> Dave WB2FTX wrote: > There are two types of "automatic" operation. Fully automatic > means that the automated station will issue connects by itself. > ... > Semi-automatic operation will move below 3600 Khz after the > 15th, in the 3590 to 3600 region. >
Hi Dave, There has been some misinformation posted on groups and websites about "Automatic" operation on 80 meters. It is understandable that many hams have been confused, with all those errors and confusion in the recent FCC ruling. But, there are also a few hams who are trying to "exploit" the confusion by spreading disinformation. In fact, it would be quite difficult to get a handle on what is automatic and what is non-automatic, since automation is a moving target in our changing world of technology. In the FCC's Amateur Radio Service rules, as far as I know, there are no such terms as "Fully Automatic" or "Semi-Automatic" used. If anyone can point out these terms, please elucidate. The new "omnibus" FCC rules for December 15th are *completely silent* on the topic of "automatic stations". In fact, it seems that... whoopsy-daisy, the FCC forgot to read their own rules about them :) The only reason data/texting stations in USA, automatic or manual, are all moving below 3600kHz is that the subband above 3600kHz is scheduled to become a CW/Voice/Image subband for Extra Class licensees on 15 December. This will happen unless there is a "stay" issued by FCC in response to ARRL's recent petitions, for the FCC rules taking effect. Even if the stay doesn't happen, emissions still remain available for compliant automatic use in the 3500kHz to 3600kHz subband for data/texting/500HzBW-image. Automatic operation will continue in the 3500kHz to 3600kHz range in USA. There are many automatic stations, many types of automatic stations, and thousands of ham operators who use these stations for their enjoyment of ham radio, for emergency service, and for safety. All of us will be packed like sardines into the 3500kHz-3600kHz subband now. It benefits all of us, for good spectrum efficiency, for all the automatic stations to run fast data... as fast as they possibly can. That leads to one of the reasons for my recent proposed changes in the 80m bandplan and digital keyboarding calling frequencies. These help to provide a foundation for hams to effectively separate the relatively different techniques of time-efficient fast digital automatic operations from relatively bandwidth-efficient manual keyboarding operations. Bonnie KQ6XA .
