[FARC] This is long, but please take a minute to read it

Thu Apr 3 13:00:29 EDT 2014

I agree with you on all points, Dick.

Bravo for your insight and initiative!

I take your comment *"**I am of the opinion (yes, I have several) that 
since 911, our served agencies feel the hams are no longer needed. We have 
been approaching them improperly. A fresh new approach with a new 
organization of organizations can work. Fortunately, it appears important 
folks at CHHS want to work with us if we can get our act together.  This is 
a major first step in that direction."* to heart as with our advancements 
in technology how do we keep Amateur Radio relevant in the public's eye?

I have a serious concern about the future of our Amateur Radio service - 
loss or degradation of spectrum.

As I've noted in previous posts, there are *continual threats* to our 
allocated spectrum, and implementation of a robust MESH network on our 
Amateur Radio frequencies would show that we are *deserving* of these 
exclusive parts of our valuable r.f. spectrum.

But...we must be in the *public consciousness* in a positive way before we 
can begin to influence the public about the value of our Amateur Radio 
service.

How can we best serve the general public by supporting public activities 
(large gatherings such as parades, emergency communication, disaster 
recovery, etc.)and ensure the preservation of Amateur Radio's spectrum, 
relevance, interest in new members and our future?

Can we accomplish this through a single, well-planned activity with a *public 
focus* and simultaneous recognition of the value of the capabilities of 
Amateur Radio operators?

Per the comment from KB3PLX I believe we've made good progress in 
attracting the attention of many in our local Ham community and it's time 
to decide on the most effective path for the future.  Both technically and 
operationally.  We have the talent in this group when our activities are 
well defined and directed.

Dick has boldly "thrown down the gauntlet" and proposed a plan of *action* that 
he views as most effective.

We can relatively easily decide on the technical aspects of the network - 
plenty of professional and advanced hobbyist experience here.

A more difficult and complex challenge is proper administrative (and 
political)implementation.

I wish to announce an *administrative challenge* among all members to help 
craft the best path to relevance and success for this project.

Maybe Dick's suggested go-forward plan is the most effective?  Are there 
others?  We must start somewhere, and Dick has offered a well-crafted and 
good place to start.

No holds barred, no *sacred cows*...comments, please!

After having received a relevant number of suggestions and comments I will 
host a meeting of all interested parties to craft the most effective path 
to success.

So...comments please!

