[RTTY] Lids running RTTY on the JT65 Frequency

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2015-01-07 10:39 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
 > Band plans can be difficult to follow when there is increased activity
 > during a major contest.

While band plans may be "difficult to follow" during a contest, they
are no less important during a contest than during "normal" operations.
Band plans (or 'centers of activity') impose a higher standard of care
on all operators to make sure they understand the characteristics of
the modes likely to be found on those frequencies and assure that one
does not simply transmit over the "noise" that may be legitimate users
there.

Unlike the WINSTINK/CRAPTOR crowd, contest operators have ears and
[supposedly] know how to use them.  Learn the "centers of activity" and
how to recognize other modes/other users and avoid them just as [most
of] you would avoid QRMing another contester, setting up shop on top of
the NCDXF beacons, or knowingly call CQ TEST on over existing users.

As Ed would suggest, treat the other modes/centers of activity as the
legitimate users they are - not as some "noise" to be ignored.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-01-07 10:39 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> 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 at contesting.com>
> Subject:	Re: [RTTY] Lids running RTTY on the JT65 Frequency
> From:	"Ed Muns" <ed at w0yk.com>
> Reply-to:	ed at 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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