At 08:06 PM 4/21/2010, you wrote:
>Morning Tony > >That was MY point keep d-star and digital OFF the standard simplex >frequencies. >NOW we all know that can be a problem SO .... Why not get the ARRL >to hold a vote of WHICH frequencies are most used by FM ? Well, D-STAR needs to go somewhere, and the ARRL should be taking a leadership role over there. > >Likr here in Tampabay Florida ... > >We use 146.52 and 147.550 but little is on most others like 146.55, >146.58 .... Interestingly enough, Australia is normally considered a "backwater", but here in Melbourrne, it's actually quite hard to find a free FM simplex frequency some nights. A combination of geographic and cultural factors lead to this. Geographically, Melbourne is relatively flat, so simplex works well over much of the city. Culturally, clubs tend to congregate on various "club frequencies", which are often busy for extended periods with ragchewing. Add several IRLP and Echolink simplex nodes, and frequencies run out rather rapidly. Still, the WIA found some relatively unused frequencies in the packet radio segment, which were re-designated as D-STAR simplex. Because we kept 25 kHz spacing, it's also possible to squeeze in between FM channels, if the recommended D-STAR frequencies are busy. > IF nation wide lets say 146.58 is little used then work things > out to put D-Star/digital on that frequency and allow the locals to > work things out maybe placing d-star on a back up one in that location ? That's something that should be looked into. As I said, the WIA here does a reasonably good job of maintaining the band plans on a national basis. I certainly find the US situation hard to follow by comparison. In the cities, we follow the band plans closely. In rural areas, things are a lot more open to local interpretation, because of the small number of hams in those areas. I have been in areas where there were literally no others in FM range, without the aid of tropo - only parts of the band plans that matter there are satellites and the weak signal segment! In such areas, FM users simply sit on 146.500 (national calling frequency), in case a passing mobile comes up. While driving through a remote area, I heard someone calling on 146.500. Turns out the guy driving the car behind me saw my antennas and took a punt that I was (1) a ham, and (2) listening on 146.500. :) Now, I think it's a bit early to monitor 145.125 (national D-STAR calling frequency) while mobile in remote areas, but one day that might happen down here. 73 de VK3JED / VK3IRL http://vkradio.com
