[CQ-Contest] the truth is LOWER POWER????

[Darrel Van Buer]

Doug KR2Q (DougKR2Q at aol.com) wrote:
> I've received several comments that TOWNS will now force us hams to go QRP in
> order to meet the regulations.  It is my believe that the control of power
> levels is the sole realm of the FCC and the Federal Gov't.  Towns are
> PREEMPTED from making rules regulating RF power output in the ham spectrum.

I don't think that a town could say "run QRP" as such, but if you are are a
small lot with close neigbors, saying "zoning limits your
antenna height to (pick a short tower limit)", defacto imposes limits on
your power in some cases since you would otherwise unable to meet the safety
guidelines.  You already have to meet safety guidelines - what is new is the
coming requirement to make the evaluation to determine safe operation.


I've used the new FCC pub to make the evaluation, and with my rather low
yagis and close neighbors, I most likely cannot run 1500 w RTTY beacons on
10 meters beaming WSW (at my neigbor nearest the tower), but 500 watt normal 
QSOs are OK.
It only took a couple of hours to do the evaluation for the whole set of
HF bands, and I found no need to alter my station operation.

	Darrel AK6I
	darrel at dii.com


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