RE: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Bill
Sounds a bit like a “survivalist” touting the end of the world…more emotion
than substantiation.  QRM is QRM.  BPL, Pactor, bad volkswagon ignition
systems, et.al.

 

William A. Collister

N7MOG

  _  

From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of W2XJ
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 11:24 AM
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

 

A little over the top?

expeditionradio wrote:
> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator.
> 
> Then FCC came for RTTY, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not an RTTY op.
> 
> Then FCC came for the PSK,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PSKer.
> 
> Then they came for me,
> and there was no one left
> to speak out for me.
> 
> [Adapted from "First They Came for the Jews" 
> by Martin Niemöller]
> 
> They may be coming for you and your favorite mode next.
> 
> 73 Bonnie KQ6XA
> 
> ===
> Read the FCC "Petition to Kill Digital Radio Technology" here:
> http://hflink. <http://hflink.com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf>
com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf
> 
> File your comments against "proceeding RM-11392" here:
> http://fjallfoss. <http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi>
fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi
> 
> Can we get at least one hundred hams to oppose it?
> Please do your part.
> 
> .
> 
> 

 



RE: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Michael Hatzakis Jr MD
<<< The HF bands are not going to become quiet. Where are you hearing this?

In response to this question, there is data to suggest HF usage will
continue to decline.  

This is taken from:  http://www.hamradio-online.com/1999/aug/growth.html.  I
cannot authenticate the source of this data, but it is a trend I have read
about from many other sources, but do not have those other references handy.

<< The U.S. Amateur Radio Service just made a switch from being HF-centric
(for nearly 100 years) to being VHF/UHF-centric. This change will accelerate
as many HF-capable Amateur Radio operators reach the end of their life span.


HF operation will continue to be important to Amateur Radio - but is no
longer the defining characteristic of ham radio nor the lure for attracting
new members. >>>

Michael

-Original Message-
From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Rick
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 12:11 PM
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

Michael,

There is an incredible amount of FUD going on with Bonnie's posting and 
it has been repeated over and over by many posting to the FCC web site. 
The major part of Mark's petition *IS* to correct the Winlink 2000 
automatic stations from transmitting anyplace in what is becoming 
narrower text data portions of the bands. Here in the U.S. we just lost 
over 50% of the 80 meter band for text digital and 25 kHz of 40 meters 
as well. The intent of the petition is to reduce the extremely wide 
modes from operating in what used to be the narrow mode areas of the 
band. And to keep them in a narrower area, not throughout the band as 
they now operate. But it is still a compromise.

A more realistic solution would have been be 500 Hz maximum bandwidth, 
and then wider modes up higher, but the FCC has made that more difficult 
with their recent ruling that took away some of these privileges from 
all hams on 80 and 40 and gave them to Extra class hams (some to 
Advanced class yet you can no longer get a license for that class) for 
voice/image. It is true that those of us who are Extra class, can 
transmit digital data in the voice/image areas just above the text 
digital areas, but we would have to use such modes as ALE signaling, or 
image, and of course, digital voice, which is permitted throughout any 
voice portions of the bands.

The text digital modes that work well with weaker signals tend to be the 
under 500 Hz modes. Examples are MFSK16 and MFSK8, PSK modes if the 
conditions are stable, Olivia modes, and ini the past few weeks, the ALE 
400/FAE 400 modes which are truly amazing and only require around a 400 
Hz bandwidth, yet work deep into the noise, far, far, better than MT-63, 
standard wide mode ALE, and can compete for the first time with Pactor. 
And that is using an old technology that is tweaked down to operate at a 
slower 50 baud rate that works when 125 baud does not work at all.

Note that even Pactor 3, defaults to much narrower mode when it drops 
down to Speed Level 1, well below 1500 Hz, when it can not operate in 
the wide, higher speed modes, due to deteriorating band conditions.

The HF bands are not going to become quiet. Where are you hearing this? 
We have low sun spots right now, but the will change in a few years and 
you will hear a lot more activity on the higher bands. Probably more 
than you might want at times. Look what happens when a contest occurs on 
the weekends. Suddenly an explosive number of operators on whatever 
modes are promoted by that contest.

