Topband: Re: rm-10352

[Pat Collins N8VW]

Jeff, Bill & others,

In an effort to be far.  Please support the attached amendment to rm-10352.
RM-10352 data backs up the facts that SSB usage of 160 is increasing and
during SSB contests the FCC will have additional complaints to process due
to split frequency operations of DX stations.  

EU seems to do a fine job with 40 meters in the SSB vs CW during contests. 
Why can't we do the same with 160.
 
Pat N8VW
 
 

January 23, 2002

Patrick L Collins
114 E Schreyer PL
Columbus OH 43214

Counterproposal to RM-10352



In RM-10352 Jeff Briggs proposes to make a narrow mode and wideband mode 
split of the Amateur 160 meter band.  This split would occur at 1.843 MHz 
and follow the standard FCC regulations for band segmentation.

I would like to amend the proposal to grandfather in existing wideband usage 
of below 1.843 MHz for 3 weekends of the year where existing sponsored
operating 
events would be impacted.  These weekends would be the weekends of the CQ WW
SSB 
contest, the ARRL DX SSB contest and the CQ WW SSB 160 contest.  

These contests are well established uses of the band and like the exemptions on 
40 meters for use of SSB below 7.1 MHz for US Amateur stations operating
outside 
the contiguous 48 states this would not negatively impact the 160 meter band.  

The following facts back up my proposal.

(1) These weekends greatly increase the number of SSB users of the band.
(2) These weekends would allow US stations to contact on SSB Amateurs in 
    other parts of the world  whose allocations are below 1.843 MHz.  
(3) This would prevent the additional problems related to US Amateur 
    stations trying to contact stations in other parts of the world would 
    now be required to operate using split frequency techniques.  Use of 
    split frequency on 40 meters has caused numerous complaints to the FCC. 
(4) This would not impact narrow mode usage of 160 meters during the rest 
    of the year.  SSB would only be allowed during these contest periods.  
    This in only 1.5% of the calendar year.
(5) RM-10352 shows that SSB usage of 160 meters during SSB contests is 
    increasing at a similar rate to CW usage.


Sincerely,

Patrick L Collins N8VW