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-----Original Message-----
From: Somma, Maria, AB1FM [mailto:msomma@arrl.org]
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:32 PM
To: ve-list
Subject: [ve-list:1446] ARRL VE Newsletter August 2007
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ARRL VEC
VE Express Newsletter
August 28, 2007
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IN THIS EDITION:
* NEW ! – VE Honor Roll in QST
* Number of ARRL Sessions Served on VEC Web Site
* ARRL VEC Team attends NCVEC Conference in Gettysburg, PA
* Extra Class Question Pool
* Current Exams and Question Pools
* VEC Return Label being refused at the Post Office
* ARRL VEC National Exam Day Weekends
* 2007 National Convention in Huntsville, AL
==========================================================================
NEW ! VE Honor Roll in QST
The VE Honor Roll will make its debut appearance in September QST on page 40. It will run quarterly in September, December, March and June. The honor roll recognizes the top 25 ARRL VEs according to the total number of exam sessions they have participated in since their accreditation.
We wanted to take the opportunity to express our appreciation to ALL our Volunteer Examiners for their generous contributions to the ARRL VEC program and the amateur radio community.
You are our most valuable asset, and we thank you for your support !
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Number of ARRL Sessions Served on VEC Web Site
The ARRL VEC web site makes it possible to access a list of the number of ARRL VEC exam sessions each Volunteer Examiner has served in. The listings are in alphanumeric call sign order according to VE location by state (VEs address in ARRL VEC records). The VE Session Counts page recognizes the accomplishments of the 25,000-plus current and actively accredited ARRL VEs. We thank you for your support over the years. Access your VE session Participation total via the "VE Session Counts" page at http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/veparti.php .
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ARRL VEC Team Attends National VEC Conference
Representatives of 11 of the nation’s 14 Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (VECs) met July 27 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the 22nd annual National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) conference. NCVEC Chairman Tom Fuszard, KB9PU, presided over the gathering. This yearly gathering offers an opportunity for VECs to discuss issues facing the volunteer examination program and to meet face-to-face with FCC staff members. The ARRL’s delegation to the conference included ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM; Assistant Manager Perry Green, WY1O, and Regulatory Information Branch Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. Also on hand were five FCC staff members: Donna Scott, Sandy Eckenrode, Terry Fishel, Bill Cross, W3TN, and Riley Hollingsworth. Cross and Hollingsworth addressed the conference.
Jim Wiley, chairman of the NCVEC Question Pool Committee, led a discussion on what the QPC’s plans are for the upcoming year. The QPC is working on the new Amateur Extra class pool and syllabus that is scheduled to be released December 2007; it will become effective July 1, 2008. Wiley mentioned that the QPC does not expect any new pool releases in 2009.
Fred Maia, W5YI, spoke about a problem he found with information between the Universal Licensing System (ULS) and the Commission Registration System (CORES) computer systems not being exchanged. Amateurs, he said, are complying with Part 97 rules by keeping the ULS license database up to date, but this information does not find its way into the CORES database. Part 1 of the Rules, Section 1.8002(b)(2), which Maia said most amateurs are unfamiliar with, states that applicants must keep their CORES records current. Amateurs can supply CORES with up-to-date information via the CORES Web page or by filling out and submitting FCC Form 161.
Maia proposed that the FCC update CORES automatically when the ULS is updated. ULS is maintained by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and CORES is handled by the Office of Managing Director (OMD). The FCC said these systems are two separate systems and that they are discussing a solution.
The FCC Speaks
The FCC’s Bill Cross moderated the FCC portion of the meeting and took the opportunity to introduce the FCC personnel attending the conference. He reviewed recent Commission rule decisions that have affected VECs, including WTB 04-140 and 05-235 and remarked that the FCC is watching the data streams and upgrades. Cross noted that the ARRL Web site showed ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, buried in piles of work.
Hollingsworth spoke next and opened his comments with a bit of lightheartedness. He said that when he spoke at the Dayton Hamvention® earlier this year, he told people to “lighten up on the bands.” Since Dayton, he’s only had three complaints. “I didn’t mean for everyone to take that so seriously!” he said.
He continued by saying that he is “very happy” there is a “slowdown” in Amateur Radio enforcement needs. The Commission’s enforcement has gotten stronger over the years, and it will not be neglected, he said. He went on to point out that the Enforcement Bureau now has its own Web page that lists all Amateur Radio enforcement activities.