Digital is useful in some cases, but in other cases, particularly 
complex systems using digital, it may not work very well. Just because 
something is new, does not always make it better than the existing 
technology.

73,

Rick, KV9U




Michael Hatzakis Jr MD wrote:
>
> I agree; a little unnecessary drama. I think we can stay rational and 
> have an educational discussion. I've learned from this debate and this 
> is the most useful purpose for sharing opinions, even if I disagree 
> with some. Even still, let's use the FCC web site and exercise what 
> democracy remains on the use of the airwaves and register our opinions.
>
> I am hearing the major objection to PMBO's is their inability to 
> listen to other stations, not just other PMBO's, before they occupy a 
> frequency. So why isn't the proposed rulemaking oriented towards 
> solving THESE SPECIFIC problems rather than abolishing them? Seems 
> this would be consistent with FCC intended rules and would be a 
> no-brainer to get passed. I agree, this community may not have played 
> fair, so regulate the activity that is a problem.
>
> HF digital modes that can operate under very low signal situations are 
> very useful to many and would be sad to see them be abolished. I 
> agree, their use needs to be fine 

Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Rick
Michael,

There is an incredible amount of FUD going on with Bonnie's posting and 
it has been repeated over and over by many posting to the FCC web site. 
The major part of Mark's petition *IS* to correct the Winlink 2000 
automatic stations from transmitting anyplace in what is becoming 
narrower text data portions of the bands. Here in the U.S. we just lost 
over 50% of the 80 meter band for text digital and 25 kHz of 40 meters 
as well. The intent of the petition is to reduce the extremely wide 
modes from operating in what used to be the narrow mode areas of the 
band. And to keep them in a narrower area, not throughout the band as 
they now operate. But it is still a compromise.

A more realistic solution would have been be 500 Hz maximum bandwidth, 
and then wider modes up higher, but the FCC has made that more difficult 
with their recent ruling that took away some of these privileges from 
all hams on 80 and 40 and gave them to Extra class hams (some to 
Advanced class yet you can no longer get a license for that class) for 
voice/image. It is true that those of us who are Extra class, can 
transmit digital data in the voice/image areas just above the text 
digital areas, but we would have to use such modes as ALE signaling, or 
image, and of course, digital voice, which is permitted throughout any 
voice portions of the bands.

The text digital modes that work well with weaker signals tend to be the 
under 500 Hz modes. Examples are MFSK16 and MFSK8, PSK modes if the 
conditions are stable, Olivia modes, and ini the past few weeks, the ALE 
400/FAE 400 modes which are truly amazing and only require around a 400 
Hz bandwidth, yet work deep into the noise, far, far, better than MT-63, 
standard wide mode ALE, and can compete for the first time with Pactor. 
And that is using an old technology that is tweaked down to operate at a 
slower 50 baud rate that works when 125 baud does not work at all.

Note that even Pactor 3, defaults to much narrower mode when it drops 
down to Speed Level 1, well below 1500 Hz, when it can not operate in 
the wide, higher speed modes, due to deteriorating band conditions.

The HF bands are not going to become quiet. Where are you hearing this? 
We have low sun spots right now, but the will change in a few years and 
you will hear a lot more activity on the higher bands. Probably more 
than you might want at times. Look what happens when a contest occurs on 
the weekends. Suddenly an explosive number of operators on whatever 
modes are promoted by that contest.

Digital is useful in some cases, but in other cases, particularly 
complex systems using digital, it may not work very well. Just because 
something is new, does not always make it better than the existing 
technology.

