Topband: bandplan

[Tom Rauch]

I just filed electronic comments for RM-10352 at 
the FCC web site. This may be our only chance at 
this fellows! In another 5-7 years when sunspots 
are way down and the MUF drops way down, the 
band will fill up with local and regional SSB 
groups. It would be a shame to let SSB wipe out 
the lower 40kHz!

RM-10352 sets aside about 43kHz for narrow modes 
on 160-meters, and as with all other bands DOES 
NOT force any particular narrow mode into a 
certain frequency segment. What it does do is 
protect narrow modes from wide mode QRM by 
restricting wide modes to 1843kHz and above.

It draws a clear line in the band that requires 
wide modes to contain all emissions above 
1843kHz, while "narrow" modes have free access 
to ANY area of the 160-meter band. 

Commenting is easy. The FCC accepts word 
documents and other formats described on their 
Web site, including just typing in "I support 
(or do not support) RM-10352".

The URL to file comments is:
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov//prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi

You can type-in a short comment on that page or 
attach an accepted file like MS Word.

My comments, which came out in FAVOR of 
accepting RM-10352 as written, point out:

1.) A division of narrow and wide modes would 
enhance use of narrow modes, including digital 
modes of the future.

2.) Lessen FCC involvement and resources used 
for 160-meters because it would reduce disputes 
and conflicts between operators.

3.) Provide protected space for experimentation 
with narrow modes of the future.

4.) Protect all current narrow modes from wide-
mode interference. 

5.) Bring 160-meters into the same basic 
structure as other bands below UHF, where ALL 
other bands have a narrow-mode-only segment.

Thanks!
73, Tom W8JI
W8JI@contesting.com