What's the problem you have 222MHZ and up ....
________________________________ From: expeditionradio <expeditionra...@yahoo.com> To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sat, March 6, 2010 3:40:42 PM Subject: [digitalradio] Re: Anecdotes about FCC inadvertent hostility toward ham radio digital modes? Generally speaking, USA's FCC rules for ham digital technology are sadly antiquated, and many common digital methods could fall into gray areas of the rules, or "prohibited" areas of the rules depending upon how the rules are interpreted or how the method is described. Overly-complex and restrictive rules that evolved for 20th century communications methods can often lead to erroneous interpretations of the rules. If a question about 21st century digital technology is not phrased correctly, or if there is even the slightest misunderstanding or specification complication. .. that off-the-cuff interpretation in a telephone call to FCC, or an email request, may start a domino effect which could have far-reaching adverse effects upon other aspects of ham radio digital technology. Even well-researched recent petitions and formal proposals for rulemaking have backfired, and the results have been detrimental to Amateur Radio Service digital communications. For example, a recent proposal resulted in an FCC ruling that took a large and extremely valuable chunk of the 80meter band away from the CW/Data/RTTY sub-band (even though no one proposed it or asked for it to be taken away). One of the fundamental aspects (myths?) of the Amateur Radio Service in USA is that hams are 'encouraged to pursue advancement of the state of the art of radio' ; in actual practice, USA hams are boxed in with arbitrary and nonsensical "content" restrictions and obsolete technical limitations. Literally, USA hams are confined to a "digital technology jail"... especially compared to other more advanced countries of the world. Most of the basic aspects of Radio Frequency technology were developed in the 20th century. The real frontier of radio technology now is in the use of digital processing, modulation, and methods of automation or control of radio. And it just so happens, that this is the area of the FCC rules that severely lacks freedom and is most counter-productive toward pioneering USA hams. The ham radio rules for digital methods and technology in USA have changed very little to accommodate 21st century technology and encourage advancement of the state-of-the- art... despite the fact that the very basic purpose of ham radio in USA includes significant emphasis on this: "FCC Part 97, "Amateur Radio Service, Subpart A--General Provisions, §97.1 Basis and purpose." "(b) Continuation and extension of the amateur's proven ability to contribute to the advancement of the radio art. (c) Encouragement and improvement of the amateur service through rules which provide for advancing skills in both the communications and technical phases of the art." Good luck. 73 Bonnie Crystal KQ6XA .