On 5/3/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > BTW, the 3 minute control link failure or "heartbeat timer" rule is still > in Part 97 (97.213b). This is the most ignored rule in Part 97, as > virtually no one implements such a control link.
The way I read it, only a "Telecommand Station" needs the 3 minute timer on something called a "control link". And... the only type of "Telecommand Station" that even exists in the Amateur service is... "(42) Telecommand station. An amateur station that transmits communications to initiate, modify or terminate functions of a space station." So... how many space station (satellite) command stations with remote operating capabilities (because if you're sitting at the radio, you don't need a "control link") are you hearing out there, Bob? They're the only people ignoring this rule, if someone's ignoring it. And even though I know a couple of hams who are sending commands to satellites, they're not doing it over remote links... they usually wait until the satellite is overhead and "squirt the bird" themselves. So -- this rule... I'm certainly ignoring it, because it specifically calls out what telecommand is, and what it's used for (controlling satellites) and I'm certainly not doing either one... especially not through repeaters! It's about as specific as a rule in Part 97 gets... full definitions of everything in the sentences except "control link". If you read closely, the *real* reason it's in the rules is there is an undercurrent/paranoia about one-way transmissions throughout all of the Amateur service's rules. The FCC makes it very clear that we are NOT to be "broadcasters". This loophole appears to have been added long ago for the souls who were originally breaking the law when commanding (not operating through -- commanding) satellites. It's one of the only places where there's a specific allowance for one-way transmissions in all of Part 97, and has absolutely nothing at all to do with repeaters. Sorry to continue the thread, my opinion only... I'll let you know if I set up a satellite control uplink over wireline some day so you can check and see if I put a 3 minute time out timer on it! (Yep, that ain't never gonna happen!) Nate WY0X
