The ARRL Arizona Section has a group of volunteers called Technical Specialists (TS) whose primary duty is to help solve interference issues. I currently am the Technical Coordinator for Arizona and attempt to interest the available TS's to volunteer to help resolve issues. I also occasionally help work various interference problems. The current ARRL Technical Specialists for the Tucson area are myself, Avery - WD4RTP, Michael - AC4AN and Richard - KD6VLN. I am very interested in finding other technically competent individuals to appoint to the TS ranks before I turn over the TC job to the next volunteer. I would very much like to see some suitable volunteers from the RST club ranks and it would be even better if RST formed an interference team to work such issues.

The TS job can be more than only dealing with interference complaints, but these issues are probably the major work load. I was originally appointed because of my experience with amateur satellite communication to help other hams as necessary. If anyone would like to become a TS, I would like to talk with them. There are some minor perks including some free books from the ARRL and the job does not usually require much (if any) time. I am including the TS job description below.

Larry Brown, W7LB
ARRL Technical Coordinator - Arizona

For a section team to be effective in one of the most important arenas in Amateur Radio, technology, there must be a cadre of qualified, competentTechnical Specialists (TSs). "Advancement of the radio art" is a profound obligation we incur under the rules of the FCC. TSs help meet this obligation.

Appointment by the SM, or TC under delegated authority from the SM, the TS supports the TC in two main areas of responsibility: Radio Frequency Interference, and Technical Information. TSs can specialize in certain specific technical areas, or can be generalists. Here is a list of specific job duties:

Serve as a technical advisor to local hams and clubs. Correspond by telephone and letter on tech topics. Refer correspondents to other sources if specific topic is outside TS's knowledge.

Serve as advisor in radio frequency interference issues. RFI can drive a wedge in neighbor and city relations. It will be the TS with a cool head who will resolve problems. Local hams will come to you for guidance in dealing with interference problems.

Speak at local clubs on popular tech topics. Let local clubs know you're available and willing.

Represent ARRL at technical symposiums in industry; serve on CATV advisory committees; advise municipal governments on technical matters.

Work with other ARRL officials and appointees when called upon for technical advice, especially in emergency communications situations where technical prowess can mean the difference in getting a communications system up and running, the difference between life and death.

Handle other miscellaneous technically-related tasks assigned by the Technical Coordinator.

Recruitment of new hams and League members is an integral part of the job of every League appointee. Appointees should take advantage of every opportunity to recruit a new ham or member to foster growth of Field Organization programs, and our abilities to serve the public.

Technical Specialists must hold Novice or higher class license; ARRL membership required.