When it comes to VE sessions, Hollingsworth said, he’s only had “two new complaints in two years” about exam sessions, “and those were fairly small involving only two or three applicants.” He did, however, warn the VECs “to remain vigilant about detecting fraud now that the licensing structure is simpler.”
Spanish Language License Exams
There was a discussion at this year’s conference concerning whether or not the NCVEC should have a standard Spanish language pool. Currently, multiple Spanish pool translations are being used in Puerto Rico. It was the ARRL VEC who brought up the idea of “only one standard pool version that could be used by the Spanish community,” and asked the NCVEC “seek to establish and maintain one standard Spanish language question pool that conforms to be an exact translation of the current English language question pool for the purposes of being made available to the Spanish speaking public prior to its use for public study.”
Due to the fact that there are differing Spanish pool translations currently in use, and none of them an “official” translation of the question pools, the ARRL VEC wanted one standard pool to be created. Somma pointed out that before the VEC program came into being, the FCC administered Spanish language license exams. “We believe in Puerto Rico, where Spanish is an official language, there should be only one standard translation,” Somma said.
ARRL President Joel Harrison, W5ZN, concurred: “FCC Amateur Radio exams have been available in Spanish since before the creation of the VEC program, back when the FCC administered all the exams. Remember that the FCC regulates Amateur Radio (and other radio services as well) in Puerto Rico where Spanish is an official language and only a minority of the citizens are fluent in English.
“The only current issue, and the purpose of ARRL’s NCVEC motion, is whether there should be a single, standard version of the Spanish question pool (there currently isn’t), or whether the longstanding practice of allowing any translation done by any VE team or VECs should be continued. We believe there should be one standard and only one translation.”
ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, agreed: “This effort [for a standardized Spanish translation] is nothing other than a mechanism to insure the high degree of exam integrity that ARRL VEC has been the standard-bearer of for years. Any other position would be contrary to the best interests of the VEC program.”
After much discussion, the majority of VECs present did not think they would be able to utilize the Spanish version, and felt with the current resources available, people can be tested in Spanish if need be. Furthermore, the opposition said, the NCVEC has neither the staff nor the resources to undertake and monitor these additional pools.
A vote followed the discussion on the ARRL VEC proposal and the motion did not carry. The NCVEC did not endorse one standard Spanish question pool translation and chose not to develop a unified statement about foreign language exams.
NCVEC Leadership
The NCVEC re-elected the current representatives to new terms. Tom Fuszard, KB9PU (MRAC VEC), was selected for a fifth term as chairman; Larry Pollock, NB5X (W5YI VEC), will continue as Vice Chairman. Michele Cimbala, WK3X (LARC VEC), will continue as secretary; Ray Adams, W4CPA (WCARS VEC), will remain as treasurer, and Fred Maia, W5YI (W5YI VEC), will remain as rules reporter. The four current Question Pool Committee members — Perry Green, WY1O (ARRL VEC), Roland Anders, K3RA (LARC VEC), Larry Pollock, NB5X (W5YI VEC) and Chairman Jim Wiley, KL7CC (Anchorage VEC), were reappointed as well.
The NCVEC set a tentative date for the 2008 conference for July 25.
This story also appears on the ARRL web at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/08/13/100/?nc=1 .
==========================================================================
Extra Class Question Pool to is next to be Updated
Next up for review is the Element 4 Extra class question pool. Public input is invited now on future exam questions. The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) welcomes comments and suggestions for new questions or changes to the topic areas for any of the pools. Please send your input to the QPC using the following email address: qpcinput@ncvec.org .
When you submit new question material or suggest changes to the existing questions, please indicate the sub-element reference number and topic –and existing question number, if any- with your submission. Also make sure the subject line in your message to the QPC includes a reference to which pool you are addressing. You can help shape the next Extra class question pool !
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Current Exams and Question Pools
Question Pools
The three current question pools (and any exam designs based on these question pools) are valid as follows:
Technician class (Element 2) Pool is effective July 1, 2006 and is valid until June 30, 2010.
NOTE: The Technician class question pool does not contain any diagrams or symbols.
General class (Element 3) Pool is effective July 1, 2007 and is valid until June 30, 2011.
NOTE: The General class question pool contains one schematic diagram.
The CURRENT Extra Pool (Element 4) (effective July 1, 2002) will be valid until June 30, 2008.
A new Extra class (Element 4) will be released December 1, 2007 and will become effective July 1, 2008.
The Question Pools can be viewed on the ARRL Web at http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/pools.html .
