Los Angeles Council of Amateur Radio
Clubs |
November 1999 Newsletter - See you all on November 9th. meeting
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Walt Bacon, N6SMT at 7:30 PM.
The pledge of allegiance was led by the treasurer, Beverly Pitman, WA6TIU.
All members present introduced themselves. A list of those in attendance is compiled in the attendance logbook.
The minutes of the July 6, 1999 meeting were read and approved as modified.
The chairman at the July 6 meeting was Michael Reagan, KK5WO, and not Walt Bacon as recorded. There were also several typographical errors noted.
Also, the TAPR convention is in Phoenix, not San Diego as noted.
Beverly Pittman, WA6TIU, presented the treasurer's report.
| Business Checking Account | $ 540.00 |
|
| Regular Savings Account | $ 1,898.95 |
|
Total |
$ 2,438.95 |
Reports
ARRL Report by Art Goddard, W6XD.
The FCC has finally approved most of the ARRL proposal on spread spectrum rules. Details are in the ARRL letter at the ARRL web site. The changes will be effective on November 1, 1999. This was a request, which was filed in 1995. This gives you somewhat of a perspective of the time required to implement changes with the FCC.
No news on restructuring. The changes are working their way through the FCC but lots of signatures are still required. The ARRL is continually encouraging the FCC to speed up the process. A lot of folks are waiting for something to happen. It is probably best not to wait if you want to upgrade.
The Universal Licensing System (ULS) is in effect. You will need to register with this system if you want to make any changes to any of your licenses. You do not have to register until you need the system, but it does not hurt to do so now. You register all your licenses, amateur, club, maritime, and commercial. The form is on the FCC ULS web page and can be done electronically. It is quite painless. At the conclusion of the registration process you will be given the option of printing out a record of your Licensee ID, password and Personal Identifier for future use. There is a grace period of conversion between FCC license application forms, which will end in February of 2000. After that you will need to use all the new forms for any actions required.
The Sheriff's department has made an ex-parte filing with the FCC to gain access to a portion of the 2.3GHz band for the purpose of transmitting video on a non-interference basis. This matter has been referred to the ARRL attorney in Washington DC for investigation. The speculation is that the Sheriff's department wants to run surveillance video on this band. This is another example of an attempt to erode our frequency allocations, and all the more reason to support the Frequency protection act being proposed.
LA Section Report by Phineas Icenbice, W6BF.
Phineas encouraged everyone to attend the convention on the Queen Mary. On Friday afternoon he will be chairing a meeting of the Official Observers. Jim Zulak, the local FCC representative will be present. They are also going to see if Riley Hollingsworth will be available.
Phineas will also be presenting a seminar on RF Interference Solutions on Saturday. Check your program for time and place.
ARES Report by Hank Magid, K6YMJ.
The medical personnel will determine the communication procedures at the next Baker to Vegas event. This is not an established format, and as a result, ARES will not permit their license to be used in the event.
In addition, the Race Committee does not want frequency coordination during the event, which will most likely result in chaos. All complaints should be addressed to the Police Athletic Club, not ARES.
Queen Mary Convention
Jim Pitman, WA6MVZ, reported that the number of vendors committed and the number of registrations are down from previous years.
There is still room at the banquet, luncheon and breakfast.
There is a mailing planned to all local non-ARRL amateur radio licensees. The letter will offer a discount to the event.
Old Business - There was none.
New Business
Discussed the LAACARC web page. Marv Zauss, KC6NBQ, reported that he feels that there is not a lot of activity or interest in the web page and is willing to drop the activity. The consensus was that we should continue the page for the near term.
There was a request to include council member e-mail addresses in the next newsletter. This will be done.
Spud Monahan, K6KH, reviewed the FAA rules changes with regard to antenna height near an airport. He concluded that after reviewing the rules, that there were no changes of concern. Contact Spud if you need additional information.
Ed Cron, KD6LT, reported that WB6LBW, is soliciting contributions to support the satellite broadcast of "This Week in Amateur Radio". This is currently on at 6:00 PM on Saturdays, on 446.200. Contact Ed for further details.
La Palma Days Parade
- It was reported that radio operators are needed for the La Palma Days Parade this year. If you are available, and interested; Contact: Susan Atkinson W6SLA:
Chairman Bacon adjourned the Meeting at 8:53 PM.
Respectively Submitted
Ken Getzin, KO6ER, Secretary