[RTTY] Digital Operators Band Plan Committee - Current thoughts and status

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > Currently, it is illegal to use Pactor-4 on amateur bands in the US
 > due because of two reasons: 1) it exceeds legal bandwidth, and 2) the
 > codes (convolution codes, encryption, etc) that it use are not
 > publicly documented.

As David Sumner and Kai Siwiak are both fond of pointing out there is
*no bandwidth limitation* in the current rules.  PACTOR 4 is only
illegal because it exceeds the 300 baud *symbol* rate limitation.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/17/2014 8:27 PM, Kok Chen wrote:
>
> On Mar 17, 2014, at 5:05 PM, Terry wrote:
>
>> The wording that I saw was:  "A RTTY, data or multiplexed emission using an
>> unspecified digital code under the limitations listed in§ 97.309(b) of this
>> part also may be transmitted."   I assume that was added to allow Pactor 4.
>
> The unspecified code clause is still in place even if RM-11708 is accepted with no modification by the FCC.  The ARRL proposal for §97.307(f)(3), as amended, reads:
>
> "Only a RTTY or data emission using a specified digital code listed in § 97.309(a) of this part may be transmitted.  The authorized bandwidth is 2.8 kHz."
>
> I believe there is an expectation that SCS will release the Pactor-4 protocol, else it will remain illegal even if FCC allows 2.4 kHz wide signals.
>
> Currently, it is illegal to use Pactor-4 on amateur bands in the US due because of two reasons: 1) it exceeds legal bandwidth, and 2) the codes (convolution codes, encryption, etc) that it use are not publicly documented.
>
> 73
> Chen, W7AY
>
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