Date: 16 Aug 2004 16:56:20 -0000
From: ARRL Web site <memberlist@www.arrl.org>
To: **distribution list**
Subject: Monthly Michigan Section News Summary

August 15, 2004
Greetings everyone.

Packet radio has been the topic of serious discussion for several months,
particularly In light of the interest in the deployment of Winlink 2000 as an
email-like user interface.  Testing of Winlink 2000 in Michigan has had
positive results, and demonstrations of the system to various officials at
both local and state levels has resulted in favorable commentary.

Michigan has explored and operated several packet networks and has pioneered
in specific areas of packet radio.  With the likelihood of Winlink 200
becoming an integral part of emergency communications and a national standard,
it is in our interest to seriously examine the status of our various networks
and associated stations and develop reasonable plans and guidelines to aid in
both the near-term and long range development of an effective and reliable
packet radio system in Michigan.  Winlink has in fact been successfully
implemented and is operational in several regions of Michigan as of this time.

I am therefor establishing the Michigan Section Digital Radio Group to
spearhead this effort.  The key objectives shall include, but necessarily be
limited to, the following tasks:  examine existing system and networks,
determine which are most appropriate to serve the needs of Michigan in terms
of reliability, ease of use, redundancy, throughput, ease of implementation,
potential for growth, likelihood of obsolesce, availability of equipment and
software, interface to existing systems and networks and other requirements to
be determined by the group.  Recommend, and where appropriate, develop and/or
integrate new systems and networks to serve those determined needs and
national standards.

It must be noted that many pressures and the need for the group to complete
their objectives will be high, requiring cooperation from a wide range of
nets, clubs, local and state government organizations, and ARES/RACES groups.
In some way, most amateur radio organizations in the state will be affected by
the actions of this new team, requiring a resolute effort in cooperation and
teamwork.  Nearly everyone will in some way be a stakeholder in insuring the
success of this program.

It shall draw its membership from three primary areas: The ARES/RACES program,
the NTS Staff, and the amateur radio technical community.  Each sector shall
be appropriately represented within the following guidelines: The SEC shall
chair the body, and permanent seats will be assigned to the STM, the QMN, the
ASM for ARPSC and a representative from the ARRL Great Lakes Division.  The SM
shall serve as an advisor without vote.  Each DEC shall select a
representative from his District to serve as a member.  Members shall serve a
two year renewable term, and in the case of the permanent members, concurrent
with their other offices.  A secretary shall be chosen to record the
proceedings and they shall be published and made available to all interested
parties.  Meetings shall be held as the group determines, but always with
formal advanced notice posted on the ARRL Michigan Section web page.  The
committee shall develop the remaining by-laws.

An important requirement is for this newly created team to operate in an open
environment where it can freely receive input and suggestions from the entire
Michigan amateur community.  Likewise, the group charged with reporting its
plans and activities to us all on a regular basis.  I will make the resources
of the Section Staff available for distributing those reports, minutes and
commentaries.   Of course there are high expectations for this team, and many
of us will clearly focus on monitoring its efforts.  I am confident that the
support of the Michigan amateurs will be behind this effort and we will see
near-term very positive results.

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ARRL Michigan Section
Section Manager: Dale R. Williams, WA8EFK
wa8efk@arrl.org
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