is holding a One-Day Extra Class
License Study Course on Sunday, March 24, 2002. The class will be held at
Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY, from 8:30 am to 5 PM.
Anyone who is interested in obtaining their Extra Class Amateur Radio
License is invited to attend. A student must already hold a General Class
license. There is a $10 fee to offset material costs.
 
Students will be expected to obtain an Extra class study guide (available
from the ARRL, Radio Shack or any ham radio publication supplier) and begin
reading it. The course will be designed as a one-day "crash" course in Extra
class theory. As such it is intended as a refresher and tune up for the
test. We will have enough instructors to make it interesting and informative
but we don't pretend to be able to teach you ALL
of the material in one day. We do promise you will learn something from the
course, increase your chances of passing the Extra class test and wet your
knowledge for more!
 
As usual, a full Volunteer Examination session will follow the completion of
the course at about 4 PM.
 
Students may register by sending their name, callsign, address, city, state,
zip, phone number and e-mail address and check for $10 made payable to
"LIMARC" to LIMARC Extra Class course, PO Box 392, Levittown NY 11756.
Contact: George Tranos N2GA at n2ga@limarc.org or 631-286-756
 
>>>>>>>>> HAMFESTS: The Spring thaw is coming.......
 
Dates Event and Contact  Location
 
 24 Feb Long Island Mobile ARC Hicksville, NY
 2002 http://www.limarc.org 
 Contact: Richard Rosner, N2STU Sect:NLI
 135 Rollstone Avenue 
 West Sayville, NY 11796
 Phone: 631-563-1859
 Email: hamfest@limarc.org
 
 2 Mar Splitrock ARA Parsippany,NJ
 2002 http://www.splitrockara.org 
 Contact: Maria Turner, KB2VKP Sect:NNJ
 PO Box 610 
 Rockaway, NJ 07866
 Phone: 888-511-SARA
  Email: hamfest@splitrockara.org
 
 16 Mar Cherryville Repeater Association Annandale, NJ
 2002 http://www.qsl.net/w2cra 
 Contact:Peter Sneed, K2YSY Sect:NNJ
  349 Three Bridges Road
 Flemington, NJ 08822
 Phone: 908-788-4080 or
 908-369-5095
 Email: k2ysy@arrl.net