73,

Rick, KV9U




Michael Hatzakis Jr MD wrote:
>
> I agree; a little unnecessary drama. I think we can stay rational and 
> have an educational discussion. I’ve learned from this debate and this 
> is the most useful purpose for sharing opinions, even if I disagree 
> with some. Even still, let’s use the FCC web site and exercise what 
> democracy remains on the use of the airwaves and register our opinions.
>
> I am hearing the major objection to PMBO’s is their inability to 
> listen to other stations, not just other PMBO’s, before they occupy a 
> frequency. So why isn’t the proposed rulemaking oriented towards 
> solving THESE SPECIFIC problems rather than abolishing them? Seems 
> this would be consistent with FCC intended rules and would be a 
> no-brainer to get passed. I agree, this community may not have played 
> fair, so regulate the activity that is a problem.
>
> HF digital modes that can operate under very low signal situations are 
> very useful to many and would be sad to see them be abolished. I 
> agree, their use needs to be fine tuned, but abolishing them seems 
> draconian. With all our innovation, why not spend our energy on their 
> fair and more efficient use rather than chasing them away.
>
> My fear is that if we chase away modes we don’t like, when HF bands 
> become really quiet because people no longer use CW and the number of 
> hams declines because the hobby becomes uninteresting, the allocation 
> gets sold to the highest commercial bidder. We need to promote 
> diversity to survive. The world is going digital and wireless and this 
> is what many new hams enjoy, like myself.
>
> Michael
>
> 



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Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread W2XJ
There are plenty of digital modes that do not interfere. At the end of 
the day everything boils down to signal to noise and bandwidth. If a 
signal is really weak, it will have to be received in a narrow 
bandwidth. The narrower the bandwidth, the slower the transfer of 
information. At HF, digital transmission is limited to some fairly basic 
modulation schemes if it is to work under poor conditions. There is only 
so much that can be accomplished. Look at the commercial digital systems 
used by various public safety organizations that operate on more stable 
UHF channels. When they are needed most, they often fail and authorities 
revert back to the old analog systems.

Don't get me wrong, I like experimenting with digital modes. It is just 
that at this point I would never use the excuse of emergency service to 
justify it. I certainly think that stations that transmit without 
listening are more of a hazard in an emergency than an asset.

It is interesting to note that homeland security is investing in analog 
SSB systems for last resort backup.



Michael Hatzakis Jr MD wrote:

> HF digital modes that can operate under very low signal situations are very
> useful to many and would be sad to see them be abolished.  I agree, their
> use needs to be fine tuned, but abolishing them seems draconian.  With all
> our innovation, why not spend our energy on their fair and more efficient
> use rather than chasing them away.  
> 
>  
> 
> My fear is that if we chase away modes we don’t like, when HF bands become
> really quiet because people no longer use CW and the number of hams declines
> because the hobby becomes uninteresting, the allocation gets sold to the
> highest commercial bidder.  We need to promote diversity to survive.  The
> world is going digital and wireless and this is what many new hams enjoy,
> like myself.  


Announce your digital presence via our Interactive Sked Page at
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RE: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread bruce mallon
Mike 

NONE of us wants to stop any mode just see it does not
distroy things for others.


  

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RE: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Michael Hatzakis Jr MD
I agree; a little unnecessary drama.  I think we can stay rational and have
an educational discussion.  I’ve learned from this debate and this is the
most useful purpose for sharing opinions, even if I disagree with some.
Even still, let’s use the FCC web site and exercise what democracy remains
on the use of the airwaves and register our opinions.

 

I am hearing the major objection to PMBO’s is their inability to listen to
other stations, not just other PMBO’s, before they occupy a frequency.  So
why isn’t the proposed rulemaking oriented towards solving THESE SPECIFIC
problems rather than abolishing them?  Seems this would be consistent with
FCC intended rules and would be a no-brainer to get passed.  I agree, this
community may not have played fair, so regulate the activity that is a
problem.

 

HF digital modes that can operate under very low signal situations are very
useful to many and would be sad to see them be abolished.  I agree, their
use needs to be fine tuned, but abolishing them seems draconian.  With all
our innovation, why not spend our energy on their fair and more efficient
use rather than chasing them away.  

 

My fear is that if we chase away modes we don’t like, when HF bands become
really quiet because people no longer use CW and the number of hams declines
because the hobby becomes uninteresting, the allocation gets sold to the
highest commercial bidder.  We need to promote diversity to survive.  The
world is going digital and wireless and this is what many new hams enjoy,
like myself.  

