Band plans can be difficult to follow when there is increased activity
during a major contest. I have made 40m SSB contacts well down into the CW
band (while operating outside the US) and CW contacts in the RTTY band.
All were legal QSOs. I think it is great to make everyone aware of the
JT65 band plan and how signals are transmitted and received however
suggesting that contest sponsors not allow legal contacts in certain band
segments is obsurd. There are many nets, beacons, bulletins, and other
mode areas that should also be avoided. Imagine how complicated the rules
could become and how less enjoyable it would be to operate.
John KK9A
To: "'RTTY'" <rtty@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [RTTY] Lids running RTTY on the JT65 Frequency
From: "Ed Muns" <ed@w0yk.com>
Reply-to: ed@w0yk.com
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2015 03:09:11 -0400
My interpretation of Joe's advice is for RTTY operators to be aware of
likely operation of other digital modes in well-specified portions of the
digital sub-bands. At a glance, we RTTY ops may not notice the presence of
some other digital signals, especially in the heat of the contest when our
brains are over-loaded with RTTY diddles.
Operationally, the safest thing to do is simply avoid these small, known
areas. If there is no other place to operate on the band, then we need to
take the time to carefully discern if there is on-going operation in those
areas before assuming the bandwidth is clear and then claiming it
temporarily for our RTTY transmissions.
Why not just avoid those frequencies for RTTY contesting as a first-level
approach? Seems like common sense for sharing frequencies. Even if these
areas are not in use, potential users will complain anyway. Or,
self-appointed frequency police will complain even if they have no intention
of operating there at the time. Many of the complainers are confused about
FCC/other country regs, band plans, centers of activity, etc. I recommend
only using these areas for RTTY as a last resort and then only after taking
the time to be very certain they are not already in use. But, be prepared
for a hassle.
Ed W0YK
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