Sticking with the USA/FCC-centric discussion, I agree with Alan KM4BA, when he wrote:
"If the radio stays on a single frequency in SSB mode the new mode does not meet the definition of spread spectrum that is restricted in HF. Many advanced digital protocols manage the spectrum in the SSB bandwidth to achieve performance. But since the implied carrier frequency is not moving, it's not spread spectrum in the classic sense." It does not matter what the ROS authors write to describe it. It isn't illegal in the USA because they call it SS, all that matters is how a competent engineer would technically describe it. FCC rules do not say it is illegal to use a mode that describes itself as SS on HF, they say that SS is not allowed on the HF bands. And saying ROS is SS doesn't make that true. I also agree with Andy G4JNT's point that Amateurs should be allowed to experiment. Historically in the USA, the FCC has indeed allowed experimentation, then come along with appropriate rules once the new technology is better understood. I think all this legal discussion is trying to make, as they say, a mountain out of a molehill. Jim - K6JM ----- Original Message ----- From: Alan Barrow To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, February 20, 2010 7:03 AM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Re: ROS, legal in USA? Andy wrote: > > I find it rather amazing that 99% of the posts on ROS, and any > other new data mode, are related to its legality in the US. How > did you end up with such restrictive amateur licensing practices > that experimentation with any new ideas is almost regulated away? > Or worries the users that they make be flung in prison for > transmitting them :-) > Unfortunately the same way some of my brit friends found themselves in catch 22 regarding bio-fuels.... was not illegal. But was not taxed, so could not be used without paying tax. But there was no agency to pay tax to. IE: Bureaucracy! Big fines, court appearances, no law broken, yet all tangled up. I'll just say the US is not the only country with agencies restricting things based on red-tape rather than any legit reason. Even the FCC can be worked with if you go to the trouble to find the entry point, I've seen it done before more than once. But that's harder than having arm-chair lawyers make their declaration "It's illegal". :-) My read: If the radio stays on a single frequency in SSB mode the new mode does not meet the definition of spread spectrum that is restricted in HF. Many advanced digital protocols manage the spectrum in the SSB bandwidth to achieve performance. But since the implied carrier frequency is not moving, it's not spread spectrum in the classic sense. You might be able to argue if it's legal for use in certain band segments, etc. You could talk about effective symbol rate, though many modes are working around that as well. Have fun, Alan km4ba
