[RTTY] Lids running RTTY on the JT65 Frequency

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> As I've said before, if I can't hear them, they aren't there and on a
> number of non-RTTY digital modes, signals can be at or under the
> noise floor. In fact, some of them are *intended* to pull signals out
> of static. But where are they?

If you are really listening - and in the case of JT modes that requires
the correct software - you will "hear" the signals.  If you just turn
up the AF gain and turn off the preamp in your rig and say you are
"listening" that's not the same thing.  JT65 and JT9 signals can be
seen quite clearly on the waterfall display in MMTTY - even at levels
20 dB or more below the noise in a 3 KHz bandwidth (I'm watching a -24
dB JT9 signal make a clear trace in the MMTTY waterfall on 15 meters
as I write this).

The knowledge that JT65 and JT9 operators use xx.076-xx.080 requires
that other operators make a good faith attempt to listen for those
signals before transmitting in that range.  Otherwise you are no better
than the lids who leave the gain turned down on 7155/7158 and claim
"they did not hear any activity" before calling their buddy across the
street with a KW.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-01-07 1:15 PM, Peter Laws wrote:
> On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 9:39 AM, john at kk9a.com <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.
>
> Um, yeah, no.  Dumb idea as you say.
>
> However, I must quibble with "make everyone aware of the JT65 band
> plan" ... no one is actually doing that.  As I've said before, if I
> can't hear them, they aren't there and on a number of non-RTTY digital
> modes, signals can be at or under the noise floor.  In fact, some of
> them are *intended* to pull signals out of static.  But where are
> they?  It's not like the non-RTTY digital folks ever show up here
> saying "hey, here's the list of where the different modes hang out"
> (they just come here and whine).
>
> Give me a list (a real one, not "everything between 14000 and 14080")
> and I'll try to steer clear.  Otherwise, if it sounds clear, I'm
> calling CQ.
>
>
>
>
> Also, for those who haven't been to a test session lately (like in 10+
> years), when you sign the NCVEC Form 605, you certify that:
>
> o I waive any claim to the use of any particular frequency regardless
> of prior use by license or otherwise;
>
> o All statements and attachments are true, complete and correct to the
> best of my knowledge and belief and are made in good faith;
>
> o I am not a representative of a foreign government;
>
> o I am not subject to a denial of Federal benefits pursuant to Section
> 5301of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, 21 U.S.C. § 862;
>
> o The construction of my station will NOT be an action which is likely
> to have a significant environmental effect (See 47 CFR Sections
> 1.1301-1.1319
> and Section 97.13(a));
>
> o I have read and WILL COMPLY with Section 97.13(c) of the
> Commission’s Rules regarding RADIOFREQUENCY (RF) RADIATION SAFETY and
> the amateur service section of OST/OET Bulletin Number 65.
>
> Notice the very first one ...
>
> (which has a typo I just noticed - should be "licensee")
>