 

Michael

 

  _  

From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of W2XJ
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2007 10:24 AM
To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

 

A little over the top?

expeditionradio wrote:
> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator.
> 
> Then FCC came for RTTY, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not an RTTY op.
> 
> Then FCC came for the PSK,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PSKer.
> 
> Then they came for me,
> and there was no one left
> to speak out for me.
> 
> [Adapted from "First They Came for the Jews" 
> by Martin Niemöller]
> 
> They may be coming for you and your favorite mode next.
> 
> 73 Bonnie KQ6XA
> 
> ===
> Read the FCC "Petition to Kill Digital Radio Technology" here:
> http://hflink. <http://hflink.com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf>
com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf
> 
> File your comments against "proceeding RM-11392" here:
> http://fjallfoss. <http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi>
fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi
> 
> Can we get at least one hundred hams to oppose it?
> Please do your part.
> 
> .
> 
> 

 



Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread W2XJ
A little over the top?



expeditionradio wrote:
> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator.
> 
> Then FCC came for RTTY, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not an RTTY op.
> 
> Then FCC came for the PSK,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PSKer.
> 
> Then they came for me,
> and there was no one left
> to speak out for me.
>  
> [Adapted from "First They Came for the Jews" 
> by Martin Niemöller]
>  
> They may be coming for you and your favorite mode next.
> 
> 73 Bonnie KQ6XA
> 
> ===
> Read the FCC "Petition to Kill Digital Radio Technology" here:
> http://hflink.com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf
> 
> File your comments against "proceeding RM-11392" here:
> http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi
> 
> Can we get at least one hundred hams to oppose it?
> Please do your part.
> 
> .
> 
> 



Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Roger J. Buffington
expeditionradio wrote:
>
>  First FCC Came for the PACTOR3, and I did not speak out because I was
>  not a PACTOR operator.

The thing that distinguishes Pactor and Winlink from all other modes and 
indeed from the entire rest of amateur radio is the announced policy on 
the part of the Winlink community that they refuse to listen to 
determine if a frequency is clear before they transmit.  This dangerous 
practice must stop.  We have all tried "gentlemen's agreements" and 
ordinary "spirit of ham radio" approach but the Pactor community is 
intransigent, and appears to have its own agenda which is contrary to 
the interests of amateur radio as a whole.  Any petition that will 
eliminate this kind of operations will be a good thing.

de Roger W6VZV



Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Simon Brown
Bonnie,

There's no need to worry, Dame Julie Andrews is available via the William 
Morris Agency.

http://www.wma.com/julie_andrews/summary/

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

- Original Message - 
From: "expeditionradio" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>


> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator. 



Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread Phil Barnett
On Wednesday 26 December 2007 06:20:09 am expeditionradio wrote:
> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator.

Because it caused interference by operating automatically and interfering with 
ongoing QSO's all over the world.

The FCC never came for the rest because they are not automatic operations.

> Then FCC came for RTTY,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not an RTTY op.

> Then FCC came for the PSK,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PSKer.
>
> Then they came for me,
> and there was no one left
> to speak out for me.

This is a classic Non Sequitor. The reason Pactor is being targeted is because 
it is a nuisance. RTTY and PSK are not. The last one is up for grabs. If the 
FCC comes for you, it will be  because they have considerable evidence of 
your operating illegally. They are not the gestapo and making such a 
reference is in truly poor taste, particularly when it is we the people who 
are the ones clamoring for a solution. Blaming the FCC for this is like 
blaming the trash collectors for coming to take the trash you left out in 
front of your house.


Re: [digitalradio] First FCC Came for the PACTOR

2007-12-26 Thread bruce mallon
Bonnie ..

You forgot one .
They they wanted to put digital wide band below 219
Mhz ...



--- expeditionradio <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> First FCC Came for the PACTOR3, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PACTOR operator.
> 
> Then FCC came for RTTY, 
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not an RTTY op.
> 
> Then FCC came for the PSK,
> and I did not speak out
> because I was not a PSKer.
> 
> Then they came for me,
> and there was no one left
> to speak out for me.
>  
> [Adapted from "First They Came for the Jews" 
> by Martin Niemöller]
>  
> They may be coming for you and your favorite mode
> next.
> 
> 73 Bonnie KQ6XA
> 
> ===
> Read the FCC "Petition to Kill Digital Radio
> Technology" here:
> http://hflink.com/fcc/FCC_RM11392.pdf
> 
> File your comments against "proceeding RM-11392"
> here:
> http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi
> 
> Can we get at least one hundred hams to oppose it?
> Please do your part.
> 
> .
> 
> 



  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs