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

Devilbiss, James devilbiss at hood.edu
Mon Apr 7 08:10:10 EDT 2014


I also fully agree with all comments especially about after 9/11. Fredrick County need someone who is an active leader in RACES. Since I am not able to do it after the summer and this is an excellent opportunity for a new person to come in and start a new program. My true only concern is getting an active cooperation with the current emergency management team.

James Devilbiss
Hood College
Mathematics Department 
Frederick 
Maryland
21701

> On Apr 6, 2014, at 8:29 AM, "William "Bill" Kisse, WA3GJD" <williamkisse at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 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.
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