2-1-2006
2-2-2006
2-3-2006
2-4-2006
2-5-2006
2-6-2006
3-1-2007
3-2-2007
3-3-2007
3-4-2007 (contains ONE graphic)
3-5-2007
4-1-2002 (contains a replacement exam question sticker over question 12)
4-2-2002
4-3-2002
4-4-2002 (contains a replacement exam question sticker over question 20)
4-5-2002 (contains NO graphics)
Exam Software
If your team is using our test generating software, please be sure that you have the July 2007 ExamWin update (ExamWin (nt) 2007 B version). If you will need any NCVEC Form 605s, CSCEs, other exam summary forms or code supplies to go with your ExamWin use please contact us at the ARRL VEC.
The current ExamWin Software can be downloaded at http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examwin/ .
IMPORTANT: Uninstall all previous versions of ExamWin before installing the current version.
ExamWin (nt) 2007 B version [June 18th update] is valid for use on or after July 1, 2007
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Priority mail envelope with our return label being refused at the post office.
Please know that your use of the BRM (Business Reply Mail) First-Class Mail Label with Priority Mail is very much valid. The problem lies with the postal clerk's lack of knowledge regarding First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. Priority Mail is First-Class Mail according to the USPS postal regulations.
If they give you a problem, ask politely to see the Postmaster; and refer them to the BRM notice below. This comes from their own website! If you have had a problem in the past, please go back to the Post Office where you did your mailing and refer them to the BRM notice below.
If you have any further problems, contact the VEC, and please supply us with the name of the person(s) with which you talked, and their telephone number.
Here is the Chapter and verse permitting our use from the “Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service Domestic Mail Manual”. See underlined text.
Or check the Quick service guides http://pe.usps.com/text/QSG300/Q507a.htm Section 507a
A Printer-Friendly PDF version is available at http://pe.usps.com/cpim/ftp/manuals/qsg300/q507a.pdf
----------------------------------
Quick Service Guide 507a
Additional Services
Business Reply Mail (BRM)
August 2, 2007
Overview
----------------------------------
For an annual permit fee, a Business Reply Mail (BRM) permit is available for distributing business reply cards, envelopes, self-mailers, cartons, and labels. BRM allows the permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers by paying postage only on the mail returned. The BRM permit holder guarantees payment of First-Class Mail postage plus a per piece charge for pieces returned by the USPS (see payment options below). When designing a BRM mail piece or label, mailers must consult with their local post office. The piece must conform to a specific format to qualify as BRM, including a unique ZIP+4 code assigned by the USPS. Proofs for regular BRM should be approved by the USPS before printing. Proofs for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) must be approved by the USPS.
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2007 ARRL VEC National Exam Day Weekends
ARRL sponsored national exam day weekends are held annually on the last full weekends of April and September.
Fall national exam day weekend is September 29-30, 2007.
We thank you for your support of these events by offering exams in your local communities.
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2007 National Convention in Huntsville, AL
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the VEC booth at the ARRL National Convention in Huntsville.
Amanda and I enjoyed meeting and talking with ya’ll !
See ARRL news story at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/08/23/101/?nc=1 .
==========================================================================
VE Express Newsletter is published by the
American Radio Relay League, Inc. - the national association for Amateur Radio
Material from the ARRL VE Express Newsletter may be republished or reproduced
in whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit must be given to
The American Radio Relay League VEC.
ARRL VEC
225 Main Street
Newington CT 06111 USA
Email: vec@arrl.org
ARRL VEC telephone: 860-594-0300
ARRL VEC Fax: 860-594-0339
ARRL telephone: 860-594-0200
Joel Harrison, W5ZN - President
David Sumner, K1ZZ - Chief Executive Officer
Harold Kramer, WJ1B - Chief Operating Officer
Maria Somma, AB1FM - VEC Manager / Editor
==========================================
==> How to Get The VE Express Newsletter <==
VE-LIST Updates (subscribe, un-subscribe, or to make changes)
The ARRL VE-LIST is a one-way list which supplies news and information of interest
to Volunteer Examiners in the Amateur Radio Service.
Any person with interest in the VE or VEC system is welcome to sign on to this list.
If you have received this email, you are currently on the VE-LIST and no further action is required.
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For example: subscribe ve-list "joe ham, w1aw"
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Follow all of the procedures above, substituting "unsubscribe" in place of "subscribe".
To make changes:
Changes, deletions or additions of email addresses for this VE-LIST can be sent to "vec@arrl.org".
Please provide the full email address for any and all addresses that need to be removed, changed or added.
===========================================================
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE ARRL VEC !
