[KYHAM] Changes to the KY Amateur Radio Web Site...

[Pat Spencer, KD4PWL]

To All, (Please spread the word to friends, clubs, newsletters, etc.)

The KY Amateur Radio Web Site has undergone changes in order to provide a 
better resource for KY Amateur Radio Operators.  The changes are not a 
facelift as the site has the same look and feel, but are condensation of 
some content, and the adoption as the primary source for Emergency 
Communications Information for Kentucky Section ARES.  In the future, this 
emergency communications content will expand to include other statewide 
programs that consistently provide amateur radio public service communications.

One major addition to the emergency communications section is the KY ARES 
Emergency Communications Online Training Program.  At this time, the study 
material for Parts 1 and 2 are available online as HTML, or you can 
download it in PDF format.  The NCS test is only available in PDF format a 
this time, but will be converted to HTML as time allows.  This course has 
been sanctioned by Kentucky Emergency Management as a credible source of 
training for amateur radio operators.  The agency offers 2 hours of 
continuing education credit for those eligible for KY EM CCUs.

Another addition to the emergency communications section is the ability to 
file Monthly DEC/EC and Public Service Activity Reports online.  This 
feature was available in the distant past, but was discontinued due to 
technical problems.  These server-side problems have been addressed, and 
are available once more.  In the near future, the Net Manager Report and 
Public Service Honor Roll reports will be available.  The ARES Registration 
and Application for Station Appointment Form are also available on the 
Emergency Communications Page.

The site will remain at http://www.qsl.net/kyham/ with one addition.  One 
utilization change of the web site includes a mirror site in the event that 
QSL.NET is offline.  This was done at the request of KY Section ARES 
Coordinators because they use the site during emergency activations as an 
information resource.  The mirror site is located at 
http://kyham.home.insightbb.com/ There is a  "catch" in the mirror 
process.  The forms available on the site are based around the QSL.NET 
"Form Mail" facility.  They do not work on the mirror site.  Instructions 
are placed on the form page that if you need an emergency update to simply 
email me.  Overall, this is a small consideration for the opportunity to 
access the information.

I ask that everyone who has anything to do with amateur radio programs to 
look at the "Local Information" pages to verify that the information is 
correct.  If there is information from those of you who I have not heard 
from that is not on the site, please let me know.  The site is only 
successful because of you good souls who keep me apprised of accurate 
information and news.

I hope that these changes are positive for all.

Take care, 73,
Pat, KD4PWL
KYHAM Administrator