New members are assigned a DOS number by Charles W3CY.
 If you have not received a DOS number please contact Charles

The DOS Group is in the process of reorganization / change. Members are being asked to consider
issues which they might "champion" / "take ownership" . These positions are listed below in a table matrix.
To read the announcement click here. Where to operate click here.

The Digital On Six Group  started November 29, 2001. We have functioned
mainly as an email reflector. Unless individuals become more involved we
are likely to fail and DOS will remain just an email reflector. Everyone
should
be a part of any improvement process.  This of course assumes you expect
more from DOS than sharing emails. This note is about improving the DOS
group. If you cannot volunteer for one of the open positions, you can be
active
in the group activities and support this improvement process.

Again let me restate before you read any further, we are looking for
volunteers
to step forward and champion some new initiatives plus, we need existing
members to learn about these new processes and participate so that they are
successful.

The first issue relates to the DOS WebPages. We need a volunteer who can
create and maintain the DOS Webpage.   The WebPages should both promote
the DOS Group and be an aid to both newbie's and advanced users of digital
modes.  The content for the WebPages comes from various members thus the
ability to work with others or with a small group is very desirable. DOS
needs a
"Best In Class" webpage that promotes our group and provides useful
information.

Next, a DOS Awards Programs needs to be developed.  Several have asked for
an awards program for accomplishments with six meter digital modes. Awards
for working a set number of grids, DOS numbers, initial contacts etc. A
50MHz
Digi WAS Award should be popular.  We need a volunteer or small group to
create and manage an awards program for the DOS members. The moderators
envision a program where operators make applications online and awards are
emailed for printing. Logs are submitted and validated instead of QSL cards
being
submitted. The Award Standings and Rules will be posted / updated on the
WebPages.  The volunteers for this position should be committed to creating
awards
that will be of interest plus challenge DOS operators. Awards should promote
 activity.

The issue of DOS Contesting needs to be addressed. There might be some
overlap with the "Awards Team" with certificates.  The contesting volunteers
should attempt to compile input from the group relating to what is wanted
and
then submit some proposed rules for the group to critique.  It is possible
that the
awards managers could take on "Contesting" under their agenda, however if
we have enough volunteers we believe it might be best to have two distinct
groups;
Awards and Contests.

We need a group of knowledgeable members to write "How to Articles" or
"Standard Operating Procedures" for the most used modes. There are many six
meter operators who might try PSK, Olivia or RTTY if they just knew
something
about it.  Which digital mode works best for different propagation modes?
When
to use FSK441 instead of JT6M? What is a "macro"?  etc.

The moderators feel we need some activity periods to encourage operators to
get on at least once a week. This weekly event is where everyone gets on
50.290MHz and attempts to work some locals or dx if the band is open. We
need
to create roundtable discussions during band opening. There are many
options;
it just needs to be worked out and communicated.  If you would like to
create
and promote such an activity please volunteer. The weekly activity period
can be
advertised and promoted on the DOS WebPages. This is probably better worked
out
with a small group . Some members are familiar with the Saturday Random Hour
sessions. We are talking about the same type a similar activity perios for
DOS
using various digital modes & propagation modes.

We the moderators realize that additional members who can champion new
initiatives are needed. The best days of DOS are ahead of us.  The best path
for
improvements and innovation will be found within our members. Working
together
Digital On Six can become more than "just an email group".

Summary . Looking for:
DOS Webpage Master (1 person)
DOS Awards Managers (1 - 3 members)
DOS Contesting Committee (1 - 3 members)
Technical Writers / How To Articles (1 - 3 members)
Members Supporting new initiatives (600 + members)

If you need further information or wish to volunteer simply email one of the
moderators or simply post to the entire group. This type leadership approach
has worked well with the WSJTGROUP where there are champions for sprints,
contests, awards and activity periods.   Maybe you know someone whom you
would like to work with on an issue, email them offline and ask them to
volunteer
with you. We would like to have names assigned and groups working on these
issues by May 8th.

Comments?  What else can be done?

WA5UFH for the DOS Moderators

Charles (W3CY); Les (W4FRA); Randy (WA5UFH); Bruce (N5SIX)