73,

Bill
WA3GJD

On Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:31:04 AM UTC-4, WN3R,Dick wrote:
>
> Good morning BOAR-NET Members and Amateur Radio Clubs,
>
>  
>
> I would like to report my activities over the past week or so. I also want 
> to acknowledge Kevin Sherwood, KB3PLX, the President of BRATS for inspiring 
> me to seek out those who might benefit from using what everyone is building 
> and wants to build. When I asked him to build a link between Baltimore and 
> Frederick Counties, he asked where the traffic would come from. I had no 
> answer. This is what I did to answer that question.
>
>  
>
> MY ASSUMPTIONS
>
>  
>
> First there are several assumptions I have made and, hopefully, they are 
> reasonably correct.
>
>  
>
> 1. The ham community with others have an interest in building a broadband 
> wireless network which incorporates some if not all of, the following: 
> backhauals, point-to-point links, multipoint-to-point for distribution, 
> Wi-Fi, MESH, and other stuff.
>
>  
>
> 2. One purpose for doing all this is to create an alternative wireless 
> data network with robust connections between links and fail proof internet 
> connectivity at various points within the network in order to support, 
> among other entities, ourselves, and the community at large, especially 
> during emergencies. 
>
>  
>
> 3. It is desirable to lend this network to those who provide support 
> during emergencies and disasters.
>
>  
>
> 4. We, hams, are an Army of Geeks. We are looking to increase our ranks 
> from old hams, new hams, the newly licensed, and the non-licensed. In other 
> words, we want help from anyone who is interested in what we are doing.
>
>  
>
> 5. We need free vertical real estate for locating equipment throughout the 
> region.
>
>  
>
> 6. We are good people. However, we all have our ideas, our differing 
> experiences and knowledge, differing agendas, and biases. BUT WE NEED TO 
> AGREE TO STANDARDS IN ORDER TO BUILD AN INTERCONNETED NETWORK.
>
>  
>
> 7. We must take an all new view on how we will work together in order to 
> be really useful and dependable to the public. In other words, FOCUS. We 
> must be singular in purpose and very clear in how our clients work with us.
>
>  
>
> 8. As hams, we are providing our enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge. We 
> are not providing our frequencies. Therefore, our activities do not fall 
> under the ARRL nor Part 97. Those restrictions have held us back in the 
> past and we finally have an opportunity to get out from under them when 
> implementing a wireless broadband system for use by unlicensed persons. 
> Certainly, part 97 rules apply when we also need to use our traditional 
> data and voice communication methods and frequencies to support emergency 
> communications. It’s both – not one or the other.
>
>  
>
> 9. I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
>
>  
>
> THE REPORT
>
>  
>
> I have had several significant conversations with the right people at the 
> Center for Health and Homeland Security (CHHS) at the Law Center at the 
> University of Maryland. I find it hard to believe that I finally found 
> those who can really influence government agencies, public safety, large 
> organizations, etc. in how to prepare and handle disasters and other 
> emergencies.  These are the experts who appreciate the ham community and, 
> especially, what we are beginning to do with broadband.
>
>  
>
> In talking to these folks, one thing becomes very clear: They want to deal 
> with a single entity (not me as an individual) that represents the Army of 
> Geeks.  It was agreed that this had to be a new entity (NGO and Nonprofit) 
> in order to have the proper energy, focus, and lack of history(baggage).
>
>  
>
> MY PLAN
>
>  
>
> I am forming a new Association. Trying to find a name with a domain that 
> has not been taken took hours. I ended up with PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS.ORG<http://public-connections.org/>
>  and PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS.NET <http://public-connections.net/>
>
>  
>
> This is an association of groups, clubs, businesses, faith-based 
> organizations, agencies, etc. IT IS NOT A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS nor is it an 
> Amateur Radio Organization. We hams are key to the success of this project 
> because of our knowledge and experience. It’s our passion to build and 
> serve, plus we’re volunteers.
>
>  
>
> Conceptually, local "clubs" would be the members. Each club would appoint 
> a representative to serve on the P-C Executive Committee. Eventually, the 
> committee would write by-laws and select officers for leadership. I am 
> appointing myself as the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR until it makes sense to replace 
> me.
>
>  
>
> In addition to members who are the designers, builders, and maintainers of 
> the new Alternative Wireless Data Network, the other members are the users 
> or the clients of what is being built.  It's these client members who will 
> support our efforts in getting the free vertical real estate we need to 
> mount antennas and radios.
>
>  
>
> ACTIONS TO TAKE
>
>  
>
> I am asking each of you to approach your organizations/clubs/groups to 
> join PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS. We need to present a single representative 
> organization to work with CHHS and others. Ideally, we will have enough 
> clubs/groups with over 300 individuals combined as part of P-C. These are 
> serious numbers.
>
>  
>
> I am not asking for financial support from the groups. Although, at some 
> point, it will have to be addressed by the Executive Committee.
>
>  
>
> FINALLY
>
>  
>
> I know one thing. If this is a one-man show, it will fail.  Please join 
> the Army of Geeks.
>
>  
>
> WHY YOU ASK
>
>  
>
> I am of the opinion (yes, I have several) that since 911, our served 
> agencies feel the hams are no longer needed. We have been approaching them 
> improperly. A fresh new approach with a new organization of organizations 
> can work. Fortunately, it appears important folks at CHHS want to work with 
> us if we can get our act together.  This is a major first step in that 
> direction.
>
>  
>
> Respectfully submitted,
>
>  
>
> Richard Hayman, WN3R
>
> WN3R.US at gmail.com
>
>  
>
> PS The website is in the process of being built. I published it only to 
> see how it works. The design and words make no sense YET. UNDER 
> DEVELOPMENT. It’s OK to visit, but do not send anyone to it. They will get 
> the impression I am an idiot. Thanks. (I could use some help with it)
>
>  
>
> PPS I read and reread the above. Please excuse any grammatical errors (I 
> are a engineer by education).
>
>  
>
> PPPS Feel free to forward to any MD, DC, VA, DE organization who might 
> have an interest in P-C.
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>

On Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:31:04 AM UTC-4, WN3R,Dick wrote:
>
> Good morning BOAR-NET Members and Amateur Radio Clubs,
>
>  
>
> I would like to report my activities over the past week or so. I also want 
> to acknowledge Kevin Sherwood, KB3PLX, the President of BRATS for inspiring 
> me to seek out those who might benefit from using what everyone is building 
> and wants to build. When I asked him to build a link between Baltimore and 
> Frederick Counties, he asked where the traffic would come from. I had no 
> answer. This is what I did to answer that question.
>
>  
>
> MY ASSUMPTIONS
>
>  
>
> First there are several assumptions I have made and, hopefully, they are 
> reasonably correct.
>
>  
>
> 1. The ham community with others have an interest in building a broadband 
> wireless network which incorporates some if not all of, the following: 
> backhauals, point-to-point links, multipoint-to-point for distribution, 
> Wi-Fi, MESH, and other stuff.
>
>  
>
> 2. One purpose for doing all this is to create an alternative wireless 
> data network with robust connections between links and fail proof internet 
> connectivity at various points within the network in order to support, 
> among other entities, ourselves, and the community at large, especially 
> during emergencies.  
>
>  
>
> 3. It is desirable to lend this network to those who provide support 
> during emergencies and disasters.
>
>  
>
> 4. We, hams, are an Army of Geeks. We are looking to increase our ranks 
> from old hams, new hams, the newly licensed, and the non-licensed. In other 
> words, we want help from anyone who is interested in what we are doing.
>
>  
>
> 5. We need free vertical real estate for locating equipment throughout the 
> region.
>
>  
>
> 6. We are good people. However, we all have our ideas, our differing 
> experiences and knowledge, differing agendas, and biases. BUT WE NEED TO 
> AGREE TO STANDARDS IN ORDER TO BUILD AN INTERCONNETED NETWORK.
>
>  
>
> 7. We must take an all new view on how we will work together in order to 
> be really useful and dependable to the public. In other words, FOCUS. We 
> must be singular in purpose and very clear in how our clients work with us.
>
>  
>
> 8. As hams, we are providing our enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge. We 
> are not providing our frequencies. Therefore, our activities do not fall 
> under the ARRL nor Part 97. Those restrictions have held us back in the 
> past and we finally have an opportunity to get out from under them when 
> implementing a wireless broadband system for use by unlicensed persons. 
> Certainly, part 97 rules apply when we also need to use our traditional 
> data and voice communication methods and frequencies to support emergency 
> communications. It’s both – not one or the other.
>
>  
>
> 9. I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
>
>  
>
> THE REPORT
>
>  
>
> I have had several significant conversations with the right people at the 
> Center for Health and Homeland Security (CHHS) at the Law Center at the 
> University of Maryland. I find it hard to believe that I finally found 
> those who can really influence government agencies, public safety, large 
> organizations, etc. in how to prepare and handle disasters and other 
> emergencies.  These are the experts who appreciate the ham community and, 
> especially, what we are beginning to do with broadband.
>
>  
>
> In talking to these folks, one thing becomes very clear: They want to deal 
> with a single entity (not me as an individual) that represents the Army of 
> Geeks.  It was agreed that this had to be a new entity (NGO and Nonprofit) 
> in order to have the proper energy, focus, and lack of history(baggage).
>
>  
>
> MY PLAN
>
>  
>
> I am forming a new Association. Trying to find a name with a domain that 
> has not been taken took hours. I ended up with PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS.ORG and 
> PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS.NET
>
>  
>
> This is an association of groups, clubs, businesses, faith-based 
> organizations, agencies, etc. IT IS NOT A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS nor is it an 
> Amateur Radio Organization. We hams are key to the success of this project 
> because of our knowledge and experience. It’s our passion to build and 
> serve, plus we’re volunteers.
>
>  
>
> Conceptually, local "clubs" would be the members. Each club would appoint 
> a representative to serve on the P-C Executive Committee. Eventually, the 
> committee would write by-laws and select officers for leadership. I am 
> appointing myself as the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR until it makes sense to replace 
> me.
>
>  
>
> In addition to members who are the designers, builders, and maintainers of 
> the new Alternative Wireless Data Network, the other members are the users 
> or the clients of what is being built.  It's these client members who will 
> support our efforts in getting the free vertical real estate we need to 
> mount antennas and radios.
>
>  
>
> ACTIONS TO TAKE
>
>  
>
> I am asking each of you to approach your organizations/clubs/groups to 
> join PUBLIC-CONNECTIONS. We need to present a single representative 
> organization to work with CHHS and others. Ideally, we will have enough 
> clubs/groups with over 300 individuals combined as part of P-C. These are 
> serious numbers.
>
>  
>
> I am not asking for financial support from the groups. Although, at some 
> point, it will have to be addressed by the Executive Committee.
>
>  
>
> FINALLY
>
>  
>
> I know one thing. If this is a one-man show, it will fail.  Please join 
> the Army of Geeks.
>
>  
>
> WHY YOU ASK
>
>  
>
> I am of the opinion (yes, I have several) that since 911, our served 
> agencies feel the hams are no longer needed. We have been approaching them 
> improperly. A fresh new approach with a new organization of organizations 
> can work. Fortunately, it appears important folks at CHHS want to work with 
> us if we can get our act together.  This is a major first step in that 
> direction.
>
>  
>
> Respectfully submitted,
>
>  
>
> Richard Hayman, WN3R 
>
> WN3R.US at gmail.com
>
>  
>
> PS The website is in the process of being built. I published it only to 
> see how it works. The design and words make no sense YET. UNDER 
> DEVELOPMENT. It’s OK to visit, but do not send anyone to it. They will get 
> the impression I am an idiot. Thanks. (I could use some help with it)
>
>  
>
> PPS I read and reread the above. Please excuse any grammatical errors (I 
> are a engineer by education).
>
>  
>
> PPPS Feel free to forward to any MD, DC, VA, DE organization who might 
> have an interest in P-C.
>
>  
>
>  
>
>  
>