[KYHAM] Word from Al Waller, K3TKJ - Owner of QSL.NET

[Pat Spencer, KD4PWL]

For those new to KYHAM, Al Waller is the owner of QSL and QTH.NET.  These 
two systems offer individual amateur radio operators and organizations free 
web space, and email lists like this one without 
obligation/cost/etc.  These systems rely on contributions to keep them in 
service.  I can attest that the technology and bandwidth costs incurred at 
this type of operation are pretty hefty.

Although the KYHAM web site has moved to it's own domain, it got it's 
start, and still relies on some resources on qsl.net.  This listserv is 
still hosted at QSL as well.  This, coupled with the fact that web sites of 
individual KY operators amateur radio organizations that benefit thousands 
of KY hams are hosted without charge always makes me want to pass on Al's 
news updates, request for help, and announcement of prizes for donators.

Take care, 73,
Pat, KD4PWL
KYHAM Administrator


This will go out to all users sometime tonight. I would appreciate 
your  help getting the word out on your lists also.
73. Al

QSL/QTH Users,
It's been a while since I last mailed all users. Things here are 
slowly  getting back to normal after the passing of my Father (K3RLW) in
September. I am now fully retired other than a few consulting jobs at my 
old work place (NASA). I am still swamped with e-mail and it
sometimes takes weeks to even read them, if you need something urgent the 
best way to contact me is by telephone 302-875-1358  8AM to 11PM  Eastern time.

This January we will be starting out 10th year on the Internet. The growth 
of QSL/QTH in the last year has been incredible so much that we
are using all available bandwidth including some we just added. The sites 
are slow responding. It's obvious by the amount of traffic we see that 
these sites are very popular worldwide. It's time to buy more bandwidth, 
hence the purpose of this mailing.

The cost of another T1 will be $5400 yearly. This is money we don't have! 
QSL/QTH has no income other than donations so you see we count on  you to 
help us grow.

Other expensive things that need addressing are the RAID 5 
Harddrives,  (these boxes have 16 80GB drives) 8 being primary storage and 
8 being an image for data backup if needed. I have had 2 drive failures in 
the last 2 months so I need to replace all 16 and increase the capacity 
at  the same time. These Raid drives have been spinning 24/7 for the last 3 
years.

The QSL FTP server needs to be upgraded both in hardware and software soon. 
It's a 4 year old dual 700Mhz and can barely keep up with the  demand put 
on it.

The QTH "Mailman" reflector server is new and has the latest software, this 
was completed a few months ago at a cost of about $1000

Less than 1% of our users have ever contributed, with many who have 
contributed over and over to keep us going. Now is a time we need all of 
you to pitch in a little and help us stay alive and functional for years to 
come. Anything you can contribute will help. I hate to sound like a TV 
evangelist but without hearing from you we will be gone someday soon.

That's the bad news.... Now for some exciting news.

Through the generosity of a long time supporter of QSL/QTH we will 
be  giving away another radio to a user who contributes between now 
and  January 31, 2005. Not just any old radio this time but a new shiny 
Icom 756pro3. Yes you read that right a 756pro3, Icom's newest addition to 
the incredible Pro series. List price on this radio is $3000. I have a 
756pro2 and I can honestly say that in my 44 years as a ham this is the 
best radio I have ever owned. The 756pro3 is even better.

http://www.icomamerica.com/products/amateur/756proIII/

Here are the rules:
1. Only users of QSL/QTH are eligible
2. A $15 donation is one chance, $25 donation is 3 chances $50 donation
is 7 chances, $100 donation is 15 chances etc.
3. All donations previously made in November/December 2004 are
automatically entered.
4. Drawing will be January 31, 2005
5. If you do not want the radio the cash value to the winner is $2500

The winner of the previous 746pro giveaway was KB9LIE and K9OT.

Good luck to all and as always thanks for your support.
Donations accepted by Credit Card     https://proxy.qsl.net/donation
PayPal          http://www.paypal.com   (account  k3tkj at qsl.net)

Donations by mail:
QSL.NET, Inc
34087 Old Hickory Road
  Laurel, Delaware 19956

73, Al K3TKJ
"It is not the class of license the Amateur holds, but the class of the 
Amateur that holds the license."