I believe I finally have a list compiled. I haven’t received any requests to add in over 3 days, so I’m calling that a lull. It’s still open, so please give my email address to amateurs who would like to be added. Two different email addresses – each will work: k7pkt-at-arrl.net or toddcady-at-qwest.net.

 

This list is an email distribution to many, many amateurs, each interested in learning more about BPL and how it can affect our hobby/passion. The reason for this list is for TWO WAY communication – which we’re all somewhat familiar with, Hi Hi – I’ll be the repeater until the Pilot goes live. After that we will reassess and determine if we will simply have another email address for you to send messages to. Right now, I will be more than happy to bring your questions directly to Dave and Brent at Avista.

 

Please note: Whatever you send to me via email may be forwarded on or sent out to the other amateurs. Please let me know if you do or do not want it sent.

 

We are all in a stage of learning right now and I’d like to have everyone help each to their level. Only by bolstering the knowledge of each of the membership of this distribution can we improve our knowledge, protect our hobby/passion, and work as a team.

 

Avista recognizes us, the “Amateur Community” as a group that has saved their ‘bacon’ in the past, and may very well be the most outstanding critics of their BPL Pilot. Since they feel that we are important to them, they want to include us to help make this work. I have heard before that there are NO BPL systems in place that don’t interfere – and I ask that as cutting edge technophiles that we are, allow for a change in technology or methodology that will make this a success for Avista, and not interfere with our HF. We can help them by reporting interference. We can assist by providing them with technology that will show them where the interference is, how big it is, and maybe offer suggestions as to how to remove that interference.

 

I wanted to make sure everyone knows where I stand, and I want to be very clear.

 

I am an employee of EDS – Electronic Data Systems – and am a member of approximately 50 EDS’ers at the Avista Account. We are contracted (an outsource) to take care of Avista’s Desktop machines, Servers, Infrastructure and much of it’s software. EDS programmers on site were responsible for creating and maintaining the customer service system that allows Avista’s call center to handle upwards of a thousand calls a day on average. I have a very good working relationship with almost every employee that sits at a computer and have for over 7 years. I do like my job, in fact, it lets me keep spending money on my hobby, it helps me to have a shack to hobby from. I am in a unique position to be a front linesman for the Amateur Community and not be concerned about being directly opposed to my employer’s goals. I am taking the reins for other Amateurs in Avista who may not be able to be as vocal as I can. I’m hoping to be able to speak for them with their consent.

 

I do not want my hobby interfered with. I want to become an SW Listener in my autumn years. I want to teach my nephews about Amateur Radio and talk with them wherever their life takes them. I can only do this if HF is not interfered with.

 

I am a Technician right now, have passed the General theory and am working hard at code to complete that. I’m fighting for privileges I don’t even have yet – and I’m not going to be quiet at all. I want to stir the pot. I want a turnout of 150-200 amateurs at the next meeting. I need help spreading the word once it is given – I had the benefit of Hamfest 2004 to spread the word about the first meeting, I may not have it next time.

 

Please send to me a list of the nets you check in to or listen to. I need to be able to check in to them when I get urgent news.

 

I need it in this format:

 

Frequency         Tone?               Day      Hour/time of net             Name of net

 

Any help I can get would be appreciated!

 

Please send me questions that you may have for Avista. Please send questions about BPL – If I can’t answer them, I will find someone who will.

 

73,

Todd Cady, K7PKT

 

 

 

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